Despite Leaving Rams Game, McCown Appears Ready to Start for Browns Vs Cardinals

BEREA, Ohio – Browns fans that wanted to see Johnny Manziel start under center Sunday against the Cardinals are again going to have to wait, as it appears that Josh McCown will be ready to start against Arizona.

The right shoulder has improved enough that unless something unforeseen happens he’ll be back as the starting QB to try to lead the 2-5 Browns to a win.

Browns coach Mike Pettine said Friday that McCown is not taking all the first team snaps, and while the decision for him to play or not could go into Sunday, all indications are he will start.

“Took less than his full share. It’s still truly day-to-day,” Pettine said.

“We’ll see where he is tomorrow. Quarterbacks typically do some light throwing on Saturdays. The passing time is helpful with him, but it’ll still likely go right up to the game.”

McCown himself said Friday that he was feeling better and was able to fire the ball around at practice.

“Threw the ball around today, felt a little better,” said McCown. “We’ll see Sunday, but felt better so that’s kind of where it’s at.”

The quarterback is listed as questionable (50/50) on the Browns injury report. Manziel, who took over when McCown went down during the teams’ 24-6 loss to the Rams last week, would return to his normal backup role.

Three Browns have been ruled out against the Cardinals, that being WR Andrew Hawkins (concussion), TE Rob Housler (hamstring) and DB Jordan Poyer (shoulder).

With Hawkins out, it will be interesting to see if Dwayne Bowe, who has not caught a pass yet this season despite being the biggest offseason free agent pickup, will be active and involved at all in the Browns game plan Sunday.