We catch a mini break this week as there are only two teams on bye (Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City). Unfortunately, we did not catch a break on the injury front on either side of the ball. I did my best to navigate through the snaps and stats to find some potential waiver wire options for your IDP leagues. Please keep in mind there are many fun ways to play this IDP game we love, and if you ever have any league-specific questions feel free to reach out. Alright, let’s get to it.
Linebackers
Deion Jones, Cleveland Browns
Week 7 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss
We've talked about Deion Jones a couple of times in this article, and we finally got to see him hit the field in Week 7. In his first game action, Jones played 33 defensive snaps (52%) and turned in a respectable five tackles (4 solos) and a tackle for loss. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah led the linebacker group with 51 snaps (80%), followed by Sione Takitaki (36 snaps/56%), and Jacob Phillips (31 snaps/48%). Yeah, it was messy.
In unfortunate news, it sounds like Jacob Phillips is lost for the year due to a pectoral injury. This opens the door for Jones to inherit a bigger role going forward. If Jones is still floating around your waiver wire, he has the potential to be a high-impact mid-season pickup. Scoop him up where you can.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, Cincinnati Bengals
Week 7 Stats: 9 tackles (7 solos)
The Bengals were without Logan Wilson (shoulder) this week, and Akeem Davis-Gaither saw an increase in his role. As expected, Germaine Pratt slid in as the every-down linebacker (46 snaps/98%), and Davis-Gaither manned the open second linebacker role for the Bengal defense. The spot isn't a full-time role, with Davis-Gaither playing 32 defensive snaps (68%). Although, he turned in a solid nine tackle (7 solos) outing with his added snaps.
Davis-Gaither had only played 42 defensive snaps in his previous three games, so when Wilson returns, he'd be the odd man out again. However, he could serve as a bye week or injury fill-in while Wilson is nursing his banged-up shoulder. While he doesn't have an ideal full-time role, Davis-Gaither should hover around the 70% mark. If you're looking for a healthy waiver addition in deeper leagues, Davis-Gaither is worth a look. Just make sure you continue to monitor Logan Wilson's status.
Jonas Griffith, Denver Broncos
Week 7 Stats: 6 tackles (2 solos), 1 QB hit
Jonas Griffith's snap share has been anything but steady through eight games. Griffith serves as the second linebacker in Denver, while either Josey Jewell or Alex Singleton holds down the lead role. Giffith carries a 60% snap share on the season, but his weekly range has varied anywhere from 30%-80%. Not a great selling point, I get it.
Over his last two games, Griffith has played 120 defensive snaps with a 79.5% average snap share. He's also produced 17 tackles (9 solos) and two quarterback hits over that stretch. While his role is likely matchup/game script dependent, we've entered the stage of warm body production in deeper leagues. Griffith could serve as a deep league fill-in if you're IDP squad is in need.
Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, San Francisco 49ers
Week 7 Stats: 2 tackles (1 solo)
Speaking of warm body production, here's one for you. Dre Greenlaw was forced out of this week's game early with a calf injury. As a result, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles saw a season-high 36 defensive snaps (56%) against the Chiefs. However, it didn't result in much participation in the box score.
Currently, it sounds like Azeez Al-Shaair is still a few weeks out from making his return. If Greenlaw is unable to go in Week 8, Flannigan-Fowles would be his likely replacement. Flannigan-Fowles is only worth considering as a deep league flier or Greenlaw insurance if the wire is barren.
Defensive Line/Edge
Justin Houston, Baltimore Ravens
Week 7 Stats: 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 1 QB hit, 1 forced fumble
Justin Houston returned in Week 7 after missing the past three games with a groin injury. Houston only played 16 defensive snaps (27%) but made his presence felt, coming up with back-to-back sacks before the end of the first half. The playing time isn't ideal, but Houston might have been on a snap count in his first game back from injury. Jason Pierre-Paul (38 snaps/63%) did play considerably more than Houston but failed to log a pressure against Atlanta.
In picking up Houston, we're hoping his role builds back up to around the 50%-60% mark due to his production. In Week 1 and Week 2, Houston played 54 snaps (64%) and 49 snaps (69%), respectively. Houston has played well at age 33, supporting a 14.9% pressure rate and four sacks in basically three games this season—He only played six snaps in Week 3. Houston's play warrants an add in deeper leagues where he has Edge/DL eligibility. Let's keep an eye on his role. Also, David Ojabo and Tyus Bowser could enter the mix at some point, but we will cross that bridge in due time.
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Joseph Ossai, Cincinatti Bengals
Week 7 Stats: 1 solo tackle, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
Joseph Ossai got his chance to step up when Trey Hendrickson exited this week's game after suffering a stinger. Ossai got home for his first career sack shortly after Hendrickson's departure. The second-year man out of Texas has had tough injury luck to start his career so this is a welcomed sight for Bengals fans and IDP managers alike.
