ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- After being sidelined for more than a month with a sprained LCL, Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel is expected to start Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Manuel, who returned to practice Wednesday, was again a full participant Thursday. Coach Doug Marrone has confirmed Manuel will start against the Steelers.

"EJ wasn't sore or anything yesterday. That was the one thing we were waiting for," coach Doug Marrone said Thursday. "Barring any setbacks, both he and Thad [Lewis] are ready. Obviously EJ has taken the majority of snaps, so we're planning on him going."

Lewis also returned to practice this week after sitting out Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with sore ribs.

Manuel, the 16th overall pick in April's draft, started the first five games of the season, completing 56.7 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Manuel was injured Oct. 3 against the Cleveland Browns while running for extra yardage after gaining a first down. Marrone said Thursday that Manuel must be more careful to avoid injury upon his return.

"What you'll see the next time is someone who is going to be a lot smarter, in making the right decisions of when to go down and when to go out of bounds, without jeopardizing the team to win," Marrone said.

"I think he'll be better. Well, he better he better. And I do feel confident in that. I really do."