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Browns demote Manziel to No. 3 QB; McCown to start Monday

Mark Zerof / USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Manziel is headed back to the bench.

The Cleveland Browns are demoting the young quarterback following his most recent off-field incident, opting to instead start veteran Josh McCown for Monday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Head coach Mike Pettine released a statement with the official announcement Tuesday, explaining that Manziel will now serve as the third quarterback behind McCown and Austin Davis.

Pettine also expressed disappointment with Manziel's actions in relation to a video in which he was seen partying at a club in Austin, Texas during the Browns' bye week:

Everyone in this organization wants what is best for Johnny just like we do for every player in our locker room. I'm especially disappointed in his actions and behavior because he has been working very hard. The improvements from last year to this year have been tremendous but he still has to consistently demonstrate that he has gained a good understanding of what it takes to be successful at the quarterback position on this level. It goes well beyond the field. We are going to continue to support him in every way possible, but at this point, we've decided it’s best to go with Josh as the starter going forward.

In an effort to overcome the issues that plagued his disappointing rookie season, Manziel had spent 10 weeks of the 2015 offseason in a rehab facility.

While the apparent improvements made both on and off the field recently saw the Browns name him the starter for the final six games of the year, presumably giving him the opportunity to prove himself as a potential franchise player, it now appears possible that his days in Cleveland are numbered.

The Browns, almost certain to have another premium pick in the 2016 draft, may be in position to select another top quarterback in the first round next spring.

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