Nathan Peterman set to start for Bills again

Former Pitt quarterback Nathan Peterman has had a tough go of it since he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2017. He made his first start last November, infamously throwing five interceptions in one half; saw Josh Allen drafted to take over the quarterback position; and was unseated after Allen’s injury by journeyman signal-caller Derek Anderson.

However, with Anderson currently sidelined with a concussion, Peterman will get another opportunity to prove he belongs in the NFL, as he is expected to start the fourth game of his professional career when the Chicago Bears visit New Era Field on Sunday. Adam Schefter of ESPN announced the news on Wednesday, citing unnamed sources.

Peterman last saw significant action on Oct. 14, as he stepped in for Allen after the rookie went down with an elbow injury. Although he threw a well-placed touchdown pass to Bills receiver Zay Jones, it was overshadowed by two picks, including one that was returned for a score. After that performance, it was rumored Bills head coach Sean McDermott would lose the locker room if he went with Peterman as his starter in the next game. Anderson was then named the Bills starter.

Of course, with both Allen and Anderson injured at this point, Peterman is the team’s only option, other than former USC quarterback Matt Barkley who was signed on Wednesday. And despite the fact that Peterman’s NFL career has devolved into a horror show, the one-time Pitt starter sounded optimistic when he addressed the media this week.

“I’m ready to go win a game and be my best every time I take that field, and I’m thankful every time I take that field,” Peterman said during a press conference. “I just look at it as trying to go play my best every time I’m out there, so that’s what I’m going to be focused on doing.”

While Peterman may well be ready to turn things around, fortune may not be on his side, as the Bills — who rank 31st in the NFL in total offense — will face a steep challenge in the Bears — who rank second in the league in total defense. The two teams are set to square off at 1 p.m. ET.