Update:
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen mentioned on the Monday Night Football halftime show that the Browns are expected to starting Johnny Manziel in Sunday’s division matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Mortensen admitted that nothing is official as of now, but this is the general expectation.
The Browns could have an announcement coming on Tuesday, so we’ll have more updates as the news is available.
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Jason La Canfora reports that a source connected to the Browns quarterback decision estimates that there is a “99 percent chance” rookie QB Johnny Manziel starts in Week 15’s game against the Bengals.
Browns HC Mike Pettine told reporters on Monday that he should have a decision once he’s met with all parties involved.
“We’re going to meet on that here in the coming hours,” Pettine said. “I’m not prepared to comment on it at this point due to the fact that I have not spoken to both of the players involved.”
Brian Hoyer struggled to move the ball effectively against the Colts this past weekend, and with a first-round pick sitting on the bench and the Browns’ playoff diminishing, the pressure is mounting for Cleveland to go with Manziel and see what he can do with the opportunity.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported this past weekend that the Browns are expected to move on Hoyer next year, barring a playoff appearance.
However, with the team expected to go with Manziel this weekend, it seems likely that Hoyer will get an opportunity to test the free agent market next March.
Hoyer, 29, is in the final year of his two-year, $1.965 million contract that includes $250,000 guaranteed.
This season, Hoyer has thrown for 3,204 yards while completing 55.5 percent of his passes to go along with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over the course of 13 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 38 quarterback out of 40 qualifying players this season.
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