Former Browns quarterback Tim Couch believes that Johnny Manziel should probably shut his arm down for awhile and let it settle down.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns' old Deuce had some sage advice for their new one: Take your time with the arm.

Former No. 1 overall pick Tim Couch, who battled elbow tendinitis throughout his NFL career, believes that Johnny Manziel's recurring elbow soreness is worrisome and that he might need to shut it down for a bit.

"When a quarterback takes some time off initially and feels good and then it flares up again, I think that's cause for a little bit of concern,''  Couch, the top pick in 1999 who's now an SEC football analyst for Fox Sports South, told Northeast Ohio Media Group.

Manziel cut his practice a half-hour short Sunday when he felt discomfort in the elbow after a deep ball to Josh Lenz. He came off the field pointing to the inside of his elbow and flexing his fingers. He rested Monday and Tuesday, but the Browns are hopeful he'll practice Wednesday and/or Thursday and play in the third preseason game Saturday night in Tampa.

The soreness was a recurrence of the "camp arm" Manziel experienced on Aug. 11, when he rested the practice before the preseason opener against the Redskins. But the Browns' medical staff determined that Sunday's flare-up wasn't serious enough to warrant an MRI.

Coach Mike Pettine stressed that the club doesn't think it's a long-term thing, and added that they won't tweak his throwing motion despite the fact they believe his 3/4 release -- between an overhand throw and sidearm toss -- is at least partly to blame.

But the fact the elbow acted up on Manziel less than two weeks after the first day off is what has Couch troubled. None of the other three quarterbacks in camp has experienced arm trouble.

"I can only address how it affected me,'' said Couch, who watched Manziel at Texas A&M and has followed his Browns career. "I haven't really watched his mechanics close enough to tell if it's something that he's doing that's causing stress on his elbow. I haven't really studied it.

"But I know for me, it was pretty bad. It was pretty severe. I missed a couple of games (in 2002) from elbow tendinitis during training camp. It was significant time off for me.''

Couch believes that his elbow soreness led to a pair of subsequent shoulder surgeries to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff -- in 2005 and 2006 -- that ended his NFL career.

"For me I started changing where I was delivering the ball from because I was having so many issues with the elbow,'' he said. "I had two shoulder surgeries (to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff)  after that, and it all kind of started in my elbow.''

Couch emphasized that "I'm not suggesting that's going to happen with Johnny by any means, but that's kind of what happened to me and kind of the root of what started off my shoulder issues.''

Couch said if he had to do it all over again, he would  have shut down his arm for a long time and let it heal completely. Instead, he sat out the first two games of the 2002 season, and then went 8-6 in the final 14 games.

"Really, the only way to heal it is to take time off and not use it, and obviously that's not going to happen for a quarterback, especially this time of year,'' he said. "So, it's just tough to get it healthy and get the inflammation down.''

Couch said he unconsciously altered his throwing motion to compensate for the elbow pain.

"I changed my release point a little, kind of trying to find different slots to the throw the ball into where it wasn't affecting my elbow as much,'' said Couch. "As a result of that, it kind of took a toll on my shoulder.''

He said he began his career with an over-the-top motion.

"Then when I started getting some elbow issues, I started dropping my arm a little bit and couldn't really get it up as high,'' he said. "I just didn't feel good. I just didn't have the usual amount of zip on the ball that I was used to having.

"Once that elbow flares up it's really hard. It affects the grip pressure and the release, and you start messing with things and tweaking things a little bit to help you try to find a place to throw the ball from a little more comfortably. That can definitely result in some other issues for sure.''

Couch emphasized that he has no idea what Manziel is feeling or how long it's been bothering him. Manziel is believed, however, to have experienced elbow soreness at other times in his career. But while Couch was diagnosed with tendinitis, Manziel's pain has been described so far only as soreness.

"I'm certainly not suggesting that (secondary injuries) are going to happen to him, but that's kind of what happened to me,'' said Couch. "You can do it without even noticing. You just kind of go out there and all of a sudden your arm is hurting so bad during practice that you just kind of alter it a little bit and the next thing you know that becomes a habit and you have to watch that.

"If I could go back and look at it again, I'd definitely not want to do that. I'd just want to take the necessary time off that's required to get myself healthy, where I could go out and throw with the mechanics and throwing motion that I was used to throwing with.''

Couch agrees with the Browns' strategy of not altering Manziel's mechanics, which vary from throw to throw.

"He's been throwing that way for a long time and he's got a lot of different releases it looks like,'' said Couch. "Sometimes he throws sidearm and other times he's over the top. It all depends on where he is in the pocket, if he's on the move, all of those kinds of things, but he uses a lot of different release points is what it looks like to me.''

Instead, Couch recommends resting it as much as possible.

"(Shutting him down) wouldn't be a bad idea if he's going to continue to have these flare-ups,'' said Couch. "This is the second one so far in camp. Once the season starts, I think it'll calm down for him since he's not going to be the starter. He won't be throwing. There's a lot less workload on his arm.''

Couch said he had to undergo constant treatment on his arm, including massage and ice to try to reduce the inflammation.

"I would take a couple of days off and then it would flare back up again,'' he said. "It was just one of those things I constantly battled and I couldn't really get under control. It's hard to take the time off and you don't want to miss time because you're obviously competing for a job and you want to be out there as much as possible.''

Fortunately for the Browns, Manziel isn't really competing for the starting job at this point and can afford to cut back on the reps. Pettine has already said he's comfortable with Manziel as the No. 2 and Josh McCown as the No. 1, even though he's not ready to declare McCown the opening-day starter.

If need be, the Browns could rest Manziel the final two preseason games and let Thad Lewis relieve McCown.

Based on the description of Manziel's condition, Dr. Bert Mandelbaum, orthopedic surgeon at the Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group in Santa Monica, Calif., said "it could be anything but I think the best clear way to describe it would be to overuse syndrome in the medial (inside) elbow.''

He said treatment "is a combination of cutting back a little bit, rest, ice, compression, elevation -- the old RICE -- and the possible the use if anti-inflammatories. I'm sure the Browns are using all kinds of modalities, ultrasound, stimulation.''

McCown said Monday "I know Johnny's in there all the time getting treatment and doing the things he can to help himself, too'' and Manziel said he ices the elbow after every practice.

Mandelbaum said, "I think the devil's in the details. Shutting a quarterback down usually comes as the consequence of a long story not a short story. With overuse syndrome, you've got to back off. You need to get this to quell. Ultimately it should respond to that and then you can move ahead.''

Mandelbaum observed that "if he didn't need an MRI, that's a good thing.''

By all accounts, Manziel's arm will be fine with a little rest, and it won't bother him once camp's over.

Couch, for one, certainly hopes that's the case.

Happy Birthday Timmy!!! Man if you could only come back to QB this team now. @timcouchtv pic.twitter.com/HA8YzdMzzY

-- JonnyO (@OzIsCTown) July 31, 2015

Carlos Carrasco, who leads the Indians in wins, received a cortisone shot in his right shoulder and will miss Tuesday's start against the Brewers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Despite all that has gone wrong with the Indians this season, they have been able to count on their top four starting pitchers through the first 125 games of the season.

Well, the streak has ended.

Carlos Carrasco will miss his scheduled start Wednesday night against Milwaukee because of bursitis in his right shoulder. Rookie right-hander Cody Anderson will start Wednesday.

