Manziel rests sore elbow; Pro Bowl tackle Thomas avoids knee injury
BEREA, Ohio -- Johnny Manziel didn't complete a single pass -- right-handed.
Cleveland's backup quarterback was limited in practice Tuesday by a sore right elbow, but is expected to play in Cleveland's exhibition opener against Washington on Thursday night.
Manziel did not throw any passes with his right arm -- he made a couple tosses left-handed -- during the Browns' morning workout. Manziel wore a long sleeve on his right arm and only handed off during the drills he participated in.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said the team simply wanted to rest Manziel the rest of the day.
"It was just an accumulation of reps and it started getting a little sore," Pettine said. "We would do that with any of the guys, but he was the one who was experiencing some stiffness."
Manziel had his arm heavily wrapped following a scrimmage Friday in Columbus, but Pettine said that is "standard" treatment with all the team's QBs.
Quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell said the team is just being smart with Manziel given a high volume of throws.
"He's obviously worked very, very hard every day, not only in camp, but prior to camp, to be ready," O'Connell said. "But with that just comes sometimes you gotta help a guy out."
The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, Manziel has had an impressive training camp as he tries to shake off a rotten rookie season, which was followed by a 10-week rehab stay. Manziel is listed as Cleveland's No. 2 quarterback behind Josh McCown.
Manziel has shown improvement the past two weeks and completed 9 of 11 passes for 93 yards and two touchdowns in the Browns' intrasquad scrimmage at Ohio State.
O'Connell has been pleased with the 22-year-old's commitment and development.
"He is doing everything on a daily basis that we are asking of him and then some within the confines of the rules and really just starting to flourish in playing the positon," he said. "He is getting better and he is just a talented guy."
The Browns got good news on Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas, who did not sustain any significant damage when he was hit on the right knee toward the end of Monday's practice.
Thomas did not practice Tuesday, but that was a planned rest day for the veteran. Thomas had his knee struck from behind by rookie defensive tackle Danny Shelton, who inadvertently fell into the eight-time Pro Bowler while being blocked on a running play on Monday.
Pettine said Thomas may still play against the Redskins.
Thomas revealed he's had three ligament tears and two high ankle sprains during his time with Cleveland, but the injuries have not prevented him from missing a single play. Thomas has been on the field for 7,917 consecutive snaps.
Injuries have been a major issue for the Browns since camp opened. Starting wide receiver Dwayne Bowe remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and Terrelle Pryor, trying to switch from quarterback to receiver, is also out with a hamstring issue that has lingered longer than expected. Also, rookie running back Duke Johnson is still out with a hamstring problem.
The Browns have major plans in their offense for Johnson, a third-round pick and Miami's career rushing leader.
NOTES: Cleveland can begin preparing for a different quarterback in the Sept. 13 opener after Jets starter Geno Smith had his jaw broken when he was sucker-punched by a teammate. Ryan Fitzpatrick will likely open the season behind center for New York.
