When the Philadelphia Eagles drafted linebacker Jordan Hicks in the third round of the 2015 draft, the plan was that Hicks would learn the defense in bits and contribute on special teams.
However, Hicks was thrust into a starting role in the Eagles defense after inside linebackers Kiko Alonso and Mychal Kendricks got injured in Week 2, and Hicks became an impact player ever since.
Through six starts, Hicks had 50 combined tackles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Hicks laid the big hit on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, which sidelined Romo for weeks. Hicks is the only player in Eagles history with three consecutive games with a fumble recovery. His 67-yard pick-six of Matt Cassel on Sunday night gave the Eagles the lead in the fourth quarter of play.
However, the Eagles learned on Monday that Hicks would be out for the remainder of the season after tearing a pectoral muscle. The team was forced to place the potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate on season-ending injured reserve.
The good news for Hicks is that his injury doesn't seem to be career-threatening. He is expected to make a full recovery and be the same type of athlete by the time training camp starts next year.
With Hicks out for year, the Eagles will go back to their initial plan of having Alonso, Kendricks and DeMeco Ryans rotate at the inside linebacker positions.
The Eagles are slowly working Alonso back into the swing of things. He played only 29 snaps on Sunday night in his first game back from arthroscopic knee surgery.
A nagging hamstring injury has forced Kendricks to miss a couple of games, but he has been back for two straight games.
Ryans, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, is day-to-day on when he will make a return.
To fill Hicks' roster spot, the Eagles re-signed Emmanuel Acho. Like Hicks, Acho is a solid special teams player. Also, Acho is familiar with what the Eagles do on defense, and can even call plays if the Eagles need him to.
The loss of Hicks can potentially be a big blow for the Eagles defense, but they should be able to manage and make things work if Alonso, Kendricks and Ryans could stay healthy.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
