Bye Bye Babin; D-Jax on IR with broken ribs

In a move that only came as a "shock" to those who were unable to ferret out the news before it was announced, the Philadelphia Eagles released defensive end Jason Babin on Tuesday afternoon.

Babin signed with the Eagles as a free agent in 2011 and racked up 18 sacks over 16 games to earn his second straight trip to the Pro Bowl.

The 32-year-old followed that effort with a team-high 5 1/2 sacks through 11 games this season, but the Eagles, who fell to 3-8 after Monday's loss to Carolina, decided to part ways with the defensive end.

"We appreciate everything that Jason has given this team over the last couple of years," Philadelphia coach Andy Reid said. "We wish him all the best as he continues his career. By releasing him today, this gives us an opportunity to give more playing time to some of younger guys in the defensive line rotation."

The Western Michigan product was selected 27th overall in the 2004 draft by the Houston Texans and has compiled 53 1/2 sacks and nine forced fumbles in 109 games, including 69 starts, over nine seasons with the Texans, Seattle, Kansas City, Tennessee and the Eagles.

Babin never endeared himself to this fan base due to his battles with disgruntled fans in the social media and public spheres who dared question his and the team's heart and desire to play better than the 11-16 record the Birds amassed with the MAC product on the club.

Earlier in the day, worse news came down the pike when it was learned that wide receiver DeSean Jackson will miss the remainder of the season because of fractured ribs and will be placed on injured reserve.

"He fractured a couple ribs up high in his chest," said Reid during his day-after game press conference. "He's got multiple fractures."

Jackson was hurt during the first quarter of Monday's loss to Carolina. He is leading the Eagles in receiving with team highs of 45 catches and 700 yards. 

The Eagles have now lost their starting quarterback, top running back and No. 1 receiver in the last three weeks.

Quarterback Michael Vick missed his second straight game Monday because of a concussion. Reid said Vick still hadn't passed an impact test and was set to undergo another on Wednesday.

"I want Mike to get healthy, I haven't gone beyond that thinking there," said Reid about who his starting quarterback would be for next Sunday's game against Dallas.

Vick was hurt two weeks ago against the Cowboys, while running back LeSean McCoy sustained a concussion last week against Washington and sat out Monday's game. McCoy's status is also still uncertain.

Nick Foles has started the last two games at quarterback and the rookie will get another turn on Sunday against the Cowboys if Vick is still not ready to go. Bryce Brown ran for 178 yards with two scores in his first NFL start on Monday in place of McCoy, but also fumbled twice.

Reid also said Tuesday that offensive tackle Jason Peters will be placed on injured reserve. Peters was on the reserve/non-football injury list because of an Achilles' tendon injury he sustained in the offseason.