Week 4 Linebacker Usage and Review
Steve Hungarter uses several metrics to separate the contenders from the pretenders at linebacker through four weeks of the 2026 season.
As the season progresses, linebacker usage and production become crucial for IDP lineups. In Week 4, we examine several teams and their linebacker situations.
The Arizona Cardinals have two startable linebackers, with Jack Gibbens (67 snaps, 100%) topping the charts with six tackles and a sack. Mack Wilson Sr. (61 snaps, 91%) follows with eight tackles. Gibbens boasts a 13.7% tackle rate, while Wilson carries a 13.7% rate as well. Both are viable options, but Gibbens has outperformed Wilson.
The Baltimore Ravens prioritize Roquan Smith (64 snaps, 100%) as their every-down linebacker. Trenton Simpson (36 snaps, 56.2%) falls behind, playing fewer than 60% of snaps. Simpson's consistent production makes him a solid choice, though his reduced playing time is a concern.
The Buffalo Bills start with Terrel Bernard (70 snaps, 92.1%), the top option. Dorian Williams (52 snaps, 68.4%) provides strong tackle efficiency (16.5%) and is a deeper-league streamer. Kaleb Elarms-Orr's limited snaps suggest he's not yet ready for regular use.
For the Carolina Panthers, Devin Lloyd (71 snaps, 100%) returns to an every-down role with a 16% tackle rate. Tyrel Dodson (53 snaps, 74.6%) remains a strong LB2 option, while Bobby Okereke (53 snaps, 74.6%) is also playable.
Chicago Bears linebacker corps is less clear-cut. T.J. Edwards (32 snaps, 100%) has the lowest tackle rate (6.3%) among linebackers, while Devin Bush (31 snaps, 96.9%) shows better production potential. DeMarco Jackson, who continues to tempt managers, is not yet a reliable option.
The Cincinnati Bengals remain steady with Barrett Carter (61 snaps, 100%) as their every-down linebacker. Demetrius Knight Jr. (45 snaps, 73.8%) shows declining workload and is a watch-list addition.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Carson Schwesinger (72 snaps, 100%) leads the Cleveland Browns, finishing with nine tackles (12.9% tackle rate). Quincy Williams (71 snaps, 98.6%) has fewer tackles (four), suggesting Schwesinger is the safer start.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker corps rotates through four players. Dee Winters (44 snaps, 80%) and Jaishawn Barham (39 snaps, 70.9%) share playing time, making it difficult to predict the weekly winner. Stay away until a clear option emerges.
Denver Broncos Alex Singleton (66 snaps, 100%) is a standout, with strong box snaps (263) and a 16.8% tackle rate. Justin Strnad (56 snaps, 84.8%) still offers deeper-league appeal due to his ability to create big plays.
Finally, Detroit Lions Jack Campbell (75 snaps, 100%) remains the reliable choice for the Lions' linebacker position. He finished Week 4 with 14 tackles (19.4% tackle rate), making him a solid starting option.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
