BEREA, Ohio — The winless Browns have hit the rewind button in their ongoing carousel at quarterback.

Josh McCown, who broke his left collarbone five weeks ago, will return to the starting lineup Sunday when Cleveland hosts the New York Jets. The Browns have used an NFL-high six quarterbacks this season.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown, sidelined with an injury since Sept. 18, will start at quarterback against the New York Jets on Sunday. Associated Press/David Richard

The 14th-year pro has been sidelined since Sept. 18, when he was injured in the first quarter against Baltimore. McCown played every offensive snap against the Ravens, passing for 260 yards and two touchdowns.

“To be back out there is exciting, and I’m looking forward to battling with the guys and focusing on getting this win,” McCown said Friday.

The Browns have started three signal callers in losing their first seven games. Robert Griffin III fractured his left shoulder in the opener at Philadelphia, McCown was hurt in Week 2 and third-round pick Cody Kessler got the nod for the last five contests.

Charlie Whitehurst and Kevin Hogan each threw 24 passes as injury replacements, while wide receiver Terrelle Pryor completed 5 of 9 throws as a change-of-pace QB.

BILLS: Buffalo will be short-handed on offense in a pivotal divisional matchup against the New England Patriots.

Bills running back LeSean McCoy (hamstring) is doubtful and not expected to play. Wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) is questionable, and receiver Marquise Goodwin (concussion) is out.

Buffalo (4-3) is home against New England (6-1) at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

BRONCOS: Running back C.J. Anderson is pointing to a possible return during the AFC playoffs after having the meniscus in his right knee repaired.

The Broncos are expected to place their leading running back on injured reserve, which would put him out of action a minimum of eight weeks.

SAINTS: Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe has been listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Seattle, leaving open the possibility that he’ll play for the first time since injuring his quadriceps during preseason.

Left tackle Terron Armstead, who returned from a knee injury at Kansas City last week, but appeared to hurt himself again, also has been listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.

However, the Saints have ruled out top cornerback Delvin Breaux, who practiced this week for the first time since fracturing his fibula in Week 1.

Also listed as questionable for the Saints are offensive lineman Andrus Peat (groin), running back Daniel Lasco (hamstring) and offensive lineman Senio Kelemete (neck).

• The wife of slain former New Orleans player Will Smith said Friday that the defensive end’s zest for life and refusal to accept failure has guided her recovery from the physical and emotional wounds she suffered on the night her “worst fear came true.”

Racquel Smith, who was shot twice in the legs when her husband was fatally shot last April 9, made her first public remarks since Will Smith’s death at the former Pro Bowl player’s formal induction into the Saints Hall of Fame.

PACKERS: Receiver Randall Cobb and linebacker Clay Matthews are listed as questionable because of hamstring injuries for Green Bay’s game Sunday at Atlanta.

Coach Mike McCarthy said Friday that both Cobb and Matthews were making progress. Cobb got hurt after last week’s game against Chicago.

Matthews has had hamstring issues in the past, and has missed a game this season because of ankle and hamstring injuries.

The Packers also listed guard T.J. Lang (hip) and receiver Ty Montgomery (illness) as questionable. Montgomery has been limited all week.

Cornerback Quinten Rollins will miss a third straight game with a groin injury.

FINES: Defensive tackle Malik Jackson was fined $24,309 by the NFL on Friday after being penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct during one drive last weekend.

Jackson was called for roughing the passer on Oakland’s Derek Carr, then he protested the call and was penalized for using abusive language toward an official. Four plays later, Jackson was again called for unsportsmanlike conduct after a field goal and then ejected.

Wide receiver Marqise Lee, Jackson’s teammate, was docked $12,154 on Friday after he received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for using a racial slur in the Jaguars’ 33-16 loss.

Baltimore’s Za’Darius Smith was fined $18,231 for roughing the passer on the New York Jets’ Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Related Stories