An impressive season-opening drive by the Browns ended in very-like Browns fashion when quarterback Josh McCown tucked the ball and ran on third and goal, left his feet and got hit at about the two-yard line and fumbled into the end zone, where the Jets recovered for a touchback.
McCown suffered a concussion on the play and won’t return. He was replaced by Johnny Manziel, who immediately led a touchdown drive.
McCown was examined on the sideline and escorted to the locker room by medical staff. The CBS broadcast said the the NFL’s independent neurologist on the Browns’ sideline mandated that McCown be taken in for further examination.
Manziel, who missed the last two preseason games with a sore elbow and didn’t get any reps with the No. 1 offense in the preseason, began warming up as the Jets took possession. Manziel entered the game after the Jets turned the ball over on downs.
The Browns dressed two quarterbacks Sunday. Austin Davis, signed last week, is inactive for the game.
The Browns had converted four consecutive third downs on a drive that covered 90 yards before McCown’s fumble.