Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor suffered a torn pectoral muscle during offseason workouts and is expected to miss most if the 2012 NFL season. The big problem for the Browns is figuring out who will replace him in the lineup, as Tony Grossi of ESPN explains.
Phil Taylor Expected To Miss Most Of 2012 Season
Taylor's torn pectoral muscle will keep him out a minimum of six months. At the very least, somebody else will play the tackle position next to Ahtyba Rubin for the first 12 games. Scott Paxson is the veteran backup who will probably open OTAs as the starter. Rookie draft picks John Hughes and Billy Winn have a chance to beat him out as the starter. Winn is more suited to the position but is 30 pounds lighter than Taylor. Signing a veteran replacement seems like a good idea.
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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