Moise Fokou Likely to Start at OLB

With starting Outside Linebacker and quietly consistent defender Chris Gocong nursing a pair of leg injuries, it is becoming increasingly likely that rookie Moise Fokou will play this Sunday’s game versus the Cowboys as one of the three leading LBs. Fokou was selected in the 7th and final round of this year’s Draft, but surprisingly appeared one of the franchise’s better Linebackers while displaying his abilities in Training Camp and the preseason.

If Gocong indeed is held out of action this week, Fokou (pictured) will make his first career start, but has already seen the field enough to understand the physicality the game requires to succeed as a defensive starter. Head coach Andy Reid stressed that the former University of Maryland star is excited and prepared for the opportunity, saying: “He’s worked hard,” “Even when Chris [Gocong] was healthy, he worked in there during practice.” So far this season, Fokou has tallied 6 tackles as a reserve LB/special teams player. Last week, when Gocong exited the lineup for a few drives, the rookie stepped in and–despite not recording a load of statistics–assisted pressure the Giants’ passing game, as well as force running plays outside for little gain.

While Fokou will likely be on the field for most of the game in his first starting appearance, Gocong expects to be back on the field by Week 10, when the Eagles face the San Diego Chargers. He is currently tending to a strained quad muscle, as well as a hamstring strain, and was unable to participate in three practice sessions over the past few days, hence his current “Doubtful” game status.

In other injury news, RB Brian Westbrook sat out of today’s practice to give his concussion an extra day to heal for Sunday’s rivalry contest. His absence from this afternoon’s drills and preparation has been said to be because of precautionary reasons, and that the starting offensive threat did not suffer any set-backs in his head injury. He is still expected to play this week and contribute significantly to the game strategy, according to Reid.