As the season progresses it is hard to find those diamonds in the rough or that guy that no one has heard of. This week we are going to examine the plethora of injuries across the league and who the most likely successor is to that starting job as well as highlight some prime matchups as well as surprising performers to this point. This article will also highlight a few long-term and speculative players that could see their value rise over the course of the season.
Linebackers
Kyzir White LB (LAC)
It is all about seizing the opportunities when given. White was handed the starting job while Denzel Perryman is still recovering from knee surgery. White managed 9 total tackles in week 1 while playing nearly 86% of defensive snaps. He looked good in pass coverage and the Chargers trust him moving forward. Look for a solid performance again this week against the Lions.
Blake Cashman LB (NYJ)
This situation is all contingent on what happens with C.J Mosley. Mosley left the Jets week 1 game with a groin injury and Cashman should get the nod to take his place if he misses any time. Cashman managed 2 total tackles in a reserve role in week 1 and could be a sneaky season-long add as his role with the Jets becomes more clear. Watch the injury report for the Jets and Mosley before moving on Cashman in Week 2.
Devin Bush LB (PIT)
Bush may be a name most people heard coming out of camp in Pittsburgh, but he has not been given the starting role just yet. He still managed to play 76% of snaps for the defense in Week 1 and should only see that number increase as the season goes on. TJ Watt may lead that defense, but Bush should push Bud Dupree for playing time the rest of the season. With a high tackle to snap ratio, Bush should be a force the rest of the season.
Defensive Linemen
Sam Hubbard DE (CIN)
After finding a fair amount of success in his rookie season in a part-time role, Hubbard looks to put it all together this year and be a force off the edge for the Bengals. With 10 total tackles, 2 sacks, 2 TFL, and 4 quarterback hits Hubbard had a monster first week and will not be available long if at all. Grab the second-year player from Ohio State if you have the chance against a 49ers offense that does not seem to be clicking at the moment.
Quinton Jefferson DT (SEA)
Another target of opportunity, Jefferson should continue to play while the Seahawks wait for Ezekiel Ansah to come back from injury and Jarran Reed to come back from injury. He saw 65% of defensive snaps in Week 1 and had 6 total tackles and 2 sacks to show for it. Jefferson also plays a reeling Pittsburgh team in Week 2 and could cause problems up the middle all day.
Matthew Ioannidis DT (WAS)
It was a quiet debut for Ioannidis last week against the Eagles, but he has a great matchup against a Dallas team that likes to run the ball. Dak Prescott may have had a big week against the Giants, but the running game will carry the Cowboys all season. Look for Ioannidis to have several opportunities to rack up the tackles and exceed the 3 total tackle performance from Week 1.
Defensive Back
Jordan Whitehead S (TB)
The offense may have been in shambles Week 1, but Whitehead had a very respectable day posting a 7 solo and 1 assist line. With Justin Evans heading to the IR, Whitehead should see his role expand and his defensive snap percentage increase. If this offense does not get going the defense is going to be on the field a lot and that will provide ample opportunity for tackles.
Juan Thornhill S (KC)
It was expected that the Chiefs would roll with Daniel Sorensen to start the season and ease Thornhill into the starting role. This was not the case and Thornhill led the team in tackles with 8 in Week 1. The defense has always been the question mark in KC and with the constant break downs in front of him, Thornhill should have plenty of opportunities to put up solid tackle numbers.
Marqui Christian S (LAR)
With Eric Weddle entering the concussion protocol, there is no guarantee he is going to play this weekend. Christian is the next man up on the depth chart and will have a chance to prove himself for the Rams. He managed 2 solo tackles in relief of Weddle but should be in line for a greater role if Weddle is unable to go this weekend. Watch the injury report later this week and grab Christian to help your secondary if given the starting nod.
