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Jonah Coleman has Made an Impression on Sean Payton
When Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton was asked for a pleasant surprise of training camp so far, he started his answer with rookie running back Jonah Coleman, according to Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. The fourth-rounder "has made quite an impression" so far this summer on the coaching staff, with Payton adding that Coleman "doesn't feel like a rookie." The 22-year-old University of Washington product is a bowling ball at 5-foot-8 and 220 pounds, but his path to a large role in his first year in the NFL is convoluted, with J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey both expected to have prominent roles in Payton's backfield. If Coleman continues to impress, though, he should have a role in what is shaping up as a committee approach in Denver. Going into his rookie campaign, Coleman is a more intriguing dynasty/keeper asset than a redraft one, but Coleman will become much more interesting if the oft-injured Dobbins misses more time in 2026. Coleman's quickest path to fantasy relevance with the Broncos will likely come as a goal-line vulture. RotoBaller currently has the rookie ranked as the No. 54 fantasy RB for this season.
Source: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
Source: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
Christian Watson No Longer Needs a Full Breakout to Pay Off
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson does not need to become a target hog to beat his current price. He returned from ACL surgery in Week 8 last season and caught 35 passes for 611 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games, averaging 17.5 yards per reception. Green Bay then cleared out part of the receiver room, letting Romeo Doubs leave and trading Dontayvion Wicks, while signing Watson to another long-term extension. That gives him a clearer path to steady snaps alongside Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden. The risk has not disappeared. Watson has played 48 of a possible 68 regular-season games, and his downfield role has never produced more than 66 targets in a season. Tucker Kraft is also working toward a full Week 1 return, so Watson will still have competition near the goal line. RotoBaller ranks him WR29 in PPR, the same spot as his recently reported redraft ADP. That feels fair rather than expensive. Watson will have quiet weeks, but his touchdown upside and improved role give him a realistic chance to finish as a WR2. He is a worthwhile WR3 target for managers comfortable taking on the injury risk.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Addison Held Out With Jammed Thumb
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (thumb) will not participate in Wednesday's practice after jamming his thumb earlier this week, according to Ben Goessling. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said imaging came back clean, and Addison will remain on the field while the team gives the injury time to settle before he resumes catching passes. Minnesota is off Thursday, giving him another day to recover. Addison caught 42 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games last season. The clean imaging is encouraging, and there is no reason to adjust his fantasy outlook unless the thumb continues to limit him when the Vikings return to practice.
Source: Ben Goessling
Source: Ben Goessling
Jaylen Waddle Dealing With Muscle Tightness, Expected to be Fine
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle left Wednesday's practice during one-on-one drills and did not return, according to Luca Evans. Head coach Sean Payton later described the issue as muscle tightness and said Waddle is expected to be fine. The offseason acquisition caught 64 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns with Miami last season and is expected to play a major role alongside Courtland Sutton. Payton's comments suggest the Broncos were simply being cautious, though Waddle's participation in the next practice will confirm whether he needs any additional recovery time.
Source: Zac Stevens
Source: Zac Stevens
Michael Soroka Goes Four Innings in Rehab Start on Tuesday
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka (lower body) made his first minor-league rehab start on Tuesday with Triple-A Reno and allowed an earned run on three hits while walking two and striking out one in four innings against Triple-A El Paso. The 29-year-old Canadian hurler will need one more rehab assignment, at the most, before the D-backs return him to their starting rotation for the stretch run. Fantasy managers who have been stashing Soroka (he's rostered in 66% of Yahoo leagues) are hoping that he can return to his pre-injury form from earlier this year. The former first-rounder by the Atlanta Braves in 2015 has had one of his best seasons in the big leagues in 2026 in his first year in the desert, going 8-3 with a 3.07 ERA (2.93 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 17 walks in 82 frames across his 15 starts with the Snakes. Fantasy managers in deeper mixed leagues should consider stashing Soroka now.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Tyler Glasnow to Make at Least Two More Rehab Starts
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the team will have conversations about activating right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) from the 60-day injured list once he makes two more minor-league rehab starts and builds up to four innings, per MLB.com's Sonja Chen. Glasnow kicked off his rehab assignment on Tuesday with Low-A Ontario and threw two shutout innings with one hit allowed, no walks, and one strikeout against Low-A Lake Elsinore. The 32-year-old hard-throwing right-hander looked just fine in the outing, but the Dodgers are slow-playing the former All-Star since he hasn't pitched in the majors since May 6 due to a lower-back injury. Even though Glasnow might only have around a month's worth of starts left in him in 2026 once he returns, he's rostered in nearly 90% of Yahoo leagues for his high-end strikeout upside on the best team in baseball. Before his back injury earlier this year, Glasnow was cruising along with a 3-0 record, 2.72 ERA (3.25 FIP) and 0.83 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 13 walks in 39 2/3 innings across seven starts. UPDATE: The Athletic's Katie Woo reports that Glasnow is expected to go around three innings and 45 pitches in his next rehab start on Sunday.
