News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper (bicep) was placed on the season-ending IR list on Tuesday, according to the Chargers’ media relations director. Linebacker Gerald Hayes, an eight year veteran (2003-2010, Cardinals), was signed in his place. Hayes was at the team’s facility on Tuesday. Cooper tore his right bicep muscle from the bone against the Cowboys in the second preseason game.
Analysis: Cooper led the Chargers in tackles (297) from 2007-10. However, knee injuries have slowed him down and he has not been able to reclaim a significant role. He should no longer be owned in IDP formats as his season is over.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper, who tore his right bicep from the bone against Dallas last Sunday, played with a heavily bandaged arm against the Cards. He did not record a tackle.
Analysis: It was a good sign that Cooper was able to play against the Cardinals, but keep an eye on his status coming into the season. When healthy, Cooper has minimal Fantasy value in the majority of IDP leagues.
News: Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper practiced with a heavily bandaged right arm on Wednesday. Cooper completely tore his right bicep muscle from the bone against Dallas on Sunday. On Monday, Coach Norv Turner said that Cooper would undergo surgery. On Tuesday, however, Cooper said he wanted to play with the injury and would like to test it out this Saturday against Arizona.
Analysis: Cooper is attempting to hang on to not only his job, but his chances at being a Charger overall. The hope initially when he re-signed with the club on Aug. 12 was for him to help the development of second-year LB Donald Butler, who is expected to start. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on Cooper's progress, but he is not a recommended option in any format for 2011.
News: After the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Monday that LB Stephen Cooper was out for the season with a torn bicep, the paper reversed course and reported that Cooper will attempt to practice with the injury. Surgery is eventually needed.
Analysis: Cooper is grasping at straws here. We don't see him being effective with the bad arm. Keep him off of Fantasy rosters.
News: Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper tore a muscle in a bicep during Sunday’s preseason game against the Cowboys and will miss the 2011 season, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Cooper will undergo surgery and will miss two to three months. The paper also speculates that his career in San Diego is also over.
Analysis: Cooper was re-signed in mid-August, but with the addition of Takeo Spikes and Donald Butler's emergence, he was vying for a starting job. Cooper was a risky Fantasy LB to begin with and now can be ignored on Draft Day.
News: Multiple sources reported Friday that the Cahrgers were able to re-sign LB Stephen Cooper, who started 55 games over the past four seasons. In 2010, he ended the year on the injured reserve because of a knee issue. Cooper notched 43 tackles before suffering the injury.
Analysis: Cooper wanted to test the market, but some teams may have worried about his injury history. He was a midst a down year before going down, and he may not be the starter even though he is back with the team. The Chargers are high on rookie LB Donald Butler and they signed free agent Takeo Spikes before re-signing Cooper. Ignore him on Draft Day in most IDP leagues until his role is more clearly defined.
News: The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the Chargers might be parting ways with LB Stephen Cooper, who has started 55 games over the past four seasons. "I think I'm going to have an opportunity to test the market," Cooper said. Cooper has been rehabbing two sprained knees, which he played through for 11 games in 2010.
Analysis: Keep an eye on where Cooper lands in 2011, and he could continue to be a low-end Fantasy LB in IDP leagues. In the right situation he could be worth a late-round pick, but we expect Cooper to be waiver wire fodder to open the season.
News: The Chargers placed LB Stephen Cooper on IR Friday with a knee injury.
Analysis: When healthy, Cooper is a starter for San Diego, but he hasn't had the best season tackle-wise with just 43 on the year. He had minimal IDP Fantasy value before getting hurt, so dropping him shouldn't hurt too much.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper was inactive for Week 16. He's been dealing with a knee injury.
