News: The Saints signed safety Jim Leonard to a one-year deal.
Analysis: Leonhard will likely settle into a backup or part-time role with the Saints as they have two good safeties already on the roster. The veteran may not even make the final roster so keep him off your Fantasy team.
News: Broncos defensive back Jim Leonhard recorded his first interception of the season in Week 6 against the Chargers. He wrestled the ball away from tight end Antonio Gates on a deep pass in the second quarter and also posted three solo tackles in the 35-24 win.
Analysis: Leonhard has just five tackles through six games this season and is no longer the Fantasy option he once was. Continue to ignore the 29-year-old in the majority of IDP formats.
News: The Broncos signed free-agent safety Jim Leonhard the team announced Saturday. Leonhard finished with 47 tackles and one interception in 13 games for the Jets last season.
Analysis: Leonhard was a starter the Jets but will have to earn his playing time with the Broncos. He is also still working his way back from offseason knee surgery, so it could be a while before he is up to full speed. Unless he is guaranteed at starting spot, Leonhard should be considered merely waiver-wire fodder heading into the season.
News: Jets coach Rex Ryan confirmed DB Jim Leonhard, who hurt his knee Week 14 against the Chiefs, has been placed on injured-reserve and will be out for the rest of the season. "Unfortunately we lost Jimmy Leonhard for the season," Ryan said Monday . "He has a torn patella tendon. It’s a huge blow to our team, but one we think we can overcome." Brodney Pool is expected to replace Leonhard in the starting lineup.
Analysis: While Leonhard was a starter for the Jets, he didn't rack up the necessary stats on a weekly basis to be a major factor in Fantasy. He had very low-end Fantasy appeal, so feel free to drop Leonhard now that he is out for the season.
News: Jets DB Jim Leonhard is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a devastating knee injury during New York's victory over Kansas City in Week 14, according to the Daily News. Leonhard reportedly sustained a torn PCL after picking off a pass by Chiefs QB Tyler Palko in the second quarter. He will have an MRI on Monday to determine the final diagnosis.
Analysis: The Jets provided no immediate word on the severity of the injury, but many players seemed to think it was serious. "I'm hopeful it's not that bad," New York coach Rex Ryan said, "but it's never good when you're carted off." Leonhard also missed the last few games of the 2010 season after sustaining a broken leg in practice. Fantasy owners should release Leonhard in all IDP formats for the remainder of the season.
News: Jets DB Jim Leonhard left in the second quarter of Week 14 against Kansas City with an apparent serious knee injury. Leonhard suffered the injury after picking off Chiefs QB Tyler Palko when he was tackled by Steve Breaston from behind and had to be carted off the field.
Analysis: Leonhard was ruled out for the remainder of the game after he injured the same leg he broke at the end of last season. His interception before departing was his first of the season. He could be lost for the year again, but was viewed as a marginal Fantasy option anyway.
News: Jets DB Jim Leonhard (hamstring) is listed as probable for Week 3 at Oakland. He was limited in practice all week.
Analysis: Leonhard is a starting safety for the Jets, but he has just four tackles and no interceptions in two games. He won't be more than a low-end Fantasy DB if his numbers don't improve dramatically.
News: The Newark Star-Ledger reports that Jets safety Jim Leonhard expects to be ready when the season starts. It took months of rehab after his season-ending right tibia fracture, but three weeks ago, Leonhard said he received the "all clear" from doctors to take part in any and all football activities. Leonhard admitted it was a bit slow-going at first, and he had to work through some expected soreness, but hit his stride this week. He has been primarily training at the University of Wisconsin, his alma mater. "This week was a definitely a huge breakthrough," Leonhard said. "I felt I could push as hard as I wanted to and not have setbacks. I'm getting excited. I want to play football and prove I'm back; prove I’ve done the work to get back."
