Jene Bramel
Footballguy
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EARLY GAMES
Arizona at New York Giants
John Abraham left the team with concussion-like symptoms this week and will not play. Sam Acho and Matt Shaughnessy will be near full time outside linebackers, with Alex Okafor out with a thigh injury. Frostee Rucker is also out. Tyrann Mathieu fully practiced all week and is expected to play. It's unlikely Mathieu will be used on every down initially. He may take snaps away from Rashad Johnson on base downs, but it's possible he'll see time in subpackages only for now.
Jon Beason came out of last week's game with some soreness in his foot and missed Thursday's practice. He's probable and will play but likely isn't ready to return to an every down role yet.
Atlanta at Cincinnati
The Falcons are healthy. Prince Shembo saw a handful of snaps for Joplo Bartu and likely will again against Cincinnati. That's a slight downgrade for Bartu, but he's still a reasonable LB3 today.
Vontaze Burfict fully practiced on Friday ahead of his visit to the independent neurologist. It's very unlikely the Bengals would have allowed Burfict to practice if they were worried about his gaining clearance for contact. It's not yet confirmed but barring a late change in symptoms, he will start today. Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap both missed practice time but fully practiced on Friday and are listed probable.
Dallas at Tennessee
Anthony Hitchens replaces the injured Justin Durant at weak side linebacker and will reportedly also replace Bruce Carter in some nickel situations. Rod Marinelli said Rolando McClain was ready to play in subpackages early this week, so look for him to play nearly every down today.
Zaviar Gooden will replace Zach Brown at inside linebacker. Gooden did not play every down last week. The Titans chose to use George Wilson in subpackages instead. Until it's clear that he'll have a larger role, Gooden isn't a trustworthy fantasy option. It's possible that happens this week, with Wilson fighting a minor foot issue, but there's been no specific report yet. Light at depth, there have been hints that the Titans are working Quentin Groves at inside linebacker.