This article is part of our IDP Analysis series.
As is the case every preseason, we've already lost a number of players for varying lengths of time. We'll look at each injury situation and the potential fallout as it relates to IDP leagues.
Trent Murphy, DE, Redskins
Murphy tore his ACL and is out for the year. He broke out last season with nine sacks, three forced fumbles and 47 tackles, but, entering the last year of his contract, he won't get the chance to build on that solid 2016 season in hopes of earning a big contract. Stacy McGee moves to the top of the depth chart, but he was a part-timer with the Raiders the last four years and not a likely an IDP contributor.
Kerry Hyder, DE, Lions
The second-year player suffered a season-ending torn Achilles' tendon. Hyder had eight sacks last year as a rookie. Expect the team to rotate players at defensive end opposite Ezekiel Ansah, as the team is quite thin at the position.
Malcolm Smith, LB, 49ers
Smith tore his pectoral but could return from IR after Week 8. First-round pick Reuben Foster is expected to take over for Smith, who averaged 113 tackles the last two years. However, concerns over Foster's injured shoulder dropped him from an expected top-10 pick in this year's draft to the end of the first round. Aggressive drafters could consider Foster, but until he proves his shoulder is fully ready for the rigors of the NFL, it might be best to go with
As is the case every preseason, we've already lost a number of players for varying lengths of time. We'll look at each injury situation and the potential fallout as it relates to IDP leagues.
Trent Murphy, DE, Redskins
Murphy tore his ACL and is out for the year. He broke out last season with nine sacks, three forced fumbles and 47 tackles, but, entering the last year of his contract, he won't get the chance to build on that solid 2016 season in hopes of earning a big contract. Stacy McGee moves to the top of the depth chart, but he was a part-timer with the Raiders the last four years and not a likely an IDP contributor.
Kerry Hyder, DE, Lions
The second-year player suffered a season-ending torn Achilles' tendon. Hyder had eight sacks last year as a rookie. Expect the team to rotate players at defensive end opposite Ezekiel Ansah, as the team is quite thin at the position.
Malcolm Smith, LB, 49ers
Smith tore his pectoral but could return from IR after Week 8. First-round pick Reuben Foster is expected to take over for Smith, who averaged 113 tackles the last two years. However, concerns over Foster's injured shoulder dropped him from an expected top-10 pick in this year's draft to the end of the first round. Aggressive drafters could consider Foster, but until he proves his shoulder is fully ready for the rigors of the NFL, it might be best to go with a safer option. Smith could be worth looking at as a late-season waiver addition.
Raekwon McMillan, LB, Dolphins
McMillan, a 2017 second-round draft pick out of Ohio State, was expected to take over for Koa Misi (neck), who was placed on IR earlier this offseason. In his last 16 games, Misi had 100 tackles, but no sacks or forced fumbles, and after McMillan's injury, Mike Hall, who played 16 games for the team in 2016 and made 33 tackles last year, is the next man up. It's difficult to imagine he'll have much IDP impact.
Shane Ray, LB, Broncos
Ray suffered a wrist injury and is likely to miss one or two regular-season games. The third-year pro had a bit of a breakout last year when he posted eight sacks with 48 tackles. Since many IDP leagues have shallow benches, he could be a player to target on the waiver wire before he returns, as he could have significant value in leagues that heavily weigh sacks.
Denzel Perryman, LB, Chargers
Perryman could miss time to start the season as his ankle injury is expected to last 4-6 weeks. He averaged six tackles per game last year in addition to a pair of sacks in 12 games. In leagues that have smaller benches, it might be best to look to the waiver wire to add him when he returns if you're in need of a steady source of tackles.
Jalen Collins, CB, Falcons
Collins was suspended for 10 games, but he could be a player to target when he returns. He posted decent tackle numbers for a cornerback, notching 31 in eight games last year along with a pair of interceptions. In the meantime, the Falcons haven't committed to a specific backup to take over for him.
