Bills to start Derek Anderson over Nathan Peterman with Josh Allen out

The Buffalo Bills are taking a new route at quarterback with Josh Allen sidelined.

Recently signed veteran Derek Anderson will start instead of backup Nathan Peterman on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Sean McDermott announced Wednesday.

"I feel like this was the right decision for our football team right now," McDermott said.

Peterman stepped in for the injured Allen in the third quarter of last Sunday's game against the Houston Texans but threw a decisive pick-six with the game tied and 1:23 remaining. His interception on the ensuing drive sealed the Texans' 20-13 win.

Peterman began the season as Buffalo's starter, but he was replaced by Allen in the second half of a 47-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.

Anderson, 35, signed with the Bills last Tuesday. He was previously a longtime backup with the Carolina Panthers. 

“Derek’s a guy that I’ve been around in Carolina,” said McDermott, who was the Panthers' defensive coordinator from 2011-16. “He brings experience, a leadership presence to the table and he’s worked hard the last week, week and a half here to get himself up to speed.”

McDermott said Allen had an elbow sprain but would not require surgery, adding that the injury was considered week-to-week.

Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.