Johnny Manziel has spent over seven weeks in a rehab program for alcohol and substance abuse. However, the Cleveland Browns expect Manziel to be with the team for offseason workouts that are set to begin on April 20.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, Manziel is an anticipating his release from the program in early April.
Browns general manager Ray Farmer did say Monday that the final decision on Manziel’s release remains with the personnel handling his rehabilitation. Nevertheless, the team expects he’ll be released in time to rejoin the team.
“I don’t think it’s in doubt,” Farmer said. “Again, I’m not the point person in that. So I would defer to those kind of controlling his care and let them decide what that looks like.”
Manziel had a dismal rookie season with Cleveland last year. He started only two games and did not throw a touchdown. Both starts resulted in Cleveland losses, including a 30-0 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16.
Despite the addition of Josh McCown this offseason, the Browns quarterback position isn’t vastly different from the group that finished last season. It leaves the door open for Manziel to make another push for the team’s starting job if he can get his off-field issues in order.