Browns quarterback Josh McCown suffered a shoulder injury late in Sunday's fourth quarter and his status is uncertain heading into next week's game against the Arizona Cardinals.
McCown kept his comments about the injury to a minimum after the game. Browns coach Mike Pettine listed McCown among the Browns' injured players during his opening statement and said the team would roll with the punches in the event McCown misses an extended amount of time.
"Anytime your quarterback is being evaluated for an injury, you're always concerned," Pettine said. "Whatever the circumstances are, we'll deal with them."
McCown was hit hard throughout Sunday's 24-6 loss, but none hurt more than the sack/fumble that ended his game with a little more than 5 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. St. Louis defensive lineman William Hayes hit McCown's arm as he tried to throw, and McCown was slammed to the ground shortly after the ball squirted loose.
Johnny Manziel, making his first appearance since he started and led Cleveland to a Week 2 victory against the Tennessee Titans, finished the game in McCown's place. He completed 4-of-5 passes for 27 yards.
"I've been continuing to shore up everything and continuing to learn," Manziel said. "I feel like the progress of the season has been really good as far as scout team and getting the reps in practice. If Josh is out or out for an extended period of time, I think I'll be able to step in and try to make something happen."
McCown completed 26-of-32 passes for 270 yards. He was sacked four times and fumbled twice. He also took a hard spill during the second quarter when he was pushed out of bounds and slammed into the wall lining the Edward Jones Dome stands.
The Browns offense turned the ball over four times Sunday, all on fumbles.
"They're never easy to take," McCown said. "As competitors, we obviously don't want to lose. The defense played well and for the most part gave us opportunities. It felt like we were just shooting ourselves in the foot with the way we started the game. Just fighting out of holes all day."
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown warms up
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, left, and Josh McCown warm up
Cleveland Browns tight end E.J. Bibbs wears pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown warms up
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Dwayne Bowe greets young players before the start of an NFL football game
Cleveland Browns defensive back Tramon Williams warms up
Cleveland Browns linebacker Craig Robertson during pregame warmups
Cleveland Browns linebacker Tank Carder warms up
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jayson DiManche warms up
Cleveland Browns running back Robert Turbin, left, runs with the ball as St. Louis Rams defensive end William Hayes and Robert Quinn, right, give chase
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown yells on the line of scrimmage
Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine watches from the sidelines during the first quarter
Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr., left, is stopped by St. Louis Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson during the first quarter
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline, right, is stopped by St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins after catching a pass for a 1-yard gain
Cleveland Browns kicker Travis Coons kicks a field goal
Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge fights through traffic after making a reception
Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas blocks a rams defensive player
St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook, right, fumbles after being hit by Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner
St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook, center, fumbles after being hit by Cleveland Browns strong safety Donte Whitner (31) as Browns cornerback Jordan Poyer, right, prepares to recover the fumble
Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) speaks in the huddle during the second quarter
Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Kirksey
Cleveland Browns special teams
Cleveland Browns defensive back Tramon Williams
Cleveland Browns Nose Tackle Danny Shelton
Cleveland Browns running back Robert Turbin (27) runs with the ball during the third quarter
St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) is sacked for a 9-yard loss by Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Randy Starks