Anderson was scheduled to make a rehab start for Class A Lake County on Monday night. He was scratched from that so he'd be available Wednesday.

The Indians have two options with Carrasco, who received an MRI and a cortisone shot. They can push him back a few days and see if he can take his next turn in the rotation. Or they can put him on the disabled list and make the move retroactive to Saturday, the day after he struck out 11 and allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings in a victory over the Yankees.

No matter what the Indians do, someone has to go on the disabled list to make room for Anderson. The Anderson-for-Carrasco move would seem to make the most sense, but manager Terry Francona said they'd wait to make a decision after Tuesday's game.

Carrasco is having a breakout season. He's already set career highs with 12 wins, 25 starts, 158 innings and 173 strikeouts.

Corey Kluber leads the rotation with 27 starts followed by Carrasco and Trevor Bauer with 25 each and 23 by Danny Salazar. When the Indians opened the season, Salazar was at Class AAA Columbus and didn't make his first start until April 18.

"When Carlos pitched in New York (Friday), he was just a little more sore than normal after the start," said Francona. "He threw his side session Monday and did fine, but we wanted to keep an eye on him because he said he felt something."

Francona was asked if bursitis had been a lingering problem for Carrasco.

"That would be hard to answer," said Francona. "The day after they pitch, a pitcher is pretty beat up. But he felt it a little bit more this time. Watching him throw his bullpen on Monday, he's OK.

"But he was a little bit stiff after. I'm glad they had the MRI. We'll see what happens tonight, but regardless of whether it's going to be two or three days or a couple of weeks, he's going to be fine."

Anderson has been on the disabled list with a strained left oblique. He faced the Brewers on July 22 at Miller Park and allowed four runs on 10 hit in 2 2/3 innings.

The Indians won the game, 7-5.

Anderson, instead of starting Monday for Lake County, threw a bullpen session. He said he feels fine and is ready to pitch. He was placed on the DL on Aug. 8 after lasting just 2 2/3 innings on Aug. 7 against the Twins.

Once bitten: Infielder Chris Johnson was finally able to grip a bat Monday and hit balls off a tee.

Johnson, acquired from Atlanta on Aug. 3 from Atlanta for Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn, suffered an apparent spider bite on his left thumb on Aug. 14 when the Indians were in Minneapolis.

The bite became infected and Johnson's thumb and hand swelled to the point where he couldn't grip a bat and had to be placed on the disabled list. He returned to Cleveland where the bite was drained twice.

"I ended up having an infection and they had to treat it with antibiotics," said Johnson. "The last two days I've finally been able to swing the bat."

Johnson, hitting .429 (9-for-21) since the Tribe, is eligible to come off the DL at the end of the month. Francona said they could wait until Sept. 1 when the rosters expand.

Finally: Right-hander Gavin Floyd will make his second rehab start Saturday when he pitches for Class AA Akron. Floyd is trying to bounce back after fracturing his right elbow in spring training. ... The Indians lead the big leagues with 528 hitless innings this season. Kluber leads all pitchers with 103 hitless innings. Five times he has taken a no-hitter into the sixth inning this season.

A look at field hockey golf, soccer, volleyball and tennis highlights in Northeast Ohio on Monday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Here are high school sports highlights from Tuesday. See below for information on how you team’s accomplishments can be recognized in these daily roundups.

FIELD HOCKEY

Hudson 1, Magnificat 0: Cassie Woodward had five saves and Katharine Murray's goal gave the Explorers the win. Kaitlin Hall had 12 saves for the Blue Streaks.

BOYS GOLF

Holy Name 163, Parma 196: Luke Volman was the low man for the Green Wave with a 37.

GIRLS GOLF

Hawken 192, Cuyahoga Heights 218: Isabella Joseph's 37 led the Hawks while Dorothy Lowenstein added a 47 and Ryan Covitt a 50. Taylor Wilson's 48 paced the Redskins.

Lutheran West 170, Bay 227: Samantha Burmeister carded a 38 and Maddie Thomas chipped in a round of 39 to lead the Longhorns.

BOYS SOCCER

Brush 3, Euclid 1: Ben Bolinger scored two second half goals and Bradley Heiss added a third to lift the Arcs past host Euclid. Mohammed Doumbia scored in the first half for the Panthers.

GIRLS SOCCER

Cleveland Heights 4, Chardon 1: Jayden Weaver scored twice while Soli Collins and Gwen Wright added single goals and Allegra Steiger dished out two assists for the Tigers. Chaaquia Daugherty scored a goal in the first half for the Hilltoppers.

GIRLS TENNIS

Laurel 4, Warren JFK 1: Gators' No. 2 singles player Rai Desai knocked off Maria Stroup in three sets 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Medina 4, Copley 1: Emily Speckman and Makayla Velic won singles matches for the Bees.

North Royalton 5, Lakewood 0: Alexa Baldari won in straight sets at No. 1 singles and Cassie Shokles did not surrender a game at No. 2 singles as the Bears shut out the Rangers.

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 3, Avon 2: Aburey Zahuranec and Kaitlin Millon rallied to earn a three-set win for the Lions against the Eagles' tandem of Rachel Lando and Mackenzie Kneiss 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Parma 3, John Marshall 2: Parma's Desiree Bell claimed a three-set win at No. 1 singles against Lucia Nbemba to lift the Redmen.

Twinsburg 5, Stow 0: Raman Bhambra won in three sets at No. 2 singles for the Tigers. Bhambra defeated Alexia Ostrander 10-6 in the final set to claim the match.

Wadsworth 4, Brunswick 1: Blue Devils No. 2 singles player Kayla Webb defeated Hannah Jarolim of Wadsworth in a three-set match 0-6, 6-2, 11-9.

VOLLEYBALL

Avon Lake 3, Avon 2: Emily Schillinger had 19 kills and seven blocks and Tate Rybarczyk added 16 kills for the Shoregals in a five-set Southwestern Conference win. Kaitlin Applegate added 28 assists for Avon Lake. Sydney Stone led Avon with nine kills while Domenica Marino had 22 assists.

Wadsworth 3, Stow 0: The Grizzlies picked up their first Suburban League win of the season as Olivia Chaney and Jodi Johnson had 12 kills each.

How your team can be included in these roundups

These roundups are based on box scores and game notes entered in cleveland.com’s database by school or team representatives. If your team is not participating in the box score program please contact your athletic director or coach and encourage them to do so. They can obtain instructions and database login information from High School Sports Manager Kristen Davis at kdavis@cleveland.com.

The RubberDucks (66-63) have lost seven straight and are now 7 1/2 games out of first in the Western Division of the Class AA Eastern League.

Leadoff hitter Bryson Myles hit for the cycle Tuesday night but he was unable to stop the RubberDucks' slide as Akron lost, 9-7, to the Thunder in Trenton, N.J.

Bryson MylesAkron RubberDucks 

The RubberDucks (66-63) have lost seven straight and are now 7 1/2 games out of first in the Western Division of the Class AA Eastern League.

Akron took a 3-1 lead in the second inning thanks in part to a two-run triple from Myles, then increased the lead to 4-1 in the third with an RBI single from outfielder Jordan Smith.

But Trenton scored four times in the bottom of the third off Akron starter Duke von Schamann to fall behind, 5-4.

