Eagles OLB Trent Cole Breaks Hand Casting Doubt On Availability

 

Citing an NFL source, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Enquirer reports that Eagles OLB Trent Cole suffered a broken hand, casting doubt on his availability for the rest of the season.

Cole left the game against Dallas in the third quarter, and did not return.

Cole, 32, has spent his entire career with Philadelphia.  While his numbers have slightly regressed from his peak years, he is still a very effective pass rusher.

Fortunately for the Eagles, the team does boast some depth on the outside.  Brandon Graham, most notably, is more than capable as a replacement.

Pro Football Focus has Graham as the No.5 3-4 outside linebacker this season with Cole coming in at No.14.  Graham is the superior run defender.

Philadelphia also has first-round pick Marcus Smith, who they have experimented with on the inside.  With this injury, it’s likely that he will get some snaps on the outside, along with Graham opposite OLB Connor Barwin.

Trent Cole registered 6.5 sacks this year, along with 37 tackles.