ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Rookie Nathan Peterman has replaced Tyrod Taylor as the Buffalo Bills’ starting quarterback in an abrupt move coach Sean McDermott said he made in a bid to improve the team.

McDermott made the stunning announcement on Wednesday, when the Bills (5-4) returned to practice to prepare to play at the Los Angeles Chargers (3-6) on Sunday. The move comes after ex-Pitt QB Peterman made his NFL debut in replacing Taylor for the final two drives of a 47-10 loss to New Orleans last weekend.

McDermott said he reached the decision on his own Tuesday in what became a change of heart.