Cleveland Browns linebacker Jacob Phillips Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Browns LB Jacob Phillips likely to miss 2021 season with torn biceps tendon

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/20/21

Cleveland Browns linebacker Jacob Phillips will likely miss the 2021 season with a torn biceps tendon, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 2020 third-round pick left Thursday's practice early after suffering the injury. Initial reports said Phillips had suffered an elbow injury.

Browns’ linebacker Jacob Phillips tore his biceps tendon and is now most likely to miss the season, per source. Phillips was the Browns’ 2020 3rd-round pick and a key contributor on defense.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 20, 2021

Phillips was expected to fight for a starting spot next to veteran Anthony Walker this year. He had 25 tackles and a quarterback hit in nine games last season.

The LSU product started Cleveland's preseason opener and had one tackle in 23 defensive snaps.

Rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah could now take the starting role next to Walker, while veteran Malcolm Smith could also be in the running for the job. Mack Wilson is currently sidelined with an injury that will prevent him from fighting for the starting spot.

The Browns opened the preseason with a 23-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last weekend. They'll face the New York Giants on Sunday before facing the Atlanta Falcons in their final preseason game later this month.

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