News: Eagles linebacker Casey Matthews suffered a concussion Week 17 at N.Y. Giants and was unable to finish the game. He had no stats before getting hurt.
Analysis: Matthews was just a backup linebacker for the Eagles and mostly played on special teams. If his status doesn't change heading into 2013, then he will once again have no Fantasy appeal in IDP formats.
News: Philadelphia LB Casey Matthews recorded one of nine sacks of Miami quarterbacks on Sunday of Week 14 in Miami. Matthews finished the game with four total tackles for the Eagles in the win.
Analysis: Matthews recorded his first sack of the season on Sunday against the Dolphins. He has just 21 tackles on the season and is a low-end Fantasy option for IDP formats.
News: Eagles LB Brian Rolle told reporters Wednesday that he is the new starting weakside linebacker in place of Casey Matthews, who was moved there after losing the starting middle linebacker job after two weeks. "It's not really that much of a challenge," Rolle said. "I've been playing that position all of camp, and (practicing there through) the first couple of games, as well. It's just a matter of being in there with the 1s now and going out and taking care of business. feel like I'm a guy that is athletic. I'm physical, a good linebacker that knows the game very well and plays hard. I'm not saying that Casey didn't -- Casey's a great player as well. I guess the coaches just felt the need for a new body in there, somebody that may bring a little more excitement, maybe."
Analysis: It just seems Matthews is struggling with the speed of the NFL game and perhaps this move will give him time to develop. But the fact he has already lost two starting jobs means Fantasy owners in IDP formats can probably cut ties with him until he becomes relevant again.
News: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Jamar Chaney will take over as the Eagles' new starting middle linebacker in place of the ineffective Casey Matthews, who will move to weakside linebacker, according to team sources.
Analysis: This move isn't surprising seeing how Matthews has struggled as the Mike linebacker in his first two NFL games. He is probably will now be more comfortable as an outside linebacker, but he still has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Eagles coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that rookie Casey Matthews will remain the starter at middle linebacker heading into Week 2 against the Falcons.
Analysis: Matthews totaled four solo tackles in Week 1 against the Rams. He made some rookie mistakes, but he has such a high ceiling that the Eagles are willing to work him. Matthews has the potential to post solid stat likes as a middle linebacker, but he remains a low-end Fantasy LB until further notice.
News: Eagles LB Casey Matthews was credited with four tackles in Week 1 against the Rams. The Eagles defeated the Rams 31-13 on the road.
Analysis: The rookie has a chance to make an impact this season and is a player worth monitoring in deeper IDP formats, though not yet a recommended play. The brother of Clay Matthews is worthy of stashing in deeper leagues.
News: During the team's first practice in training camp Thursday, Eagles rookie LB Casey Matthews was reportedly working with the first-team defense at middle linebacker. He was in the same position at Oregon, and scouts noted his athleticism and intelligence as his biggest strength. Matthews is expected to compete for early playing time.
Analysis: Matthews has a shot to start depending on what the team does with some free agents, and he certainly got off to the right foot Thursday. He seems to be on the fast track to playing time, which would allow his Fantasy value to soar from where it would be as a reserve. If he wins a starting job, Matthews could be considered as a No. 3 Fantasy LB worth a middle to late-round pick on Draft Day in IDP formats.
News: The Eagles were able to sign LB Casey Matthews on Wednesday after selecting him in the fourth round of April's NFL Draft. He is expected to compete for playing time early on in his career in Philadelphia.
Analysis: Matthews has the chance to make an impact early considering his bloodline alone. He is the brother of Packers pass rusher extraordinaire Clay Matthews and the son of former Browns and Falcons LB Clay Matthews, Jr. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the team's situation at LB throughout camp, though we already see him worth a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a mid-round selection in rookie-only drafts.
News: The Eagles drafted three linebackers in April's draft, highlighted by the fourth-round selection of Oregon's Casey Matthews, the brother of Packers pass rusher extraordinaire Clay Matthews and the son of former Browns and Falcons LB Clay Matthews, Jr. Matthews, listed at 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds, played inside linebacker at Oregon. Scouts say athleticism is his biggest strength, he's intelligent and fundamentally sound. The Eagles haven't had a playmaker at linebacker in years. They've shuttled several different starters at all three spots in recent seasons, so Matthews should compete for playing time right away.
Analysis: Matthews could be a long-term fit in the middle of the Eagles defense, but he might start as a passing downs outside linebacker and then grow into the Mike role. There's a lot to like here Fantasywise if your league counts tackles. He's not quite worth a late-round pick in seasonal drafts unless he earns a starting job out of training camp. Until then, he's worth grabbing with a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and a mid-round selection in rookie-only drafts.
