A.J. Brown Shows More Chemistry With New QB on Thursday
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown and quarterback Drake Maye struggled to get their connection going in the early days of training camp, with Maye going 4-for-9 with an interception when targeting Brown. However, in a padded practice on Thursday, the two started to turn things around, with Maye matching that production and hitting Brown four of five times, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. One of Brown's catches came against star cornerback Christian Gonzalez, with another one coming against Charles Woods for a touchdown. Thursday's practice could be a sign of things to come for Brown and Maye as they begin to build their chemistry for the 2026 regular season. The Patriots suddenly have a pretty crowded WR room with Romeo Doubbs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism, but after the Pats sent the Philadelphia Eagles a first-rounder, Brown should be the unquestioned alpha WR1 in New England. Brown showed signs of decline in 2025 in Philly's stagnant offense, averaging a career-low 12.9 yards per catch, but he also had his sixth 1,000-yard campaign. In what should be a more explosive Patriots' passing game, Brown should be considered a low-end WR1, at worst.
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Puka Nacua Stands Out Early at Rams Camp
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been the offense's standout through four training camp practices, leading the team in catches and explosive plays, according to The Athletic. He highlighted Wednesday's session by separating from cornerback Jaylen Watson down the left sideline for a deep touchdown from Matthew Stafford and has looked quicker in his vertical routes. Nacua already led the NFL with 129 receptions in 2025, totaling 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games, with 27 catches of at least 20 yards. He also added 105 rushing yards and a score. The 25-year-old is entering the final season of his rookie contract and has continued practicing fully while seeking a long-term extension. The early work has come before full pads, so the camp results should not be overvalued, but Nacua's combination of established volume and improved downfield movement is encouraging. He remains the centerpiece of Los Angeles' passing game and one of fantasy football's elite wide receivers.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
Jahmyr Gibbs Dealing With a Back Issue
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he's "not even sweating it" when discussing running back Jahmyr Gibbs' hold-in as he seeks a contract extension early in training camp, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Gibbs completed a conditioning test on Wednesday, in which Campbell said he "had a little bit of a back" issue, so it's unclear if the star RB will start practicing with the team right away once he inks a new deal. The 24-year-old's back injury might not be all that serious, but it's definitely something that we will keep a close eye on as camp rolls on. Fantasy managers probably have nothing to worry about right now with Gibbs' back injury and his hold-in, but the longer it lasts, the more concerning it will become for a player who is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 1 overall fantasy RB. He has been a Pro Bowler in each of his three NFL seasons after Detroit took him 12th overall from the University of Alabama in 2023. Gibbs' production speaks for itself, as he's racked up an incredible 3,580 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns while adding 181 receptions for 1,449 yards and another 10 scores as a receiver in 49 regular-season games. He's in his prime in an up-tempo, high-scoring offense as the best dual-threat back in the league.
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Merrill Kelly's July Turnaround Makes Him a 12-Team Add
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has rebuilt his mixed-league value with five strong July starts. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 1.95 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts across 27 2/3 innings this month. He capped that stretch Monday by holding the Pittsburgh Pirates to one unearned run on four hits and one walk while striking out six over 5 2/3 innings. Kelly still carries a 4.86 ERA and 1.45 WHIP through 109 1/3 innings, and his 71 strikeouts leave little margin for error when the ratios slip. That makes him more matchup-dependent than the typical must-start arm. Still, Kelly was rostered in only 38% of Yahoo leagues when RotoBaller's Week 18 rankings were published. He ranks 55th overall with an add recommendation for leagues of 12 teams or deeper and has pitched well enough to earn a roster spot at that depth.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian McCaffrey Could See Even Larger Target Share
With the news that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) is facing season-ending surgery for a PCL injury, it means that San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey could see an even larger target share in the passing game in 2026. McCaffrey, who has a lengthy injury history of his own, was the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2025 after he played in just four games due to injury in 2024. The four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro was the top fantasy RB after running for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns on 311 carries while adding a whopping 102 receptions for 924 yards and another seven TDs on 129 targets across 17 starts. At this point in CMC's career as he heads into his 10th NFL season, it seems likely that the Niners would be looking for ways to reduce his workload, especially when considering his injury history and coming off a career-high 413 touches last year. But the 49ers might not have that luxury, with their players already dropping like flies due to injury early in training camp. As long as he's healthy, McCaffrey should continue to be the engine of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, cementing him as a no-doubt top-five fantasy RB.
