Nathan Peterman ‘banged up’ in Bills practice Sunday

Former Pitt quarterback Nathan Peterman is in the midst of a battle for a starting role with the Buffalo Bills this preseason, but he may have hit a bump in the road during practice on Sunday.

During the practice, Peterman was one of two Bills quarterbacks to apparently suffer an injury, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN.

“Peterman appeared to be hurt on his final play during a live-action drill at the goal line to end practice,” Rodak said. “After being tripped while attempting a handoff and falling on his right arm, Peterman spoke to trainers and later was seen testing his throwing arm.”

The second quarterback who appeared hurt during the practice was A.J. McCarron, who was seen limping after a play. He had his right leg checked out by the team’s medical staff and returned to take part in another drill. After that drill, McCarron spoke with a trainer and was seen “slamming his helmet down in apparent frustration.”

While the severity of Peterman’s injury is currently unknown, the fact that his throwing arm is in question is certainly troubling news. Meanwhile, McCarron’s initial ability to return to practice and his reaction sent mixed signals about his status. However, if both quarterbacks are indeed injured, recent first-round pick Josh Allen would be the team’s last available player at the position.

Prior to Sunday, Peterman and McCarron appeared to be the front-runners for the Bills’ starting job, as Peterman started the team’s preseason matchup with the Carolina Panthers last Thursday and McCarron relieved him in the second quarter. Allen took the field for the second half.

During his brief outing, Peterman got off to a perfect start. The Pitt product completed each of his first nine passes and looked sharp against the Carolina first-teamers, as he managed to find Bills receiver Kelvin Benjamin along the sideline for a touchdown on his first drive of the game.

However, in his second drive, Peterman was picked off by Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson in what would be his last play of the game, ending an otherwise impressive showing on a low note.

Buffalo’s next practice is scheduled for Monday, and the Bills are set to play the Cleveland Browns on the road on Friday in their second game of the preseason.

A starter has yet to be name for that matchup.