Jerry Jones "Looking Forward" to Re-Signing George Pickens
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reiterated the team's desire to reach a long-term contract extension with impending free-agent wide receiver George Pickens, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "He's better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I'm looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy a long time," Jones said. In his first year with Dallas in 2025, Pickens led the Cowboys in receiving and earned second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors with a career-best 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on a career-high 93 receptions over 17 games. Jones and the Cowboys have a history of dragging out extensions for their star players, though, so nothing is guaranteed for Pickens. However, in Pickens' case, the team seems likely to use the franchise tag to keep him around in 2026 if an extension cannot be reached. If Pickens is in Dallas next season, he'll be a clear WR1 target in fantasy drafts.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
Robert Spillane Questionable to Play in Super Bowl
New England Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle) was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday this week and is officially questionable to play on Sunday in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks, per the NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. Linebacker Harold Landry (ankle) is also questionable. The 30-year-old Spillane injured his ankle in the AFC Championship game victory over the Denver Broncos. If Spillane is limited or unable to play at all on Sunday, it would be a pretty notable loss for the Patriots' defense. Spillane finished his first regular season with the Pats with 97 tackles (48 solo), one sack, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 13 starts. Jack Gibbens would make the start at inside linebacker against the Seahawks if Spillane is inactive.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Drake Maye Good to Go Against Seahawks
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (shoulder) practiced in full all week and has been cleared to play in Super Bowl LX on Sunday versus the Seattle Seahawks. Maye was listed as questionable at the end of last week after suffering a minor right-shoulder injury in the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos, but the Patriots were never concerned that it would affect him going into the Super Bowl. The 23-year-old second-year signal-caller out of North Carolina led the NFL with a 72% completion percentage in 17 regular-season games and finished as the QB3 in fantasy scoring, but he's completed only 55.8% of his passes for 533 yards, four touchdowns, and two picks in his first three playoff games. Maye has also fumbled six times (three lost) in the postseason. He'll need to be much better on Sunday against a Seattle defense that allowed the seventh-fewest passing TDs (20) during the regular season.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Nick Emmanwori Will Play on Super Sunday
Seattle Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori (ankle) was a full participant in Friday's practice and was removed from the final injury report for Super Bowl LX on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. Emmanwori suffered a low-ankle sprain in practice on Wednesday and was held out of Thursday's practice, but he's now ready to go this weekend. It's great news for a Seahawks defense that has been among the best units in the NFL all year. The 21-year-old Emmanwori was in contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 81 tackles (56 solo), 2.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, four QB hits, an interception, and 11 pass breakups in 14 regular-season games. He had a strong NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, too, with five tackles (four solo) and three pass breakups. Emmanwori will hope to make life difficult for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in the Super Bowl.
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Sam Darnold Cleared for Super Bowl LX
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) practiced in full for a second straight day on Friday and was removed from the final injury report ahead of Super Bowl LX on Sunday versus the New England Patriots. Darnold suffered a left-oblique injury in practice just days before the team's Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers, but it hasn't affected him in two playoff victories on the road to the Super Bowl. The 28-year-old signal-caller has gone 37-for-53 for 470 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in wins over the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in the postseason, and his oblique injury should not be an issue at all this weekend. He'll be facing off against a Patriots defense on Sunday that allowed the ninth-fewest passing yards during the regular season, although their schedule was extremely soft. His counterpart, Drake Maye, will be the more popular DFS play in the Super Bowl because he finished as the QB3 in fantasy during the regular season, but Darnold has looked much sharper than Maye in the playoffs.
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Ben Rice to Lose Playing Time With Veteran First Baseman Returning?
