Rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel was named the starter for Sunday's season-opener against the Patriots, the Bills announced Wednesday morning.

Manuel injured his knee during the preseason and and was initially not expected to be ready for the opener. Manuel was able to rehab it in time to where the organization felt he was OK enough to play.

Manuel was in a starting quarterback battle with Kevin Kolb before the veteran sustained yet another concussion, which placed him on season-ending injured reserve. Kolb's latest concussion is also career threatening.

With Kolb out for the season, undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel out of Washington State will be Manuel's primary backup. The Bills were prepared to start Tuel if Manuel wasn't available for Sunday's game.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.