EARLY GAMES
Atlanta at New York Giants
Prince Shembo took over for
Joplo Bartu last week. Shembo wasn't yet an every-down player, though, and the Falcons released a depth chart on Monday which continued to list Bartu as the starter next to
Paul Worrilow. So it may be too soon to count on Shembo as a LB3 play.
Kemal Ishmael replaces
William Moore, who went on IR-return this week with a shoulder injury.
Jon Beason is questionable but has told reporters all week he expects to play today. If he does, he'll likely be back in a rotational role only. That's what happened in his most recent return.
Jameel McClain would move back to outside linebacker. Trumaine McBride has been productive in the slot since taking over for the injured
Walter Thurmond.
Quintin Demps is also firmly on the fantasy radar. He's been more efficient than
Stevie Brown was as the starter.
Baltimore at Indianapolis
Chris Canty is doubtful with a chronic knee injury.
Terrell Suggs continues to deal with a thigh injury. He's questionable and managed only a limited Friday practice this week. I think Suggs will play, but his burst hasn't been the same this year and he's already been used in rotation. He's not a fantasy option today.
Jerrell Freeman made his way back to a full practice on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable. Ordinarily, I'd expect a player with Freeman's recent injury history to ease back into the lineup, but there's a chance he'll be back to an every-down role right away. However, the risk that he will only play part time and the heavy assist over solo trend with the Indianapolis stat crew would have me leery about expecting more than LB3 numbers today.
Arthur Jones has yet to return to practice.
Buffalo at Detroit
Nigel Bradham and
Kyle Williams are doubtful today and won't play.
Preston Brown gets another start at outside linebacker and can be expected to play every down with
Keith Rivers. Rivers may rotate out in dime packages. Da'Norris Searcy has been in and out of the lineup over the past two weeks with injury and in rotation with
Duke Williams. He's no longer a trustworthy DB3, even in deeper leagues.
Tahir Whitehead looked comfortable inside and was very productive last week. With another strong effort today, he'll prove himself to be an every-week LB2. The Lions are otherwise healthy and
Ezekiel Ansah is off the injury report with a great matchup. Hopefully, he'll take advantage.
