Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine said "it's fair to say" that Josh McCown will enter training camp as the starting quarterback.

Josh McCown would be the 22nd starting quarterback for the Browns since 1999 if he starts a game this season. AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Pettine had previously declined to name a starter, saying on April 21 that it was too early and he wanted to keep the competition going.

He altered that stance slightly on Monday, speaking on 92.3-The Fan in Cleveland, one of the team's radio partners.

What he said is not really a surprise given Johnny Manziel struggled as a rookie and had a 10-week stay in rehab after the season.

McCown is the most experienced quarterback among a group that includes Manziel, Thad Lewis and Connor Shaw.

"Josh has proven in the right circumstances that he can be successful,'' Pettine said.

"When you build the team right, it minimizes the importance of the quarterback," he added.

If he does start a game, McCown would be the 23rd starting quarterback for the Browns since 1999.