Seahawks expected to start rookie Brock Coyle at linebacker

RENTON, Wash. - Undrafted rookie Brock Coyle is expected to start at middle linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks this week against Oakland.

Seattle linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. said Wednesday the job was Coyle's ''to lose,'' but the coaching staff could change its mind before Sunday. Coyle's representatives first tweeted congratulations about their client getting his first start.

Seattle has been without starting middle linebacker Bobby Wagner since he suffered a toe injury against Dallas. K.J. Wright moved from the outside to the middle for the past two games against St. Louis and Carolina.

Coyle got plenty of experience playing middle linebacker during the preseason when Wagner was out with a hamstring injury. Coyle has appeared in all seven games this season.