Browns QB Johnny Manziel will start Thursday against undefeated Bengals

Johnny Manziel is getting another chance as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback.

Sure, it’s on a short week and he’ll be going up against the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals, but he’s still getting his second start of the season and fourth of his career.

Browns Coach Mike Pettine confirmed Wednesday that the second-year player will fill in for regular starter Josh McCown, who has injuries to his throwing shoulder and ribs.

“On the short week we realized that Josh just wasn’t going to be able to get to the point where he could go,” Pettine said. “Johnny has worked hard to prepare himself. He is excited about his opportunity and we are all looking forward to the challenge we face in a good Bengals football team on Thursday night.”

Manziel also started in the Browns’ second game of the season while McCown recovered from a concussion. The former Heisman Trophy winner completed eight of 15 passes for 172 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, leading the Browns to the first of their two wins this season.

It was a marked improvement over Manziel’s performance during his disastrous rookie season, during which he became more known for his partying lifestyle than any on-field accomplishments.

While Manziel has worked to put his old image behind him, he still has some baggage. The NFL is investigating whether he violated its personal conduct policy earlier this month during an altercation with his girlfriend, who told police he was violent with her but did not press charges.