PHILADELPHIA - Eagles linebacker Jamar Chaney doesn't much care what position he plays just as long as he's on the field.
Since joining the team as a seventh-round draft pick in 2010, he has lined up at all three linebacker positions. He is expected to make his second straight start at weakside linebacker (WILL) on Sunday in Pittsburgh.
"I've learned that the more things you can do, the better it is," Chaney said Wednesday. "I'll play wherever they need me to play to help the team win and get to the Super Bowl."
Chaney began his NFL career as a middle linebacker (MIKE). When starter Stewart Bradley got hurt late in Chaney's rookie season, the 6-foot, 242-pounder started the last two games of the regular season and a playoff loss to Green Bay.
The 25-year-old opened last season as the starting strongside linebacker (SAM), but slid back inside to replace struggling Casey Matthews after just two games. Chaney led the Eagles last season with 104 tackles. He also grabbed three interceptions, the most by an Eagles linebacker since William Thomas had three in 1996.
When the Eagles traded for DeMeco Ryans in April, Chaney found himself competing with Brian Rolle and Akeem Jordan for the starting weakside job, but was slowed in the preseason by a strained hamstring.
Rolle held the spot when the preseason began, but was demoted and eventually released on Monday. Jordan took over and also suffered a strained hamstring two weeks ago. Chaney started last Sunday night against the New York Giants and posted four tackles in the Eagles' 19-17 victory.
"Brian texted me and told me he was (being released), but I thought he was just playing (around)," said Chaney, who is also a distant cousin of Rolle's. "Then I saw him cleaning out his locker later and knew he was being serious. I talked to him and just offered some words of encouragement. Considering he was a starter for us, I would think he'll get picked up (by another team) pretty fast."
EXTRA POINTS: The Eagles signed linebacker Adrian Moten to replace Rolle. He's expected to contribute on special teams.
Jordan and defensive tackle Derek Landri (knee inflammation) did not practice Wednesday.
