Johnny Manziel will start Sunday for Browns
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel will make his first career start against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the team announced on Tuesday.
FOX Sports' Jay Glazier first reported that the team would replace Brian Hoyer with Manziel, a first-round pick in this year's NFL draft. ESPN's Chris Mortensen had reported Monday night that Manziel was expected to be named starter.
Hoyer has started each of Cleveland's 13 games this season. His status as the team's No. 1 quarterback was unchallenged until last week, when Browns head coach Mike Pettine said he would reevaluate whether Hoyer or Manziel would start against the Colts.
Manziel replaced Hoyer in the fourth quarter of a Week 13 loss to the Bills. He led the Browns on an 80-yard touchdown drive on his first series, capped by a 10-yard Manziel touchdown run.
Pettine decided to stay with Hoyer last week. The veteran completed 14 of 31 passes for 140 yards with two interceptions in a one-point loss to the Colts.
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Manziel, who won the Heisman Trophy while playing at Texas A&M, was the 22nd pick of this year's draft.
The Browns, at 7-6, are still in contention for a playoff berth.
- Dan Gartland
