Cleveland Browns DT Phil Taylor Injures Pectoral Muscle While Lifting Weights
In a potentially big blow to the defensive line, Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor injured his left pectoral muscle on Thursday while lifting weights.
Fearing that it is a torn pectoral, which would need surgery, Taylor is undergoing an MRI to determine the extent of the damage. The Browns have announced that Taylor will be further evaluated on Monday to determine his course of treatment.
The injury is a huge loss for the defensive line, even with the selection of defensive tackle John Hughes in the third round of last month’s draft. Taylor was efficient in 2011, playing in all 16 games and finishing with 59 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble.
Browns fans will remember that linebacker D’Qwell Jackson tore each of his pectoral muscles in consecutive years (2009 and 2010) before making his comeback in 2011. The recovery time can vary on an injury like this, ranging anywhere from fourth months to a year. If there is any positive to be taken from this, it’s that the injury happened early and Taylor might be able to return at some point during the 2012 season.