March 12, 2026
USC wide receiver
Makai Lemon ran his 40-yard dash for NFL scouts at his school's pro day on Thursday morning and was in the 4.48-second to 4.53-second range, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic. Brugler adds that Lemon also ran routes for teams, but he didn't do any jump testing, shuttle, or three-cone drills. The 21-year-old chose not to do any athletic testing at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis at the end of February. He's one of the top receiving talents in this year's draft class and should be locked in as a first-round selection for a WR-needy team. Lemon isn't among the fastest wideouts to make the leap to the NFL in 2026, but he still has enough skills to be worth consideration as a top-10 draft pick in April. He finished his final year with the Trojans in 2025 with 79 catches, 1,156 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dane Brugler
March 12, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles and three-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Landon Dickerson agreed to a revised two-year contract on Thursday at around $36 million, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Dickerson was previously due to make $39 million in 2026 and 2027, but he can now hit that mark with 2027 incentives. He will be due $15.7 million this year and is no longer under contract for 2028. The 27-year-old former second-round pick (37th overall) in 2021 out of Alabama was a Pro Bowler from 2022 to 2024 for the Eagles. He started 15 regular-season contests a year ago and has started 77 of the 78 games that he's appeared in for the Eagles over his five seasons in the NFL. Going into his sixth year in the league, Dickerson will be slated to start at left guard this year in a revamped offense.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 12, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) is fully committed to making it work with the Raiders after the trade with the Baltimore Ravens fell apart on Tuesday, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "Everything Happens For A Reason," Crosby wrote in a post on X. "Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. Im A Raider. I'm Back. Run That S---." Baltimore agreed late last week to acquire Crosby in exchange for two first-round picks. The 28-year-old had surgery in January to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee that caused the Raiders to hold him out against his will for the final two games of 2025. His agent, CJ LaBoy, said that Crosby is ahead of schedule in his recovery and is on track to return during the offseason program. It remains to be seen if another team will be willing to give up two first-rounders to acquire Crosby, whose long-term injury situation is a bit murky. Wherever he's playing in 2026, though, Crosby will be a strong defensive line target in IDP fantasy leagues as long as he's healthy.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
March 12, 2026
The Denver Broncos are re-signing wide receiver
Lil'Jordan Humphrey to an undisclosed deal on Thursday, a source told Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Humphrey played three games with the New York Giants at the beginning of last year before the Broncos picked him up. Head coach Sean Payton is familiar with the 27-year-old wideout after he played the first three years of his career with the New Orleans Saints from 2019 through 2021. In his seven regular-season games with the Broncos in 2025, Humphrey caught nine of his 15 targets for 101 yards and one touchdown. He also played in Denver in 2023 and 2024, catching 44 of his 64 targets for 455 yards and four touchdowns in 34 games (15 starts). He will return to Denver to provide them with depth at the position, but he won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar behind
Courtland Sutton,
Troy Franklin,
Pat Bryant, and
Marvin Mims Jr.--Keith HernandezSource: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
March 12, 2026
Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. signed an undisclosed two-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. Brown is a cornerstone of Cincy's offensive line and also a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. On an offensive line that has seen its fair share of struggles in recent seasons, Brown is the prime protector of Pro Bowl quarterback
Joe Burrow, so he's a pretty important piece of the offense. The 29-year-old previously signed a four-year, $64 million deal that made him the biggest free-agent signing in Bengals history at the time. In his eight seasons in the league, Brown has a Super Bowl ring, four Pro Bowl berths, and a franchise tag. Not only has Brown's play been top-notch, but he's played in all 17 regular-season games in two of his three seasons in Cincinnati.
