Height/Weight: 5-10/207
| Birthdate: 05/06/1982
| Birthplace: Sacramento, CA, USA
| Team: Detroit
| College: Washington State
| NFL Experience: 9
| Owned/Started%: 0/0
News: Lions safety Erik Coleman had offseason knee surgery, the Detroit News reports. There is no word on the severity of the surgery or a timetable for recovery.
Analysis: Coleman re-signed with the team earlier this offseason, so either the surgery was considered minor or he had the surgery after signing his contract. No other details are available. Coleman hasn't been a reliable Fantasy option for a while.
News: The Lions placed DB Erik Coleman (ankle) on injured reserve on Thursday. To take his place on the 53-man roster, the team signed TE Joe Jon Finley.
Analysis: Coleman injured his ankle in Week 4 and was held out in Week 5. The IR move ends his season and makes him a player to cut in all IDP formats, though he was owned in just one percent of CBSSports.com leagues.
News: Detroit DB Erik Coleman was ruled out for Week 5 against Chicago with an ankle injury. Coleman was unable to practice throughout the past week after sustaining a sprained ankle during the Lions' victory over Dallas in Week 4.
Analysis: Coleman did not return in last Sunday's game and will now miss his first outing of the season. The 29-year-old has two tackles this year -- both in Week 4 -- and his absence will certainly stretch a thin Detroit secondary. He should remain on waivers in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Lions DB Erik Coleman left Week 4 against the Cowboys in Dallas with a sprained ankle suffered in the third quarter. He did not return.
Analysis: Coleman was hurt covering a kickoff. After the game, the Detroit Free-Press reported that he underwent X-rays that came back negative. He can rack up tackles for owners in deeper IDP leagues, but is not currently somebody we recommend activating.
News: A week after getting released by the Falcons, safety Erik Coleman will attempt to ressurect his career with the Lions. Multiple reports say Coleman has agreed to a deal with Detroit, where he'll be the odds-on favorite to start.
Analysis: Coleman got banged up early in the 2010 season and lost his job to William Moore by the midseason. But he's been a real nice source of tackles before and should earn his fair share with the Lions in 2011. He's worth a glance late in drafts as a No. 3 DB.
News: The Falcons have released safety Erik Coleman. He was due $2.5 million in base salary in 2011, money the Falcons figure can be better spent elsewhere. Coleman got banged up early in the 2010 season and lost his job to William Moore by the midseason. He had just 20 total tackles.
Analysis: Coleman is expected to latch on elsewhere and have at the very least a chance to start. No one should write him off for Fantasy purposes just yet.
News: NFL Network reports that the Falcons will release safety Erik Coleman. He's due $2.5 million in base salary in 2011, money the Falcons figure can be better spent elsewhere. Coleman got banged up early in the 2010 season and lost his job to William Moore by the midseason.
Analysis: Coleman is expected to latch on elsewhere and have at the very least a chance to start. No one should write him off for Fantasy purposes just yet.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman, who lost his starting job to William Moore when he missed two weeks with a knee injury, replaced injured safety Thomas DeCoud (head) in the first quarter Week 7 against the Bengals. He finished with nine tackles, including eight solo.
Analysis: When given ample playing time, Coleman has proven to be a good tackler for a defensive back, but DeCoud will have plenty of time to rest up during the team's bye in Week 8, meaning Coleman is likely destined to return to the bench. You can leave him on waivers in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Falcons coach Mike Smith confirmed Wednesday that second-year safety William Moore is the starter ahead of Erik Coleman. Moore has two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Moore took the starting job when Coleman was out with a knee injury and he kept the job when Coleman returned in a backup role last week.
Analysis: We kind of figured this was the case. Coleman was actually active the last two weeks, but Moore started those games anyway. As a starter, Coleman had some low-end Fantasy appeal as an above-average tackler for a defensive back, but as a reserve, he's not worth owning in any Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman was active but didn't stat for the second straight game Week 5 at Cleveland. William Moore once again started in his place.
