On Wednesday, Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor successfully underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle that he sustained bench-pressing while participating in the team's offseason training program in Berea last Friday.
According to Browns president Mike Holmgren, Taylor was adhering to his regular work-out regime and wasn't doing any thing out of the ordinary to cause the injury. Whatever the case may be, it was largely assumed that Taylor was going to be out for the entire season.
However, that may not be the case.
In a report filed by Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, sources have informed her that Wednesday's surgery went better than expected and that many are optimistic that Taylor will have a significant impact on this year's team.
"Everybody's optimistic Phil Taylor will have a significant impact on the team this season'' after torn pec surg today, lg source tells PD
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) May 16, 2012
Until Taylor is able to return, the Browns will groom two rookie defensive tackles (John Hughes and Billy Winn) in his place.
For more on the Cleveland Browns, head over to Dawgs By Nature. More news on the NFL can be found at the SB Nation NFL hub.