Report: Browns have almost completely moved on from Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel is scheduled to complete his rehab stint at some point this month, but the Cleveland Browns quarterback will not necessarily be competing for a starting job when he returns to the team.

While discussing Cleveland’s quarterback situation on “Mike and Mike in the Morning” earlier this week, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said the Browns have essentially given up on Manziel for the time being.

“I think about 90 percent (the Browns) have moved on (from Manziel) in their own minds except that they really don’t know who they’re going to get when Johnny leaves rehab, which has been an extended stay — a two-month stay,” Mortensen said, per NJ.com’s Randy Miller. “He should be getting out in the first week of April if they’re satisfied that he’s ready to go out and get into society and whatever deep-rooted problems that he had has been addressed. OK, now he’s part of your depth chart. You have Josh McCown.”

McCown, who is 35, seems like the most likely candidate to begin the season as the starting quarterback. There have been reports that Manziel is doing well with his rehab treatment, but will that translate to his performance in training camp?

It’s still too early to give up on Manziel. As long as he stops putting himself in compromising positions like this off the field, he can focus on football and try to morph into an NFL quarterback. Will he be able to do that? We wouldn’t blame you for doubting it.

H/T Eye on Football