Johnny Manziel preparing to start for Cleveland Browns

Nov 1, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks down field for a pass during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Browns 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns are preparing to start Johnny Manziel at quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday. Four days just isn’t enough for regular starter Josh McCown’s ribs to heal. Ribs are among the slowest parts of the human body to heal.

Manziel went in for a handful of snaps in relief of McCown at the end Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals. That was Manziel’s first action since guiding the Browns to a 28-14 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. And now, Manziel has a short week to prepare for the AFC North leading Bengals.

Teams usually have one real practice and a walk-through before Thursday night games. That’s not a lot of time for Manziel to get a handle on the game plan but in fairness, it would be the same for McCown. His performance against the Titans was a return-from-the-dead moment as most wrote him off after last season.

Many believe this is a set-up for failure for Manziel to face a team like the Bengals on a short week. But in reality, it is just as much an opportunity to succeed as any opportunity to start should be looked at as such. He helped the Titans put up 28 points on the Titans, who actually have a better defense than the Bengals so he’s in over his head.

If he comes up big on national television on primetime at that, the Browns would be forces to start him. Then the legend of Johnny Football picks back up and his era officially begins in Cleveland. All eyes will be on Manziel on Thursday if not for any other reason, to see where he’s at in his development.