Mike Pettine denies reports Johnny Manziel named Browns starter

A.J. Perez | Special for USA TODAY Sports

Show Caption Hide Caption Report: Johnny Manziel will start for Browns Breaking down the news that Manziel is back as the Browns's starting QB.

Johnny Manziel appears to be back as the Cleveland Browns starter.

Two weeks after he was benched, ESPN reported Monday that the former Heisman Trophy winner will be again the team’s starter. The move is hardly unexpected after the Browns lost 37-3 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Cleveland’s seventh consecutive loss.

Browns coach Mike Pettine denied reports that a decision had been made, saying that the team only has had preliminary discussions.

"I haven't spoken to the QBs yet. That's where we are with it," Pettine said Monday, adding that he expected to announce a decision Tuesday.

Pettine handed Manziel the starting job heading into the bye week two weeks ago. But after footage of Manziel partying in his native Texas surfaced, Pettine yanked the promotion.

"When we talk about that ... we throw it all on the table," Pettine said of the partying video factoring into his decision.

Manziel was demoted to third-string, with Austin Davis serving as Josh McCown's backup. McCown, however, was lost for the season with a broken collarbone in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Monday, elevating Davis to starter and Manziel to backup.

Davis, however, was unable to lead the Browns into the red zone a single time on Sunday. He was 23 for 38 passing with an interception and passer rating of 65.79.

“We are judged on wins and losses, so you saw how the game went,” Davis said after the game. “It is disheartening to put so much into a week of prep and then you go out and have a game like that. Whatever my performance was, it wasn’t good enough.”

The Browns host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

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