National Football League

Manuel, Johnson out for Bills, McCourty for Pats

Published Dec. 29, 2013 3:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

Thad Lewis is starting at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills with EJ Manuel inactive against the New England Patriots with a small tear in a left knee ligament.

Manuel and Bills leading receiver Stevie Johnson are out for the second consecutive game. Johnson has been excused after the death of his mother.

The Bills' inactive players also include wide receiver Cordell Roberson. He was added from the practice squad last week.

The Patriots are without two starting defensive backs. Safety Devin McCourty has a concussion and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard has knee and shoulder problems.

Also inactive for the Patriots are wide receiver Josh Boyce, linebacker Steve Beauharnais, defensive linemen Isaac Sopoaga and Jake Bequette and offensive lineman Chris Barker.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org