There is another concern surrounding Johnny Manziel and putting his future in jeopardy. The Cleveland Browns quarterback has been getting praised left and right for how he returned to the field after an offseason stint in rehab as players and coaches remarked at his growth and maturity. However, now it is something on the field that is hurting his chances at success as chronic elbow pain is becoming a growing issue. With concern high around his health, what does the future hold for Manziel?
According to Manziel via ESPN, he has been dealing with elbow pain since college and managing the pain. The tendinitis issue has flared up again making his return to the field unknown. MRIs came back negative in terms of structural damage, but eve the quarterback has no idea when the issue will heal and when he can get back to throwing.
"Throwing during the year is nothing like it is during camp, so I'm very confident it's not going to creep back and there won't be other problems," Manziel said, via ESPN.com. "I think it's just mixed with camp and the amount of days we were going out, and I think that was the main focus of it. So I don't expect it to go away completely, because this is kind of an injury that I'll feel a little bit of tightness. Your elbow will get sore just from being a QB and throwing, but that's not anything out of the ordinary."
Former NFL coach and current analyst Jon Gruden says this injury is a huge concern for the long-term outlook of Manziel. The Browns have stated time and time again that Manziel will not be released nor traded. However, it is hard to see that being the case considering they just released former first-round pick Phil Taylor who was guaranteed $5.477 million this season. Manziel is owed a total of $2.257 million in guaranteed money over the next three seasons and the Browns could easily consider cutting the cord on the quarterback if this issue does not heal itself.
The Browns are already showing a great deal of concern for the quarterback position in the future. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Cleveland has been eyeing Michigan State star Connor Cook who is expected to enter the draft in 2016. The Browns have been mentioned as a landing spot for Robert Griffin III should he be sent packing in Washington. Players like Sam Bradford, Kirk Cousins and Mike Glennon should all be available next summer. The Browns have a lot of options they can look at for quarterback help and Manziel might no longer be one of the team.