Analysis: Coleman missed Weeks 2 and 3 with a knee injury, and Moore performed well enough in his absence to overtake him on the depth chart. Coleman used to be a good source of tackles for a DB, but he's not worth owning in Fantasy as a reserve.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman, who missed two weeks with a knee injury, was active Week 4 against the 49ers but didn't start. In fact, he didn't even play, never once setting foot on the field.
Analysis: William Moore has done a good job filling in for Coleman, so you can understand why the Falcons wouldn't want to turn away from him, but you'd expect Coleman to see action at some point. He must still be feeling some effects from the injury. Even so, he has little Fantasy appeal as a reserve, so he's looking like an option to cut in IDP formats.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman, who hurt his MCL against the Steelers in Week 1 and missed the next two games, is active for Week 4 against the 49ers. He will not start, however. He was listed as questionable going into the game but was able to practice in full Friday.
Analysis: William Moore started in Coleman's place the last two weeks and will start for him again this week. Coleman had nine tackles in Week 1 and is a good tackler for a DB. With his role up in the air, though, you might want to avoid him this week.
News: Falcons S Erik Coleman (knee) fully participated in practice Friday as the team prepares for Week 4 against the 49ers. Coleman strained his MCL in Week 1 against Pittsburgh. S William Moore started the last two games for him and may have earned his way into rotating with Coleman at the SS spot. Coleman is still listed as questionable for Week 4.
Analysis: The last thing Coleman needed was to get injured since Moore was pushing him at the SS spot. Before getting injured in Week 1, Coleman showed he could still be a very effective NFL player. But if he is going to lose reps, then his Fantasy value will go down. Consider Coleman a low-end Fantasy start until further notice. Keep tabs of his progress leading up to Week 4 inactives on Sunday.
News: The Falcons listed DB Erik Coleman (knee) among their inactives for Week 3 at New Orleans.
Analysis: Coleman has now missed two straight games with this injury after playing through it in Week 1 and producing nine tackles. A No. 2 Fantasy DB when healthy, Coleman is barely worth stashing in deeper leagues with the proliferation of capable DBs in IDP play.
News: Falcons S Erik Coleman (knee) is listed as questionable on the injury report for Week 3. He did not participate in any practice this week after missing Week 2 against Arizona with the same injury. Coleman was also listed as questionable for that game.
Analysis: With the same knee bothering him in Week 1, Coleman was still able to impact the defense with nine tackles against Pittsburgh. However, the fact that Coleman did not play in Week 2 after being listed as questionable all week should be a red flag. Week 3 at New Orleans does not seem like a safe bet for Coleman, who is a No. 2 Fantasy DB when healthy.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman (knee) was listed as inactive for Week 2 against the Cardinals. He had been considred questionable on the official injury report leading up to the game.
Analysis: Coleman racked up nine tackles (seven solo) in Week 1 despite being hobbled. Coleman can't afford to stay sidelined for long, especially with William Moore being a burgeoning talent. Coleman is usually a decent No. 2 Fantasy DB when healthy, but you will have to keep him reserved until further notice.
News: Falcons safety Erik Coleman has not practiced all week because of an injured left knee. He was hurt against the Steelers but returned to finish the game. The team listed him as questionable for Week 2 against the Cardinals. If Coleman can't go, second-year player William Moore would likely get the start.
Analysis: Coleman racked up nine tackles (seven solo) in Week 1 despite being hobbled, but it seems this injury might get the better of him. Coleman can't afford to stay sidelined for long, especially with Moore being a burgeoning talent. Coleman is usually a decent No. 2 Fantasy DB when healthy, but have alternatives ready if Coleman is inactive for Week 2.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman had to be looked at by the trainers for a brief moment in Week 1 against the Steelers, but the veteran defensive back played most of the game and racked up nine tackles (seven solo), which was second on the team.
Analysis: Coleman is definitely feeling the pressure from some of the younger players in the Falcons' secondary, but he showed Sunday why he still holds onto his starting job. Coleman is definitely better against the run than pass, so he remains more of a No. 2 Fantasy DB since he doesn't get a lot of sacks or interceptions.
