We’re fast approaching Week 4 of the 2014 NFL season, and once again we’re met with injuries across the board.  The IDP world saw a few linebackers and defensive backs go down and all possibly will be out for a long period of time.  Those IDPs who joined the injury club in Week 3 where Deangelo Hall (CB, torn achilles), Tyvon Branch (S, broken foot), Ryan Shazier (LB, knee), Jarvis Jones (LB, wrist) and, last but not least, Lions LB Stephen Tulloch, who injured his knee while celebrating a sack (for shame).

It shouldn’t be a problem replacing Hall and Branch as the DB field should have depth, especially if your league only starts 2 DB’s. Shazier is the only one worth holding onto in dynasty leagues (if his injury keeps him out) whereas Tulloch, Jarvis, Hall and Branch can all be dropped and replaced.

Your waiver wire could possibly be a little thin, or it could be full of talent because your league has shallow rosters. But whichever it is or however big your roster size is, here are some of the IDP’s to keep your eye on as you hit the waivers this week.

DEFENSIVE END:

Andre Branch (JAC):  I’ve mentioned him before, but if you need an impact DL2, Branch is your guy.  Through three games he has 7 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 3 sacks.

Mario Addison (CAR):  This is another DL I mentioned last week with the suspension of Greg Hardy.  If Addison is still available, I’d go ahead and drop any dead weight you have on your bench or in your lineup.  He’s in a rotation with Ealy and Horton, but he gets to the QB most of the three and is almost a lock for at least one sack.  Better grab him before it’s too late, similar to how Gilberry was snatched up last season.

George Johnson (DET):  If you need a bye week fill-in for week four, give Johnson a look.  So far he’s put up 9 tackles and 1.5 sacks.  He gets the Jets in week four, which should at least provide you with 3 tackles 1 sack.

Dwan Edwards (CAR):  If you need a bye week starter, Edwards is another I’d give a look to if you’re having problems with a DL2.  He is quietly second on the team in sacks (2.5) and has 9 tackles through three games. He gets the Ravens next and should have no problem getting at least 4 tackles and 1 sack.

Bennie Logan (PHI):  Logan put up back to back 7 tackle outings. For a DT that’s pretty impressive.  He’ll continue to get a handful of tackles for you, but don’t expect anything else.  I’d definitely target Logan in a tackle heavy league; he can be a solid option going forward as Philly’s defense will continue to see the field often and get their opportunities.

Sen’Derrick Marks (JAC):  He’s currently DL9 and available in a lot of leagues. I mentioned him before, and as we reach the bye week blues he makes a solid get for DL depth.  Through the first three weeks he has put together 13 tackles, 4-TFL and 2 sacks. He’s an underrated DT coming into his own. I’d add him and drop Jared Allen if I owned Allen.

Corey Liuget (SDC):  Maybe he has fallen through the waiver cracks and nobody has claimed him. If he’s available in your league, he’s a must add.  He’s having a career year so far and is DL5 currently. He’s going to keep this up.

LINEBACKERS: 

Tahir Whitehead (DET):  With a season ending injury to Tulloch, Whitehead is next in line.  He saw majority of the snaps alongside Levy when Tulloch went out.  He hasn’t produced much yet, but he’ll get more of a chance now that Tulloch is out.  I’d only roster Whitehead in deep leagues though. He could have LB3 upside.

Jamari Lattimore (GBP):  It is looking like Lattimore can secure the ILB job as he continues to impress, although I’m not shocked. I’ve mentioned that GBP should have been starting Lattimore all along as he’s a little better in the run and a better athlete than Brad Jones.  He put up 9 tackles (7 solo) against DET on Sunday, and that trend should continue.  I’d pick up Lattimore in leagues that start 3-LB’s if you’ve suffered some injuries.

Sean Spence (PIT):  With Shazier being out a few weeks, Spence will take over and play ILB next to Timmons.  He took over late Sunday night and had 4 tackles.  If you’re suffering through injuries or week four bye disaster, I’d give Spence a look as a LB3 with upside. He’s definitely worth a shot to start for you the next couple weeks.

Jelani Jenkins (MIA):  If he’s available in your league, I’d run and grab him. After the injuries Miami suffered in week one, Jelani should’ve been picked up already.  He’ll remain a solid LB2 going forward, and if you lost Tulloch, Jenkins will make a solid replacement.  Nonetheless, if you have dead weight at the end of your bench, grab Jelani.

DEFENSIVE BACKS: 

Will Hill (BAL):  He’s still serving his  four game suspension, but he’s back after this week and definitely one to target if you need DB depth.  He was one of the best safeties in the league last year, and he’s an upgrade over Darian Stewart.  He has DB1 upside, and if you just lost Tyvon, I’d give Hill a look if you can wait. But if you need production for Week 4 I’d look elsewhere.

Tony Jefferson (ARI):  Jefferson has been tremendous through the first three games of the season.  He put up 10 tackles (8 solo) and 1 sack against the 49ers over the weekend and will remain a mainstay in the secondary.  He’s another solid Branch replacement and a solid DB2 going forward with DB1 upside.

Greg Toler (IND):  Toler had a solid Week 3 outing as he posted 4 tackles, 2 PD’s and a pick-six.  He’s a good DB to stream as he can be counted on for at least a handful of tackles and a couple PD’s each game. The interception(s) are a bonus.

Darius Slay (DET):  Slay has flown under the radar this season and has been solid for the secondary.  He posted another solid outing with 6 tackles and 1 PD against Green Bay.  I view him as a solid CB2 going forward, or if you like to stream DBs, I’d definitely target Slay for a few weeks.

Bradley Roby (DEN):  If the rookie is available, I’d give him a hard look as a DB2 going forward.  He’s always active and a good source for a bunch of tackles (18 through three weeks).  He could be this year’s Amukamara. I’d definitely target Roby.