March 9, 2026
Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson (undisclosed) is not expected to be out long-term, Max Smith of Detroit Hockey Now reports. Gibson departed Sunday's 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils after two periods, finishing with 21 saves. "He got hit in a bad spot and didn't feel good after that happened. He should be fine, I would think," Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan said postgame. Cam Talbot replaced Gibson for the third to finish the job and had 10 saves as Detroit recorded its first shared shutout since 2019. Gibson missed one game last week due to an upper-body injury. The Red Wings don't have any back-to-backs on the horizon, so the team could ride Talbot until Gibson feels 100 percent.
--Taavi PailkSource: Max Smith
March 9, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks center Oliver Moore (undisclosed) won't play on Monday against the Utah Mammoth, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The 21-year-old appeared to have injured his right knee in Sunday's overtime defeat to the Dallas Stars. He was limited to 1:49 of ice time but managed to record an assist in Sunday's game. Serving as the third-line center, Moore has enjoyed one of his best spells of the season recently, getting on the score sheet in three of the last four games. In total, he has notched 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 51 games during his rookie year. The Blackhawks are carrying Sam Lafferty as an extra forward, and he could get action with Moore unavailable.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ben Pope
March 9, 2026
Chicago Cubs right-handed pitching prospect
Jaxon Wiggins was sent to minor-league camp on Sunday afternoon. The team's No. 2-ranked prospect was given the opportunity to begin spring training with the MLB roster but will return to the minor leagues to continue his development. The 24-year-old was unlikely to begin the 2026 season in the major leagues, but should remain in the mix to join the Cubs later in the summer. In 2025, the former 2023 draft pick spent most of his time at High-A and Double-A before finishing the season with a short 9 2/3 inning stint at Triple-A Iowa. Across 68 1/3 innings at High-A and Double-A, Wiggins posted a stellar 1.84 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, with an 83:30 K:BB. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression at Triple-A, as he could be the first name called as an injury replacement.
--Andy SmithSource: Chicago Cubs
March 9, 2026
Colorado Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog (lower body) was deemed week-to-week on Sunday. He sat out Sunday's 3-2 shootout win over the Minnesota Wild and is expected to miss further action. Before suffering a lower-body injury, Landeskog was on fire. He has collected seven points (two goals, five assists) in six games since play resumed after the Olympics. Overall, the Avalanche captain has contributed nine goals and 20 assists in 47 games this season. Following Landeskog's exit from the lineup, recently re-acquired Nazem Kadri joined the top line for Sunday's action, registering an assist. Kadri's production has been underwhelming this season but is set to rise in Colorado, especially if he sees time on the top line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 9, 2026
Chicago Cubs first base prospect
Jonathon Long (elbow) is nearing a return to baseball activities, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Long has been sidelined with a bruised elbow but has avoided any structural damage and should be cleared to return to action in the coming days. Long is considered the team's No. 7-ranked prospect on MLB.com and one of the top hitting prospects in the system. The Long Beach State product joined the Cubs back in the ninth round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Last summer, he spent his entire campaign at Triple-A Iowa and looked rather impressive. Across 140 games, Long held his own, posting a .305/.404/.479 line with 23 doubles, 20 home runs, and an .883 OPS. Given that
Michael Busch is slated to be the everyday first baseman, Long will need to wait for an injury to be in the mix for his MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: Bruce Levine
March 9, 2026
Athletics shortstop prospect
Leo De Vries went 2-for-4 with two home runs and six RBI during their victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday afternoon. The team's No. 1-ranked prospect (and MLB.com's No. 4-ranked prospect) enjoyed a massive breakout game. Overall, through 11 spring training games, De Vries has gone 10-for-26 with three stolen bases and the aforementioned two long balls. The young shortstop joined the Athletics ahead of last year's trade deadline in the deal that moved top right-handed closer
Mason Miller to San Diego. Last season, De Vries logged 118 games (shared between High-A and Double-A), where he posted a .255/.355/.451 line with an .806 OPS, 15 HRs, and 11 SBs. If he continues this pace, De Vries could join Triple-A Las Vegas before the All-Star break.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 9, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect
Didier Fuentes tossed two innings of relief in his spring training debut on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles. Fuentes logged two innings and did not allow a hit or a walk, and struck out four hitters. The 20-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut last summer but was unable to find much success, posting a hefty 13.85 ERA with a 2.23 WHIP over his first 13 innings in Atlanta. During this stint, he struck out 12 hitters and allowed walks at an 8.7% rate. In the minor leagues, he logged 57 innings across stints at High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, where he posted a 4.58 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, with a 71:16 K:BB. While Futenes is likely ticketed for Triple-A to begin the season, an early promotion is likely possible given that Atlanta is already without starting pitcher
Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow).
