Eagles put rookie LB Jordan Hicks on IR with torn pectoral muscle

PHILADELPHIA - Jordan Hicks' rookie season is over.

The Philadelphia Eagles linebacker tore his left pectoral muscle during Sunday night's game at Dallas. Hicks returned an interception 67 yards for a touchdown as the Eagles defeated the Cowboys 33-27 in overtime.

An MRI exam Monday revealed the extent of injury. The Eagles placed Hicks on injured reserve, ending his season after eight games.

The Eagles got more out of Hicks than expected. He was a third-round draft choice from the University of Texas and was expected to play mostly on special teams. The Eagles were well-stocked at inside linebacker, with DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks and Kiko Alonso.

But injuries have cost those three linebackers a total of 11 games this season. Ryans missed Sunday's game with a groin injury. Alonso played Sunday for the first time since spraining his knee in a Sept. 20 game against the Cowboys. Kendricks has missed three games with a hamstring injury.

With Kendricks healthy, Alonso back and Ryans near returning, the Eagles will be able to deal with the loss of Hicks. But none of the more veteran linebackers has made as many big plays as the rookie.

Hicks has two interceptions, three fumble recoveries (tied for the NFL lead), a forced fumble, a sack and a team-high 49 tackles. His first career sack came on the play on which Dallas quarterback Tony Romo broke his collarbone.

Although Hicks was seeking a second opinion on the injury, the decision to put him on IR brings an end to his 2015 season.