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
JJ Bleday Belongs on More 12-Team Rosters
Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday is batting .231/.339/.470 with 18 home runs, 45 RBI, 40 runs, and six stolen bases through 331 plate appearances. The average is still a weakness, but a .260 expected mark suggests he has deserved better. More importantly, Bleday's 10.8% barrel rate, 42.1% hard-hit rate, and .468 expected slugging percentage support the power that has kept him in the heart of Cincinnati's lineup. Bleday has started regularly in the corner outfield and offers enough walks and occasional speed to contribute beyond home runs. Yahoo managers have left him unclaimed in 74% of leagues, even though he ranks 49th in RotoBaller's Week 18 waiver rankings with an add recommendation for 12-team formats. He is not a batting-average asset, but managers seeking power and run production should not leave him available at that league depth.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
49ers Don't Expect Ricky Pearsall to Make Any Contributions in 2026
It looks like the San Francisco 49ers are expecting wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) to miss the entire 2026 season, according to NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco. "This doesn't look good... I think it's reasonable, rational, logical, for the 49ers to NOT expect Ricky Pearsall to make any contribution in 2026," Maiocco said. The 25-year-old former first-rounder from the University of Florida played in only nine regular-season games in 2025 in his second year in the league due to a PCL injury in his knee. The 49ers were hoping that the PCL issue would heal itself in the offseason, but that doesn't appear to be the case after Pearsall experienced swelling in the same knee after running all the routes in the first few days of training camp. It now appears that Pearsall is headed for season-ending surgery, which will obviously make him undraftable in all single-year fantasy leagues in 2026. The oft-injured pass-catcher's dynasty/keeper-league stock also takes a big hit. With Pearsall likely done for the year, it gives rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling a real opportunity to lock down the WR3 role in San Fran behind veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk.
Source: NBC Sports - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBC Sports - Matt Maiocco
Jake Burger's Power Is Worth the Batting-Average Risk
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger is batting .236/.297/.426 with 19 home runs, 66 RBI, 45 runs, and two stolen bases across 385 at-bats. The average remains a drag, but the power is legitimate. Burger owns a 90.0 mph average exit velocity, 46.2% hard-hit rate, and 11.1% barrel rate, and he has already surpassed the 16 homers he hit during an injury-plagued 2025 season. Managers still need to accept the volatility. Burger's .231 expected average and 26.6% strikeout rate leave him vulnerable to prolonged cold stretches, and his value is concentrated in home runs and RBI. That tradeoff remains worthwhile when a regular first baseman with this kind of power is available in 78% of Yahoo leagues. Burger ranks 54th in RotoBaller's Week 18 waiver rankings and carries an add recommendation for 12-team formats. He belongs on rosters at that league depth wherever power is the priority.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
LeQuint Allen Jr. Continues to Make Noise in Jaguars Backfield
Jacksonville Jaguars second-year running back LeQuint Allen Jr. has been a name to watch early in the team's training camp practices, and he had another explosive run on Thursday while stiff-arming a defender, according to Jaguars beat writer Travis Holmes. Keep in mind that Chris Rodriguez Jr. (foot) is being limited to individual drills early in camp after having foot surgery and missing the entire offseason program. Still, the 21-year-old Allen's work so far this summer is noteworthy as he works to be the team's primary pass-catching option on third downs in Year 2. After he was selected in the seventh round from Syracuse last year, Allen found little work behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten, carrying the ball 23 times for 94 yards and zero touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (one start). He added 10 receptions for 54 yards. Allen is unlikely to do much as a pure runner as the RB3, but he could offer some deep-league PPR appeal in a larger role in an ascending Jaguars offense. Fantasy managers in standard-sized 12-team leagues can likely leave Allen to the waiver wire to begin the 2026 season.
Source: Travis Holmes
Source: Travis Holmes
Kevin Gausman Among Blue Jays Veterans Who Could Fit Phillies
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman is among several available veterans who could fit the Philadelphia Phillies' trade-deadline needs, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Philadelphia is looking for rotation depth, a late-inning reliever, and another bat. Starting pitcher Shane Bieber, relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman, designated hitter George Springer, and center fielder Daulton Varsho were also mentioned as possible fits. The clubs share a spring-training complex in Florida, giving Toronto's front office familiarity with Philadelphia's prospects. Morosi did not report that talks involving any individual player were advanced. For now, the trade speculation does not change the fantasy value of any of the five Blue Jays.