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
Mike Evans Remains Sidelined With Quad Strain
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (quadriceps) remained out of practice Wednesday, according to Matt Maiocco. Evans also missed Monday's session with the injury, and the team has not provided a timetable for his return. The veteran caught 30 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns across eight games with Tampa Bay last season before joining San Francisco during the offseason. Two missed practices in early August are not enough to significantly change his fantasy outlook, but the issue is worth monitoring given his injury-shortened 2025 campaign. His participation over the next several practices should provide a better indication of whether the strain could affect his preseason preparation.
Source: Matt Maiocco
Source: Matt Maiocco
Blake Snell's Next Start Should be With Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that while left-hander Blake Snell (elbow) didn't get into the fifth inning on Tuesday night in his fourth minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City, he did enough that his next start should be at the major-league level, according to Sonja Chen of MLB.com. Snell allowed three earned runs on five hits (two homers) while walking four and striking out three in 3 2/3 innings at OKC on Wednesday in what is believed to be his final rehab start before L.A. reinstates him from the 60-day injured list. The 33-year-old veteran and two-time Cy Young winner has made just one major-league start for the Blue in 2026 and has been sidelined since May 15 after having surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow, but his high-strikeout upside has made him stash-worthy in fantasy all year. Now that he's on the verge of returning to the majors, he should be scooped up in the rest of the leagues where he's available. Although Snell threw 73 pitches on Tuesday, he'll be riskier as a fantasy starter initially, with the Dodgers likely easing him back into the rotation after his long layoff. His next start figures to come early next week against the Kansas City Royals.
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
Omarion Hampton Showing Major Growth in Year 2
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton has made noticeable strides since the spring, according to offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Speaking to Alex Insdorf, McDaniel said Hampton may have shown more growth than any player on the roster during the five-week break before camp. The next step is getting the 6-foot, 220-pound back to keep his feet moving and use his size against defenders who do not want to tackle him. A pair of ankle injuries limited Hampton to nine games as a rookie, but he still rushed for 545 yards and four touchdowns while adding 32 catches for 192 yards and another score. He enters Year 2 as the clear lead back in an offense expected to lean heavily on the run. RotoBaller ranks Hampton as the RB11, and McDaniel's comments only strengthen his case as a low-end RB1 with room for more.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Daniel Palencia Starting a Rehab Assignment on Wednesday
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia (elbow) will start a minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, according to Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune. Palencia has been sidelined since June 16 with a mild right flexor strain, but the 26-year-old is nearing a return to the major-league bullpen for the stretch run. Because of injuries in 2026, Palencia has only thrown 16 2/3 innings and recorded all three of his saves after picking up a career-high 22 saves in 54 regular-season appearances in 2025. The Cubs picked up right-handed reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Los Angeles Angels at Monday's trade deadline, but when back and fully healthy, Palencia is expected to take over as the team's primary closer in the ninth inning. Fantasy managers searching for saves should look to stash Palencia now. He's rostered in 59% of Yahoo leagues. Along with his three saves in 16 2/3 frames this year, Palencia has a 2.70 ERA (3.46 FIP), 1.38 WHIP, and 19:6 K:BB.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Stefon Diggs Joining Commanders
The Washington Commanders are signing veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, according to Jordan Schultz. Diggs remained productive in New England last season, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games. He now joins Terry McLaurin in a receiver room that entered camp without a settled No. 2 option. Washington still has Antonio Williams, Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks, and others fighting for work, but Diggs' track record gives him a strong chance to step into a meaningful role once he gets up to speed. McLaurin should remain Jayden Daniels' top target, while Diggs adds another proven option to the passing game. The move puts Diggs back on the standard redraft radar, though his late arrival and an unsettled target split make his weekly volume harder to project. UPDATE: ESPN's John Keim reports that Diggs signed a one-year, $12 million deal with Washington.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Kevin Gausman's Cubs Debut Likely to Come Friday Against KC
