William

Middleton

The Jags were shredded by Drew Brees in Cox’s absence last week, and face another stiff test in Cam Newton on Sunday. Will Middleton will again get the start in Cox’s place, who should be considered week-to-week.

The tender was of the original-round variety. Middleton was selected by Atlanta in the fifth round back in 2009, but has already made stops with three other NFL teams. No team currently has more cornerbacks under contract than the Jaguars (10), so the 25-year-old will have his hands full competing for snaps.

Derek Cox will shift over to the left side and Drew Coleman will continue to cover the slot. Middleton started four games in place of Cox earlier this season, compiling 22 tackles and one interception. The Jags’ No. 5 pass defense won’t be tested by the Browns this week anyway.

The move comes out of the blue, as Middleton practiced Thursday before being listed as out on Friday with a hamstring injury. It’s a huge loss for the Jags, who were forced to insert Middleton into the starting lineup after losing both Rashean Mathis and Derek Cox for the season in November. What had been a stout pass defense will now be forced to start some combination of Drew Coleman, Kevin Rutland, Ashton Youboty and David Jones at corner. Middleton had previously never missed a game with injury during his three-year career.

We’d call this an upgrade for someone’s fantasy matchup if the Vikings had anyone capable of exposing fill-in CB William Middleton outside the numbers. They don’t. Percy Harvin is a slot receiver, and the only other fantasy-viable pass catcher in Minnesota is Kyle Rudolph. Cox, who is Jacksonville’s top cover man, has been out since early- to mid-August with a hamstring strain.

Parmele returned to the game after injuring his groin on the first drive and appears to have done more extensive damage while dragging his leg on a fourth-quarter run. It’s a multi-week injury, suggesting surgery will be an option. With Parmele and Maurice Jones-Drew out, Rashad Jennings has another shot at feature-back duties at an improving Buffalo defense in Week 13. Parmele can be discarded in Dynasty leagues, as he won’t be guaranteed a roster spot in 2013.

Jacksonville’s No. 3 corner, Middleton has appeared in all 10 games this season, starting three. He’ll be up against it to be cleared for Week 12, which is bad news with Rashean Mathis still sidelined with a groin injury. Middleton was placed on season-ending injured reserve in late November.

The Pats also hosted free agent WR Matt Willis. Middleton appeared in 10 games for the Jaguars last season, making three starts. Lee appeared in 15 games between the Raiders and Lions. Neither would be more than veteran depth in New England.

Middleton was signed in late July, but never viewed as more than a camp body. The 2009 fifth-rounder has made just 12 career starts. Schilling has bounced between the Bolts’ practice squad and active roster the past few seasons, but might be out of luck with the new brain trust.

Furman’s MVP last season, Middleton profiles as an eventual nick or dime corner. The Falcons did not announce terms, but it’s likely a three-year deal.