Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Overview

Cardinals LB Cody Simon is active for today's game against the Falcons. He remained limited in practice all week, listed with knee and ankle issues. But Simon's likely the best bet to lead Arizona LBs in playing time. His return knocks Akeem Davis-Gaither's playing time projection and moves him down our Week 16 LB rankings. Simon has posted modest fantasy numbers across five games of full-time duty.

The Cardinals have activated first-round DT Walter Nolen from the PUP list. That should mean Nolen's ready for his first NFL action in tonight's game against the Cowboys. Of course, it's impossible to know how much he'll be ready to play after missing nearly all of training camp and the season's first eight games with a calf injury. But a full-strength Nolen could help the Arizona defense and provide an IDP option for DT-required leagues eventually. Arizona also activated CB Garrett Williams from IR. The starter has been out since Week 2 with a knee injury. He's not a high-impact player in real or fantasy terms but could help the defense in general.

Cardinals LB Mack Wilson and CB Max Melton are active for today's game against the Colts. Each guy entered the day questionable. Melton's probably not much of an IDP factor and carries re-injury risk with his hamstring issue. Wilson adds some risk with his ankle issue as well but makes more sense as a fantasy starter. His presence lowers the upside for LB Akeem Davis-Gaither.

The Cardinals have placed first-round DT Walter Nolen on the physically unable to perform list. Nolen suffered a calf injury in training at the team facility before the start of training camp and has yet to return to the field. This designation knocks him out for at least the first four games. Arizona will then have a three-week window in which to activate Nolen or shut him down for the season.