Right-hander Kevin Gausman's debut with the Chicago Cubs is expected to come in Friday's series opener in Kansas City against the Royals, according to The Chicago Tribune's Meghan Montemurro. Both Gausman and right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) will make their debuts with the team this weekend after both were acquired by the Cubs at the trade deadline. The 35-year-old Gausman comes to the National League Central with a 5-10 record, 4.38 ERA (3.50 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with 127 strikeouts and 36 walks in 127 1/3 innings pitched across 23 starts with the Toronto Blue Jays in his 14th season in the majors. He hasn't been as sharp since the beginning of July, going 1-3 with a 5.13 ERA (2.41 FIP), 12 walks, and 27 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings pitched over five starts, but Chicago is hoping Gausman's solid underlying metrics will help him finish strong down the stretch. The two-time All-Star doesn't have a ton of strikeout upside (23.5% K rate), but he has strong command still and has a hard-hit rate below 40%. Fantasy managers should keep Gausman in their starting lineups this weekend against the Royals.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Tre' Harris Has Matchup-Nightmare Potential
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris drew strong praise from offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who called him "absolutely starving to improve" and a potential "matchup nightmare," according to Alex Insdorf. McDaniel pointed to Harris' unusual combination of receiver speed and a physical playing style that rivals some tight ends. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Harris caught 30 passes for 324 yards and one touchdown as a rookie, but he showed more late in the year, producing 187 yards over the final six games. Harris still has to earn steady targets alongside Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, so the comments alone do not guarantee a second-year breakout. Still, his size, physicality, and late-season progress give McDaniel plenty to work with. Harris remains more of a deep-league sleeper than a dependable redraft starter, but his role is worth watching closely throughout the preseason.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Clay Holmes' Next Start Likely to be his Debut With Cubs
The Chicago Tribune's Meghan Montemurro expects newly acquired right-hander Clay Holmes' (leg) next start to be his debut with the Chicago Cubs, not another minor-league rehab outing. Based on the current alignment of Chicago's starting rotation, Holmes will most likely start on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals on the road. The Cubs will be activating the 33-year-old veteran from the 60-day injured list, and Saturday will be his first start since fracturing his fibula against the New York Yankees on May 15. He made three rehab starts in the minors with the New York Mets before they traded him to the Cubs on Monday, so Holmes should be efficiently stretched out. The Cubs are hoping Holmes is a key part of their rotation the rest of the way as they look to get into the postseason, and fantasy managers looking for rotation depth should look his way, as he's only rostered in 37% of Yahoo leagues. The former ninth-rounder in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Pirates went 4-4 in New York earlier this year with a 2.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts in 52 2/3 frames over his nine starts.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Blake Grupe Has Statistical Edge in Colts Kicker Battle
Indianapolis Colts kicker Blake Grupe has the statistical edge over Spencer Shrader through the opening stretch of training camp, according to Nathan Brown of the Indianapolis Star. Special teams coordinator Brian Mason cautioned that the team is evaluating more than the results reporters see, including ball flight, pre-practice work, and how each kicker progresses throughout camp. Grupe made all 11 of his field-goal attempts and all 10 extra points in five games with Indianapolis last season, while Shrader went 13-for-14 on field goals and 14-for-14 on extra points before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Grupe may be ahead for now, but this remains an open competition, with scrimmage and preseason kicks expected to carry extra weight. Neither kicker belongs on fantasy draft boards until the Colts settle on a winner.
