Bills announce EJ Manuel will start 3rd preseason game vs. Steelers

EJ Manuel will start at quarterback in the Buffalo Bills' preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Rex Ryan announced Thursday.

"My plan was to give everybody opportunities. Nobody can say nobody was given a fair shot here," Ryan said ahead of Buffalo's third preseason contest, according to ESPN's Mike Rodak.

Ryan indicated that Manuel, Matt Cassel, and Tyrod Taylor will all take repetitions with the first team Saturday. The quarterbacks won't be working with the Bills' entire personnel group, with Ryan stating that wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods would likely be held out.

Prior to the preseason, Manuel was considered the presumptive starter by some. Manuel composed an impressive performance against the Cleveland Browns last Thursday, going 9-of-14 for 114 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

With Manuel's appointment Saturday, it appears that the Bills are still hosting an open competition for the starting quarterback role.