Manziel believes he’s a better man
Though his professional game needs major work, Johnny Manziel believes he has made personal progress.
“I have changed and adapted my lifestyle incredibly since last year,” the Browns’ quarterback said.
Following Wednesday’s practice, Manziel, whose every move on and off the field continues to be debated and dissected, said he does not expect to be punished by the NFL for his actions in a recent domestic incident.
The league is investigating whether Manziel violated its personal-conduct policy during a roadside argument with his girlfriend Oct. 12. Manziel, who was questioned but not charged by Avon, Ohio, police, recently met with a league official to discuss his involvement. Manziel could face a fine, suspension or ban if the league believes he broke any rules.
He’s also waiting to learn if he’ll make his second straight start.
Manziel played last Thursday against Cincinnati and might be called upon again Sunday if Josh McCown remains sidelined with injured ribs. McCown, who injured his ribs in a Nov. 1 loss to Arizona, was limited in practice on Wednesday but is optimistic he’ll be back in the lineup against Pittsburgh as the Browns (2-7) attempt to snap a four-game losing streak.
“Each day, I felt like we gained a little ground, maybe not as much as I would like, but I feel like it’s improving and that’s a good thing,” McCown said.
Manziel showed more improvement in his fourth career start, but not as much as he or the Browns would have liked. He threw a touchdown pass in the first half and made several big plays outside the pocket. But once the Bengals stopped his scrambling, Manziel passed for just 40 yards in the second half of a 31-10 loss.
Bridgewater progressing:
Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer says quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is “progressing nicely” through the NFL concussion protocol.
Bridgewater was knocked out of the game against St. Louis on Sunday by a hit to the head from Rams defensive back Lamarcus Joyner. Zimmer has said he believes Bridgewater will be ready to start against the Raiders on Sunday.
Bridgewater was out at practice with the rest of the team on Wednesday.
Shaun Hill finished the game for the Vikings, helping them to a 21-18 overtime win. Zimmer says he is confident in Hill’s ability to lead the team if Bridgewater cannot play. Zimmer remains optimistic that the second-year starter will be back in the lineup Sunday.
Jets’ woes: The New York Jets are dealing with a stunning shakeup on their offensive line.
Right guard Willie Colon was placed on season-ending injured reserve with chronic knee problems, creating a roster spot for the Jets to activate cornerback Dee Milliner from short-term IR.
Colon, 32, missed Sunday’s game against Jacksonville and was uncertain to play against Buffalo on Thursday night. He will be replaced by Brian Winters, a third-round pick in 2013 who started against the Jaguars — and probably will be the team’s right guard the rest of the season.
Briefly: On the advice of doctors, tight end Dennis Pitta reluctantly has abandoned hope of playing for Baltimore this season. The Ravens placed him on injured reserve. ... Philadelphia tackle Jason Peters says he’s only 50-50 to play Sunday against Miami as he manages a back injury.