Cleveland Browns

Browns to start Johnny Manziel against Bengals

Published Nov. 3, 2015 2:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

Johnny Manziel is about to get thrown to the unbeaten Bengals.

The Browns' backup quarterback will start at Cincinnati on Thursday night, the team announced Wednesday morning, because Josh McCown is still struggling with a painful rib injury that has affected his breathing and sleep.

The 36-year-old McCown took several hard hits in Sunday's loss to Arizona, and with only a few days to recover, the Browns will turn to Manziel, who was roughed up in a 30-0 loss to Cincinnati last season.

McCown, who has shown remarkable toughness the past few weeks, didn't sound optimistic his injury would be significantly better by kickoff. He would not disclose whether his ribs were broken, but his difficulty with breathing and lingering soreness from hits he took two weeks ago in St. Louis indicate he's probably dealing with more than bruising.

"You need probably a little longer than a few days or a few weeks to let this heal," McCown said Tuesday before the Browns held an evening practice. "So this is part of it. But there's other guys going through that. So guys fight through injuries all the time and you just want to get to where you know everything's stable, and if you're at that point then can you tolerate the pain and all that."

Manziel took the majority of snaps with Cleveland's starting offense in practice last week when McCown was limited by a sore right shoulder and ribs. The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner came in for McCown for Cleveland's final drive and completed 2 of 3 passes in the 34-20 loss.

Manziel replaced a concussed McCown in the season opener and won his only start the following week against Tennessee. And while the 22-year-old has shown a better work ethic following a rocky rookie season in Cleveland, Manziel remains under investigation by the NFL for a recent domestic dispute.

The league is looking at whether Manziel violated its personal conduct policy during an Oct. 12 argument with his girlfriend, who told police he was violent with her. A spokesman said the review is ongoing.

Manziel made his first career start at home against the Bengals last season and was treated rudely. He completed 10 of 18 passes for 80 yards, threw two interceptions and was sacked three times. Manziel also was taunted by several Bengals, who mimicked his "money" sign, a finger-rubbing gesture he has since dropped.

Manziel started the following week at Carolina, but hurt his hamstring on a scramble and was placed on injured reserve.

McCown believes Manziel is ready to go if called upon.

"He was here last year, so he's been through two weeks of preparation for this team and on a short week as well," he said. "So he's drawing from those experiences."

NOTES: Browns general manager Ray Farmer said the team was involved in trade talks before Tuesday's deadline, but would not specify if they involved eight-time Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas. "There was no shopping from my perspective," Farmer said. "But I definitely listened. I think that's part of my job. When people call and make offers, then it is my job to listen and start to think if there is a benefit to the Browns."