Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is reportedly expected to start Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot.
Browns head coach Mike Pettine said that he would not name the starter prior to Sunday's game, as he wants to keep a competitive advantage. Manziel took the majority of reps in practice Friday, and quarterback Josh McCown is reportedly still limited with rib injuries, according to ESPN.
Manziel has started two games this season and has a record of 1-1 in 2015. Manziel looked to have the offense playing well in the first half of their game against the Cincinnati Bengals last Thursday, but the offense became stagnant in the second half. The Browns selected Manziel as the 22nd pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and he hasn't proven himself to be a franchise quarterback after two seasons in the league.
Manziel has thrown for 561 yards with four touchdowns to one interception this season. The Browns' former first round pick is a dual threat at quarterback and is averaging 5.2 yards per carry this season. Cleveland has a tough matchup against the Steelers, but Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger reportedly has no chance of playing this upcoming weekend, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
This game is a perfect opportunity for Manziel to try and prove that he should be the Browns' permanent starter. Cleveland is 2-7 on the season and should try to find out if Manziel will be their future quarterback, or whether they need to address the position this offseason.
