News: Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent, getting another start with Sean Weatherspoon sidelined by an ankle injury, recorded a season-high nine tackles, including six solo, Week 10 at New Orleans. He now has seven tackles or more in three of his last four games.
Analysis: Dent typically hasn't been a consistent source of tackles, but then again, he typically hasn't been a consistent part of the defensive lineup. With Weatherspoon likely coming back soon, now might not be the time to buy into Dent in Fantasy IDP leagues, even if he has been a little better lately.
News: Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent returned to contact practice on Sunday, reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Dent expects to play in the team's next preseason game in Miami. “He participated today fully and he is ready to go,” coach Mike Smith said after Sunday’s final training camp practice. “We anticipate that he will be ready to go [Friday] barring any injuries that may take place between now and then.”
Analysis: Dent has been working with the first-team offense throughout the offseason, so the former third-round pick out of the University of Georgia seems to have the inside track for a starting spot. Dent has some upside as an IDP option, but he is not expected to be more than a late-round flier in most Fantasy formats on Draft Day.
News: Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent, who suffered a concussion in Thursday's preseason opener against the Ravens, will miss Thursday's second preseason game against the Bengals, reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution Monday.
Analysis: Dent has been working with the first-team offense throughout the offseason, so the former third-round pick out of the University of Georgia seems to have the inside track for a starting spot, if this injury does not derail him. Because he has a concussion, Dent will have to be cleared before returning to practice, so we should have updates on his status moving forward. Dent has some upside as an IDP option, but he is not expected to be more than a late-round flier in most Fantasy formats on Draft Day.
News: Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent got the start in Thursday’s preseason opener against the Ravens at middle linebacker, but was forced to leave during the first half of the game, after suffering a head injury while covering a punt. The team did not confirm whether the injury was a concussion.
Analysis: Dent has been working with the first-team offense throughout the offseason, so the former third-round pick out of the University of Georgia seems to have the inside track for a starting spot, if this injury does not derail him. The NFL has taken head injuries much more seriously over the last few years, so the Falcons are unlikely to take any risks with him in the next few days. Assuming it is a concussion, he will have to be cleared before returning to practice, so we should have updates on his status moving forward. Dent has some upside as an IDP option, but he is not expected to be more than a late-round flier in most Fantasy formats on Draft Day.
News: The Falcons stayed close to home by selecting Georgia linebacker Akeem Dent in the third round of the NFL draft and selecting DE Cliff Matthews of South Carolina in Round 7. Dent (6-1, 233) led Georgia with 126 tackles and had 2 1/2 sacks as a senior. Matthews (6-3, 268) had 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season.
Analysis: Both Dent and Matthews should give the Falcons some good depth, but only Dent is worth a late-round flier in rookie-only drafts.
