Do not count Johnny Manziel out of the race just yet. The Cleveland Browns have been thrilled with what the quarterback has shown in the last two games as he got them their first win of the season. However, that does not mean they are heavily invested in his starting potential this season. With Josh McCown waiting to get cleared from a concussion, Manziel is still an option to start Week 3 which could help him permanently secure the job for 2015.
Manziel certainly made his mistakes on Sunday, but he also did enough to get the Week 2 win and earn praise from a number of doubters. That has left his status up in the air for Week 3. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, McCown would start if cleared by the league regardless of how much playing time he got this week. However, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com followed that up by saying Manziel still stands a chance for the job as head coach Mike Pettine weighs his options.
We're going to meet on that tonight," Pettine said, via PFT.com. "To me, that's the standard, it's our weekly meeting where we evaluate every positon and where are we but until Josh is cleared there's not much thought process there. Just because he is the starter right now with the fact that Josh is out but we'll have the 'what if?' discussion tonight, see where that takes us."
According to Florio from sources close to the situation, McCown's current health situation is unknown. It was reported he was having no concussion symptoms, but has yet to pass all of the tests from an independent neurologist which is required to receive full health clearance. Per NFL rules, the quarterback must be cleared by team doctors and an independent doctor as well.
If Manziel starts Week 3, fantasy owners would be wise to grab Travis Benjamin quickly. Despite having added Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe in the offense, the second-year pro favors Benjamin as the two have linked up for three touchdowns to start the year. Benjamin's rise is coming as Bowe falls out of favor. According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, the Browns would prefer to move on from the veteran receiver, but a contract that pays him $9 million in guaranteed money is preventing that from happening.
Bowe has yet to step onto the field as a hamstring injury prevents him from playing. The wide receiver has done plenty of talking regarding his ability on the field, but has he continues to sit out, the Browns are trying to find a way to cut him quickly. With players like Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel stepping up for the Browns, Bowe is expendable.
