Cleveland Browns reinforcement on the way at linebacker

Linebacker has been a sore subject with the Cleveland Browns for the past two seasons but they at least got some good news with Jacob Phillips coming off the IR on Monday

Over the past two seasons, the linebacker position has been considered a glaring weakness for the Cleveland Browns. And before the 2021 season began, the spot took a big hit when second-year player Jacob Phillips was sidelined with a torn biceps.

Phillips was placed on the IR and had to have surgery to fix the muscle. At the time, the expectation was that he would miss the entire season.

However, that might not be the case as Cleveland announced on Monday that Phillips will be activated from the injured reserve.

Phillips was a third-round pick out of LSU last season and showed plenty of promise despite not playing a full season. Hampered by injuries as a rookie as well, Phillips played in just nine games while recording 25 tackles.

He had 10 of those tackles in the Browns Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers which allowed them to head into the playoffs.

Cleveland Browns linebackers will have plenty of speed now

Coming into the NFL in 2020, Jacob Phillips posted a 4.66 in the 40-yard dash. That’s not exactly mind-blowing but it’s also not terrible for a linebacker.

With that being said, Phillips plays much faster when he’s on the field. He’s been able to keep up with running backs and tight ends when asked and gave the defense someone capable of making plays all over the field last year.

Now with him set to return before the season ends, we will get to see this unit with Phillips and rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on the field together.

JOK has been lightning in a bottle for the Browns as he’s been flying from one sideline to the other in recent weeks. He’s a highly impactful player and when he and Phillips do get on the field at the same time, the defense could look vastly improved.

Cleveland has no timetable for when Phillips will make his debut but the fact that he has come off the IR is reason enough to get excited.