Browns linebacker Jacob Phillips sustained a torn pectoral and will miss the entire 2023 NFL season, coach Kevin Stefanski announced on Saturday.
Phillips, a four-year veteran, suffered the injury on Friday in the Browns’ 17-15 loss to the Commanders. He was a starter in Cleveland’s linebacker unit in the ’22 campaign, registering 46 tackles with 29 solo, two sacks, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits.
Since Cleveland drafted him in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft, Phillips has played in 20 games and recorded a total of 88 tackles and three sacks. With Phillips’s absence at the middle linebacker spot for the upcoming season, the Browns’ depth at the position currently includes Anthony Walker Jr. and Jordan Kunaszyk.
At the weak side linebacker spot, the Browns have Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Tony Fields III and Charles Thomas III. Meanwhile, the strong side position includes Sione Takitaki, Mohamoud Diabate and Cam Bright.
Prior to Friday's loss, Cleveland won its first preseason game on Aug. 3 against the Jets. The Browns will return to action for their third game on Aug. 17 on the road against the Eagles.
