Manziel likely to sit out against Tampa Bay

Associated Press

BEREA

Johnny Manziel entered the NFL with a flair for making sensational plays. And, as it turns out, an elbow problem.

Manziel’s right elbow soreness — a problem the Browns said has troubled the former Texas A&M star since he was in high school — isn’t going away, so the team is shutting him down.

Mike Pettine said the second-year quarterback will likely sit out an exhibition Saturday at Tampa Bay.

“It hasn’t bounced all the way back,” Pettine said. “We’re going to err on the side of caution.”

An MRI did not reveal any structural damage in the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner’s elbow.

Manziel has been slowed by soreness for at least the past two weeks of training camp. The pain flared up Sunday on a long throw, forcing him off the field for the final 30 minutes of practice. He didn’t throw on Monday, and following a scheduled off day for the team, Manziel was again limited to just handing the ball off during Wednesday’s workout.

Pettine said afterward the Browns will discuss signing another quarterback. Among the free agents available are Jason Campbell, Tyler Thigpen and Josh Johnson, who have all spent time with Cleveland.

If Manziel is out, the team is down to just presumed starter Josh McCown and veteran backup Thad Lewis. Connor Shaw, who started Cleveland’s season finale in 2014 and was listed No. 3 on the depth chart, recently underwent ligament surgery on his right thumb and will miss significant time.

While the Browns are downplaying Manziel’s injury, it’s more drama for the 22-year-old whose bad rookie season was followed by a 10-week rehab stint for an unspecified condition. The team has been satisfied with Manziel’s progress on and off the field, and Pettine doesn’t view the injury as a roadblock in the development of the former first-round draft pick.

“I just see it as a minor setback,” Pettine said. “If this was something he hadn’t experienced before and the MRI showed some damage, I mean I would be a lot more concerned.”

Manziel was not available for interviews following practice. His injury clears the way for McCown to be named Cleveland’s starter for the Week 1 opener against the New York Jets, an announcement Pettine has delayed.

Meanwhile, Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden and wide receiver-in-training Terrelle Pryor returned to practice after being sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Pryor’s chances of making Cleveland’s roster lessen every day he’s not on the field, and Pettine said he’s “hopeful” the former Oakland quarterback will play against the Buccaneers. Pryor’s snaps were limited Wednesday, and Pettine said the key will be how he responds from the workload and if he can build off it for Thursday.