Coach Mike Pettine announced Brian Hoyer will start Week 14 against the Colts though ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi expects Hoyer to be on a “short leash.” Pettine benched a woefully ineffective Hoyer for Johnny Manziel against the Bills Week 13. Manziel led a touchdown drive on his first series, the Browns’ only touchdown of the day.
This decision is less than ideal for the millions that rushed to pick up Johnny Football off waivers this week, but it is not a total disaster for the Browns’ pass catchers. Hoyer has been very successful pushing the ball downfield this season and has peppered Josh Gordon with targets since Gordon returned from suspension. That should eventually lead to success for Gordon, and it bodes well for Jordan Cameron once (if) he recovers from the concussion that has sidelined him for several weeks.
The real pain of this decision will be felt by the Browns’ running back corps. Alfred Morris benefited greatly from having Robert Griffin III at quarterback while Browns OC Kyle Shanahan was running the offense in Washington, and Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West would have likely seen similar benefits from having Manziel at quarterback. The good news for the running backs is Hoyer has been terrible enough the last two weeks that Manziel is likely to see snaps down the stretch.
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In Other News…
Demaryius Thomas was limited on Wednesday after having his ankle “stepped on” in practice. The extent of the injury is unclear, but Thomas was spotted limping after practice. We will have a much better idea of Thomas’ chances to play against the Bills after Thursday’s practice report. Julius Thomas (ankle) was also limited at Broncos’ practice on Wednesday. After being a true game-time decision last week, this practice puts Julius on track to play on Sunday.
Rashad Jennings (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. The missed practice paired with the Giants signing Chris Ogbonnaya on Tuesday points to Jennings not suiting up Week 14 against the Titans. Andre Williams has been unspectacular this season, but he would be a reasonable RB2 option against the Titans’ league-worst run defense.
Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Thursday night’s matchup with the Cowboys. He got in a limited practice on Wednesday and is expected to play. He will be a high-end WR2. Martellus Bennett (foot) is listed as probable.
DeSean Jackson (bruised fibula) did not practice on Wednesday and was seen limping on the sidelines at practice. Jackson is very unlikely to practice this week, but Washington is holding out hope he will be able to play against the Rams. Pierre Garcon would become a WR3 play if Jackson is forced to miss.
The good news is Latavius Murray (concussion) was cleared to play Week 14 against the 49ers. The bad news is the Raiders are still the Raiders. Despite clearly being the most talented running back on the roster, coach Tony Sparano said Murray will not be used as a workhorse back down the stretch. He will likely form a hyper frustrating committee with the finished Darren McFadden and the even more finished Maurice “I need more touches” Jones-Drew.
Coach Bruce Arians remains committed to Drew Stanton as the Cardinals’ quarterback. Stanton has led the Cardinals on one touchdown drive in the last two games, but Arians does not have much choice in the matter. Logan Thomas is not is ready and Ryan Lindley is not any better. Larry Fitzgerald (knee) returned to practice on Wednesday, but he and the rest of the Cardinals’ skill players are too risky to trust with Stanton under center.
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News and Notes
Justin Forsett (ankle) missed practice Wednesday but is expected to play Week 14 against the Dolphins. … Isaiah Crowell (hip) did not practice Wednesday. The Browns are “hopeful” he will be able to play. … Torrey Smith (knee) did not practice on Wednesday but was reportedly moving much better than he had been immediately following the Ravens’ Week 13 game against the Chargers. … Jordan Cameron (concussion) was limited on Wednesday but has still not been cleared to play. … DeAngelo Williams (broken finger) did not practice on Wednesday. Jonathan Stewart would be an interesting RB3 if Williams misses time. … C.J. Spiller returned to practice on Wednesday. He is eligible to be activated off injured reserve/designated for return in Week 16. … Bears signed K Jay Feely with Robbie Gould (quad) unlikely to play Week 14 against the Cowboys. … Browns placed WR Miles Austin on injured reserve with a kidney injury and signed RB Shaun Draughn. … Bengals signed LB Chris Carter.
Injury Quick Slants
Greg Olsen (knee), Jerick McKinnon (back), Vontae Davis (concussion), Bobby Rainey (ankle), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (back), Jace Amaro (concussion) and Jacob Tamme (ribs) did not practice on Wednesday.
Calvin Johnson (ankle), A.J. Green (thigh), T.Y. Hilton (hamstring), Mike Wallace (chest), Sammy Watkins (hip), Michael Crabtree (knee), Robert Woods (ankle), Zach Mettenberger (shoulder), Khiry Robinson (arm), Charles Clay (knee), Brian Hartline (knee), Carlos Hyde (shoulder) and Chris Hogan (hip) were limited in practice on Wednesday.
Jamaal Charles (knee) and Dwayne Allen (ankle) were full participants in practice on Wednesday.