A homer from Myles in the eighth inning completed his cycle and gave the RubberDucks a short-lived 7-6 lead. The Thunder scored three times in the bottom of the eighth off Akron reliever Casey Weathers (0-3, 2.55 ERA) and held on for the win.

Myles finished 4-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored. 

Von Schamann gave up six runs on 12 hits in 5 2/3 inning.  

Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley combined to go 9-for-12 with nine RBI and seven runs as the Indians defeated the Brewers, 11-6.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Left fielder Michael Brantley went 3-for-4 with two two-run homers as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Milwaukee Brewers, 11-6, Tuesday night at Progressive Field. Tribe designated hitter Jason Kipnis and shortstop Francisco Lindor each had three hits.

Here is a capsule look at the game after a DVR review of the Fox SportsTime Ohio telecast:

Back on track: The first game after a long trip can feel like an extension of the trip, but the Indians -- specifically, the offense -- did not play tired.

The Tribe rebounded from a 2-1 walkoff loss to the Cubs on Monday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Chicago was the fourth city on a trip that ended with five victories and six defeats.

Comfort zone, at last: The Indians (59-66) have won five of six at Progressive Field, where they are 25-34.    

Impressive streak: The Indians held a 13-7 advantage in hits. They have 10+ hits in eight consecutive home games for the first time since 1999 (eight).

Typically not a winning formula: The Indians prevailed despite allowing four homers, which drove in all of Milwaukee's runs.

Talented trio at the top: Tribe leadoff batter Kipnis, No. 2 Lindor and No. 3 Brantley were a combined 9-for-12 with two walks, one sacrifice, nine RBI and seven runs.

Other than that, they were quiet.

All three are batting above .300 for the season: Kipnis .324, Brantley .320, Lindor .306.

Kip it and rip it: Kipnis went 3-for-4 with two doubles (center, left), one walk, two RBI and three runs. He leads the American League with 17 games of three-plus hits.

The Brewers did not retire Kipnis until their 24th pitch to him, a good 3-2 breaking pitch from lefty Will Smith for called strike three in the eighth.

Worth the wait: Lindor, who seemingly has gotten better by the day since his promotion from Class AAA Columbus in mid-June, went 3-for-4 with three RBI, one run and one sacrifice bunt. He easily could have been 4-for-5 if not for Milwaukee third baseman Elian Herrera making a superb play to retire him on the bunt in the first.

Lindor notched two hits from the left side, one from the right.

Lindor is merely 10-for-16 in his past four games.

Smoothly done: Brantley secured his first multi-homer game of the season. He also singled. He scored three times.

In three games against the Brewers in 2015, Brantley is a combined 8-for-12 with three homers and eight RBI. The Milwaukee franchise, as Tribe fans have committed to memory, sent Brantley to Cleveland as the player to be named in the CC Sabathia trade in 2008.

Despite dealing with back and/or left shoulder discomfort for most of the season, Brantley is batting .320 with 38 doubles, 11 homers, 72 RBI, 55 runs and 14 steals.

At the close of all games Tuesday, Brantley was the only MLB player with a .300 average, 30+ doubles, 10+ homers, 70+ RBI, 50+ runs, 10+ steals and 50+ walks.

Excellence on display: In the fourth, Kipnis and Brantley showed for the umpteenth time why they are such good hitters.

Kipnis (leading off against righty Kyle Lohse) -- 87 fastball low; 77 changeup high and away; 77 changeup called strike; 83 low; 78 changeup called strike; 78 changeup foul; 88 fastball foul; 79 changeup high and outside, walk.

Skinny: Kipnis thought he had walked when the 3-1 changeup ran low, but umpire Tim Timmons reeled him back. Instead of getting frustrated and deviating from his plan, Kipnis went into protect mode and spoiled two pitches. Then he read ball out of Lohse's hand to draw the unselfish walk. 

(Francisco Lindor was called out on strikes. Timmons missed on the first-strike call; the pitch was several inches outside.)

Brantley (vs. Lohse) -- 77 changeup foul; 87 fastball inside; 76 changeup foul; 83 slider down and away; 84 slider foul; 87 fastball, homer to right-center.

Skinny: Brantley was in front on the first pitch and cued it foul near the third-base line. He spoiled a good slider, which bought him a look at a fastball over the plate above the belt. The blast expanded the Tribe's lead to 6-2.

Brantley improved to 5-for-7 with two homers career against Lohse.

More power from Smooth: For his second homer, which occurred in the eighth, Brantley did not wait more than the time it took for the first pitch to arrive from Smith. Brantley, having gone to school on the strikeout of Kipnis, pounced on a breaking pitch and smoked it high and deep to right-center to account for the final margin.

For naught: Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy went 3-for-4 with a solo homer, two-run homer and double.

G-Money: In the eighth, Tribe third baseman Giovanny Urshela added to his collection of scintillating defensive plays.

With a runner on first and none out, lefty Shane Peterson sent a two-hopper along the third-base line. Urshela picked it near the bag and, from foul territory, threw against his momentum to first baseman Carlos Santana, whose swipe-tag clipped Peterson's hip.

The play became that much more important when the next batter, Lucroy, hit a two-run homer to pull Milwaukee within 9-6.

Exclamation point: Tribe closer Cody Allen did not let a non-save situation adversely affect him. He struck out the side in a perfect ninth, throwing 9-of-13 strikes.

The earliest Carlos Carrasco could return from the disabled list would Sept. 6 against Detroit at Comerica Park because the Indians were able to back date his stay on the DL to Saturday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians have placed 12-game winner Carlos Carrasco on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder. They announced the move Tuesday night after their 11-6 victory over Milwaukee.

Rookie Cody Anderson will take Carrasco's spot in the rotation and start Wednesday night against the Brewers at Progressive Field.

Carrasco received an MRI on the shoulder Tuesday and a cortisone shot later in the day. Manager Terry Francona said Carrasco has bursitis in the shoulder.

"Carlos ended up getting a cortisone shot and we're going to put him on the DL," said Francona. "He'll be down for four or five days. Then he'll start throwing again. By all accounts, from talking to the doctor, he'll be fine.

"He just had some inflammation in there. This will knock it out and he'll be good to go."

Carrasco (12-9) has set career highs in victories, strikeouts, innings pitched and starts this season.

After his start Friday against the Yankees, Carrasco complained of stiffness in his right shoulder. The Indians were able to backdate Carrasco's stay on the DL to Saturday, which means the earliest he could return to the rotation would be Sept. 6 against Detroit at Comerica Park.

Michael Brantley, former Milwaukee Brewers farmhand, went 3-for-4 with a pair of two-run homers against his old team. Brantley homered in the fourth and eighth innings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Josh Tomlin walked the tightrope Tuesday night at Progressive Field.

In the Indians' 11-6 victory over Milwaukee, he was good and bad, but never in between.

Tomlin (2-1, 3.26) allowed three homers over six innings, but the Indians overwhelmed the Brewers with power of their own. Michael Brantley led the way with a pair of two-run homers against his old club. Brantley went 3-for-4 with four RBI.

Milwaukee's first two homers came in the first two innings as Jonathan Lucroy and Domingo Santana went deep on solo shots, but Milwaukee starter Wily Peralta saved Tomlin and the Indians. While Tomlin bounced between good and bad, Peralta (4-8, 4.55) did not have many good moments.

