Reports: Johnny Manziel once again is Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback - Los Angeles Times
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Reports: Johnny Manziel once again is Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback

Cleveland quarterback Johnny Manziel warms up before a game against Cincinnati on Dec. 6.

Cleveland quarterback Johnny Manziel warms up before a game against Cincinnati on Dec. 6.

(Ron Schwane / Associated Press)
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Johnny Manziel is once again the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.

Multiple media sources are reporting Monday that Manziel has been given his old job back a day after the Browns fell to the Cincinnati Bengals, 37-3, with Austin Davis under center.

Davis completed 25 of 38 passes for 230 yards with no touchdowns and one interception for a passer rating of 71.2.

Manziel started the season as the Browns’ No. 2 quarterback but got three starts this year with veteran Josh McCown battling injuries. After completing 33 of 45 passes for 372 yards with one touchdown and one interception for a passer rating of 95.8 in a loss to Pittsburgh on Nov. 15, Manziel was named Cleveland’s full-time starter.

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But he didn’t even get to play a game in that role. Manziel was allegedly caught partying during the Browns’ bye week, then reportedly tried to lie to his coaches about it. So Pettine demoted Manziel all the way down to No. 3 quarterback, saying he violated the team’s trust.

And when was placed on injured reserve after breaking his collarbone last week, Davis got bumped up to the starting spot.

But now with four games left in the season, Browns Coach Mike Pettine apparently decided Manziel has been punished enough.

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