Browns QB Manziel to take first-team reps with McCown in concussion protocol
BEREA, Ohio -- Their starting quarterback can't practice because of a concussion. His backup has a bad right elbow.
The Browns are heading into their home opener with another quarterback conundrum.
Josh McCown, who sustained a concussion on Cleveland's opening drive of the season on Sunday against the Jets, is following the NFL's protocol on head injuries and won't be medically cleared to practice until Friday -- at the earliest.
In the interim, coach Mike Pettine said Manziel will take snaps with Cleveland's starters, but the team will carefully monitor him because of lingering elbow tendinitis.
Even if McCown is cleared and can practice, there is no guarantee he will play against Tennessee.
"We'll be prepared either way," Pettine said.
If Manziel does start, he'll be matched up against rookie Marcus Mariota, another Heisman Trophy winner.
McCown was injured when he launched himself toward the end zone on a run and was hit by two Jets defenders, spinning him in the air. Pettine said the 36-year-old McCown is allowed to be outside on the field to watch practice, but he was not seen during the portion of Wednesday's workout open to reporters.
Manziel replaced an injured McCown and threw a touchdown pass, but had three turnovers in Cleveland's 31-10 loss. Manziel has been dealing with a sore elbow and Pettine said the Browns will be careful not to overload him with throws this week.
"It's just being prudent with it," Pettine said, "just kind of ramp him back up. We feel he's past it. There's still going to be some natural soreness, but we just don't want to jump right back in and `Hey, he's going to take starting reps and overload him.' Especially early in practice."
Manziel threw a few passes with reporters watching, but didn't seem to cut loose on any of his throws.
Pettine said Austin Davis, who was signed last week, will also get some snaps with Cleveland's starters. He went 3-5 as a starter last season for St. Louis after Sam Bradford got hurt.
