The Eagles have been bitten by the injury bug for almost this entire season, and it struck again today. Ellis Hobbs was put on IR for the rest of the season with a neck injury, and Joselio Hanson has been suspended for four games for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Hobbs wasn't having a stellar season, but he was a decent kick returner and was playing well in some of the more spread defensive formations. He's certainly replaceable, but I think the Eagles are going to miss him more on special teams than anyone thinks right now. His presence on kick returns allowed DeSean Jackson to focus more on becoming a dangerous weapon as a wideout and punt returner, and now the Eagles are going to have to put him or someone less experienced back there.
As for Hanson, I'm actually upset about that. It's not that he tested positive for any type of steroid or anything like that, but his loss for a month is going to thin the depth of the Eagles' secondary even more. With Hobbs out for the year, Hanson was going to have to step up even more than he already had this year, but now he's going to be on the shelf for the next four games. Again, it's not a team shaking suspension, but with the injuries this team has already had to the linebacking corps, the back seven of the defense is starting to look a little bit thin.
The Eagles made some changes today to replace Hobbs and Hanson by signing Ramzee Robinson and calling up Jack Ikegwuonu from the practice squad. At least one of them is going to see some time this weekend against San Diego, and if Asante Samuel's neck injury is a problem, they could both see significant time. These injuries to the defense and offensive line are starting to get ridiculous this year.
ESPN.com: Philadelphia Eagles lose cornerbacks Hanson, Hobbs.
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