Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine said Wednesday he can sense Johnny Manziel’s frustration as a backup quarterback.

Pettine said that’s understandable, given the rookie is a competitor who is accustomed to producing on the field.

Manziel has been “quiet” around the facility lately, according to Pettine.

“That’s a position that can be frustrating,” Pettine said Wednesday. “He’s preparing like a starter. It can happen in a span of one play. He has to be ready to go, has to be prepared. There’s no reason to believe that he’s not.”

Manziel is the only first-round quarterback from the rookie class who is not currently playing, taking a backup role in the first seven games to starter Brian Hoyer.

Pettine said going from being an SEC star at Texas A&M and former Heisman Trophy winner to “standing there having to watch” is a difficult transition.

“The competitor he is is one of the biggest reasons we brought him here,” Pettine said. “If he didn’t feel (frustrated), I’d be shocked.”

Manziel has supported Hoyer, who has guided the Browns to a 4-3 record while throwing for eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

Pettiine admits there is the unknown about Manziel until he gets in more snaps on Sundays.

“Brian’s our starting quarterback. That’s a difficult thing to say, ‘Let’s just go ahead,'” Pettine said. “All the games are meaningful. If it ever gets to the point where we’re potentially up big, down big, or if there’s a situation that calls for him to go in, we’ll get an opportunity to see him.

“But there’s a lot of football left to be played. You’re looking for an evaluation at some point, but I don’t think you can force it.

“Who gives us best chance to win today? We’ll worry about tomorrow down the road.”

The Browns face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-6) on Sunday.

Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans, a former Texas A&M teammate, understands Manziel’s frustration.

“He’s the ultimate competitor,” Evans said. “I know he wants to be out there bad, but he’ll do whatever the team needs him to do — sit back and learn or whatever they have him do, he’s going to do it. He’s a team player.”