Analysis: Cooper isn't having a great year for the Chargers -- just 43 tackles and one sack -- but is a leader on the defense. Unfortunately you don't get Fantasy points for being a good leader. When healthy and on his game, Cooper is a worth-while LB option. With him inactive, owners in IDP leagues can cut him loose and seek a better alternative.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper has been ruled out for Week 16 against the Bengals due to a knee injury. “That’s our defensive captain,” LB Antwan Applewhite said. “When he can’t play that takes a little bit of that defensive leadership off of the field. All the other guys need to step up and jell together.”
Analysis: Cooper is having a down year after playing consistent football over the last three seasons. He has just 43 stops on the season to go along with one sack and one interception. Since he has already been ruled out, seek other options in Fantasy play for Week 16. Cooper is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Chargers coach Norv Turner indicated on Thursday that ILB Stephen Cooper (knee) will miss the Week 16 game against the Bengals. “I think (Cooper) is getting better each day,” Turner said. “I don’t know where he will be next week at this time. I think he has a chance (next week).”
Analysis: Cooper is having a down year after playing consistent football over the last three seasons. He has just 43 stops on the season to go along with one sack and one interception. He's looking like a no-go for Sunday, so seek other options in Fantasy play for Week 16. Cooper is a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper was able to practice on Monday, despite being listed on the practice report with a knee injury.
Analysis: Cooper has 42 tackles on the season with go along with a sack and an interception. Consider him a low-end Fantasy LB heading into Week 15 against the 49ers.
News: San Diego LB Stephen Cooper tallied three tackles in the Chargers' 31-0 victory over Kansas City in Week 14. San Diego held the visiting Chiefs to just 67 total yards in the game, including 19 passing yards.
Analysis: Cooper, who failed to record a stop for the first time all season in Kansas City's Week 13 loss to Oakland, has 42 total tackles this season. He does have two forced fumbles and represents a marginal Fantasy play in IDP leagues.
News: San Diego LB Stephen Cooper (knee) is active for the Chargers' game against Kansas City in Week 14. Cooper, who was listed as probable on the injury report, sat out last Wednesday's practice before returning Thursday and Friday.
Analysis: Cooper has been slowed by nagging injuries this season and has just 39 tackles in 10 games. He should be viewed as a low-end Fantasy play in IDP leagues for Sunday's game.
News: Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper (knee) is listed as probable heading into the Week 14 game against the Chiefs. He sat out on Wednesday, but returned to limited action on Thursday and went full speed on Friday.
Analysis: Cooper is a solid tackler, but injuries have slowed his 2010 campaign. He has just 39 stops in 10 games. He is good for the occasional big play, but not on a consistent enough basis. Ignore him heading into Week 14 against the Chiefs.
News: Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper (knee), who did not practice on Wednesday, expects to return to practice on Thursday. “(The knee) is feeling good,” Cooper said. “I plan on practicing tomorrow and go from there.”
Analysis: Cooper is a solid tackler, but injuries have slowed his 2010 campaign. He has just 39 stops in 10 games. He is good for the occasional big play, but not on a consistent enough basis. Ignore him heading into Week 14 against the Chiefs.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper was active for Week 13 against the Raiders. He left last weeks game against the Colts with a knee injury.
Analysis: Cooper had his only sack of the season the last time he played Oakland in Week 5. He is having a very quiet season with just 39 tackles. Because he hasn't posted favorable numbers, Cooper has become a poor Fantasy play and it looks as though he shouldn't be used in Week 13.
News: Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper (knee) strained MCL appears to have become a greater issue as the week progressed and he is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Thursday was the only day that Cooper practiced and he was limited. “I am concerned,” coach Norv Turner said, “We’ve gotten (Brandon) Siler ready to play.” The Chargers are set to play the Raiders in Week 13.
Analysis: Cooper had his only sack of the season the last time he played Oakland in Week 5. He is having a very quiet season with just 39 tackles. Because he hasn't posted favorable numbers, Cooper has become a poor Fantasy play and it looks as though he shouldn't be used in Week 13.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper left the Week 12 game against the Colts with an apparent leg injury late in the game. He did not return. Cooper recorded three solo tackles and an interception to go along with a forced fumble on the night.