Right now, it sounds like Hendrickson's injury isn't too serious but they're going to manage his participation throughout the week. The Bengals take on the Browns Monday night, so Hendrickson managers may want to pick up Ossai as insurance if the wire is bleak. Ossai is also on the deep league spot start radar.
Kingsley Enagbare, Green Bay Packers
Week 7 Stats: 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, 2 QB hits
Packers star edge rusher Rashan Gary exited this week's game in the second half due to a concussion. Kingsley Enagbare was tasked with stepping in and logged a season-high 31 defensive snaps (42%). The fifth-round rookie played well in extended duties and now has registered a sack in back-to-back games.
If Gary is unable to go, Enagbare would likely slide into the starting lineup opposite of Preston Smith. Keep in mind Green Bay plays Buffalo on Sunday night in Week 8. If you're a Gary manager who plans on waiting out the situation, picking up Enagbare is a good idea if your roster allows it. Enagbare is also a deep league name to consider where he has Edge/DL designation. Make sure you monitor Gary's progression through the concussion protocol throughout the week.
Shelby Harris, Seattle Seahawks
Week 7 Stats: 2 solo tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit, 2 passes defended
Shelby Harris missed Seattle's Week 3 game but has a steady 57% average snap share since returning to the starting lineup in Week 4. Harris has been active and disruptive, registering a sack in Week 6 and eight pressures over his last two games, per Pro Football Focus. If you're looking for a defensive tackle in true position leagues, Harris is a solid waiver addition where available. Harris also has some appeal in deep roster DL-combined formats with his matchup against a beatable Giants offensive line.
Defensive Backs
Amani Hooker, Tennesee Titans
Week 7 Stats: 10 tackles (9 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery
Amani Hooker (concussion) had missed the last two games but made his return to the starting lineup coming out of Tennesee’s bye week. Hooker played all 64 of Tennesee’s defensive snaps, tying for the team lead with 10 tackles (9 solos). Tennessee deployed a heavy amount of three safety looks this week, with Hooker being utilized a good amount in the slot.
Hooker played 61 of his 64 snaps up in the slot (45 snaps) and box (16 snaps) areas, per Pro Football Focus. Andrew Adams aligned primarily at free safety, while Kevin Byard continues to be deployed all over. Hooker’s role looks to be conducive for IDP production, and he’s a solid waiver wire addition now that he’s back to full health.
Keanu Neal, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 7 Stats: 4 tackles (3 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended
The Tampa safety unit is banged up. Logan Ryan (foot) is already on injured reserve, and now Antoine Winfield is likely out for Thursday night after suffering a concussion on Sunday. Keanu Neal has started the past two games, playing all 64 defensive snaps in Week 6 and another 41 snaps (82%) in Week 7. Over those two games, Neal has logged 70 of his 105 defensive snaps up in the IDP sweet spot (box, slot, and DL), per Pro Football Focus. If you’re looking for safety help, Neal should be heavily involved again in Week 8.
Tashaun Gipson, San Francisco 49ers
Week 7 Stats: 5 solo tackles, 1 pass defended
Tashaun Gipson had a quiet start to the season but has been a bit more productive as of late. Over his last two games, Gipson has compiled 14 tackles (11 solos) and a pass defended. Gipson has played just about every defensive snap so far for San Francisco, but he spends his time primarily aligned deep at free safety. However, If you need safety reinforcements in deeper leagues, Gipson does have the snap volume on his side.
Chris Harris, New Orleans Saints
Week 7 Stats: 6 tackles (5 solos), 1 forced fumble
The Saints' cornerback unit is decimated with injuries at the moment. Marshon Lattimore (abdomen) and Paulson Adebo (knee) were both inactive for Week 7. To make matters worse, Bradley Roby suffered an ankle injury against Arizona Thursday night and had to be carted off. The injuries have forced New Orleans to spring 33-year-old Chris Harris into action.
Harris played 56 defensive snaps (98%) in Week 6 and another 62 snaps (94%) in Week 7. In Week 6, Harris was used primarily in the slot before shifting to the outside more in Week 7. Harris has allowed 13 completions on 15 targets over his two games played. If Harris is forced into heavy action against the Raiders in Week 8, he could be in for another busy day. Harris is a streaming option in CB-required formats IF the other Saints corners continue to miss time.
Final Thoughts
In this week’s edition, I covered quite a few injury replacement options that will require monitoring. If you have any questions about a certain situation, please feel free to reach out. Also, make sure you stay tuned throughout the week as our fantastic IDP staff here at Footballguys will keep you up to date on all things defense. Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you all back next week.