IDP Waiver Watch: Week Three

By Brandon Salamat

Posted on September 19, 2017

Another week is in the books, and once again we’re getting dealt with injuries and almost at the point we’re scraping up the bottom of the waivers just to have some replacements for the time being. At least this time around there aren’t too many season-ending injuries but moreso week-to-week, day-to-day types. Let’s take a look at some of the injuries that happened yesterday that may have an impact heading into week three.

Injuries

Eric Reid, SS SF

Reid had a left knee injury and left the game against the Seahawks. He actually came back (why?!) but he’s definitely out for week three on Thursday night.

[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]

Kwon Alexander, LB TB

He suffered a hamstring injury, but said he’ll be fine for week three, so for now owners can breathe a sigh of relief.

Lavonte David, LB TBB

He left the game but is fine, and said it’s cramps so he’ll be suited up for week three as well.

Lawrence Timmons, LB MIA

No injury here, but owners were caught off guard when Timmons went AWOL from the Dolphins. There’s no need to be upset, and I just hope whatever he’s going through he can recover from. For the time being, go find a replacement.

Mike Daniels, DE GBP

He had a hamstring injury and didn’t return to the game, and is now week-to-week so it’s a situation to monitor. Hopefully you weren’t relying on Daniels prior to this.

TJ Watt, LB PIT

He had a groin injury and didn’t return, and I’d have Bud Dupree on queue if you want an in-house replacement.

Nick Kwiatkoski, LB CHI

I’m not sure what Kwiatkoski did to deserve this, but he suffered a pectoral injury and potentially out some time as most of us had picked him up for week two with Freeman out.

Vic Beasley, LB ATL

He suffered a hamstring injury suffered in second half and it’s a situation to monitor.

Did you guys take all that in? Some aren’t that bad and just potentially weekly situations, so it doesn’t hurt to have a Plan B in place just in case. Now that part is done, let’s take a look at some waiver wire candidates who could be picked up to help you.

Linebackers

Kendall Beckwith, LB TB

He took over Kwon’s spot on the field (normally plays SLB) and did okay filling in. If Kwon is out for a game or two and you’re a Kwon owner, I’d probably find a way to get Beckwith on your squad for the short time. He’s not going to produce LB1, numbers but may hit LB2. He ended week two with five tackles and two TFLs.

Christian Jones, LB CHI

With Freeman out for the season and now just recently having lost Kwiatkoski for the season, this is where Jones steps in momentarily. I say that because there’s a chance CHI addresses their ILB depth as they’re pretty much down to Trevathan and Jones. He provided six tackles against the Bucs and there’s a chance he’s the lone fully-healthy ILB, therefore should see a ton of opportunities and volume. Jones can hit LB3 value with a shot of producing LB2 numbers here and there.

Elandon Roberts, LB NEP

Tread water in this situation. You don’t have to rush and pick up Elandon. He played nine snaps in the opener and saw that jump to 36 against the Saints. Although he racked up eight, tackles I don’t see him sustaining that and moreso just see it as New England had a different defensive gameplan going into week two. I’d say only if you’re in desperation mode already, then Elandon is worth consideration.

Mike Hull, LB MIA

With Timmons uncertain future, he could be back as early as next game but for the time being you’d have to consider adding Hull where you can for those just in case situations. He piled up ten tackles against the Chargers and if Timmons misses another game he might make a decent plug and play option as your LB4/Flex.

Hayes Pullard, LB LAC

Once again Pullard came out of nowhere and played more snaps than Korey Toomer. This time in week two, he racked in 42 snaps whereas Toomer just saw 12 snaps. It might be kneejerk reaction, but if you’re a Toomer owner feel free to drop him. Pullard recorded ten tackles against the Dolphins in week two, and there’s a good chance he can continue his play as it looks like he’s earned coaches trust. I would pick up Pullard for the short term stop gap if you need a LB3/Flex and don’t drop anyone of value if you’re picking him up.

Zach Cunningham, LB HOU

With Brian Cushing suspended for ten games, the Zach era has arrived earlier than expected and I’m here for it. I don’t need to tell you much but he was my LB1 in this years rookie class and he racked up six tackles in his first career start against the Bengals. He shouldn’t be on waivers in any dynasty leagues but if he is hope you land him this week and he’s my numero uno priority.

Defensive Linemen

Chris Smith, DE CIN

Smith played 34 snaps and rotated with Jordan Willis with Michael Johnson out of the game. He racked up six tackles and one sack against the Texans. Smith makes a decent plug-and-play option if the matchup is right but his snaps will always fluctuate. I would feel comfortable with him on my roster in deep leagues though, where I can roster enough depth and if you have to cut bait later you’re not losing out on any value.

Deatrich Wise, DE NEP

Here’s another Patriots defensive player who may earn himself more snaps in the coming games. Wise has been a beast to start the season and it showed up against the Saints in week two as he put up two tackles, one sack and five QB hits! He should definitely be owned on dynasty rosters as a plug and play option or depth.

Mario Edwards Jr, DE OAK

Edwards had himself a solid game against the Jets as he racked up 3 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 2.5 TFL. The problem with Edwards was his health, but whenever he’s on the field he’s a plus for the Raiders as he helps against the run and is just a big body on that line that can open up the gaps for blitzers. Had Edwards as a DE2 value this season, looks healthy and motivated so if he’s sitting on your waivers, might want to give him a look if Chris Jones isn’t available.

Safeties

Derrick Kindred, SS CLE

Kindred is having a helluva start to this season. Although he flashed last year, he looks much better and more comfortable. He racked up 7 tackles 3PDs against the Ravens and has been one of the few bright spots on that Browns defense that’s still trying to find it’s identity. I would definitely pick up Kindred as your DB3 going forward, might see your starting lineup soon too. He would make a good alternative for those who lost Reid.

Eric Murray, S KCC

It looks like Murray is the next man up to take Berry’s spot on the field, Sorensen lines up at LB majority of the time and Murray sees time at both safety spots and slot CB. Murray can become a serviceable DB3 with the potential to hit 6-7 tackles per outing.

Jaquiski Tartt, SS SF

With Reid sidelined indefinitely, Tartt will continue to see playing time on the field and dynasty owners will continue to have rejoice as we’ve been waiting patiently. He’s a Kam Chancellor-type SS who’s having a solid start to this season. He’d be my top add this week at DB and an easy slot into your starting lineup, he brings the BOOM!

[/am4show]