Johnny Manziel in concussion program, likely to miss finale
BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- Johnny Manziel's scrambling in Kansas City came with a price.
Manziel, who took several hard hits while rushing for 108 yards against the Chiefs, was placed in the NFL's concussion protocol by the Browns and will likely sit out Sunday's season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The second-year quarterback reported to the team's facility on Wednesday complaining of concussion-like symptoms, was sent to see a doctor for evaluation and the team announced following practice that he has entered into the league's program for head injuries.
Because it typically takes several days for symptoms to subside, it's highly unlikely Manziel will be cleared to play by Sunday.
Manziel is the 14th Browns player to be diagnosed with a concussion since the start of training camp.
With Manziel out, backup Austin Davis will start against the Steelers. The Browns may sign another quarterback and former Oakland quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who converted to wide receiver this season, took snaps during practice.
Manziel kept the Browns in Sunday's game against the Chiefs with his running ability. He picked up 34 yards on the first play of the second half and made several other key runs. In all, he ran 11 times and recorded the highest rushing total for any quarterback in team history.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said "there were a bunch" of big hits taken by Manziel, including a helmet-to-helmet blow by linebacker Josh Mauga in the second quarter. He was also landed on by 288-pound defensive end Allen Bailey in the fourth quarter. He was briefly checked by the team's medical staff following the hit by Bailey and kept playing.
Manziel made six starts during another drama-filled season with Cleveland. The 23-year-old showed significant progress on the field, giving the Browns hope the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner can develop into their franchise quarterback.
Also, Pettine said he did not have a chance to speak with Manziel about a video that surfaced of him partying in his home last week. Manziel was demoted from starter to third string earlier this season when he defied coaches by becoming a distraction during the team's bye week.
Pettine said Manziel will not be disciplined for the latest video.
"At some point this week when he is back in the building, I'll get a chance to talk to him about it," Pettine said. "I know he was at home. He was at home on his day off. But as far as the judgment of it getting out there, I question that. But other than that, this is not similar to the circumstances that (led to him being demoted earlier this season). Going back to there, that was more trust and accountability than it was necessarily the act. I'll have a conversation with him at the first time that I can."
The Browns also announced that cornerback Tramon Williams has been placed in concussion protocol. Pettine said the team is exploring the reason for its unusually high number of concussions this season.
"I don't know where it compares to the rest of the league and where that would put us," he said. "But I would assume near the top. Off the top of my head, it seems like a high number. Hopefully we'll have better answers as to the why as the offseason moves on."
