Rumors are circling that Johnny Manziel will return as the starting quarterback for the Browns, but Head Coach Mike Pettine said this afternoon that he is not ready to say that yet.
Pettine said he is not prepared to name a starting quarterback yet #Browns
— Lauren Brill (@LaurenBrill5) December 7, 2015
Manziel was benched for two games, ESPN reported. His demotion from starter to third stringer came after a video and photos of him partying in a Texas club during Cleveland's bye week were released.
After being benched for 2 games, Johnny Manziel is back as the Browns starter. https://t.co/PaikMJGhRT pic.twitter.com/uWljnvGgOs
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 7, 2015
According to ESPN, Browns coach Mike Pettine said after Sunday's 37-3 loss to the Bengals that he would make a decision about the quarterback position on Monday.
But newsnet5.com Sports Reporter Lauren Brill said Pettine disputed the claim Monday afternoon.
"He was on point this week in his role." Pettine on Maziel's preparation lately. #Browns
— Lauren Brill (@LaurenBrill5) December 7, 2015
Pettine saying If you have the record they have and there is not tension in the building, then that's a problem #Browns
— Lauren Brill (@LaurenBrill5) December 7, 2015
While a team spokesman said he had no knowledge that Manziel would be named the starter, one source told ESPN that Manziel would replace Austin Davis as the starter unless Manziel had done something to jeopardize his status between the end of Sunday's loss and Monday.