Source: Jon Morosi
Source: Jon Morosi
Tyjae Spears Heavily Involved in Passing Game
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has been heavily involved in the team's passing game early in training camp and has made the most of his screens and dump-offs through two days, according to PaulKuharsky.com. Spears is still sharing a backfield with Tony Pollard, and the Titans added more competition in this year's draft with fifth-rounder Nicholas Singleton, but the 25-year-old could be in a position to succeed in 2026 with Brian Daboll now running the Titans' offense. He has been impressive all offseason and should have the RB2 role locked down going into the start of the regular season, and the former third-rounder in 2023 from Tulane could operate as more of the 1B this year to Pollard's 1A. Spears has never had more than 453 rushing yards or four rushing touchdowns in any of his three NFL seasons, but he does have 127 catches on 155 targets in his 42 games played, and he could become an even bigger pass-catching weapon in Tennessee as second-year QB Cam Ward looks to take the next step. Fantasy managers should consider Spears as a sneaky late-round sleeper in point-per-reception leagues.
Source: PaulKuharsky.com
Source: PaulKuharsky.com
Shane McClanahan Exits With Apparent Back Issue
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (back) left Thursday's start against the Texas Rangers after three innings with an apparent lower-back issue, according to Ryan Bass. McClanahan reached toward his lower back and tried to stretch before walking off with head athletic trainer Joe Benge. The left-hander did not allow a hit, but he was charged with one run after issuing two walks and hitting a batter. He struck out three and threw 49 pitches, 29 for strikes. Tampa Bay has not announced a diagnosis or said whether McClanahan will need testing. Fantasy managers should consider his next start uncertain until the Rays provide more information.
Source: Ryan Bass
Source: Ryan Bass
Things are Slowing Down for Rookie Tight End Eli Raridon
New England Patriots rookie third-round tight end Eli Raridon said at training camp on Thursday that things are slowing down for him, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. Raridon said it has been night and day from the spring. Even though the Patriots still have Hunter Henry as their top pass-catching tight end, and after they added receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs in the offseason, Raridon could make an impact as a receiver in 2026 in his first year in the NFL. The 22-year-old should be considered the favorite for TE2 duties with Julian Hill (knee) already ruled out for the season. He needs to refine his blocking skills, but Raridon is certainly a young TE name to keep an eye on for those in deep fantasy leagues in 2026. Raridon has excellent size (6-foot-6, 245 pounds), athleticism, and speed to give New England another weapon to challenge opposing defenses down the field. He doesn't come without durability concerns, though, having already torn his ACL twice. Raridon is a fine TE to stash in dynasty/keeper leagues, but he can be ignored for now in most redraft formats.
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle Alternating First-Team Reps
DK Pittsburgh Sports reports that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle got reps ahead of Jaylen Warren in training camp practice on Thursday, which was the opposite of Wednesday. However, both RBs took reps with the first-team offense. Warren lost considerable pass-catching work to Kenny Gainwell in 2025, but he still managed a career-high 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries while adding 40 receptions for 333 yards and another two TDs as a receiver in 16 regular-season games in his fourth year in the NFL. Gainwell is gone, with Dowdle taking his place in Pittsburgh's backfield alongside Warren. With Dowdle now in the picture, Warren's rushing workload will likely take a hit, but he could replace that volume with more work as a pass-catcher, and we all know how veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers loves to dump off the football late in his career. This could be a true even split between Warren and Dowdle in 2026, with RotoBaller ranking Dowdle as the No. 30 overall fantasy RB, and Warren at No. 31. Warren should have slightly more upside as an RB3/flex option in PPR formats.