News: Second-year safety William Moore has been pushing incumbent starter Erik Coleman at strong safety for the Falcons this preseason. However, Coleman still heads into the 2010 season as the starter. He has recorded 10 tackles and one interception in the preseason.
Analysis: Coleman had his first 100-tackle season since 2006 last year. He racked up 116 tackles, but sadly failed to record an interception for the second time in three seasons. Coleman usually gets his interceptions on overthrown or deflected passes. He is definitely better against the run than pass. Consider Coleman a decent low-end No. 2 Fantasy DB.
News: Falcons LB Mike Peterson (13 tackles), DB Erik Coleman (nine tackles), LB Curtis Lofton (eight tackles), DL Kroy Biermann (seven tackles), DB Chris Owens (seven tackles), DL Thomas Johnson (two tackles, sack) and DL John Abraham (sack) all chipped in with nice performances in a Week 15 win over the Jets.
Analysis: Lofton is a stud LB in all IDP Fantasy formats, while Peterson, Abraham and Coleman are worth using in deeper leagues. Biermann has some minimal value, while Johnson and Owens can continue to be ignored in all formats heading into Week 16 vs. Buffalo.
News: The Falcons had several defenders play well Sunday against the Eagles. LB Curtis Lofton had six tackles. LB Mike Peterson had four tackles. DL Kroy Biermann had three tackles and a sack. DB Erik Coleman had two tackles.
Analysis: The Falcons have several players who continue to play well in IDP leagues. Plan on using your regular options in Week 14 against the Saints.
News: Atlanta DB Erik Coleman led the team with 10 tackles in a Week 10 loss to Carolina.
Analysis: Coleman now has 75 tackles on the season in nine games and has been a tackling machine among defensive backs. Coleman can be starting in most leagues in Fantasy play in Week 11 at the Giants.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman had a team-high 13 tackles, including nine solo, at Dallas in Week 7. He now has 36 tackles in six games.
Analysis: Coleman gets a decent number of tackles for a defensive back, but not quite enough to make up for his shortage of big plays. Think of him as a No. 2 Fantasy IDP option.
News: Notable Falcons defenders from Week 6 vs. Chicago include: DB Thomas DeCoud (five solo tackles, two interceptions), LB Mike Peterson (six solo tackles, sack), LB Curtis Lofton (10 total tackles, forced fumble), DB Erik Coleman (nine total tackles), DE John Abraham (four total tackles, half sack) and DT Jonathan Babineaux (three total tackles, half sack, forced fumble).
Analysis: Of these people, Lofton, Peterson, Coleman and Abraham are legitimate Fantasy starters at their positions. Take note of DeCoud as he's been making good use of his playing time and could be on the rise. Babineaux typically doesn't post big stats. The Falcons play at the Cowboys in Week 7.
News: In the Falcons' Week 3 loss at the Patriots, notable defensive players for Fantasy included: LB Curtis Lofton (19 total tackles), LB Mike Peterson (11 total tackles), DB Erik Coleman and LB Stephen Nicholas (nine total tackles each) and DB Brian Williams (eight total tackles).
Analysis: The Falcons are on bye in Week 4 and play at San Francisco in Week 5. Consider other options for the coming week's action before considering these players for their next game.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman had nine tackles, including eight solo, Week 12 against the Panthers. He now has 67 on the season.
Analysis: Coleman has three interceptions to go along with 67 tackles, making him a decent option in Fantasy IDP leagues. Take a flier on him if you need a defensive back.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman recorded an interception for the second straight game Week 10 against the Saints -- his third of the season. He also had nine tackles -- six solo -- and a forced fumble.
Analysis: Coleman now has 52 tackles on the season -- more than most defensive backs. Now that he has begun to get interceptions too, he deserves a look in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman recorded an interception -- his second of the season -- and two solo tackles Week 9 at Oakland.
Analysis: Coleman now has 43 tackles on the season -- more than most defensive backs. Since he doesn't get many interceptions, though, think of him as a low-end Fantasy IDP option.