The Indians countered Lucroy and Santana homers with two runs each in the first two innings. Carlos Santana and Lonnie Chisenhall drove in runs in the first for a 2-1 lead. In the second, Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor drove in runs for a 4-2 lead.

Brantley, playing against the team that drafted and traded him to the Indians, hit a two-run homer in the fourth for a 6-2 lead. In three games against Milwaukee this year, Brantley is 8-for-12 with three homers and eight RBI.

The Indians made it 9-2 with three more runs in the fifth. Kipnis had an RBI single and Lindor doubled home the other two runs before getting thrown out trying to advance to third.

Tomlin, meanwhile, found his groove. Following Domingo Santana's homer in the second, Tomlin retired 12 straight before Lucroy doubled and Ryan Braun homered in the sixth to cut the Tribe's lead to 9-4.

Lucroy added his second homer of the game, a two-run shot in the eighth off Ryan Webb to make it 9-6. Brantley answered that in the eighth with his second two-run homer of the night.

The Tribe finished with 13 hits, including three each by Kipnis, Lindor and Brantley, the first three hitters in the lineup.

In six innings, Tomlin allowed four runs on five hits in six innings. He struck out seven and didn't walk a batter. Tomlin is 5-2 in 11 starts against NL teams.

Peralta allowed four runs, including two earned runs, on six hits in 2 2/3 innings.

What it means

The Indians (59-66) have won five of their last six games at home. They improved to 11-8 in interleague play this year and 11-12 in August.

The Brewers (53-73) have lost three straight and five of their last seven. They are 9-12 in August.

Three isn't a crowd

Kipnis had three hits in his first four plate appearances Tuesday as he hit consecutive doubles, walked and singled. It was the 17^th time this year Kipnis has had three or more hits in a game. He leads the big leagues in that category.

Three the easy way

Abraham Almonte tripled high off the wall in left center in the fifth inning. It was Almonte's third triple in 17 games since being acquired by the Indians on July 31. Kipnis leads the team with six triples in 109 games.

Thanks for coming

The Brewers and Indians drew 11,687 to Progressive Field on Tuesday night. Through 57 home dates, the Indians have drawn 1,085,495.

What's next?

Rookie right-hander Cody Anderson (2-3, 4.31) comes off the disabled list to face Milwaukee right-hander Jimmy Nelson (10-9, 3.60) on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. in the conclusion of this two-game series. SportsTime Ohio, WTAM and WMMS will carry the game.

Anderson is taking injured Carlos Carrasco's spot in the rotation. It will be his first start since Aug. 7 against the Twins.

Carrasco was placed on the disabled list after Tuesday's game.

Nelson, facing the Indians for the first time, is 7-1 with a 2.39 ERA in his last 11 starts. The Brewers are 13-12 in his starts this season.

Peyton Hillis had a magical year for the Cleveland Browns in 2010, then it was gone. Hillis still blames the Browns for that.

The ending of his Browns career was very painful to Peyton Hillis.John Kuntz, Northeast Ohio Media Group 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's so easy to become mad at the wrong people.

That's what I thought when reading the Bleacher Report story by Brad Gagnon on former Browns running back Peyton Hillis. Gagnon did a good job of not only drawing out Hillis, but also not leaving some of his claims unchallenged.

But this much is clear -- Hillis is still mad at the Browns for not giving him a contract extension after his superb 2010 season. That was the year he rushed for 1,117 yards and 13 touchdowns. He caught 61 passes. He was a fearless back who ran over some defenders, and jumped over others.

He was one of the most entertaining Browns players to watch since the team returned in 1999. He even made the cover of Madden 12.

Then Hillis wanted his money.

The Browns had some doubts about Hillis, everything from his durability to his maturity to his work ethic. They did offer him a multi-year deal, but much of it wasn't guaranteed.

The team knew that Hillis had a torn hamstring that ended his 2008 season in Denver. He had a concussion in 2009 in Denver.

Meanwhile, Hillis couldn't decide on an agent. He went through four in a 14-month period. To the Browns, he appeared immature as he kept changing agents. They also wondered how he'd handle the success of one good year. Finally, they had physical concerns.

They were not going to guarantee him a lot of money for some very sound football reasons.

"TURNED THE FANS AGAINST ME"

As Hillis looks back at his career, he claims the Browns convinced the media that he was a bad guy. And the media was critical of Hillis in 2011, which "turned the fans against me."

The sad part is how Hillis still misses the obvious point: If you want the fans to support you, play well.

Consider how Joshua Cribbs used his popularity to gain a contract extension in 2010. He did it with the same Mike Holmgren front office that was reluctant to pay Hillis. It happened because Cribbs had been productive for four consecutive seasons. The front office also knew Cribbs was durable and had an excellent attitude when it came to the thankless job of special teams.

The fans "turned against" Hillis because he stopped producing and even some of his teammates wondered if he was distracted by his contract situation.

Hillis had one good year in Cleveland. He was under contract for $550,000 in 2011. He would be a free agent after that year.

"I think they were just out to get me out of Cleveland," said Hillis.

Suppose he had another 1,000-yard rushing season in 2011. Fans would have demanded the Browns pay him. Entering 2011, he was the most popular player on the team. But then came a series of poor decisions, even though Hillis still doesn't see it that way.

Hillis opened the 2011 season with 57 yards rushing in 17 carries against the Bengals. Next was a vintage performance: 94 yards on 27 carries for two touchdowns, with four receptions as the Browns beat the Colts, 27-19.

At that point, I remember fans wanting the front office to get a contract extension done.

THE STREP THROAT

Then Hillis didn't play a home game against Miami. It was announced that he had a strep throat. He later admitted that his agent told him not to play because he was sick.

Now, he says he had a virus that caused him to lose 20 pounds. Maybe that was true. I don't know. It was never reported by the team as such. In 2011, Hillis never said anything about losing 20 pounds in a week.

Hillis skipping the Miami game appeared to be a power-play to secure a new contract. In his Bleacher Report interview, he is still fixated on not being paid by the Browns.

A lot of other messy stuff happened in 2011, not worth recounting.

Hillis said he played much of that season with a hamstring injury, and that was why he finished with only 587 yards (3.6 average) with three touchdowns. He tore a hamstring in 2008. He had a hamstring issue in 2007 while playing for the University of Arkansas.

He had other minor hamstring problems in 2009 and 2010, but played through them.

Many of his teammates wondered about if Hillis was serious about the game. Joe Thomas talked about Hillis being a "terrible distraction ... it was toxic."

THE BROWNS WERE RIGHT

The Browns offered a multi-year contract, but not with much money guaranteed beyond the first year and a signing bonus because they questioned his ability to stay healthy.

He left the Browns after 2011, and signed with Kansas City on a one-year, $2.8 million contract. He rushed for 309 yards in 13 games in 2012. In 2013 and 2014, he played a combined 16 games for the Giants. He rushed for 362 yards (3.7 average). He had two concussions.

So in three years after leaving Cleveland, he ran for 671 yards -- a 3.6 average. The injuries continued.

To be fair, he now praises the Browns fans. He still is upset with the former front office and how he was portrayed in the media. Now 29, he still lives in Arkansas. He is helping to coach a high school team in Siloam Springs.

