Jay Ratliff

The Bears cut defensive lineman Jeremiah (Jay) Ratliff on Thursday; a day after the defensive lineman was involved in multiple heated exchanges at Halas Hall. This move was somewhat of a surprise as the coaching staff highly regarded Ratliff as a player. They even named him as one of the center pieces of the defense in the offseason. Apparently Bears officials judged that Ratliff was not in a condition to work on Wednesday. When he was asked to leave, a heated argument ensued. He then came back to the facility twice more and had another altercation with GM, Ryan Pace. The Lake Forest police department were called onto the scene as a precaution after the incident seemed to die down. Pace and the Bears released Ratliff the following day. They replaced him by signing Ziggy Hood.

Fantasy Impact

This is shocking. Ratliff had a great season in 2014. He was poised to have a good year this year and even have some fantasy value. However, his three game suspension eliminated any fantasy draft value Ratliff may have had in IDP leagues. His fantasy value dropped even more as rookie Eddie Goldman has shown he can anchor the defensive line. This move has no immediate impact in fantasy. It will be interesting if Ratliff finds a team quickly though. If he lands on the right team, he may add fantasy value to the DE playing next to him.

In his season debut, Chicago Bears veteran DT Jeremiah Ratliff played 37 snaps in last week's win over Kansas City. Even though he's been limited this week with the same ankle injury, he should be in line for a bigger workload on Sunday in Detroit.

Fantasy Impact

Ratliff indeed played 63 percent of defensive snaps while Jarvis Jenkins led the line with 47 snaps. He had five tackles in his first game of the year. Ratliff is the most talented lineman of the bunch and if he can get going it will open up lanes for Jenkins, rookie Eddie Goldman and Ego Ferguson to make plays. Keep your eyes on Ratliff this week against the Lions.

Defensive tackle Jay Ratliff was suspended the first three games of the season for violating the league's substance of abuse policy. This stems from a 2013 arrest while Ratliff was on the Dallas Cowboys.

Fantasy Impact

This is another blow to the Chicago Bears. Ratliff now will take a back seat for a few games.

Jay Ratliff tacked on another sack to bring his 2014 total to 6.5 sacks.

Fantasy Impact

At age 33, Jay Ratliff had a decent year on the Bears defensive line. A healthy Jay Ratliff should have similar productivity for the Bears in 2015.

Jay Ratliff made two tackles and a sack against the Lions on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Jay Ratliff has made his presence known in the games he has been able to play this year. How much he has left in the tank will be the question as the 33 year old heads into 2015.