The revenge storyline for Sunday night's Cleveland Browns vs. New York Giants game has officially reached new heights.
Colt McCoy will get the start at quarterback for the Giants with Daniel Jones (hamstring, ankle) ruled out, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports, per a source.
With Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett unavailable after contracting COVID-19 this week, Freddie Kitchens will be calling the plays to McCoy. Of course, both have their shared history with the Browns -- deeming Sunday night an all-out revenge game with plenty of playoff implications on the line.
McCoy was a third-round selection by the Browns in 2010 and found himself starting eight games in his rookie season thanks to multiple injuries. McCoy retained his role the following year but was soon benched for Brandon Weeden during his third and final year in Cleveland.
Kitchens served as the Browns head coach in 2019 and was fired after his only season. Kitchens was hired by first-year head coach Joe Judge this offseason as a tight ends coach.
McCoy has seen plenty of playing time in recent weeks since Jones first injured his hamstring in Week 12. McCoy relieved Jones in that game vs. the Bengals and helped the Giants maintain a lead toward a 19-17 victory. McCoy started for the Giants the following week, completing 13-of-22 passes for 105 yards (one touchdown, one interception) in a losing effort. McCoy also saw a few snaps in last week's blowout loss to the Cardinals after Jones was pulled.
With their backup QB slated to start, the Giants have elevated QB Clayton Thorson from the practice squad as a COVID-19 replacement. Joe Webb -- a QB who can play receiver and contribute on special teams -- was signed to the active roster off their practice squad on Saturday.
In a must-win game for the Giants on Sunday night, fate has brought McCoy and Kitchens a chance at revenge against their former team. Though it's a shame Odell Beckham isn't available for some redemption from the other side.
