News: New England defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham returned to practice this week after being reinstated from a four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Cunningham was suspended Nov. 26.
Analysis: Prior the suspension, Cunningham racked up only 23 tackles and 2.5 2 sacks in 11 games this season. He is an integral player along the defensive player for the Patriots, but that doesn't necessarily translate into Fantasy success. Leave him on waivers in all formats.
News: The NFL announced Monday Patriots defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham was suspended four games without pay for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. His suspension begins immediately and will run through Week 16. Cunningham is eligible to return Week 17 vs. Miami.
Analysis: Cunningham has just 23 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks in 11 games this season. He is far more important to his real team than Fantasy owners. Cunningham has marginal value in IDP formats when active.
News: New England defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham had a solid performance in the Week 10 win over Buffalo Sunday. Cunningham recorded a fumble recovery and sack in the performance for the Patriots. Cunningham finished with one tackle.
Analysis: The 24-year-old Cunningham, a University of Florida product, now has 15 tackles on the season to go with 2 1/2 sacks for the Patriots. Unfortunately, Cunningham doesn't contribute consistently enough to matter in IDP formats.
News: New England has placed DL Jermaine Cunningham (hamstring) on injured reserve on Saturday. The Patriots brought back DE Eric Moore.
Analysis: Cunningham was a great pass rusher in college at UF, which is why the Patriots drafted him in the second round. But he hasn't progressed fast enough to be a factor on defense. He should be ignored in all Fantasy IDP formats as his season is now over.
News: With DE Mike Wright (concussion) on IR, the Patriots will need more from Jermaine Cunningham . The 2010 second-round pick has only played 33 snaps after suffering a groin injury in training camp. "He’s improving; he’s gotten a little better each week," coach Bill Belichick said. "I think he’s definitely on the upswing here and a guy that we hope will be able to contribute for us.”
Analysis: Cunningham was a great pass rusher in college at UF, which is why the Patriots drafted him in the second round. But he hasn't progressed fast enough to be a factor on defense. Now might be his chance, but leave Cunningham on waivers in Fantasy until further notice.
News: Patriots rookie Jermaine Cunningham, who rarely speaks to the media, said fellow Florida alum Gerard Warren has been a great mentor to him this season. "Every time I come to him or if he sees me do something wrong -- he's always in my ear telling me how I can get better," Cunningham said.
Analysis: Cunningham was a down lineman in college, but he has mostly played outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense with New England. He is not even considered a starter at his point in his career. He has just 31 tackles and one sack, and even though he has kept his DL-eligibility in Fantasy, Cunningham has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: The New England Patriots have signed two of their three second-round draft choices, reaching deals with tight end Rob Gronkowski and defensive lineman Jermaine Cunningham. The Patriots drafted Gronkowski with the 42nd pick and grabbed Cunningham with the 53rd selection. New England, which opens training camp on Thursday, announced the deals on Sunday night.
Analysis: Cunningham started 38 games at Florida and finished with 19 1/2 sacks. He was considered an elite draft prospect when the college season began in 2009, but his stock slowly dropped as he struggled throughout the season and even dealt with injuries. The Patriots might have gotten a real steal in the second round with Cunningham, but only time will tell. He is not worth drafting in seasonal Fantasy formats, but is worth keeping an eye on in larger long-term formats.
News: The Patriots drafted DE/OLB Jermaine Cunningham in the second round of the NFL Draft at No. 53 overall out of Florida. Cunningham could end up playing right away after the Patriots cut Adalius Thomas following the draft.
Analysis: Cunningham is a pass rusher and should help the Patriots attack the opposing QB. But he has minimal Fantasy value and is not worth drafting in the majority of IDP leagues this year. Instead, keep an eye on how he does early in the season and then plan on adding him off the waiver wire.
