Brian Hoyer the starter ... for now

— -- BEREA, Ohio -- Brian Hoyer was listed as the starting quarterback on the Cleveland Browns' first depth chart, which was released Tuesday.

Rookie Johnny Manziel is the backup.

Coach Mike Pettine said he did a depth chart because he had to and downplayed it by saying it could change after every game. He also said there are a lot of positions where he'd rather list co-starters.

Quarterback was not one of those positions, however.

"No, we listed Brian as the starter," Pettine said.

One day after Manziel got all the first-team reps, the two quarterbacks shared time with the starters, but as practice progressed, Hoyer got more and more.

"All part of the plan," Pettine said with a wry smile, indicating that he's aware of the constant attention and hoopla about the position.

Both quarterbacks had good days, with Hoyer probably playing a little better. Although Pettine wouldn't say definitely that Hoyer would start Saturday's preseason opener at Detroit, signs strongly point that way.

"Where Hoyer is ahead is his ability to throw a ball before a guy breaks open," Pettine said. "But we certainly see Johnny making strides in that direction."

Pettine also said it would be a "chunk of time" before the Browns and Josh Gordon have an answer on his appeal. The coach said that barring a ruling from the league before the game, Gordon would play in Detroit.