Cleveland Browns Keep Johnny Manziel Benched, Start Austin Davis

The Cleveland Browns‘ quarterback carousel keeps turning, but it didn’t give Johnny Manziel another shot at the starting job.

Going into the game on Monday night, the Browns had named Josh McCown their starting quarterback; Manziel, the former Texas A&M standout, was dropped to the third string in response to a video of him partying during the team’s bye week. But one big hit might have changed his place on the depth chart.

A big hit from Baltimore’s Timmy Jernigan not only forced McCown out of the game, but broke his collarbone. Austin Matthews replaced him for the rest of the game and will keep that job this weekend; Manziel will remain on the sideline as the back-up as the organization stands firm on their demand that he behaves himself like a professional.

“Austin took advantage of his opportunity on Monday night. He was prepared, played well and put us in position to win,” head coach Mike Pettine said. “He’s been great in the quarterback room all season and he has earned the right to start on Sunday. We expect him to play well.”

Photo: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 30, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Article by Joe Kozlowski