As the NFL regular season approaches, this article will cover IDP-relevant news and topics from training camps and preseason games. We'll examine injuries, contract situations, camp battles, rookie buzz, and other pertinent IDP topics.
The plan is to have this article ready for your viewing every Thursday until the start of the season. Thanks for tuning in; let's get to it!
IDP News: LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Buffalo
Rookie Kaleb Elarms-Orr continues to make his case for a starting job.
With Terrel Bernard (rest) out this week, Keonta Jenkins filled in his role as the signal caller with Kaleb Elarms-Orr starting alongside him. Elarms-Orr has popped up in this article series plenty of times over the past few weeks, as he continues to build momentum toward earning a starting role as Week 1 approaches. This week was another step toward the rookie becoming a Week 1 starter, as he drew the start in Buffalo's second preseason game. Dorian Williams ran with reserve Joe Andreessen after Elarms-Orr exited. Bernard would be the top linebacker target in Buffalo. However, Elarms-Orr is a nice upside selection when IDP drafts get into the later rounds.
IDP News: LB Jaishawn Barham, Dallas
Rookie Jaishawn Barham shines in his preseason debut.
In his first preseason action, Jaishawn Barham didn't disappoint, handling play-calling duties and collecting five tackles and one tackle for loss. The rookie impressed his head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, as he stated, "He was a guy that was trending up, and then he had the setback with the (groin) injury. I would say he's trending up again." While DeMarvion Overshown and Dee Winters, who both rested this week, are the presumed starters, it seems Barham is making his case. This situation is worth monitoring to see if Barham can continue to push the other two for a role. There is also potential for a rotation among the group, which wouldn't be ideal for IDP purposes. This is a key linebacker situation to watch as the season draws near.
IDP News: Colts LBs
The Indianapolis linebacker situation continues to look like a mess.
We talked about the muddy Colts' linebacker situation in last week's article. It looks to be more of the same after this week's preseason game. Akeem Davis-Gaither (rest) didn't suit up. It was Jaylon Carlies and Austin Ajiake who drew the start against Atlanta this week. Rookies CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher rotated in on the defense's second series. It was a mixture of the four, as a rotation ensued after they all entered the game.
This group is a mess for us IDP gamers to figure out heading into the season. While Davis-Gaither feels like the safest to have a role, given his starter's rest treatment, he's a mediocre talent. Allen's unavailability has hindered his progress. However, there is noticeable upside when he gets acclimated and comfortable; should he lock down the lead role, we had all hoped for. This group remains one to fade in shallower IDP redraft leagues, with waiver-wire potential once we get more information.