Analysis: He limped off the field late in the fourth quarter with the assistance of the team's trainers. Monitor his progress in the next week to see if he can play in the Week 13 game against the Raiders. When healthy, Cooper is a solid No. 2 Fantasy LB.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper had another solid performance in Week 11 against the Broncos. He recorded three solo tackles and had a pass defended in the 35-14 win.
Analysis: Cooper has recorded at least three tackles in every game he has played this far. He also has one sack and four passes defended on the year. Cooper should be viewed as a low-end No. 2 LB in IDP formats heading into Week 12 against the Colts.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper had a quiet game on Sunday in Week 9 at Houston. Cooper was held to three tackles, including one solo. He now has just six tackles in his past two games.
Analysis: Cooper should be viewed as a low-end No. 2 LB in IDP leagues. The Chargers have a bye in Week 10 before facing Denver in Week 11. Plan on using Cooper if you need him against the Broncos.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper did not have his most productive game in Week 8 against the Titans. He recorded just three tackles in the 33-25 win.
Analysis: Cooper has his slowest game in three weeks for the Chargers on Sunday but has been productive thus far. He has 30 tackles with one sack and two passes defended. Continue to view the former Maine Black Bear as a No. 2 Fantasy LB in IDP leagues heading into Week 9 against the Texans.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper had a busy game in Week 7 against the Patriots. He recorded nine solo tackles to lead his team in that department in the 23-20 loss.
Analysis: Cooper had as many tackles on Sunday as he had in the previous two games combined and has become a viable Fantasy option this season. He has two 100-tackle seasons on his resume and could post another one this year. Although he does not offer much in sacks or interceptions, continue to view the former Black Bear as a No. 2 Fantasy LB in IDP leagues.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper made a season-high six tackles in a 20-17 loss to the Rams in Week 6. He now has 18 tackles on the season.
Analysis: Cooper has not been putting up huge tackle totals, and he has only one sack so far this year. He is coming back from a strained knee and could still be the defensive force he was the last three seasons, when he had consecutive years with 98 tackles or more. He is worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy LB in IDP leagues.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper managed three tackles and also picked up a sack in the Week 5 loss to Oakland.
Analysis: Cooper has only played in three games this season and has just 12 tackles. The sack was his first on the year in the Week 5 game. Cooper was a tackling machine in2009, compiling over 100 stops. Now that he is healthy, he is worth having on your Fantasy IDP roster as a No. 2 or No.3 Fantasy linebacker. The Chargers play in St. Louis Week 6.
News: Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper racked up five tackles, four solo, in the 41-10 Week 4 win over Arizona. He dealt with a knee issue all week, but managed to finish third on the Chargers in tackles on Sunday. He missed Week 2 and 3 with the injury.
Analysis: Cooper was a tackling machine in2009, compiling over 100 stops. Now that he is healthy, he is worth having on your Fantasy IDP roster as a No. 2/No.3 LB.
News: Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper (knee) said he felt good on Wednesday following his first practice in over a week. The Chargers are preparing to face the Cardinals in Week 4. "I'm definitely ready to go," Cooper said. "Practice went well. I flew around fast. I'm looking forward to going against the Cardinals."
Analysis: Cooper has missed the last two games with his injury, calling it difficult to sit out. It appears, however, he will return Week 4 barring a setback. Cooper is a solid outside linebacker, but he is definitely better at tackling than getting sacks or interceptions. Cooper remains more of a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy LB when healthy.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper, a team captain and an eight-year veteran, missed a game for the first time in his professional career in Week 2 because of a strained knee. "It was tough," Cooper said. "I really rely on my teammates to go out there and get the job done." Cooper's status for Week 3 against the Seahawks is also up in the air as he is listed as questionable. He was limited in practice all week.
Analysis: The longer Cooper remains sidelined, the worse chance he has at his third 100-tackle season in four years. Cooper always seems to be around the football when he is in the lineup, but he hurts Fantasy owners by not getting many sacks. Cooper remains more of a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy LB when healthy.
