Matt Leinart is getting his shot.
The newly signed quarterback started for the Buffalo Bills when they closed the preseason against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night.
Leinart got the nod despite just two days of practices and one walkthrough with the team. Buffalo signed Leinart after Kevin Kolb suffered a significant concussion last week. If Leinart can make some plays, he gives himself a shot of bumping Kolb out of the picture and holding onto a roster spot.
Jeff Tuel -- the Bills' Week 1 starter if EJ Manuel isn't ready -- also is active, though it's unclear if he'll see action. You can make the argument that Tuel should see significant playing time. He's an undrafted rookie who probably could use all the reps he can handle if he expects to be competitive next week against the New England Patriots.
We'll see if Bills coach Doug Marrone is like-minded, though don't be surprised if Tuel spends the game holding a clipboard as a precaution.
As for Manuel, the Bills helpfully posted video of the first-round draft pick throwing on the field before the game. He wasn't doing any running, keeping the health of his surgically repaired knee a question mark.
Tuel didn't play, giving way to Thaddeus Lewis, who also joined the Bills this week. Lewis finished 7-of-16 passing for 132 yards and one touchdown, and he led the team with 51 rushing yards.
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