BEREA, Ohio, USA (AP) – Cleveland Browns linebacker Jacob Phillips suffered a torn bicep and could miss most of this NFL season, a person familiar with the matter revealed to The Associated Press. the situation on Friday.
Phillips was injured Thursday during the first of two practice sessions with the New York Giants. The 22-year-old could return to the court later in the season, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity since the team has not disclosed the linebacker’s medical condition.
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In order for Phillips to return, the Browns will have to keep him at their starting roster of 53 players by the time final cuts are due on Aug. 31, and then put him on the injured reserve list.
Cleveland hoped that Phillips, a third-round draft pick in 2020, would be part of their rotation and play an important role in their beefed-up defense. His absence leaves the Browns with a weak spot at linebacker and they are likely to seek a replacement outside of their current roster.
Linebacker Sione Takitaki injured his hamstring Thursday and Cleveland has not provided an update on his situation.
Rookie linebacker Tony Fields II has not practiced this summer with a foot injury and Mack Wilson has not participated in team play practice this week after suffering a shoulder strain in the preseason opener against Jacksonville.
The only healthy linebackers Cleveland now has are Anthony Walker Jr., rookie Owusu-Koramoah, Malcolm Smith and Elijah Lee.
Phillips played in nine games and started three of them as a rookie last season.
The Browns and Giants will have another joint practice on Friday before meeting Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium. Both teams are expected to bench many of their starting players.