Source: DK Pittsburgh Sports
Source: DK Pittsburgh Sports
Jonathan Loaisiga Enters the Deep-League Saves Mix
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga has a path to save chances after manager Torey Lovullo removed Paul Sewald from the closer role. Arizona will play matchups rather than name one replacement, and Brandyn Garcia handled the ninth inning Wednesday before Lovullo confirmed the committee. Juan Morillo and Kevin Ginkel also remain part of a crowded late-inning picture. Loaisiga owns a 2.57 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 31 strikeouts and one save through 42 innings, but he has allowed three earned runs over his last two appearances. The strong ratios give him some value while the role develops, though the modest strikeout total keeps him dependent on saves and holds. Loaisiga is not included in RotoBaller's July 30 waiver rankings, so he remains a speculative addition rather than a priority pickup. He is worth considering in 15-team and NL-only leagues, while managers in 12-team formats should monitor Arizona's next few save chances.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
River Ryan Could be Worth a Late-Season Stash
Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect River Ryan (hamstring) is sidelined by a hamstring injury and is missing time on the injured list at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was placed on the injured list at the end of June and hasn't pitched since. The 27-year-old right-hander boasts a 65-grade fastball, a 60-grade slider, and a 55-grade cutter and curveball. The stuff is there for the minor league veteran. Should he be able to work past his current injury, he might find his way back in Los Angeles after making his brief MLB debut in 2024. In 36 1/3 innings with Oklahoma City, Ryan has compiled a 3-1 record this season with a 4.46 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 43 strikeouts against just eight walks. That kind of control is a good sign moving forward, and he should be in L.A. this summer if he can demonstrate full health. It could be a good move to stash him now.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Matthew Golden Flashing Big-Play Upside Early in Camp
Green Bay Packers second-year wide receiver Matthew Golden is flashing big-play upside early in training camp, and he had another 20-plus-yard catch in practice on Thursday, per Ryan Wood of USA Today Sports. Golden, who was the 23rd overall pick last year from the University of Texas, failed to stand out in his rookie campaign in the team's crowded WR picture, ultimately finishing with 29 receptions on 44 targets for 361 yards and zero touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (five starts). But with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks no longer on the team, the 22-year-old is primed for a much larger role in the Packers' passing attack in 2026. Golden was the team's most productive pass-catcher late last year as well, so fantasy managers targeting him are banking on a Year 2 breakout. He caught four passes for 84 yards and his first NFL touchdown in the playoff loss to the division-rival Chicago Bears. Given his current ADP, Golden is undervalued and profiles as an excellent value pick later in fantasy drafts in 2026.
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood
Roman Wilson has Been Steelers' "Most-Targeted" Pass-Catcher
Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh writes that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson is getting a lot of looks from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in training camp practice on Thursday, and he's "easily been the most targeted player" through two days. The Rodgers-Wilson connection has already looked a lot better on Thursday after the two had two miscommunications on Wednesday. The 25-year-old saw the majority of the reps as the WR3 on Wednesday in three-receiver sets alongside DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., and he's looking to get more involved in 2026 after catching just 12 of 21 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games played in 2025 in his second year in the NFL. Wilson's main competition for the WR3 role this summer is rookie second-rounder Germie Bernard, but so far, it looks like Wilson's job to lose. The former third-rounder is a name to watch in Steelers camp, but the WR3 role in Pittsburgh with Rodgers leading the show in his final NFL season probably won't amount to much volume to make him all that intriguing in 12-team fantasy leagues.
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
James Tibbs III Has Cooled Off Over Past Two Months
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III has slowed down recently after a hot start to the season. Tibbs III has been at Triple-A Oklahoma City the whole year and has hit .209 in June and .254 in July after starting the season by hitting .326 in May. He has still shown nice power throughout the season with 21 homers and 73 RBI with 77 runs scored. Altogether, he is still hitting .283 so his batting average hasn't come down all that much even with the rough past two months. Tibbs III is the No. 9 prospect in the Dodgers' system and has a 50-grade hit tool with 50-grade power. The left-handed hitter is now 23 years old. Originally a first-round pick by the San Francisco Giants out of Florida State, Tibbs III has already spent time in the Red Sox organization before coming over to the Dodgers. Tibbs III's recent slide could mean that he doesn't debut until next season, so fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on his progress.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Chris Brazzell II to Undergo Season-Ending Knee Surgery
