RADIO
Malik Nabers Needs to Take Contact Before Being Cleared for Week 1
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) has taken part in team periods over the past two practices as he works his way back from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 season, but until he sheds the red non-contact jersey he's worn since his return, he will not be cleared to play in the team's season opener against the Cowboys. Speaking with the media on Tuesday, head coach John Harbaugh said, "He won't go through the rest of the summer in a red jersey... He's going to have to get bumped around and hit and fronted up. You just have to feel that and know how to deal with it to protect yourself." Harbaugh added, "I've always been hopeful that he would play in [Week 1 of] the regular season... Still don't know for sure, so we just have to see where we go day to day." Nabers' progress has been encouraging, but with one more significant hurdle to clear before the regular season, his status will need to be monitored throughout the end of camp.
Source: Ryan Dunleavy
Source: Ryan Dunleavy
Omarion Hampton Sets the Tone in Joint Practice
The Los Angeles Chargers hosted the San Francisco 49ers for a joint practice on Tuesday, and the loudest ovation of the day came on a tone-setting run from second-year running back Omarion Hampton. Reportedly welcoming contact all day, Hampton drew the attention of onlookers and teammates alike by plowing through 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown during a full-team drill, later earning the praise of quarterback Justin Herbert. "He's incredibly tough. He leads by example and doesn't say much, but what he does on the field is so loud," Herbert told reporters after practice. "Guys respect him and it's so cool to hand him the ball and see what he's able to do. He's an incredible athlete, incredible competitor and I'm glad he's on my side of the ball." Hampton missed eight games as a rookie with an ankle injury, but a popular breakout candidate in a revamped Chargers offense, he is RotoBaller's RB11 in 2026.
Source: Eric Smith & Omar Navarro
Source: Eric Smith & Omar Navarro
Titans Sign Veteran Running Back D'Ernest Johnson
Veteran running back D'Ernest Johnson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. Tony Pollard (foot), Nicholas Singleton (undisclosed/foot), and Kalel Mullings (hip) all missed Monday's practice, so Johnson brings much-needed training camp depth to a position stretched thin of late, providing the added bonus of extensive special teams experience throughout his seven-year career. While unlikely to find a long-term role in Tennessee's running back room, Johnson's presence could help to lighten the load on fourth-year player Tyjae Spears, who saw the bulk of Monday's work as one of the remaining healthy backs on the roster, and from whom big things are expected in the passing game if he can stay healthy in 2026.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Tyler Biadasz Suffers Significant Knee Injury
Los Angeles Chargers center Tyler Biadasz (knee) was carted off the field during Tuesday's joint practice with the 49ers, and NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reports that while the team is still gathering medical information, there is a belief that the former Pro Bowler will miss significant time after damaging several ligaments in his knee. The Chargers signed Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal this offseason in an attempt to bring stability to an offensive line that was struck hard by injuries in 2025. More testing will need to be done to determine the exact severity of the injury, but Garafolo does not rule out the possibility that it could end Biadasz's first season with the Chargers. UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Biadasz is out indefinitely after suffering damage to his ACL and other injuries to his left knee on Tuesday.
Source: Mike Garafolo
Source: Mike Garafolo
Mike Washington Jr. Making the Most of His Reps
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. impressed in the team's preseason opener, breaking a long run and racking up 63 yards on six attempts, and he carried that momentum into Tuesday's joint practice with the Texans. Raiders reporter Levi Edwards credited Washington with running with finish and physicality and making the most of his reps, and head coach Klint Kubiak spoke after practice about the fourth-rounder's growth path. "I think you saw today what you see in practice [every day]. Very few guys just rise to the occasion and become gamers," Kubiak told the media. "They have to show it to you in practice first. Mike has done it in practice. He's done it in the game, and we've just got to keep challenging him and putting more on his shoulders." After touching the ball 321 times as a rookie, 2025 first-round pick Ashton Jeanty is expected to handle close to an every-down role in his second season, capping Washington's standalone value. Still, as an insurance back, the first-year player has already shown an ability to take advantage of the opportunities presented.
