Cleveland Browns training camp Day 16: Johnny Manziel has a sore arm
By Thomas Moore
Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins in a preseason NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Fresh off a performance that “electrified” the crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium*, Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel reportedly has a sore arm that forced him to stop throwing during Sunday’s training camp practice.
It is the second time this training camp that Manziel has dealt with a sore arm, but the club’s second-string quarterback is expected to be OK.
“He started to get a little sore,” head coach Mike Pettine told the team’s website. “We will make the decision. (We) might rest him and then he has an off day coming up. I wouldn’t be surprised tomorrow if we shut him down. Just depends on how it feels.
“Am I concerned? If the trainer tells me I need to be concerned and it is a long-term thing and not just a usage thing, then I will be concerned.”
With the Browns next preseason friendly not until Saturday, and a scheduled day off on Tuesday, the team will get by with starting quarterback Josh McCown and third-stringer Thad Lewis if need be.
“We will tailor the practice around it,” Pettine explained. “If Kevin (quarterbacks coach Kevin O’Connell) has to throw some individual drills then we will do it. We are not anticipating it being a long-term thing because it will be two days’ rest, having Tuesday off. I will know a little bit more when I get some feedback from (head athletic trainer) Joe Sheehan.”
We hope that it turns out that this is nothing more than Manziel having a tired arm, as we feel slightly more comfortable having him backing up McCown than we would be if Lewis was QB2.
In other camp news from today, center Alex Mack talked about the progress he is making as he recovers from his season-ending leg injury in 2014:
"“At times (I think about it) a little bit but not really. There is so much to think about on each play that I am not all that concerned over the little injuries. That is part of football. You have a banged up finger, thumb, toe, earlobe or whatever it is going to be. You just kind play through all those earlobe injuries.”"
"“I understand (being cautious) and I think it is good. We are pretty much on that same page. I think it is good to have it be that way and have (the medical staff) be the cautious ones and me anxious to get in there. I think it is important that you are ready for the first game.”"
Rookie safety Ibraheim Campbell spoke about keeping his edge as camp rolls along:
"“(I’m) slightly more comfortable but really just trying to get better every opportunity I get. If I’m getting too comfortable, that means there’s… There’s always something to learn. This is my first year here, and if I’m comfortable, honestly, I don’t think I should be comfortable at this point so I’m always trying to pick up knowledge somewhere, whatever it may be. That’s how I’m approaching it right now.”"
"“(It is also) extremely valuable (practicing with the first team). Not only running with (Donte) Whitner but guys like Karlos Dansby. Just the amount of knowledge and to see how that run feels, to hear the communication before the plays and things that. That’s what you want: to really experience the highest level of competition that the Browns have."
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- 3 Cleveland Browns players who don’t deserve another season in 2023
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
Fellow rookie Xavier Cooper took a pragmatic approach to leading the league in sacks:
"“Yeah it feels good. I am just trying to build my resume day-by-day. It doesn’t mean much when the regular season starts because it will go back to zero. For right now I am a rookie and I am just getting into the league. I am trying to put some good things on film. I think that is what I am doing.”"
Finally, while Dwayne Bowe and Duke Johnson have finally returned to practice, the following players did not practice on Sunday, according to the team’s website: Michael Bowie (shoulder), Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (knee), Joe Haden (hamstring), Justin Gilbert (hip flexor), Tashaun Gipson calf), Luke Lundy (concussion), Barkevious Mingo (knee), Robert Nelson (hamstring), Nate Orchard (personal), Jordan Poyer (concussion), Terrelle Pryor (hamstring), Connor Shaw (right thumb), Randall Telfer (foot), Joe Thomas (rest), K’Waun Williams (abdominal) and Glenn Winston knee).
*What do you mean going four-for-11 for 29 yards when facing pressure and having three drives end in punts against Buffalo is not “electrifying”? You obviously didn’t get the memo.