PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles linebacker Trent Cole had surgery Wednesday for a broken bone in his hand.

Linebacker Trent Cole is confident in his ability to make an impact with the Indianapolis Colts after being released by Philadelphia. Al Bello/Getty Images

Cole, who will not be available for Saturday's game against the Redskins, had a plate inserted into the hand, Eagles coach Chip Kelly said.

Kelly said it was unknown whether Cole would have a chance to play in the season finale against the Giants.

"All I know is he's getting a plate in and he's out this week," Kelly said.

Brandon Graham, the Eagles' 2010 first-round draft choice, will start at Cole's outside linebacker spot.

"I think [Graham] has really picked up what we're trying to do," Kelly said. "The transition [from defensive end] to outside linebacker, you're not going to pick it up in one second. There's a lot of nuances to it.

"Brandon can set an edge, Brandon can rush a quarterback. He's doing a better job in pass coverage. We've been really happy with him."

This year's first-round pick, Marcus Smith, will back up Graham. Linebacker Bryan Braman, who plays on all special teams, will also be in the rotation at outside linebacker.

Cole, 32, has 6½ sacks this season. He is a two-time Pro Bowler as a defensive end, which he played in the Eagles' 4-3 scheme under coach Andy Reid.

Cole and guard Todd Herremans, both drafted in 2005, are the longest-tenured Eagles players. Herremans is on injured reserve with a torn biceps.