Philadelphia Eagles News: Nnamdi Asomugha's Injury Will Produce Gem in Secondary

The neck injury suffered by Philadelphia Eagles' cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha in practice this week will produce a gem in the Eagles' secondary.

According to Philadelphia Daily News writer Les Bowen, Asomugha returned to practice "briefly" on Thursday, but left before activities were finished.

Bowen explains that Asomugha's injury has opened up an opportunity for third-year cornerback Brandon Hughes to show coaches that he's deserving of a spot in Philly's secondary.

The 26-year-old Hughes has played the last two seasons with the Eagles, and has 21 career tackles playing in 14 NFL games.

The former Oregon State Beaver understands the Eagles' defensive schemes, considering he has played in Philadelphia since November 2010, and will only get better with more snaps this preseason.

With Asomugha sidelined with a sore neck, he'll get his chance. 

Hughes explained to Bowen on Thursday what the Eagles' coaching staff are looking for from him this August:

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"They're looking for people they can trust," Hughes said Thursday. "That's what this business is about. You put a guy out there, you make the plays that are there to be made, you do your job 100 percent of the time, that's what they're looking for."

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Hughes has an incredible opportunity filling in for Asomugha this preseason. If he can remind the Eagles why they signed him off the New York Giants' practice squad back in 2010, then he will be on his way to having a larger role in Philly's secondary.

Hughes will gain a plethora of confidence from taking significant snaps this August, especially on Monday night against the New England Patriots. 

If he can hold his own against Tom Brady and all of his down field weapons, the Eagles will have a gem in the making. 

At least Hughes is hopeful, per Bowen's report:

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"It's never easy. Everybody's here for a reason," said Hughes, a 2009 fifth-round Chargers draft choice who injured a knee and missed that season. "They wouldn't bring anybody into camp just to have 'em as a body. Everybody's getting a look, everybody has opportunity."

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The 26-year-old will likely get his opportunity to shine three more times this preseason, as the Eagles have three exhibition games scheduled in an 11-day stretch to end the month of August. 

With experience on his side, and the knowledge of where to be and how to play in Philly's secondary, Hughes' development looks to be the lone bright spot to come of Nnamdi Asomugha's preseason injury.

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