Johnny Manziel to start vs. Titans

— -- Quarterback Johnny Manziel has been given the nod as the Cleveland Browns starter for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, the team announced Friday.

Josh McCown was not cleared from the NFL's concussion protocol and is not able to practice Friday.

Manziel has taken all first-team reps this week. It will be the third start of his career, and he is seeking his first win as a starter.

McCown left the season opener against the New York Jets after taking a hit to the head late in the first quarter. Manziel threw a touchdown pass in relief of McCown in the first half but finished with three second-half turnovers.

Manziel had missed the final two preseason games and a little more than two weeks of practice with tendinitis in his right elbow.

Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, though, said he saw a clear difference in Manziel from last season to the way he played in the opener.

"Johnny losing these last three weeks of practice, he didn't drop off from a level of accuracy, footwork and those things that a lot of young quarterbacks do," DeFilippo said. "Johnny has tremendous physical attributes, tremendous physical attributes. We just have to keep grooming him and keep teaching him situational football and when to take chances and when not to."