Photo: USA Today Sports

For Week 6, we only have two teams heading into a bye (Green Bay and Pittsburgh). Unfortunately, the injury grim reaper continues to haunt us. I did my best to sift 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

E.J. Speed, Indianapolis Colts

Week 5 Stats: 7 tackles (3 solos), 1 pass defended

With Shaquille Leonard (groin) ruled out for this week, more work was coming E.J. Speed's way. Speed has been a key part of the Colts' defense this year but carried just a 50% snap share through the first four weeks. However, in Week 5 with no Leonard, Speed played 59 defensive snaps, which was good for a 98% snap share.

If Leonard is forced to miss extended time, Speed will continue to hold a full-time gig. Leonard's play has also taken a step back this year, so if Speed shows well, he could continue to cut into his role when he does return. If Speed is sitting on your waiver wire, he's a priority add this week.

Damone Clark, Dallas Cowboys

Week 5 Stats: 9 tackles (5 solos)

Leighton Vander Esch suffered an unfortunate neck injury in the second half of Sunday night's contest. We are still awaiting more news, but head coach Mike McCarthy has said IR is a possibility. Vander Esch's neck issues have been well-documented throughout his career, and hopefully, the injury isn't severe.

With Vander Esch potentially out for an extended time, Damone Clark is likely to get the first shot at an expanded role. Clark has been involved but hasn't been a full-time player with just a 58% snap share on the season. However, he does carry a solid 17.6% tackle rate over the first five games. If you're looking for linebacker reinforcements, Clark is worth a look off the waiver wire as he seems primed for a heftier workload, given Dallas' current linebacker unit.

Isaiah Simmons, New York Giants

Week 5 Stats: 9 tackles (7 solos)

Through the first four weeks, Isaiah Simmons has held a minimal role and just a 26.7% snap share for the Giants' defense. However, with Micah McFadden (ankle) unable to go in Week 5, Simmons played all 54 defensive snaps against Miami. Simmons' nine-tackle outing this week was by far his best IDP output on the year so far.

If McFadden continues to miss more time, it appears Simmons will have a more prominent role. Although, if McFadden returns, Simmons will be tough to trust. With his minimal role to start the year, Simmons is likely available on plenty of waiver wires. While he's worth an add to see how this all shakes out, make sure to monitor McFadden's status before rolling him out this week.

Tyrel Dodson, Buffalo Bills

Week 5 Stats: 5 tackles (4 solos), 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovery

In major unfortunate news, the Bills lost a key piece to their defense this week as Matt Milano suffered a brutal leg injury. Milano is likely out for the rest of the year, meaning there is a big void to be filled at linebacker in the Buffalo defense. Rookie Dorian Williams got most of the initial run after Milano exited but ceded snaps to Tyrel Dodson as the game went on. Dodson ended up playing 55 defensive snaps (62%), while Williams logged 32 snaps (36%) against Jacksonville.

While we may not get one player to fill Milano's full-time role, Dodson looks to be the waiver add after what transpired this week. However, this situation is going to be one to monitor closely as the Bills prepare to finish the year without a crucial piece to their defense. Dodson is worth a look in deeper leagues, but there is some uncertainty with the situation.