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McNabb undergoes surgery, out 8-12 months

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb will miss 8 to 12 months from football action and might even miss out on next season`s opener. McNabb underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn knee ligament, which he suffered in a game against Tennessee November 19. The Eagles (5-6) have lost the last two games and have low aspiration of getting into the playoffs. They are, however, keeping an optimistic attitude concerning their star quarterback, saying he will be ready by the start of training camp next summer.

McNabb, 30, is a five-time Pro Bowl selection. He has played fairly well this season, completing 18 touchdown passes and throwing only six interceptions, with a quarterback rating of 95.5. The injury was, however, his third season-ending injury in the past five years.

The Eagles started the season with a strong 4-1 record, but have since fallen in the rankings. Replacement quarterback Jeff Garcia will replace McNabb for the remainder of the season. He will start Monday night at home, when the Eagles host the Carolina Panthers (6-5). Against the Colts, a game the Eagles lost 45-21, Garcia passed for only 140 yards, but with good completion percentage completing 19 of 23 pass attempts.