Manziel resumes throwing in practice

Associated Press

BEREA

Johnny Manziel’s elbow is rested and ready for the season opener.

Cleveland’s backup QB threw passes in practice Monday for the first time since Aug. 23, when a sore right elbow kept him out of the Browns’ final two exhibitions.

The second-year QB threw several short passes during the 30 minutes of practice open to media members, and coach Mike Pettine said Manziel was able to throw throughout the workout.

Afterward, Manziel reported that his elbow passed its first significant test in weeks, and he has no doubt he’ll be available to back up starter Josh McCown in Sunday’s first game against the New York Jets. The 22-year-old said he never “cut loose” on any throws because it’s early in the week, and there’s no sense in pushing things after he’s made progress.

“There’s no reason to really be out there ripping them around when I’m trying to build back up into it,” he said. “Obviously, I haven’t thrown for 10 days or something, so ease back into things where we need to be.”

Manziel has dealt with elbow issues since his freshman year at Texas A&M. In the past, rest and treatments have helped him recover. Although he missed some playing time during the preseason, Manziel doesn’t think the break has hampered his progress.

“I’m on a good path mentally, in the classroom and where I need to be in the playbook and everything,” he said. “Obviously, missing out on a couple reps there, but other than that, I don’t think it has slowed me too much.”

Manziel had been limited to throwing tennis balls and weighted balls during his recovery. He began to “toss” the football around in the past few days.

His elbow issues have led to speculation about his playing future, but Manziel said the injury doesn’t have him worried long-term.

To add depth at the position, the Browns, who released No. 3 quarterback Thad Lewis on Saturday, signed Austin Davis. He went 3-5 as a starter last season for St. Louis, but was cut by the Rams. Davis completed 180 of 284 passes last season for 2,001 yards and 12 touchdowns with nine interceptions — four of those were returned for TDs.

Browns suspend OL coach

Offensive line coach Andy Moeller was suspended by the team for an unspecified incident over the weekend.

Moeller, who is in his second season with Cleveland following six in Baltimore, has a history of alcohol-related cases. He was suspended two games by the NFL and fined $47,000 in 2011 following a drunken driving conviction.

Moeller was at the team’s facility for the walk-through Monday morning. As the team wrapped up practice, the Browns released a statement on Moeller’s suspension.

“Over the weekend, Andy was involved in an incident, involving allegations that we take very seriously,” the statement said. “We have followed our internal protocol, determining that right now it is best for the team and for Andy to take time away from the organization to focus on his personal matters.

“We are going to respect the process of investigation on this personal matter and will have no further comment at this time.”

The team did not provide any other details. A phone message was left with Berea police.

Coach Mike Pettine said assistant coach George DeLeone will take over the offensive line in Moeller’s absence.