Analysis: Leonhard was a standout in the Jets' secondary until he fractured the bone in a freak collision during a practice in December. He had surgery to insert a rod through the bone and was placed on injured reserve. He is the only Jets safety under contract for 2011. Continue to monitor his recovery, but Leonhard is worth a late-round pick in IDP leagues as long as he's 100 percent healthy.
News: The Jets placed DB Jim Leonhard, who broke his tibia and had to undergo surgery, on the injured reserve list on Saturday. His season is officially over as the Jets have confirmed.
Analysis: Leonhard was looked at like the quarterback of the defense and is a major loss for the secondary and the defense as a whole. His IDP value was never amazing, but it is zero now. Out for the year, Leonhard should be dropped from all Fantasy rosters.
News: Jets DB Jim Leonhard broke his tibia and said he is having surgery Friday. "It changed practice for sure, just the mood of the practice," defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said. Reports are that he is out for the season, but the Jets won't confirm it. "He's the commander in chief back there, gets everybody lined up and communicates all kinds of different things," safety James Ihedigbo said. "He's looked at as the quarterback of the defense."
Analysis: This a big blow for the Jets defense, as Leonard plays a key role from his safety position. The Jets probably won't confirm he is out for the season until after the surgery. There is still some hope he might make it back for the playoffs, if the Jets make it. While his IDP value isn't great because he isn't the best ball hawker, Leonhard can obviously be released in the deeper formats he was usable in.
News: Jets DB Jim Leonhard recorded his first interception of the year on Thursday as he picked off Bengals QB Carson Palmer. Leonhard finished the game with just two tackles and one defended pass.
Analysis: Leonhard has 59 tackles on the season, but doesn't really do enough on the field to be considered a big-time Fantasy option. Owners in IDP leagues should continue to view him as a low-end DB option. He does, however, have Fantasy appeal in leagues that reward for kick return yards.
News: Jets DB Jim Leonhard totaled four tackles (three solo) and one pass defense in Week 11 against the Texans. He also recovered a fumble. Leonhard has 57 tackles in 10 games.
Analysis: Leonhard is making a steady amount of tackles in the Jets secondary. Still, he has no sacks or interceptions. Leonhard has low-end Fantasy appeal in IDP leagues. He does have Fantasy appeal in leagues that reward for kick return yards as well.
News: Jets DB Jim Leonhard was again active in the Week 10 win over the Browns, registering six tackles (five solo) on the day. He also managed to force a fumble in the OT game.
Analysis: Leonhard is a trusted safety valve in Rex Ryan's defense so he will continue to be active in both the pass and run game for the Jets. Continue to roll with him if you normally do in Fantasy play.
News: Jets DB Jim Leonhard had a nice game against the Lions in a win Week 9. Leonhard, who doubles as the team's punt-return man, finished with seven tackles, all solo.
Analysis: Leonhard has 45 tackles in eight games this season, which is decent production for a DB. That said, he doesn't have any interceptions and is just a low-end Fantasy IDP player.
News: The Jets held off the Vikings on Monday night in the Week 5 contest and defensive back Jim Leonhard led the way in tackles. Leonhard finished with nine tackles, all of which came on solo stops.
Analysis: Leonhard had his best effort on the season in the Monday night game. The defensive back is averaging 5.4 tackles per game this season with no interceptions or sacks. He's going to need to pick up the pace, and until he does, he's not really a recommended Fantasy option for Week 6 at Denver.
News: Jets DL Shaun Ellis (knee), DB Jim Leonhard (thumb), DE Calvin Pace (shoulder) and DB Eric Smith (back) have all been listed as probable for the team's Week 13 game at Buffalo on Thursday.
Analysis: Ellis and Pace are decent low-end Fantasy options in IDP play and are safe to use for Thursday's game. Leonhard and Smith are just low-end options and can be ignored in basically all IDP formats.
News: The Jets had two players get two interceptions each Sunday against the Panthers in Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes. Revis added two tackles also. Eric Smith and Jim Leonhard each had eight tackles, David Harris and Calvin Pace each had seven tackles and a sack and Bart Scott and Shaun Ellis each had four tackles.