News: Falcons DB Brent Grimes led all Atlanta defenders with 11 tackles in a Week 4 loss to the Panthers. Also contributing were LB Curtis Lofton (eight tackles), LB Michael Boley (five tackles), DB Erik Coleman (five tackles) and DB Lawyer Milloy (five tackles).
Analysis: Milloy, Coleman and Boley are low-end Fantasy options in IDP leagues, while Lofton and Grimes have minimal value. The first three are decent options in Week 5 at the Packers, as Green Bay likes to throw the ball around.
News: Falcons DB Erik Coleman had a team-high 10 tackles -- all solo -- during a Week 3 win against the Chiefs. He also had one interception, one pass defense, one forced fumble and one tackle for loss.
Analysis: Coleman has 21 tackles on the season and got his first interception since 2006 with the Jets. He is back to being a viable Fantasy DB since he has returned to a starting role in Atlanta.
News: The Falcons signed free-agent defensive backs Erik Coleman and Von Hutchins on Saturday. Coleman, who has seven interceptions and 338 tackles in four years with the Jets, is the likely replacement for safety Chris Crocker, an unrestricted free agent. Coleman, who had 41 tackles in 15 games last season, led the Jets with 10 tackles and intercepted a pass thrown by Tom Brady in a playoff loss to New England during the 2006 season. Hutchins, who has played cornerback and safety, spent his first two seasons with Indianapolis before joining Houston in 2006. He has 142 career tackles with two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. Hutchins, from Mississippi, made 15 starts for Houston last season and set a career high with 94 tackles.
Analysis: Coleman has a shot to regain his form as a hard-hitting safety in the Falcons' defense, making him a sleeper DB for Fantasy purposes. Think late-round pick with him. Hutchins had a nice stat line last season but is just too unreliable. He'll be a bye-week replacement at best in '08.
News: Jets DB Erik Coleman had a down year in 2007 and could be released this offseason, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. For the first time in his four-year career Coleman did not have over 100 tackles, finishing with 51 (29 solo) in 15 games played with four starts. He also had no interceptions for the first time in his career.
Analysis: Coleman's Fantasy value would take a hit if he comes back to the Jets in a limited role. Keep an eye on what develops during the offseason because Coleman would be considered a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues in the right situation with his ability to make plays.
News: Jets DB Erik Coleman had two tackles Sunday against the Bengals.
Analysis: Coleman is a low-end DB in IDP leagues and should only be used if needed Week 8 against Buffalo.
News: Jets DB Erik Coleman had eight tackles against the Eagles. Coleman returned after missing time with a concussion.
Analysis: Consider Coleman a low-end DB in IDP leagues for Week 7 against the Bengals.
News: Jets DB Erik Coleman was listed as questionable Friday for New York's game against Philadelphia as he recovers from a concussion. Coleman, injured two weeks ago at Buffalo, missed last Sunday's game against the Giants after sitting out practice the entire week. He wore a red no-contact jersey earlier in the week, but had his regular jersey on during practice Friday. Coleman was injured during the Jets' 17-14 loss at Buffalo on Sept. 30, but didn't show symptoms of a concussion until after the game. He couldn't discuss the injury, per Jets policy, or whether he expects to play against the Eagles. "It's up to the coaches," Coleman said. "It's the coach's decision. I would rather be out there and help out."
Analysis: Coleman had a team-leading 35 tackles at the time he was injured, and now ranks third in that category. He was listed as doubtful last week, but is questionable this week, meaning there's a 50-50 chance he could play against the Eagles. Expect Coleman to play but check before setting your lineup Sunday in IDP leagues. Coleman would be a low-end DB.
News: Jets DB Erik Coleman (concussion) returned to limited practice reps Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for Week 6 vs. Philadelphia. Coleman misses his first game of the season Week 5 against the Giants. He has 29 tackles in four games.
Analysis: The Jets are being patient with Coleman and trying to avoid any long-term reprecussions. Coleman is a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy DB when healthy. Continue to track his progress leading up to Week 6.
