Cleveland Browns sign quarterback Austin Davis (Updated)
By Thomas Moore
Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis (9) calls a play against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns signed former St. Louis quarterback Austin Davis on Monday, according to the team’s website.
“Austin (Davis) is a guy that his name has come up often. He’s played some quality minutes in this league,” head coach Mike Pettine said. “He does not have practice squad eligibility so the only way to get him was to put him on the 53. Also, given still the uncertainty, without going into detail, we feel good about where (QB) Johnny (Manziel) is, but it was an opportunity for us to added Austin and that was really the only way we could do it.”
To make room for Davis, the Browns placed rookie cornerback Charles Gaines on the injured reserve – designated for return list.
The addition of Davis, who started eight games for the Rams last year, throwing for 2,001 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions, makes us wonder if it is a sign that Manziel’s elbow is not progressing as well as the team had hoped for.
Manziel did return to throwing at practice today:
Here's a little glimpse of #Browns Manziel throwing today in position drills pic.twitter.com/7dmUzsoJWZ
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 7, 2015
Manziel spoke with the media after practice and stuck to the company line that he is still on pace to start the season as the Browns’ backup quarterback.
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“Just give it some time and keep continuing to rehab and continuing to stay on this pitch count for a couple days and then be ready to go by the time I am needed to be,” he said.
“I think I still am on a good path. I think I am on a good path mentally in the classroom and where I need to be in the playbook and everything. Obviously, missing out on a couple reps there, but other than that, I don’t think it slowed me too much.”
As for Davis, last season was the first action for Davis on the NFL level after being signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Mississippi in 2012. He spent time on Miami’s practice squad in 2013 before returning to the Rams.
According to a short profile on Davis at Ramblin Fan, last season:
"Davis would make his debut for St. Louis in Week 1 in relief of Shaun Hill. The following week Davis would make his first NFL career start in place of the injured Hill. He would lead the Rams to victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Once again the Davis train derailed and he would be benched later in the year against Arizona in favor of Hill"
"Davis played in 10 games for the Rams in 2014. He tallied up just over 2,000 yards passing with a completion percentage of almost 64%. His touchdown total reached 12, and he kept his interceptions to just nine. Fumbles would prove to be an issue for Davis committing four in those 10 games. Davis has proved himself as a suitable backup, but his starting potential in this league is very limited."
“I think there’s an opportunity here and you take everything you can get in this league,” Davis said after practice. “I’m just going to hit the ground running and go to work today.”