Carolina Panthers rookie third-round wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (knee) will undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee, a league source with knowledge of the situation told Joseph Person of The Athletic. The Panthers initially planned to go with a non-surgical path for Brazzell's moderate LCL tear, which would have kept him out for two months. But after receiving a second opinion, they have decided to do what's best for the young wideout's long-term health. The University of Tennessee product injured his knee during 7-on-7 drills in training camp practice on Wednesday. It's a tough break for the 6-foot-4 pass-catcher, as he entered camp with a realistic chance to unseat Xavier Legette for WR3 duties in 2026 behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. Legette will now obviously be the favorite for the No. 3 receiver job, although he could face competition from David Moore and John Metchie III, who played with quarterback Bryce Young at Alabama. Fantasy managers can avoid Brazzell now in all single-year leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Joseph Person
Source: The Athletic - Joseph Person
Quinn Mathews Deals Gem in Latest Triple-A Start
St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Quinn Mathews is coming off a superb start at Triple-A Memphis in which he hurled seven shutout innings with three hits and an unearned run with 10 strikeouts against three walks. Mathews picked up a win for his efforts, moving his overall record this season to 5-3. The left-hander has spent the entire season at Memphis, compiling a 3.13 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP with 111 strikeouts in 92 innings pitched. In four July starts, Mathews has racked up a 1.04 ERA and 0.77 WHIP as he has raised the level of his game as the summer months have heated up. The No. 7 prospect on the Cardinals' list, Mathews boasts a 60-grade changeup and a 55-grade slider. After four years at Stanford, the 25-year-old is nearing big league ready and it would be wise to add him now before a potential late-season promotion.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Bhayshul Tuten has Been Terrific Early in Training Camp
Sports Illustrated's John Shipley writes that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten was the player of the day in training camp practice on Wednesday, and his "terrific practice performances" have been "a consistent part of the Jaguars' practices." It has helped that Chris Rodriguez Jr. (foot) missed the entire offseason program due to a foot injury that required surgery, and he was held to individual drills in the first camp practice on Wednesday. Tuten continues to get reps as the RB1, but for as good as he has looked, Shipley cautions that Rodriguez has yet to play, and the pads have not come on yet. Jacksonville's backfield could look a lot different once Rodriguez is added to the fold, but for now, Tuten has taken the early lead in the RB competition in Duval. And with Travis Etienne Jr. now in New Orleans, the second-year back has Year 2 breakout potential after carrying the ball 83 times for 307 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games as a rookie. Tuten caught only 10 passes for 79 yards and another two scores, but LeQuint Allen Jr. figures to see most of the pass-catching reps out of the Jags' backfield. Tuten's lack of pass-catching skills could be the only thing holding him back from a sophomore breakout. Target him as a low-end RB2 with upside in upcoming fantasy drafts.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Luke Adams Making Case For Promotion to Milwaukee
Milwaukee Brewers third base prospect Luke Adams has put together a nice month of July with a .305 batting average in 59 at bats with two homers and six RBI with 14 runs scored. The 22-year-old right-handed hitter missed some time with an injury this season but has returned in early June. In 182 total at bats this year between the ACL Brewers and Triple-A Nashville, Adams has 15 homers and 38 RBI with 40 runs scored while hitting .269. Adams is the No. 16 ranked prospect in the Brewers' system with a 50-grade hit tool and 50-grade power. A former 12th round pick in the draft, Adams doesn't have the prospect pedigree of some others, but he is nonetheless putting up some nice numbers at Triple-A. He could be looked at by the Brewers for a spot on the big league roster especially at third base where Milwaukee is a bit thin.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Parker Washington Impresses in Thursday's Practice
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington was the team's most impressive player in training camp practice on Thursday, per John Shipley of Sports Illustrated. Washington had multiple big catches and was a tough cover for anyone in the secondary who was put up against him. Shipley wrote that Brian Thomas Jr. also had a couple of chunk gains on passes, but it was Washington "who stood out and stole the show." Even in a crowded WR corps that includes Thomas, Jakobi Meyers, and Travis Hunter, the 24-year-old Washington appears ready to be an even bigger part of the Jaguars' passing attack in 2026 after he broke out with 58 catches, 847 yards, and five touchdowns (all career highs) in 16 regular-season games a year ago. He's not big at 5-foot-10, 204 pounds or extremely fast, but Washington is an excellent route-runner and averaged a career-best 14.6 yards per reception in 2025. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence could spread the wealth with all his options, which will limit Washington's fantasy upside, but at this point, he's been hard to ignore and has clear WR2 upside going into his fourth NFL season. RotoBaller has Washington ranked as the No. 32 WR.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Expected to be Ready for Week 1, Jaguars Easing him in
