Stephen Nicholas

Stephen Nicholas

40-Year-Old LinebackerLB
 Free Agent  
2023 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Stephen Nicholas in 2023. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Released by the Falcons in February of 2014.
Stephen Nicholas: Released by Falcons
LBFree Agent
February 5, 2014
The Falcons have released Nicholas, ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Nicholas led the Falcons with 97 tackles in 2012, but the emergence of Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu made Nicholas (who recorded just 35 tackles in 14 games this past season) an expendable player. After starting just three games in 2013, Nicholas could resurface on the IDP radar this coming season if he lands an opportunity to start again elsewhere.
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2023 Stephen Nicholas Split Stats
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
If Nicholas can stay healthy the whole year, he should break out in 2013. He was well on his way last year before an ankle injury kept him on the bench in Week 6, and other bumps and bruises limited his snap counts in other games. But Nicholas finished the year with 95 stops in just 877 snaps, adding two sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. The Falcons run a disproportionate number of nickel formations and don't trust fellow linebacker Akeem Dent in passing situations, leaving Nicholas and Sean Weatherspoon with a monopoly on most of the snaps and many of the tackle opportunities.
Nicolas will start opposite Sean Weatherspoon at outside linebacker for the Falcons. Last season Nicolas was hampered by a knee injury that cost him six games, but he comes into 2012 with a clean bill of health. He should see a spike in tackles with the departure of Curtis Lofton.
Nicholas passed Mike Peterson on the depth chart, and will start at weakside linebacker this season. Peterson racked up 79 tackles as the starter last season, and it's safe to assume Nicholas will put up a similar tackle total.
Nicholas started 13 games and recorded 55 tackles in 2009 and he enters this season as the starter on the strongside. Curtis Lofton hogs all the tackles but Nicholas should improve on his numbers if he can hold off rookie Sean Weatherspoon.
Nicholas is a former fourth round pick who figures to start at strong-side linebacker after posting just nine total tackles as a backup last year. Expect Curtis Lofton and Mike Peterson to hog all the tackles.
Nicholas is a good reserve linebacker who could get IDP consideration pending an injury, but may be a year or two from a chance at a starting spot.
Nicholas was selected in the fourth round of this April's draft. The Falcons are pretty set with their starting linebackers, but they really like Nicholas' speed at the position and he could steal some playing time if Demorrio Williams has any setbacks with his torn pectoral muscle. However, if Williams is healthy, Nicholas will likely see most of his action on special teams.
More Fantasy News
LBAtlanta Falcons
December 26, 2013
Nicholas tallied 11 total tackles, a sack and a pass defensed in Monday's loss to the 49ers.
ANALYSIS
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LBAtlanta Falcons
Quadriceps
November 10, 2013
Nicholas (quad) is active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.
ANALYSIS
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LBAtlanta Falcons
Quadriceps
November 8, 2013
Nicholas (quadriceps) is questionable for Sunday's game against Seattle.
ANALYSIS
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LBAtlanta Falcons
Quadriceps
October 25, 2013
Nicholas (quadriceps) is out for Sunday's game against Arizona.
ANALYSIS
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LBAtlanta Falcons
Quadriceps
October 23, 2013
Nicholas (quad) said he is not going to practice Wednesday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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