Browns to choose Week 2 starter at QB after Friday's practice

By
PAT MCMANAMON via <a href="http://espn.go.com/" title="ESPN" class="espn_sc_byline">ESPN </a>
via
September 17, 2015, 1:22 PM ET
1 min read

— -- BEREA, Ohio -- Josh McCown will start ahead of Johnny Manziel at quarterback Sunday if he returns from his concussion and practices without issues Friday, coach Mike Pettine said.

"Barring anything unforeseen I don't see any reason why we wouldn't play him," Pettine said Thursday ahead of the Browns' Week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans.

McCown left Sunday's loss to the New York Jets with a concussion. The earliest he can return from the league's concussion protocols is Friday, Pettine said.

McCown missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but Pettine minimized that absence because he said the defensive approach between the Jets and Titans is similar.

Because of that, the Browns have similar game plans and similar plays on offense, so Pettine feels McCown will be ready. The coach said the decision on who would start would follow Friday's practice.

Manziel, who opened the season as McCown's backup, worked as the starter in practice Wednesday and Thursday.