Browns coach Eric Mangini has no qualms starting third-string, rookie quarterback Colt McCoy against the AFC-leading New England Patriots on Sunday in Cleveland.
"He's been in a couple of tough arenas -- going into Pittsburgh for his first game, that's about as tough as it gets," Mangini said.
Billick: Browns should play McCoy
It's time for the Browns to go with Colt McCoy and find out how good he can be," writes Brian Billick. "I've always believed the only way to learn is to play." **More ...**
McCoy will get the call because neither Jake Delhomme nor Seneca Wallace was able to practice all week as they recover from high ankle sprains.
Mangini left open the possibility that Wallace could be active for the Patriots game.
"I think Seneca has a shot this week (to be active), but it's an outside shot," Mangini said.
This will be McCoy's first start at home. He's 1-1 with a loss to the Steelers and a win over the New Orleans Saints, who fell for several trick plays during a 30-17 loss to the Browns two weeks ago.
The Browns had hoped to have Wallace back this week, but he has not yet been cleared by doctors.
Wallace hasn't played since injuring his ankle Oct. 10 against the Atlanta Falcons, his fourth consecutive start filling in for Delhomme, who rolled his ankle in the season opener at Tampa Bay. High-ankle sprains typically take four to six weeks to heal, and Wallace is just one month into recovery.
Starting tackle John St. Clair (ankle) also didn't practice Friday. Mangini held out hope that all three injured players could return soon.
"We just follow what the trainers and doctors say," Mangini said. "The week he (Wallace), John and Jake had was the best they've had in terms of movement."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
