Sean

Weatherspoon

Weatherspoon was a tackling machine in 2011, and finished as the No. 6 overall 4-3 outside linebacker by Pro Football Focus. His emergence likely played a role in the decision to part with Lofton. Atlanta is expected to use both 4-3 and 3-4 alignments under new DC Mike Nolan, but it sounds like Weatherspoon will play “Mike” in all nickel situations, helping his IDP value.

Something of a disappointment as a rookie in 2010, Weatherspoon emerged as Atlanta’s second-leading tackler (115) this season and tied for second in the team in sacks (4.0). He broke up eight passes, playing all but 20 of the Falcons’ defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus graded Weatherspoon as the league’s No. 6 overall 4-3 outside linebacker. He was 37th as a rookie.

PFF calls Weatherspoon the “new NFL prototype” for 4-3 weakside backers thanks to his speed and instincts coming off a breakout season with 115 tackles and four sacks. Emerging as a defensive leader, Weatherspoon will take over play-calling chores in Mike Nolan’s scheme following the departure of MLB Curtis Lofton.

Weatherspoon busted out for 115 tackles and four sacks last season, showing Pro Bowl caliber potential. Now that tackle machine Curtis Lofton is gone, Weatherspoon’s role figures to grow. He’s a linebacker for IDPers to target.

Weatherspoon was limited in practice on Friday and Saturday, but he was still expected to play. Right tackle Tyson Clabo (hip) is also active. Atlanta declared CB Terrence Johnson, OLs Joe Hawley and Lamar Holmes, DLs Jonathan Massaquoi and Cliff Matthews, S Charles Mitchell, and third QB Dominique Davis inactive against the Broncos.

Coach Mike Smith is “hoping” Weatherspoon will be back by the end of the week. The Falcons didn’t miss ‘Spoon against a Cowboys’ rushing “attack” fronted by Felix Jones and Lance Dunbar, but his presence would be a major positive against the Saints’ high-octane offense.

Slot WR Harry Douglas is active after missing Week 8 with an ankle injury. Mike Peterson and Akeem Dent will pick up the slack in Weatherspoon’s absence. Weatherspoon is week-to-week.

Akeem Dent will be elevated to the nickel package in Weatherspoon absence while Mike Peterson takes over in the base defense. Weatherspoon is one of the premier 4-3 coverage linebackers in the game, so this represents an upgrade for Jason Witten.

NFL.com’s Jeff Darlington reported as much on Saturday, opining that “the pace of play could dictate” just how much Jones actually plays. Schefter didn’t delve into specifics of role or snap count, but this is good news either way. Tampa Bay sports the league’s worst pass defense, so even a limited Jones would be a solid fantasy play. Schefter also noted that WLB Sean Weatherspoon (illness, questionable) is expected to play.

Weatherspoon announced earlier in the week that he’d play on Sunday, but then missed practice on Thursday with an illness. His presence in practice on Friday bodes well for his chances on playing this weekend against Tampa Bay. The Falcons’ run defense could certainly use a boost. They currently give up five yards a carry, and get to face the dangerous Doug Martin.