First sack of season

Anzalone had five tackles (four solo) and a sack in Sunday's win against the Bengals.

Analysis: Anzalone has quietly strung together three straight five-tackle performances and his sack on Sunday was his first of the year. While Anzalone is not a three-down player, his playing time has stabilized the last few weeks since an up-and-down start to the year. As evidenced by the three turnovers he's forced this year, Anzalone could make some noise in the second half as a high-upside option in deeper IDP leagues if he continues to see consistent playing time.

Slated to start at middle linebacker

Anzalone is expected to draw the start at middle linebacker in Sunday's tilt against the Falcons, Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Advocate reports.

Analysis: Anzalone warmed up with the first-team defense as the starter at middle linebacker prior to the game, while Manti Te'o remains sidelined with a knee injury. Anzalone has accounted for four tackles through the first two weeks of the regular season.

Splits snaps in opener

Anzalone had four tackles (three solo) and a forced fumble in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers. He played 34 of the Saints' 66 defensive snaps.

Analysis: While Demario Davis played every defensive snap, Anzalone, A.J. Klein (25 snaps) and Manti Te'o (27 snaps) each saw a roughly equal amount of playing time in the opener, with only Anzalone -- who at least forced a turnover -- doing much of note in an ugly defensive performance. It's only one week so it may be too early to rush to judgment, but if Klein, Te'o and Anzalone continue to split snaps, it may be difficult for IDP owners to trust any Saints linebacker except Davis.

Anzalone (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's OTA practice session, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Analysis: Anzalone ended the 2017 on Injured reserve after undergoing shoulder surgery. He's now back without limitation and he isn't expected to be hindered by the injury going forward.