RADIO
Tyjae Spears Doesn't Finish Titans' Friday Scrimmage
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (soreness) did not finish Friday's team scrimmage, with head coach Robert Saleh later telling reporters that the fourth-year back is dealing with soreness and irritation. While the early exit does not sound like a long-term concern, much of Spears' NFL career has been defined by injuries so a quick return to the field is of the utmost importance amid what has been reported as a strong training camp to this point. After making at least 45 catches in two of his three seasons, the passing game is an area where he has stood out throughout the summer, and a defined receiving role could lead to unexpected fantasy viability in 2026. Sharing a backfield with veteran Tony Pollard and fifth-round pick Nicholas Singleton, Spears is going largely undrafted as RotoBaller's RB71. Still, with unrealized sleeper potential, his status is worth monitoring throughout the rest of camp.
Source: Turron Davenport
Source: Turron Davenport
Makai Lemon Still Not Practicing
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring) is once more absent from practice on Saturday, marking the fourth straight missed session as he deals with a hamstring injury. A first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the path was clear for him to immediately step into a sizable role following the departure of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown, but as he continues to miss time, trade acquisition Dontayvion Wicks has reportedly built a strong case to begin the year as the Eagles' second receiver alongside DeVonta Smith. Lemon worked primarily out of the slot at USC and still has the potential to earn a similar role in Philadelphia. Still, without regular usage in two-receiver sets, he could struggle to consistently deliver for fantasy. Lemon is RotoBaller's WR50, and after being billed as part of a big three for much of the pre-draft process, he's fallen well behind Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson in 2026 redraft rankings.
Source: Eliot Shorr-Parks
Source: Eliot Shorr-Parks
The Tush Push Isn't Going Away for the Eagles in 2026
First-year Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is the fifth person to hold that title in as many seasons, but in speaking with reporters on Friday, he shared that the tush push would remain a part of the team's offensive system in 2026. One of the more unique and controversial plays in the game, the modified quarterback sneak has made Jalen Hurts one of the most efficient fantasy performers near the goal line since the Eagles popularized the play in 2022. After a failed campaign to ban the tush push ahead of the 2025 season, Hurts ran for a five-year low of eight rushing scores, and following a quieter offseason, the play remains legal for 2026. The high floor and ceiling provided by Hurts' usage around the goal line make him a top-tier target once more in 2026 drafts, and he comes into the year as RotoBaller's QB6.
Source: Tim McManus
Source: Tim McManus
Garrett Wilson Displaying Clear Chemistry With Newest QB
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has never struggled to earn targets, though the quality of those looks has often left something to be desired from a fantasy perspective. A first-round pick in 2022, the start of his career did not align with quarterback Geno Smith's first stint with the Jets, but with the 35-year-old veteran now back with the team that drafted him, the two are making the most of their first training camp together and developing an obvious chemistry. While working on third-and-long situations on Friday, Smith was a perfect five of five when targeting Wilson in team sessions, and the ball has rarely touched the ground when he's gone that way throughout camp. With Justin Fields under center to begin 2025, Wilson started the year as the WR6 before a knee injury derailed his season after only five healthy games. Now, with the injury behind him and the potential beneficiary of improved quarterback play, he's being drafted as the WR19, making him one of the best potential values at the position in 2026 drafts.
Source: Amanda Vogt & Eric Allen
Source: Amanda Vogt & Eric Allen
Brian Thomas Jr. "Playing Confident Right Now"
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was on the receiving end of one of Trevor Lawrence's three touchdown passes during the team's annual Teal and White scrimmage, and as he has done for much of the summer, head coach Liam Coen spoke glowingly of the third-year player following the 90-minute mock game. "He's playing confident right now," Coen told reporters; a sentiment reinforced by Thomas in his own media availability. "I knew I had to be super-intentional about everything I did, whether it's staying locked in on catching the ball, staying locked into the catch point, or just being in the best shape I could be." As part of one of the league's deepest groups of pass catchers, Thomas has fallen to WR31 by current ADP, but throughout a strong training camp, the former Pro Bowler has shown signs that he could return to the difference-making form of his rookie season, making him one of the higher-upside swings in the middle rounds of drafts.
Source: John Oehser
Source: John Oehser
Stefon Diggs Already Seen as a "Different Caliber" of Player
Washington Commanders veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs practiced for the first time with his new team on Friday after signing a one-year deal on Wednesday. Although he was limited as part of his acclimation plan, the four-time Pro Bowler lived up to the hype, according to senior writer Zach Selby. Diggs moved around the field with infectious energy and ran crisp routes while displaying his signature quick hands during individual drills, with Selby noting that he immediately proved himself a different caliber of player. Diggs topped 1,000 yards in his lone season with the Patriots while playing in a rotational role in his first year back from the torn ACL sustained in 2024. Now, another year removed from the injury, the 32-year-old is looking to prove he still has plenty left in the tank, but a long offseason without a team has pushed his ADP down to WR52, and with the market often slow to adjust, Diggs could prove to be one of the best values in the later rounds of 2026 drafts.
Source: Zach Selby
Source: Zach Selby
DeMario Douglas the Star of Patriots Scrimmage
The New England Patriots held their second annual Blue and White team scrimmage under head coach Mike Vrabel on Friday, and the standout performer, according to senior reporter Evan Lazar, was wide receiver DeMario Douglas. The fourth-year player has earned praise from the local beat for running an expanded route tree throughout training camp, and that work paid off under game conditions, with Lazar noting that he made catches at all three levels of the field, including a deep ball in an end-of-game scenario and a touchdown from Tommy DeVito. Douglas saw only a 26% snap share in 2025 but has been operating as the primary slot receiver with the first-team offense and should see an uptick in usage in a role that has had some notable success in Josh McDaniels' offense. Falling outside of RotoBaller's top 300, Douglas is going largely undrafted in most single-season formats, but a strong training camp could lead to an increased role and occasional fantasy viability in 2026.
