BEREA — Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel will not play in Cleveland’s last two exhibition games because of lingering soreness in his right elbow.
Manziel has been shut down from throwing, and Browns coach Mike Pettine said the second-year QB will miss not only this Saturday’s game at Tampa Bay but Cleveland’s preseason finale at Chicago on Sept. 3.
It’s a setback for Manziel, who has shown improvement following a rough rookie season, which was followed by a seven-week stay in rehab.
Pettine had planned to play Manziel in the first half against the Buccaneers starting defense.
Manziel has dealt with elbow soreness since high school. The Browns are hoping rest will alleviate his issues. Pettine said Manziel realizes sitting out is “smart” so he doesn’t make the condition worse.
With Manziel sidelined for the time being and Connor Shaw out indefinitely following thumb surgery, Cleveland needed a third quarterback and brought in Pat Devlin, who has never taken an NFL snap but spent time with three teams.
Devlin is unlikely to play in Saturday’s exhibition at Tampa Bay.
Presumed season-opening starter Josh McCown will play at least the first half before turning the offense over to veteran backup Thad Lewis. Devlin could see some time in Cleveland’s final exhibition Sept. 3 at Chicago.
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