Cleveland Browns roster rumors: Johnny Manziel officially named as starting quarterback versus 49ers

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel in the 2015 preseason against the Washington Redskins.Wikimedia Commons/Erik Drost

The Cleveland Browns are returning to quarterback Johnny Manziel as the second-year player out of Texas A&M will be starting again when they meet the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday for Week 14 action. 

In the Browns' previous two games, Manziel was demoted as the third string quarterback and a backup after his behavior during their bye week in Week 11, when a video of him partying surfaced and later lying about it to the team.

But as original starter Josh McCown suffered a season-ending injury and last week's starter Austin Davis not having an impressive enough performance, the Browns again gave Manziel the starting nod for Sunday's matchup with San Francisco. 

Cleveland hopes Johnny Football will be the answer to its seven-game losing streak, with the team's last win dating back in October when they defeated the Baltimore Ravens in overtime, 33–30. 

In a statement by Browns head coach Mike Pettine posted on the team's website, he said, "Johnny will be our starting quarterback on Sunday. He's been solid in the building over the last couple of weeks and we are hopeful he takes this opportunity to continue to build on the progress he's made on the field throughout the season."

"The goal for every game is to go out and win, and Johnny needs to show that he can put us in position to do so during these last four weeks of the season," Pettine also stated. 

Despite Manziel only winning once in all five starts he had in his career in the National Football League (NFL), the former first round pick has truly improved his game since last season and have shown that in their recent games. 

In six games played this season as a starter and a backup, Manziel has 76 completions for 933 yards and five touchdowns, only throwing two interceptions so far. 

There is no doubt that with a 2–10 record and sitting last in the American Football Conference (AFC) North, the Browns will again have a losing season. 

But playing Manziel in their remaining outings this 2015 will help the 23-year-old further improve his game and he can bring that momentum come next season.