Browns Hopeful To Have Full QB Room For Preseason Finale
Shedeur Sanders (oblique) and Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) have missed time in camp, while Kenny Pickett (hamstring) has been sidelined since late July. Veteran Joe Flacco has been the only consistent participant. With the regular season approaching, the Browns want extended looks at their depth chart behind Flacco. While none of the young quarterbacks project to hold redraft fantasy value, Sanders remains an intriguing dynasty stash given his pedigree and potential role in Cleveland's long-term plans.Source: Judy Battista
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is optimistic about having his full quarterback group available for the team's preseason finale. Rookies Montrell Johnson Jr. Leads Eagles Backfield on Saturday
Montrell Johnson Jr. had six carries for 20 yards in a 22-13 loss to the Browns on Saturday. The Eagles didn't run the ball much in general against Cleveland, with only 19 attempts across the whole team. Johnson tied with fellow back Keilan Robinson for the most carries for Philadelphia but managed to outrun him by 11 yards. The entire Philly offense was in shambles in Week 2 of the preseason, with seven drives going for less than five yards. Johnson is listed as the fourth RB on the Eagles depth chart, and the undrafted rookie will struggle to see touches behind more experienced players such as Saquon Barkley and AJ Dillon.Source: ESPN
Philadelphia Eagles running back Jeremy Pena Remains Out on Saturday
Jeremy Pena (illness) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. This marks the second game in a row that Pena has missed due to an illness. It doesn't sound like something that is going to land him on the injured list. For now, fantasy managers should consider Pena as day-to-day. Mauricio Dubon will draw another start at shortstop and bat seventh versus right-hander Rico Garcia on Saturday.Source: mlb.com
Houston Astros shortstop 49ers Patrick Taylor Jr. Exits With Shoulder Injury
Patrick Taylor Jr. (shoulder) was ruled out after leaving Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders. Taylor is battling with rookie Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James for depth roles behind Christian McCaffrey. The 27-year-old carried 39 times for 183 yards and one touchdown last season and is valued by the staff for his ability to contribute on special teams. While today's setback isn't ideal, Taylor still has a solid chance to make the roster as a depth option. He remains off the fantasy radar outside of deep dynasty formats tied to McCaffrey insurance.Source: Ian Rapoport
San Francisco 49ers running back De’Von Achane Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
De'Von Achane (lower body) is expected to miss some time this preseason after sustaining a soft-tissue injury to his lower body. Head coach Mike McDaniel downplayed concerns, saying he expects Achane to be ready for Week 1 against the Colts. Still, fantasy managers should track updates closely, as soft tissue injuries can linger. Before the setback, Achane was being drafted as an early second-round pick thanks to his explosive speed and big-play upside in Miami's dynamic offense. While his long-term outlook remains positive, his current ADP could dip slightly in upcoming drafts.Source: Cameron Wolfe
Miami Dolphins running back Ainias Smith Catches Touchdown in Week 2 of Preseason
Ainias Smith caught two passes on two targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's 22-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns. In a woeful showing for the Eagles passing game as a whole, Smith was the leading receiver for his team with this performance. His highlight play came in a nine-yard scoring catch from a Kyle McCord pass across the middle of the field just before halftime. The second-year wideout didn't get many snaps last year and is currently slotted as the sixth WR on Philly's depth chart. While he was the most productive receiver out there for the Eagles today, that's not saying much. Smith needs to get more involved in the offense before having any fantasy value for this upcoming season.Source: ESPN
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Philadelphia Eagles Defense Forces Two Turnovers Against Browns
Dillon Gabriel was intercepted by rookie safety Andrew Mukuba who ran the turnover back for a 75-yard touchdown-one of Philly's two scores on the day. Just a few minutes later, Mukuba also recovered a fumble in opposition territory on a bad handoff which set the Eagles up for their other touchdown. In the second half, the Browns offense was held to just three points, in part thanks to a Philadelphia fourth-down stop in the red zone. While the Eagles do face some tough offenses in the upcoming season, they had the fifth-most fantasy points at the D/ST position last year and are worth keeping an eye on for more favorable matchups in 2025.Source: ESPN
