Getty ImagesThe Cleveland Browns rank 24th in run defense. They’ve permitted 4.52 yards per rushing attempt to opponents, and allowed the second most 20-plus-yard runs in the league.
But help is on the way.
Browns defensive lineman Phil Taylor, a 6-foot-3, 355-pound nose tackle who tore his left pectoral muscle lifting weights in May, returned to the practice field on Wednesday. Taylor opened the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Per Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Taylor could return as soon as Week 9 against the division-rival Ravens.
With fellow defensive tackle starter Ahtyba Rubin battling a lingering calf injury, Cleveland has had to rely on rookies John Hughes and Billy Winn to play prominent roles up front. Hughes and Winn figure to continue to contribute when Taylor and Rubin get healthy, but a four-man rotation could keep their legs fresh and improve the effectiveness of the group as a whole.
Taylor, 24, was the 21st overall selection in the 2011 draft.
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Welcome back!
this guy is scary good. love watching him play
Help on the way? You do realize their run D was ranked 32nd last year with him starting.
Any way we can petition the NFL to start the season over again now?
This rumor was floating around prior to the Colts game, with speculation of a possible return for that game. Rushing him back has a high risk, and no real reward, so I hope the coaching staff doesn’t get in a hurry with this kid to save thier own hides. When he’s ready, he’s ready – it’s not like it will be the nail in the coffin of Cleveland’s playoff chances.
This guy is a beast and a run stuffer. The only reason the Browns were so bad last year is because he was a rookie and had no help!