NFL teams
Pat McManamon, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

Mike Pettine, staff to discuss roster

NFL, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine on Tuesday afternoon did not commit to either Brian Hoyer or rookie Johnny Manziel as the team's starting quarterback, but that could change after he meets this evening with his coaching staff.

Pettine said on a conference call with reporters that he would consider everything from A to Z when the Browns meet as a staff. His statement came in response to a question about whether Manziel's middle-finger gesture toward the Washington bench in Monday's preseason loss would be factored into any decision.

"That type of behavior is unacceptable," Pettine said. "He should know more than anyone that all eyes are on him."

Manziel, the No. 22 pick in the draft, completed 7 of 16 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown against the Redskins. Hoyer, who started the game, was 2-for-6 for 16 yards.

"I think it's one of two ways," Pettine said of the decision. "You can let it play out to see if somebody emerges, or you can go ahead and name one and get him the maximum number of reps you can [for the remainder of the preseason]. That's something we have to balance and we have to discuss."

Pettine said all options are on the table, including starting Manziel, and added that the quarterbacks' performances against Washington wasn't as bad as it looked because the other Browns on offense provided little help.

"I think what was disappointing was the guys around both quarterbacks didn't play well or were inconsistent," Pettine said.

Pettine said he is not hitting the panic button and that his preference is to name the starter going into Wednesday's practice.

The Browns continue their preseason Saturday against St. Louis and finish Aug. 28 versus Chicago. Cleveland opens the regular season Sept. 7 at Pittsburgh.

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