News: Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper (knee) is doubtful for Week 2 against the Jaguars. Cooper did not participate in practice this week after tweaking the knee Monday night. If he can't start, Brandon Siler will likely take his place.
Analysis: Cooper opened with four tackles in Week 1, and if this injury lingers, it will limit his ability for back-to-back 100-tackle seasons. Cooper is usually a good No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy LB, but look to healthier alternatives in Week 2.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper was credited with four tackles in Week 1 against the Chiefs in Kansas City. He finished last season with 102 tackles.
Analysis: Cooper is useful in Fantasy because he can rack up tackles, hitting double digits four times last season. He was held to four or fewer tackles just six times in 16 games a season ago. Continue to consider Cooper a viable Fantasy LB in all formats.
News: The Chargers' leading tackler from 2009, LB Stephen Cooper, made his presence felt immediately during Saturday's preseason opener against the Bears. Cooper helped record the first tackle of the game on Matt Forte and had two tackles on the first drive. Cooper finished with three tackles before turning the game over to the second-string defense.
Analysis: Cooper has been the Chargers' leading tackler for a few seasons, recording 308 tackles since the 2007 season. He also has six interceptions and 3 1/2 sacks in his last three campaigns. He does a little bit of everything and that makes Cooper a viable Fantasy LB in all formats.
News: The Chargers had several defenders play well Friday at Tennessee. LB Shaun Phillips had three tackles and a forced fumble. LB Shawne Merriman had three tackles. DB Antonio Cromartie had three tackles. DB Eric Weddle had four tackles and an interception. LB Brandon Siler had two tackles and an interception. LB Stephen Cooper had five tackles and fumble recovery.
Analysis: The Chargers continue to play well on defense, and you should plan on using your regular IDP options in Week 17 against Washington.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper totaled 13 tackles (seven solo) during a Week 9 win against the Giants. He has 66 tackles on the season and had his fourth double-digit tackle performance against New York.
Analysis: Cooper already has 23 tackles in two November games. He has been a tackling machine for the Chargers since 2007, but he could even set new standards in 2009. Cooper remains a solid No. 2 Fantasy LB.
News: San Diego LB Stephen Cooper was able to get back on the practice field in a limited capacity on Saturday in preparation for Monday night against Denver. He had missed practice on Thursday and Friday. He is questionable for the game.
Analysis: Cooper is one of the Chargers' top linebackers when healthy and is one of their most important players. He is a decent No. 2 Fantasy LB when healthy, so continue to track his progress through the weekend.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper (knee) missed a second straight practice Friday as the team prepares for Week 6 vs. Denver. The North County Times reports hasn't practiced since playing in Week 4 against the Steelers. Cooper said he will practice on Saturday and make a determination about his status for Monday. "I know this defense like the back of my hand, and I know what Denver's going to try and do," said Cooper, who leads the team with 39 tackles. "You obviously want to practice, but I feel prepared enough that I could step in and play without much work."
Analysis: Cooper is one of the Chargers' top linebackers when healthy and is one of their most important players. He is a decent No. 2 Fantasy LB when healthy, so continue to track his progress through the weekend.
News: Notable Chargers defenders from their Week 4 loss at Pittsburgh include: LB Stephen Cooper (11 total tackles), LB Shaun Phillips (six total tackles, forced fumble), CB Quentin Jammer (eight total tackles), DT Alphonso Boone (four total tackles, sack), LB Tim Dobbins (seven total tackles, sack) and LB Larry English (two solo tackles, sack, forced fumble).
Analysis: Of these defenders, Cooper, Phillips and Jammer warrant consideration in IDP play, with English a sleeper and long-term option in deeper leagues. The Chargers are on bye in Week 5 but take on the Broncos at home in Week 6.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper (ankle) is listed as probable for Week 3 vs. Minnesota. Cooper has taken limited practice reps Thursday and Friday but is not expected to miss Sunday's game.
