NFL Notes: Browns, Jets, Texans

Browns

According to Browns HC Mike Pettine, Josh McCown is still “firmly” the team’s starting quarterback.

“I haven’t wavered on that,” said Pettine, per Mary Kay Cabot. “He’s firmly the No. 1.”

• The Browns are hoping to have rookie RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) back this week and available for their third preseason game. (Mary Kay Cabot)
• Browns WR Terrelle Pryor (hamstring) will return to practice on Saturday. (Nate Ulrich)

Jets

• Manish Mehta mentions that Geno Smith’s timetable to return from a broken jaw doesn’t mean as much as it seems given that it’s Ryan Fitzpatrick’s job to lose now.

Texans

• John McClain of the Houston Chronicle expects Brian Hoyer to win the starting job over Ryan Mallett.
• McClain admits that Mallett has a “lot of upside” due to his size and arm, but in the end the decision will likely come down to consistency.