ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - AJ McCarron's shoulder injury has turned the Bills quarterback competition into a two-man race. Rookie first-round pick Josh Allen and second-year signal-caller Nathan Peter are splitting first-team reps at practice with McCarron on the shelf. Allen practiced with starters Monday while Peterman had the honors Sunday. Both quarterbacks have made their case to be the team's starting quarterback for the third preseason game Sunday, typically a dress rehearsal for the regular season.

"We're just with the rotation at this point," says head coach Sean McDermott. "We'll make that decision. After today, we'll start to move into a little bit of a blend of a normal week as we prepare. Part of that is so our players can get acclimated to the routine."

"I feel confident in whoever's back there," says veteran receiver Jeremy Kerley. "Whoever gets the call. Whoever is going to be there on opening day or whatever the case may be. All of our quarterbacks are at the top of their game right? They look pretty good right now." 

Allen's impressive showings in the preseason have somewhat overshadowed Peterman's solid play; Peterman has completed 85 percent of his passes, a high number for a quarterback splitting time with starters and third-stringers.

"He's just consistent," says Kerley. "He kind of has this demeanor about himself that's pretty cool man to see him come out and whatever's happening, whether he's with the ones, the two or the threes, or whatever it is. He approaches it the same way."

"I think there’s a steadiness about Nate that is important at that position, the quarterback position," says McDermott. "It's also is one that teammates can appreciate." 

With McCarron out for now and no timetable on his return, it  leaves the Bills with two only those two healthy quarterbacks. McDermott says the team is looking into the possibility of adding another as they gear up to host the Bengals on Sunday.