Click the link for an updated version of this story: Quarterback Johnny Manziel virtually certain to miss Sunday’s finale vs. Steelers after being diagnosed with concussion
Johnny Manziel almost certainly won't reach the season's finish line Sunday, but the reason is unrelated to the latest viral video in which the polarizing Browns quarterback appeared.
Manziel entered the NFL's concussion protocol Wednesday afternoon, a team spokesman said. He arrived at team headquarters in the morning and complained of concussion-like symptoms. He was sent to the team's doctors and diagnosed with a concussion in the afternoon.
So Manziel is not expected to play when the Browns (3-12) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) Sunday for the regular-season finale.
Austin Davis is expected to start in his place.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said Manziel would play Sunday if he were medically cleared to start.
So Manziel wasn't demoted for the video that surfaced online this past weekend showing him rapping and holding a can of what appears to be Four Loko, a malt beverage that contains 12 percent alcohol by volume. Manziel, who spent more than 10 weeks in rehab this past offseason, had been benched for two games earlier this season after a party video appeared online during the Browns' bye-week break and he later lied to the Browns about it.
Pettine said he's seen the most recent viral video featuring Manziel, but he hasn't had a chance to discuss it with the 22nd overall pick in last year's draft.
"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 [when the video was shot]. 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."