L.J.

Fort

Fort has a torn ACL with “no further damage.” He’ll miss all of 2021 but is expected to make a full recovery. Fort, who started eight games last year, wasn’t a roster lock after being nontendered this offseason. The nine-year veteran turns 32 in January.

A restricted free agent, Fort wasn’t tendered an offer last month, but he is presumably returning for less than the “low” amount of $2.133 million. Although he’s on the wrong side of 30, Fort was actually a valuable role player last season, standing up the run as an off-ball linebacker. He should slot in for 300-400 snaps in 2021.

Fort started eight games and appeared in 14 for the Ravens last season and actually graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 9 off-ball linebacker with elite marks as a run defender. Fort would’ve made $2.133 million on the lowest tender, but Baltimore couldn’t make it happen due to the salary cap. Fort is already 31 years old.

Elliott is one of seven “close contacts” of COVID-positive Marlon Humphrey who must miss this week’s practices and quarantine. The other six are: LB Matthew Judon, LB Patrick Queen, LB L.J. Fort, LB Malik Harrison, CB Terrell Bonds and LB Tyus Bowser. Presuming they all keep returning negative tests, all seven players will be eligible to suit up for Sunday’s game against the Colts. An every-down player his third year in the league, Elliott has been providing strong snaps at the back end of the Ravens’ defense.

He’ll net a guaranteed $3.25 million in 2020. Fort has only been in Baltimore a month after being let go by Philadelphia earlier this year, but obviously he’s made a strong impression. The Northern Iowa alum has contributed 14 tackles in four appearances for the Ravens including three starts.

Fort only took a few days to resurface after being let go by the Eagles on Friday. He’ll absorb the roster spot vacated by Otaro Alaka, who was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. Fort was limited to special teams work during his four-game stint with Philadelphia.

The deal is reportedly worth “up to” $10 million and contains $1.9 million in guarantees. Fort was forced into more action on defense than usual last season, and he held his own. He is certainly not a replacement for Jordan Hicks, but this could end up being a shrewd signing.

Fujita suffered the injury in the August 10 preseason opener, and has practiced sparingly since. Of course, Fujita had his suspension overturned on Friday, but it still looks like rookie L.J. Fort will start in his place. Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is poised for a monster game.

Jackson has at least been cleared for physical activity and is now on track to play against the Bengals Sunday. It’s big news for the Browns, who looked lost after the heart and soul of their defense left last week. Jackson has 31 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and three pass breakups through five weeks.

Jackson is in real doubt for this week’s game against the Bengals. If he can’t go, undrafted rookie L.J. Fort would slide in at middle linebacker and set up a dreamy matchup for BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Ahmad Bradshaw shredded the Browns’ defense after Jackson left last week.