--Keith HernandezSource: Bengals.com - Geoff Hobson
March 12, 2026
The Miami Dolphins announced on Thursday that they re-signed kicker
Riley Patterson to an undisclosed deal. The Dolphins moved on from
Jason Sanders, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, and also signed former Atlanta Falcons kicker
Zane Gonzalez earlier this week. The 26-year-old Patterson filled in nicely for Sanders last year, making 27 of his 29 field-goal attempts and 34 of his 35 extra-point opportunities over 17 games. However, because of Miami's inconsistent offense, he finished as just the No. 16 kicker in overall fantasy points. Given how well Patterson kicked in 2025, he should be considered the favorite for placekicking duties in Miami over Gonzalez going into the 2026 regular season this fall. In his five years in the NFL, Patterson has made 87.4% of his 103 field-goal attempts, including going 7-for-13 from 50-plus yards out. If he wins the starting job this summer, Patterson will be a low-end starting kicker in deeper fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Miami Dolphins
March 12, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens released quarterback
Cooper Rush on Thursday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Rush signed a two-year, $6.2 million deal with Baltimore last offseason, but he'll be looking for work this offseason after one year with the Ravens. The 32-year-old veteran signal-caller appeared in four games for the Ravens last year and started two games with
Lamar Jackson injured, going 34-for-52 passing for 303 yards, no touchdowns, and four interceptions. The former undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan debuted in the NFL in 2017 with the Dallas Cowboys and has completed 61.1% of his passes for 3,766 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in his eight-year career. Rush was expendable in Baltimore with
Tyler Huntley returning to back up Jackson for the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
March 12, 2026
Wide receiver
Jauan Jennings had 15 receiving touchdowns and 1,618 yards on 132 receptions (203 targets) the last two years for the San Francisco 49ers. The 28-year-old former seventh-round pick in 2020 out of Tennessee is one of the top available wideouts on the open market now, and he seems unlikely to return to the Bay Area after the Niners signed future Hall of Famer
Mike Evans earlier this week. Behind Evans, the Niners have
Ricky Pearsall,
Demarcus Robinson,
Jacob Cowing, and
Jordan Watkins. The Niners could use more depth at the position, especially with Pearsall barely playing due to injuries in his first two seasons, but it still feels more likely that San Fran will wind up letting Jennings walk as a free agent. Jennings would obviously have a much lower floor in fantasy if he re-signed with the Niners. NFL.com's Steve Wyche thinks the Falcons would be a perfect fit for Jennings to work alongside
Drake London and tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr.--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 12, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (hand) is getting close to taking full batting practice on the field, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. In addition to doing defensive work in minor-league games, Lindor had a batting practice session with normal, two-handed swings inside the batting cage on Tuesday. DiComo writes that Lindor "remains right on schedule to be ready for Opening Day." The 32-year-old All-Star had surgery for a broken right hamate bone last month, but he's making good progress, and barring a setback, he'll be ready to go for fantasy managers at the end of this month when the games count. Lindor's hand injury might make him a bit more risky as a fantasy investment in upcoming drafts, but he's still easily a top-10 option at the shortstop position after posting his second 30-30 season in the last three years in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
March 12, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Jose Berrios (elbow) said that he feels good and called his recent elbow inflammation "strange" to hear about after his MRI exam, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Berrios is hoping to make his next start in the Grapefruit League. He was scratched from his Grapefruit League start on Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies due to right-elbow inflammation, but apparently, he's not too worried. Because of his elbow injury, the 31-year-old veteran wasn't able to pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. While it doesn't seem too serious right now, fantasy managers must remember that Berrios also had some similar elbow and biceps issues late last season. The former first-rounder has a lot of tread on his tires, having thrown 1,571 2/3 innings in his 10-year big-league career. With some injury issues this spring to boot, Berrios is not in RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitchers going into the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
March 12, 2026
The Cleveland Browns officially released tight end
David Njoku and right guard Wyatt Teller with post-June 1 designations on Thursday, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. The Browns will break Njoku's dead salary cap into $9.5 million in 2026 and $14.7 million in 2027 while getting a bit of cap relief after June 1. Njoku's fantasy value in 2025 tanked with the quick emergence of rookie TE
Harold Fannin Jr., who surprisingly led the team in receiving in his first year in the NFL. The 29-year-old Njoku's opportunities shrank, and he also missed some time late in the year with a knee injury. He finished with 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns on 48 targets over 12 games. Njoku's 293 yards were his fewest since 2020. Now healthy, Njoku will seek employment elsewhere in 2026 and could bounce back as a low-end TE1 option in fantasy if he lands in the right situation.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
March 12, 2026
New York Mets right-hander
Clay Holmes will rejoin the Mets in what manager
Carlos Mendoza said was a difficult decision for him. Holmes needs to stay built up and will pitch in a Grapefruit League game on Friday. Holmes got his arm built up well ahead of the other pitchers early in spring training this year because he knew he'd be pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He was ready for his opportunity, as he retired the first eight Great Britain hitters he faced, including a stretch of five straight strikeouts. The 32-year-old veteran finished his outing for USA by allowing just one baserunner and striking out six to earn the victory. Fantasy managers and the Mets are hoping Holmes can take another step forward as a full-time starter in 2026 after he went 12-8 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 129:66 K: BB in a career-high 165 2/3 innings over 33 outings (31 starts) last year in his first season with the Mets.
