The Cleveland Browns will go back to Josh McCown to start in Week 3 over Johnny Manziel, as the quarterback has been cleared after suffering a concussion against the Jets.
The Browns announced the news on Wednesday about the quarterback change and Pro Football Talk reports that McCown has been "cleared to play" after suffering a concussion 10 days ago. McCown was knocked out of the game in Week 1 against the Jets on the first offensive series and he missed last week against the Titans while dealing with concussion symptoms.
Johnny Manziel had a solid start in Week 2 in the win for the Browns against the Titans, but Cleveland will still go back to McCown now that he is healthy. Manziel had a strong performance in Week 2, throwing two touchdowns and completing eight of 15 of his throws for 175 yards. Manziel looked like he could handle starting again after playing the Titans, but the Browns clearly felt more comfortable going back to McCown for the time being.
McCown went down after throwing just eight passes this season, completing five for 49 yards and also adding 23 rushing yards. Manziel played well on Sunday, but the Browns signed McCown in the offseason to be the starter and now he has the job again. It doesn't mean that Manziel will not play or start again this season, but at least for Week 3 he will not be the number one quarterback.
Manziel provides more of a spark for the Browns than McCown can and moving forward if McCown struggles, the team could switch back to Manziel. Manziel has not been perfect, as he has one interception and two lost fumbles already, but he also has thrown for three touchdowns and 354 yards in two games played. Manziel had two other fumbles in the game that the Browns were able to keep and that could be part of the reason for the switch as well.
The Browns are now 1-1 on the season after losing to the Jets and winning over the Titans and now the team has a game at home against the Oakland Raiders. The schedule coming after that is tough, as the team has three of four on the road and five of seven overall away from home. The team is matching up with the Chargers and Ravens after the Raiders and they also will have to host the Denver Broncos for Week 6.
The team has the St. Louis Rams on the road after that in Week 7 and that could be a tough game, while playoff teams are waiting in the next three matchups. The team has the Cardinals, Bengals and Steelers heading into the Week 11 bye for the Browns.
