National Football League

Manziel disappointed, says it was nice 'to shake the rust off'

Published Dec. 3, 2014 5:29 p.m. ET

foxsports

BEREA, Ohio -- Johnny Manziel's trip to the head coach's office Wednesday morning held more promise than his last.

Upon arrival, though, the news Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine delivered to Manziel wasn't what the rookie quarterback was hoping to hear. The 7-5 Browns are sticking with Brian Hoyer as their starter after benching Hoyer for Manziel in the fourth quarter of last week's loss at Buffalo.

"Anytime you go in one week and don't get to start the next week, there's a little disappointment," Manziel said. "Just being competitive, there's a little bit of disappointment.

"At the same time, I completely trust Coach Pettine with this team. He's put us in the right situation consistently."

Manziel's cameo marked his first game action since September. It came on the heels of a three-game stretch for Hoyer in which he's thrown one touchdown pass and six interceptions.

Monday, Pettine said a discussion about a quarterback change was "warranted" but on Wednesday announced the Browns are sticking with Hoyer in a "close" call because he believes Hoyer gives the team the best chance to win Sunday vs. the Indianapolis Colts.

"It was made difficult because of what (Manziel) did when he was in there (in Buffalo)," Pettine said. "It was good and bad. The fumble was regrettable, but the drive before we saw flashes of what he's capable of."

Manziel completed 5 of 8 passes for 63 yards and ran for a touchdown. The fumble resulted in a Bills touchdown but was overturned by replay review.

"I showed last week I can play a little bit," Manziel said. "I got a chance to shake the rust off and shake the nerves off a little bit."

When Hoyer threw two fourth-quarter interceptions Nov. 23 at Atlanta, Pettine said he never considered making a quarterback change. That game was played the day after Manziel was questioned by police after an overzealous fan caused a fight in the lobby of Manziel's apartment complex around 2:30 a.m., which prompted his last visit to Pettine's office.

Pettine said the thought of using Manziel in spot duty or a package of plays designed to maximize his mobility remains a possibility for Sunday's game. Colts Coach Chuck Pagano said his team will prepare for that and expects to see Manziel at least some.

"We've got tape on Johnny," Pagano said. "Everybody knows that he can improvise as good as anybody in the game, so it's always a challenge when you face a new guy or play against a new guy."