With Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Phil Taylor out until midseason with an injury, several Cleveland Browns players have been in competition for playing time at his spot, including Scott Paxson and rookies John Hughes and Billy Winn. Jeff Schudel of the Ohio News-Herald reports that Hughes is winning that competition:

Hughes and Winn started against the Packers on Thursday because Phil Taylor is out until midseason recovering from pectoral surgery and coach Pat Shurmur is being cautious with Ahtyba Rubin, who had surgery to repair a pelvic tear before training camp began. Rubin has been practicing and will be ready for the opener, if not sooner. Hughes has taken a clear lead for Taylor's spot until Taylor mends. Paxson suffered a right knee injury in Detroit on Aug. 10 and hasn't practiced since. Hughes is taking advantage to establish himself.

Hughes was a third round pick by Cleveland out of the University of Cincinnati.

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