Johnny Manziel to start for injured Josh McCown

— -- Johnny Manziel will get the start at quarterback for the  Cleveland Browns in Thursday's game against the  Cincinnati Bengals, the team announced Wednesday morning.

Manziel has appeared in four games this season, but he has started only one, a Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

It was against the Bengals last season that Manziel made his first career start in a disastrous 30-0 defeat, in which he was 10-of-18 for just 80 yards with two interceptions.

"I think a lot of ground has been covered," Browns coach Mike Pettine said of the progress Manziel has made since then. "I think he's a different player."

Starting quarterback Josh McCown is dealing with a painful rib injury and did not practice Tuesday night in the team's only real on-field preparation for Thursday's game. He said he felt worse Tuesday than Sunday and everyday activities such as breathing and sleeping were a challenge.

Cleveland (2-6) is also expected to be without cornerback Joe Haden, safety Donte Whitner and wide receiver Brian Hartline, who are all going through the league's concussion protocol.

Information from ESPN Browns reporter Pat McManamon contributed to this report.