Free-agent quarterback Tyler Thigpen has signed with the Cleveland Browns, the team announced Tuesday.
Thigpen was with the team in training camp but released in August.
Johnny Manziel will sit out Cleveland's finale with a hamstring injury he suffered during Sunday's loss to Carolina in his second career start.
Manziel's injury, coupled with injuries to Brian Hoyer, could force the Browns to start undrafted rookie quarterback Connor Shaw, who spent the season on the team's practice squad, in the season finale at Baltimore.
In addition to an injured shoulder, Hoyer has a badly bruised bicep, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan.
Thigpen, a seventh-round draft choice by Minnesota in 2007, has played in 29 games -- but none since 2012. His busiest season was 2008 with the Kansas City Chiefs, when he threw for 2,608 yards and 18 touchdowns in 14 games. He's also played for the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.
To make room for Thigpen, the Browns waived fullback Ray Agnew, who started nine games and appeared in 12.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.