McCown or Manziel? Browns won’t name starter vs Steelers

FILE - At left, in this Nov. 5, 2015, file photo, Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel looks to pass on the run in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, in Cincinnati. At right, in a Nov. 1, 2015, file photo, Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown scrambles in the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, in Cleveland. Browns coach Mike Pettine is not revealing who will start at quarterback on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Following Friday's, Nov. 13, 2015, practice, Pettine said he has picked a starter but hasn't told McCown or Manziel. Pettine said he's keeping his decision under wraps for strategic reasons.(AP Photo/File)

By Associated Press November 13, 2015 3 min read

BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Browns coach Mike Pettine is keeping his starting quarterback a secret – even from the quarterbacks.

“Strategic reasons,” he said Friday.

Pettine wouldn’t reveal whether Josh McCown or Johnny Manziel will start on Sunday when the Browns visit the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are playing their own guessing game with an injured Ben Roethlisberger.

With McCown still limited by injured ribs, Manziel took the majority of snaps with Cleveland’s starting offense this week in practice. Signs are pointing to the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner making his fifth career NFL start – and third this season – on Sunday. Manziel started in place of McCown last week and passed for 168 yards and one touchdown in a 31-10 loss to Cincinnati.

McCown, who returned to practice on Wednesday, has improved each day. Pettine said if he’s healthy enough to play, the 36-year-old will start. With a bye week coming up, it’s possible the Browns will give McCown another week to recover.