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (foot) suffered a foot injury on the first day of the offseason program in the spring, keeping him out for all of organized team activities and minicamp after he required surgery. Rodriguez was cleared for the start of training camp, but he only took part in individual drills on Wednesday and was held out of team work. Sports Illustrated's John Shipley writes that the Jaguars are taking things "nice and slow" with their big offseason addition to the backfield. The plan is for the Jaguars to ease C-Rod back in and have him ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns. His absence has allowed Bhayshul Tuten to get all the work with the first-team offense, and he's looked great. Still, the Jags plan is for Rodriguez to be a key piece of their ground game in 2026, and it helps his cause that he has history with head coach Liam Coen from his days at Kentucky in college. He's coming off a strong season in Washington -- 112 rushes for career highs in rushing yards (500) and rushing touchdowns (six) in 13 games -- but he's never been a true lead back in the NFL, and that won't happen in Jacksonville, either. Tuten has a leg up to lead the backfield in touches, with C-Rod competing for a change-of-pace role with third-down pass-catcher LeQuint Allen Jr. Rodriguez should be considered more of an RB3/flex going into his first year in Duval.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Angel Genao Could Bring Skills To Cleveland Infield Later This Summer
Cleveland Guardians infield prospect Angel Genao has hits in five of his last six games at Triple-A Columbus. Genao is red-hot in Columbus, hitting .382 in 76 July at bats, including two homers and 12 RBI to go with 14 runs scored. Genao is the No. 2 prospect in the Guardians' system and the switch-hitter has made a name for himself in his age 22 season in the minors. Genao has been so impressive that he is making a late-season promotion seem more and more likely and thus it might be a good idea to stash Genao on your roster. At the big league level, Cleveland has Travis Bazzana (second base) and Brayan Rocchio (shortstop) up the middle defensively. But Genao could force his way to Cleveland with his performance. At age 22 and already at Triple-A, Genao is on track to potentially make his MLB debut later this season. His 60-grade hit tool and 55-grade run tool could be on display in Cleveland later this summer.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Seaver King Sidelined By Oblique Injury, Big-League Debut Unlikely This Year
Washington Nationals shortstop prospect Seaver King is currently sidelined with a left-oblique strain, making a late-season big-league debut improbable. King is the No. 4 overall prospect in the Washington system and has a 50-grade hit tool with a 70-grade run tool. So he has the potential to be a big-time contributor in stolen bases in the major leagues. In his age-23 season, King has recorded nine stolen bases combined between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester. King's current injury is problematic because at age 23 he is primed to make his major league debut, but he will first have to demonstrate full health in the minors. At the big league level, Washington has CJ Abrams at shortstop and Nasim Nunez up the middle at second base. So it's looking like next year might be the year for King to make his MLB debut. Fantasy managers will want to be patient until then.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Xavier Worthy Flashing Deep-Play Upside Again
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy is already showing deep-play upside early in training camp, with Chiefs.com's Matt McMullen noting that quarterback Patrick Mahomes found Worthy for a deep touchdown down the middle of the field during 11-on-11 team drills in practice on Thursday. It was a "beautiful throw and catch." Worthy suffered a torn labrum in Week 1 of last year that required offseason surgery in January. The 23-year-old speedster played in only 14 games in 2025 and had a disappointing 42-532-1 final line after catching 59 passes for 638 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games as a rookie. Now fully healthy and ready for a full route tree again, the former 28th overall pick from the University of Texas should be a big mover on fantasy draft boards as the Chiefs' offense looks to bounce back and return to the playoffs. The 5-foot-11, 165-pounder is naturally a bigger injury risk because of his slight frame, but he makes up for it with elite speed. RotoBaller has Worthy ranked as the No. 43 fantasy WR right now, and he's shaping up as a potential great value pick in upcoming drafts.
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Luke Weaver Remains a High-End Waiver-Wire Stash Option
New York Mets right-hander Luke Weaver has been one of the better relief pitchers in baseball so far this season, recording a 1.88 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 44 strikeouts, 15 holds, and one save across 43 innings (41 games). The Mets have deployed Weaver in a setup role in front of veteran closer Devin Williams for the majority of 2026. However, Williams has struggled to a 4.29 ERA and 1.60 WHIP across 35 2/3 innings on the year. Additionally, with the Mets out of contention, both Weaver and Williams could be candidates to be moved at the upcoming trade deadline. Rival teams could view Weaver as a viable closer, as he logged 12 saves across two seasons with the New York Yankees in 2024 and 2025. Whether he stays with the Mets or gets traded, Weaver could have a path to saves in the final few months of the season and profiles as a worthy waiver wire stash candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Clay Holmes a Priority Waiver-Wire Stash Ahead of Impending Injury Return
New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) has not pitched since mid-May due to a fractured fibula. However, the 33-year-old has now made two minor league rehab starts and appears to be on the doorstep of a return to the big leagues. Holmes got off to an excellent start to the 2026 season before the injury, recording a 4-4 record with a 2.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts across 52 2/3 innings (nine starts). The 33-year-old does not profile as a high-end source of strikeouts for fantasy managers, as he's posted just a 20.9% strikeout rate this year. Still, he's logged an elite 56% ground ball rate, which has helped him limit damage from the long ball (0.51 HR/9). Holmes could also get moved to a contender at the upcoming trade deadline, which may help him rack up wins. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Holmes should be viewed as a priority stash candidate off the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
RADIO



