{
  "id": 16778279,
  "title": "Week 7 Linebacker Usage Report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/week-7-linebacker-usage-report",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-27T18:27:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/week-7-linebacker-usage-report-182705301.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Week 7 has brought a clear split among fantasy linebackers: those securing reliable, consistent playing time and those facing inconsistent opportunities. In IDP formats, the distinction between haves and have-nots is more pronounced.\n\nArizona Cardinals' Cody Simon is chipping away at Jack Gibbens' job security, despite only getting 12 defensive snaps (21%) in Week 7. Simon's three tackles, translating to a 25.0% tackle rate, suggest he may soon become an every-down option. Meanwhile, Mack Wilson Sr. maintained his role but with limited impact, playing all 56 snaps and recording just 3 tackles (5.4% tackle rate).\n\nIn Atlanta, Kendal Daniels stepped up when Divine Deablo was sidelined, handling all 100% of the Falcons' defensive snaps and posting an impressive 11 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery. With Teddye Buchanan expected to get more playing time, Daniels remains the preferred choice for short-term stability, while Harold Perkins Jr. could see a resurgence in deeper formats.\n\nBaltimore Ravens' Trenton Simpson's job security is secure, as he remains the team's dependable option, seeing his snaps increase from 58% to 76%. Teddye Buchanan, however, has yet to earn a spot in the lineup.\n\nLooking ahead to the Carolina Panthers, Bobby Okereke and Devin Lloyd need further analysis as their Week 7 snap totals and tackle rates are yet to be confirmed. Similarly, Chicago Bears' D'Marco Jackson capitalized on J.T. Edwards' absence, playing all 50 defensive snaps and registering six tackles (12% tackle rate) and four run stops.\n\nIn Cincinnati, Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight are both vying for the starting role. Carter's stable every-down workload puts him ahead of Knight, who has maintained a solid 16.7% tackle rate. Cleveland's situation remains unclear until their linebacker export is finalized, but Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams merit attention.",
  "summary": "Steve Hungarter separates the haves from the have-nots at linebacker as the fantasy regular season reaches the halfway point in most leagues.",
  "key_points": [
    "Cody Simon gains role in Arizona despite limited snaps",
    "Kendal Daniels dominates in Atlanta with 11 tackles and interception",
    "Trenton Simpson remains Baltimore's reliable linebacker option"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}