The Browns will wait until shortly before Sunday's game against the Cardinals to decide whether Josh McCown or Johnny Manziel will start at quarterback.

McCown, Cleveland's starter since he returned from a concussion Week 3, has been dealing with an injured throwing shoulder since last week's game at St. Louis. The veteran quarterback completed 26-of-32 passes for 270 yards against the Rams but was unable to finish after taking a hard hit with a little more than 5 minutes to play.

McCown did not practice Wednesday but was able to throw later in the day. He worked with the team on a limited basis Thursday and Friday. Browns coach Mike Pettine said McCown took "less than his full share" of repetitions at Friday's practice.

"It's still truly day to day, we'll see where he is tomorrow," Pettine said. "Quarterbacks typically do some light throwing on Saturdays but the passing time is helpful with him but it'll still likely go right up to the game."

The three players Cleveland will definitely be without Sunday against the Cardinals are wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (concussion), safety Jordan Poyer (shoulder) and tight end Rob Housler (hamstring). Cornerback Joe Haden (concussion/finger) is probable while safety Tashaun Gipson (ankle) and linebacker Craig Robertson (ankle) are questionable.

On the season, McCown is 147-of-220 for 1,686 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He took a number of hard hits in Cleveland's 24-6 loss to the Rams and has dealt with a handful of nicks and bruises since the preseason.

McCown hasn't been fazed by them one bit.

"As soon as you can get it to where it is a pain tolerance thing, then in my mind, you have to be ready to go," McCown said Wednesday. "That is how I see it."

In relief of McCown this season, Manziel is 25-of-44 for 381 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He started in place of McCown in Week 2 against the Titans and led the Browns to a 28-14 victory.

Pettine said he trusts McCown to let him know if the pain is bearable or too much to overcome.

"If he says he can't, then he can't," Pettine said. "If the game starts out and it's just something that he feels he can't perform his job then that's why we have Johnny prepared, ready to go."