Browns preparing to start Manziel; McCown has concussion

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Josh McCown's playing status for Sunday's home opener against Tennessee is unclear. Once again, Cleveland's quarterback situation is as blurry as ever.

McCown is following the NFL's protocol on head injuries after sustaining a concussion on a daring – some would call it foolish – run in the first quarter of Sunday's 31-10 loss to the New York Jets. It may be several days before the team knows if McCown can play face the Titans, and until then the Browns will prepare backup Johnny Manziel to start.

McCown, who took a helmet-to-helmet blow from linebacker Demario Davis while trying to dive into the end zone, was evaluated today at the team's facility. Coach Mike Pettine said McCown watched film and attended meetings, perhaps a sign his injury may not be as severe.

Pettine said Manziel, who threw his first career touchdown pass Sunday but also had three turnovers, will take the snaps with Cleveland's starting offense in practice as McCown waits to be cleared.

"It's an ideal situation that Josh would be back at the end of the week, but we have to plan otherwise that he won't be available at least early for practice," Pettine said. "We'll see how it plays out."

McCown became the 23rd starting quarterback for Cleveland since 1999, but he didn't make it through his first drive.