Washington Commanders

Redskins expected to start Mason Foster at LB against Cowboys

Published Dec. 7, 2015 12:00 p.m. ET

foxsports

With another blow to the linebacker core after a foot injury sidlelined Perry Riley Jr. for three to six weeks, Mason Foster will see time as a starting inside linebacker for the Washington Redskins as they take on the Dallas Cowboys Monday night.

Foster, 26, started 54 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the last four seasons, recording 243 tackles, five interceptions and forced two fumbles. He has also scored two defensive touchdowns in his career.

This season with the Redskins, Foster has participated in eight games, recording one tackle and four assisted tackles. So while this might be his first true moment in the spotlight in Washington, this isn't Foster's first rodeo.

“I’ve been prepared for this because I knew being around a little bit, playing a couple of years, I know how quickly something can happen and you’re the next guy up,” Foster told the Washington Post's Master Tesafatsion. “People outside, people upstairs and the coaches don’t want to see no let-off. Don’t flinch, like coach (Joe Barry) says, so keep pushing forward and keep going.”

The Redskins will hope Foster steps in and doesn't miss a beat. With a win against the 3-8 Cowboys, Washington will be the lone team in the NFC East with six wins, securing a first place spot in the divion. After the Philadelphia Eagles shocking upset over the New England Patriots, and the New York Giants nail biting loss to the New York Jets, the Redskins would drop in a three way tie between the two rivals if they were to lose to the Cowboys. And with three upcoming divisional matchups, the Redskins can't afford to give away any games.