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
March 12, 2026
Atlanta Hawks guard
Dyson Daniels (toe) is carrying a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. He has sprained his left big toe and could be absent for only his fourth game of the season. If Daniels can't play on Thursday night,
CJ McCollum will pick up a few extra minutes. Meanwhile,
Gabe Vincent and
Corey Kispert could contribute more off the bench. Brooklyn will roll out a weakened lineup and is a 14.5-point underdog for this game, making this a very attractive fantasy matchup for Atlanta's second unit, which is likely to see more playing time in a blowout situation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday's clash against the Atlanta Hawks. Brooklyn's leading scorer has sustained a right ankle sprain. Porter Jr.'s earlier absences this season have given
Danny Wolf an opportunity to join the starting lineup. The 21-year-old rookie has averaged 11.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks as a starter.
Jalen Wilson and
Chaney Johnson are also players who could have increased roles due to Porter Jr.'s absence. Additionally, players like
Noah Clowney, Nicholas Claxton, and
Drake Powell may receive more offensive touches.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks point guard
Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report for Thursday's contest against the Miami Heat. Porter Jr. has missed four games due to right knee synovitis, and the team has immediately ruled him out each time. The fact that he's listed as questionable on the initial injury report for Thursday is a sign that Porter Jr. has made progress and might be ready to return to the court. With Porter Jr.'s return,
Ryan Rollins is in danger of landing back on the bench. However, Rollins will continue to have a significant role in the rotation. When it comes to playing time, Porter Jr.'s addition to the lineup could affect
Ousmane Dieng the most.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (quadriceps) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. After shaking off a rib injury, Herro is dealing with a sore left quadriceps and exited the lineup for Monday's game against the Washington Wizards. In his absence,
Kasparas Jakucionis received the starting nod, contributing five points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes. With
Andrew Wiggins (toe) and
Norman Powell (groin) also out, Miami's offense centered around
Bam Adebayo, who had a historic 83-point outing. Due to the injury situation, players like
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and
Pelle Larsson are also positioned to play larger roles on the offensive end.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Boston Celtics guard
Derrick White (knee) might miss Thursday's showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder after the team listed him as questionable for the game. White has been part of the Celtics lineup in all but two games this season, but a right knee contusion might force him to sit out Thursday. With
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) also questionable,
Jaylen Brown and
Payton Pritchard (neck) may have a very heavy offensive workload. At the same time,
Baylor Scheierman, Huge Gonzalez, and
Sam Hauser will be candidates for more playing time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Boston Celtics forward
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After recovering from a torn Achilles, Tatum made his season debut last week and has played in three consecutive games. While Thursday's matchup isn't part of a back-to-back, it seems Boston could sit Tatum to manage his workload. In each of his first three appearances, Tatum has logged 27 minutes, averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Sam Hauser,
Baylor Scheierman, and
Hugo Gonzalez could have larger roles without Tatum, especially if
Derrick White (knee) also misses Thursday's game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 12, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka has climbed up the depth chart and could open next season as
Baker Mayfield's No. 1 target in the passing game. Legendary wide receiver
Mike Evans recently signed with the 49ers after 12 years in Tampa Bay, leaving Egbuka and
Chris Godwin Jr. atop the wide receiver depth chart. Both Egbuka and Godwin had their ups and downs last season, but the former has significantly greater upside and offers more of a threat to make big plays in contested one-on-one scenarios downfield. In other words, he edges out Godwin in terms of the superstar potential needed to fill the void of someone like Evans. The former Ohio State first-round pick finished his rookie campaign with 63 catches, 938 yards, and six touchdowns. He was the overall WR23 in PPR leagues, and that was after he came back down to earth during the second half of the season. Through the first five weeks of his rookie season, he had ranked as the WR3 in PPR leagues. Egbuka has already shown that he can be a top-five fantasy receiver, so we wouldn't be totally surprised if he returns to that form as the post-Evans era gets underway in 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Arizona Cardinals running back
Trey Benson (knee) seemed like an intriguing buy-low candidate in fantasy football entering this offseason, but his upside has been squandered following the Cardinals' backfield roster moves so far in free agency. The Cardinals restructured a deal to keep
James Conner in Arizona, signed
Tyler Allgeier, and also brought back
