The Sports Xchange

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine said quarterback Josh McCown will be a game-day decision to start Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

McCown did not practice Wednesday but was able to throw later in the day. He worked with the team on a limited basis Thursday and Friday.

“(McCown) took less than his full share (in practice),” Pettine said Friday. “It’s still truly day-to-day. We’ll see where he is tomorrow. Quarterbacks typically do some light throwing on Saturdays. The passing time is helpful with him, but it’ll still likely go right up to the game.”

Pettine was asked if McCown threw with more velocity in practice Friday.

“I don’t know if it was noticeable, but he’s on a tight protocol with the trainers as far as the number of throws he’s getting,” Pettine said. “Like I said, we’ll see in the next 48 hours.”

McCown suffered shoulder and rib injuries after taking a number of hits against the St. Louis Rams last Sunday.

Johnny Manziel, who met with NFL investigators after practice Wednesday regarding his role in the Oct. 12 incident with his girlfriend in Avon, Ohio, will remain the backup quarterback.

Pettine said the Browns are prepared to play either quarterback.

“We’re always dealing in circumstances like that, and that’s just stuff that you have to learn to operate, deal with things like that,” Pettine said. “It was good that Johnny got the full rack on Wednesday and some plays yesterday and today, so we’ll see.”

Pettine said Manziel has kept his focus on possibly starting.

“I have not seen any noticeable difference in this week than any other week,” Pettine said of Manziel.

The Browns ruled out wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (concussion), safety Jordan Poyer (shoulder) and tight end Rob Housler (hamstring). Cornerback Joe Haden (concussion/finger) is probable while safety Tashaun Gipson (ankle) and linebacker Craig Robertson (ankle) are questionable.