Report: Browns Starting Johnny Manziel In Week 15

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reports that the Browns have informed both Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel that are going with Manziel as their starter for Week 15’s game against the Bengals.

• Ian Rapoport mentions that the HC Mike Pettine made the decision to go with Manziel Monday afternoon.
• Rapoport adds that the plan for Cleveland was to go with Manziel if they lost or were out of the playoffs.
• Aditi Kinkhabwala reports that the Browns have already installed plays that fit Manziel’s strengths into their offense.

All indications were that Manziel would get the start after Hoyer struggled to move the ball effectively against the Colts this past weekend.

On top of that, the pressure was really mounting for HC Mike Pettine to go with the rookie and see what he could do with this opportunity.

This move could be a solid indication that the Browns will allow Hoyer to test the free agent market next year, but the decision will likely come down to Manziel’s play and Hoyer’s asking price.

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.

This season, Manziel has appeared in three games and thrown for 63 yards while completing 55.6 percent of his passes to go along with 13 yards rushing and a touchdown.