Zonovan Knight. Their urgency to put pen to paper with three different running backs could spell disaster for Benson going forward, and even though he's not a cut or trade candidate, he could be falling out of favor in Arizona, where new head coach Mike LaFleur is starting to put his own print on the offense. In his second pro season last year, Benson, a former third-round pick, amassed 160 rushing yards and 64 receiving yards over four games (one start). Just as he was starting to take on a larger role with Conner injured, Benson suffered a knee injury of his own and missed the rest of the season. At this point, it seems like the best-case scenario for Benson is the third-string running back role, and even that's not guaranteed after Knight signed his deal. Dynasty managers should hold Benson for now; he has minimal fantasy football trade value, but at just 23 years old and one year removed from being a backup running back, it's too soon to cut bait entirely.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
Washington Commanders running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt currently sits atop the depth chart as the new league year gets underway. With
Chris Rodriguez Jr.,
Austin Ekeler, and
Jeremy McNichols all departing for free agency, Croskey-Merritt remains the lone holdover from Washington's 2025 backfield. That could change via free agency, the NFL Draft, or even a trade, but for now, it appears that Croskey-Merritt has an early leg up on the backfield competition for 2026. He's coming off a solid rookie season in which he amassed 873 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. We should also note that it's not like Washington is just waiting to bring back some of its familiar faces, either. Rodriguez has already signed with Jacksonville, and it seems unlikely that Ekeler will return to Washington following his Achilles injury. Dynasty managers should hold Croskey-Merritt for now. Although he could be a buy-low candidate, there's also the risk of his value slipping if Washington does make a running back splash in the next month or so.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 12, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings have released safety Harrison Smith, according to an announcement on the team's official website. Smith's release will be categorized as the post-June 1 variety, which allows the Vikings to release him immediately while still spreading his cap hit over two seasons. A defensive legend in Minnesota, Smith has spent his entire 14-year career with the Vikings, amassing 207 appearances, 203 starts, and six Pro Bowl nods. He remained effective at 36 years old last season, producing two interceptions, 10 passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one sack, and 54 tackles. The Vikings' announcement describes Smith's release as procedural and leaves the door open for him to sign a different contract that would bring him back to Minnesota for a 15th season. If he does choose to continue his NFL career, he'll have the option to explore opportunities with all 32 NFL teams. However, it's difficult to envision him wearing anything other than purple and gold.
--Andersen PickardSource: Craig Peters
March 11, 2026
The Chicago Bears have signed free agent offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. to a one-year contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Wills was the Cleveland Browns' No. 10 overall pick back in 2020, and he was talented enough for the Browns to exercise his fifth-year option. However, injuries have limited him to just 13 games (12 starts) over the last three seasons combined. Specifically, Wills dealt with a nagging knee injury that resulted in him sitting out the entire 2025 season as a free agent. Signing an NFL contract is a step in the right direction for Wills, but his role is far from guaranteed. He'll need to prove that he's both healthy and productive as the Bears look to build a strong offensive line that will get them back into the playoffs for the second consecutive season. For now, Wills projects as a backup tackle with additional upside. Chicago currently has Theo Benedet and Darnell Wright at the left and right tackle spots, respectively.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
March 11, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts have signed free agent defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Terms and duration of the contract weren't disclosed, but it's likely a short-term deal, especially since Nnadi has signed a one-year contract in each of the previous four offseasons. That strategy paid off for him last year, as he initially signed with the Jets but then was traded to Kansas City, where he had spent his first seven NFL campaigns. With the Chiefs last year, he made 15 appearances (11 starts) while amassing 16 tackles and one quarterback hit. He's not a major pass-rush threat, tallying just one sack over the last four years. However, he still offers solid depth in the Colts' defense behind dependable veteran DeForest Buckner.
--Andersen PickardSource: Aaron Wilson
March 11, 2026
The Washington Commanders have signed free agent defensive lineman Charles Omenihu to a one-year, $4 million deal that has a maximum value of $7 million, according to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. A former fifth-round pick out of Texas, Omenihu has spent time in the NFL with the Texans, 49ers, and Chiefs. Across 17 games (zero starts) in Kansas City last year, he amassed 3.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and 28 tackles. The Commanders and defensive-minded head coach Dan Quinn had been in search of pass-rush reinforcements on the defensive line, so the Omenihu signing makes plenty of sense. He projects as a rotational piece alongside fellow free agent additions K'Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh.
