updated 3:46 p.m. ET Nov. 22, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - Donovan McNabb is officially done for the season after the Eagles placed him on injured reserve Tuesday.

McNabb will undergo surgery for a sports hernia. The five-time Pro Bowl quarterback was bothered by the injury most of the season and missed last Sunday’s loss to the New York Giants.

Cornerback Lito Sheppard, an All-Pro last season, also was placed on injured reserve. Sheppard needs surgery after he severely sprained his ankle in the third quarter against the Giants.

The Eagles also released punter Reggie Hodges and kicker Jose Cortez. They signed punter Nick Murphy and cornerback Donald Strickland. Quarterback Andy Hall was signed to the practice squad.

“I’m disappointed that the injury has reached this stage and has ultimately ended my season,” McNabb said in a statement. “I wanted so much to help this team turn it around and was unable to do that.”

McNabb had played through several injuries and hoped to delay surgery for the sports hernia until after the season. Last Thursday, Dr. William Meyers recommended that McNabb have surgery now, echoing the advice of another doctor over the weekend.

Reid said McNabb will have the operation after Thanksgiving, and recovery time is eight to 10 weeks.

“He understands that it needs to be done, so he’s matter-of-fact about it right now,” Reid said.

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McNabb didn’t play in Sunday’s 27-17 loss to the Giants after he re-injured his groin while trying to tackle Cowboys safety Roy Williams following an interception last Monday night. Williams returned it 46 yards for a touchdown with 2:43 left to lead Dallas to a 21-20 comeback victory.

“Once the groin becomes an issue, then the recovery is not going to take place and rest is not going to help it,” Reid said. “It is just too much discomfort to where Donovan can’t run and function.”

Sheppard was injured in the third quarter against the Giants when he got tangled up with wide receiver Plaxico Burress on an incomplete pass. He was taken off the field in a cart and the Eagles originally announced the ankle was broken. Sheppard, who went to the Pro Bowl last year, had three interceptions and one sack this season.

“There’s quite a separation between the ligaments, almost to the point where there was a dislocation of the ankle,” Reid said.

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