News: The Bears signed free-agent linebacker James Anderson to a one-year contract on Sunday, reports the Chicago Tribune. Anderson, who was released by the Panthers earlier in the month, is expected to fill in as the team's strong-side linebacker.
Analysis: Anderson finished with 145 tackles during the 2011 campaign but back issues limited his production to just 73 stops last season. The 30-year-old has proved to be a great source of tackles over the past few years but he doesn't really offer much in the turnover or sack departments. Still, as long as he can stay healthy, Anderson's strong tackle numbers make him worthy of a late-round pick.
News: ESPN reports that the Panthers will let go of veteran linebacker James Anderson. He was set to make $2.9 million this year and $3.9 million in 2014 and 2015.
Analysis: In 12 games last year Anderson had 73 total tackles (just 39 solo) with two passes defensed. Back injuries forced him out of action. He's a tackling machine but will be 30 just after the start of the regular season. He's probably going to end up getting a good job and will be worth a late-round pick.
News: Carolina linebacker James Anderson is inactive for the Week 17 regular-season finale at New Orleans. Anderson could not suit up for Sunday's game due to a back injury. Anderson was considered questionable entering the game.
Analysis: Anderson finishes the season with 73 tackles for the Panthers. He's been a solid tackling option but elite linebackers have over 100 stops at this point. Anderson only had low-end Fantasy value on the year and that is how he'll be viewed next season.
News: Panthers linebacker James Anderson totaled three solo tackles Week 13 at Kansas City. Anderson has 73 tackled in 12 games.
Analysis: Anderson had a bad week because he missed a good portion of the first half Sunday because of an eye injury. Still, he is way off his tackle pace from his previous two seasons and that's because of the emergence of rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly. The rookie is making plays that Anderson has had to make the last few seasons. Anderson is now just a low-end Fantasy IDP option.
News: Panthers linebacker James Anderson recorded seven tackles in Sunday's 27-21 loss to the Bucs.
Analysis: Anderson has 69 tackles this season and no sacks. He has two double-digit tackle games this season. The Panthers face the Eagles in Week 12.
News: Panthers linebacker James Anderson had a solid game Sunday against Dallas in Week 7. Anderson had 12 tackles, including seven solo, with one pass defensed.
Analysis: Anderson continues to do a nice job for the Panthers, and he should remain active in Week 8 at the Bears. The Panthers defense tends to spend a lot of time on the field, and Anderson will have the chance for high tackle totals most weeks.
News: Carolina linebacker James Anderson tallied only four tackles for the second week in a row during the Panthers' 16-12 loss to Seattle in Week 5. Anderson's eight tackles in the past two games still rank less than his output in Week 3 alone when he garnered 14 tackles against the Giants.
Analysis: Anderson has amassed at least 130 tackles in each of the past two seasons so it's a little concerning about his recent cold stretch. He does have the potential to rack up double-digits in tackles as he accomplished the feat nine times last year. Keep him active in most Fantasy IDP formats in the hopes he can quickly rediscover his groove.
News: Panthers linebacker James Anderson, who collected 29 tackles over his first three games, had only four Week 4 at Atlanta. And only one of them was solo.
Analysis: Anderson has averaged 137.5 tackles over the last two seasons, so normally he's good for well more than four. You should consider this performance an aberration and stick with him in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Panthers linebacker James Anderson turned in another solid performance Thursday, as he led the Panthers with seven tackles -- six solo -- in a 36-7 loss to the Giants in Week 3.
Analysis: Anderson now has 22 tackles through three games, putting him on pace for 117 tackles. While that is behind the pace he set last season with a career-high 145 stops, he still remains a productive player, worth starting in many Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Panthers linebacker James Anderson enjoyed another productive day on defense during Sunday's contest against the Saints in Week 2. Anderson registered nine total tackles (two solo) in a 35-27 victory.
Analysis: Anderson is a solid source for tackles for Carolina as he delivered a decent performance for the Panthers on Sunday. He'll probably still have to increase his production if he wants to top 145 tackles, which he set last year. Fantasy owners should consider him as a viable IDP option in all formats heading into Week 3 against the Giants.
News: Panthers linebacker James Anderson was fairly productive in Week 1 against the Buccaneers. Anderson finished with six tackles -- all solo -- in the 16-10 win. He has finished with over 130 tackles in each of the last three seasons.
