IDP Analysis: Pierre-Paul's Promising Return

RISING

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, NYG

It was only a two-tackle performance for Jason Pierre-Paul in his first game of 2015, but considering the starting point of his year, it's been a relieving spell of progress for Pierre-Paul as he attempts to work his way back from a ghastly fireworks accident in July. Even if the injuries suffered by Pierre-Paul limit him in some regard, he's still a great athlete at 6-foot-5, 278 pounds with rare explosiveness for his build, and it seems like he might push for a close to full-time role surprisingly soon after playing about 71 percent of the defensive snaps against the Buccaneers on Sunday. It's hard to tell how soon Pierre-Paul might reestablish himself as a viable IDP starter, but it will probably be sooner rather than later if he can push for 80 percent or more of the Giants' defensive snaps.

Kyle Wilber, LB, DAL

With Sean Lee (concussion), Rolando McClain (hand) questionable, and Anthony Hitchens (ankle) questionable, Dallas will have its depth tested at linebacker this week. Wilber is the fourth in line for snaps logged at linebacker for Dallas this year, playing 120 snaps in eight games. He posted only 14 tackles with that workload, but that would still project to roughly just over 115 tackles over a 16-game span with a three-down workload (about 1,000 snaps on the year). If Wilber ends up in a three-down role Sunday, he might project for around seven tackles over 60 snaps.

Robert Quinn, DE, STL

After missing last week's game against Minnesota with a knee injury, Quinn is poised to return to the field against the Bears this week after logging limited practices two days in a row. Quinn is listed as questionable, but two practices ought to be enough to get the star end back on the field. Always one of the league's most productive pass rushers, Quinn has 21 tackles, five sacks, and three forced fumbles in the seven games he's played this year.

Eric Weddle, S, SD

After missing two games with a groin injury, Weddle made his return against the Bears on Monday night, and in the process he showed he's definitely past the injury. Weddle is poised to reestablish himself as a top-five defensive back IDP going forward after finishing Monday's game with 13 tackles (nine solo) and a fumble recovery. Weddle's return to a full-time role hurts the playing time of Jimmy Wilson, though Jahleel Addae remained in a three-down role against the Bears despite Weddle's return.

FALLING

Sean Lee, OLB, DAL

It's unfortunate but not unexpected that Lee's durability luck ran out – at least for one week – as the Cowboys take on the Buccaneers on Sunday. Lee suffered a concussion against the Eagles on Sunday, and given that it's the second concussion he's suffered in 2015, it might cost him time beyond this week's game against Tampa Bay. Lee is one of the very best linebackers of a long stretch of time when he's healthy, but the game hasn't treated him well. In addition to Lee being out, it's worth mentioning that Rolando McClain and Anthony Hitchens are both questionable.

Jordan Hicks, (3-4) ILB, PHI

Hicks was one of the most promising defenders of the 2015 rookie class, playing more like the five-star recruit he was coming out of high school than the third-round pick he was entering the NFL. On a team where he was expected to be no higher than fourth on the depth chart behind Kiko Alonso, Mychal Kendricks, and DeMeco Ryans, Hicks may have proven himself the best of the bunch prior to suffering a season-ending pectoral tear against the Cowboys on Sunday. Hicks' season is over, but with Kendricks on a one-year deal and Ryans aging, there will almost certainly be a three-down role available for Hicks in the near future, perhaps as soon as Week 1 in 2016.

DeMarcus Ware, DE, DEN

Ware will miss this week's game against Kansas City due to a back injury, one that appears to be an aggravation of the one he initially suffered against the Raiders back in Week 5. Considering his age (33 years old) and the fact that he dealt with back troubles at multiple points in recent years, it's hard to not worry about his ability to stay on the field even when he does return. Ware is very tough and often plays (and produces) through injury, however, and posting 6.5 sacks in seven games means he's probably worth making room for in IDP leagues with decent bench sizes.

Rolando McClain, MLB, DAL

His status will need following up on come Sunday, but McClain missed practice with a hand injury Friday, and if he should be absent for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay it would leave more work for Anthony Hitchens (questionable, ankle) and probably one other linebacker – perhaps Wilber. With Lee (concussion) already out, an absence for McClain would force Dallas to go with two backups at linebacker.