McNabb placed on IR; QB Jacobs signed
NFL.com wire reports
PHILADELPHIA (Nov. 21, 2006) -- The Philadelphia Eagles placed Donovan McNabb on injured reserve, ending the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback's season early for the third time in five years.
McNabb tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the team's 31-13 loss to Tennessee, and is expected to have surgery within a month. He's expected to be sidelined for at least eight months.
Linebacker Torrance Daniels was promoted from the practice squad to take McNabb's roster spot. Quarterback Omar Jacobs was signed to the practice squad.
A fifth-round pick by Pittsburgh earlier this year, Jacobs spent a week on the Steelers' practice squad before he was released in September. Jacobs twice received All-Mid American Conference honors at Bowling Green, and finished his career as the school's all-time leader in touchdown passes with 71. He completed 523 of 811 passes for 6,938 yards and only 11 interceptions.
Daniels originally signed as a rookie free agent with the Eagles and has spent the entire season on the practice squad. He was a four-year starter for Harding University in Arkansas, and recorded 74 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles his senior season.
McNabb, who turns 30 on Nov. 25, was having one of the best statistical seasons of his eight-year career. He finished with 2,647 yards passing, 18 TDs, six interceptions and a passer rating of 95.5.
McNabb had surgery for a sports hernia and missed the final seven games last season when Philadelphia finished 6-10 a year after going to the Super Bowl. McNabb also sat out the final six regular-season games in 2002 before returning for the playoffs.
The Eagles hoped McNabb would have surgery this week, but went to see renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., and it was determined he had too much swelling in his knee to operate this soon.
Either Jeff Garcia or A.J. Feeley will start in McNabb's place for the Eagles (5-5) against Indianapolis.