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 9, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect
Josue De Paula was assigned to minor-league camp on Sunday. The team's No. 1-ranked prospect (according to MLB.com) was unlikely to make the MLB roster out of spring training but was given a small taste of MLB action. During spring training, De Paula posted a strong .375/.464/.417 line across 14 games. Fantasy managers should expect the No. 15-ranked prospect in the sport to begin the 2026 regular season with Double-A Tulsa. In 2025, De Paula spent most of his season with High-A Great Lakes before earning a short four-game stint at Double-A. With High-A, De Paula posted .263/.406/.421 line with 12 home runs and eight stolen bases. While a 2026 MLB debut seems unlikely, he could be in the mix for a first-half promotion to Triple-A if he continues this trajectory.
--Andy SmithSource: Los Angeles Dodgers
March 9, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect
Joshua Baez is making a strong impression early in camp and could contend for a much-earlier-than-expected MLB debut. Through nine games, the team's No. 4-ranked prospect has posted a strong .333/.429/.667 slash line with two home runs and one stolen base. Last summer, Baez spent time at High-A and Double-A. While he has yet to step foot onto a Triple-A diamond, he may continue to make a strong case to join the MLB roster early in the 2026 season. At High-A, he held a .317/.404/.483 line with four home runs and 20 stolen bases over 38 games. Over his first stint at Double-A (79 games), the 22-year-old held a .271/.374/.509 line 16 home runs and seven stolen bases. Given his five-category profile, he is a top prospect to monitor in deep five-outfielder formats.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 9, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Taylor Hendricks (thumb) is listed as doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Nets due to soreness in his right thumb. The former lottery pick logged 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, two blocks, and three three-pointers across 26 minutes in Saturday's loss to the Clippers before the issue surfaced. Memphis is already thin due to injuries, so
Olivier-Maxence Prosper and G.G. Jackson II could absorb additional frontcourt minutes. Prosper produced 11 points and three three-pointers in 23 minutes last game, while Jackson added 14 points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 9, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Branden Carlson (back) will miss Monday's matchup against the Nuggets, marking another game on the sidelines as he continues recovering from a lingering back issue. His absence leaves Oklahoma City thin at center, especially with
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) already out and
Chet Holmgren (illness) listed as questionable.
Jaylin Williams could handle a larger workload after starting in the previous game and posting nine points, three three-pointers, 14 rebounds, and four assists in 33 minutes.
Kenrich Williams may also see extra run after contributing 13 points and seven rebounds in 19 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 9, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) is listed as doubtful for Monday's matchup with the Nets due to soreness in his right big toe. Pippen has been a regular part of the rotation lately, though the toe problem could keep him sidelined for the opening game of the back-to-back. If Pippen is ruled out, the Grizzlies could lean more heavily on
Javon Small, who posted 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block in 33 minutes during a March 4 start.
Walter Clayton Jr. and
Cam Spencer should also see added ball-handling opportunities in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 9, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (hamstring) will remain sidelined for Monday's matchup against the Thunder as he continues recovering from a right hamstring strain that has kept him out since early February. Watson had been logging around 31 minutes per game before the injury, leaving Denver to piece together wing minutes in his absence.