Analysis: Anderson's main asset to Fantasy owners is his ability to collect tackles and he did a decent job of doing that Sunday. However, if he wants to match the 145 he posted a season ago, he will need to step up his production in Week 2 against the Saints. We believe he will so leave him open in all formats moving forward.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson, who had a season-high 17 tackles last week, wasn't quite as productive in that category Week 15 at Houston, finishing with six (five solo). He did, however, contribute two turnovers, recording his second interception of the season and also recovering a fumble.
Analysis: Anderson now has 123 tackles on the season, which is obviously the main reason you start him in Fantasy, but it's nice to know he can do other things even when the tackles aren't there for him. Keep him active as a high-end LB in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: After equaling a season-low with three tackles last week, Panthers LB James Anderson recorded a season-high 17, including 10 solo, against the Falcons in Week 14. He also recorded half a sack, giving him 1 1/2 on the season.
Analysis: Anderson has recorded double-digit tackles in seven games this season and is clearly one of the elite contributors in the category. He's normally not such a good source of sacks, but the tackles alone are enough to make him a No. 1 LB in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Carolina LB James Anderson finished tied for the team lead with 10 tackles during the Panthers' 27-19 victory over Indianapolis in Week 12. It was the third consecutive game Anderson compiled 10 stops and the sixth time over his past seven outings.
Analysis: Anderson didn't show any lingering effects of an ankle injury and moved within three tackles of reaching the century mark for the second year in a row. When healthy, he can be relied on for robust tackle totals; consider him a strong option in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson (ankle) was listed as active for Week 12's game at the Colts. He had been a full participant in practice on Thursday and Friday.
Analysis: Though Anderson has been contending with his ankle injury for awhile now, his production has not slowed down. He can be trusted in most IDP formats.
News: Carolina LB James Anderson (ankle) was a full participant again Friday and listed as probable for Week 12 against Indianapolis. Anderson also participated in full on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session with the issue.
Analysis: Anderson has been hampered by the ankle issue for several weeks, but has not missed any playing time. He has 87 tackles this year -- good for ninth in the NFL -- and should be viewed as a solid option in the majority of Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson (ankle) is active for Week 11 at Deroit. He was listed as probable on the injury report.
Analysis: Anderson rolled his ankle late last week, but he still dressed Week 10 and totaled 10 tackles. Anderson might have gotten some time to rest this week in practice, but he is ready to go Week 11. Make sure to keep him active in Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson (ankle) is listed as probable for Week 11 at Detroit. Anderson sat out practice Wednesday before returning to full reps Thursday.
Analysis: Anderson rolled his ankle late last week, but he still dressed Week 10 and totaled 10 tackles. Anderson might have gotten some time to rest this week, but he isn't expected to sit out Week 11. Keep him active in all Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson was cleared to play Week 10 vs. Tennessee after showing up on the injury report as questionable with an ankle injury. Anderson rolled his ankle in practice Thursday, but it didn't appear to hinder him Week 10. He netted a team-high 10 tackles (eight solo) and had one pass defense.
Analysis: It's good to see Anderson not be hobbled by his ankle injury. He is now over 70 tackles and on his way to another 100-tackle campaign. As long as he is active, then keep Anderson in your Fantasy IDP lineup.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson was cleared to play Week 10 vs. Tennessee after showing up on the injury report as questionable with an ankle injury. Anderson rolled his ankle in practice Thursday.
Analysis: It's good that Anderson is cleared to play because the Panthers are already thin at the LB position due to season-ending injuries to Jon Beason and Thomas Davis. Although, there is a little risk to starting Anderson because who knows how effective he will be with this ankle injury. Consider him more of a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy LB.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson is listed as questionable for Week 10 vs. Tennessee after rolling his ankle in practice on Thursday.
Analysis: The Panthers can't afford to be down Anderson since they are already hurting after season-ending injuries to Jon Beason and Thomas Davis. Anderson continues to make a ton of plays despite those two being out of the lineup and is a viable Fantasy LB when healthy. Check back for inactives Sunday, but have a healthier alternative available.
News: Panthers coach Ron Rivera said LB James Anderson left practice early Thursday after rolling his ankle. Rivera added that he thinks Anderson will be OK to play Week 10 vs. Tennessee.