--Keith HernandezSource: Newsday - Laura Albanese
March 12, 2026
A first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall has missed 14 games due to injury over the first two years of his NFL career. When healthy, Pearsall's production has been more solid than spectacular. Across nine games played in 2025, the 25-year-old hauled in 36 receptions for 528 yards and zero touchdowns on 53 targets. The 49ers made one of the biggest splashes of the early portion of free agency by signing veteran wide receiver
Mike Evans to a three-year deal. While the 32-year-old Evans may no longer be the player he once was at his peak, he still projects as San Francisco's top outside wideout and could push Pearsall to the WR2 role. On the bright side for Pearsall's production outlook, the 49ers could be losing wide receiver
Jauan Jennings to free agency and will likely be without star tight end
George Kittle (Achilles) for a chunk of 2026 as Kittle recovers from a torn Achilles tendon. Still, the signing of Evans could signal that San Francisco does not view Pearsall as a number-one wide receiver option going forward and may be bad news for his long-term dynasty outlook.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving (shoulder) has been an electric player when healthy through his first two NFL seasons, collecting nearly 2,400 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns across 27 games played. However, Irving recently underwent offseason shoulder surgery after missing seven games in 2025 due to shoulder and ankle ailments. While Irving is expected to be ready to go for the start of 2026, the 23-year-old is an undersized back, and Tampa Bay may have questions about his ability to hold up while shouldering a true RB1 workload. The Buccaneers made a big splash at the running back position early in free agency, signing veteran back
Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year deal with an eight-figure guarantee. Gainwell is coming off a breakout season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and could emerge as Tampa Bay's primary receiving and short-yardage back. The Buccaneers also have a solid third-string option in
Sean Tucker, who racked up eight touchdowns in 2025. Irving's fantasy value in dynasty formats looks a bit less clear after the addition of Gainwell to the Tampa Bay backfield.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet (knee) saw his 2025 season come to an unfortunate end when he went down with a torn ACL during his team's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. As a result, Charbonnet could miss time to start the 2026 campaign. However, Charbonnet now projects as Seattle's clear RB1 upon his return after former Seahawks back
Kenneth Walker III agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs on a new three-year contract earlier this month. The Seahawks will almost certainly bring in another body or two to the running back room before the start of the season. Still, Charbonnet's current competition in the backfield is the unproven running back tandem of
George Holani and
Kenny McIntosh (knee). Provided Charbonnet does not experience any setbacks in his recovery, he could emerge as a workhorse back and Seattle's clear RB1 of the future. Despite his current injury status, Charbonnet's dynasty stock should be trending up following Walker III's free agent departure.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers are signing free-agent running back
Keaton Mitchell to a two-year, $9.5 million deal that includes $5 million guaranteed, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Mitchell spent the first three seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, compiling 951 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 140 touches. Injuries limited the 24-year-old to just 26 games played over three years, and he's also been stuck behind workhorse back
Derrick Henry in Baltimore. However, Mitchell has been a highly efficient rusher when given the opportunity, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. In Los Angeles, Mitchell will likely be fighting with
Kimani Vidal for the RB2 role behind 2025 first-round pick
Omarion Hampton. Mitchell's speed and big-play ability will likely appeal to new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. While Hampton still projects as the team's clear lead rusher, Mitchell's arrival could create a slight logjam for backfield touches in Los Angeles.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
March 12, 2026
The Kansas City Chiefs made a big splash in the early portion of free agency by signing running back
Kenneth Walker III away from the reigning Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks. Across 17 games with Seattle in 2025, Walker III recorded 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 252 touches. The 25-year-old spent most of the year splitting touches with fellow Seahawks back
Zach Charbonnet (knee) until Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in the NFC Divisional Round. In Kansas City, Walker III should be the clear number one back and could easily set a career-high in touches. While the Chiefs may be without quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (knee) in the early portion of 2026 as Mahomes recovers from a knee injury, Walker III should be well-positioned for success in an offense that is typically one of the NFL's best. As long as he can stay healthy, Walker III has a clear pathway to fantasy RB1 production for the duration of his three-year contract in Kansas City.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports that the Miami Dolphins have officially released quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa with a post-June 1 designation, leaving the veteran signal-caller free to sign a minimum contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The number five overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tagovailoa's Miami tenure will come to a close after six seasons. In 2025, he completed 67.7% of his pass attempts for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions across 14 starts. The Falcons are reportedly planning to hold an open competition between Tagovailoa and incumbent quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. (knee). Penix Jr. is recovering from a knee injury that ended his 2025 season, so Tagovailoa may have a slight leg up heading into offseason workouts. Both quarterbacks should be in a favorable environment for success, as the Falcons have multiple high-end offensive weapons and an established new play-caller in head coach Kevin Stefanski.
