Report: Fractured Hand For Trent Cole

Trent Cole suffered a fractured bone in his hand against the Cowboys Sunday night and could need surgery, according to an Inquirer report.

With two games left, surgery would end Cole’s season. Even if he opts not to go that route, Cole is a “long shot” to play Saturday against Washington.

Taking Cole’s place will be Brandon Graham, who has had a very good season playing in a rotational role. He had three tackles, including two for loss, against the Cowboys.

The Eagles don’t have a lot of depth at the outside linebacker spot. Bryan Braman is one of the backups, but he’s been solely a special teams player up to this point. First-round pick Marcus Smith II was supposed to add depth, but he was moved to inside linebacker earlier this season and has been practicing there in a reserve role. Smith was once again active against Dallas, but did not get on the field.

For now, it will likely be Graham and Connor Barwin taking most of the snaps at outside linebacker.

As for Cole, he’s had a productive season, but turns 33 next season. Due a base salary of $10 million next season, his future with the team is up in the air.