Cleveland Browns Give Another Chance to QB Johnny Manziel

After losing his top spot for the last two games, Johnny Manziel moves back to starter for the upcoming game against the 49ers.

The Browns demoted Manziel to third-string because he allegedly lied to team management about a video that showed him partying and holding a champagne bottle even after his 10-week stint in rehab. According to sports columnist Mike Freeman, Manziel also told the people in the video to lie if asked about it.

This is in addition to an October 12 incident with his girlfriend while driving in Ohio when Manziel told police he had been drinking earlier in the day.

But Manziel’s move back to first-string comes a day after the Browns were soundly beaten at home by the Bengals, 37-3.

After the bout with the Bengals, Browns coach Mike Pettine noted he would reassess the starter position and now it appears he has made a decision.

The move almost seems inevitable. Once Manziel was demoted, Josh McGown got his shot as starter but suffered a season-ending broken collarbone in Week 12. Austin Davis replaced McGown but went 25-of-38 for 230 yards with no touchdown passes and one interception against the Bengals. Davis was also sacked three times.

So, unless Manziel self-destructs again, he receives yet another chance to prove himself as the starter Sunday.

Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston or email the author at igcolonel@hotmail.com