Source: Levi Edwards
Source: Levi Edwards
Alvin Kamara Expected to Be Sidelined at Least a Month
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) left Tuesday's joint practice with the Cowboys, and he is now expected to be sidelined for at least a month after being diagnosed with a sprained MCL, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The five-time Pro Bowler dealt with a similar injury last season that kept him out of the final six games, and despite the fact that the Saints signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million contract in free agency, Kamara was expected to have a significant role in Kellen Moore's up-tempo offense. New Orleans opens the regular season against the Detroit Lions on September 13, and Kamara's status is now in doubt not only for that game but, at 31 years old, concerns about any lingering health issues are amplified. Amid what had been reported as a strong training camp, Kamara had risen to RotoBaller's RB53, but Wednesday's injury update will likely see him fall off draft boards entirely.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Makai Lemon Could Be Nearing a Return
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring) has missed valuable training camp time with a hamstring injury, but after taking part in on-field rehab work during Monday's practice, Eagles beat reporter EJ Smith believes he is closing in on a return to full participation. Lemon has been sidelined since early August, and Smith cautions that because his role within Sean Mannion's offense appears to be so specific, he could still need significant time to work through the details before cracking the starting lineup. Lemon was the 20th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and his selection was part of a plan to replace the production of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown, but his absence has created an opportunity for Dontayvion Wicks to claim the second spot alongside DeVonta Smith in two-receiver sets. While he could still find fantasy relevance late in the year, Lemon has fallen to RotoBaller's WR47 for 2026 drafts. UPDATE: Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports reports that Lemon was listed as limited on Wednesday but was not in uniform.
Source: EJ Smith
Source: EJ Smith
Woody Marks Runs the Majority of Routes in Joint Practice
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks was one of the most prolific pass-catching backs in college football history, racking up more than 245 receptions across his time at Mississippi State and USC. As a rookie in 2025, he caught only 24 passes, as injuries at the position forced him into more of a between-the-tackles role. The addition of veteran David Montgomery via trade should allow Marks to slip back into a more natural receiving capacity in 2026, and during Tuesday's joint practice with the Raiders, it was the second-year back who ran the majority of routes out of the backfield. Dating back to his final season with the Bears, Montgomery has topped 35 receptions only once in the past four seasons, leaving ample opportunity for Marks to carve out a well-defined role as the Texans' second back. With the safe floor provided by his receiving work, Marks has the potential to work his way into the weekly flex conversation, while his built-in insurance upside makes him an even more attractive late-round option as RotoBaller's RB47.
Source: Elite Takes
Source: Elite Takes
Texans Keeping David Montgomery Fresh Through Limited Touches
Throughout much of training camp, Houston Texans running back David Montgomery has had his workload managed, with the coaching staff aiming to keep him fresh for the regular season. During Tuesday's joint practice with the Raiders, however, he provided a reminder of what he can do when unleashed, with Texans analyst John Harris calling him the story of the day. Montgomery impressed with his combination of physicality and burst, taking a number of carries through the teeth of the Raiders' defense. In what was one of Montgomery's most active days of camp, it was still second-year running back Woody Marks who saw the majority of passing work, perhaps offering an indication of how offensive coordinator Nick Caley intends to deploy his backs in the regular season. Montgomery has topped 35 receptions only once in the past four seasons, averaging 27.5 catches per year over that span, but with an expectation to see most of the Texans' high-value red zone carries, he still offers spike week potential from the middle rounds of 2026 drafts, making RotoBaller's RB21 an attractive option as a second running back or flex play.
