Cleveland Browns linebacker and second-year player Jacob Phillips is extremely thankful to make an earlier than expected return from injured reserve.
Phillips has been on IR the entire season for a torn biceps tendon suffered on August 19.
The #Browns have designated LB Jacob Phillips to return off IR …. He’s back pic.twitter.com/WC8P44HTxW
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) December 6, 2021
Teammate Anthony Walker Jr. was impressed by Phillips’ performance as he returned to practice Monday.
“True professional. You talk about somebody who ever since he’s been out came in with the mindset that I’m going to help the team any way possible while also getting my rehab in and trying to get back as fast as possible to help the team. He’s been a great voice for us on the sideline, helping us when we come off in practice, watching film, everything like that. He’s been there with us every step of the way…To have him back on the field, obviously, it was great to see No. 50 flying around. The first two drills that we did, I told him, ‘Man, you look explosive.’ Just confident, trusting himself, so I’m definitely excited to have him back. It’s definitely a boost for our linebacker room.”
Phillips has been designated to return, but the Browns have 21 days to activate him.
It is not yet clear if he will be activated prior to Sunday’s Ravens game.
Phillips is so grateful to be back at practice a month earlier than expected.
He shared this Instagram message.
#Browns LB Jacob Phillips on Instagram: pic.twitter.com/t8BMqsonyS
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) December 6, 2021
“Thank You God For Your Healing And Grace.
Back Practicing A Month Early”
“Heal Me, Lord, And I Will Be Healed; Save Me And I Will Be Saved, For You Are The One I Praise.”
Coach Stefanski On Phillips’ Return
Stefanski was monitoring Phillips’ practices before making a decision about activating him.
He was excited to have him back.
“Really excited for Jacob to be back out there in uniform and practicing,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said on Zoom. “I think those are long ways away when you first get injured and you’re spending time in that training room. But just to see him out there, I know that’s just a great reflection of how hard he’s worked…Now in terms of when he’s back and when he’s ready, we’ll work through that. Just wanted to put my eyes on him at his first practice, watch the tape, see how he’s doing. But we’ll make those determinations over the next few days.”
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