--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
March 12, 2026
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher
Daniel Palencia is one of the best closer options to grab once the elite options are off the board, since the 26-year-old is locked in as the team's primary closer and has lots of breakout potential. Palencia had 22 saves in 54 games last year and posted an impressive 2.91 ERA, 3.08 FIP, and 61 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings. He went just 1-6 but added six holds while converting 22 of his 25 save opportunities. Palencia should get the save opportunities for a team expected to be one of the best in the National League, and the 26-year-old could easily be a top-10 closer this season, making him a great value at his current ADP as around the 15th relief pitcher off the board.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (hand) will once again play four or five innings in the field at shortstop in a minor-league game in Port St. Lucie on Thursday. The All-Star shortstop is working his way back from surgery to repair a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. He is still working towards a return for Opening Day, but he has yet to take live at-bats and has not had an official return date set just yet. He has been extremely durable, logging over 150 games and at least 685 plate appearances in each of the last four seasons with 25+ homers and 15+ stolen bases each season. His recovery is progressing well, but he still has several steps before a full return to action.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Max Goodman
March 12, 2026
Chicago White Sox pitcher
Grant Taylor has looked excellent this spring and is a breakout candidate to watch. The 23-year-old has outstanding stuff and can dominate when at his best, but his role is still a little undefined. Last year, he worked 36 2/3 innings in the majors in 36 games, including two starts. He picked up six saves and 54 strikeouts while throwing 37 pitches at 100 mph or faster, including a blistering 102.2 mph on June 22. He posted a 4.91 ERA but a more impressive 1.42 FIP. He is expected to work out of the bullpen, possibly for multiple innings, and has stated his goal is to throw 100 innings this year. He logged a career-high 63 1/3 innings last year in the minors and majors combined. He is shaping up to be an elite relief arm with a very high strikeout ceiling, although his durability and uncertain role make him a little tricky to lock into a spot, since his value depends on how your league treats relief arms. His strikeout potential definitely makes him a great option to watch for dynasty leagues, since the goal is to move him back to the rotation later in his career.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight (illness) will be available for Thursday's matchup with the Utah Mammoth, Kalen Lumpkins of the Chicago Tribune reports. The 24-year-old netminder has sat out three games due to illness. Knight has had it tough lately, dropping seven of his last eight decisions. Still, he's done solid work in the crease for the Blackhawks in 2025-26, posting a 16-18-8 record, a 2.62 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage, and three shutouts. Knight beat Utah 3-1 in October, and Chicago will look to sweep the regular-season series on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Kalen Lumpkins
March 12, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Jorge Polanco has never played a professional inning at first base, but the plan is for Polanco to play first base "more often than not," according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Polanco could gain 1B eligibility in most leagues early in the season, which could make him a very valuable and versatile utility player. Last year, Polanco posted a .265/.326/.495 triple-slash with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 78 RBI, 64 runs scored, and six stolen bases for the Mariners. He will be hitting in the heart of a solid batting order this season, and has nice upside as his current ADP. He already has 2B and 3B eligibility in most formats, so adding 1B will allow more flexibility in roster constructions.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Anthony DiComo
March 12, 2026
San Jose Sharks winger William Eklund (lower body) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Boston Bruins, Max Miller of NHL.com reports. The talented forward has a lower-body injury and didn't practice on Wednesday. Eklund has been the fifth-highest scoring Shark this season, posting 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) in 58 games. However, he also carries a team-worst minus-26 rating, showing the 23-year-old has struggled during even-strength situations. Eklund's health issues could allow Pavol Regenda to rejoin the lineup. Regenda has scored eight goals in 18 appearances this season but has been used very sparingly in recent weeks.