Analysis: The Panthers can't afford to be down Anderson since they are already hurting after season-ending injuries to Jon Beason and Thomas Davis. Anderson continues to make a ton of plays despite those two being out of the lineup and is a viable Fantasy LB when healthy.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson had his least productive game in four weeks, as he made seven tackles with no sacks. Anderson had posted double-digit tackle totals in each of the previous three weeks.
Analysis: While it was a relatively down week for Anderson, he can still normally be relied upon to help owners in many IDP formats. He's worth using as a No. 2 LB in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Carolina LB James Anderson had a monster game in the Week 7 win over Washington. Anderson led the Panthers with 12 total tackles as he added a sack of QB John Beck. Anderson also recovered a fumble for the Panthers in the win. He had two tackles for a loss and one pass defended in the game.
Analysis: Anderson, the former Virginia Tech standout, has been huge lately with three-straight double-digit tackling games. Anderson has 34 tackles in his last three contests and that comes with the sack. Sunday's sack was his first of the year and Anderson recovered his first fumble as well. Gaining Fantasy steam, Anderson can be used in plenty of IDP formats for Week 8 against the Vikings.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson continued to pile up the tackles Week 6 at Atlanta, recording a season-high 12, including seven solo, after recording 10 against the Saints in Week 5. He's up to 47 on the season after recording 130 last season.
Analysis: Anderson emerged as one of the better sources of tackles in Fantasy last season and hasn't slowed down this season. He might be a little under-owned at 28 percent. He's worth using as a No. 2 LB in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson totaled a team-high 10 tackles (five solo) in Week 5 against the Saints. It was the third time this season he had nine or more tackles.
Analysis: Anderson had a career year in 2010 and is showing little signs of slowing down in 2011. He might be behind his tackle count from last season, but Anderson is still doing enough to be considered a viable No. 2 Fantasy LB.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson recorded nine tackles for the second straight game Week 3 against the Jaguars. Eight of the tackles were solo.
Analysis: Anderson had 101 tackles for the Panthers last season and is again emerging as one of the top tacklers on the team. He's worth using as a No. 2 LB in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: After a career year in 2010, Panthers LB James Anderson was rewarded with a five-year on Wednesday to stay with the team. He notched 130 tackles last season with 3 1/2 sacks and an interception in easily his most productive year. Anderson hadn't previously totaled more than 65 tackles in any of his previous four NFL seasons, all with Carolina.
Analysis: Anderson has the chance to be a solid LB option in IDP Formats, especially with Jon Beason in the middle to free him up on the outside. The defense should improve as a whole in 2011, and Anderson should be right in the thick of the improvement. Consider him to be a solid LB option on Draft Day.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson totaled 10 tackles (six solo) and one forced fumble in Week 17 against the Falcons. He finished the season with a career-high 130 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks and one interception.
Analysis: Anderson was a breakout Fantasy player in 2010. He benefited playing alongside Jon Beason, but Anderson did make the plays when they were there. If he returns to Carolina in 2011, then he will be a viable Fantasy LB on Draft Day.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson had another decent performance in Week 16 against the Steelers. He recorded five tackles in the 27-3 loss.
Analysis: Anderson has a career-high 120 tackles on the season with 3.5 sacks and an interception. While the defensive unit around him has been poor, the 27-year-old continues to produce on a weekly basis. With Atlanta up next on the schedule, consider Anderson a solid start in all Fantasy IDP formats for Week 17.
News: Carolina LB James Anderson's injured ankle will not keep him out of the Week 15 game against Arizona. Anderson is active for the contest.
Analysis: Anderson is already up to 112 tackles in his breakout season. He has been great this season and is healthy for Week 15. Start him in just about all Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson (ankle) is listed as probable for Week 15 vs. Arizona. Anderson was able to practice in full Friday after limited reps Wednesday and Thursday.
Analysis: Anderson is already up to 112 tackles in his breakout season. About the only thing that can slow him down is an injury, but it appears he will be able to play Week 15. Keep him active in all Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson had six tackles, five solo, against the Falcons in Week 14, which is fairly tame by his standards. He has recorded seven tackles or more in 11 of 13 games this season.
