NFL
Eagles lose Kalu for the season
By The Source
Aug 18, 2004

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Philadelphia Eagles starting defensive end N.D. Kalu will miss the entire 2004 campaign after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during a Tuesday practice.

Kalu, who will soon undergo surgery to repair the knee, injured himself on a seemingly innocent play. He made a move to the inside and went down toward the end of a morning practice session.

"His foot got caught in the grass and he just twisted it," said head coach Andy Reid. "That's one of those things during camp. Things happen. You have to work your way through it."

Derrick Burgess and 2003 first-round pick Jerome McDougle are expected to step in at the defensive end spot opposite newcomer Jevon Kearse in Kalu's absence.

Kalu recorded 5 1/2 sacks last year while establishing a career high with 74 tackles and 21 quarterback hurries.

"I really feel for N.D. because he's such a good person and a hard worker," added Reid. "He was having a great camp. N.D.'s a heckuva football player. I know that he'll continue to work hard in his rehabilitation process to get back on the field in 2005."