Source: John Harris
Source: John Harris
Tre Tucker to Operate as WR1 in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker was heavily utilized in the team's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Tucker caught two passes for 21 yards on the team's opening drive and appears poised for a major role in new head coach Klint Kubiak's offense. Tucker played 9/10 snaps with the first-team offense, while Jalen Nailor (8) and Jack Bech (5) each played a role as well. The former third-round pick had a solid 2025 season, hauling in 57 of 92 targets for 696 yards and five touchdowns, despite the Raiders' struggles on offense. If Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza can find a rhythm in Kubiak's new offense, Tucker could have a breakout season as the clear lead wideout. Ranked WR65 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Tucker can easily outperform his ADP in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashod Bateman Listed as Starter on Ravens Unofficial Depth Chart
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman was listed as a starter on the team's unofficial depth chart. Alongside 2025 leading receiver Zay Flowers, Bateman was ranked ahead of standout rookie Ja'Kobe Lane and Devontez Walker. While Lane has been stealing the headlines at Ravens' training camp, Bateman still has the coaching staff's trust and has been working with the first-team offense. Bateman told the media earlier in camp that offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has been using the former first-round pick in the slot much more than in previous seasons. Bateman is looking to bounce back in 2026 after a down season, totaling just 224 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. Currently ranked WR74 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Bateman could be a solid late-round pick if he stays ahead of Lane in the rotation this season.
Source: Baltimore Ravens
Source: Baltimore Ravens
Elic Ayomanor Seeing Plenty of First-Team Reps
Despite not recording a catch, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor was highly involved in the team's 19-13 preseason victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Of 22 first-team snaps, Ayomanor played 16/22, tying rookie Carnell Tate (16) and trailing only Wan'Dale Robinson (17). The second-year receiver played more snaps than veteran Calvin Ridley (7), who played the first drive, then didn't return, and fellow second-year wideout Chimere Dike (5). Training camp headlines said Ayomanor and Ridley were splitting first-team reps, but Ayomanor was far more of a factor than expected. While he may not be draftable in 2026, the Titans' lead wide receiver from the 2025 season is expected to be a piece of their new offense this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zachariah Branch Buried on Falcons' Depth Chart
Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch is currently in a reserve role and is not expected to carry a heavy workload early in the season. In the Falcons' preseason loss to the Denver Broncos, Branch caught two of four targets for six yards and added three rushing yards on his lone carry. The third-round pick saw just one of eight first-team snaps against the Broncos, with Drake London (2), Jahan Dotson (8), Olamide Zaccheaus (6), and Chris Blair (5) all playing more snaps with Tua Tagovailoa. While Branch has been amid hype this training camp, his role with the first-team offense was very limited in their first game action. His best chance to contribute will be to pass Zaccheaus and handle the slot workload while London and Dotson work the outside. Otherwise, fantasy managers should pivot to better options with higher opportunity than Branch.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alvin Kamara Avoids Major Injury, Expected to Miss a Few Weeks
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) is expected to miss a few weeks, according to Nick Underhill. Kamara left Tuesday's joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys but didn't suffer any tears or major injuries. Kamara suffered an MCL sprain toward the end of the 2025 season, causing him to miss the final six weeks. If it is another MCL sprain, it would be the fourth of his career, and at 31, recovery may take longer and returning to full speed could be slower. With the Saints' first matchup against the Detroit Lions less than four weeks away, Kamara could be a coin toss to play in Week 1. If the veteran misses time during the season, Travis Etienne would likely be asked to take on a bigger role, with both Kendre Miller (back) and Devin Neal (hamstring) banged up as well.
Source: Nick Underhill
Source: Nick Underhill
Nick Bosa Making Progress from Knee Tendinitis
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that edge rusher Nick Bosa (knee tendinitis) is doing better, with his symptoms improving. Bosa missed the past week due to knee tendinitis related to his ACL tear, which he suffered early last season. Shanahan said on Tuesday, "He's making a lot of progress. He's got a lot less irritation, soreness, tendinitis, whatever you want to call it, than he had last week. He's going in the right direction, and I see him similar to Christian [McCaffrey]." The 49ers reportedly struggled during their joint practice against the Los Angeles Chargers, getting beat consistently on edge sets and play-action passes. If Bosa can't return before they travel to Melbourne to face the Los Angeles Rams, they'll face a difficult challenge because of the Rams' outside zone runs and their effective use of play-action passes.
Source: David Lombardi - SF Standard
Source: David Lombardi - SF Standard
