RADIO
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
Davis Allen Expected to Return "Within the Next Week"
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that tight end Davis Allen (quadriceps) is expected to return to practice "within the next week," per Stu Jackson of therams.com. Jackson also reports that Allen is expected to be ready for Week 1. Across 17 games with Los Angeles in 2025, Allen recorded 24 catches for 208 yards and three touchdowns on 33 targets. While he's unlikely to provide fantasy-relevant production himself, Allen's presence further complicates the Rams' crowded tight end room for fantasy managers. In addition to Allen, Los Angeles has veterans Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee, 2025 second-round pick Terrance Ferguson, and 2026 second-round pick Max Klare as other tight ends on its roster. While the Rams use multiple tight end personnel groupings at one of the highest rates in the league, their depth at the position makes it hard for fantasy managers to rely on any one tight end in Los Angeles for consistent production.
Source: Los Angeles Rams - Stu Jackson
Source: Los Angeles Rams - Stu Jackson
DJ Giddens on the Roster Bubble in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (hamstring) is on the outside looking in of Colts beat writer James Boyd of The Athletic's latest 53-man roster projection. A fifth-round pick in 2025, Giddens recorded just 26 carries for 96 yards across nine games as a rookie last season. While Indianapolis still does not have an obvious RB2 behind superstar back Jonathan Taylor, Giddens has missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury and may have missed his chance to establish a role in the Colts' offense. Instead of Giddens, Boyd includes seventh-round rookie Seth McGowan and 2025 UDFA Ulysses Bentley IV as the Colts' depth options at running back behind Taylor. Fantasy managers looking for a handcuff option for Taylor may want to turn to McGowan over Giddens.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
J.J. McCarthy Not Assured of Backup Quarterback Role in Minnesota?
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy entered training camp competing for his team's QB1 role, but the Vikings have already announced that veteran Kyler Murray will be the team's Week 1 starter. While Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that McCarthy would be the team's backup when he named Murray the starter, Minnesota also currently rosters veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz. Alec Lewis of The Athletic speculates that Wentz "could give O'Connell some pause" after his steady performance in the Vikings' first preseason game on Saturday. Wentz threw for 1,216 yards and six touchdowns across five starts for the Vikings last season. He also has 103 games (99 starts) under his belt across 10 NFL seasons, while McCarthy has played in just 10 games since being drafted in the first round in 2024. At this point, McCarthy's dynasty value would likely be best served by a chance in scenery.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Eli Raridon in Line for "Meaningful" Role as a Rookie
New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon is "set for a meaningful role" as the team's No. 2 tight end option behind veteran Hunter Henry, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. A third-round pick out of Notre Dame, Raridon recorded 32 catches for 482 yards across 12 games with the Fighting Irish in 2025. At the time he was drafted, Raridon looked like the third tight end on the Patriots' depth chart. However, a season-ending knee injury for tight end Julian Hill (knee) has pushed Raridon into a more prominent role. While Henry profiles as New England's clear top receiving option at the position, he's entering his age-32 season. Particularly in dynasty formats, Raridon's stock is rising ahead of his rookie year.
Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff
Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff
Saints Host Chase Claypool and Josh Reynolds for Workout on Tuesday
The New Orleans Saints worked out veteran wide receivers Chase Claypool and Josh Reynolds on Tuesday, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. With rookie Saints wideout Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) expected to be sidelined into mid-October with a hamstring injury, New Orleans appears to be in the market for wide receiver help. Claypool last appeared in the NFL in 2023, recording 77 catches and a touchdown on eight catches across 12 games split between the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins. Reynolds played in five games with the New York Jets in 2025, hauling in 11 receptions for 101 yards on 21 targets. Outside of star wideout Chris Olave, New Orleans has very little proven wide receiver depth. Still, both Claypool and Reynolds have a lot to prove before they should be on the radars of fantasy managers.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