Analysis: Anderson has a fair number of sacks to go along with all those tackles. He has emerged as a No. 1 Fantasy LB this season and should be starting in all Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Carolina linebacker James Anderson continued his breakout season in Week 13, tying a team-high seven tackles in the Panthers' 31-14 loss at Seattle on Sunday. Anderson's big game came days after he cleared to play and after sitting out of last Wednesday's practice as a "precautionary measure" to a concussion he suffered in Week 12.
Analysis: Anderson, who has six games with nine-plus tackles, has emerged as a stellar Fantasy play this season. Keep him rolling as a must-start in IDP leagues heading into Carolina's Week 14 game against Atlanta.
News: Carolina linebacker James Anderson (concussion) is active for the Panthers' Week 13 game at Seattle. Anderson was cleared to play after sitting out of last Wednesday's practice as a "precautionary measure" according to Anderson.
Analysis: Anderson, who finished with a team-leading 10 tackles in Week 12, has 99 total tackles this season. Anderson has emerged as a great Fantasy play this season and should be considered a must-start in Fantasy IDP leagues, including Week 13.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson (concussion) is listed as probable for Week 13 at Seattle. Anderson did return to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday. Anderson called that a "precautionary measure" and said he has been cleared to play Sunday against Seattle.
Analysis: Anderson finished with 10 tackles in Week 12, so if he did suffer a head injury it didn't show in his play. Anderson is one tackle away from his first 100-tackle season. He has been a great playmaker for the Panthers and Fantasy owners in 2010. Continue to start him in all Fantasy IDP formats.
News: After making only five tackles in Week 11, Panthers LB James Anderson rebounded with a 10-tackle performance in Week 12 at Cleveland. He now has a total of 99 tackles on the season.
Analysis: Anderson entered Week 12 among the league leaders in tackles, and he can be counted on most weeks to be an elite option in IDP leagues. He is a must-start in those Fantasy formats.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson has had some monster games in 2010, reaching double digits in tackles three different times. Week 11 was not one of those times, as he mustered only four tackles in a loss to the Ravens.
Analysis: Despite the off week, Anderson has been a very consistent producer of tackles, plus he has 2.5 sacks this year. Keep him active in all IDP formats.
News: At Tampa Bay in Week 10, Panthers LB James Anderson recovered a fumble for the third time this season and the first time since Week 4. He also had seven tackles, including five solo.
Analysis: Anderson has been a reliable source of tackles this season, routinely recording between eight and 10. He's not a complete slouch on the sacks either. He remains a No. 1 LB in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson has a team-high nine solo tackles in Week 9 against the Saints. Two of his tackles went for loss. Anderson has 77 tackles in eight games, which continues to add onto his career-high total.
Analysis: Anderson flashed signs of potential in 2009 when he recorded 65 tackles in 16 games. But now that he is playing regularly, he is showing he can hang with anyone in the NFL. Anderson has become a solid play in all Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Carolina LB James Anderson had a solid effort in the Week 8 loss to the St. Louis Rams. Anderson finished with eight solo tackles in the game and added a sack of rookie QB Sam Bradford. He made three tackles for a loss and had two big hits on Bradford in the game.
Analysis: Anderson now has 2 1/2 sacks on the season for the Panthers to go with his 9.7 tackles per contest. Anderson has been a tackling machine this season and has been the best IDP option the Panthers have to offer. Continue starting him in most formats for Week 9 against the Saints.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson totaled seven tackles (six solo and two for loss) and two pass defenses in Week 7 against the 49ers. He has 60 tackles in six games.
Analysis: Anderson is just five tackles shy of tying his career high, so he should surpass that total, perhaps as soon as Week 8. Anderson is becoming a breakout Fantasy star, so you may consider adding him in IDP leagues before it's too late.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson had his lowest tackle performance of the year in Week 5 against the Bears. He recorded eight tackles and half of a sack in Carolina's loss to Chicago. This comes one week after he made a season-high 16 tackles versus the Saints.
Analysis: Anderson now has 53 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception on the year. The Panthers have a bye next week, before taking the field again in Week 7 against the 49ers. Anderson should be viewed as a solid Fantasy LB option in all IDP leagues.
News: Carolina LB James Anderson had a monster game in the 16-14 loss to New Orleans Week 4. Anderson racked up 16 tackles, 14 of which were solo. He added a sack and also recovered both fumbles lost by the Saints on the game.
