Jacob Phillips Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Colts vs Chiefs game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Aug 18, 2025
Heads to injured reserve
Phillips (biceps) was placed on injured reserve by the Colts on Monday.
ANALYSIS
The linebacker exited Saturday's preseason game against the Packers with the injury and is expected to be out for the season, per Paul Breti of USA Today. Phillips signed a reserve/future contract with the Colts in January after getting cut by the Texans in August of 2024. The 2020 third-round pick of the Browns last played NFL football in 2022, when he made 46 tackles (29 solo) in seven games.
Aug 26, 2024
Parts ways with Texans
Houston cut Phillips on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips totaled 88 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, over 20 regular-season games during his first three seasons in the league with the Browns. However, he missed all of last year due to a torn pectoral muscle and was then signed to a one-year deal by the Texans in April. Phillips won't make the 53-man roster, however, and will now likely seek work with another organization.
Apr 22, 2024
Houston bound
Phillips (pectoral) inked a one-year deal with the Texans on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips spent last year on Cleveland's injured reserve due to a torn pectoral muscle. It was his second straight season-ending pectoral injury, as the same injury ended his 2022 campaign early. The 2020 third-round pick's addition to the Texans' offseason roster indicates his health is back to up to par. He will now compete for a role at linebacker in Houston.
Aug 12, 2023
Officially placed on IR
The Browns placed Phillips (pectoral) on injured reserve Saturday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported earlier Saturday that Phillips would miss the remainder of the 2023 campaign after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Friday's preseason loss to Washington, so the linebacker's shift to injured reserve is merely transactional. Phillips also suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in 2022, but he appeared to have moved past that issue when he was back in action during the Browns' offseason workouts this summer. Either way, the 2020 third-round pick has a lengthy recovery ahead of him and isn't under contract for 2024.
Aug 12, 2023
Out for season
Phillips will miss the remainder of the 2023 season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Friday's 17-15 preseason loss to Washington, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips' 2022 campaign also came to a premature end due to a pectoral injury, so this is an unfornuate break. He had seemingly moved past the injury when he participated in the Browns' OTAs. The 2020 third-round pick will now focus on another recovery journey.
Aug 12, 2023
Hurts shoulder
Phillips left Friday's preseason opener with a shoulder injury, Ashley Bastock of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
ANALYSIS
While the severity of the injury is not yet known, Phillips was seen with a sling on his right arm following the game. Prior to sustaining the injury, he recorded five tackles (three solo). When healthy, the Browns are hopeful he can provide depth at linebacker for them this season.
Jun 1, 2023
Recovered from injury
Phillips has fully recovered from his pectoral injury, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips is participating in OTAs as he seems to be fully healthy. The 2020 third-round pick appeared in seven games during the 2022 campaign and logged 46 tackles (29 solo) and two sacks and will likely serve as a backup to Anthony Walker next season.
Oct 26, 2022
Placed on IR
The Browns placed Phillips (pectoral) on injured reserve Wednesday, Anthony Poisal of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips' placement on IR comes just two days after coach Kevin Stefanski said that his injury is likely a season-ending pectoral tear. Last season, a biceps injury limited Phillips to just four appearances. In his stead, Cleveland will likely lean on Deion Jones, who was acquired from Atlanta via trade Oct. 10.
Oct 24, 2022
Likely done for season
Phillips is believed to have sustained a season-ending pectoral injury during Sunday's loss at Baltimore, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It's a tough blow to a Cleveland front seven that was already struggling to defend the run. If Phillips does indeed miss the remainder of the 2022 campaign, the Browns will probably need to lean more heavily on Deion Jones at linebacker.
Oct 23, 2022
Will not return
Phillips left Sunday's game against the Ravens with a shoulder injury and will not return, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips' inability to return will force Deion Jones to handle middle-linebacker duties for the rest of the game. The former will work to return in Week 8 against the Bengals.
Oct 17, 2022
Reaches double-digit tackles
Phillips recorded 10 tackles (four solo) in the Browns' 38-15 loss to the Patriots on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Phillips has now recorded double-digit tackles for the second week in a row, while playing 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps. The third-year pro has filled in admirably, at least on the stat sheet, for Anthony Walker who is out for the season due to a torn quadriceps. Phillips will look to keep stacking up the tackles Sunday against the Ravens.
Oct 11, 2022
Records sack in loss
Phillips had 10 tackles and one sack in Week 5's 30-28 loss to the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
For the second consecutive week, Phillips played 100 percent of the defensive snaps while filling in for the injured Anthony Walker (quadriceps), who will miss the rest of the season. It should also be noted that the Browns were gashed on the ground by the Chargers, who rolled up 238 rushing yards (7.0 YPC). Following the game, Cleveland acquired linebacker Deion Jones (shoulder) from Atlanta, and he is expected to be part of the linebacker rotation, which could mean a drop in playing time for Phillips.