Source: Nathan Brown
Source: Nathan Brown
Maikel Garcia Shut Down for Five Days After Receiving Injection
Kansas City Royals infielder/outfielder Maikel Garcia (hand) felt more discomfort in his left hand during his first minor-league rehab game with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on July 28. He visited with a hand specialist on Tuesday and received a cortisone injection. The Royals will shut Garcia down for around five days and then will ramp up his baseball activities again, according to MLB.com. He's been on the 10-day injured list since June 23 with a muscle strain in his left hand. The 26-year-old should be able to return to the Royals before the end of the season, but he might not be reinstated from the IL until later this month. The Venezuelan right-handed hitter has not lived up to expectations in his fifth MLB season due to injuries, and he's currently hitting .261/.320/.373 with a .693 OPS, only three home runs, 30 RBI, 32 runs, and five stolen bases in 69 games and 294 plate appearances after being named a first-time All-Star in 2025. Garcia will return to regular duties at third base when he's cleared, and he remains rostered in 78% of Yahoo leagues despite his lengthy absence.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jalon Walker to Miss 2026 Season With Torn ACL
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker (knee) will miss the 2026 season after tests confirmed a torn ACL, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Walker was carted off during Tuesday's practice after going down in a two-minute drill. The 22-year-old appeared in 15 games with nine starts as a rookie, finishing with 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Atlanta had planned to expand his role this season, including using him off the ball in addition to his work on the edge. The injury removes Walker from seasonal IDP consideration and leaves the Falcons without one of their most promising pass rushers. He is still worth holding on injured reserve in dynasty leagues.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Rangers Put MacKenzie Gore on the Paternity List
The Texas Rangers announced on Wednesday that they placed left-hander MacKenzie Gore on the paternity list and activated left-hander Cody Bradford (elbow) from the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move. Bradford will make the start on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Field. The 27-year-old Gore had an excellent outing on Tuesday in the 5-4 win over the Giants, throwing six scoreless innings. He's not scheduled to throw again until Sunday, so Gore shouldn't have to miss a start while on the paternity list for the next one to three days. The former first-rounder by the San Diego Padres in 2017 has been up and down in 2026 in his first year with the Rangers, going 6-9 with a 4.55 ERA (3.77 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with 140 strikeouts and 47 walks in 128 2/3 innings across his 24 starts. Gore was a first-time All-Star last year with the Washington Nationals, and his 3.83 expected ERA points to some positive regression late in the season. He has a nice upcoming matchup this Sunday in the series finale against the Baltimore Orioles.
Source: Texas Rangers PR
Source: Texas Rangers PR
Terrell Jennings Making Push for Patriots' RB3 Job
New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings is making a push for the No. 3 job behind TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson, according to the Boston Herald. Jennings opened training camp on the non-football injury list but has quickly worked his way back into the rotation since being activated Monday. He saw time with the second-team offense and the top punt unit Tuesday, then joined Drake Maye's group during Wednesday's walkthrough. Jennings is competing with Lan Larison, seventh-round rookie Jam Miller, and undrafted rookie Myles Montgomery for what could be one roster spot. He has the most NFL experience of the group and rushed 23 times for 73 yards and a touchdown across seven games last season. His work on special teams could ultimately separate him in a close battle. Even if Jennings wins the job, he would remain off the standard redraft radar behind Henderson and Stevenson, though he could carry some value in deeper dynasty leagues.
Source: Boston Herald
Source: Boston Herald
Blue Jays Place Trey Yesavage on Injured List With Knee Inflammation
The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Wednesday that they placed right-hander Trey Yesavage (knee) on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his left knee and recalled right-handed pitchers Lazaro Estrada and Chase Lee from Triple-A Buffalo in corresponding moves. Yesavage will miss at least the next two weeks after being pulled from his start early on Tuesday against the Houston Astros when he felt a pinch in his left knee. The 23-year-old former first-rounder from East Carolina University doesn't appear to be dealing with any structural damage, so it's realistic to think he could be ready to roll once he's eligible to return to Toronto's starting rotation in 15 days. In 18 starts (93 2/3 innings) in 2026 in his first full MLB campaign, Yesavage has gone 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA (4.08 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 91 strikeouts and 46 walks. Fantasy managers should be stashing Yesavage in all fantasy formats for his strikeout upside. Yesavage's elevated 11.8% walk rate in his first two MLB seasons has kept him from reaching his ceiling.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Luke Raley Expected to Miss the Rest of the Season
Seattle Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said that first baseman/outfielder Luke Raley (forearm) is not expected to play again this year after going on the 10-day injured list with a strained left forearm, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. Raley landed on the IL over the weekend, but he had been battling through his forearm injury for weeks. The Mariners are not ruling out surgery for the 31-year-old left-handed hitter. Raley will finish his sixth year in the big leagues (third with Seattle) in 2026 with a .225/.284/.439 slash line, a .723 OPS, 15 home runs, 39 RBI, 28 runs scored, and a stolen base in 95 games across 287 plate appearances. It's a notable loss of power for the M's lineup, but Seattle is hoping their trade-deadline acquisition of Taylor Ward will help make up for the loss of Raley. Raley will be a free agent this winter after signing a one-year, $2.05 million deal with the Mariners back in January, and it's unclear if the organization has any interest in bringing him back.