Analysis: Anderson has played four games for the Panthers and has 11.25 tackles per contest. That comes with an interception, a sack and two fumble recoveries. He's done a little of everything after four games and should see action in most Fantasy IDP leagues heading into Week 5 against the Bears.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson totaled nine tackles (five solo) and one quarterback hit in Week 3 against the Bengals. He also had two pass defenses. Anderson has 29 tackles in his first three games.
Analysis: Anderson is enjoying a breakout run to start the 2010 season and his Fantasy value is on the rise. He is making a lot of plays alongside LBs Dan Connor and Jon Beason. It seems teams try to run away from those two, which makes Anderson a prime candidate to rack up tackles. But he is also very good in pass coverage. Consider taking a flier on Anderson in IDP leagues before it is too late.
News: Carolina LB James Anderson has had a hot start to his season after two games. Despite the Panthers losing 20-7 to the Bucs in Week 2, Anderson had another solid performance. He led the Panthers with 10 tackles.
Analysis: Anderson now has 20 tackles in two games for the Panthers and that comes with an interception. Considering he's owned in just 4 percent of Fantasy leagues, Anderson should be grabbed off waivers in the coming days. He seems like a decent option in Fantasy IDP leagues for the Week 3 game against the Bengals.
News: Carolina LB Jon Beason wasn't immediately concerned when he saw teammate Thomas Davis tumble to the turf and grab his surgically repaired right knee earlier this week. "I would have bet a million bucks it wasn't the ACL," Beason said Thursday. "I thought it was scar tissue and having the surgery I know you can go through it." It was indeed the ACL - again. Seven months after making a remarkably fast recovery from a torn ACL, Davis is likely lost for the season after suffering the same injury in almost the same way - while backpedaling and without contact - in Tuesday's optional workout. It leaves Carolina without one of its speediest and best defensive players. And it could lead Beason, a Pro Bowl middle linebacker, to move to Davis' old spot in the Panthers' 4-3 scheme. Carolina's workout Thursday included Beason taking some snaps there. "I'm getting some reps at the Will position because we have the opportunity right now," Beason said. "You really just want to determine the best three guys right now. The only way to do that is to move guys around and see what that equation is."
Analysis: Davis' spot is important in defensive coordinator Ron Meeks' system because it requires a speedy, athletic player to roam free and collect a bunch of tackles. One option for Carolina is to move the speedy, hard-hitting Beason to outside linebacker, insert inexperienced Dan Connor in the middle and keep James Anderson at strongside linebacker. Beason entered the NFL playing the outside before quickly moving to the middle to replace the injured Dan Morgan. Beason could make the transition, but he also set a team record with 169 tackles last season and went to his second straight Pro Bowl playing middle linebacker. Another option for the Panthers is to keep Beason and Anderson in place and promote Jamar Williams to starting weakside linebacker. A five-year veteran, Williams was acquired in April from the Bears for safety Chris Harris. Keep an eye on what happens with Anderson. If he moves around that could increase his Fantasy value.
News: The Panthers had several defenders play well in Week 15 against the Vikings. DL Julius Peppers had one tackle and a sack. LB Jon Beason had three tackles. DB Richard Marshall had six tackles. DB Chris Gamble had four tackles. LB James Anderson had 11 tackles and a sack.
Analysis: The Panthers defenders should look to play well again in Week 16 at the Giants. Plan on starting all your regular options in IDP leagues.
News: Panthers LB Jon Beason (16 tackles), LB James Anderson (nine tackles), DL Nick Hayden (eight tackles), DB Charles Godfrey (eight tackles, forced fumble), LB Dan Connor (eight tackles, fumble recovery), DL Damione Lewis (eight tackles), DB Chris Harris (seven tackles, forced fumble) and DB Captain Munnerlyn (three tackles, fumble recovery) all played well in a Week 14 loss to New England.
Analysis: Beason is an elite Fantasy LB in IDP formats and probably the only one in this group worth using in Week 15 vs. Minnesota.
News: The Carolina Panthers have lost another linebacker to a season-ending knee injury. The team placed Landon Johnson on injured reserve Tuesday and signed linebacker Jordan Senn. Johnson hurt his medial collateral ligament in Thursday's loss to Miami in his second start at weakside linebacker after Thomas Davis was lost for the season. Johnson's injury leaves James Anderson as the likely starter Sunday at the New York Jets.