Suppose the Browns had given him a long-term, lucrative deal. Would that have prevented the injuries and decline? That's a question Hillis was not asked -- and probably would prefer not to answer.

For one year, the Peyon Hillis Story was magic in Cleveland. But just like that, the magic was gone, and that's still very hard for Hillis to accept.

In seven big league seasons, the 42nd selection of the 2006 amateur draft racked up 133 saves and posted a 3.51 ERA, with 362 strikeouts in 379 1/3 innings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Three years ago, Chris Perez ventured to Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City to represent the Cleveland Indians in the All-Star Game.

It marked his second straight trip to the Midsummer Classic as part of the American League squad.

Three years later, the former Tribe closer, who ranks third in franchise history with 124 saves, has reportedly retired.

Perez was serving a 50-game suspension for drug use. In early July, he signed a minor-league contract with the Baltimore Orioles, who reportedly confirmed Perez's retirement to MASN on Wednesday.

#orioles confirm RHP chris perez retired. Was working out in sarasota

-- Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) August 26, 2015

The Indians acquired Perez from the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009 for infielder Mark DeRosa. He established himself as a core piece of Cleveland's bullpen the following season, as he posted a 1.71 ERA and assumed the role of closer from Kerry Wood.

Perez earned his first All-Star nod in 2011, a year in which he finished with a 3.32 ERA and 36 saves. He logged a 3.59 ERA and 39 saves in 2012.

He became as known for his brazenness and outspokenness as his conquests on the diamond. He questioned why the Indians often played in front of mostly abandoned seats and why the Browns attracted larger crowds. He challenged members of the Kansas City Royals. He made headlines in 2013 when a package containing marijuana arrived at his doorstep.

Perez lost his grip on the ninth-inning duties as the Indians rallied to qualify for the wild card at the end of the 2013 campaign. Four weeks after Cleveland bowed out of the postseason, the Indians severed ties with the right-hander. He latched on with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a year and signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in February, but he started the year in Triple-A Colorado Springs. He opted out of his contract in late April and signed with Baltimore about two months later.

In seven big-league seasons, the 42nd selection of the 2006 amateur draft racked up 133 saves and posted a 3.51 ERA, with 362 strikeouts in 379 1/3 innings.

Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed report on what happened in Berea Wednesday. Also, video with Mike Pettine on Johnny Manziel's elbow. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed take a look what happened in Berea during practice on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 as they get ready for the game in Tampa Bay Saturday. 

Topics include:

• Head Coach Mike Pettine says they are going to shut down quarterback Johnny Manziel because of his sore right elbow.
• Browns will probably look to sign a new quarterback because Connor Shaw is also injured.
• Manziel has had a problem with his elbow since high school due to his three-quarter release when throwing.
• An MRI showed there was no structural damage to the elbow.
• Thad Lewis will now be the backup quarterback until Manziel returns.
• On a positive note, wide receiver Terrelle Pryor returned to practice from his hamstring and hopes to play Saturday.

On Twitter: @CLEvideos

On Facebook: CLEvideos

Wide receiver Noah Brown, who was expected to be a main contributor in Ohio State's offense this fall, suffered what appeared to be a major leg injury, a source close to the situation told Northeast Ohio Media Group. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's wide receiver situation was already in doubt for the season-opener at Virginia Tech with the suspensions of Corey Smith, Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson. 

On Wednesday night, things got a little more complicated. 

* See Twitter reaction after Buckeyes WR Noah Brown's leg injury 

That's because wide receiver Noah Brown, who was expected to have a major role in Ohio State's offense this fall, suffered a serious leg injury, multiple sources told Northeast Ohio Media Group. 

* UPDATE: Ohio State confirms Brown out for season

The sources said Brown was attempting a catch when he awkwardly fell on his leg. A pop sound was heard, which indicated that the injury is serious. 

Ohio State's wide receivers room under Zach Smith was once very crowded, but now there's uncertainty, at least for the opener. The Buckeyes should be fine once  Marshall, Corey Brown and Wilson return, but Brown was supposed to one of the biggest playmakers. 

Brown's buzz was very high in the spring, at the end of which Urban Meyer went as far to say that his spot in the rotation was "solidified." 

A 6-foot-2, 222-pound sophomore, Brown apparently rolled that momentum into fall camp, as cornerback Eli Apple sang his praises earlier in the week. 

"I'd say Noah Brown is probably the most improved receiver right now," Apple said. "There was a point early in camp when nobody could cover him because he's really physical and so good with his hands. He chases everything." 

Ohio State's final media availability before Meyer's press conference to preview the Virginia Tech game was scheduled for Wednesday evening. However, when reporters arrived, the interviews were abruptly cancelled. 

Wide receivers and defensive linemen were scheduled to meet with the media, and Brown likely would have been one of the players made available. 

An Ohio State spokesperson said he'd have more on the situation -- which at the time was unknown -- when he was able to provide information. 

The Buckeyes players walked somberly into the locker room following practice, many of whom hit Twitter to express their concern for Brown. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's wide receivers room suffered a big blow Wednesday when sophomore wideout Noah Brown suffered what seems to be a major knee injury. 

* Noah Brown, Ohio State sophomore wide receiver, suffers leg injury in practice

The Buckeyes players walked somberly into the locker room following practice, many of whom hit Twitter to express their concern. 

Below are some of the Tweets Brown's teammates posted shortly after his injury. 

This is not our plan... This is God's plan. Have to have #Faith in His plan and stay true to Him - It will all work out in the end. [?] [?]

-- Zach Smith #Zone6 (@CoachZachSmith) August 26, 2015

I'm not going to give up my faith, I know the Lord has something greater for you. Just a bump in the road we have to overcome together... NB

-- Mike Thomas (@Cantguardmike) August 26, 2015

Count yo blessings at all times NB I got bro [?] [?] [?]

-- Corey Smith Jr (@dreamchaser_cj5) August 26, 2015

[?] [?] NB

-- Bri'onte Dunn (@DunnItAlready25) August 26, 2015

We work too damn hard for this...

-- Darron Lee (@DLeeMG8) August 26, 2015

Prayers for a brother

-- Taylor Decker (@TDeck68) August 26, 2015

[?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?]

-- Jamarco Jones (@jjones_74) August 26, 2015

[?] [?] #NB

-- BRAXTON MILLER (@BraxtonMiller5) August 27, 2015

Prayers sent to my brother NB.80 and his family.. [?]

-- Donovan Munger (@DMunger_95) August 27, 2015

#PrayersForNB

-- Jt Barrett (@JT_theQB4th) August 27, 2015

NB.80 [?] [?]

-- Warren Ball Jr. (@WarrenB_) August 27, 2015

Head still going crazy man bro put so much work in man that just shows you how quickly things can turn on you #PrayersForNB #Zone6

-- Johnnie Dixon (@MakeHistory_JD) August 27, 2015

Carlos Carrasco was officially placed on the disabled list Wednesday with a sore right shoulder, but is expected to pitch again before the end of the season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Right-hander Carlos Carrasco's trip to the disabled list does not mean he's made his final start of the year.

Carrasco, scheduled to start Wednesday night against the Brewers, was placed on the DL with a sore right shoulder. The move was retroactive to Saturday, which means he could be activated as early as Sept. 6.

"Oh, heck, yeah," said manager Terry Francona when asked if Carrasco would pitch again before the end of the season. "He threw a complete bullpen (session) on Monday in Chicago and he threw the ball really well.

