Quintin Demps admits that he has been "going through it the past couple of months" after losing the battle for the starting free safety position at the beginning of the season.

Now, Demps has a chance to make an impact as the team's kickoff returner. He will reprise his role beginning Sunday against the San Diego Chargers after Ellis Hobbs suffered a season-ending neck injury last week against the Cowboys.

"Anytime I can get on the field, I'm going to cherish this opportunity and take full advantage of it," Demps said. "It's good to be on a roster, first of all, but you're happy to get an opportunity to get some playing time."

Last year Demps was the Eagles kickoff returner and had 1,314 return yards which was the second-highest single-season total in franchise history. One hundred of his return yards came on a return for a touchdown against the Ravens.

The loss of Hobbs comes at a time when he was coming into his own as the Eagles' kickoff returner. Last week against the Cowboys, Hobbs had a return for a touchdown until it was nullified by a penalty.

"There's been really good protection, so I'm ready to go. I'm just going to hit that thing and see where it takes me," Demps said. "We've been focusing on the fundamentals and being smart, not blocking in the back all of the time."

Demps may potentially get a chance to help out on defense, as well. With the loss of Hobbs for the remainder of the season and Joselio Hanson for the next month due to a suspension, the Eagles have to replace two starting-caliber cornerbacks. The Eagles may look to their safeties to help out in certain packages.

"If my number is called, I'm going to be out there at full speed ready to go," Demps said. "We're very confident in our backups. People have to step up. We've got successful guys who can play the whole umbrella. It's a good thing."

-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 7:01 a.m., November 14