Linebacker Mason Foster a bright spot for Redskins in loss to Cowboys
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Version 0 of 1. The Washington Redskins have cycled through their depth at inside linebacker throughout the season. It was a group with plenty of question marks at the start of the season, and very few answers have been provided because of injuries and inconsistency. And just as it appeared as if someone would provide consistent play at the position, Perry Riley Jr. suffered a foot injury during practice leading up to Monday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. That provided an opportunity for Mason Foster, who wasn’t even on the roster during the season opener against the Miami Dolphins, to receive his first start with the Redskins. The fifth-year veteran linebacker has awaited the opportunity to prove that he still belongs in the league, and Foster was one of the few bright spots in an ugly 19-16 loss. [Best/Worst from the Redskins-Cowboys game] Foster, 26, contributed to two of the team’s three takeaways in the second straight game that the Redskins’ defense forced three turnovers against an NFC East opponent. With 13 minutes 50 seconds left in the third quarter, the University of Washington product recovered a fumble forced by defensive end Jason Hatcher on a seven-yard carry by Cowboys running back Darren McFadden. It was the second fumble lost by McFadden, who hadn’t lost a fumble this season before Monday. Foster also forced a fumble early in the fourth quarter on what started as a promising drive for the Cowboys. Quarterback Matt Cassel completed an 18-yard pass to wide receiver Devin Street, who was stripped by Foster after the completion. Cornerback Will Blackmon recovered the loose ball to stall the series and maintain a three-point lead for the Redskins. “As soon as he caught the ball, I was going to go for the ball anyway,” Foster said. “I was the second man in, so I always try to do that. Always trying to hustle, but I’ve got to get more so we can win. I’ve got to do more and play harder.” Before wide receiver DeSean Jackson’s fumble on a punt return late in the fourth quarter, Foster helped get the defense off the field for a brief moment on third down. He attacked Cassel on the blitz, coming up in the middle untouched and forcing Cassel into an incomplete pass with 1:47 left. “I felt like I made plays, was flying around being physical,” Foster said. “I definitely feel like I showed that I can play. People might try to count you out, but just keep working so that you can come with your hard hat and your lunch pail, play hard and make plays. I’m just going to keep building on this and keep working.” Foster made his 55th career start after spending four previous seasons in a prominent role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Foster latched on with the Chicago Bears during the offseason, but he was surprisingly cut right before the season. The Redskins signed Foster in Week 4 because they lacked depth at the position, and he’s played mainly on special teams and as a defensive reserve in eight previous games. “He’s a four-year starter, and he handled his business good,” Redskins linebacker Will Compton said. “He played well.” Foster ended up tying with Compton for a team-high seven tackles. After recording two interceptions over a three-game period, Riley had surgery on his right foot that will force him to miss three to six weeks. Keenan Robinson suited up for the first time since Week 9 after missing three games with a lingering shoulder injury. The Redskins have a short week to prepare for a road game against the Bears on Sunday. They will still need to find another linebacker to pair with Compton in Riley’s absence, and Foster proved that he’s capable of filling that void during the team’s playoff push with four games left. “I definitely showed that you can trust me when you put me in there,” Foster said. “You don’t got to worry about anything. I’m going to hold my own. I’m just going to keep playing whatever they give me. Whatever role I keep playing, I’m going to play it as hard as I can and try to help this team win no matter what.” For more Redskins coverage: Redskins fumble away the game in frantic final minutes Brewer: An epic chance, but a basic finish Boswell: Bad game ends up with one of the best finishes Dallas won the game in the trenches Bog: Best and worst moments from Redskins' loss Redskins slip into NFC East tie with Eagles, Giants Bog: Place kicker Hopkins takes the blame Video: The Wrap | Discussion thread BoxBox score: Cowboys 19, Redskins 16 Best and worst moments from the Redskins’ loss Scenes from at FedEx Field |