It was good news when the Packers drafted two linebackers, LB A.J. Hawk and Abdul Hodge, on the first day of the 2006 draft. After watching the mediocre LB Paris Lenon and LB Na'il Diggs's bad knees try and play alongside LB Nick Barnett in 2005, the future looked really promising with Hawk and Hodge alongside Barnett.
Although Hodge had talked about a workout program that was helping him deal with his bad knees earlier in training camp, it looks like it was more placebo than cure. With him leaning towards knee surgery which would end his season with a trip to the I.R., it looks like his knees will eventually limit his effectiveness and probably never allow him to play a full 16 game season.
Obviously I hope Hodge is able to overcome his injuries and/or recover to become a solid linebacker. Luckily for the Packers, Hodge's loss shouldn't have an impact on the 2007 team since the starting linebackers are set, plus rookie 6th round LB Desmond Bishop has been outstanding in the preseason and looks like a solid backup.