Walt Aikens

Second-year safety Walt Aikens made five tackles, four solo, in the season opener win against the New York Giants. He also forced a fumble and had one sack.

Fantasy Impact

Starter Reshad Jones got the night off. Last season Aikens got called to duty as a rookie when the team lost free safety Louis Delmas in camp.

Starters usually sit out the final preseason game. However, Walt Aikens was the only defensive starter for Miami to play Thursday against Tampa Bay. That's because Aikens, who is only in his second season needs the reps. He's the projected starter who was chosen to replace veteran Louis Delmas whose season ended prematurely with a torn ACL.

Fantasy Impact

The Dolphins are young in the secondary and they need for Aikens to perform well in Delmas' absence. Aikens only played 64 defensive snaps last season. The alternative is Michael Thomas, who is in his third year, who only started two games last season. The Dolphins defense is a projected top-ten fantasy defense.

Safety Walt Aikens started against the Carolina Panthers Saturday night getting the first shot to replace Louis Delmas, who is out for the season with an ACL injury. Aikens struggled in coverage, but did make plays during the defensive highlight of the second quarter: a goal line stand on the two yard line. After two defensive series, Aikens was replaced by Michael Thomas who joined the starters.

Fantasy Impact

The Dolphins' secondary is suddenly a work-in-progress. Jamar Taylor and Bobby McCain both left the game with injuries. If you were considering snagging the Dolphins for your D/ST team, watch closely how this young group develops in the next few weeks.

Now that Louis Delmas is out for the season with an ACL injury, second-year safety, Walt Aikens has been given the first shot with the starters. Michael Thomas will back him up. Head coach Joe Philbin says that he will let game performance determine who ultimately replaces Delmas. Delmas and Reshad Jones are the veterans of the safeties. All other safeties on the roster have not played more than three years.

Fantasy Impact

A young secondary could be a prime target for high-powered passing attacks. That translates into more passes defended and tackles than normal. How Aikens & co. handles the remaining preseason matchups is worth watching.

Walt Aikens finished the day with four solo tackles and zero assists against the Denver Broncos.

Fantasy Impact

Walt Aikens doesn't have much fantasy value and shouldn't be on any rosters.