News: The Chiefs signed linebacker and special-teams standout Edgar Jones, releasing Andy Studebaker in the process.
Analysis: Neither player will put up many stats, so the Fantasy relevance here is minimal.
News: Chiefs LB Andy Studebaker has been Mike Vrabel's understudy for the last two years at weakside linebacker. He now has a chance to step into the starting lineup with Vrabel announcing his retirement. “It’s been good to have Mike around teaching us how to transition to outside linebacker for two years,” Studebaker told The Kansas City Star. “That’s what Mike did for us. Besides playing great on Sundays, in the film room throughout the week he was helping us get better and ultimately the team got better.” Although, Studebaker realizes the job just won't be handed to him. The Chiefs drafted Justin Houston in the third round this year, and he is familiar with playing in a 3-4 system since he had 10 sacks last season at Georgia. “Nothing is guaranteed,” Studebaker said. “There are lot of guys coming in who will provide good competition for the spot. That’s going to be exciting.”
Analysis: Studebaker replaced Vrabel in passing situations last season, so he has that experience going in his favor. Unfortunately, he has never been a full-time starter in the NFL, so he has to prove to the coaches he can really handle the responsibilities. Studebaker might not be worth drafting in Fantasy IDP formats, but it might be worth your time to track his progress when the season begins.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that with LB Mike Vrabel turning 36 in August, the Chiefs have been grooming Andy Studebaker to eventually take his place.
Analysis: Keep an eye on Studebaker and how he develops, but he has minimal Fantasy value heading into 2011. Ignore him in all IDP leagues on Draft Day.
News: In the Chiefs' Week 15 loss vs. the Browns, LB Andy Studebaker recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown, LB Demorrio Williams had 13 total tackles and CBs Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers each had three solo tackles and an interception. DB DaJuan Morgan also had eight solo tackles.
Analysis: Only Williams is worth using as a regular option in IDP league play, though Flowers has been a decent option in deeper leagues. The Chiefs play at the Bengals in Week 16.
News: Kansas City added three more players to stabilize a hobbled roster, signing linebacker Curtis Gatewood and defensive end Andy Studebaker to two-year contracts, and promoting running back Jackie Battle from the practice squad. Defensive tackle Antwon Burton also was added to the practice squad.
Analysis: Gatewood signed this year with Washington as a rookie free agent out of Vanderbilt and appeared in three preseason games before being released. He spent nine weeks on Washington's practice squad. Studebaker was the third of Philadelphia's three sixth-round draft choices and spent the last 11 weeks on Philadelphia's practice squad. Battle has appeared in six NFL games, getting 47 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. The former University of Houston player started his career with Dallas after signing as a rookie free agent in 2007. None of these players are expected to be productive enough to warrant Fantasy use.
News: The Eagles are down to 53 men on their roster and among the biggest names cut Saturday was 2003 first-round draft pick DL Jerome McDougle. The Eagles’ other cuts were: CB Kyle Arrington, FB Jed Collins, FB Jason Davis, WR Michael Gasperson, DT Mike Marquardt, WR Shaheer McBride, DT Montae Reagor, LB Justin Roland, LB Andy Studebaker and TE Kris Wilson.
Analysis: McDougle was supposed to do big things in Philly, but will leave the Eagles with just 33 games played in five years and no starts. McDougle was not supposed to be a Fantasy contributor this season. The rest of the players cut may or may not catch on elsewhere but all will not put up enough Fantasy stats this season to be considered valuable. Ignore them.
