Manziel to start for Browns on Sunday

It’s all in front of Johnny Manziel: The chance to silence the critics and prove he belongs in the NFL. On Sunday, Manziel can restart his career. His shot at redemption.

Manziel will start Cleveland’s home opener against Tennessee — and fellow Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota — because Josh McCown remains out because of a concussion sustained when he was hit while trying to dive into the end zone on the opening drive last week in New York.

This will be Manziel’s third NFL start, and he’s counting on it going a lot better than the two last year when he was an ill-prepared, overwhelmed rookie who didn’t look the part of a pro quarterback.

After an off-season that included a 10-week stint in rehab and a renewed commitment to his profession, Manziel said he feels more prepared to face the Titans than he was a year ago, when his first start against Cincinnati ended with a 30-0 shellacking at home.

Researchers release CTE f igures

Researchers studying a degenerative disease in former athletes say 11 of 12 brains of deceased former NFL players tested over the last year showed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, continuing a trend they’ve been tracking.

A story posted on PBS.org on Friday reported that 87 of the 91 brains of former NFL players examined in recent years by researchers with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Boston University had CTE.

Linked to repeated brain trauma, CTE is associated with symptoms such as memory loss, impaired judgment, depression, and, eventually, progressive dementia.

NFL issues fines

Atlanta strong safety William Moore has been fined $23,152 for initiating contact with the crown of his helmet against Eagles receiver Jordan Matthews during the Falcons’ 26-24 win Monday night.

The NFL announced the fine Friday.

Dallas defensive lineman Jeremy Mincey and Cincinnati defensive end Carlos Dunlap each were fined $8,681, Mincey for a post-play hit to Giants tackle Ereck Flowers, Dunlap for unnecessary roughness against Oakland lineman Austin Howard, who also was docked the same amount.

Cleveland running back Isaiah Crowell was fined $8,681 for a chop block against the Jets.

Etc.

Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson was limited in practice for the second straight day Friday, leaving his status in jeopardy for Sunday’s game against Baltimore. … San Francisco running back Reggie Bush wasn’t scheduled to travel to Pittsburgh for Sunday’s game.