The Eagles have announced that DeSean Jackson and Ellis Hobbs will be the starting kick returners despite that fact that neither have done the job so far this preseason. Jackson, who was arguably the best punt returner in the NFL last year, really didn't need preseason and was always likely to resume that role. The kick return job, on the other hand, was always up in the air. After giving a few guys a chance to distinguish themselves in the role this preseason, Andy Reid settled on Hobbs, who led the AFC in kick return average in 2008.
"Well, [Jackson] loves that part of it. Both he and [CB Ellis] Hobbs enjoy doing the return stuff. I've kind of held Hobbs out and given [S Quintin Demps] an opportunity back there to do something, and [WR] Chad [Hall] an opportunity. But, both of them enjoy that part of the game, so I'll probably end up letting both of them do that.
Special teams coach Bobby April welcomed the news.
"Well, those two guys are very good, so I was hoping that's what would happen. I think they're our best two guys, at least as this point. You've heard me say a bunch of times, you like to get the ball in the best players' hands. That usually gives you the greatest chance to win.