"We were going to back him up a couple of days, but once they decided to inject him (cortisone shot) that made it easy to DL him. He'll be fine."

Carrasco is 12-9 with a 3.53 ERA in 25 starts. Rookie right-hander Cody Anderson started in his place Wednesday.

Here are some other updates on injured Indians pitchers:

The cast and sling are gone from Nick Hagadone's left elbow.

"Basically, the first six weeks is trying to get my range of motion back," said Hagadone. "I'm waiting for the bone to heal, so there's not really much else to do except the range of motion exercises."

Hagadone fractured a bone in his left elbow during a rehab appearance at Class A Mahoning Valley. He had a screw inserted in the elbow to help heal the fracture.

"I don't feel pain," said Hagadone, who made 36 appearances with the Indians this season. "I just have to wear this brace, just to protect it and to remind me not to pick anything up or do anything stupid."

Hagadone underwent surgery on July 23 to repair a fracture of the left medial epicondyle bone. Recovery time is six to nine months.

Gavin Floyd, who fractured the olecranon bone in his right elbow in spring training, is scheduled to throw three innings Saturday for Class AA Akron in a rehab appearance.

Floyd, who has fractured the same bone in his elbow for the second straight year, threw a bullpen session at Progressive Field on Wednesday.

"He'll throw three innings Saturday and then we'll reconvene after that," said Francona. "He's doing real well. His velocity is good and he's feeling great.

"We'll sit down with him after that and figure where we go from there. We've got to figure out do we continue to stretch him out (as a starter) or bring him here (to the big league club) and let him pitch out of the bullpen.

Said Floyd, "I feel good, but I need to talk to them to see where we go from here."

The Indians signed Floyd to a one-year, $4 million deal in December.

New frontiers: Lonnie Chisenhall's career as an outfielder continues to progress. Chisenhall, the Tribe's opening day third baseman, made his 18^th start in right field Wednesday night since being recalled from Class AAA Columbus.

Chisenhall is hitting .387 (24-for-62) with two homers and 11 RBI since rejoining the Indians on July 30 following the trade of Brandon Moss.

"He gets to balls pretty well, especially coming in," said Francona. "He gets behind the ball fine. His throws are very natural.

"We sent him to Triple-A and the hope was he'd come back and help us. That's what we're seeing."

Locker room on wheels: Two-wheel, battery-powered, personal transportation devices have overrun the Tribe's locker room. It's like Marty McFly from Back To The Future has taken over the clubhouse.

Several players have them and they hover and roll around the locker room at home and on the road.

This means WAR: Here are the Indians leaders in WAR, wins above replacement from baseball-reference.com: Jason Kipnis 4.9, Carrasco 3.9, Corey Kluber 3.6, Michael Brantley 3.5, Danny Salazar 2.4, Chisenhall 1.9, Trevor Bauer 1.2, Roberto Perez 1.1 and Bryan Shaw 1.0.

Finally: The Indians moved into a tie for fourth place in the AL Central with Detroit following Tuesday's victory over Milwaukee. It's the first time they've been out of last place since July 24. The Indians have never been higher than third in the division this year. ... The Tribe and Brewers took batting practice inside Wednesday because of a threat of rain. ... Brandon Saad of the Columbus Blue Jackets threw out the first pitch. ... First baseman Chris Johnson (infected left hand) will go on rehab assignment at on Friday. Johnson went on the DL because of a spider bite.

Browns coach Mike Pettine still doesn't believe that Johnny Manziel's elbow soreness will be a long-term thing. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio --  Mike Pettine revealed Wednesday that Johnny Manziel has been dealing with elbow soreness since high school from his three-quarter release, but the Browns aren't 'overly alarmed' about it.

In hopes of preventing it from becoming a chronic issue, the Browns will likely shut him down for awhile and give the elbow a chance to heal. What's more they might add another quarterback to get them through at least the rest of the preseason. Free agent Pat Devlin, the former Dolphins backup, will come to town Thursday for a physical and will likely sign if he passes it.

"We did (do an MRI),'' Pettine said. "We didn't think there was anything structural. This is something that he's been dealing with since high school so we just wanted to confirm that there wasn't anything structural and that's the case, so the MRI was certainly a positive result."

Pettine said the team isn't worried because Manziel has always been able to play through the occasional flare-ups. He also had the issue at Texas A&M, but it didn't stop him from winning the Heisman Trophy.

 "He's managed it, and I just think he just went a little bit too far with it,'' said Pettine. "Could he play if he had to? More than likely he could. But why do that in the preseason? If this was the regular season it might be a different story. But we just want to be cautious and not have it develop into something that can continue to bother him throughout the year.''

Pettine believes the pain will decrease along with his pitch count.

"His reps will go down,'' said Pettine. "Depending on how we construct the roster, just the volume of throws that he will get during the season will go down from training camp. And then it's something where if it's managed properly from a training room standpoint, a strength and conditioning standpoint and he's aware of it and the coaches are aware of it, as long as there's nothing structural, we don't see it as anything that is long term." 

Manziel, who sat out practice Aug. 11 with the soreness, felt something in practice Sunday after completing a deep ball to Josh Lenz. He came off the field pointing to the inside of his elbow, and later flexed his fingers as he explained the discomfort to quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell. He's rested it the past three days, including Wednesday's practice when he threw with lefthanded in warmups.

"I'm not sure whether there was one throw that did it,''  said Pettine. "I doubt it. As Flip (coach John DeFilippo) talked about, sometimes when a guy drops the elbow and has that three-quarter release, it's going to put a little bit more pressure on the elbow than it is on the shoulder.

"I asked him the other day whether he felt he threw more in this year's camp than he did a year ago, and he felt it was about the same. But it's something that flared up, and we're dealing with it. We're going to be cautious and just not overly alarmed about it. But we just want to handle it smartly."

Pettine said Manziel will likely sit out Saturday night's dress rehearsal game in Tampa while Josh McCown and Thad Lewis split the game. McCown will likely play into the third quarter, and Lewis will finish out the game. Pettine said if he signs another quarterback before then, he probably won't play this game. He could, however, play the final preseason tuneup in Chicago Sept. 3. The Browns are also without quarterback Connor Shaw, who underwent surgery Aug. 18th to repair ligament damage in his right thumb.

"(Manziel) still experienced a little bit of soreness,'' said Pettine. "It hasn't bounced all the way back. He didn't throw (Wednesday) and we're going to err on the side of caution and probably make a decision later today, meet with (trainer) Joe (Sheehan) and the docs and get a feel for what's the best course of action at this point: do we shut him down for the rest of the week?

"So we'll make that decision later today, whether or not to add an extra arm, those are all things, after this, I'm going to head up and hopefully hash through that."

The Browns had hoped that Manziel, who usually bounces back quickly from the  would be back throwing today after two days' rest.

"It hasn't come back as quickly as we had hoped and like I said, to be cautious, we didn't want to rush him back for a preseason game and then have it be something that's chronic throughout the season,'' he said. 

Pettine said the Browns will mull over the list of available quarterbacks, which includes Thigpen,  former Browns quarterbacks Jason Campbell and Josh Johnson, and Devlin, who's the only free agent currently scheduled to visit.

