Down goes Hagler
In Indianapolis, Colts starting linebacker Tyjuan Hagler suffered a torn pectoral muscle while lifting weights last week.
Hagler now is expected to be sidelined at least two months, meaning he will miss training camp and could be out for the Colts' Sunday night regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears.
Last season, Hagler started seven regular-season games and then the AFC Divisional Playoff against the San Diego Chargers. He finished the season with 54 tackles and one sack.
His absence sets up an intriguing position battle in which several other young Indianapolis linebackers will be given the chance to win additional playing time.
Clint Session, a fourth-round pick in 2007 out of Pittsburgh, shined in the limited opportunities he had last season; he now could get more. The Colts invested a third-round pick in Georgia Tech linebacker Philip Wheeler, and he is expected to be given his chance. Victor Worsley, an undrafted free agent from North Carolina, also will be given a shot.
But a bigger problem for the Colts might be the fact that they keep losing bodies before camp begins. With teams allowed to bring only 80 players to camp, Indianapolis will be somewhat shorthanded. Starters expected to miss some of camp include wide receiver Marvin Harrison, defensive end Dwight Freeney, safety Bob Sanders and now Hagler.
Be like Mike
Don't like to see a guy get hurt, but on the plus side, this will get us to see a little more of what Session can do. He played brilliantly in the San Diego regular season game.