Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini indicated Friday that rookie quarterback Colt McCoy will make his fourth consecutive start Sunday when the Browns (3-5), coming off upsets of the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots, host the New York Jets (6-2).
"I think we're moving in the direction we've moved in the past few weeks," Mangini told reporters. "Colt got the bulk of the reps (this week) and he'll get the bulk of the reps today ... my expectation is that he'll handle it the way he's handled it the past few weeks."
Mangini refused to name McCoy his starter earlier in the week, but acknowledged that he was pleased with McCoy's progress.
Quarterback Seneca Wallace returned to practice Wednesday after sustaining a high ankle sprain Oct. 10 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Quarterback Jake Delhomme, also nursing a high ankle sprain, returned to practice Thursday after re-injuring the ankle in the same game.
"(Delhomme) looked a little rusty," Mangini said. "Seneca looked a little better his second day back."
Both veteran quarterbacks are listed as questionable.
Mangini said that linebacker Marcus Benard missed practice Friday after collapsing in the locker room Thursday.
Benard tumbled in front of his cubicle during the 45-minute interview period open to reporters. He underwent tests at an area hospital and continues to be evaluated, Mangini said Friday.
"Marcus always wants to play, and the key thing is getting all the information," Mangini said. "There's been no new news based on the tests, and we'll just have to see how it goes."
Benard, 25, made Cleveland's roster last season as an undrafted free agent. He has started two games this season for the Browns.
Offensive lineman John St. Clair (ankle) and defensive linemen Kenyon Coleman (knee) and Shaun Rogers (ankle).
Defensive back Mike Adams (head) and defensive lineman Brian Schaefering (shoulder) are probable.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