Analysis: The Jets defense should play well again in Week 13 at Buffalo on Thursday night. Keep all of your regulars active against the Bills.
News: Jets DB Jim Leonhard (thumb) is active for Week 11 at New England. He was questionable on the injury report.
Analysis: Leonhard is just a few days removed from thumb surgery, but he was able to practice late in the week and it appears as though he is healthy enough to play. Leonhard remains an injury-risk start for Week 11, but keep tabs on his progress just in case he is still successful despite the injury.
News: Jets safety Jim Leonhard is questionable for the team's game at New England after being limited in practice Friday with a broken right thumb. Leonhard, injured in last Sunday's loss to Jacksonville, returned to practice and participated in individual drills as well as some team activities while wearing a cast on his hand. Coach Rex Ryan said he'd consult with Leonhard and the team's trainers to see how he feels leading up to the game Sunday. "It was better than I thought it would be," Leonhard said of practicing with the cast. "If I wasn't able to do that today, it would have been very hard to play on Sunday. ... If it was up to me, I'd like to be out there," Leonhard said. Eric Smith would get the start opposite Kerry Rhodes if Leonhard can't play. The Jets also ruled out linebacker Vernon Gholston for the second straight week with a hamstring injury. Gholston was injured in practice last Monday in the team's first workout off the bye-week break.
Analysis: Neither Leonhard nor Gholston should be used in Fantasy leagues regularly. Keep them on waivers for Week 11.
News: Jets safety Jim Leonhard had three pins inserted into his broken right thumb and his arm is in a sling, leaving his status for New York's game against New England uncertain. Coach Rex Ryan said Leonhard had surgery Monday night and didn't practice Wednesday, but wouldn't rule him out. "He's got three screws, I believe, so if they can tighten them up for this game, we'll see," Ryan said. "He's a tough kid, I'm just telling you. The average guy, there's no way he plays. But Jim Leonhard's not an average guy." If Leonhard can't play Sunday, Eric Smith would start in his place opposite Kerry Rhodes. Smith, who leads the team with 13 special teams tackles, has started 10 games and has four interceptions in three-plus seasons with the Jets. "It's a good opportunity to get out and play and get some more reps on the field," Smith said. "Hopefully we get Jim back, but if not, I'm going to be ready to play."
Analysis: Leonhard was injured during Maurice Jones-Drew's 33-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter of New York's 24-22 loss to Jacksonville on Sunday. He left briefly before returning with a cast on the hand, but was unable to handle his usual punt return duties. Leonhard is third on the team with 58 tackles, and has one interception and 1 1/2 sacks. He also makes the defensive calls, a duty that would fall to linebacker David Harris in Leonhard's absence. "If there's any way possible of him playing, I wouldn't be shocked," Ryan said. "But right now with him in a sling or a cast or three screws in his thumb, it wouldn't look good for the common person." Leonhard is a low-end Fantasy DB when healthy. Smith is merely a stopgap Fantasy option in larger IDP leagues. New York have a tough matchup this week in New England, so even if Leonhard was healthy, the Jets DST would still be a risky start.
News: Jets safety Jim Leonhard is having surgery on his broken right thumb, and coach Rex Ryan is uncertain how long he might be sidelined. Ryan said Leonhard is having surgery Monday, adding "that doesn't sound good to me." He is unsure of the nature of the procedure, or whether Leonhard would be sidelined this weekend or longer. Leonhard was injured early in the first quarter on Maurice Jones-Drew's 33-yard touchdown run in the Jets' 24-22 loss to Jacksonville on Sunday. Leonhard left the field and went into the locker room to have the thumb placed in a cast. He came back into the game on defense, but wasn't able to field punts as he normally does.
Analysis: Leonhard hasn't been much of a Fantasy stud since coming over from the Ravens. Owners can safely drop him knowing that he won't help rosters for the next few weeks.