Analysis: Anderson carries minimal value for Fantasy owners in deeper IDP leagues. Everyone else shouldn't be on a roster.
News: The Panthers have re-signed restricted free agent safety Nate Salley and linebacker James Anderson to one-year deals worth $1.01 million apiece. Both players were offered the low tender by Carolina and did not receive offers from other teams. Clubs would have had to surrender a third-round draft pick to sign Anderson and a fourth-rounder to get Salley. Anderson and Salley contributed primarily on special teams last season.
Analysis: Neither defender should post enough stats to warrant Fantasy use. Keep both off of Fantasy rosters.
News: The Panthers have listed the following players as being inactive for Week 11 against the Lions: QB Matt Moore (3rd QB), WR Kenny Moore, DB C.J. Wilson, LB James Anderson, WR Dwayne Jarrett and DL Darwin Walker.
Analysis: Keep all of these players reserved for Week 11 against the Raiders. When active, they have minimal Fantasy value.
News: The Carolina Panthers have listed the following players as inactive for Week 10 at Oakland: LB James Anderson, CB C.J. Wilson, WR Kenneth Moore, DT Darwin Walker and QB Matt Moore (3rd QB).
Analysis: Keep all of these players reserved for Week 10 against the Raiders. When active, they have minimal Fantasy value.
News: The Panthers listed the following players as inactive for Week 6 at Tampa Bay: QB Matt Moore (third QB), WR D.J. Hackett, WR Kenneth Moore, DL Darwin Walker, LB James Anderson and DB Quinton Teal.
Analysis: None of the players on this list should be considered viable Fantasy option. They are not in a position to contribute regular stats as they aren't in line for regular playing time. They've got some depth chart climbing to do and should be left on the waiver wire.
News: Panthers WR Ryne Robinson, DB Quinton Teal, LB James Anderson, WR Dwayne Jarrett, DL Gary Gibson and QB Matt Moore have all been ruled inactive for Week 5 vs. Kansas City.
Analysis: Most of these players serve as reserves or on special teams when active and have little to no Fantasy value. Make sure to keep them reserved Week 5.
News: The Panthers have listed the inactives for their Week 4 game vs. Atlanta. Not in uniform will be: QB Matt Moore (fibula), WR Ryne Robinson (knee), LB James Anderson (coach's decision), WR Dwayne Jarrett (coach's decision) and DT Gary Gibson.
Analysis: None of these players have any Fantasy value at this point. Continue to ignore them in all formats.
News: Panthers QB Matt Moore, WR Ryne Robinson, DB C.J. Wilson LB James Anderson, LB Donte Curry and DL Hilee Taylor are all inactive for Week 1 at San Diego.
Analysis: There are no surprises here for Carolina. Most of these players are reserves or special teams contributors and have little to no Fantasy value. Keep them reserved Week 1.
News: The Panthers listed the following players as inactive for Week 17 at Tampa Bay: QB Vinny Testaverde (3rd QB, Achilles'), WR Jason Carter (coach's decision), WR Travis Taylor (coach's decision), DB Patrick Dendy (coach's decision), DB Chris Harris (neck), LB James Anderson (coach's decision), DL Gary Gibson (coach's decision).
Analysis: None of the players on this list are in a position to help Fantasy owners. They should be left on the waiver wire in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Panthers WR Jason Carter, DL Gary Gibson, LB James Anderson and DB Patrick Dendy have all been ruled inactive for Week 16 vs. Dallas.
Analysis: Most of these players serve as reserves or on special teams when active and have a minimal role in the offensive gameplan. They can help Fantasy owners very little and are not recommended options. Keep them reserved Week 16.
News: Panthers inactives for their Week 15 game vs. the Seahawks include: QB Vinny Testaverde, WR Keary Colbert, LB James Anderson, LB Brandon Jamison, DL Stanley McClover and DL Gary Gibson.
Analysis: Matt Moore will start at QB for the Panthers as Vinny Testaverde will be the No. 3/emergency QB. Drew Carter will start for Keary Colbert. WEATHER: Windy with gusts between 15 and 25 m.p.h.
News: The Panthers listed the following players as inactive for Week 14 at Jacksonville: QB David Carr (third QB), DL Charles Johnson (coach's decision), DL Gary Gibson (coach's decision), LB James Anderson (coach's decision) and DB C.J. Wilson.
