Phil Talyor injury: Browns DT could be back for Ravens game

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor practiced with the team on Wednesday, and could be close to returning to game action, according to Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Taylor will not play against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, but could be back to play against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 4th. Taylor tore his left pectoral muscle back in May while lifting weights, and has not played since. He has yet to return to full weight in the gym, but was able to extend his left arm in practice without pain on Wednesday.

The Browns desperately miss Taylor's presence on the interior of their defensive line. The Browns rank near the bottom in every major defensive statistical category, including 29th in total defense and 27th in run defense. Taylor's return to the defensive front would immediately help the rush defense

Taylor had 59 tackles and four sacks during his rookie season in 2011. He was the 21st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Baylor.

This story was originally published on SBNation.com.