Browns linebacker Jacob Phillips is likely done for the year with a biceps tear (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). Philips will know more about his outlook following surgery to repair the tendon.
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Phillips, a 2020 3rd-round pick of the Browns, was expected to be a core contributor on defense. He was in the midst of a solid camp and trending in the right direction after missing a good chunk of his rookie year with a knee sprain. The Browns planned on using him as Anthony Walker‘s primary backup at middle linebacker with some possible action on the weakside.
Without Phillips, the Browns will be counting on 2021 second-rounder Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to pick things up quickly. They’ll also be keeping their fingers crossed for fellow ‘backer Sione Takitaki as he recovers from a (less severe) hamstring injury.
Welp, his chances as a starter for Cleveland are forever gone now.
Gone forever? Wow! And in other predictions, man may walk on the moon someday.
Overall, I think the Ravens are the safer bet for the North. But it would be fun to see Cleveland take it.
Just depends on how fast the Browns defense comes together. They’re going to have 8 or 9 new starters from last year