News: The Jets listed QB Marques Tuiasosopo (emergency QB), WR David Clowney (coach's decision), DB Erik Coleman (concussion), TE Joe Kowalewski (shoulder), DL Mike Devito (coach's decision), DL Mike Devito (coach's decision) and TE Jason Pociask (coach's decision) for Week 5 at the N.Y. Giants.
Analysis: None of these players are worth owning in Fantasy play at this time. Keep them reserved in all leagues until further notice.
News: Jets DB Erik Coleman (concussion) is listed as doubtful for Week 5 at N.Y. Giants. He did not practice all week. "We'll evaluate it as we go," coach Eric Mangini said Thursday. "We take concussions extremely seriously." Coleman was injured during the Jets' 17-14 loss at Buffalo last Sunday, but didn't show symptoms of a concussion until after the game. "Any time a player has an issue, we always go through that protocol," Mangini said. "This was something that actually developed after the game in terms of the symptoms and things like that."
Analysis: Mangini added that Coleman told the team Monday he was having discomfort. Coleman was listed as out for practice on Wednesday with a head injury, but was it was changed to a concussion Thursday as the result of, as Mangini termed it, "a clerical oversight." Coleman has started the Jets' first four games and leads the team with 35 tackles. If Coleman can't go Sunday, Eric Smith would likely get the start, with Rashad Washington and Abram Elam filling in. Coleman is a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy DB when healthy, but it appears he will miss his first game of the season. Start making alternate plans.
News: Jets starting safety Erik Coleman has a concussion and his availability for New York's game against the New York Giants on Sunday was uncertain. "We'll evaluate it as we go," coach Eric Mangini said Thursday. "We take concussions extremely seriously. He'll be out for practice (Thursday) and we'll see how it goes through the rest of the week." Coleman was injured during the Jets' 17-14 loss at Buffalo last Sunday, but didn't show symptoms of a concussion until after the game. "Any time a player has an issue, we always go through that protocol," Mangini said. "This was something that actually developed after the game in terms of the symptoms and things like that."
Analysis: Mangini added that Coleman told the team Monday he was having discomfort. Coleman was listed as out for practice on Wednesday with a head injury, but was it was changed to a concussion Thursday as the result of, as Mangini termed it, "a clerical oversight." Coleman, who was not in the locker room during media availability, has started the Jets' first four games and leads the team with 35 tackles. If Coleman can't go Sunday, Eric Smith would likely get the start, with Rashad Washington and Abram Elam filling in. Coleman is a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy DB when healthy. Continue to track his progress.
News: Jets DB Erik Coleman made 12 tackles in a 31-28 win over the Dolphins in Week 4.
Analysis: Coleman had a nice game against Miami, but he's only a low-end DB in IDP leagues. The Bills might end up throwing the ball a lot against the Jets in Week 4, so Coleman could be a nice bye-week replacement.
News: DB David Barrett (eight tackles), DB Darrelle Revis (eight tackles), DB Drew Coleman (six tackles), LB Victor Hobson (six tackles) and DB Keri Rhodes (interception and four tackles) all chipped in as the Jets defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in Week 3.
Analysis: Rhodes is a No. 1 DB in IDP leagues and Coleman has some value as a backup Fantasy DB, but the others are not worth owning in any leagues. Start Rhodes and Coleman against the Bills and you could rack up the interceptions.
News: DL Bryan Thomas (eight tackles), DB Erik Coleman (seven tackles), DB Kerry Rhodes (six tackles), DB Darrelle Revis (six tackles), DL Dewayne Robertson (six tackles) and LB Eric Barton all had major defensive contributions in the Jets' 20-13 loss to the Ravens in Week 2.
Analysis: Rhodes and Coleman are the only players with any decent value in IDP leagues, while the rest have minimal impact. The Jets host Miami in Week 3.
News: Jets DB Erik Coleman had six tackles Sunday against the Patriots.
