NFL Player News

Browns All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas has made no secret that he supports the decision of Mike Pettine to continue starting Brian Hoyer at quarterback Sunday against Indianapolis.

Thomas indicated that his team, which remains in the playoff hunt, would not maximize its postseason hopes with a rookie such as Johnny Manziel running the team.

"Certainly when you start throwing guys in there, trying to see what they can do, the message is we're already playing for next year," Thomas told the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram.

Mike Pettine has indicated that Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer will not be on a short leash Sunday against Indianapolis.

Pettine said that he did not want to put that added pressure on Hoyer with rookie Johnny Manziel waiting in the wings and added that he expects the starter to play well and win. Pettine also said Hoyer has shown a propensity to bounce back from poor efforts.

Browns coach Mike Pettine cited the team's winning record in sticking with quarterback Brian Hoyer over rookie Johnny Manziel. Hoyer will be under center when Cleveland hosts the Colts on Sunday.

"After thorough evaluation and talking to the staff, we feel Brian gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday," Pettine said in a statement released by the team. "This is a football decision and those are always going to be based on what we think is best for our team. Brian has led our team to a 7-5 record. I’m confident that we can get the entire offense playing at the level needed to accomplish the goals we set at the beginning of the season. Those goals are still very much attainable."

Hoyer has completed 56 percent of his throws for 3,056 yards and 11 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Over the past two games, he's thrown zero touchdowns against five picks.

"I don’t have any doubt in myself," Hoyer said Monday, before Pettine announced his choice. "I never have throughout this entire process, going back to last year. I feel like we’re 7-5. We still have a chance to attain all of our goals. It’s still there in front of us."

The decision to maintain Brian Hoyer as the starting quarterback for the Browns was based partly on widespread support from his teammates, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.

Several Browns players interviewed after the Sunday loss in Buffalo in which Hoyer performed poorly deferred to Mike Pettine, saying it was his call and not claiming to be leaning either way between Hoyer and rookie Johnny Manziel.

Struggling Brian Hoyer is set to start Sunday at quarterback for the Browns against visiting Indianapolis, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports. League sources have confirmed that report, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Mike Pettine is scheduled to make an announcement Wednesday at 12:45 as to whether Hoyer has kept his starting job or has been replaced by rookie Johnny Manziel.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said quarterback Geno Smith will start Sunday at Minnesota, reports the Associated Press. Smith only dropped back to pass 15 times in Monday's loss to the Dolphins. He went 7 of 13 for 65 yards, his last pass getting intercepted.

Asked if he learned anything from Smith's performance against Miami, Ryan replied: "No, because he only threw it 13 times. ... I'm just kidding."

Smith replaced Michael Vick in the third quarter of the Week 12 loss to Buffalo.

Despite pulling quarterback Derek Carr in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 52-0 loss at St. Louis, Raiders coach Tony Sparano said he has no plans to bench the rookie for veteran Matt Schaub. "There hasn't been really any thought about that," Sparano said, via ESPN.com.

Oakland hosts the 49ers on Sunday.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was held without a touchdown for the first time this season in Monday's 16-13 win at the Jets. Tannehill completed 25 of 35 throws for 235 yards with an interception, and he ran four times for 13 yards.

Tannehill and wideout Mike Wallace failed to hook up on two potential touchdowns. One was a wildly inaccurate throw, the other a bad drop. Tannehill got picked off in the third quarter when running back Lamar Miller couldn't handle a low throw and the ball ricocheted to cornerback Darrin Walls.

Tannehill also threw a pass directly at linebacker Calvin Pace, but Pace couldn't catch it. Tannehill will try to get back on track Week 14 against the Ravens.

Jets quarterback Geno Smith dropped back to pass 15 times in Monday's 16-13 home loss to the Dolphins. He was 4 of 8 for 42 yards until New York had to throw, trailing by a field goal with under two minutes left.

Smith forced his final pass to tight end Jeff Cumberland. It bounced off linebacker Jelani Jenkins into the arms of safety Reshad Jones. Smith finished 7 of 13 for 65 yards with one interception, and he ran four times for 19 yards.

The Jets visit Minnesota in Week 14, and it remains to be seen whether New York will stick with Smith or go back to Michael Vick.

Browns coach Mike Pettine told reporters Monday he has not committed to Brian Hoyer or Johnny Manziel as his starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against Indianapolis.

Hoyer has started every game this season, but was benched in favor of Manziel during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 26-10 loss to Buffalo. Manziel led the Browns on an 80-yard touchdown drive.

Pettine expects a decision to be made by Wednesday.

“There's a lot to consider,” he said.