Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor will return to practice this week after tearing his pectoral muscle in May, as head coach Pat Shurmur tells Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. The 21st overall pick in the 2011 draft out of Baylor, Taylor could provide a needed boost to Cleveland's defense.

Taylor's potential return comes at a particularly good time for the Browns, as fellow defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin re-aggravated a calf injury in the Browns' loss against the Indianapolis Colts. Rubin has started all six of Cleveland's games so far this season, but he could end up missing some time.

Last year as a rookie, Taylor started all 16 games for the Browns and played fairly well. As part of a defensive unit that was quietly solid last year, the 24-year-old recorded 37 tackles, four sacks and one forced fumble before suffering the injury to his pectoral muscle this spring.