BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Johnny Manziel pulled off his orange helmet, dropped to his left knee and watched from the side as Brian Hoyer worked with Cleveland’s starting offense during practice.
It’s about all Manziel will be doing for now.
The Browns’ celebrated rookie quarterback has been relegated to a backup role: Johnny Headset. Browns coach Mike Pettine chose Hoyer to start the Sept. 7 season opener against Pittsburgh over Manziel, who was in a similar situation at Texas A&M before he transformed into a scrambling star and became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy.
Manziel knows he still has a lot to learn before he’s ready to start in the NFL. The Browns are confident he’ll develop and are hopeful they won’t have to rush him on the field.
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