Johnny Manziel’s push for continued improvement and, eventually, a shot to start for the Browns has been derailed again by a sore arm.
Manziel was held out of the remainder of Sunday’s practice after he came off the field holding his right arm after delivering a deep pass to rookie wide receiver Josh Lenz. After practice, Browns coach Mike Pettine told reporters he does not think Manziel is dealing with a serious issue but would likely hold him out of Monday’s practice.
The Browns don’t practice Tuesday, so giving Manziel Monday off would give him almost 72 hours rest before he practices again. Pettine called it “elbow soreness” when Manziel was limited for two days in the week before the team’s first preseason game.
The third and generally most important preseason game is Aug. 29 at Tampa Bay. Manziel has not played with the starters in the first two preseason games.
Starter Josh McCown led a touchdown drive on his only series in the preseason opener but threw two interceptions in the second; Pettine has said McCown is “firmly” the team’s starter but has praised Manziel’s progress and approach throughout camp.
Connor Shaw is out for an extended period with a thumb issue, so Manziel sitting would leave the Browns with just two quarterbacks, McCown and Thad Lewis, in practice. Maybe the team will explore outside options from a very thin pool of available quarterbacks; Pettine told reporters the team could use quarterbacks coach Kevin O’Connell to throw during practice if necessary.