James

Sanders

With Rodney Harrison out, it appears Sanders is battling Guss Scott for a starting safety job opposite Artrell Hawkins. Stay away in deep IDP leagues until a winner emerges.

Arizona is looking at Sanders as an upgrade on Rashad Johnson as a third safety candidate. He would play behind Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson.

The 28-year-old Sanders started six of his 15 appearances in Atlanta last season, recording 41 tackles without an interception. The Falcons will view him as experienced depth with the capability of chipping in on special teams.

James Sanders has been starting at strong safety. Moore was struggling mightily before the injuries, so it’s also possible he’s been benched for performance. “William has been coming back from a quadriceps and groin,” coach Mike Smith said. “We hope that we get him back and ready to go. ... You have to be very careful when you are dealing with two major muscle groups.”

Sanders racked up 10 tackles in last week’s game at Houston, leaving him with 32 in four starts. Coach Mike Smith concedes that he will have a tough decision to make once Moore fully recovers from groin and quad injuries. The Patriots really could have used Sanders this season, but moved on too quickly in August.

Although DeCoud is listed as a starter on the depth chart, Sanders started last week and played almost 90 percent of the snaps. “We’ll keep the ideal of him and Thomas competing for the free safety position,” VanGorder said. “I think it’s a good situation to have.” IDPers can move on.

The Steelers lost backup safeties Will Allen and Ryan Mundy, and are in the market for an experienced veteran. Sanders has started 56 games in his eight-year career, registering 19 tackles with the Cardinals in 2012.

Sanders, 29, appeared in 15 games for the Cardinals last season, making 19 tackles mainly as a special teams player. He visited the Steelers three weeks ago, but it has been his only trip of free agency. Sanders will be eligible to return to game action in Week 5.

Guss Scott, the starting strong safety, has been terrible in coverage. Sanders played late against the Falcons and could be a surprise starter shortly.

He started against the Broncos, making two tackles. Rodney Harrison went out of his way to praise Sanders, not Guss Scott, in interviews last week.