Cameron Johnson returned from a two-game absence and started, finishing with 10 points, one three-pointer, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 22 minutes. Johnson has been inconsistent for much of the season, but he should continue seeing opportunities while Peyton Watson remains sidelined and
Aaron Gordon is still ramping up after his return.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 9, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Mo Bamba signed a second 10-day deal with the team Sunday after showing enough during his initial stint to remain with the club. The former lottery pick appeared in two games earlier this week, producing four points, eight rebounds, and two blocks in 21 minutes against Philadelphia before adding six points and 12 rebounds in 17 minutes versus Washington. Bamba provides depth behind second-year center
Kyle Filipowski and veteran
Kevin Love, though his role remains inconsistent after a DNP on March 7. For fantasy managers, Bamba is difficult to trust outside of deep leagues unless Utah expands his minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Utah Jazz
March 9, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) did not return to Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers after exiting in the fourth quarter due to right hamstring soreness. The veteran guard logged 17 minutes before departing, finishing with six points, four rebounds, and three assists. McConnell has dealt with recurring hamstring discomfort this season, which raises some short-term availability concerns. If he misses additional time,
Quenton Jackson could see a larger role after posting two points, three rebounds, and three assists in 17 minutes Sunday.
Kam Jones may also re-enter the rotation, though he logged just five minutes with one assist in the loss.
--Brian DailisanSource: Indiana Pacers
March 9, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Collin Sexton (leg) did not return to Sunday's loss to the Kings after suffering a left lower leg contusion late in the third quarter. The 27-year-old sixth man had erupted before exiting, piling up 28 points on 9-of-12 shooting with seven three-pointers, three assists, and two rebounds in 22 minutes. If Sexton misses time, Chicago's backcourt usage should lean even more toward
Josh Giddey, while
Tre Jones could continue seeing steady run after producing 12 points, five assists, one rebound, and one steal in 32 minutes Sunday. Second-year guard
Rob Dillingham may also pick up deeper-league minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Joel Lorenzi
March 9, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings and linebacker Eric Wilson agreed to terms on a three-year, $22.5 million deal with $12.5 million fully guaranteed on Sunday night, a source told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Wilson will more than double his previous average per year. In his return to Minnesota in 2025, the 31-year-old veteran had 115 tackles (his second 100-tackle season), a career-high 6.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, and four forced fumbles in 17 games played. Wilson's big season landed him as the No. 16 fantasy linebacker in IDP formats in 2025. The bad news for Wilson's fantasy value moving forward is that he's expected to be in more of a rotational role for the Vikings next year at inside linebacker. Wilson has 515 tackles (277 solo), 17.5 sacks, 44 tackles for loss, 35 QB hits, five interceptions, 11 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in his nine NFL campaigns.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
March 9, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks reassigned outfield prospect
Ryan Waldschmidt to minor-league camp on Sunday, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. The D-backs were seriously considering having Waldschmidt make their Opening Day roster due to injuries to
Corbin Carroll (hand) and
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) in their outfield. The 23-year-old former 31st overall pick in 2024 out of Kentucky will start at Triple-A Reno in 2026, but if he's playing well early on, an early-season promotion to the Show could be in order. In nine Cactus League games in spring training, Waldschmidt has gone 9-for-28 (.321) with a homer, five RBI, six runs scored, and a stolen base in 30 plate appearances. Waldschmidt hit .289/.419/.473 with an .892 OPS, 18 homers, 78 RBI, 114 runs, and 29 steals in 134 games with High-A Hillsboro and Double-A Amarillo last year. He could become Arizona's starting center fielder by season's end, and his power/speed combination makes him a must-stash in dynasty/keeper leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
March 9, 2026
Josina Anderson reports that Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent wide receiver
Alec Pierce could make around $30 million per year on a long-term deal on the open market, which "may be too much" for the New England Patriots' taste. Meanwhile, a league source said they think the San Francisco 49ers might pay the exorbitant price to land Pierce, who had his first career 1,000-yard season in 2025 as the Colts' leading receiver. In addition to the 25-year-old's breakout season last year, the emerging deep threat has led the league in yards per catch in each of the last two years. The Patriots recently released WR1
Stefon Diggs, and Pierce would fit very nicely with young quarterback
Drake Maye, who was a surgeon deep down the field in 2025. The 49ers don't have much outside of an injury-prone
Ricky Pearsall at wideout, so their interest isn't a bit surprising. Landing in San Fran could give Pierce more fantasy upside than if he were to re-sign in Indy.
