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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

NFL notes: Browns not ready to name starting quarterback

Pettine
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Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine has not picked his starting quarterback. Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel haven’t convinced him they deserve the job.

Pettine had been expected to announce whether Hoyer or Manziel, the hyped rookie, would start the Sept. 7 opener at Pittsburgh. But the decision has been delayed and could carry through to Cleveland’s third preseason game on Saturday. Pettine says the coaching staff will meet tonight and could then choose a starter.

Pettine’s decision became tougher after Hoyer and Manziel played poorly in an exhibition loss at Washington on Monday night. Manziel also made an obscene gesture toward the Redskins’ sideline, an act Pettine called “extremely disappointing” and will likely result in a fine from the NFL.

Ex-player has ALS

Former NFL linebacker Tim Shaw has announced that he has ALS.

In a video posted on the Tennessee Titans’ web site, the 30-year-old Shaw reveals he was recently diagnosed and says “I’m here today to stand up and fight with all of you against this disease” before pouring a bucket of ice water on his head as part of the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise money and awareness to battle ALS.

Shaw played for the Panthers (2007), Jaguars (2008), Bears (2009) and Titans (2010-12).

Around the league

A person familiar with the Bills sale timetable says that the process is entering the final stage with prospective buyers asked to submit formal bids in two weeks. … The 49ers have signed DL Glenn Dorsey to a two-year contract extension through the 2016 season. Dorsey, 29, is sidelined with a torn left biceps muscle that required surgery. … The Jets have placed rookie WR Shaquelle Evans on injured reserve after he underwent shoulder surgery. … Vikings WR Jerome Simpson has appealed a pending three-game suspension for a repeat violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. … NFL teams can now carry 10 players on their practice squads for the next two seasons. Last season they carried eight. … Cardinals S Tyrann Mathieu and NT Alameda Ta’amu came off the physically unable to perform list. … Broncos RB Montee Ball returned to practice, participating in individual drills in his first on-field workout since undergoing an appendectomy Aug. 4. … Pro Bowl RB Jamaal Charles was held out of Chiefs practice after hurting his foot in an accident while moving out of the dorms last week. . … Former Vikings P Chris Kluwe says he’s reached a settlement with the team to avert a lawsuit over his release. Kluwe had accused the Vikings of cutting him over his activism on gay rights issues.