Analysis: Coleman is a low-end DB in IDP leagues and should not be used in Week 2 against Baltimore.
News: The Jets DST had three sacks and an interception against the Vikings. LB Victor Hobson had eight tackles and a sack. LB Eric Barton had four tackles and a sack. DL C.J. Mosley had one tackle and a sack. DB David Barrett had an interception. DB Kerry Rhodes had three tackles. LB Jonathan Vilma had three tackles. DB Erik Coleman had four tackles. DB Hank Poteat had six tackles.
Analysis: Consider the Jets a No. 2 DST for Week 16 against Miami and use all regular IDP players as needed.
News: Notable Jets defenders from Week 13 at Green Bay include: LB Victor Hobson (13 total tackles), CB Hank Poteat (seven total tackles), FS Erik Coleman (eight total tackles), DE Shaun Ellis (six total tackles, one-half sack), DE/LB Bryan Thomas (five total tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble) and LB Jonathan Vilma (five total tackles). SS Kerry Rhodes and CB Andre Dyson each had one sack.
Analysis: Of these players, Vilma, Coleman, Rhodes and Thomas are reliable Fantasy options when the Jets host the Bills in Week 14.
News: Against the Bears in Week 11, Jets defenders who did well include DB Kerry Rhodes (eight solo tackles, sack), LB Victor Hobson (nine total tackles), LB Jonathan Vilma (nine total tackles, two solo), and DB Erik Coleman (seven total hits).
Analysis: All of these players are good to go vs. Houston in Week 12. Only Hobson should be used in the deepest of IDP leagues.
News: Notable Jets defenders from Week 10 include: SS Kerry Rhodes (nine total tackles), FS Erik Coleman (eight total tackles, interception), CB Andre Dyson (seven total tackles) and LB Jonathan Vilma (six total tackles). DE Shaun Ellis, DT Dewayne Robertson, DE Kimo von Oelhoffen and LB/DE Bryan Thomas each had a sack.
Analysis: Of these defenders, Rhodes, Coleman, Vilma and Ellis are reliable to use in Fantasy IDP league play, with Vilma and Rhodes as weekly must-starts. All of the Jets' key defenders should be strong options vs. Chicago in Week 11.
News: Erik Coleman (appendix) was able to play Friday vs. the N.Y. Giants.
Analysis: Coleman is a useful No. 3 defensive back in IDP leagues. He should be 100 percent for the regular season opener, but monitor the situation closely before setting your lineup for Fantasy Week 1.
News: Coleman, recovering from an appendectomy, was inactive for Saturday's preseason game at Washington.
Analysis: Coleman is a useful No. 3 defensive back in IDP leagues. He should be able to return for the regular season opener, but monitor the situation closely before setting your lineup for Fantasy Week 1.
News: The New York Daily News reports that Jets SS Erik Coleman has missed practice due to having his appendix removed. He had the surgery on Aug. 2 and isn't expected to miss more than 10 days of work, but it could push him out of the Week 1 game at Tennessee if his body isn't in game shape.
Analysis: Monitor this situation as Coleman is a useful DB in IDP leagues. Consider him more of a No. 3 option for now since he may only play 14 or 15 games this season.
News: Jets FS Erik Coleman started all 16 games this season, the second time in his two-year career, and finished with 84 solo tackles, two interceptions and five pass deflections.
Analysis: Coleman has proven to be a top-30 Fantasy DB, and should be picked as such in 2006 drafts.
News: DB Erik Coleman of the Jets had 13 total tackles at New England in Week 13.
Analysis: Coleman is useful in all IDP leagues, but especially the deeper ones.
News: According to the New York Newsday, rookie safety Erik Coleman may end up the opening day starter for the Jets due to calf injury to veteran Reggie Tongue. "I expected it out of myself, but I don't think I really could have imagined just coming in as a rookie and starting," Coleman said. "Now that it's here, it's reality. I'm here right now, and I've got to face it. I'm doing a good job, I think."
Analysis: Coleman will have to prove he can produce in the regular season before he can be considered to have Fantasy value.