Pettine also re-iterated that wide receiver Terrelle Pryor, the former NFL quarterback under DeFilippo in Oakland, will not switch back to quarterback while Manziel heals. Pryor returned to practice Wednesday after missing most of camp with his hamstring injury. He re-aggravated it Aug. 17th in a joint practice against the Bills, and Pettine has said the clock is ticking on his chances to make the team.

"We're really looking at him right now as a wide receiver,'' Pettine said Monday.  "If he does make it, it is nice knowing that you have that skillset. It is dangerous when you start to think we could still let him dabble back at quarterback. He has to prove that he can make it as a wideout first. That is a potential benefit down the road."

Manziel's arm flared up three days after he wowed the FirstEnergy Stadium crowd with his 11-play, 96-yard touchdown drive in a 11-10 loss to the Bills. But Pettine stopped short of saying it's frustrating.

 "Yeah, that's a strong word,'' he said. "I just see it as a minor setback. If this was something he hadn't experienced before and the MRI showed some damage, I mean I'd be a lot more concerned, but this being something that he's dealt with before, we're confident that just shutting it down for just a little bit longer it will all come back. We're very pleased with where he is and I just see it as a minor setback."

Former Browns quarterback Tim Couch, who battled tendinitis throughout his NFL career, told Northeast Ohio Media Group Tuesday that Manziel should shut it down for as long as he can so he doesn't suffer secondary injuries like he did. Couch attributes his two career-ending shoulder surgeries to recurring elbow pain that caused him to alter his throwing motion.

"For me I started changing where I was delivering the ball from because I was having so many issues with the elbow,'' he said. "I had two shoulder surgeries (to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff)  after that, and it all kind of started in my elbow. ...Really, the only way to heal it is to take time off and not use it. It's just tough to get it healthy and get the inflammation down.''

Pettine stressed that the Browns have no plans to change Manziel's three-quarter release -- which somewhere before an overhand throw and a sidearm toss -- which puts undue strain on the elbow.

"I think that's an advantage that he has,'' said Pettine. "There are times he'll change his arm angle to make a throw. If you stick with your traditional throwing motion, the ball's either going to get knocked down, (or) you've got a guy in your way, you've got an outstretched arm, you want to go ahead and drop the ball down a little bit and make a throw.''

The soreness is a concern, because Manziel was taking only the second-team reps in camp and four quarterbacks were dividing the workload before Shaw suffered the thumb injured Aug. 13th. As a starter, he'd be getting many more reps.

But fortunately for the Browns, he wasn't really battling for the starting job and should have plenty of time to rest. Once the regular season starts,  the backup quarterback primarily runs the scout team and gets very few reps with the ones.

Now, with Manziel dealing with the flare-up, McCown can be penciled in as the opening-day starter for Sept. 13 against the Jets, even though Pettine isn't ready to name him yet.

Browns receiver Terrelle Pryor will try to test his strained hamstring in Tampa Saturday night. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Terrelle Pryor returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis and is aiming to play for the first time Saturday night in Tampa.

 "We had him on a count,'' said Pettine. "He got to his number and we shut him down, but it was good to have him out there.''

Pettine is cautiously optimistic that Pryor will be able to take some reps against the Bucs in the dress rehearsal game Saturday night.

"Hopeful is a good word,'' he said. "We'll see how he responded to the work today coming off of the off day. It wasn't ideal to have guys back and have the field be slick, but there weren't any issues with it. Hopefully we can get him out there (Thursday) tomorrow and if he makes it through (Thursday) he should be good to go for Saturday."

Pettine said Pryor has an edge in learning the multitude of route variations because he's experienced it from the throwing end.

"Having been a quarterback, he's had to know a lot of it, not physically perform it but at least be aware of it,'' said Pettine. "I think he is at a bit of an advantage. It's not like a defensive back or a running back or other position that is trying to make that conversion." 

In Tampa, Pettine wants Pryor to "go out and do his job. Go in the huddle, hear the play, know how to get lined up, execute it. If he gets the chance to be productive, make a play but we just want to see him function as a wide receiver.''

And even though Johnny Manziel's sore elbow needs a break and the Browns might sign a quarterback to at least get them through the rest of preseason, Pettine's sticking to his guns and not letting Pryor take a bite from the forbidden quarterback tree.

"No,'' he said when asked if that's on the table.

Reinforcements

Pryor wasn't the only member of the bike brigade back on the field and gearing up for the Bucs. Starting cornerback Joe Haden returned from his hamstring injury and starting free safety Tashaun Gipson came back from his calf, meaning they'll likely see some action Saturday night.

Others, such as cornerback Pierre Desir (hamstring), running back Duke Johnson (hamstring) and receiver Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) are almost full-go and will likely play. Fullback Malcolm Johnson (shoulder) is out of the red caution jersey.
 "It was encouraging to see a lot of those guys back out there,'' said Pettine.

Brown was injured late in Wednesday's practice. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State sophomore receiver Noah Brown will miss the entire 2015 season with a broken leg, Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer confirmed to Northeast Ohio Media Group on Wednesday night.

A statement from Ohio State said Brown will have surgery Thursday, Meyer told NEOMG that he expects Brown to make a full recovery.

Brown suffered the injury near the end of Wednesday's practice. Sources close to the situation confirmed the news of Brown's injury to NEOMG earlier Wednesday evening.

Ohio State cancelled interviews with Buckeyes' receivers and defensive linemen after Wednesday's practice. It's likely Brown would've been a popular player there, because coaches and teammates have been talking him up since the spring.

He was among a group of players expected to contend for a spot with the first-team receivers. The 6-foot-2, 222-pound sophomore had slimmed down this season, coming in about 25 pounds lighter.

He was making strides in training camp before suffering the injury.

"I'd say Noah Brown is probably the most improved receiver right now," cornerback Eli Apple said. "There was a point early in camp when nobody could cover him because he's really physical and so good with his hands. He catches everything."

Brown's teammates took to Twitter after Wednesday's practice to wish him good luck in his recovery.

LeBron James sold his Miami mansion to some Florida real estate developers for $13.4 million.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James sold his Miami mansion for $13.4 million to Florida real estate developers, according to multiple reports.

The sale, first reported by TheRealDeal.com, a South Florida real estate site, was for $1.6 million less than James was asking for the 12,178-square-foot property, but $4.4 million more than he paid when he moved from Northeast Ohio to Miami in 2010.

The listing agent for the property did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

The home, nestled in Miami's opulent Coconut Grove neighborhood, was purchased by Timo (not Mozgov) and Nathalia Kipp. It sat on the market since last October, after James had already moved back to Ohio to rejoin the Cavaliers after four years with the Miami Heat.

Originally listed for $17 million, James was forced to drop his asking price by $2 million to get potential buyers in the door. The home was under contract since June.

Here's a rundown of the house, from the real estate listing:

"Overlooking the open bay, the King's palace is the most opulent estate in Miami. The contemporary compound features chef's kitchen, sommelier's wine cellar, office, custom theater, generator, guest home & private master rooftop sun deck. Glass doors open to covered terraces throughout. Luxurious outdoor living; summer kitchen, 4500 sf entertainment space, infinity edge pool & concrete dock for two 60' yachts. Walled, gated private estate with state-of-the-art security system, security quarters & more."

