Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Ja'Whaun Bentley Likely Done for Season

By Matt Schauf | Updated on Tue, Sep 17 2024 1:54 PM UTC
Ja'Whaun Bentley Headshot

Patriots LB Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Sunday's loss to the Seahawks and is expected to miss the rest of the season, according to multiple reports.

What They're Saying

Nicole Yang of the Boston Globe: "Players that likely will see an uptick in snaps include Jahlani Tavai and Raekwon McMillan. The Patriots also have Christian Elliss and Curtis Jacobs on the 53-man roster, Joe Giles-Harris on the practice squad, and Sione Takitaki on the physically unable to perform list."

HC Jerod Mayo on S Kyle Dugger taking over the green dot in place of Bentley: "Dugger did it all last year as well, so it was not anything new for him. I’ve always been a huge believer in a linebacker having the green dot, but I’ll tell you, the way Dugger played yesterday as a whole, being able to handle the communication, he definitely filled in for that role."

The green helmet dot signals which player relays play calls from the coordinator to the huddle.

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

Tavai went from 73% playing time in the opener -- in line with his 2023 role -- to 99% against Seattle. He looks like a good bet for full-time use going forward.

Raekwon McMillan stepped into the vacated spot against Seattle for a 59% snap share. We'll see about his role for Week 3, but a snap count around Tavai's Week 1 usage would make sense.

Takitaki will be worth watching when he's eligible to return after Week 4. He's in his first year with the team after five in Cleveland. Takitaki signed a two-year deal and counts nearly as much against the cap this year (about $3.3 million) as Tavai does ($3.4 million) -- and significantly more than McMillan ($1.6 million).

That doesn't guarantee Takitaki a larger role, of course, but might suggest New England viewed him as a stronger candidate in the offseason.

The team defense outlook shouldn't change much for this injury.

Waiver Wire Targets

For now, Tavai looks like the only IDP waiver candidate among Patriots LBs for most leagues. McMillan and Takitaki could be stashes for deep leagues.

What's Next for Ja'Whaun Bentley?

Bentley could be a cut candidate this offseason. He has one more year on his deal, but Spotrac has his 2025 carrying a $7.3 million cap hit vs. just $1.8 million in dead cap if New England moves on.

Bentley's not a must-hold even in dynasty.

Matt Schauf Author Image
Matt Schauf, Editor
Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
Premium Content Premium ContentTennessee Titans Fantasy Forecast: Can Cam Ward Spark This Offense?

Tennessee Titans Fantasy Forecast: Can Cam Ward Spark This Offense?

1:33pm UTC 5/29/25

Cam Ward should be an immediate upgrade for the Titans — and could make this an undervalued offense in 2025 fantasy drafts.

Read More »
Video: 32 Facts That Shape Your Fantasy Football Rankings

Video: 32 Facts That Shape Your Fantasy Football Rankings

3:47pm UTC 5/28/25

What do you need to know about the Cardinals' offense? Are the Packers in the midst of a dramatic shift? And what's worrisome about Baker Mayfield? Find out all that and much more on this episode of our fantasy football podcast.

Read More »
2025 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Top RBs, Breakout WRs & Hidden Gems

2025 Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Top RBs, Breakout WRs & Hidden Gems

2:39pm UTC 5/28/25

The 2025 rookie class is loaded with RB talent, sprinkled with high-upside WRs and TEs. Whether you're gunning for Ashton Jeanty or hunting for sleepers, we've got you covered with full rankings.

Read More »
Compare Plans » Compare Plans »