The cards are falling into place for rookie Nathan Peterman to grab the reins and become the Buffalo Bills’ first-string quarterback. Last week, Tyrod Taylor sustained a concussion after getting tackled by the Baltimore Ravens’ defense in a preseason match-up. The aggressive sack ended with Taylor’s head bouncing off the turf. T.J. Yates played the last quarter of the game and incurred a concussion. Despite the team signing quarterback Keith Wenning for Buffalo’s game against the Detroit Lions tonight, all eyes will be on Peterman. Will he play more than one series?
The Injury Bug Bites Buffalo
Injuries are nothing new for the Buffalo Bills. The newly acquired Jordan Matthews sustained a fractured sternum in his first 15 minutes of practice. Wide receiver Rod Streater, who was on track to make the Bills’ roster, damaged his toe against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second preseason game. Offensive lineman Cordy Glenn is still out. According to the Buffalo News, Kyle Williams has not played in two recent practices. The concussions for Taylor and Yates have put more pressure on an already struggling offense. There is no word on their expected return date.
With the injury rate high for Buffalo, playing Peterman for more than one offensive series could be a costly mistake.
A serious injury to Peterman means that Wenning, who has been with the team for less than a week, could end up playing in the teams’ season opener against the New York Jets. Wenning has not established chemistry with top receivers Zay Jones or Jordan Matthews. However, Wenning is familiar with offensive coordinator Rick Dennison’s offense.
The Plus Side of Two Quarters for Peterman
The risk of adding Peterman to the injury report is probably weighing heavy on coach Sean McDermott’s mind. On the flip side, if Peterman is the starter on opening day, he needs to get in as much NFL game time as possible. Two quarters of play against the Lions tonight would work. According to the Football Database, his preseason stats are 372 yards passing and one touchdown.
The touchdown was the result of a two-minute drill against the Minnesota Vikings. Peterman also led a 47-second drive in the Eagles’ game that ended in a field goal. The quarterback did hurl a perfect touchdown pass to Zay Jones that was caught in the end zone, but Jones’ foot landed slightly out of bounds. Peterman’s play has been mostly impressive, his command of the two-minute offense something that Taylor has not mastered well.
Will Peterman and Wenning walk away with a win tonight? Buffalo takes on the Lions tonight at home in New Era Field.
