Nov 5, 2009

NFL's Colts Lose Linebacker Hagler For Season

Indianapolis Suffers Key Loss To Already Banged Up Defense

The Indianapolis Colts suffered a severe blow to their defense Wednesday when coach Jim Caldwell placed starting linebacker Tyjuan Hagler on the injured reserve list due to a ruptured biceps muscle that will undoubtedly render him unable to play for the remainder of the season. Caldwell plans to replace Hagler with second year linebacker Phillip Wheeler and undrafted rookie Raymond Humber. He will also promote rookie linebacker Cody Glenn from his current spot on the practice squad to the active roster to add more depth to the linebacker position.

The injury to Hagler is a good bet to negatively affect the Colts' defense at this stage of the season. Hagler was the fourth leading tackler on the defense with 36 tackles, but more importantly, he was one of the more experienced players on a defense that has been recently riddled with injuries. Cornerback Marlin Jackson has a strained ACL, cornerback Kelvin Hayden has an injured knee, safety Bob Sanders has an elbow injury, and defensive end Dwight Freeney is suffering from exhaustion. Although the playing status for all of them for Sunday's game against the second place division rival Houston Texans is probable to questionable, the Colts are comprised of a defensive unit that is certainly banged up. The permanent loss of Hagler for the season further diminishes the defenses ability to remain a formidable force against their future opponents and will likely have a negative impact on the sportsbooks' betting line odds on the Colts' games in the future.

By Bryan Jackson
Staff Writer
Betsportsweb.com
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