CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor suffered a possible torn left pectoral muscle while lifting weights on Thursday and might need surgery, his agent, Peter Schaffer told The Plain Dealer.

If it's a complete tear, the team's first-round draft pick in 2011 will miss significant time, possibly even the season. Taylor's hoping for the best.

"We're awaiting results of the MRI," Schaffer said. "Phil is staying positive. He's got a great attitude. He'll either be 100 percent [when the results come in] or if he needs surgery, he'll come back 100 percent."

Taylor's injury had not yet become public when coach Pat Shurmur conducted a pre-rookie camp conference call at 1 p.m., but the team issued the following statement: "Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor injured his left pectoral today lifting weights as part of the club's off-season program. He will be further evaluated on Monday to determine a course of treatment."

Schaffer stressed that Taylor's best football is ahead of him despite the injury. "Things happen," said Schaffer. "Phil is going to be fine either way. If he misses time, he'll come back strong."

If it's a partial tear, Taylor might not need surgery and could be back in a few months. If it's a complete tear, surgery could end his 2012 season.

The Browns have recent history with torn pectoral muscles. Middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson underwent season-ending surgery in 2009 (left pectoral) and 2010 (right pectoral). He missed the final 10 games of the 2009 season and all of 2010 with the injuries. But he came back strong in 2011 to start all 16 games and lead the Browns with 158 tackles.

Taylor, the No. 21 overall pick out of Baylor last season, started all 16 games in 2011 and finished seventh on the team with 59 tackles. He also had four sacks and a forced fumble.

If Taylor misses significant time, the Browns already have some contingency plans in place. They signed veteran defensive ends Frostee Rucker and Juqua Parker in free agency, and could possibly play one of them inside. The Browns also drafted Cincinnati's John Hughes in the third round and Boise State's Billy Winn in the sixth.

The Browns took plenty of heat for the Hughes pick. But now, he could have a significant role. The Browns might also have to add a tackle in free agency.

Taylor improved as his rookie season went along. In back-to-back games against St. Louis and Jacksonville in November, he totaled 15 tackles and a sack.

On Twitter: @marykaycabot