The New York Yankees are bringing veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt back on a one-year deal, which could negatively affect the playing time for left-handed-hitting first baseman Ben Rice in 2026. Manager Aaron Boone said last month that Rice would play a lot against left-handed pitchers this year, but that could change a bit now that Goldy is back in the fold. Although Goldschmidt isn't the hitter he once was, he did kill southpaws in 2025 to the tune of a .336/.411/.570 slash line and .981 OPS in 168 plate appearances. The 26-year-old Rice hit only .208 against lefties in 119 regular-season plate appearances, although he did slug .481 against them with seven home runs. Goldy's return isn't great news for Rice's overall fantasy upside, but he will still be on the strong side of a platoon and can also pick up playing time behind the plate. RotoBaller considers Rice a top-10 first base option in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Paul Goldschmidt Returning to Yankees on One-Year Deal
Free-agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are finalizing an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 38-year-old veteran and former MVP will return to the Bronx after hitting .274/.328/.403 with a .731 OPS, 10 home runs, 45 RBI, 76 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 146 regular-season games and 534 plate appearances. The seven-time All-Star continued to decline offensively since winning the National League MVP award in 2022 with the St. Louis Cardinals, with his 10 homers being his fewest total since the shortened 2020 campaign. However, Goldy was money against left-handed pitchers last year, sporting a .336/.411/.570 slash line, .981 OPS, and seven of his 10 home runs against them in 168 plate appearances. He won't be a full-time player anymore, but Goldschmidt should be on the short side of a platoon at first base with the lefty-hitting Ben Rice.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
OG Anunoby Won't Play on Friday
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. He was initially listed as probable, but has now been downgraded to out for this game. It's not shocking to see the Knicks being cautious with Anunoby after he played 48 minutes during Wednesday's game. The absence of Anunoby should mean Mohamed Diawara will move into the starting five on Friday. The rookie forward hasn't seen a consistent role in the rotation this season. He finished with five points across 14 minutes of action on Wednesday. Josh Hart might end up benefiting the most, even with Diawara drawing the start.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tobias Harris is Cleared for Friday's Game
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Harris is returning to the court after missing Thursday's game due to a hip injury. He could see an uptick in playing time with Jalen Duren (knee) being ruled out for this game. Isaiah Stewart should shift over to the center spot, which could mean more total run for Harris at the forward position. This season, Harris is averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 27.7 minutes per game. He's not an elite option, but he is consistent enough to be trusted in most fantasy formats.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Duren is Ruled Out for Friday's Game
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Duren was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's contest due to a knee injury. As a result, Duren was questionable coming into this game and will ultimately sit out. Without Duren available, Isaiah Stewart figures to move into the starting five. Stewart has been an inconsistent fantasy contributor this season. He should be a safer option on Friday, given Duren is unavailable. He could be worth a look for fantasy managers seeking an option for Friday's slate. Ronald Holland II and Paul Reed could also see more minutes, but Stewart is probably the best option among the three.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Gary Harris is Returning on Friday
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Harris (hamstring) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Harris is making his return to the court after missing four games due to a lingering hamstring injury. Harris wasn't playing a huge role in the rotation before the injury, but could see more minutes now with Amir Coffey being traded away. This season, Harris is averaging 2.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14.9 minutes per game. His playing time figures to see an uptick, but it probably won't be enough to warrant rostering him in fantasy leagues right now.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jared McCain Expected to Make Team Debut on Saturday
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain doesn't appear on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. McCain was traded to the Thunder from the Philadelphia 76ers during Thursday's trade deadline. It appears McCain is set to make his team debut against the Rockets on Saturday. He could see a significant workload right away with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) both out. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking for a sneaky add might want to consider McCain. His value could fade once the Thunder gets healthy, but he figures to see consistent minutes right now.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Nate Garkow Receives Invitation to Spring Training
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Nate Garkow has received an invitation to big-league spring training this year, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. The 28-year-old had a solid 2025 season at High-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire, going 4-0 with a 3.19 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 86 strikeouts, and 31 walks in 53 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. He also added three saves. Garkow went undrafted out of Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, but he's impressed in his two minor-league seasons so far, going 8-0 with a 2.78 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 120:42 K:BB in 77 2/3 innings of relief. He will most likely be a long shot to win an Opening Day bullpen spot in Toronto, but if Garkow continues to get results on the farm, he could make his major-league debut for the Jays this year in a low-leverage bullpen role.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Isaiah Hartenstein is Ready for Saturday's Game
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (eye) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Hartenstein is back after sitting out Wednesday's game due to a corneal abrasion. He missed significant time due to a calf injury and has only played in three games since returning on January 29. During that span, Hartenstein is averaging 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 21.0 minutes of action. The expectation is that he'll likely remain on a minutes restriction for Saturday's game. That will hurt his value in DFS contests, but fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Hartenstein active this weekend.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Chet Holmgren is Cleared for Saturday's Game
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Holmgren sat out of Wednesday's contest for injury management reasons, but will return this weekend. He has been a key contributor for the Thunder this season. He's averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 29.2 minutes per game this season. His return to the rotation will shift Kenrich Williams back to the second unit. Fantasy managers can return the star big man to their lineups for Saturday's slate.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Emiliano Teodo Could be Bullpen Asset for Rangers
Texas Rangers right-handed pitching prospect Emiliano Teodo is fully healthy entering the 2026 season and could be a "bullpen asset with three weapons," according to MLB.com. Teodo was limited to just 30 minor-league innings last year due to a shoulder impingement, posting a 7.20 ERA and 1.87 WHIP with 38 strikeouts and 29 walks at the Rookie level, Double-A Frisco, and Triple-A Round Rock. The 24-year-old was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2020 for just $10,000. Teodo features a 97-99 mph sinker that touches 102, a tight upper-80s slider that falls off the table, and an upper-80s changeup with fade and depth. The hard-throwing pitching prospect is a volatile stash in dynasty/keeper leagues because of his control issues, but his pure stuff could earn him a call-up to the big leagues for the first time in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Julius Randle Cleared to Play Friday
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle (thumb) will play on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. He is ready to show his former team what they are missing, shedding a questionable tag Randle picked up because of a sore left thumb. Impressively, Randle has yet to miss any games this season. He's had a great campaign in Minnesota, though Randle's numbers have dipped slightly over the last 10 games. He has notched 20.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over that span.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves PR
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves PR
Bobby Portis is Available for Friday's Game
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Portis is back after missing each of the last two games due to a hip injury. The expectation is that he'll be a full-go and won't be limited after missing two games. This season, Portis is averaging 13.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. He has been playing more minutes lately, with 36 minutes or more in four of his last five games. Portis is looking like a solid streaming option ahead of Friday's slate.
