The Browns will prepare backup quarterback Johnny Manziel to start this weekend in the home opener against the Tennessee Titans because Josh McCown suffered a concussion Sunday in a season-opening, 31-10 loss to the New York Jets.
"I think that's accurate to say," Browns coach Mike Pettine said Monday. When you have your starting quarterback in the [NFL's concussion] protocol, even in an ideal situation that Josh would be back at the end of the week, we have to plan otherwise. He won't be available, at least early, for practice. We'll have to see how it plays out. But Johnny early in the week will get the starting quarterback reps."
Manziel relieved McCown early in the second quarter against the Jets and absorbed some big hits.
Asked if Manziel made it out of the game OK physically, Pettine said, "He did. I think a little sore, but nothing specific. Arm-wise he felt OK."
After the game, Manziel revealed his right elbow bothered him a bit against the Jets. Manziel has been bothered by soreness in his elbow and forearm caused by tendinitis since his freshman year at Texas A&M University. The issue flared up Aug. 23, prompting him to sit out the final two preseason games.
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