Oct 3, 2022
Productive as starter
Phillips tallied seven tackles (six solo) during the Browns' 23-20 loss to Atlanta on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Phillips started Sunday's game and tied for the team lead in tackles. Since Anthony Walker (quadriceps) has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, Phillips should continue to serve as the Browns' starting middle linebacker going forward.
Oct 1, 2022
Stepping up for Walker
Phillips will start in place of the injured Anthony Walker (quadriceps) in Sunday's game against Atlanta, Anthony Poisal of the Browns' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips filled in after Walker left last week's win over the Steelers and recorded seven tackles, including a sack, along with a pass defensed. Walker has since been ruled out for the rest of the season, so Phillips steps in at middle linebacker and will relay play calls on defense. The three-year veteran has played 16 games since being selected in the third round of the 2020 draft.
Sep 23, 2022
Fills in for Walker
Phillips had seven tackles, a sack and a pass defensed in Thursday's 29-17 win over the Steelers in Week 3.
ANALYSIS
Phillips, normally part of the linebacker rotation, was given extra playing time after Anthony Walker was carted off the field with a knee injury. He has 10 tackles through three games, but should see more time in the middle of the defense if Walker misses time.
Dec 22, 2021
Clears COVID protocols
The Browns activated Phillips (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Phillips played 24 defensive snaps in his season debut versus Baltimore in Week 14, after coming off IR, but he then missed Week 15 because of a positive test for COVID-19. Now that he's gained full clearance, the second-year pro can be considered on track for Saturday's game in Green Bay.
Dec 17, 2021
Out with COVID
Phillips was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday after testing positive for the virus, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips was activated from injured reserve last week and had three tackles in his season debut, but he's now in the health and safety protocols.
Dec 11, 2021
Activated by Browns
The Browns have activated Phillips (biceps) ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Ravens, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
After initially expecting to miss the entire 2021 campaign, Phillips was designated to return by Cleveland earlier in the week and will now make his season debut in Week 14. With Anthony Walker (undisclosed) ruled out, the second-year middle linebacker could be in line for a decent workload right away.
Dec 6, 2021
Designated to return
Phillips (biceps) was designated to return from injured reserve Monday.
ANALYSIS
Phillips was initially expected to miss the entire 2021 campaign after he underwent surgery to repair a torn biceps in late August. However, he'll now be eligible to return to practice and will be able to be activated from injured reserve within 21 days. While it's not yet clear when the 22-year-old could return to game action, it appears as though he'll be back on the field prior to the end of the season.
Sep 3, 2021
Shifts to injured reserve
Phillips (biceps) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Phillips recently underwent surgery to repair a torn biceps, so it's hardly a surprise to see him land on injured reserve. He'll be eligible to be activated after missing three games but is expected to be sidelined for the full 2021 campaign.
Aug 20, 2021
To undergo surgery
Phillips (biceps) is set to undergo surgery, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official website reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips suffered a torn biceps at practice earlier in the week. He is without a timetable to return following the surgery. He recorded 22 tackles (12 solo) across nine games as a rookie for Cleveland in 2020.
Aug 20, 2021
Suffers serious injury
Phillips is expected to miss the entire 2021 season after tearing a biceps tendon, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips was a regular rotational contributor for the Browns as a rookie last season, with 25 tackles (15 solo) through nine contests, but he will now have to set his sights on what will likely be a long recovery process. Cleveland re-signed Willie Harvey to try and add some depth at linebacker, after the news of Phillips' injury.
Aug 19, 2021
Exits practice with elbow injury
Phillips left Thursday's practice with an elbow injury, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Kevin Stefanski didn't provide any further details regarding Phillips' injury following Thursday's practice. It's not yet clear whether the linebacker will be able to suit up for Sunday's preseason matchup against the Giants.
Jan 3, 2021
Set to start Sunday
Phillips will start at middle linebacker Sunday against the Steelers, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie third-round pick will receive his third start of the season Sunday with B.J. Goodson (illness) unavailable. Phillips played 22 defensive snaps in his previous start Week 15, so he still may not have an every-down role.
Dec 31, 2020
Returning from COVID list
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Thursday that Phillips (undisclosed) will come off the reserve/COVID-19 list, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips missed last weekend's loss to the Jets, but he'll be available for action versus Pittsburgh on Sunday. The 21-year old has yet to see any NFL action in his debut season thus far.
Dec 26, 2020
Lands on COVID list
Phillips (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.
