News out of Browns practice today was that Phil Taylor is on pace to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list when he is eligible to come back. Barring any setbacks, of course, this is great news for the Browns. Taylor underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle from off-season weight-lifting training. Due to NFL PUP list rules, Taylor isn’t eligible to return to the team until after the week six game against the Bengals.
The Browns’ defense has had a tough time being full-strength this season and Phil Taylor’s injury hit Browns fans in pre-season like a ton of bricks. With the return of Joe Haden from suspension and the expected return of Phil Taylor, maybe the Browns’ defense can turn around what is turning out to be a statistically woeful year for the unit.
Since Taylor has been out the Browns have used draft picks John Hughes and Billy Winn among others. Tom Heckert has spoken of wanting depth on the defensive line and with the impending return of Taylor and the emergence of capable rookies, he might finally have it.
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