Source: Tony East
Source: Tony East
Josh Hart Available Against Pistons
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (ankle) will suit up against the Detroit Pistons on Friday, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports. The versatile veteran is dealing with a sprained left ankle, but he is ready to play. New York listed Hart as questionable on the initial injury report before upgrading him to probable earlier in the day. Hart has averaged 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.0 steals across his last eight outings.
Source: Stefan Bondy
Source: Stefan Bondy
Junior Perez in the Running for Backup Outfield Spot
Athletics outfield prospect Junior Perez could be in the "running for a backup outfielder gig" at spring training this year, according to MLB.com. The A's aren't shy about fast-tracking young players, and Perez has impressive tools. The 24-year-old Dominican slashed .231/.348/.473 with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 87 RBI, 87 runs scored, and 27 stolen bases in 137 games with Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas in 2025 over 587 plate appearances. Perez walked 14.8% of the time, but the drawback was his 28.1% strikeout rate, which led to his low average at the plate. He also had a career-best contact rate (73.5%) and career-best swinging-strike rate (10.3%). The hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League may have inflated his counting stats, but nobody will argue that Perez doesn't have intriguing tools. In addition to his offensive skills, Perez is a good defender with a plus arm. He figures to get his first taste of the big leagues in another hitter-friendly ballpark in Sacramento in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Karl-Anthony Towns Ruled Out Friday
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (eye) won't play on Friday against the Detroit Pistons, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports. Due to a right eye laceration, the Knicks listed Toews as questionable on the initial injury report. He was downgraded to doubtful earlier on Friday and has now been ruled out. His absence will likely give Mitchell Robinson the starting center role, while Ariel Hukporti will get a chance to log extended minutes off the bench. Whether Robinson starts or not, his stats have stayed about the same throughout the season. Towns' first chance to return will be on Sunday against the Boston Celtics.
Source: Stefan Bondy
Source: Stefan Bondy
Connor Prielipp has the Arsenal to Start for the Twins
Minnesota Twins left-handed pitching prospect Connor Prielipp has the arsenal to start -- four-seam and two-seam fastballs, a slider, a changeup, and a curveball -- but he had thrown only 30 innings in the minors heading into last year since being drafted in 2022. Prielipp had Tommy John surgery back in 2021 and then needed an internal-brace procedure in July of 2023. The 25-year-old southpaw, who stands at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, recorded a 4.03 ERA and 1.51 WHIP with 98 strikeouts and 31 walks in 82 2/3 innings over 24 appearances (23 starts) in 2025 with Double-A Wichita and Triple-A St. Paul. It was encouraging that he got through a full season healthy, but his injury history could push the Twins to use him in shorter relief stints in 2026 if he's on the big-league roster. The former 48th overall pick struggled with control at Triple-A, but his 10.7 K/9 was encouraging. Prielipp is a pitching prospect to monitor in dynasty leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Josh Giddey Won't Play Saturday
Chicago Bulls point guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) won't be available on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets. A left hamstring strain will keep him off the floor for a sixth consecutive game. With Tre Jones (hamstring) also out, the Bulls debuted a new-look backcourt against Toronto on Thursday. Newly acquired Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey both started, with the former scoring a team-high 22 points. Ivey made an impact with 13 points and six assists. The two look like solid fantasy options again for Saturday's action.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Cameron Johnson Upgraded to Questionable
Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (knee) was upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Saturday's clash against the Chicago Bulls. He is closing in on his return to the lineup, and Johnson's comeback would come at a great time for the Nuggets, who have just lost Peyton Watson (hamstring) for several weeks. However, because he has not played since Dec. 23, Johnson will likely see limited minutes when he first comes back. Johnson has been inconsistent during his first year in Denver, averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 30.6 minutes per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Luinder Avila Seen as Potential Starting Pitcher
