Nnamdi Asomugha Injury: Eagles Avoid Disaster with Star CB's Knee Injury

Nnamdi Asomugha was carted off the Philadelphia Eagles practice field on Thursday with a knee injury, but Eagles fans can breathe a sigh of relief after CSNPhilly.com reported that the star cornerback's knee has no structural damage, according to Pro Football Talk.

After giving Asomugha a massive free agent contract in the summer, the Eagles could not afford for their huge investment to suffer a terrible injury.

The Eagles defense has been a disappointment this season, and losing a player like Asomugha would be devastating.

Cornerback teammate Asante Samuel is a very good player, but his coverage skills are not near the level of Asomugha.

Asomugha probably will not play against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots this Sunday, and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will likely not be able to suit up for Week 12 due to an injury as well.

Without two of their best defensive players at full strength, the Eagles will lose to the Patriots this week and lose any hope they had of making the playoffs this season.

The Eagles allow about 222 passing yards per game, but without two top players in the secondary they will be carved up by Brady.

Brady is on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season record for passing yards in a season and has played with his typical brilliance this season.

Against a secondary battling injuries, Brady will have a monster game and will find tight end Rob Gronkowski a lot.

Gronkowski is the most dominant player in football right now and already has 10 touchdown receptions, which matches his total from last season.

Asomugha's coverage skills will be missed against Patriots pass-catchers like Gronkowski, tight end Aaron Hernandez and wide receivers Deion Branch and Wes Welker.

Asomugha has the ability to shut down an ultra-quick receiver like Welker but won't be able to with an injured knee.

The Eagles seem to have avoided a long-term disaster with Asomugha, but the short term consequences could be severe.

Without their top cornerback on Sunday, the Eagles would lose to the Patriots and thus see their playoff hopes come crashing down.