Johnny Manziel may have lost the race for the starting job to Brian Hoyer, but that doesn't mean he's on the shelf. Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said he plans to use the rookie quarterback in sub-packages in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Mary Kay Cabbot of the Plain Dealer.
Johnny Manziel could play against Steelers
Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said he plans to use the rookie quarterback in sub-packages in the regular season opener.
Jason Miller
“(He’s) worth a first-round draft pick,” Shanahan said when asked whether Manziel would see the field. “We liked him. I’m glad he’s here. I’ve loved coaching Johnny so far, he’s a professional. I don’t really know all the stuff that people are ripping him about. I don’t have time to read it all, but Johnny’s been great. I’m excited to see him play, (and I) think you guys will be, too.”
Cleveland Browns
While Shanahan noted that the Browns are wary of upsetting Hoyer’s rhythm under center, he expressed a desire to make the Steelers “defend everything.”
That comes as no surprise in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers have been preparing their game plan under the assumption that Manziel will be on the field.
"We have a great deal of respect for Johnny Manziel and his talents and what he did to get to this point in his career," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told Yahoo Sports earlier this week. "We fully expect them to utilize him in some capacity in this football game. They didn't draft him in the first round to watch. ... We understand that.
“So we’re going through the process of preparing ourselves for both guys.”
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