Analysis: Cooper has been all over the field for the Chargers in 2009, recording 20 tackles in two games. He still doesn't have a sack or pick, but we expect that to come in time since San Diego's defense is built for him to make plays. Cooper remains a viable high-end Fantasy LB.
News: San Diego LB Stephen Cooper had a big game on Monday in Week 1's 24-20 win over the Raiders. He had 13 tackles in the game, by far the most on the team. He also forced and recovered a fumble in the game, the only fumble recovered by the Chargers in the game.
Analysis: Cooper is typically a solid LB option for deeper IDP leagues. He finished with 98 tackles and four interceptions in 2008 and seems like he's well on his way to beating that tackle total after a huge Week 1. Think about adding him in IDP formats after this solid performance.
News: Several members of San Diego's defense played well Sunday against Denver. DB Eric Weddle had 11 tackles, DB Quentin Jammer had two tackles, DB Antonio Cromartie had four tackles, LB Shaun Phillips had three tackles, LB Stephen Cooper had six tackles, DB Paul Oliver had two tackles and an interception and DL Luis Castillo had one tackle and an interception.
Analysis: Keep an eye on how the Chargers defenders do against the Colts. Hopefully they continue to play well in the playoffs and can have some success going into the offseason.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper had 10 tackles and an interception Sunday at Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Cooper is a solid LB in IDP leagues and should be started as a No. 3 option in Week 17 against Denver.
News: In the Chargers' 22-21 win at the Chiefs in Week 15, notable defenders included: LB Stephen Cooper (11 total tackles, interception), LB Shaun Phillips and SS Eric Weddle (five solo tackles each) and DL Antwan Applewhite (five total tackles, forced fumble).
Analysis: Of these defenders, all but Applewhite are worth using in Fantasy play as No. 2 or No. 3 options in IDP leagues. The Chargers play at the Buccaneers in Week 16.
News: San Diego LB Stephen Cooper recorded his first interception of the season against the Oakland Raiders in Week 14's domination. And then he recorded his second, too. Both of Cooper's picks came against starter JaMarcus Russell, who left the game after the second interception when he hurt his ankle. Cooper also had seven tackles.
Analysis: Cooper now has 71 tackles on the year to go with the picks and 1.5 sacks. He gives you decent performances in most weeks but he's still just a low-end Fantasy IDP player at this time. Only use him in deeper leagues in Week 15 at Kansas City.
News: Several San Diego defenders contributed Sunday against Indianapolis. Quentin Jammer had 11 tackles and an interception. Jamal Williams had 10 tackles and a sack. Eric Weddle had 10 tackles. Antonio Cromartie had four tackles. Shaun Phillips had four tackles. Stephen Cooper had five tackles.
Analysis: The Chargers had a tough matchup against the Colts but should play better in Week 13 against Atlanta. Start all your regular defensive players in this matchup.
News: Notable Chargers defenders from Week 7 at the Bills include: LB Stephen Cooper (11 total tackles), DB Eric Weddle (nine total tackles) and CB Antonio Cromartie (seven solo hits).
Analysis: Cromartie always has upside while Cooper and Weddle seem to always post moderate stat lines. We like all three of them in Week 8 vs. the Saints in London.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper, playing for only the second time this season, recorded 10 tackles -- seven solo -- Week 6 against the Patriots. He also picked up his first sack.
Analysis: Cooper hasn't gotten much Fantasy attention in his career, but if the tackles continue, he might merit some. For now, he remains just a low-end Fantasy IDP option.
News: Chargers DB Eric Weddle led San Diego defenders with 10 tackles in a Week 5 loss to the Dolphins. Also contributing were LB Stephen Cooper (eight tackles), DB Antonio Cromartie (seven tackles), LB Marques Harris (four tackles, half a sack) and LB Shaun Phillips (four tackles, half a sack).
