Johnny Football Back to the Sidelines, Pettine Says McCown the Browns Starter Sunday vs Steelers

It’s the start of looking ahead for the Browns to their biggest rival, as this week the 2-7 brown and orange travel to Pittsburgh to play the banged up 5-4 Steelers.

When it comes to the biggest question for the Browns, it’s the quarterback spot, and quickly on Tuesday coach Mike Pettine put to rest the thought of Johnny Manziel getting his third start of the season.

The coach said that Josh McCown will be back under center as the starting quarterback spot on Sunday, provided his ribs allow him to function.

Manziel was 15-for-33 for 168 yards and a score against the Bengals on Thursday night in a 31-10 loss in Cincinnati to the Bengals.

The coach also stated that wide receivers Andrew Hawkins and Brian Hartline practiced after missing time with concussions and will be ready for the Steelers game.

As for Pittsburgh and their injury issues, head coach Mike Tomlin said today that it appears the team will go with backup Landry Jones against the Browns.

In regard to starter Ben Roethlisberger and his foot issues, the coach said they are ‘leaving the door slightly ajar’ for Big Ben to be in the lineup, but it appears that Jones will be under center Sunday.

Tomlin also said that running back DeAngelo Williams is dealing with inflammation in his foot and will miss practice on Wednesday.