News: Jets LB David Harris (nine tackles), DB Jim Leonhard (seven tackles, sack), LB Bart Scott (six tackles), LB Calvin Pace (two tackles, sack) and DL Mike Devito (three tackles, fumble recovery) all had nice Fantasy performances in a Week 10 loss to the Jaguars.
Analysis: Harris is the real Fantasy IDP gem in this group, while Pace and Scott have some value in deeper leagues. Leonard and Devito have minimal value heading into Week 11 at New England.
News: Jets LB Bart Scott (eight tackles, sack), LB Calvin Pace (six tackles), DL Shaun Ellis (five tackles, 1 1/2 sacks), LB David Harris (five tackles, sack), DL Sione Pouha (five tackles), DL Marques Douglas (five tackles, sack), DB Jim Leonhard (four tackles, half a sack), DL Howard Green (two sackles, half a sack) and LB Bryan Thomas (two tackles, half a sack) all had solid outings in a Week 8 loss to the Dolphins.
Analysis: Harris is an elite LB in all Fantasy IDP formats, while Pace and Scott have solid value in deeper formats. Ellis and Leonhard are barely worth owning in deeper leagues, while Pouha, Douglas, Green and Thomas are non-factors. All of these guys should be benched in Week 9 as the Jets are on a bye.
News: Jets DB Jim Leonhard totaled six tackles and one interception during a Week 7 win against the Raiders. It was Leonhard's first interception of the season. He also had two pass defenses.
Analysis: Leonhard already has 32 tackles in seven games and could break 70 tackles for the first time in his career. He knows Rex Ryan's system from their time in Baltimore and it seems to be benefiting Leonhard in his first year with the Jets. Still, he remains more of a low-end Fantasy DB.
News: New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis and safeties Kerry Rhodes and Jim Leonhard fully participated in practice on Friday and were listed as probable for Week 4 against the Saints. The Jets will surely need all three starters Sunday against Drew Brees and the Saints' top-ranked offense. CB Lito Sheppard (right quadriceps) and CB Donald Strickland (right ankle) have been ruled out of Week 4.
Analysis: It's a good sign that Revis, Rhodes and Leonhard have been listed as probable, and consider Revis and Rhodes good options for Week 4 against the Saints. Leonhard has minimal Fantasy value, and consider the Jets a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option against the Saints.
News: New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis and safeties Kerry Rhodes and Jim Leonhard fully participated in practice and appear set to play against the New Orleans Saints. It was encouraging news for the Jets on Thursday after Revis (hamstring) and Rhodes (knee) were limited Wednesday, while Leonhard (knee) didn't practice. The Jets will surely need all three starters Sunday against Drew Brees and the Saints' top-ranked offense. CB Lito Sheppard (right quadriceps) and CB Donald Strickland (right ankle) didn't practice again, and coach Rex Ryan said "they're iffy, especially Strickland." LB Larry Izzo (hamstring) also returned to practice.
Analysis: This is a good sign that Revis, Rhodes and Leonhard returned to practice, and consider Revis and Rhodes good options for Week 4 against the Saints. Leonhard has minimal Fantasy value, and consider the Jets a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option against the Saints.
News: Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis and safety Kerry Rhodes were limited in practice with injuries that aren't expected to sideline them against the Saints on Sunday. Revis (hamstring) and Rhodes (knee) didn't appear to be noticeably hobbled during the 40-minute window of practice Wednesday the media are allowed to watch. Safety Jim Leonhard (knee) joined cornerbacks Lito Sheppard (right quadriceps) and Donald Strickland (right ankle) as members of the secondary who didn't practice on Wednesday.
Analysis: We'll keep tabs on Revis and Rhodes for you this week; for now expect them to play. Leonhard is a little risky to count on right now, but that will change if he can string some practice appearances together. Sheppard and Strickland aren't reliable enough for weekly Fantasy play, so keep them off rosters.
