The undefeated Indianapolis Colts will have to go the rest of the season without a defensive starter.
Colts linebacker Tyjuan Hagler has been placed on injured reserve with a ruptured biceps, an injury he suffered Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Hagler had started all seven games for the Colts this season.
With Hagler out for the season, the Colts will turn to either Philip Wheeler or Ramon Humber to replace him, beginning Sunday against the Houston Texans. Wheeler was a third-round draft pick in 2008 and Humber is an undrafted rookie.
When asked whether Wheeler is ready to be a starter, Colts coach Jim Caldwell told the Indianapolis Star, “He has to be.”
In addition to Hagler and a new injury for safety Bob Sanders, the Colts have other injury concerns: Caldwell offered no timetable for the return of cornerback Kelvin Hayden or wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, both of whom are suffering from knee injuries.