The Eagles defense and special teams unit was the highlight for Philadelphia in their 22-13 loss to the Browns in Week 2 of the preseason. On Cleveland's second drive of the game, quarterback Kyle McCord Struggles as Eagles Take First Preseason Loss
Kyle McCord completed 8-of-16 passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, and tacked on two rushing yards on a single attempt in Saturday's 22-13 loss to the Browns. Despite the lackluster stat line, McCord was actually Philly's leading passer of the game after relieving Dorian Thompson-Robinson midway through the second quarter. The Eagles offense struggled overall on the day, mustering just 88 yards on that side of the ball. Their longest drive-of 31 yards-resulted in their lone offensive touchdown, which was a nine-yard pass from McCord. The rookie sixth-round draft pick currently sits in the fourth QB spot on the depth chart, and likely won't get much playing time in the 2025 season.Source: ESPN
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Shane Bieber Dominant in Rehab Start, Nearing Blue Jays Debut
Shane Bieber (elbow) thrived in his third and likely final rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Friday. Bieber fired seven innings of shutout ball with six hits allowed and four strikeouts against no walks. The former AL Cy Young winner threw 90 pitches (64 strikes), which should put him in line to join the Blue Jays sometime next week. Bieber hasn't pitched in the majors since April 2, 2024, and has spent 15 months on the comeback trail from Tommy John surgery. He has yet to suit up for the Jays, who acquired him from the Cleveland Guardians at the July 31 trade deadline. Despite the long layoff, the 30-year-old comes with serious upside and could be an asset for Toronto and fantasy managers down the stretch.Source: MiLB.com
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Luka Doncic (knee) was injured during Saturday's EuroBasket exhibition versus Latvia after a Slovenian teammate fell on his right knee. Fortunately, the injury "is not believed to be serious," with NBA insider Marc Stein reporting Doncic was diagnosed with a contusion. The 26-year-old was moved to the Lakers ahead of last season's trade deadline after spending his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks. He appeared in 28 regular-season contests for Los Angeles, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals. With that in mind, he is arguably the top fantasy option in any format heading into the 2025 campaign, especially after he focused on his diet and conditioning this offseason. As far as his immediate future is concerned, he should be considered day-to-day, so there's a good chance he'll be ready to go when Slovenia faces Poland on August 28.Source: Marc Stein
Los Angeles Lakers guard Nationals to Release Nathaniel Lowe
Nathaniel Lowe. The team designated Lowe for assignment on Thursday, and he'll hit free agency once he clears waivers. Nobody is going to take on the remainder of Lowe's $10.3 million salary, so he's on his way to the open market after a disappointing few months with the Nationals. Lowe was a quality hitter with the Rangers from 2021-24, but after joining the Nationals in an offseason trade, he could only muster a .216/.292/.373 line with 16 homers, 68 RBI, and 50 runs scored in 490 plate appearances.Source: Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals announced that they have requested unconditional release waivers on first baseman Cody Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton Sitting on Saturday
Cody
Bellinger
and
designated
hitter
Giancarlo
Stanton
are
out
of
the
lineup
Saturday
against
the
St.
Louis
Cardinals.
Jasson
Dominguez
willread more...
New
York
Yankees
outfielder/first
baseman
Javier Baez Not in Lineup on Saturday
Javier Baez is out of the lineup for a meeting with the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Wenceel Perez will play center field and hit sixth against right-hander Zebby Matthews, and Trey Sweeney will handle shortstop and bat eighth. After recording an ugly .426 OPS in July, Baez has rebounded with an .830 mark over 13 games this month. It's been a resurgent season overall for Baez, who has bounced back from three straight awful years to hit a useful .271/.298/.429 with 11 homers, 49 RBI, 49 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 359 plate appearances.Source: MLB.com
Detroit Tigers outfielder/shortstop Josh Hader Unlikely to Return During Regular Season
Josh
Hader
(shoulder)
is
unlikely
to
return
in
the
regular
season,
Chandler
Rome
of
The
Athletic
reports.
Hader,
who
went
on
the
15-day
injured
list
on
Aug.
11
with
a
left
shoulder
capsuleread more...
