Phil Taylor Injury: Browns DT will return Week 9

Taylor suffered the injury in May when he was lifting weights, and he underwent surgery to repair the torn muscle on May 16. Originally, it was believed that Taylor could miss up to 12 games, but Taylor will only miss eight games after a quick recovery.

Cleveland drafted Taylor with the No. 21 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Baylor University. Taylor was named to the Pro-Football Weekly All-Rookie team in 2011.

The Browns desperately miss Taylor’s presence on the interior of their defensive line. The Browns rank near the bottom in every major defensive statistical category, including 29th in total defense and 27th in run defense. Taylor’s return to the defensive front would immediately help the rush defense

Taylor had 59 tackles and four sacks during his rookie season in 2011. He was the 21st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Baylor.

Taylor has not been ruled out for the season, so he could return to the rotation at defensive tackle in the final four games, which could be a big boost if the Browns are making a playoff push.

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Both head coach Pat Shurmur and team president Mike Holmgren remain confident that Taylor can return before the end of the 2012 season. The report cites a source who says that the Browns expect him to “have a significant impact on the team this season.”

Taylor tore his pectoral muscle last week during an offseason workout at the team’s facility. The usual recovery time for such an injury is four to six months, which could put Taylor back in action as soon as September.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer, Taylor suffered a torn left pectoral muscle while lifting weights and will undergo surgery next week to repair the injury. Browns coach Pat Shurmer confirmed the news.

The Browns will hope that Taylor will still be able to return during 2012 and have an impact in his sophomore season.