Kolb Expected To Be Ready For Colts Game On Sunday

August 7, 2013 – 11:47 AM

By Tim Graham

PITTSFORD — Kevin Kolb’s chances to start Sunday’s preseason opener look increasingly slim.

Kolb will have gone at least a week between practices by the time the veteran quarterback is expected to return to Buffalo Bills training camp.

Kolb injured his left knee when he slipped on a rubber mat before Saturday’s practice. He left the team Monday because of a death in the family and isn’t scheduled to return until Thursday night.

The soonest he could be back on the practice field would be Friday if Bills doctors clear him to participate.

Bills coach Doug Marrone noted rookie quarterback EJ Manuel already has taken about 100 more practice reps than Kolb.

Marrone said “we haven’t had discussions about” the quarterback rotation for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts and it was “too early to say” whether Kolb will be able to play at all.

Kolb, entering his seventh NFL season, probably would be able to handle an exhibition opener.

“Kevin’s last day was probably his best day,” Marrone said of Kolb’s camp performances. “You want to see him come back, and the veteran player having these days off, we expect him to come back in better shape than if he was a rookie.”