RADIO
Jacoby Brissett Will Not Play Saturday Against the Cowboys
According to NFL.com, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett will not play Saturday against the Cowboys, rookie quarterback Carson Beck (ribs) is unlikely to play, and Gardner Minshew will start for the Cardinals. Brissett started in the Cardinals' pre-season game against the Raiders on August 13 and looked sharp, completing all five of his passes for 44 yards and a touchdown (142.9 passer rating). Brissett signed a reworked one-year, $5.5 million fully guaranteed contract for the 2026 season after he burst onto the scene last season, throwing for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, and finishing the season as the QB16 in only 14 games. Brissett has been a journeyman throughout his career, playing for six different NFL teams, and is set to be the Cardinals' Week 1 starter once the regular season begins. RotoBaller ranks Brissett as the QB28 entering draft season, and he will have a wide array of weapons around him, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Trey McBride, and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle).
Source: Around The NFL
Source: Around The NFL
George Kittle Ahead of Schedule, Legitimate Chance to Play Week 1
According to ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) visited Los Angeles on Wednesday with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the surgery on his torn Achilles in January. It was an encouraging visit, with Kittle's recovery ahead of schedule and giving him a legitimate chance to play in the regular-season opener in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams. Kittle injured his Achilles in January during the second quarter of the 49ers' NFC Wild Card game. While he is now 32 years old, it's a very encouraging sign for a 49ers offense that is dealing with injuries to wide receivers Mike Evans (quad) and has already lost Ricky Pearsall (knee) for the season. Kittle played in 11 games last season and was extremely efficient, hauling in 57 of his 69 targets for 628 yards and seven touchdowns with an 11.02 yards per reception. RotoBaller currently ranks Kittle as the TE9 for upcoming drafts; however, if he is cleared to play Week 1, that will surely go up. He has finished in the top five at the position in six of the last eight seasons, and in the two seasons he didn't, he played in no more than 11 games.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Joey Porter Jr. Drawing Trade Interest
According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is drawing trade interest, and multiple teams around the NFL have wondered about him as a potential trade target, per sources. Porter is in the final year of his rookie contract, and with the cornerback market where it stands, teams have wondered if the Steelers would be open to moving the Pro Bowl caliber corner. Porter excels at disrupting receivers' timing at the line of scrimmage and has a stellar reputation for avoiding touchdowns in coverage, limiting opposing quarterbacks to a 56.2 passer rating when they try to throw his way. While he lacks run defense and tackling ability, he is considered a top cornerback. While he is currently on the PUP list, the former second-round pick out of Penn State should draw a lot of interest from teams in need of help in the secondary.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Chiefs Hope Kenneth Walker Reshapes the Offense
According to Pete Sweeney, writer for The Kansas City Star, the Chiefs didn't just sign Kenneth Walker to run; they hope he reshapes the offense. The Chiefs went out and got the Super Bowl MVP Walker in the offseason from the Seahawks, and signed him to a three-year, $43.05 million contract to be the team's lead running back after they moved on from Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. Walker, entering his age 25 season, was one of the NFL's most efficient runners in the league, as he ranked sixth in evaded tackles, fourth in explosive rating, third in breakaway, and 12th in yards per touch. Reports from camp have also suggested that the Chiefs brought him in for his explosiveness and plan to get him more involved in the passing game. Last season, his ceiling was capped by Zach Charbonnet, who had 12 rushing touchdowns, and Walker enters a Patrick Mahomes-led offense where he will not have much competition for touches with Emari Demercado, Emmett Johnson, and Brashard Smith behind him. RotoBaller ranks him as the RB10 for the season, and he has the upside to finish inside the top five given his projected workload and explosiveness.
Source: The Kansas City Star
Source: The Kansas City Star
Michael Penix Jr. Hopes to be Cleared Soon
According to Tori McElhaney, senior reporter for the Atlanta Falcons, Falcons 26-year-old 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was asked about his timeline for return and said on July 29 that his doctor wanted to give him four more weeks at that clearance level "before going to the next stage." Throughout this timeframe, Penix has been participating in individual drills, one-on-ones with pass catchers, and seven-on-sevens. Now that we are approaching that four-week mark, Penix is trending towards further conversations with the doctor, in hopes of being cleared soon and competing for the starting role. The Falcons brought in former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.3 million contract in March, and although Penix has missed valuable camp reps, head coach Kevin Stefanski has not officially named a starting quarterback for the regular season. Penix figures to see the field at some point during the season; however, due to missing some time in camp, Tagovailoa appears to be in the driver's seat. Penix is not on the fantasy radar in one-quarterback leagues, but remains someone to keep an eye on in superflex and dynasty formats. Rotoballer ranks him as the QB36 off the board.
Source: Tori McElhaney
Source: Tori McElhaney
Gardner Minshew II Set to Start Against Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback Gardner Minshew II will start Saturday's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. With starter Jacoby Brissett resting, along with the rest of the starters, and rookie quarterback Carson Beck (ribs) not expected to play, Minshew is set to start. The veteran quarterback has started 47 games in his career, including one start with the Kansas City Chiefs, which he left early due to a knee injury. The former sixth-round pick signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Cardinals this offseason as a backup behind Brissett. While fantasy managers should avoid targeting Minshew in fantasy drafts, he could be worth a look if Brissett misses time and the team decides to be patient with their third-round rookie.
Source: Darren Urban - Cards Chatter
Source: Darren Urban - Cards Chatter
Terrance Ferguson's Route Tree Expanding in 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson is seeing his route tree expand significantly heading into 2026, according to The Athletic's Nate Atkins. With star wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) not practicing, Ferguson is stepping up as a playmaker for reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. During joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, Ferguson caught two touchdowns in the red zone and was used all over the formation, a development that is exciting for the second-year tight end. "Coming in (last year), I never expected to play the positions I'm playing. Being able to play F, Z, Y, and X, all of them together, it's definitely been a big jump." Ranked as the TE21 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Ferguson is a high-upside tight end to target in the late rounds of fantasy drafts.
