For many teams, this time of year is crunch time. It’s about getting into the playoffs, and with the number of injuries we’ve had to deal with as managers, it’s easy to get frustrated. I know I feel that way. But we need to remain calm, look at the data, and trust in the process. As you are looking to acquire players off the waiver wire this week, be sure to consider some of the past names on the list as many are still available and seeing an increase in snaps as the 2022 season reaches the back nine.  

Defensive Line  

Previous Weeks: Gregory Rousseau, Alex Highsmith, Dominique Robinson, Rasheem Green, Dre’mont Jones, Justin Jones, Deatrich Wise Jr, BJ Hill, Shy Tuttle, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Zach Allen, Jihad Ward, Dexter Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong, Derek Brown, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Jarran Reed, Grover Street, Denico Autry, Darrell Taylor, Samuel Williams, Javon Hargrave, Boye Mafe, Jay Tufele, Jerry Hughes, A’Shawn Robinson, Vita Vea, Julian Okwara, Calais Campbell, Myjai Sanders  

John Cominsky, Detroit Lions 

Cominsky has been emerging the last few weeks opposite Aidan Hutchinson, both in terms of snaps and statistical production. After a thumb injury cost him the better part of 5 games, Cominsky had 70% and 75% of snaps the past 2 games and has tallied 6 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defended. If you are in a pinch between byes and injuries, Cominsky might be an option for you this week against the Bills, who run a lot of plays on offense and provide numerous opportunities for opposing defenses.  

Carl Granderson, New Orleans Saints 

No team has been hit with more injuries to the defensive line than the Saints. Losing Marcus Davenport and Cameron Jordan in back-to-back weeks was a huge blow to the rotation. Carl Granderson has been the main beneficiary of these injuries, playing 49% and then 77% of snaps the past 2 weeks. For a defensive lineman, a snap share north of 70% is a huge workload, so 77% of snaps is fantastic. Granderson has responded with 13 tackles and 2 sacks in that timespan. With no new signings likely, Granderson should continue to see a high volume of work in the coming weeks.