News: The Jets signed safety Jim Leonhard on Tuesday, the second player new coach Rex Ryan has lured away from the Baltimore Ravens. The 26-year-old Leonhard had 69 regular-season tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown last season, his first with the Ravens. Leonhard, a hard hitter despite being just 5-foot-8, is expected to join Kerry Rhodes as the Jets' starting safeties in Mike Pettine's defense. Pettine was a defensive assistant with Baltimore the last seven seasons. "I am extremely excited to become a New York Jet," Leonhard said in a statement. "Obviously, to be reunited with coach Ryan and coach Pettine on the defensive side of the ball is a great opportunity. I am really excited to get in there this first year with coach Ryan and hopefully help do some great things."
Analysis: Leonhard's stat line isn't rich enough to warrant Fantasy use, but that doesn't mean it can't be in the future. He's not worth a draft choice except in the deepest of leagues, but he's one to watch early in 2009 as he could become a valuable pickup off the waiver wire.
News: Ravens DB Jim Leonhard intercepted Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 13 and returned the pick for a touchdown.
Analysis: Leonhard is the starting safety for the Ravens, but doesn't record stats on a consistent basis to be worth using in IDP Fantasy play.
News: Notable Ravens defenders from Week 5 vs. the Titans include: DB Jim Leonhard (eight total tackles), LB Ray Lewis (seven total tackles), LB Jarrett Johnson (six total tackles), DL Justin Bannan (three total tackles, interception) and CB Chris McAlister (solo tackle, interception). Stud defenders Ed Reed and Bart Scott each registered three solo tackles while Terrell Suggs had three total tackles.
Analysis: Of these defenders, Lewis, Reed, Scott and Suggs are worth starting. Everyone else isn't consistent enough for Fantasy use, though Leonhard could develop into an option if he keeps seeing playing time for the injured Dawan Landry. The Ravens play at the Colts in Week 6, so expect all Ravens defenders to have plenty of chances to rack up big defensive stats.
News: Safety Jim Leonhard and reserve running back Shaud Williams will become free agents on Friday after the Bills elected not to issue qualifying offers to retain their rights.
Analysis: Neither player is a consistent stat producer, so don't expect either one to be Fantasy relevant anytime soon. Keep both Leonhard and Williams off rosters.
News: Buffalo DB Jim Leonhard played well for the Bills in 2007. He appeared in 13 games with six starts and finished with 54 tackles (44 solo). He also added two interceptions. This was the most Leonhard has played in his three-year career, and he will look to build on that in 2008.
Analysis: Look for Leonhard to compete for a starting spot for the Bills. He has the potential to be a solid source of tackles, and if he gets consistent playing time, consider Leonhard a No. 3 DB in IDP leagues in 2008.
News: Bills LB John DiGiorgio (six tackles), LB Keith Ellison (four tackles), DB Jim Leonhard (four tackles), DB Ashton Youboty (three tackles), DB Jabari Greer (three tackles) and DL Larry Triplett (two tackles, half a sack).
Analysis: DiGiorgio is the only one of these players with any Fantasy value and his is minimal as a reserve LB. Do not start him or anyone else in this group in Week 15 at Cleveland.
News: Bills DB Jim Leonhard (calf) is listed as questionable for Week 9 vs. Cincinnati. Leonhard went through full practice reps all week. Leonhard has missed the last three games. He has 30 tackles and two interceptions in four games.
Analysis: Leonhard has been great in the place of the injured Ko Simpson (leg) and has become a decent No. 3 Fantasy DB when active. He might finally return in Week 9, but Fantasy owners will need to track the news out of Buffalo leading up to inactives.
News: Bills DB Jim Leonhard (calf) went through a full practice Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for Week 9 vs. Cincinnati. Leonhard has missed the last three games. He has 30 tackles and two interceptions in four games.
Analysis: Leonhard has been great in the place of the injured Ko Simpson (leg) and has become a decent No. 3 Fantasy DB when active. He might finally return in Week 9, but Fantasy owners will need to track the news out of Buffalo for a few more days.
News: The Bills' list of inactives for Week 8 includes QB Gibran Hamdan, DB Ashton Youboty, DB Jim Leonhard, LB Leon Joe, TE Ryan Neufeld, WR Sam Aiken and DL Ryan Denney.
