With injuries hitting the Cleveland Browns on offense, the team is trying to figure out who can be on the field come Week 15 to help Johnny Manziel out. Brian Hartline has officially been placed on injured reserve following a broken collarbone while Andrew Hawkins continues to deal with concussion issues. With little depth left on the roster, the Browns are being forced to turn to Terrelle Pryor for help against the Seattle Seahawks.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are expecting to play Pryor a lot in Week 15. The quarterback turned wide receiver returned a few weeks ago and could see more time on the field thanks to the absence of Hartline. Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo told the media that Pryor is making a lot of progress on the field.
"He didn't get any targets or catches [in Week 14],'' said DeFilippo, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "That didn't surprise me either because it being his first real game you're not going to throw a guy out there and base your whole gameplan around him, because as a coach you don't know how he's going to react to a new position and those things. I was pleased with T. As we see this season go along here these last three games, I think you'll continue to see Terrelle's role grow."
The Browns are hopeful that Pryor can step up as Hawkins is expected to miss another week. According to the Plain Dealer, Hawkins has not been shut down for the season, but is not expected to be seen on the field again. Taylor Gabriel was able to return from his concussion to pair with Travis Benjamin and Gary Barnidge.
The receiver position has been a big area of concern for the Browns as they continue to pass up top options in the draft. The team was hoping Josh Gordon would be their top threat, but he was once again suspended for the season. According to Johnny Manziel, he is in constant contact with Gordon and remains hopeful the receiver can have a big comeback.
"I think he's doing the right things," Manziel said, via ESPN.com. "From everything I've seen he's been working out each and every day in L.A., working really hard. He's still here. We still have his rights. He's still a part of the team. I'm excited -- and I can only speak for me -- I'm excited to have him back and I hope he is back in the spring for sure."
It is unclear what Gordon's future will be in the league. The Browns would certainly love a productive Gordon back in the mix with the offense. For now, they will rely on Barnidge and Benjamin along with Pryor to pair with the improving run game of Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson. That will have to be enough to finish out the final three games of the year.