ANALYSIS
The 21-year-old will be unavailable for Sunday's matchup with the Jets since he either tested positive for the virus or is a high-risk close contact of an infected individual. Phillips will need to clear league protocols before rejoining the active roster.
Nov 18, 2020
Cleared from injury
Phillips (knee) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie out of LSU has yet to see any action this season, but as evidenced by this news, his NFL debut could be coming soon. It's unclear what sort of role Phillips will have for Sunday's game against the Eagles now that he's healthy, but expect him to be at least active for the contest.
Nov 15, 2020
Still not ready to play
Phillips (knee) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Texans.
ANALYSIS
The third-round rookie has been coping with a knee injury since the season-opening defeat to Baltimore, being deemed inactive for five of the Browns' seven games heading into a Week 9 bye. Phillips was able to contribute limited participation throughout the practice week, but he's still not ready to suit up versus Houston despite a 14-day break since Cleveland's most recent game.
Nov 14, 2020
Listed as questionable
The Browns have listed Phillips (knee) as questionable for Sunday's tilt against the Texans, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips practiced in limited fashion throughout the week and is looking like a true game-time decision. A potential absence is not expected to impact the Browns' defensive rotations.
Oct 30, 2020
Ruled out against Raiders
Phillips (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips will sit for a third consecutive game due to the knee injury he sustained back in Week 5. Cleveland's on bye in Week 9, which will hopefully give Phillips enough time to finally recover before the team faces the Texans in Week 10.
Oct 23, 2020
Ruled out again
Phillips (knee) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bengals, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips will miss another game after having aggravated his pre-existing knee injury Week 5. The rookie third-round pick's next chance to retake the field will come Nov. 1 versus the Raiders.
Oct 16, 2020
Won't play Sunday
Phillips (knee) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Steelers, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie third-round pick sustained the knee injury versus the Colts last week and will be sidelined for at least one game. Phillips has played only a handful of defensive snaps per game when healthy, so his absence is unlikely to impact Cleveland's gameplan.
Oct 13, 2020
Will be monitored
Phillips (knee) will be monitored throughout the week as the Browns prepare for Week 6 against the Steelers, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. "He has this knee injury that he's going to keep working through, and we'll see as this week goes," said head coach Kevin Stefanski.
ANALYSIS
Phillips may have aggravated an existing condition that flared up in the season-opening loss to the Ravens. The 2020 third-round draft pick started Week 1 and had a tackle over 12 snaps before departing that contest. Phillips was expected to receive significant playing time for a young linebacking corps, but the knee has kept him off the field for much of the season.
Oct 11, 2020
Forced out with knee injury
Phillips (knee) will not return to Sunday's game against the Colts, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
The rookie linebacker missed the first four games of the season due to a knee injury, so his current absence may be due to an aggravation of the same issue. His next chance to retake the field will come Oct. 18 in Pittsburgh.
Oct 4, 2020
To debut in Dallas
Phillips (knee) is active Week 4 against the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
The role of the rookie linebacker remains murky at best given he has yet to suit up for a game this season, but it seems Phillips will at least be available in a reserve capacity, with potential to work on special teams as well.
Oct 2, 2020
Considered questionable
Phillips (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Cowboys, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips logged a full week of practice for the first time this season, and while it was in a limited capacity, he'll have a chance to play Sunday. The rookie third-rounder's eventual role is a bit undefined at this time, but he'll likely serve as a reserve linebacker to start.
Sep 30, 2020
Limited practice status
Phillips (knee) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips suffered the injury during Week 3's win over Washington, and appears to be still managing the injury. He's got a few days of practice throughout the week before Week 4, so it's too early to worry about his status.
Sep 25, 2020
Won't play in Week 3
Phillips (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Washington, Mark Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips will sit out for a second consecutive game with the knee injury he suffered in the season opener. He'll hope to heal up in time for the Browns' Week 4 trip to Dallas.
Sep 23, 2020
Not practicing Wednesday
Phillips (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips hurt his knee in Week 1 and missed last Thursday's win over the Bengals as a result. He's hoping to heal up in time to face Washington in Week 3, but his week has started off on the wrong foot due to this absence.
Sep 16, 2020
Won't play Thursday
Phillips (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Bengals, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips hurt his knee in the season opener and was unable to practice at all this week. He'll set his sights on Week 3 against Washington as his next opportunity to make his return.
Sep 13, 2020
Questionable to return
Phillips suffered a knee injury in the team's Week 1 contest and is questionable to return, Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Phillips logged two tackles prior to his exit. With the Browns down big in their matchup against the Ravens, the team will likely hold Phillips out in the hopes he can return in Week 2 against the Bengals.
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