National Football League

Johnny Manziel has concussion symptoms, could miss finale

Published Dec. 30, 2015 1:24 p.m. ET

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BEREA, Ohio (AP) Johnny Manziel's season may be over because of a concussion.

The Browns starting quarterback is being evaluated for a head injury and could miss Sunday's season finale at home against Pittsburgh.

Browns coach Mike Pettine said Manziel reported to the team's facility on Wednesday complaining of concussion-like symptoms. Manziel rushed 11 times for 108 yards, but wasn't sacked in Sunday's 17-13 loss to Kansas City.

However, Pettine said Manziel took ''a bunch'' of hits against the Chiefs and remembered one on Cleveland's sideline being especially violent. Pettine said it's not yet known if Manziel has a concussion but it's ''looking that way.''

If Manziel has a concussion, he will have to enter the NFL's protocol on head injuries and will sit out the final game. If Manziel can't play, backup Austin Davis will make his second start this season.

The Browns may have to sign a third quarterback and will have wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, a former quarterback with Oakland, take snaps in practice.

Manziel has made six starts in his second season with Cleveland. The 23-year-old has shown significant progress on the field, giving the Browns hope the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner can develop into their franchise quarterback.

Also, Pettine said he did not have a chance to speak with Manziel about a video that surfaced of him partying in his home last week. Manziel was demoted from starter to third string earlier this season when he defied coaches by becoming a distraction during the team's bye week.

Pettine said Manziel will not be disciplined for the latest video.

''At some point this week when he is back in the building, I'll get a chance to talk to him about it,'' Pettine said. ''I know he was at home. He was at home on his day off. But as far as the judgment of it getting out there, I question that. But other than that, this is not similar to the circumstances that (led to him being demoted earlier this season). Going back to there, that was more trust and accountability than it was necessarily the act. I'll have a conversation with him at the first time that I can.''

The Browns also announced that cornerback Tramon Williams has been placed in concussion protocol. The team has had 12 players miss games with concussions this season, and unusually high number.

Pettine said the team is exploring the reason for the rash of head injuries.

''I don't know where it compares to the rest of the league and where that would put us,'' he said. ''But I would assume near the top. Off the top of my head, it seems like a high number. Hopefully we'll have better answers as to the why as the offseason moves on.''

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