Analysis: None of the players on this list are in a position to help your Fantasy team. Keep them reserved until further notice.
News: The Panthers listed the following players as inactive for Week 13 vs. San Francisco: QB David Carr (3rd QB), WR Dwayne Jarrett (knee), DL Gary Gibson (coach's decision), DL Charles Johnson (coach's decision), LB James Anderson (coach's decision), DB C.J. Wilson (coach's decision).
Analysis: None of these players are currently in a position to help your Fantasy team. Leave them on the waiver wire until further notice.
News: The Panthers listed the following players as inactive for Week 12 vs. New Orleans: QB Vinny Testaverde, DB Chris Gamble, RB Alex Haynes, LB James Anderson, DL Gary Gibson and DL Charles Johnson.
Analysis: Aside from possibly Testaverde and Chris Gamble in deeper leagues, none of the players on this list should be in a position to help your Fantasy team. Leave them on the waiver wire.
News: The Charlotte Observer reports that LB Dan Morgan will be replaced in the lineup by James Anderson for Week 4 vs. Tampa Bay.
Analysis: Morgan should be benched in the few leagues that he's in. Anderson is a low-end sleeper in the deepest of IDP leagues. The Panthers host the Buccaneers in Week 4.
News: With Carolina Panthers backup middle linebacker Adam Seward unable to practice last week with a calf injury, outside linebacker James Anderson was told to learn a new position. Anderson, Carolina's third-round pick in 2006, had never played middle linebacker, going all the way back to Pee Wee football. But when starter Dan Morgan went down with a variety of injuries Sunday in Atlanta and with Seward inactive, Anderson was inserted at middle linebacker, charged with calling the defensive plays. And with Morgan and Seward sitting out practice Wednesday and Thursday this week, Anderson could start in the middle Sunday against Tampa Bay. "It's just a different feel actually running the defense," Anderson said. "Playing strong side or weak side you have some of the same responsibilities, but now I'm the guy in the middle calling the plays or making the checks."
Analysis: Anderson could be worth using as a bye-week replacement MLB in IDP league play. Keep him in mind when he and the Panthers host the Bucs in Week 4.
News: Middle linebacker Dan Morgan will not play after suffering an ankle injury against the Falcons. His backup, Adam Seward, returned to practice Friday for the first time in a week following a calf injury and is listed as questionable. James Anderson moved from outside linebacker into Morgan's spot when he went out in the third quarter against Atlanta, and could start there Sunday.
Analysis: Morgan should be benched in the few leagues that he's in. Seward should also not start, and Anderson is a low-end sleeper in the deepest of IDP leagues. The Panthers host the Buccaneers in Week 4.
News: Panthers LB James Anderson could see increased action in the second half of the season as the rookie continues to get more comfortable with the defensive play calls.
Analysis: It is not recommended that you add Anderson to your seasonal Fantasy IDP rosters at this time. It is purely speculation at this point on what kind of role Anderson will have the remainder of the season. However, Anderson could have some value in keeper leagues. If he is going to stick around in Carolina, he will get plenty of chances in future seasons to make plays. But only add him in keeper leagues if you can afford the roster spot.
News: James Anderson has a lot on his mind this week as he prepares to perhaps make his first NFL start on Sunday when the Panthers visit Cincinnati. Starting outside linebacker Thomas Davis has a rib injury and is listed as questionable, though he did practice Friday for the first time this week. "It's a big opportunity just to get the chance to go out there and play," said Anderson, who played most of the second half last Sunday in Baltimore after Davis went down. "It's unfortunate that it had to happen like this. Hopefully (Davis) is still going to come in and play, but it's a big opportunity for me."
Analysis: Even if Anderson gets the start, we won't recommend him outside of the deepest IDP formats for Week 7 at Cincinnati. The Panthers DST will have a tough time with the Bengals high-powered offense, but still make a nice start in leagues of 12-plus teams due to their ability to get to the QB and create turnovers.
News: Panthers third-round pick James Anderson signed a contract to officially join the team. Specifics were not mentioned.
Analysis: An inconsistent player in college, Anderson has potential to play well but needs to step up his aggressiveness. He'll compete for a reserve LB role and a spot on special teams in camp this summer.
