If being a starting quarterback in the National Football League was a publicity contest, Cleveland Browns rookie Johnny Manziel would have the starting job locked up. But it is not, and the former Heisman Trophy winner is falling into second place in the race to be the top signal caller in Cleveland.
On Tuesday, the Browns released their depth chart, which placed Manziel behind Brian Hoyer. Head coach Mike Pettine confirmed that Hoyer is in fact ahead of Manziel.
"Where Hoyer is ahead is his ability to throw a ball before a guy breaks open," Pettine said, according to ESPN. "But we certainly see Johnny making strides in that direction."
Manziel has had some growing pains in the training camp. During Monday’s practice, he had an opportunity to connect with a wide-opened Josh Gordon, but the ball was tipped, causing the throw to be somewhat off target, reports timesreporter.com.
Pettine did not say which quarterback will be the starter in the Browns’ first preseason game, which is this Saturday against the Detroit Lions. As of now, it seems as though Hoyer will be out there with the first team, while Manziel will still get plenty of work playing with the second string offense.