National Football League

Browns' Taylor out months with injury

Published May. 11, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor needs surgery to repair a torn chest muscle and will be sidelined for months.

Taylor tore his left pectoral muscle on Thursday lifting weights. Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Taylor, who started all 16 games as a rookie last season, will have an operation next week.

Shurmur made the announcement just as the Browns rookies were beginning their first practice in a three-day minicamp. Shurmur said Taylor will ''miss months, not weeks'' but wouldn't speculate if the 335-pounder will miss the 2012 season.

Taylor's injury is a major blow to Cleveland's defense. The team drafted defensive tackles John Hughes and Billy Winn last month for depth, and the two may be needed sooner than the team envisioned.

Taylor had 59 tackles and four sacks last season.

Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson missed most of two seasons with torn pectoral muscles.

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