--Keith HernandezSource: Josina Anderson
March 9, 2026
Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent tight end
Isaiah Likely is among the players that the New York Giants are targeting in free agency, with the legal tampering period starting on Monday, March 9, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. The obvious connection here is that new Giants head coach John Harbaugh coached Likely in Baltimore. The 25-year-old had 1,568 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns on 135 catches in his four seasons with the Ravens, but he suffered a foot injury in training camp that caused him to miss the start of the 2025 season, and he never really recovered. Likely finished with a 27-307-1 line in 14 games (seven starts). Ultimately, he just hasn't been able to get out of the shadow of
Mark Andrews, which is why it would be smart for him to sign elsewhere this offseason. A move to New York might not be the ideal fit, however, with rising TE
Theo Johnson already on the roster.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
March 9, 2026
SNY's Connor Hughes reports that the New York Giants were very in on Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent running back
Kenneth Walker III, "but the price simply got too high." The same can be said for Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum. Despite already having
Cam Skattebo (ankle) and
Tyrone Tracy Jr. in their backfield for 2026, the Giants are invested in the RB market this offseason under new head coach John Harbaugh. After finally playing a full season in his fourth year in the NFL, Walker produced his second 1,000-yard rushing season in 17 regular-season starts. The former second-rounder saved his best for the postseason, though, rushing for a league-high 313 yards and four touchdowns on his way to being named Super Bowl LX MVP. Although Walker is still an injury risk in fantasy, he will be the market-setter at the position in free agency and could command up to $15 million per year on a new contract.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
March 9, 2026
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says a name to "potentially monitor" as the new backup quarterback for the Carolina Panthers is Las Vegas Raiders QB
Kenny Pickett. The Panthers are expected to move veteran signal-caller
Andy Dalton this offseason, so they'd be in the market for a backup behind starter
Bryce Young going into next season. The 27-year-old Pickett appeared in six games (two starts) for the Raiders last season, going 28-for-45 passing for 188 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The former 20th overall pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 out of Pittsburgh quickly flamed out as a potential starter in the NFL. With a new coaching staff and future franchise QB coming in this offseason in Indiana's
Fernando Mendoza, a change of scenery is probably best for Pickett at this juncture. He won't be anywhere on the fantasy radar in single-year leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 9, 2026
Carolina Panthers impending free-agent power back
Rico Dowdle "has been linked" to the Washington Commanders by some people around the NFL, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Dowdle should do quite well for himself on the open market this offseason after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Panthers. In 17 regular-season games last year with Carolina, the 27-year-old South Carolina product had a career-high 236 rushing attempts for 1,076 yards (4.6 yards per carry), and six rushing touchdowns, adding 39 receptions for a career-best 297 yards and another score on 50 targets. Dowdle would become Washington's favorite for RB1 duties next season if they were to sign him, giving them a more experienced and established lead back over
Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The Panthers are probably unlikely to re-sign Dowdle since he wants to pursue a lead-back role, which he won't get in Carolina alongside
Chuba Hubbard.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 9, 2026
Impending free-agent wide receiver
Romeo Doubs plans to hit the free-agent market after talks with the Green Bay Packers didn't result in a new deal. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, and Tennessee Titans are "closely watching his market," as are the San Francisco 49ers. Some evaluators consider Doubs to be the "best all-around receiver" in this year's group on the open market. It's basically the same list of interested teams for Indianapolis Colts impending wideout
Alec Pierce. Doubs led the Packers with 724 receiving yards and six touchdown catches on 55 receptions in 16 regular-season games. The production doesn't exactly turn a ton of heads, but the 25-year-old has proven to be reliable and versatile, which will attract plenty of interest in free-agency. Doubs could be one of the most underrated sleeper receivers in fantasy drafts this fall, depending on his landing spot.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 8, 2026
Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent wide receiver
Alec Pierce appears set to hit the open market on Monday, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that he's poised to make at least $27 million per year on a new deal. The New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans are "among teams in the mix." The good news for the Colts is that Pierce is close with quarterback
