Brian Rolle and Jamar Chaney have started a combined 32 games including playoffs in their careers. Just a year ago, they were two-thirds of the starting linebacking corps for the Eagles.
With weakside linebacker Akeem Jordan battling a hamstring injury, one of them could get the start in prime time as the Eagles host the Giants on Sunday night.
"I'll tell you what, I'm itching. As a football player at any position, if you don't have the desire to get in and that hunger to get in you won't be in the league very long," Rolle said. "I feel like the coaches have seen the work ethic in practice and look at the plays I do get and see that I need to be on the field and hopefully this week will be the week."
Rolle is listed as the backup weakside linebacker and went in for Jordan when he got injured in the second quarter of Sunday's loss to Arizona. Rolle played in 16 snaps on defense and finished with two tackles.
Chaney competed for the starting weakside linebacker spot throughout Training Camp and the preseason. He was promoted to first-team nickel linebacker during Training Camp only to injure his hamstring on the very same day.
"You just have to stay positive. After being a starter and being out there a lot, it gets to you that you're not out there," Chaney said. "You have to keep going with the flow and make sure you prepare every week because you never know what can happen."
Chaney had arguably the best game of his career against the Giants in 2010. It was his first career start and Chaney logged a career-best 16 tackles. Last season, Chaney had 104 tackles which led the team.
If Rolle or Chaney is called on to replace Jordan, it will be also imperative to be productive on special teams as well. Jordan is tied for the team lead with four special teams tackles in 2012 and is fourth in special teams production points with 21.
No matter what, Rolle is expecting an electric crowd at Lincoln Financial Field for what will be a special night which includes the retirement of Brian Dawkins' No. 20.
"I look forward to it being crazy. The Giants are coming in here. It's Sunday night," Rolle said. "We didn't give Philly anything to cheer about last week, but we're back home this week. Hopefully, they'll get rowdy for us."
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