--Andersen PickardSource: Cameron Wolfe
March 11, 2026
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are signing defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson to a one-year deal worth $10 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The deal is fully guaranteed and represents a raise from the
$8.5 million he was projected to earn in 2026 before he was released by the Carolina Panthers. Not only will the veteran lineman get a salary bump, but he'll also remain in an NFC South division that has served him well to this point. Through 33 games (32 starts) with the Panthers over two seasons, he amassed one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, eight sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 145 tackles. In Tampa Bay, he projects to earn a starting spot along a Bucs defensive line that already features Calijah Kancey.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
March 11, 2026
The Green Bay Packers have signed defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a two-year, $23 million contract, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Hargrave, a two-time Pro Bowler, now stays in the NFC North after spending 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings. In the purple and gold, he amassed one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 3.5 sacks, and 52 total tackles across 16 games (15 starts). Even at 33 years old, Hargrave has remained a very productive staple among NFL defensive lines, and he'll cash in with a new deal that pays him eight figures annually. He projects to earn a starting spot alongside Devonte Wyatt in new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's system. It's worth noting that this is a reunion of sorts between coach and player, as Gannon was Hargrave's defensive coordinator in Philadelphia from 2021 through 2022.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
March 11, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers right winger Owen Tippett scored an empty-net goal and added an assist as the Flyers defeated the Capitals by a score of 4-1 on Wednesday. Tippett assisted on a Trevor Zegras goal to make it 2-1 in the second period, and then his empty-netter with one minute left in the third period helped seal a 4-1 victory for the Flyers. He now has 21 goals and 39 points for the Flyers, which is the third-most points for the Eastern Conference club.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 11, 2026
Ottawa Senators right winger Drake Batherson had two goals, but it wasn't enough as his team lost a tight 3-2 game to the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night. Both his goals came in quick succession late in the first period, one on a deflection and one on a tip-in, but Ottawa was not able to hold on to the 2-1 lead. Batherson is having another fine season with 25 goals and 32 assists, which is good for second on his team in points.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 11, 2026
Former Miami Dolphins defensive end Bradley Chubb agreed to a three-year, $43.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal is worth up to $52.5 million and includes $29 million guaranteed. Chubb, who began his career with the Denver Broncos in 2018 after they took him with the fifth overall pick out of North Carolina State, will stay in the AFC East. The two-time Pro Bowler was with Miami the last four seasons but didn't play at all in 2024 due to a torn ACL in his knee. Chubb looked good in his return in 2025, finishing with 47 tackles (24 solo), 8.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, and a fumble recovery in 17 starts. The Bills are hoping that the 29-year-old pass-rusher will be even better another year removed from his torn ACL. Chubb had a career-high 12 sacks in his rookie campaign in Denver and had 11 sacks for Miami in 2023. He'll help bolster a defensive line in Buffalo that already includes Ed Oliver, Greg Rousseau, and Michael Hoecht.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 11, 2026
The San Francisco 49ers acquired defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday in exchange for a third-round pick in this year's NFL draft, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Odighizuwa has been pretty steady in his first five years in the NFL (all with Dallas), totaling 216 tackles (115 solo), 17 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, 81 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 84 games (76 starts). The 27-year-old former third-round selection out of UCLA in 2021 had 44 tackles (16 solo), 3.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, and 23 QB hits in 17 games for the Cowboys last year. He had offseason elbow surgery but is expected to be fine for the offseason program this spring. Odighizuwa just signed a four-year, $80 million deal with the Cowboys last offseason. While he's not flashy, he'll bring stability to a Niners defense that was wrecked by injuries in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 11, 2026
Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Kyler Murray (foot) will visit with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. Minnesota is offering a starting spot as they look to challenge first-round QB
J.J. McCarthy, and a deal with Murray could be finalized in the next 24 hours. However, Murray and his representatives are also expected to explore several options as a backup in 2026 for teams that could need a starting signal-caller in 2027. The Vikings are the 28-year-old Murray's best chance for a starting gig right away and to rehab his fantasy football value after he played in only five games in 2025 due to a foot sprain. Injuries have been an issue for the former No. 1 overall pick out of Oklahoma, but when healthy, he offers plenty of dual-threat abilities and would have a strong WR duo to work with in
Justin Jefferson and
Jordan Addison. If Murray signs with the Vikings, he'll be one of the most obvious QB bounce-back candidates in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
March 11, 2026
The New England Patriots agreed to terms on an undisclosed deal with free-agent tight end
Julian Hill on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Hill will stay in the AFC East and will join the division-rival Patriots after spending the first three years of his career with the Miami Dolphins, where he caught a total of 33 passes for 288 yards and no touchdowns on 48 targets over 45 games (26 starts). The former undrafted free agent out of Campbell University had career-highs in catches (15), targets (20), and receiving yards (140) in 14 games for the Dolphins in 2025. The 25-year-old won't have any real fantasy appeal going into next season in Boston, but he'll help fill a blocking role behind starter
Hunter Henry to help make up for the loss of
Austin Hooper, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
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