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Geno Smith Attacking All Three Levels at Jets Camp
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith has consistently looked to attack all three levels of the field during training camp, according to Connor Rogers. Rogers noted that Smith has pushed the ball downfield to the wide receivers while giving Omar Cooper Jr. and Isaiah Williams chances underneath. The tight ends have also been involved in the intermediate area. That approach is encouraging for Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell, but it is still only an early look at Frank Reich's offense. Smith is coming off a difficult season with Las Vegas in which he threw for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions across 15 starts. RotoBaller currently ranks him as the QB30, which leaves him outside the standard redraft picture. A more aggressive passing game could help Smith outperform that ranking, but for now he remains a deep Superflex option rather than a dependable weekly starter.
Source: Connor Rogers
Source: Connor Rogers
Dalton Rushing has UCL Tear, Unlikely to Catch Again This Year
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing (elbow) was diagnosed with a "slight" tear in the UCL of his right elbow, and manager Dave Roberts said on Wednesday morning that he'd guess there is a "very small" chance that Rushing catches again this year, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. However, the Dodgers are hoping he can remain a left-handed-hitting option down the stretch. The 25-year-old backstop was scratched from the starting lineup on Sunday against the Boston Red Sox and landed on the 10-day injured list on Monday. With Shohei Ohtani locked in as the Dodgers' regular designated hitter, it's unlikely that Rushing will make any starts as a hitter down the stretch or in the postseason, so he's an easy drop candidate in single-year fantasy leagues. The former second-rounder in 2022 from the University of Louisville has hit .253/.335/.475 this year with 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 37 runs scored across 217 at-bats. With Will Smith (neck) still out as well, the Dodgers are currently using Ben Rortvedt and the recently acquired Hunter Feduccia behind the plate.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Chris Olave Exits Practice With Apparent Heat Issue
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave left Wednesday's practice with a trainer in what appeared to be a heat-related issue, according to Erin Summers. The team did not immediately provide an update, so it is unclear whether Olave will miss any additional practice time. He is coming off career highs of 100 receptions, 1,163 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns across 16 games last season. His status at the Saints' next practice should provide a better indication of whether there is anything to worry about.
Source: Erin Summers
Source: Erin Summers
Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor Have Meeting to Work Through Differences
Former New York Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta called a meeting earlier this year for franchise cornerstones Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor to "clear the air," according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Since then, according to sources, Soto and Lindor's relationship has been "noticeably warmer, with the players interacting more often." Both players have denied that a rift between them has ever existed, but their relationship has been a hot topic ever since Soto signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract after the 2024 season. The discussion didn't stop after Soto's locker, which had been next to Lindor's, was moved across the clubhouse. The Mets dealt with injuries to key players early in the 2026 season and were never really able to recover, but Soto and Lindor's relationship behind the scenes has left tension in the building, which hasn't helped team chemistry in Queens. Although their relationship reportedly has improved, it's another dynamic to watch as the Mets look to put another frustrating season in the rearview mirror in 2027.
