Brian Hoyer to start Browns' first preseason game

The Cleveland Browns are going with the veteran first.

On Wednesday, Browns coach Mike Pettine told reporters that Brian Hoyer will get the starting nod in Saturday's preseason opener against the Detroit Lions. Hoyer, who began training camp a clear No. 1, has seen his lead for the starting spot dwindle over rookie Johnny Manziel dwindle over the last week.

There's still a chance Manziel gets in with the first team against the Lions this Saturday. And if he has a strong performance, perhaps the Browns allow Manziel to start the second week of the preseason.

Until then, Hoyer would appear to still hold a slight lead over Manziel, even though the former Heisman Trophy winner took a lot of first-team reps in practice on Monday.

Even though Hoyer is technically the starter, it's easy to think that Manziel will have every opportunity to take the job.

Follow me on Twitter: @JasonHButt

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