The Cleveland Browns could be dealing with quarterback issues heading into Week 8. The team is coming off a loss to the St. Louis Rams while Josh McCown suffered a shoulder injury in the defeat. This would not be the biggest issue if Johnny Manziel were not facing possible discipline from the team and the league after a domestic dispute that forced the police to be involved. While Manziel could be the starter going forward, will the Browns need to bring in help?
McCown suffered a right shoulder injury in the loss to the Rams and according to head coach Mike Pettine via the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Manziel is now preparing to start in Week 8. McCown insisted to the media that he was fine, but Mark Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer is reporting the quarterback will undergo an MRI as the injury could turn out to be more serious than originally expected.
With McCown potentially out, Manziel is the man in charge this week for the Browns. According to ESPN's Pat McManamon, Manziel has a meeting scheduled with the NFL following his argument with his girlfriend that got the police involved. The quarterback told the media that he has yet to be in contact with any NFL officials, but if he were called then he would cooperate fully with what was asked of him. The quarterback then stressed that he was hopeful people had not given up on him yet.
"I hope people haven't given up on me," Manziel said, via Pro Football Talk. "I know I'm trying to do the right things on the field. Just trying to keep my head down and just keep plugging and keep pushing and keep trying to gain, back, really, what I felt I lost last year in a rough rookie season."
Manziel will get the chance to redeem himself if McCown cannot play. However, there is talk that the quarterback could be placed on paid leave while the NFL investigates the issue. If that were to happen, Cleveland does not have too many options for help. According to the Plain Dealer, the Browns actually have a lot of faith in Austin Davis as a potential future option at quarterback, but developing him has been a challenge with limited reps.
"You can't really simulate being under center, but it's the best you can do," said Davis, via the Plain Dealer. "It keeps you dialed in and it keeps you from losing focus. There's only one starter on the field and it's not like there's a rotation. You better make the most of your opportunity because you can go years without taking a real snap."
The Browns could always try and trade for Zach Mettenberger or even Ryan Mallett who could be potential future quarterback options. However, if McCown is injury and Manziel is out on paid leave, the job will be handed to Davis who will have a chance to prove his worth for the future.