Houston
Astros
closer
Jhoan Duran Will Be Available on Saturday
Jhoan Duran will be available out of the bullpen Saturday against the Washington Nationals, manager Rob Thomson told reporters. Duran left Friday's 6-2 win early after Paul DeJong lined a comebacker off his right ankle, but the hurler dodged an injury. He briefly dealt with a "dead foot," which has since gone away, Thomson said. While it wouldn't have been a surprise to see the Phillies hold him out as a precaution on Saturday, Duran will instead be there if they need him late in the game. The 27-year-old has 20 saves in 22 chances with a 1.86 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, 56 strikeouts, and 18 walks over 53 1/3 innings this season.Source: Charlotte Varnes - The Athletic
Philadelphia Phillies closer Ricky Pearsall to Make Preseason Debut
Ricky Pearsall is set to make his preseason debut after impressing at camp this offseason. The 24-year-old and 2024 first-round pick from Florida missed some early time with a hamstring tweak but is now considered one of the few starters not currently sidelined by injury. Pearsall is entering his second season, looking to build on a rookie campaign that saw him record 31 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games.Source: OurSF49ers
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver George Kittle to Make Preseason Debut
George Kittle is expected to make his preseason debut in the team's matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran is entering his ninth professional season at 31 years old after a stellar 2024 campaign in which he hauled in 78 receptions for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the league's best tight ends. Kittle, considered a stalwart and the heart of the team, will look to get some valuable reps ahead of the regular season.Source: OurSF49ers
San Francisco 49ers tight end Brock Purdy to Play One or Two Series in Preseason Debut
Brock Purdy is expected to play one to two series in the team's second preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, making his debut for the 2025 season. The outing will allow Purdy to get game reps and build chemistry with receivers following the offseason departure of star wideout Deebo Samuel Sr. San Francisco's injury woes continue as well, with wide receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) and running backs Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and rookie Jordan James (finger) all sidelined. Purdy is coming off a 2024 campaign where he threw for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.Source: Jennifer Lee Chan
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Bears Still Looking to Protect Caleb Williams' Blindside
Caleb Williams' blindside. While some of Williams' rookie mistakes were linked to last season's offensive line play, the unit is expected to improve significantly with the offseason additions of Pro Bowler Joe Thuney and center Drew Dalman. PFF has ranked it as the fourth-best offensive line in the NFL. Despite this, the starting left tackle spot remains an open race between incumbent Braxton Jones, rookies Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie, and former practice squad player Theo Benedet. Head coach Ben Johnson said that while the team hopes to find "the right guy" soon, the competition might extend into the regular season. Jones, a 2022 fifth-round pick, is working to re-establish himself after missing spring workouts due to a fractured ankle, while Benedet has impressed in recent practices, earning first-team reps.Source: Courtney Cronin
ESPN's Courtney Cronin reports that the Chicago Bears are still seeking clarity at the starting left tackle position, responsible for protecting quarterback Stefon Diggs Sits Out Preseason Game
Stefon Diggs (knee) is inactive for the team's second preseason game against the Vikings on Saturday. The veteran wideout avoided the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list in training camp as he continues to recover from a torn ACL he suffered last October. Diggs, who will turn 32 in November, is entering his 11th professional season after a 2024 campaign with the Houston Texans that saw him post 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns before his season-ending injury. He'll look to continue his comeback in the coming weeks and, barring any setbacks, he should be ready for Week 1.Source: Doug Kyed
New England Patriots wide receiver Brendan Donovan Remains Out on Saturday
Brendan Donovan (foot/groin) remains out of the lineup on Saturday against the New York Yankees. It's the second straight off night for Donovan, who is dealing with lingering pain in his left foot that has led to groin soreness. However, manager Oli Marmol has expressed confidence that Donovan will not require a trip to the 10-day injured list. With Donovan on the bench Saturday, shortstop Masyn Winn will take his place in the leadoff spot, and Thomas Saggese will play second base and hit seventh against southpaw Max Fried.Source: MLB.com
St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Denny Hamlin the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Source: Driver Averages