Analysis: None of these players accrue enough statistics on a weekly bases to merit Fantasy consideration. The Bills host the Bengals in Week 9.
News: Bills DB Jim Leonhard (calf) is listed as doubtful for Week 8 at N.Y. Jets. He did not practice Wednesday, but returned to limited reps Thursday and Friday. Although, it appears he will not play against the Jets. Leonhard has not played in the last two games. He has 30 tackles and two interceptions in four games.
Analysis: Leonhard has been great in the place of the injured Ko Simpson (leg) and has become a decent No. 3 Fantasy DB when active. His status for Week 8 doesn't look good, so it will be wise to keep him reserved for another week.
News: Bills DB Jim Leonhard (calf) did not practice Wednesday, but returned to limited reps Thursday as the team prepares for Week 8 at N.Y. Jets. Leonhard has not played in the last two games. He has 30 tackles and two interceptions in four games.
Analysis: Leonhard has been great in the place of the injured Ko Simpson (leg) and has become a decent No. 3 Fantasy DB when active. His status for Week 8 is still up in the air, so continue to track his progress.
News: Bills DB Jim Leonhard (calf) did not practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 8 at N.Y. Jets. Leonhard has not played in the last two games. He has 30 tackles and two interceptions in four games.
Analysis: Leonhard has been great in the place of the injured Ko Simpson (leg) and has become a decent No. 3 Fantasy DB when active. His status for Week 8 is still up in the air, so continue to track his progress.
News: Bills RB Fred Jackson, DB Ashton Youboty, DB Jim Leonhard, TE Matt Murphy, WR Sam Aiken, DL Ryan Denney and DL Copeland Bryan are all inactive for Week 7 vs. Baltimore.
Analysis: Most of these inactive players fail to fill the stat sheet on a weekly basis and have little to no Fantasy value. Keep them reserved in Fantasy leagues for Week 7.
News: Bills DB Jim Leonhard (calf) is out for Week 7 vs. Baltimore. Leonhard has 30 tackles and two interceptions in four games.
Analysis: Leonhard has been great in the place of the injured Ko Simpson (leg) and has become a decent No. 3 Fantasy DB when active. But he is not returning in Week 7 and that means keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues for another week.
News: The Bills list of inactives for Week 5 against the Cowboys includes DB Ashton Youboty, DB Coy Wire, DB Jim Leonhard, WR Peerless Price, DL Ryan Denney, DL Copeland Bryan and RB Fred Jackson.
Analysis: These players hardly play on offense or don't contribute meaningful statistics on defense. Keep them reserved in all Fantasy leagues. The Bills have a bye in Week 6 before hosting the Ravens in Week 7.
News: Buffalo remains a banged-up team as it prepared Wednesday to host its first Monday night game since Sept. 26, 1994. Backup safety Jim Leonhard (calf) and reserve linebacker Kevin Harrison (knee) were ruled out after both were hurt Week 4 against the Jets. Reserve cornerback Ashton Youboty's status is uncertain after he missed practice with an ankle injury also sustained against the Jets. That further depletes a defense that already has three starters on the season-ending injured reserve list. And that doesn't include reserve defensive end Ryan Denney (broken foot) and reserve linebacker Coy Wire (sprained knee), both of whom aren't expected back until after the bye.
Analysis: Despite all the injuries, the Bills could get back one player on Sunday: reserve defensive end Anthony Hargrove, who finished serving the NFL's four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The Bills have not yet decided to activate Hargrove, although he has returned to practice. The Bills have until Monday afternoon to make a decision whether to activate or release him. Whether Hargrove plays or not, the Bills have a tall order ahead in the Cowboys. It is best to avoid the Bills DST in Fantasy play for Week 5. As far as IDP players are concerned, Youboty, Ellison and Denney are merely low-end Fantasy options for deeper leagues when healthy. Leonhard has been great in the place of the injured Ko Simpson (leg) and has become a decent No. 3 Fantasy DB when active. Keep him reserved Week 5. It is safe to ignore the remaining injured players at this time.
