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EJ Manuel out for Bills' preseason with knee injury

The quarterback duel in Buffalo took an unexpected turn Saturday, when the Bills announced rookie EJ Manuel will miss the remainder of the preseason with a knee injury.

Coach Doug Marrone said in a statement posted on the Bills' official website that Manuel experienced swelling in his left knee Saturday morning and was examined by the team's medical staff.

"An MRI revealed that he will need to have a minor knee procedure and that has been scheduled," Marrone said in the statement. "He will miss the remainder of the preseason and then be re-evaluated at that time. Kevin Kolb will be our starting quarterback for this weekend's game at (the Washington Redskins)."

Making matters worse, the Bills also announced that second-year wide receiver Kevin Elliott suffered a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the season.

The news on Manuel came less than 24 hours after he clearly outplayed Kolb in the Bills' 20-16 preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings. Manuel completed 10 of 12 passes for 92 yards and one touchdown, looking comfortable along the way.

The first-round draft pick calmly guided Buffalo's fast-paced offense and showed an ability to get rid of the ball quickly while making smart decisions. Kolb, meanwhile, averaged just over 5 yards per throw and suffered an interception on a tipped pass. Boos rained down inside Ralph Wilson Stadium as Kolb struggled to move the team.

One day later, Buffalo is mired in a tricky situation.

The Bills clearly were hoping to start Manuel in Week 1. That now will require a quick recovery and a leap of faith.

UPDATE: Marrone told reporters Sunday that Manuel underwent his knee procedure that morning in Buffalo.

Marrone added that the Bills will not look to add another quarterback at this time.

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