McNabb's surgery called a success The sports-hernia operation on the QB was performed at Hahnemann. Doctor's orders: Off his feet for three weeks.

Donovan McNabb underwent surgery to repair his sports hernia yesterday morning at Hahnemann University Hospital.

Surgeon William Meyers, who has monitored McNabb's condition since the start of the season, performed the operation. The team described the procedure as a success, which is probably not the way their starting quarterback described his seventh season in the NFL.

"I have not had a chance to talk to him, but we had a chance to talk to the doctor and he thought it went well," coach Andy Reid said. ". . . His groin muscle was torn on the right side and then they relieved the one on the left side a little bit. They sewed up the two spots in the abdominal area as well."

Reid said the doctor had told McNabb to stay off his feet for three weeks. "He does nothing for three weeks, then you see how he is moving around after that," the coach said.

McNabb's season officially ended two weeks ago when he aggravated his injury after being hit by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bradie James as he chased down safety Roy Williams following one of the most infamous interceptions of his career.

Mike McMahon has replaced McNabb as the starting quarterback in the last two games and led the Eagles to a 19-14 win Sunday over Green Bay that ended the team's four-game losing streak.

Reid said McMahon would remain the team's starter Monday night against the 9-2 Seattle Seahawks.

"Right now, it is Mike's position," Reid said. ". . . He took a couple of steps forward and we will get him started a little faster than we have the last couple of days."

Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.