There are potential short- and long-term implications with Johnny Manziel's elbow issues. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio - A right elbow hasn't made so much news in Cleveland since LeBron James was shooting foul shots left-handed in the 2010 NBA playoffs.

Five years later, his friend and business partner Johnny Manziel possesses the most widely discussed synovial hinge joint in town. For the second time in two weeks, the Browns' backup quarterback is missing practice reps with a sore elbow. On this occasion, at the very least it's likely to cost him a chance to play Saturday night in Tampa against the Buccaneers.

Coach Mike Pettine termed it a "minor setback" and that the Browns intend to proceed with caution. The remarks come two days after Pettine expressed hope in Manziel's ability to suit up versus the Bucs.

At this point, there are few certainties surrounding his condition other than an MRI revealed no structural damage, according to the team, and drama remains embedded in Manziel like a microchip in the family schnauzer. Even as No. 2 appears on his best behavior and is making incremental progress, there's always something with Johnny.

The Browns are downplaying the severity of Manziel's elbow issues, which Pettine revealed date to his playing days in high school. That's their prerogative, but the club also is potentially one Josh McCown mishap away from Thad Lewis as its starter.

The well-traveled Lewis likened himself to an "iguana" Wednesday because he's had to adjust and adapt to different NFL environs. Just a guess but a few Browns coaches and management types might turn a bright shade of green if they had to rely on Lewis for an extended stretch. The organization is down to two healthy quarterbacks with the loss of Connor Shaw (thumb) and probably will be forced to sign another journeyman from an unappealing list of candidates unless they opt to return receiver Terrelle Pryor to his natural position.

"Like I said, we're going to be cautious and (we're) not overly alarmed about it, we just want to handle it smartly," Pettine said.

But there are potential short- and long-term implications for Manziel and the Browns, regardless of how the club wants to portray it.

The backup quarterback had demonstrated encouraging improvement in recent weeks. Not enough to question McCown's place atop the depth chart, but enough to validate the decision to stick with him through the off-field turmoil of his rookie season. Manziel will miss valuable reps against the Bucs and perhaps an opportunity to start versus the Bears in the preseason finale. You hate to see the kid lose any momentum he's worked so hard to create since leaving rehab in the spring.

There's also the matter of how much to use McCown on Saturday in the dress rehearsal. If Manziel were healthy, the club probably would have no reservations playing the 36-year-old starter into the third quarter. He needs the work in a new system and a chance to jell with receiver Dwayne Bowe and running back Duke Johnson, who missed the first two preseason games nursing hamstring injuries.

Can the Browns afford to play McCown for two-plus quarters knowing the options behind him? Maybe. Maybe not.

Pettine told reporters Manziel has dealt with elbow problems since his prep days presumably to reassure the public the quarterback knows how to manage them. Before criticizing the organization for drafting a quarterback with a history of arm ailments it's important to note he never missed a game at Texas A&M due to the elbow. And, among the catalog of concerns about selecting him No. 22 overall, health seemed well down list behind excessive partying, improvisational playing style, transitioning from a spread offense and general skullduggery.

Perhaps, a few days or weeks of rest are all Manziel requires. Or, maybe a few bottles of Recovery Water from Russell Wilson's private stock. But Manziel's penchant for using a three-quarters release has been mentioned by the Browns as a possible reason for the soreness, and there are no plans to alter his mechanics.

It's not a stretch for some to see how the elbow tenderness could become a lingering issue. Former Browns quarterback Tim Couch told NEOMG's Mary Kay Cabot that his recurring elbow pain led to shoulder problems and career-ending surgeries.

Such fears are premature, but let's not act as if concern is unwarranted. Twice in the past few weeks we've seen Manziel doing little more in practice than handing off and throwing left-handed.

LeBron can get away with using his left hand in a game. Not so for Manziel, even if he were 6-foot-8.

Johnny Drama is back and, for now, weeks' worth of progress is nervously on hold.

Thaddeus Lewis is likely to lead the second team during Saturday night's preseason game in Tampa Bay. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Thaddeus Lewis' journey since starting the final game of the 2012 season for the Cleveland Browns has taken him to Detroit, Buffalo and Houston. He's one hit away from starting another game for the Browns -- at least for now.

Lewis, signed in the off-season to compete with Connor Shaw for the team's third quarterback spot, seems likely to handle most of the second-team duties during Saturday night's preseason game against Tampa Bay. Backup quarterback Johnny Manziel is dealing with an elbow issue that has prevented him from throwing in practice since Sunday.

"He's great in the meeting room," said head coach Mike Pettine following Wednesday's practice. "I was with him in Buffalo, won some games for us then. I know he's a competitor. He's tough. He'll thrive in pressure situations."

Lewis, 27, started five games for the Bills in 2013. He went 2-3 in those starts, completing 59.2 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for a touchdown.  

Lewis was asked if those games in Buffalo were a learning experience.

"No doubt about it," Lewis said. "Being able to start five games, three in a row, then coming back, playing two in a row. Just coming in, having to learn the offense in six weeks and going out and playing on Sundays was a lot of pressure."

Those five starts represent all but one of Lewis' career starts. The other was that 2012 season finale in which Lewis threw for 204 yards in a 24-10 loss in Pittsburgh.

"Experience is one key," Lewis said when asked what makes him a better quarterback now. "Being able to play in different systems and knowing, being able to adjust and adapt.

"That's kind of like, you look at iguanas, they kind of turn colors. They adjust and adapt everywhere they're at. So everywhere I've been I've had to adjust and adapt. So that's just the thing about it. Adjusting and adapting and taking advantage of your opportunities when they come."

"We're comfortable with where Thad is and because of -- it's an advantage to him -- because of Connor (Shaw) first of all and now Johnny  -- he's going to get the chance to get some quality reps," Pettine said. "We'll have a good sense where Thad is coming out of these next two weeks. This next week, really."

One thing Lewis has learned in his NFL journey -- the past doesn't matter.

"It's what you've done for me lately," Lewis said. "I haven't done nothin' in 2014. Now you have an opportunity in 2015. It's what you can do for me now. It's what have you done lately. So this is the chance to show people what you can do."

Closer Jeff Johnson earned his 23rd save of the season.

Outfielder Nellie Rodriguez hit a two-run homer and reliever Jeff Johnson earned his 23rd save, spurring the Akron RubberDucks to a 5-3 victory Tuesday night over the Thunder in Trenton, N.J., and ending a seven-game losing streak.

Jeff JohnsonAkron RubberDucks 

The RubberDucks entered the fifth inning tied, 2-2. With one out, Thunder right-hander Matt Wotherspoon hit Bryson Myles with a pitch. Myles then stole second and third, giving him 20 steals on the season.

Carlos Moncrief walked, then Myles scored after Wotherspoon (1-1, 7.84 ERA) delivered a wild pitch to designated hitter Bradley Zimmer.

After Zimmer flied out, Rodriguez smacked a homer to left-center field to give Akron a 5-2 lead.

Myles finished 2-for-4 with two RBI, while third baseman Justin Toole was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Akron right-hander D.J. Brown (1-2, 5.19 ERA) got his first win, giving up three runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four.

Johnson pitched a scoreless ninth, giving up one hit and lowering his ERA to 1.17. 

The RubberDucks (67-63) are in third place in the Western Division of the Class AA Eastern League, 7 1/2 games behind the first-place Bowie Baysox.