Manziel’s Elbow Injury Raises Serious Concerns for Browns’ QB Situation
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Johnny Manziel’s elbow soreness may be more serious than the Browns are letting on. Here’s why fans should be worried as the quarterback depth continues to shrink.
By Steve King
Originally published Aug. 27, 2015 | Updated for clarity and SEO
When It Comes to NFL Injuries, Less Is Almost Always More
In the NFL, injury reports are rarely as harmless as they sound. When a team says a player has “just tweaked” something or calls it “no big deal,” history tells us to brace for bad news. Often, what starts as a sore knee or elbow quietly turns into season-ending surgery.
That brings us to the Browns — and Johnny Manziel.
Pettine Downplays Injury, But Should We Believe It?
On Thursday, Browns head coach Mike Pettine tried to calm concerns, describing the soreness in Manziel’s throwing elbow as minor. But at the same time, he also confirmed that Manziel has been shut down for the second time this training camp and will miss Saturday’s preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Let’s be honest: that’s not normal.
When your backup quarterback — and potential future starter — is sidelined again before the season even begins, it’s cause for concern. Especially when your third-stringer, Connor Shaw, is already out for the year.
So yes, it’s fair to ask: What’s really going on with Johnny Manziel’s elbow?
A Sore Arm for a Quarterback Is No Small Thing
Manziel’s injury might not be described as serious — yet — but a sore elbow for a quarterback is like a food allergy for a chef: it limits your ability to do the job.
Even if Manziel returns before the regular season, lingering arm issues could:
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Affect his velocity and accuracy
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Prevent him from making deep throws
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Lead to chronic inflammation or worse
And don’t expect the Browns to be fully transparent about any of it. No NFL team is going to give opponents an advantage by detailing the physical limitations of a quarterback — the most important position in all of sports.
Déjà Vu in Cleveland — Again
Two quarterbacks down, two preseason games left, and the regular season still weeks away.
Sound familiar?
It should. This feels a lot like another installment of the movie Groundhog Day, and in true Cleveland fashion, no one’s laughing. A couple of weeks ago, people were praising how quiet and focused this Browns camp had been. Now? That peace is gone — and it might not return anytime soon.
Can Manziel Bounce Back?
Maybe Manziel returns healthy and stronger than ever. It’s possible. But should fans bet on it?
That’s a tough ask.
Because even if he does return soon, will he be 100%? Can he consistently make the necessary throws? Can he finally turn the corner after a rocky rookie year and off-field rehab?
With the Browns’ recent track record on injuries — and draft picks — skepticism is warranted.
Conclusion: Browns QB Room Already in Crisis
The season hasn’t even started, and Cleveland’s quarterback situation is already in flux. The team’s depth is paper thin, and the uncertainty surrounding Manziel adds a troubling layer to a franchise desperate for stability.
So much for that quiet training camp.
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