Browns’ decision to start McCown irritates Manziel
BEREA, Ohio — Johnny Manziel stood by, waiting for Josh McCown to finish his interview session before it was his turn to address the Browns’ decision to change quarterbacks.
Manziel won’t make his second straight start on Sunday, and his return to a backup role behind McCown stung deeply.
“It’s obviously disappointing,” Manziel said Wednesday. “I’m not going to sit here and say that I love the decision.”
McCown was cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol Wednesday after missing one game and will start against Oakland, moving back ahead of Manziel, who threw two touchdown passes in a 2814 win over Tennessee.
Browns coach Mike Pettine considered several factors before deciding to go back to McCown.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked of him in the offseason and so far this year,” Pettine said. “He’d earned the right to be our starting quarterback. We feel that he gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday. That was truly the basis for the decision.”
Chancellor could play on Sunday
After nearly eight weeks of being absent and losing out on potentially more than $2 million, Kam Chancellor returned to the Seahawks on Wednesday.
The safety’s holdout is over, and he could be back on the field for 0-2 Seattle as early as Sunday.
“I just feel like the time is now. I’ve always been a guy who follows my heart. Just watching my teammates and my team play, week to week, that first and second game — watching those losses hurt me, being the leader that I am,” Chancellor said. “So I think the time is now to come back, put all business to the side, and address that after the season.”
Chancellor reported to the team’s facility early Wednesday, ending a holdout that started when he missed the first day of training camp July 31.
At issue for Chancellor was his contract and having future money paid sooner. He signed a $28 million, four-year extension during the 2013 offseason, but that did not take effect until a year later. The Seahawks refused to budge on restructuring a contract that had so much time remaining.
Odds and ends
Suspended Browns offensive line coach Andy Moeller will not be charged for an alleged assault after a woman said he tried to strangle her. Cleveland city prosecutor Jim Walters said in a statement he could not find proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” Moeller assaulted the woman. … Saints quarterback Drew Brees says he is confident he will be able to play on Sunday against the Panthers despite a bruised rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. … Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said he expects to play Sunday against the Falcons despite recovering from two sprained ankles and a sprained knee. Witten has played in 189 straight games, the longest active streak by a non-kicker or specialist. …
The 68-game starting streak of Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford appears as if it will remain intact. Bruised ribs did not prevent him from practicing, and he should be ready to face the Broncos on Sunday night. … Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis sat out practice with a groin injury, and his status for the team’s game against the Eagles is uncertain.