Christian Elliss Fantasy Overview

Patriots LB Robert Spillane made the active roster for Sunday's loss to the Bills after entering the weekend questionable with a foot injury that limited his final two days of practice. If you started him in your IDP lineup, though, you probably noticed that Spillane logged absolutely no stats. That's because New England decided to hold out its lead LB and treat him only as an "emergency" option.

The Patriots have placed LB Jahlani Tavai on IR to open the season, with the designation to return. Tavai suffered a calf injury back in spring minicamp that recurred after just four days of training camp. His IR placement means he'll miss at least the first four games. We'll see beyond that.

Patriots S Kyle Dugger is inactive for today's game against the Titans, marking the second straight game he'll miss with an ankle sprain. That leaves Jaylinn Hawkins and Marte Mapu as the starting safeties. LB Christian Elliss -- who was also questionable -- is active vs. Tennessee.

The Eagles have agreed to a one-year deal with LB Shaquille Leonard. That gives the veteran LB a strong opportunity to reach the starting lineup. Philly already has LB Nakobe Dean (foot) on IR and missed LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring) in Sunday's loss to the 49ers. That left Nicholas Morrow as the position's only full-timer and Christian Elliss next at 75% snap share. We'd guess that opportunity was a key to Leonard choosing the Eagles, and we'll watch for word on his immediate role. Of course, Leonard hit the open market in part because his performance -- and fantasy production -- lagged well short of past seasons in Indianapolis. So don't get too excited about the veteran in your IDP league. But he's OK to pick up in deeper formats.