Taylor was released by the Browns on Tuesday, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports.

A former 2011 first-round draft pick who has started 42 of his 44 career games, Taylor apparently hasn't bounced back strong from last year's season-ending knee injury. The Browns must have really been unimpressed, as his $5.48 million salary -- via the fifth-year option on his rookie contract -- is fully guaranteed. First-round draft pick Danny Shelton is expected to start at nose tackle.

Taylor remains listed as the Browns starting nose tackle in the team's second "unofficial" preseason depth chart, ESPN Cleveland reports.

Taylor is expected to eventually lose the job to first-round pick Danny Shelton, but his veteran status will keep him atop the depth chart for the time being. Look for both players to see relatively consistent reps once the regular season gets going.

Taylor (knee) participated in the first day of Browns training camp Thursday, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Injuries limited Taylor to just five games in 2014, and may have cost him an opportunity to show his true potential in what was his fourth NFL season. Although he now looks to be healthy, Taylor has a tough task ahead of him, as he'll have to beat out first-round draft pick Danny Shelton for the starting nose tackle

Taylor (knee) said he'll be a full-go for training camp, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Taylor landed on injured reserve in November, needing arthroscopic surgery on his knee for a second time during the 2014 season. He's unlikely to start in 2015, after the Browns selected nose tackle Danny Shelton with their first-round pick.

Taylor (knee) will be placed on IR by the Browns, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

The report relays that Taylor is slated to undergo knee surgery next week, in a procedure unrelated to the scope he had earlier this season. The defensive tackle finishes up the 2014 season with 10 tackles in five games.

Taylor was active for Thursday night's contest against the Bengals, and recorded three tackles (two solo) in the victory.

Taylor hasn't seen the field since Week 5 due to minor knee surgery in early-October, but was able to suit up and contribute in the Browns' 3-4 defensive scheme. The 26-year-old has tallied just seven sacks over his first three NFL seasons, however, making it tough to rely on him as an IDP moving forward.

Taylor had a minor scope surgery on his knee Wednesday and will miss a few games, Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Taylor's injury will shore up the defensive line over the next few weeks, with Billy Winn, John Hughes and Armonty Bryant all being options to replace him while he is out.

Taylor (hamstring) returned to practice Tuesday, the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

Taylor, who landed on Cleveland's PUP list to open training camp, re-joined the Browns' first-team defense on Tuesday. The imposing defensive lineman is projected to start at nose tackle again this season, thus limiting his fantasy value due to a lack of measurable stats.

Browns exercised NT Phil Taylor's fifth-year club option for 2015.

NT Phil Taylor is unsure if the Browns will pick up his fifth-year option.

If the Browns don't pick up Taylor's $5.5 million option by May 3, he'll be an unrestricted free agent in 2015. It's an interesting decision for the new Mike Pettine regime. Taylor has started 37 games over the last three seasons, showing well as a run stuffer last year but coming off the field on pass downs. The former first-round pick's value will depend on how Pettine uses him in the hybrid 3-4 scheme.

ESPN Cleveland doesn't believe Browns NT Phil Taylor was "happy about" seeing his playing time reduced last season.

Taylor appeared in 15 games in 2013 and played just 555 defensive snaps, good for 32nd among defensive tackles and nose tackles across the league. He exited the field on sure passing downs and recorded just 26 tackles and two sacks. However, Taylor was stout against the run. New coach Mike Pettine runs a multiple-front defense. Taylor should see increased snaps in 2014.

Browns NT Phil Taylor sustained a concussion in Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Jets.

Taylor will likely sit out the Week 17 finale against the Steelers. The run-stuffing former first-round pick has 26 tackles and two sacks on the season.

Browns DL coach Joe Cullen confirmed Phil Taylor will play nose tackle in Cleveland's new 3-4 defense.

Desmond Bryant will be the right end, and Ahtyba Rubin will play left end. We'd seen some previous speculation about Rubin potentially playing nose tackle, but he's slimmed down and will play left end on base downs before kicking inside in sub-packages. Cleveland suddenly boasts a very talented defensive front.

The Browns expect Phil Taylor to be the nose tackle in their new 3-4 defense.

It may seem obvious, but fellow 330-plus-pound defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin had a case to play nose, as well. Rubin will likely be a mammoth "five technique" in the Red Bryant mold. Taylor, 25 in April, came off PUP in Week 9 this past season to close strong, grading out positively as a run defender per Pro Football Focus' ratings. Taylor was also a 3-4 nose tackle at Baylor.

Browns activated NT Phil Taylor (pectoral) from the PUP list.

Browns NT Phil Taylor (torn pectoral, PUP) expects to make his 2012 debut Sunday.

Taylor has yet to be officially activated from the PUP list, but it's a formality at this point. Taylor does not expect to start against the Ravens, instead rotating in. His return will be a huge boost for a defense allowing 131.6 rushing yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry.

Browns NT Phil Taylor (torn pectoral, PUP) could return for Week 9.

Taylor has resumed practicing, but won't play in this week's game against the Chargers. The 6'3/355 run-stuffer's eventual return will be a major boost to a defense giving up 4.52 yards per carry.

Browns NT Phil Taylor (torn pectoral, PUP) will resume practicing this week.

The Browns have two more weeks to activate their starting nose tackle, and there's an outside shot he could suit up on Sunday. Taylor should provide a big boost for a run defense that's allowing 133.7 yards per game and 4.5 yards per carry.

The Browns don't expect to make a decision on NT Phil Taylor (torn pectoral, PUP) until next week.

Taylor won't be taken off the PUP list just yet, but the Browns reportedly "feel good" about his return for the second half of the season. The Browns are 25th in the league in run defense, allowing 131.3 yards per game.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur suggested NT Phil Taylor (torn pectoral) will be ready to practice when eligible next week.

"He looks great," Shurmur said. "We're hopeful be back soon. Let's just say this: I think he'll be right on schedule." Taylor's return should help a struggling run defense that allowed Ahmad Bradshaw's career game last week.