Kansas City Royals right-hander Luinder Avila made his major-league debut last year for 13 relief appearances and thrived, posting a 1.29 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 16 strikeouts in 14 innings. The Royals see Avila as a potential starter down the road, but the team's rotation is too crowded going into the 2026 season. The 24-year-old could force the Royals' hand for another bullpen spot on Opening Day, though, if he continues to impress during spring training. The Venezuelan hurler primarily features an 82-85 mph curveball that generated whiffs on 50% of swings last year. He also has mid-90s fastballs (four-seamer and sinker), and an occasional 86-88 mph changeup. Before getting his first big-league call-up last year, Avila had a 5.01 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 71 strikeouts and 26 walks in 59 1/3 innings over 17 outings (12 starts) for High-A Quad Cities and Triple-A Omaha. He's an intriguing pitching prospect to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nikola Jokic Considered Questionable for Saturday
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (ankle) is considered questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. After returning from a knee issue, Jokic has picked up an ankle injury. Since rejoining the lineup, Jokic has averaged 25.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 33.0 minutes per game. His absence on Saturday would open the door for extended minutes for Jonas Valanciunas and Zeke Nnaji, with the former set to move into the starting unit. As a starter this season, Valanciunas has pushed his productivity to 15.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Stephen Curry Out Saturday, Doesn't Have Timeline for Return
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (knee) doesn't have a timeline for his return, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The former MVP is set to miss a third straight game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Curry has been dealing with "runner's knee" for a while. With Curry sidelined, Gui Santos has made back-to-back starts, providing a little bit of everything. At the same time, backcourt players like De'Anthony Melton and Pat Spencer also have more fantasy appeal. They slotted into the starting lineup as well on Thursday against Phoenix, with Spencer producing a team-high 20 points.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Cade Winquest an Option for Yankees Opening Day Roster?
New York Yankees right-hander Cade Winquest, the team's Rule 5 pick from the St. Louis Cardinals, is trying to become the first Rule 5 pick to stick with the Yankees since Billy Parker in 1973. The 25-year-old former eighth-round pick in 2022 from the University of Texas at Arlington went 5-7 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 110 strikeouts and 39 walks in 106 innings over 25 appearances (23 starts) with High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield last year in the Cardinals organization. Winquest relies mostly on a mid-90s fastball and a big-breaking upper-70s curveball. He has a 4.19 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 219:92 K:BB in 212 2/3 frames in his three seasons in the minor leagues. MLB.com lists Winquest as a candidate to make a push for an Opening Day roster spot this year, but fantasy managers in single-year leagues can ignore him for now.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Miles McBride to Miss 6-8 Weeks
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (abdomen) will miss 6-8 weeks, SNY's Ian Begley reports. He could be out for the rest of the regular season following core muscle surgery. McBride's absence will leave the Knicks without an important rotational piece. The 25-year-old has averaged a career-high 12.9 points this season, along with 2.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists. However, the arrival of Jose Alvarado from New Orleans will help fill the backcourt void. Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson could also be more involved in the rotation going forward.
Source: Ian Begley
Source: Ian Begley
Rule 5 Pick Spencer Miles Could Earn Bullpen Spot With Toronto
Despite having only 14 2/3 innings of minor-league experience on his resume due to elbow and back injuries, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Spencer Miles could be a candidate to win an Opening Day bullpen spot if he impresses the coaching staff at spring training. The former fourth-rounder by the San Francisco Giants in 2022 out of Missouri went to Toronto in the Rule 5 draft primarily because of a mid-90s fastball, a high-spin curveball, a solid low-90s cutter, and an upper-80s changeup that he showed in the Arizona Fall League, according to MLB.com. Miles struck out 12 and only walked one in 8 2/3 frames in the AFL and has the stuff to make an impact at the big-league level. The lack of a track record probably makes him a long shot to be on the Opening Day roster, but the 25-year-old is a relief arm to keep an eye on in the Blue Jays' system in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
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