Brinkley is the favorite to assume starting middle linebacker duties to begin the season while Rolando McClain serves his four-game suspension, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones made it clear on Tuesday that despite McClain's suspension, Sean Lee would not be shifting back to the middle to cover for him, which leaves Brinkley at the top of the depth chart at the Mike position. Anthony Hitchens and rookie Damien Wilson could also get looks, however.

Brinkley will sign with the Cowboys, Todd Archer of ESPN reports.

Brinkley started in 11 games for the Vikings last season, registering 74 total tackles over the 16 games he played in. Even though free agency is still ongoing, Brinkley has a chance to start alongside Sean Lee if the Cowboys shift one of the two players to weakside linebacker.

Brinkley had his first career sack and seven total tackles in Sunday's loss to Detroit.

Brinkley was sent on a blitz which has been rare in his career. Brinkley isn't usually used to rush the passer and typically doesn't stay on the field in nickel packages as he played about half the snaps on defense against he Lions.

Brinkley started at middle linebacker and had 11 total tackles in Sunday's loss to New England.

Despite the high tackle totals, Brinkley was on the field for 38 snaps - about half the defensive plays - as he comes off the field during nickel and dime packages. His fantasy upside may be limited as a result.

Brinkley started at middle linebacker and had five total tackles.

Brinkley was only on the field for 28 of 67 plays on offense as he came off the field during nickle and dime configurations. His fantasy upside is limited as a result.

Brinkley has officially been named the starter at middle linebacker, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Even though he's the starter, Brinkley's upside for fantasy purposes may be limited as the middle linebacker will come out of the game during nickel and dime packages with Chad Greenway staying on the field.

While Brinkley is listed first on the depth chart at middle linebacker, head coach Mike Zimmer may not officially announce a starter until later in the week, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cities.

The Minnesota middle linebacker role may not be great for fantasy purposes whoever wins the job, as the middle linebacker will come out of the game during nickel and dime packages with Chad Greenway staying on the field.

Brinkley started at middle linebacker and had two tackles in Thursday's preseason win over Tennessee. He appears set to start at middle linebacker, but head coach Mike Zimmer hasn't made a final decision, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Audie Cole started the game at outside linebacker and later played middle linebacker, which shows he's likely a backup at multiple positions. It's also possible the two could share playing time, as Brinkley seems stronger in early downs against the run.

Brinkley started at middle linebacker and had five total tackles in Saturday's preseason win over Arizona. However, the starting middle linebacker job is still a close battle between Brinkley and Audie Cole, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

It's also possible the two could share playing time with Brinkley seen stronger against the run and could be used on early downs. It sounds like the position battle won't be decided until late in the preseason.

Jasper Brinkley has been taking the first-team reps at middle linebacker at Vikings voluntary workouts this week.

Brinkley was re-signed by the Vikings after a one-year stint in Arizona. He's merely a two-down run plugger who can't cover a lick. Audie Cole and Michael Mauti should give Brinkley a run for the job this summer, and we wouldn't put it past GM Rick Spielman to draft a MIKE 'backer next week.

KFAN.com reports free agent ILB Jasper Brinkley visited the Vikings earlier this week.

Brinkley's Thursday meeting with the Bills was believed to be his first since he was cut loose by the Cardinals, but that's not the case. The fact that Brinkley left Minnesota without a deal, however, is a sign a reunion isn't imminent. Brinkley is not a three-down 'backer, and is best utilized against the run.

Free agent ILB Jasper Brinkley is visiting the Bills Thursday.

One day after kicking the tires on Jameel McClain, the Bills are taking a look at similarly low-upside linebacker. Brinkley, who barely played for Arizona following Daryl Washington's return from suspension last season, is just a two-down run stuffer at best. He wouldn't provide much competition for Nigel Bradham next to Kiko Alonso.

Cardinals released ILB Jasper Brinkley.

The move clears $2 million in cap room, which Arizona may commit to re-signing free agent ILB Karlos Dansby. Brinkley made little to no impact during one season in the desert, falling out of the defensive rotation when Daryl Washington returned from suspension. Brinkely is a limited, two-down run stuffer. 28 years old, he figures to receive minimum offers in free agency.

Cardinals ILB Jasper Brinkley was forced from Sunday's game against the Bucs with a left groin injury, and will not return.

It's yet another blow for the Cardinals' injury-ravaged linebacker corps. For now, Brinkley should be considered week to week.

Cardinals ILB Jasper Brinkley opened up OTAs as a starter next to Karlos Dansby.

Brinkley gets the initial nod over second-rounder Kevin Minter, but that could merely be based on seniority. Before long, we fully expect Minter to win the job and start all four games while Daryl Washington is suspended. Washington worked with the second team Tuesday.

Chargers agreed to terms with ILB Jasper Brinkley, formerly of the Vikings, on a two-year contract.

Free agent ILB Jasper Brinkley's Giants visit has ended and he is now en route to Arizona to visit the Cardinals.

Free agent MLB Jasper Brinkley will visit the Giants Wednesday.

The Giants are not expected to bring back lead-footed incumbent Chase Blackburn, leaving a gaping hole in the middle. Brinkley is a two-down thumper that racked up 98 tackles in 16 games for the Vikings last year.

Vikings MLB Jasper Brinkley suffered a minor shoulder injury in Sunday's loss.

He's been diagnosed with an AC sprain, which is typically an injury that can be played through. We doubt Brinkley misses Week 13. Brinkley has 70 tackles and a forced fumble through 11 games this season, but has graded out as one of Pro Football Focus' worst inside linebackers.

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier indicated Monday that MLB Jasper Brinkley would continue to operate as an every-down player going forward.

Brinkley was supposed to be a two-down thumper, but the Vikings like him in the three-down role with WLB Erin Henderson exiting in the nickel. Brinkley has 15 tackles (8 solo), a pass breakup, and a forced fumble in his last two games.