Source: Evan Lazar
Source: Evan Lazar
Jordan Mason Looking Good in Training Camp
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has been a standout at training camp and looks poised for a big 2026 season. According to the Purple Daily Podcast, Mason looks better than Jones, and "the way [Mason] is moving around, the way that he runs. I really like Jordan Mason as a fit in the new run scheme that the Vikings have with their new wide zone concepts." Last season, Mason totaled 758 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 16 games, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, while Jones averaged 4.2 yards per carry. While Mason doesn't offer much in the passing game, any improvement there could boost his stock, especially if the team improves on their abysmal showing in 2025. Ranked RB37 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Mason is a great value that could easily top his current price this season.
Source: Purple Daily Podcast
Source: Purple Daily Podcast
Kimani Vidal Still a Factor in Chargers Crowded Running Back Room
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is competing for touches in a crowded backfield. Vidal had a career year in 2025, posting 779 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 171 total attempts, doing most of his work while both Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Najee Harris (Achilles) were out. Now that former first-round pick Hampton is back and Keaton Mitchell has been added, Vidal is still fighting for his role in Los Angeles. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said the group of Hampton, Mitchell, and Vidal is "as deep and complementary a group that [he's] been around." Ranked RB73 by RotoBaller, Vidal is an option if Hampton or Mitchell were to struggle or miss time during the 2026 season.
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Brian Robinson Jr. Back With Second-Team Offense in Camp
After Atlanta Falcons superstar running back Bijan Robinson ended his holdout and signed a three-year, $75 million contract, Brian Robinson Jr. has returned to the second team in training camp. The former Commanders and 49ers running back has totaled 3,341 yards and 22 touchdowns in 58 NFL games. Robinson Jr. is coming off the worst statistical season of his career with San Francisco, finishing with just 425 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns despite playing all 17 games. Now in Atlanta, most speculate that he'll replace Tyler Allgeier, who was the Falcons' RB1B from 2023-2025. However, Allgeier's production has been far better than Robinson Jr.'s, and it's a whole new scheme with Kevin Stefanski in town. Fantasy managers should view Robinson Jr. as a handcuff in this offense and not expect much standalone value behind Bijan.
Source: Marc Ralmondi - ESPN
Source: Marc Ralmondi - ESPN
Ray Davis Expected to be Fine After Injury Scare
After a foot injury on Tuesday, Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (foot) returned to practice and is fine. Davis went down during an 11-on-11 drill with a lower-right-leg injury. He went to the medical tent, returned with tape on that foot/ankle, and had no serious injury. The former fourth-round pick struggled in 2025, totaling only 361 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in 17 games. As a direct handcuff to star running back James Cook, Davis has a tough time finding standalone value, with fellow backup Ty Johnson taking most of the receiving work in the offense. If Cook is injured, Davis would be a priority pickup; otherwise, he will likely be a non-factor in fantasy this season.
Source: Ty Dunne
Source: Ty Dunne
Tyreek Hill to Sign with Contender Midseason?
Former Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) is not expected to be ready for Week 1 as he prepares for his comeback after a gruesome knee injury. After five straight 1,000-yard seasons, Hill suffered a knee dislocation in Week 4 that involved multiple torn ligaments. In a training video, Hill said he has "no power" in his left leg as he continues to deal with the repercussions of a significant knee injury. At this point, Hill is unlikely to be on a roster by the start of the season, so a midseason signing with a contender makes the most sense. The Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, or a team with a major injury in its receiving room could call for Hill. Either way, the former superstar receiver could be a good stash in 2026 in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emmett Johnson Working with Second and Third Team in Camp
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has yet to emerge in training camp and has been working with the second- and third-team offenses. Johnson was drafted with the Chiefs' fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a strong final season at Nebraska. He totaled 1,821 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025, leading the Big Ten in rushing yards. Now behind Kenneth Walker III and Brashard Smith and competing with veteran Emari Demercado, Johnson appears likely to be a non-factor early in the season. Fantasy managers who draft the rookie running back should expect a slow start and a potentially increased role if injuries occur to backs above him on the depth chart.
Source: Ryan Dodson - Athlon Sports
Source: Ryan Dodson - Athlon Sports
Devaughn Vele Expected to be WR3 in Saints Offense
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele is expected to be the team's WR3 in 2026. Vele had just 293 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with the Saints, but he picked up steam at the end of the year. He totaled 19 of 26 targets for 239 yards and one touchdown in his final four games last season. While the additions of rookies Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance, and Barion Brown have increased the risk to Vele's stock entering his third season, his role in head coach Kellen Moore's offense seems cemented. With the injury history surrounding Tyson and current lead receiver Chris Olave, Vele could be in line for a major role in this offense if either were to miss time this season. Currently ranked WR86 in RotoBaller's rankings, Vele is a solid handcuff option to consider in deeper leagues.
Source: Grant Chachere - Sports Illustrated
Source: Grant Chachere - Sports Illustrated
Brenen Thompson Turning Heads at Training Camp
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson has made a strong start at training camp. Thompson has emerged as a standout story at camp, earning praise from coaches and teammates as he aims to carve out a role in a crowded receiver room. The fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft had an SEC-leading 1,054 receiving yards at Mississippi State last season and showcased his speed at the NFL Combine, running a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash. Under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who has proven to value speed in his offense, Thompson has an opportunity to compete for targets in 2026. As a late-round option for fantasy drafts this season, the rookie receiver could be a playmaker in McDaniel's offense and contribute to fantasy seasons in 2026.
Source: Nic Jennings - Roundtable
Source: Nic Jennings - Roundtable
