Johnny Manziel's sore elbow will prevent him from being under center for the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.
Browns coach Mike Pettine stated there is no structural damage to the quarterback's elbow, but said Thursday that Manziel will miss Saturday's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. Pettine also said there's a good chance Manziel won't play in the Browns' preseason finale against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 3.
"He's still experiencing a little soreness," Pettine said Wednesday. "It hasn't bounced back. Err on side of caution."
Manziel displayed marked improvement as a signal-caller in two preseason games thus far, which could have made it easier for the Browns to give the former first-round pick a shot if Josh McCown falters early in the season. The team also signed quarterback Pat Devlin on Thursday.
Pettine called Manziel's sore elbow a "minor setback" that has been an occasional issue for the quarterback since high school.
Terrelle Pryor returned to the field for Wednesday's practice after missing the Browns' first two preseason games while dealing with a hamstring injury.
Pettine said he's "hopeful" the quarterback-turned-receiver can play Saturday night, but noted Thursday that Pryor's status "depends on how his body responds to work he just did in practice." Pettine said Pryor's snap count was "up slightly" Thursday.
"This injury has taken so many things away from me on the field and off the field," Pryor said. "I would love to (play Saturday) but it's not my call."
Pryor is attempting to make the roster after switching positions. After early praise, the injury has set him back. It is imperative Pryor see the field this preseason if he wants a shot at the final 53.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses Jordy Nelson's knee injury and gives its winners and losers from Week 2 of the preseason.