News: According to the Buffalo News, the Bills defense could be without even more players after DB Jim Leonhard and LB Kevin Harrison suffered what could be serious injuries during a 17-14 win over the New York Jets. Leonhard hurt his left calf, while Harrison injured his knee. DB Ashton Youboty also left the game with a sprained ankle. Leonhard was injured on the first play of the Jets' final drive. He said he "felt something pop" as he tried to break on the ball after a completion. Harrison suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff. He was taken off the field on a cart and didn't return. Harrison's injury leaves the Bills without a backup middle linebacker. John DiGiorgio is starting for Paul Posluszny, who broke his forearm. Youboty left the field early in the second quarter. He rejoined the team in the second half but did not play.
Analysis: Monitor the status of Leonhard, Harrison and Youboty, but the Bills DST is not a recommended option in Week 5 against Dallas.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, Bills FS Jim Leonhard has stepped in nicely for injured starter Ko Simpson. He made his first NFL interception last week shortly after Simpson suffered a broken ankle, and then in his first NFL start against the Steelers, he made another pick, snaring a Ben Roethlisberger deep ball.
Analysis: If Leonhard can keep this pace up, he will certainly attract some attention in deeper IDP leagues. Give him a few more weeks to prove he isn't simply a flash in the pan before plucking him off the wire.
News: Notable Bills defensive performers from Week 2 at Pittsburgh include: FS Donte Whitner (eight total tackles), LB Paul Posluszny (12 total tackles), DB Jim Leonhard (seven total tackles, interception), DE Aaron Schobel (two tackles, sack) and Angelo Crowell (seven total hits).
Analysis: All of these players except Leonhard should be considered in Week 3 Fantasy IDP league play when the Bills play at New England.
News: Bills DB Jim Leonhard was pressed into action Week 1 against the Broncos when starting DB Ko Simpson went down in the first quarter with an ankle injury. Leonhard led the Bills in tackles with 13 (eight solo). He also had the team's lone interception.
Analysis: Leonhard did a great job replacing Simpson, who sustained a pretty nasty injury Week 1. If Leonhard remains in the starting lineup, he has the chance to develop into a decent tackler. Consider him a low-end Fantasy IDP option.
News: According to the the The Record, Bergen County, NJ, S Jim Leonhard was re-signed by the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday to take the roster spot of Troy Vincet, who was placed on IR with a hamstring injury.
Analysis: Leonhard is not a viable Fantasy option at this point.
News: The Buffalo Bills cut 21 players from their roster on Saturday, including receivers Jonathan Smith and George Wilson. Other notable cuts were offensive linemen Greg Jerman and Justin Geisinger, defensive backs Eric King and Rashad Baker, and running back Lionel Gates. The Bills also released CB Eric Bassey, TE Brad Cieslak, LB Liam Ezekiel, FB Jon Goldsberry, DL Jason Hall, LB Wendell Hunter, RB Fred Jackson, DL Jason Jefferson, S Jim Leonhard, DL Ryan Neill, LB Joe Odom, FB Alan Ricard, DL Lauvale Sape, and OL Jason Thomas.
Analysis: The moves paved the way for free-agent acquisition Andre Davis to make the team. Davis was on the bubble after a lackluster preseason, but helped his chances with a 70-yard touchdown reception against Detroit in Buffalo's final preseason game Thursday. Gates, who had a decent preseason, lost out to Anthony Thomas in his bid to become Willis McGahee's backup. Baker and King fell victim to Buffalo's selection of three defensive backs - Donte Whitner, Ashton Youboty and Ko Simpson - in the first four rounds of April's draft. None of the cut players warrant any Fantasy attention at this time.
News: Jim Leonhard didn't record an offensive statistic in Sunday's 37-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Analysis: Leonhard has no value in Fantasy Football.
