Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel reportedly could return as the team's starting quarterback as early as next week against the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
Manziel lost the starting quarterback position after social media posts surfaced showing that the Browns quarterback had been partying during the team's bye week. Manziel was demoted to third-string quarterback by head coach Mike Pettine, and some are reportedly wondering if Pettine is trying to "exert his presence" by keeping Manziel on the bench, according to Rapoport.
Browns quarterback Josh McCown has been placed on injured reserve with a broken collarbone, and quarterback Austin Davis has been named the starter this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns are currently 2-9 on the season and have no chance to make the playoffs this year, and many want to see what Cleveland could get out of Manziel before the end of the year.
Manziel has thrown for 933 yards with five touchdowns to two interceptions this year, and he earned one of the Browns' only two wins this season against the Titans back in September. Cleveland is likely looking a top-five pick in the 2016 NFL Draft next season, and many want to know if Manziel will be their future starter or whether they should address the quarterback position in the draft.
Manziel reportedly could start as early as next week, but that will all depend on how Davis performs this Sunday. If Davis can somehow lead the Browns to a victory over a 9-2 Bengals team, it's unlikely that Pettine would make any changes during the week. It will be interesting to watch what happens with Cleveland down the stretch of this season, as the future of their quarterback position is clearly up in the air.
