lthough it's not a surprise, it is now official: Rookie quarterback Colt McCoy will make his NFL debut Sunday for the Cleveland Browns.
AFC North blog
After two days of practices and two veteran quarterbacks still ailing, a source told ESPN.com Thursday evening that McCoy is "definitely" starting against the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1). Barring something "extremely unforeseen" those plans won't change, the source said.
Browns (1-4) head coach Eric Mangini told the media this week that he's "leaning" in that direction but has yet to publicly announce McCoy as the starter. But behind closed doors, the Browns informed the rookie third-round pick as early as Monday to get ready to play, because the team didn't anticipate quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace to return from severe ankle sprains. Both veterans missed practice Wednesday and Thursday while McCoy took the first-team reps.
Even if you're hurting for a QB this week, the chips stack up against McCoy. He struggled in the preseason and there was talk he may not make the team. To makes things worse, he'll go against a Steelers defense that's sure to give him looks he's never seen before.
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