Analysis: Cromartie is a must-start No. 1 Fantasy DB in all IDP formats, while Phillips and Weddle are nice low-end starters at their respective positions. Cooper and Harris have minimal value. The Chargers host New England in Week 6.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper complete his four-game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant. Cooper said he'll have to compete to win back his starting job. The Chargers play at Miami on Sunday. "He's a starter, and anytime you get a starter back it's a good thing, so we're happy that he's back," general manager A.J. Smith said.
Analysis: For a linebacker, Cooper isn't much of a tackler, and he doesn't get many sacks or interceptions either. Think of him as just a low-end Fantasy LB.
News: Chargers inside linebacker Stephen Cooper was suspended for four games by the NFL on Tuesday for testing positive for a banned stimulant. Cooper, who moved into the starting lineup last season and led the Chargers with 108 total tackles, said in a statement released by the team that he took a stimulant that was recently added to the NFL's list of prohibited substances. While in college, Cooper admitted to possession of steroids after being found with about 1,000 pills in his duffel bag when the driver of an SUV he was riding in was stopped for speeding in 2002. Cooper, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge, said at the time that he never took the steroids, but had been planning to use them to bulk up in hopes of making the NFL. "Obviously we're disappointed, just as I know Stephen is," coach Norv Turner said in a statement. "Coop made a mistake and now must deal with the consequences. It's unfortunate, but we'll deal with it and move on."
Analysis: Once he's off the suspended list, Cooper will be worth using as a low-end No. 2/top-end No. 3 Fantasy LB since he gets a lot of tackles, but not much else.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper led the team in tackles in 2007 with 108 (73 solo). He also added two sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. The tackles were a career best for the fifth-year player.
Analysis: Cooper is worth using as a No. 3 LB in IDP leagues if he can duplicate this kind of production. He is worth taking a late-round flier on in 2008 IDP leagues.
News: San Diego LB Stephen Cooper had four tackles Monday against Denver.
Analysis: Cooper is a No. 3 LB in IDP leagues but is worth using in Week 17 at Oakland.
News: Notable Chargers defenders from Week 15 vs. Detroit include: LB Shaun Phillips (one interception, returned for a touchdown), LB Stephen Cooper and CB Antonio Cromartie (five solo tackles, interception each), LB Matt Wilhelm (five total tackles, interception) and DB Clinton Hart (four total tackles, interception).
Analysis: Of these defenders, Phillips and Cromartie are worthy IDP options, with Cooper, Hart and Wilhelm low-end options. The Chargers host the Broncos in Week 16 next Monday night.
News: San Diego LB Stephen Cooper had 10 tackles and a sack Sunday at Kansas City.
Analysis: Cooper is a No. 2 LB in IDP leagues and should be started in Week 14 at Tennessee.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper had three tackles Sunday against the Jaguars.
Analysis: Cooper is a low-end LB in IDP leagues and should only be used if needed in Week 12 against Baltimore.
News: Chargers DB Clinton Hart (six tackles), LB Stephen Cooper (six tackles, forced fumble), DB Marlon McCree (five tackles, fumble recovery), LB Shawne Merriman (five tackles), DB Drayton Florence (four tackles, fumble recovery) and DL Luis Castillo (three tackles, sack) all made solid contributions in San Diego's 35-17 loss to the Vikings in Week 9.
Analysis: Merriman is a clear No. 1 LB in all IDP formats, while Cooper, Castillo and McCree are low-end backup options at their respective positions. The Chargers host the Colts in Week 10.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper had seven tackles -- five solo -- and an interception off Sage Rosenfels Week 8 against the Texans. He now has 52 tackles, a sack and an interception this season.
Analysis: Cooper will get some sacks every week, but he's really more of a low-end option in Fantasy IDP leagues. Consider him such when the Chargers play at Minnesota in Week 9.
