Second-year quarterback Johnny Manziel will make his second start of the season Thursday when the Browns face Cincinnati at Paul Brown Stadium.
Starter Josh McCown is dealing with injuries to his throwing shoulder and ribs. He played through noticeable pain in Sunday's loss to Arizona and was relieved for the game's final series.
"On the short week we realized that Josh just wasn't going to be able to get to the point where he could go," Browns coach Mike Pettine said. "Johnny has worked hard to prepare himself. He is excited about his opportunity and we are all looking forward to the challenge we face in a good Bengals football team on Thursday night."
McCown did not participate in Tuesday night's practice. Browns coach Mike Pettine said earlier in the day both McCown and Manziel were preparing as if they would start, the same approach they took into the Cardinals game.
Manziel has appeared in three games this season and completed 28-of-50 passes for 393 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
"I'm excited about the opportunity," Manziel said after Wednesday's practice. "Starting against the Titans seems like such a long time ago but I've been in games for the last two weeks and with every opportunity I get, I try to make the most of them. I feel like I've gotten two solid days of reps with the first team on this short week so I'm confident that I will be prepared and ready to go tomorrow night."
His first NFL start came last season against Cincinnati. He completed 10-of-18 passes for 80 yards and two interceptions in a 30-0 loss.
"Obviously, that was not the first career start I would have hoped for or expected when the Bengals came to our stadium last year," Manziel said. "I did learn from it and I feel much more confident in my abilities now because of the progress I feel like I've made over this season. My experience in that game from last year should help me tomorrow night."