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Jeremiyah Love Won't Play in Hall of Fame Game on Thursday
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said that rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love will not play in Thursday's Hall of Fame preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. Unsurprisingly, not many starters, if any at all, will play for either team in their preseason opener. The 21-year-old do-it-all back from Notre Dame was the third overall pick back in April, but reports have suggested that LaFleur plans to ease Love into a crowded backfield to begin his NFL career. Early in training camp, Love and Tyler Allgeier have been sharing most of the first-team reps, with veteran James Conner being eased in as the RB3 after a season-ending foot injury early in 2025. Even though Love isn't going to see a bell-cow role early on in Arizona, he's still the most attractive upside option in the Cardinals' backfield in fantasy, and RotoBaller has him ranked as its No. 13 RB for the upcoming season. Long-term, Love offers the entire package and has the skills to be one of the best fantasy backs for years to come.
Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Cutter Boley Competing with Mikey Keene for Arizona State QB Job
Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley and Michigan transfer Mikey Keene are competing for the starting quarterback job at Arizona State, and Thomas Goldkamp of On3 said head coach Kenny Dillingham could wait until just before Week 1 to make the decision. Boley played in 11 games last season, completing 198 of his 301 passing attempts for 2,160 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Keene missed all of last season with an injury but appeared in 39 games with UCF and Fresno State from 2021 to 2024, compiling 8,245 passing yards, 65 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. Boley has more physical talent, but Keene has a significant edge in playing experience. The Sun Devils will enter the 2026 campaign without Cam Skattebo and Sam Leavitt, so it will be interesting to see if they can make another run at the Big 12 crown.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Zay Flowers has Bulked Up
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers said he added eight pounds of muscle this offseason because he heard the grief about running sideways and wants to break more tackles this year, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. The Ravens just gave Flowers a four-year, $140 million contract extension on Tuesday after his second straight 1,000-yard season in 2025 in his third year in the league. The 25-year-old is still on the smaller side after bulking up, and he's listed at 5-foot-9, 183 pounds. The two-time Pro Bowler is the Ravens' unquestioned WR1, and he could have a higher ceiling in 2026 in new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's scheme as Baltimore looks to get back to the postseason. Flowers had career highs in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,211) while catching five touchdown passes in 17 starts. He's had at least 74 catches, 858 yards, and four touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons, giving him a solid floor as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in fantasy football leagues. An even higher target share could be coming Flowers' way this year.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Brian Wacker
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Brian Wacker
DeVonta Smith Still Resting his Hamstring
Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Makai Lemon (hamstring) are both sitting out of training camp practice on Wednesday with hamstring issues, according to EJ Smith of PHLY Sports. It's the second straight day that both receivers have been held out, but they are both expected to be dealing with minor injuries and should return to the field sooner rather than later. With both Smith and Lemon out, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and Britain Covey have been working with the first-team offense, with Wicks particularly standing out, making him the current favorite to win WR2 duties behind Smith to open the 2026 regular season. Pro Bowler A.J. Brown is now in New England, which means Smith will have an even bigger role as quarterback Jalen Hurts' top aerial target. The former 10th overall pick in 2021 from the University of Alabama had his third 1,000-yard season in 2025 and will now have an even higher ceiling. Fantasy managers should treat Smith as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 going into his sixth NFL campaign.
Source: PHLY Sports - EJ Smith
Source: PHLY Sports - EJ Smith
Xavier Worthy Remains Sidelined at Practice
Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers Xavier Worthy (shoulder) and Cyrus Allen (shin) remain sidelined at Wednesday's training camp practice, according to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest. Worthy is dealing with a sprained shoulder, but head coach Andy Reid expects the speedy wideout to return to the field later this week. The same can be said for Allen, who was standing out in his first training camp before getting injured. Fantasy managers were a bit worried when Worthy was initially listed with a shoulder injury since he separated the same shoulder in Week 1 of last year and was never the same the rest of the way. The Chiefs don't appear to be very worried about Worthy's latest injury, and he should be ready to play in the preseason opener on Aug. 15. The 23-year-old former first-rounder from the University of Texas could be a nice value pick later in fantasy drafts with bounce-back potential if he's fully healthy in 2026. Worthy scored six touchdowns and had 638 receiving yards as a rookie, but he fell to a 42-532-1 line in 14 games a year ago while playing most of the season at less than full health.
Source: Chiefs Digest - Matt Derrick
Source: Chiefs Digest - Matt Derrick
