Beasley expected to play Thursday

The Falcons expect OLB Vic Beasley to play in Thursday's 3rd exhibition game, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Beasley missed the 2nd preseason game because of shoulder trouble, but it's apparently not related to the torn labrum that affected his play last year. It'd be good to get a full look at Beasley in his new position for IDP purposes. The Falcons' team D needs an effected Beasley to improve it's overall value.

Falcons OLB Vic Beasley will make his return against the Dolphins today. It'll be his 1st action since a partial hamstring tear suffered in Week 2. We wouldn't push him back into IDP lineups yet, as we could see limited snaps in the return game. But getting Beasley back undoubtedly helps the sack outlook for an otherwise weak Atlanta pass rush.

Falcons OLB Vic Beasley put in a limited practice Monday for the 1st time since suffering a slight hamstring tear in Week 2, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure. We'll see whether Beasley is ready for game action in Week 6, but don't be surprised if the team eases him back.

Falcons OLB Vic Beasley suffered a "slight tear" in his right hamstring in Sunday night's win over the Packers, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure. The injury is expected to cost him at least a month. That removes the top pass rusher from a defense that already delivers inconsistent pocket pressure. Fortunately for fantasy owners, neither Beasley nor the Atlanta defense generally make for terrific starting options.

The Falcons announced recently that 2015 top pick Vic Beasley will move from DE to strong-side LB this year. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Beasley went along with the plan before totally buying in. But he seems fully on board after his 1st team workouts at the new spot. "I played a little bit of linebacker in college, but it’s different in the league," Beasley said. "There are more responsibilities, but I’m off to a great start with it.” He's expected to play early downs at OLB in the Falcons' base 4-3 but still rush from a DE position in nickel packages. That's similar to what Von Miller does in Denver. Beasley has reportedly been studying Miller on film. It would be foolish to expect the same level of sack production, but Beasley certainly presents 10+ sack potential. The position switch hurts his fantasy value just because of relative scarcity at the 2 spots, but the new spot might also help the 245-pounder hold up as an every-down player.

Falcons rookie DE Vic Beasley told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that he has played all season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder, which he aggravated in Sunday's win over Jacksonville. Beasley said he has "played well with it" and that he also played through the issue in college. The 1st-round pick has generated just 3 sacks and 5 total QB hits in his debut campaign, though. It's tough to know whether the shoulder has hindered him, but we'll be curious to track him through the offseason. Beasley retains plenty of long-term upside as a speedy edge rusher.