Surprise, surprise. Denny Hamlin is the heavy favorite to win this weekend's Cook Out 400 race at Richmond Raceway. Hamlin is one of the premier racers at short, flat tracks, and has been great at the venues that are comparable to Richmond this weekend, including a win at Martinsville and podium finishes at Bowman Gray and Phoenix. As far as Richmond specifically goes, there arguably isn't anyone better than Hamlin--especially right now. He has five career victories at this track and an average finish of 8.1 over his 36 career starts. Over the last eight races here, Hamlin has finished first or second six times, and also has a fourth-place result to his credit. Simply put, Richmond Raceway is Denny Hamlin's playground. As far as DFS goes this weekend, Hamlin is a premier option, even as the highest-priced driver on the DraftKings slate (at a $11,000 salary).Saints Name Tyler Shough the Starter for Sunday
Tyler Shough will start Sunday's preseason matchup against the Jaguars. Shough and Spencer Rattler are locked in one of the league's closest quarterback battles, but Shough may be gaining the edge after leading last week's lone touchdown drive, a 54-yard strike to Mason Tipton. The rookie has the arm talent and supporting weapons to make noise if he secures the job. While he's off the radar in most formats, Shough could emerge as a sneaky QB2 in deeper leagues should he win the starting role.Source: New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore announced rookie Christopher Bell Has Been Great at Richmond
Source: ifantasyrace
If the NASCAR Cup Series is at a short, flat track, Christopher Bell is always a solid option. That's exactly the case at Richmond Raceway this weekend. Over his eight career starts here with Joe Gibbs Racing, Bell has just one finish worse than sixth. In last year's race, he started fifth, won Stage 1, and led 122 laps en route to a sixth-place finish when it was all said and done. This weekend, Bell starts eighth and should be a contender all night long in Richmond. His long-run speed looked solid during practice on Friday and his falloff looked great, which should pay high dividends on Saturday night. At $10,800 on DraftKings, Christopher Bell is one of the highest-priced drivers on the DFS slate, but he has some Place Differential room and is also a prime dominator contender behind his teammate, Denny Hamlin. Remember, CBell won the All Star Race and Phoenix this season, and also finished second at Martinsville, all of which compare nicely to Richmond. Kyle Stowers Out Saturday With Left-Side Tightness
Kyle Stowers (side) is out of the lineup Saturday against the Boston Red Sox with tightness in his left side, manager Clayton McCullough told reporters. There's no indication that Stowers will require a stint on the 10-day injured list, as McCullough said he's sitting Saturday as a precaution. While Stowers has slumped to a .228/.308/.386 line in 15 games this month, this season has been a resounding success for the first-time All-Star. Stowers, 27, has slashed .288/.368/.544 with 25 homers, 73 RBI, 61 runs scored, and five stolen bases over 457 plate appearances. With Stowers taking a seat Saturday, Heriberto Hernandez will start in left field and hit sixth against right-hander Brayan Bello.Source: Daniel Alvarez-Montes
Miami Marlins outfielder Tyrese Haliburton No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Tyrese
Haliburton
(Achilles)
is
making
progress
toward
an
eventual
return
to
the
court.
The
25-year-old
suffered
a
torn
right
Achilles
tendon
during
the
Game
7
NBA
Finals
loss
to
the
Oklahoma
City
Thunder,read more...
Indiana
Pacers
guard
Tyler Goodson Exits With Elbow Injury
Tyler Goodson (elbow) left Saturday's preseason matchup with Green Bay and will not return. The 24-year-old has carved out a role on special teams while contributing 240 rushing yards on 45 career carries. Entering 2025, Goodson is competing with rookie DJ Giddens for the backup role behind Jonathan Taylor. With Giddens impressing in camp and Goodson now sidelined, his fantasy outlook takes a hit. Unless he secures the No. 2 role, Goodson should be avoided in fantasy drafts outside of the deepest formats.Source: James Boyd
Indianapolis Colts running back Nick Castellanos Sitting on Saturday
Nick Castellanos is out of the lineup against the Washington Nationals and right-hander Cade Cavalli on Saturday. Max Kepler will take over in right field in Castellanos' place and hit seventh. The 33-year-old Castellanos is mired in a horrible slump, having gone 25-for-138 (.181) with five home runs, 15 RBI, and 36:4 K:BB in 35 games since the beginning of July. Overall, he owns a .252/.290/.405 line - among the worst of his career - with 15 homers, 60 RBI, 57 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 487 plate appearances.Source: MLB.com
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Richmond Raceway has been an interesting track for Ryan Blaney, and not in a good way. In 17 career starts at "The Action Track," Blaney has just three top-10 finishes to his credit and has never ended up better than seventh.James Outman Recalled
James
Outman
from
Triple-A
St.
Paul.
He'll
take
the
roster
spot
of
outfielder
Alan
Roden
(thumb),
who
went
on
the
10-day
injured
list
on
Saturdayread more...
The
Minnesota
Twins
have
recalled
outfielder