With Dannell Ellerbe (toe) still not practicing, Hawthorne is expected to start at outside linebacker in Week 1 against the Cardinals.

Hawthorne started most of the Saints' preseason games after Ellerbe suffered an injury in the preseason opener. Still, the Saints did not place Ellerbe on the PUP list - likely indicating the team believes Ellerbe will return sometime within the next few weeks. So long as Ellerbe is out, however, Hawthorne should continue to start, making him a solid IDP play in most leagues.

Hawthorne had two tackles in Sunday's preseason game against the Texans. With Dannell Ellerbe (undisclosed) out, the starting linebackers continue to be Hawthorne, Stephone Anthony and Hau'oli Kikaha, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Although he started on Sunday, Hawthorne is likely on the outside looking in for a starting linebacker position, as Ellerbe is expected to be healthy in time for Week 1, and it's becoming increasingly clear that the Saints expect Anthony to be the Week 1 starter at middle linebacker. Despite officially switching to a 4-3 defense, however, the Rob Ryan-led team is expected to show plenty of 3-4 looks and Hawthorne, who is capable of playing both inside and outside linebacker, should still see plenty of playing time. However, for a player whose fantasy value is heavily dependent on tackles, even the slight dip in playing time could have a detrimental effect on his IDP value.

Hawthorne is listed as the starting middle linebacker, ahead of rookie second-stringer Stephone Anthony, in the Saints' first unofficial depth chart, which was published on Monday, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Though he is listed as the backup, Anthony has taken all the snaps with the starters the last two practices, with Hawthorne being bumped to the second string after veteran Dannell Ellerbe returned from an injury. In fact, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com expects Anthony to usurp Hawthorne as the starter before long. Hawthorne is capable of playing outside linebacker - something which he has done the last few years in New Orleans - so he should still see the field plenty as the Saints flex between a 3-4 and 4-3 base defense. If Anthony overtakes him as the starter at middle linebacker, however, Hawthorne could see a dip in his IDP value, as he doesn't offer much other than tackles.

According to head coach Sean Payton, Hawthorne will replace the departed Curtis Lofton as one of the Saints' starting inside linebackers, reports the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Hawthorne was considered to be a potential salary-cap casualty this offseason, but was retained by the Saints after agreeing to a pay cut. Now, Hawthorne's new role could be a productive one, as Lofton topped 120 tackles in each of his last three seasons in New Orleans. Hawthorne has a history of injuries but if he can stay healthy, he makes for a very viable IDP option in fantasy leagues.

Hawthorne recorded 83 tackles (52 solo), one interception and three sacks - all of which came in Week 15 - in 12 games this season.

Hawthorne has proven to be a capable tackler, although he offers little in terms of ancillary fantasy stats. The biggest knock on Hawthorne, however, is his ability to stay healthy, as he's missed nine games over his last three years in New Orleans. Hawthorne is due $4.5 million and salary cap and bonuses, with a cap cost of $6 million, in 2015, meaning he's likely to be released if he doesn't agree to a significant pay cut, given the Saints' drastic salary-cap restraints.

Hawthorne (hip) had five tackles (all solo) and three sacks in Monday's win against the Bears.

Hawthorne isn't known as much of a blitzer, but the Saints unleashed him against a shaky Bears' offensive line, leading to impressive results. While Hawthorne continues to be a dependable fantasy commodity as a solid source of tackles, it's probably best to view his sack-happy outburst as an anomaly, as Monday's sacks were his first of the season and now make up one-fourth of his career total of 12. Still, if defensive coordinator Rob Ryan releases Hawthorne again, he will have an extremely favorable Week 16 matchup against a leaky Falcons' offensive line.

Hawthorne made ten tackles (all solo) in Sunday's win against the Steelers.

When healthy, Hawthorne has been a solid source of tackles for the Saints, recording 56 stops in eight games. He's been healthy enough to suit up for New Orleans the last three weeks, and as a result, he should continue to be a viable IDP option for owners in need of tackles, even if he offers little else in the way of ancillary stats.

Hawthorne (hand) is listed as active Sunday versus the Bengals, the Saints' official site reports.

After a two-game stay on the sideline, Hawthorne is present in case Curtis Lofton (knee) is unable to handle his typical workload. However, because his potential usage remains up in the air, Hawthorne's IDP prospects are in a precarious state.

Hawthorne (hand) is probable for Sunday's game against Cincinnati.

Hawthorne's return is well-timed, as New Orleans might need him to serve as the lead linebacker if Curtis Lofton (ankle) isn't able to play.

Hawthorne (hand) is out for Sunday's game against San Francisco.

With Hawthorne out again, the Saints figure to keep leaning on Ramon Humber as the second inside linebacker next to lead man Curtis Lofton.

Hawthorne (hand) won't play Thursday against the Panthers, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

As a result, Ramon Humber will take Hawthorne's spot in the Saints' lineup Thursday, with Todd Davis also having been added from the practice squad to bolster the team's Week 9 linebacker depth.

Hawthorne made seven tackles (five solo) in Sunday's loss to the Lions.

Hawthorne quietly continues to produce at linebacker for New Orleans, as his 30 tackles on the season are second on the team, despite having only played five games. Hawthorne is unlikely to offer much in the turnover or sack departments, but he's a stable IDP option due to his proficient tackling.

Hawthorne (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, the Saints' official site reports.

Before an ankle injury resulted in back-to-back absences, Hawthorne wrangled 17 tackles (10 solo) in the season's initial two weeks. Such production should be pounced upon in IDP formats, if the linebacker is available.

Hawthorne (ankle) is probable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Hawthorne's return is a welcome one for New Orleans, especially after getting run over by DeMarco Murray a week ago. He's probably in LB3 territory in most IDP formats.

Hawthorne (ankle) was limited in Wednesday's practice, the Saints' official site reports.

Hawthorne returned to practice in a limited capacity last Friday, yet the linebacker logged a second consecutive absence due to an ankle injury. If he's able to keep up his current level of activity, his first appearance since Week 2 could come to pass. When active, he's displayed the ability to rack up tackles, with three 100-tackle campaigns in six seasons to date.

Hawthorne (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, the Saints' official site reports.

Hawthorne will miss a second straight game, despite making it back to practice on a limited basis at the end of the week. Ramon Humber figures to get another start, after recording just three tackles (solo) in Hawthorne's stead last week. Hawthorne has 17 tackles (10 solo) in two games.

Hawthorne (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against Dallas.

Hawthorne missed last week's game against the Vikings, but he was able to log a limited practice heading into this weekend. The Saints could use him back against a Dallas team that has given DeMarco Murray lots of carries in the first three weeks.

Hawthorne (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against Minnesota.

With Hawthorne out, Ramon Humber appears to be next in line at inside linebacker for the Saints.

Hawthorne (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, the Saints' official site reports.

With 17 tackles (10 solo) through two games, Hawthorne is on pace to reach triple digits in the category for the first time since 2011. However, an ankle injury is endangering his availability heading into Sunday's outing versus the Vikings.

Hawthorne made nine tackles (four solo) in Sunday's loss to the Browns.

Hawthorne also recorded eight tackles in the Saints' season-opening loss to the Falcons. Though he's unlikely to ever post gaudy stats, Hawthorne should continue to be a dependable source of tackles as long as he continues to start at inside linebacker for the Saints.