News: Notable Chargers defenders from Week 5 include: FS Marlon McCree (four solo tackles, interception, forced fumble), LB Stephen Cooper (five solo tackles, sack), CB Quentin Jammer (seven total tackles), LB Shawne Merriman (three solo tackles) and LB Shaun Phillips (three total tackles).
Analysis: Of these players, Merriman, Phillips and McCree are reliable IDP options, while Jammer and Cooper are low-end options in deeper leagues. The Chargers host the Raiders in Week 6.
News: San Diego LB Stephen Cooper had six tackles Sunday against Green Bay.
Analysis: Consider Cooper a decent sleeper LB in Week 4 against Kansas City.
News: Chargers LB Stephen Cooper (neck) is listed as probable for Week 3 at Green Bay. Cooper has run through a full practice routine on Thursday and Friday after sitting out Wednesday.
Analysis: Cooper already has 20 tackles and one forced fumble through two games. He is on track for a career year and that also indicates a breakout Fantasy player. Continue to use him as a low-end Fantasy LB, but realize the potential.
News: Stephen Cooper (groin) was able to start in Week 2 at New England and he picked up six solo tackles and assisted on six others.
Analysis: Despite the big game, Cooper is still only worth a look in deeper IDP Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: Inside linebacker Stephen Cooper and defensive end Luis Castillo didn't practice Friday as the San Diego Chargers got in their final preparation for Sunday's game at New England. Cooper was out with a strained groin; Castillo rested with a sore foot. Both are listed as probable for Sunday. "Both guys had practiced through it," coach Norv Turner said, referring to the pair working earlier in the week. "And we just had good practices Wednesday and Thursday -- it was just good for them today to back off it."
Analysis: Cooper looked fit to play Sunday after leaving Friday. "It's fine, honestly," said Cooper, who had eight tackles in last Sunday's s season-opening win over Chicago. "I wanted to go (Friday). But the trainers wanted me to just rest because we have a big game on Sunday." Cooper could be in for his best year as a pro playing left outside linebacker for the Chargers. Treat him as a low-end Fantasy IDP option at this time, but continue to track his progress.
News: Notable Chargers defenders from Week 1 vs. Chicago include: LB Stephen Cooper (eight total tackles), DL Luis Castillo (five total tackles), LB Shawne Merriman (three total tackles), rookie SS Eric Weddle (three solo tackles, sack) and DB Marlon McCree (five total tackles, interception). LB Shaun Phillips added a tackle and a sack, as did DT Jacques Cesaire.
Analysis: Of these players, Merriman, Phillips and McCree should be used in IDP leagues at New England in Week 2. Weddle should be snagged in keeper and dynasty leagues.
News: Notable Chargers defenders from Week 16 include: LB Shawne Merriman (five total tackles, three sacks), DT Jamal Williams (eight total tackles), DE Jacques Cesaire (six total tackles, two sacks), LB Stephen Cooper (seven total tackles, one-half sack), LB Donnie Edwards (seven total tackles, one-half sack) and DB Clinton Hart (two interceptions, one tackle).
Analysis: Of this crew, Merriman and Edwards are the most reliable Fantasy IDP players for Week 17 vs. Arizona.
News: Notable Chargers defenders from Week 15 include: LB Shawne Merriman (five total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles), LB Stephen Cooper (nine total tackles, sack), LB Donnie Edwards (eight total tackles) and DE Luis Castillo (five total tackles, sack).
Analysis: Merriman is a must-start in all leagues, as is Edwards and Castillo at their respective positions. The Chargers play vs. Kansas City in Week 15.
News: The Chargers signed LB Stephen Cooper to a five-year contract Friday. Also, they released WR Sean Coffey.
Analysis: Cooper might be a full-time starter for the first time this season, but he's a low-end IDP player at this point. Coffey was a long shot to make the team and can be ignored in all Fantasy leagues.
News: The Chargers official website reports the team has re-signed Stephen Cooper to a one-year contract.
Analysis: He has no value in Fantasy Football.
