Hoyer to remain starter for Cleveland

Berea, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - Brian Hoyer will remain the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, at least for the time being.

Browns coach Mike Pettine made the announcement Wednesday, deciding to keep Hoyer in the starter's role over Johnny Manziel for Sunday's game against Indianapolis.

"After thorough evaluation and talking to the staff, we feel Brian gives us the best opportunity to win on Sunday," said Pettine in a statement on the club's website. "This is a football decision and those are always going to be based on what we think is best for our team."

Hoyer was benched early in the fourth quarter of last Sunday's 26-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Manziel stepped in and engineered an 8-play, 80-yard drive that he capped with a 10-yard touchdown scramble.

Manziel ended the game 5-of-8 for 63 yards, forcing the Browns into a critical decision about the team's future of the quarterback position.

Hoyer completed just 18-of-30 passes for 192 yards and two interceptions before being benched. In the past three games, he has thrown only one touchdown pass and six interceptions.

"It wasn't perfect and he's made his share of mistakes," said Pettine at a news conference Wednesday, adding that there was no short leash. "I'm not going to sit and put any more pressure on him. He's our starter going into this game."

The Browns are 7-5 heading into Sunday's contest with the Colts and are tied with five other teams for the final AFC wild card spot.

"Brian has led our team to a 7-5 record," Pettine added. "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, who is 10-5 as Cleveland's starting quarterback dating back to last season, has throw for 3,056 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 12 games this year.