The Dolphins on Tuesday suspended LB Lawrence Timmons indefinitely. The veteran, of course, went AWOL as his team was getting ready to open its season against the Chargers. He reportedly showed up at Steelers practices in Pittsburgh over the weekend, though former teammates and coaches reportedly wouldn't comment on the situation. Miami started LB Chase Allen in Timmons' spot against the Chargers, but Allen played only 14 snaps. MLB Mike Hull joined OLB Kiko Alonso for all 58 of the team's defensive snaps. We'll see how Rey Maualuga fits into the picture once he's healthy enough to play. For now, Alonso is the safest IDP bet among Dolphins LBs. Hull carries Week 3 upside against the Jets -- barring word that his role will change by then. Fantasy owners should drop Timmons.

The Bengals have officially ruled MLB Rey Maualuga (leg) out for Monday's game against the Giants, as expected. LB Vontaze Burfict (thigh) and DE Michael Johnson (calf) are questionable for the game. Burfict returned to a full practice Saturday after putting in limited workouts the 1st 2 days. Johnson started with a limited workout Thursday, was a full participant Friday and then had no status (whatever that means) on the Saturday report.

The Bengals are expected to make MLB Rey Maualuga inactive for Monday night's game with the Giants, according to ESPN's Adam Caplan. Maualuga missed practice Thursday and Friday with a leg injury, though his absence Monday night might ultimately be tied more to a defense in need of some changes. DC Paul Guenther reportedly indicated this week that some veterans are on notice after a 3-4-1 start. That apparently includes Maualuga. We might see some of rookie LB Nick Vigil on Monday night. Given the uncertainty, though, Vontaze Burfict's the top LB play among Bengals. Karlos Dansby's in play in deeper leagues. Beyond that, we'll see what happens.

The Bengals have gotten starting LBs Vontaze Burfict and Emmanuel Lamur back in practice this week. Both Burfict (neck) and Lamur (shoulder) followed limited practices Wednesday with full workouts Thursday. That certainly points to both being likely to play on Sunday. MLB Rey Maualuga remains out and appears likely to miss the rematch with Baltimore, which should leave a starting role for Vincent Rey once again. The question, however, is who will stay on the field for passing downs. That's been Burfict and Lamur when all starters are healthy. But might either OLB need a little break this week, leaving Rey to play those snaps? We'll keep an eye out for any signal. But barring some revelation, we'd have to assume that Burfict and Lamur remain the 3-down guys. Thus, they become the better IDP options over Rey, who carries upside whenever he steps into a full-time role.

The Bengals have ruled out MLB Rey Maualuga (hamstring) for Sunday's visit to Indianapolis. The team also will likely go without strong-side LB Emmanuel Lamur, who's doubtful with a shoulder injury. That would leave Vontaze Burfict as the only regular starter in the lineup, with Vincent Rey likely stepping in for Maualuga and filling a 3-down role. (The other starter won't matter for IDP puropses.) Rey presents intriguing sleeper potential in a top-10 matchup for fantasy LB scoring. The Bengals' team D outlook for the game doesn't change significantly with these 2 injuries.

Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict suffered an ankle sprain in Friday's practice and is questionable for Sunday's trip to San Diego.  If Burfict can't play against the Chargers, Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Vincent Rey would start in his place.  We'd start an active Burfict, who leads the league in tackles and faces a top 6 matchup.  The late kickoff on Sunday means you'll have to have a replacement lined up, though.  Rey or Rey Maualuga could work as emergency options if needed.

Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga practiced Friday for the 1st time since suffering an MCL sprain -- and a concussion -- in the Week 8 win over the Jets.  He's still not ready to play against the Browns this week (officially doubtful), but the team expects to have Maualuga back in the lineup after the Week 12 bye.  If you picked up LB Vincent Rey in your IDP league after his monster fantasy outing against the Ravens, don't plan on him being useful beyond Week 11.

Bengals LBs Rey Maualuga and Michael Boley are both inactive for tonight's game against the Dolphins.  Maualuga is dealing with an MCL sprain that ESPN's Adam Schefter reported would cost him at least 3 weeks.  Cincinnati refused to declare him out before tonight, though.  Boley dealt with a hamstring issue all week.

Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga is expected to miss 3-4 weeks after suffering an MCL sprain in Sunday's win over the Jets, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.  Maualuga also suffered a concussion in the game but is expected to get past that before he recovers from his knee trouble.  In Maualuga's absence, Cincinnati could shift OLB Vontaze Burfict to the middle -- his college position.

Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga left Sunday's win over the Jets early on a cart.  He injured his left knee in a 1st-half collision with RB Chris Ivory and came away with a concussion as well, according to the team website.  Recent free agent addition Michael Boley entered and would likely start with Maualuga out.  OLB Vontaze Burfict could slide to the middle to take over for Maualuga.

The Bengals have re-signed LB Rey Maualuga on a 2-year, $6.5 million deal. The fairly low sum for the 26-year-old hints at Maualuga's unimpressive standing around the league. It's also worth noting that ILBs Stewart Bradley and Jasper Brinkley found homes -- and starting opportunities -- first. Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports that the team might move Maualuga back to the strong side and give the MLB job to Vontaze Burfict. The 2012 undrafted free agent ouperformed the vet middle man last year. Maualuga, meanwhile, had his best pro season to date as a rookie SLB in 2009.

Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga says he's ready to return from the ankle injury that cost him the past 3 games. Maualuga was limited in practice all week but is listed as probable.

Bengals MLB Rey Maualuga reportedly showed up for Monday's practice with a cast on his injured left ankle. Add to that his refusal to discuss the injury with reporters, and it sure seems like Maualuga is more injured than we might have thought. Any redraft IDP owners who had been hanging on to him can go ahead and move on. Maualuga hasn't been producing worthwhile fantasy numbers. Replacement Dan Skuta made 5 tackles in his 1st start and will have to prove he's worthwhile before we'll believe it.

The Bengals' initial depth chart features new starters at each of the LB positions. As expected, Rey Maualuga is making the move to MLB and has reportedly won the trust of teammates thus far. A career MLB before entering the NFL in 2009, Maualuga also says it's his natural spot. Recent signee Manny Lawson is stepping into Maualuga's vacated SLB role. He should be a strong contributor there but not much of a numbers producer. Former Raider Thomas Howard opens as the starting WLB. Keith Rivers appears to be headed for the PUP to begin the regular season as he recovers from wrist surgery. Howard once picked 6 passes in a season as Oakland's WLB and produced 95+ total tackles 3 times. He's at least intriguing. We'll have to see who's on the field in passing situations, though, which throws coverage specialist Brandon Johnson into the mix.