Johnny Manziel Injury: Updates on Browns Star's Hamstring and Return

Tim Daniels @TimDanielsBRFeatured ColumnistDecember 21, 2014

AP Images

Johnny Manziel has been one of the most talked-about players in the NFL ever since being drafted by the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately for Johnny Football, a hamstring injury will now delay his redemption efforts, as the Browns announced that he's been placed on injured reserve.

Continue for updates.

Manziel Placed on Season-Ending IR

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Conor Orr of NFL.com has the latest on Manziel:

Conor Orr @ConorOrr
The Browns have placed Johnny Manziel on season-ending injured reserve.

Manziel Comments on Hamstring, Rehabbing

Tuesday, Dec. 23

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler provided a synopsis of what Manziel had to say about his hamstring injury:

Jeremy Fowler @JFowlerESPN
Manziel had his left hamstring in a wrap. Said rehabbing before OTAs should be no problem.

Manziel Will Miss Week 17

Monday, Dec. 22

Browns head coach Mike Pettine announced that the hamstring injury Manziel suffered in Week 16 will end his season, via ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal passed along additional comments from Pettine:

Nate Ulrich @NateUlrichABJ
#Browns HC Mike Pettine said "It's a several-week" injury for Johnny Manziel. "The hamstring was pretty significant."

Brian Hoyer, who replaced Manziel in Week 16 following his injury, is currently dealing with a shoulder ailment, the coach told reporters Monday. It could lead to rookie Connor Shaw potentially drawing the start in Week 17.

Pettine also shared his thoughts on Shaw, via Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot:

Mary Kay Cabot @MaryKayCabot
So, #Browns Pettine confirms rookie Connor Shaw might have to start. "if he does, I wouldn't be surprised he plays well.''

Manziel Exits Week 16 With Hamstring Injury

Sunday, Dec. 21

The Browns quickly announced Manziel's in-game status:

Cleveland Browns @Browns
QB Johnny Manziel (hamstring) questionable to return.

Manziel was later downgraded to questionable, via the Browns.

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Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and the Medina Gazette provided more details surrounding Manziel's exit versus the Carolina Panthers in Week 16:

Scott Petrak ct @ScottPetrak
#Browns Johnny Manziel down with injury. Took big shot on sweep.

Scott Petrak ct @ScottPetrak
#Browns Johnny Manziel walking to locker room with trainers. Towel over head

After the game, Manziel talked about the injury and his performance in his second start, via Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer and Steve Doerschuk of CantonRep.com:

Mary Kay Cabot @MaryKayCabot
#Browns Manziel on his hamstring injury: "I've never had anything like this'' at any level. Said several times: "It's frustrating.''

Mary Kay Cabot @MaryKayCabot
#Browns Manziel on getting taste of starting: "I want to be the guy. Been a learning experience for me, a great thing, a positive thing''

Steve Doerschuk @sdoerschukREP
Manziel after he took the hit: "I got up to run. As soon as I took the first step I felt like I was cramping."

Fans could be heard cheering when Manziel got hurt, and that didn't sit well with opposing quarterback Cam Newton, per Jonathan Jones of The Charlotte Observer:

Jonathan Jones @jjones9
"It was saddening to see the crowds response (to Manziel's injury). It was classless." -Cam Newton

Jeff Darlington of NFL.com weighed in on Manziel's showing before the injury forced him to leave:

Jeff Darlington @JeffDarlington
When Manziel left game w/ hamstring injury, he’d completed 3 of 8 passes for 32 yards. Quite frankly, he looked no different than last week.

Manziel has spent most of the season on the sidelines watching Brian Hoyer lead the Cleveland offense. The veteran had brought some much-needed stability to the unit in the early portion of the campaign, which helped the Browns climb into playoff contention.

Hoyer cooled recently, however, and it's given Johnny Football an opportunity to stake his claim. Despite the team initially opting against a quarterback switch, he did make an impression with a touchdown drive against the Buffalo Bills, though he disappointed mightily in the first start of his career in Week 15 against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals.

Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

In the meantime, the Browns will place the full offensive reins back into the hands of Hoyer. He doesn't offer the same type of dual-threat ability as the polarizing rookie, so the Browns hope he can at least return to the form he showcased before losing the confidence of the coaching staff.