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams' Connection On Point
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford's connection with wide receiver Davante Adams has been on point this offseason. According to The Athletic's Nate Atkins, Stafford and Adams excelled in joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday, connecting on two touchdowns and on crossers and slants over the middle. After Stafford missed all of training camp last season with a back issue, he and Adams struggled, especially early in the season. Now, with a full offseason and star wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) not practicing, Stafford is finding Adams all across the field in camp. Adams had only 789 yards in 14 games last season but scored a league-high 14 receiving touchdowns. If Nacua's injury or possible suspension lingers into the season, Adams could be an elite option at wide receiver.
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Brock Purdy to Use Mobility More in 2026
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is prepared to use his mobility more this season, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Purdy told Fowler, "I'm never going to be a 4.4 guy, 4.5 guy. The thing I pride myself on is moving quickly, moving the chains when I need 10, 12 yards. I think I can add that for our offense, for sure." Purdy has averaged 12.8 rushing yards per game in his career and has scored 11 touchdowns in 45 starts. The former seventh-round pick dealt with a toe injury that cost him seven games last season, likely hindering his rushing ability in 2025. Currently ranked QB11 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Purdy offers QB1 upside with a high floor in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Carson Beck Not Expected to Play Against Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck (ribs) is not expected to play in the second preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. Beck suffered a rib injury during the Hall of Fame game in early August. The injury was deemed not serious, but he will miss his second preseason game this season. Beck showed promise in that game against the Carolina Panthers, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. With Beck unlikely to be available and starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett sitting with most of the starters, veteran Gardner Minshew will start on Saturday. The third-round pick hopes to return next week in their final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Source: Darren Urban - Cards Chatter
Source: Darren Urban - Cards Chatter
Quinshon Judkins Dealing with Minor Nagging Injury
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (undisclosed) is dealing with a nagging injury that head coach Todd Monken considers "minor." Judkins did not participate on Wednesday or during the team's joint practice with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, but Monken did not sound too concerned about Judkins sitting out. The second-year back has practiced for most of training camp after suffering a gruesome leg injury late in the 2025 season. As a rookie, Judkins totaled 998 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 256 touches, averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, which was among the lowest in the NFL last season. If this "nagging injury" hampers Judkins early in the season, second-year backs Dylan Sampson and Raheim "Rocket" Sanders will take on a larger workload, though it appears Judkins should be fine for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Source: Mary Kay Cabot
Rome Odunze's Foot Hasn't Been an Issue
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has had no issues with his foot during training camp. Odunze suffered a foot stress fracture that caused him to miss five games. He didn't sound 100% confident about the injury during the offseason, saying, "He will have to learn to adapt to the new normal." The third-year receiver put all concerns to rest during camp, participating in all 15 practices so far this summer, and said on Tuesday, "I don't think about it." Over his two seasons with the Bears, Odunze has totaled 1,395 yards and nine touchdowns on 98 receptions. Odunze's fantasy value entering the 2026 season is lower than anticipated, as young playmakers Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland have stolen the limelight. With the foot injury not a factor so far, fantasy managers should feel comfortable taking Odunze in the mid-rounds of drafts.
Source: Dan Wiederer - The Athletic
Source: Dan Wiederer - The Athletic
Garrett Williams Activated by Cardinals on Thursday
The Arizona Cardinals have activated cornerback Garrett Williams (Achilles) from the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. Williams suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Week 16 of the 2025 season. However, it appears as though he could be tracking toward being ready for the start of 2026. Williams has battled myriad injury issues throughout his career, missing 16 games across three NFL seasons due to both the Achilles and multiple knee ailments. Still, he's been productive when healthy. Across 10 games (10 starts) in 2025, the 25-year-old recorded 25 solo tackles, five passes defensed, and one forced fumble. Once he's fully ready to go, Williams profiles as Arizona's starting nickel cornerback in 2026.
Source: ESPN - Josh Weinfuss
Source: ESPN - Josh Weinfuss
KC Concepcion Earning Praise from His Head Coach
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken praised rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion on Thursday, saying that Concepcion "doesn't blink" and "just wants to play football," per Dan Labbe of clevelanddotcom. The 24th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Concepcion recorded 61 catches for 919 yards and nine touchdowns across 13 games with Texas A&M in 2025. The 21-year-old has reportedly been one of the standout performers so far in Browns training camp. Concepcion's fantasy value is tainted a bit by Cleveland's uncertain quarterback situation. However, the rookie wideout has a legitimate chance to emerge as the WR1 in a Browns wide receiver room that was one of the league's worst in 2025. Entering 2026, Concepcion's redraft profile carries both risk and significant upside for fantasy managers.
Source: clevelanddotcom - Dan Labbe
Source: clevelanddotcom - Dan Labbe
Deebo Samuel Sr. Set for Multi-Purpose Workload in San Francisco
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will "have a varied role at receiver, running back, and kick returner" in the upcoming season, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Samuel Sr. spent the first six years of his NFL career with the 49ers before being traded to the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2025 season. Across 81 career games with San Francisco, Samuel Sr. collected 1,143 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns to go along with nearly 4,800 receiving yards and 22 touchdown grabs. While the 30-year-old is no longer the same level of athlete he was earlier in his career, Samuel Sr.'s dual-threat ability provides an added element of value for fantasy managers. He's also expected to play a significant role in the 49ers' offense with San Francisco wideout Ricky Pearsall (knee) set to miss the entire season after undergoing knee surgery.
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