--Taavi PailkSource: Max Miller
March 12, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) continues to build up towards his return and threw 36 pitches in two simulated innings on Tuesday in his fifth bullpen session. According to manager Rob Thomson, Wheeler is getting close to throwing live batting practice. There's still a chance that he could appear in a spring training or minor-league game before the end of spring training. Wheeler continues to work towards an April return, which could make him a top starting pitcher again this season. He remains an injury risk, but all signs so far have been positive that he'll be back in the Phillies' rotation sooner rather than later. He can be a fantasy ace when healthy, so keep a close eye on his recovery as it progresses.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Todd Zolecki
March 12, 2026
Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin finished Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers with a power-play assist. He set up Ryan Leonard for a goal midway through the first period to give Washington the lead, but the team's offense was flat for the rest of the contest. Before Wednesday night, Ovechkin went scoreless for three games, and he's had a tough time making an impact since the Olympic break finished. Over the past seven games, Ovechkin has tallied just two goals and one assist. Nonetheless, at 40 years old, the veteran star has maintained a solid level of performance in 2025-26. With 66 games played, Ovechkin has contributed 24 goals and 27 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 12, 2026
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson extended his career-high road point streak to 10 games with an assist in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. He helped Juraj Slafkovsky open the scoring late in the first period. Another productive road outing would allow Hutson to match a franchise record among defensemen. He will have to wait for a bit for his chance to make history, as the Canadiens begin a three-game homestand on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. Hutson will enter the matchup with 66 points (11 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games. Only two blue-liners in the league have recorded more points this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 12, 2026
Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov played a key role in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators, finishing with two points. The Russian talent became the second rookie this season with 50 points, assisting Juraj Slafkovsky in the first period and netting the game-winning goal with 7:20 played in the third. Demidov is neck and neck with Anaheim's Beckett Sennecke in the race to finish first in scoring among rookies. Both players have 51 points. Demidov has reached the mark with 14 goals and 37 assists in 64 games. He has been a bit quiet in recent months, notching points in back-to-back games only two times in 2026.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 12, 2026
Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz committed his long-term future to the team, signing an eight-year, $64 million contract extension on Wednesday. He is currently on a seven-year, $40.95 million deal, which will expire this offseason. Without an extension, Schmaltz would have been a very attractive free agency target for teams. He's enjoyed a great spell with his current franchise, posting a new career high with 63 points last season. A year later, Schmaltz is well on track for another career high, sitting on 59 points (24 goals, 35 assists) through 65 games. He has already established his new single-season record with 24 goals.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 12, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam (knee) is likely to miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, as the team has listed him as doubtful on the injury report. The star forward is nursing a right knee sprain. With Siakam out,
Obi Toppin jumped into the starting lineup on Monday against the Sacramento Kings, but he's carrying a minutes restriction and was limited to 14:42 of action. Still, Toppin collected 17 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Even with a limited workload, Toppin can make an impact, but there's no guarantee it will happen again on Thursday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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