Cleveland Browns treating Johnny Manziel as third-string QB at OTAs

Johnny Manziel (2) passes with Brian Hoyer (6) during a practice session with the Browns. (Mark Duncan/AP)

The Cleveland Browns have seemingly gone out of their way to deflate the head of former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel.

As if slipping in the first round of the draft wasn't enough to give Manziel a slap of reality, the Browns publicly informed the quarterback that Cleveland isn't 'Hollywood' and that he needs to understand his role as a backup quarterback heading into his rookie season. That all took place before the Browns banned national media from the team's rookie minicamp in an attempt to contain the circus surrounding Manziel.

Now Cleveland is at it again.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns have placed Manziel as the third-string quarterback on the depth chart during OTA's.

Being placed behind Brian Hoyer is completely understandable since he was the starting quarterback prior to his season-ending injury, and by default his name should remain atop the depth chart. But placing Manziel behind Tyler Thigpen? Outside of a season with the Kansas City Chiefs, Thigpen has attempted more than eight passes in a season just once.

Clearly, the Browns are doing what they can to put the brakes on Manziel's ego, having no problem reminding him that he's a rookie in the NFL.

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