Daniel Jones (Achilles), so he could be partial to re-signing in Indy. Fowler adds that Pierce's "upside and penchant for chunk yardage are attractive to teams." The San Francisco 49ers are another receiver-needy team that could make a big splash with the addition of the 25-year-old wideout. Pierce led the Colts in 2025 with 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 47 receptions, and he's led the NFL each of the last two years in yards per catch. Regardless of where Pierce lands, his fantasy price will go up coming off his career year.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 8, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles have received trade calls on defensive tackle Jalen Carter, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The Eagles must decide if they want to give Carter a contract extension after already locking down defensive tackle Jordan Davis to an extension on Saturday. Carter, the former ninth overall pick in 2023 out of Georgia, has been a Pro Bowler in each of the last two seasons, so it's probably unlikely that the Eagles will be looking to trade him. The 24-year-old has 13.5 sacks in 43 games (27 starts) in his first three NFL seasons, although he did play in a career-low 11 regular-season games in 2025, finishing with a career-low three sacks. Carter has been an effective hog molly on the interior of Philly's defensive line, but he'll be expected to take another step forward in Year 4 if he's given a long-term contract extension.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 8, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles remain interested in re-signing outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips, and talks are expected to continue to intensify, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. If Phillips reaches free agency, Schultz thinks he's "poised to cash in big" due to his strong market. The Eagles acquired the 26-year-old from the Miami Dolphins at last year's trade deadline. The former first-rounder in 2021 (18th overall) out of the University of Miami finished 2025 with a combined 53 tackles (29 solo), five sacks, seven tackles for loss, 14 QB hits, four pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 17 regular-season games. Phillips hasn't exactly been a must-roster player in IDP fantasy formats, but he has the potential to be a key linebacker for the Eagles if he's brought back. It was good to see him play a full 17 games last year after battling injuries the previous two seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
March 8, 2026
If free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum doesn't re-sign with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, there is a belief among NFL teams that the Washington Commanders will "heavily pursue" him, multiple sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. The Commanders are looking for a new center after releasing starting center Tyler Biadasz, who quickly latched on with the Los Angeles Chargers. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Linderbaum will be "tough to keep" if he makes it to the legal tampering date on Monday. In addition to Washington, the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans could be involved in the Linderbaum market. The 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler should easily surpass $20 million per year on his next contract. Landing Linderbaum would be a huge score for a Commanders franchise that dealt with injuries at key positions to miss the postseason after being on the doorstep of a Super Bowl appearance the year before.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
March 8, 2026
Veteran free-agent quarterback
Joe Flacco wants an opportunity to at least compete for a starting job somewhere in 2026. However, if he's forced to settle for backup work, Flacco would "strongly consider" returning to the Cincinnati Bengals to back up
Joe Burrow, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 41-year-old made his first Pro Bowl team in 2025 after initially beginning the season with the Cleveland Browns as their starter. Cincy traded for Flacco after Burrow went down with a turf-toe injury early in the season, and Flacco proceeded to pull more magic out of his hat by throwing for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions in nine games (six starts) for the Bengals. He became a waiver-wire pickup in fantasy leagues for QB-needy managers and had some decent performances along the way. There don't appear to be any glaring options for Flacco to be handed another starting job, so the likelihood of him returning to Cincy could be pretty high.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
March 8, 2026
The wide receiver position is an obvious area of need for the Cleveland Browns this offseason, with their receiver room being the least productive in the NFL last year (1,467 receiving yards), according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. It might be tough for the Browns to entice top free-agent wideouts to join them, which is why Oyefusi suggests the team "could explore the trade market again to bring in a pass-catcher." Under general manager Andrew Berry, the Browns also have a history of trading for veteran WRs, including
Jerry Jeudy and
Amari Cooper. A trade also makes more sense for Cleveland because of the fact that they will have limited salary cap space to work with to sign free agents at the position. Jerry Jeudy,
Cedric Tillman, and
Isaiah Bond are currently the team's top three receivers, so they could certainly use an upgrade. The problem with any receiver joining the Browns for 2026 is that the Browns could once again have a messy QB situation;
Shedeur Sanders and
Deshaun Watson (Achilles) are the best two current options under center.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
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