RADIO
Zyhir Hope is Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielders Zyhir Hope and Kendall George have been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game with Double-A Tulsa, according to Jon Heyman of the MLB Network. There is no injury reason given for their absence, so the assumption is that both players could be part of an upcoming blockbuster trade. Hope is considered one of the best outfield prospects in the league and is currently ranked as the No. 25 prospect in baseball. George is a former first-round pick who offers good upside with the bat as well. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates on this situation in the coming days.
Source: Jon Heyman
Source: Jon Heyman
Kyle Pitts Sr. Missing Valuable Reps as Falcons' Quarterbacks Sit Out Team Drills
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is missing crucial practice time because both quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa (back) and Michael Penix Jr. (knee), are not participating in team drills this week. With both quarterbacks absent from team drills and new head coach Kevin Stefanski implementing a new offensive system, Pitts and the entire offense could face challenges if Tagovailoa and Penix are unable to get the necessary reps in camp. Despite a breakout 2025 season, Pitts struggled with Penix under center, totaling only 38 receptions for 375 yards and one touchdown in 10 games. While Stefanski's offense has favored tight ends like David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr., crowded competition in Atlanta with Drake London, Jahan Dotson, Zachariah Branch, and Bijan Robinson could make Pitts an avoid in fantasy this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luis Arraez Scratched on Saturday With More Cramping
San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez (cramping) was scratched ahead of Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres. Arraez was forced to leave Friday's contest due to cramping. He'll be held out of the lineup here due to the same issue. The Giants are likely going to be careful with Arraez, with the trade deadline only a few days away. The 29-year-old is expected to be traded, with the Rays, Red Sox, and Yankees reportedly showing interest. This season, Arraez is slashing .328/.364/.446 with four home runs, 43 RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 104 games. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Giants hold him out of the lineup until they likely trade him on Monday.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Heat Waiting on Klay Thompson Buyout Path
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson remains a Miami Heat target, but the Heat are more likely to wait on a possible buyout than trade for him, per Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. Miami could use the remainder of its midlevel exception if Thompson reaches the market, but Dallas reportedly prefers to find a trade for the four-time champion rather than let him walk for nothing. Thompson, 36, is owed roughly $17.5 million in the final year of his deal and is coming off a diminished season, averaging 11.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while still hitting around 38 percent from three. He would help Miami's spacing, but his low usage and fading all-around production leave him as a deep-league threes specialist at best.
Source: Anthony Chiang
Source: Anthony Chiang
Red Sox's Trade Discussions for Elly De La Cruz Have Stalled Out
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is reportedly on the trade block ahead of Monday's trade deadline. The Boston Red Sox attempted to make a deal for De La Cruz, but the two sides couldn't agree on a deal. According to Sean McAdam, the Reds wanted young major leaguers in exchange for De La Cruz. The Red Sox were unwilling to move their young MLB talent and would rather trade from within their farm system. It doesn't sound like a deal is going to happen between the two, but it wouldn't be shocking to see the Red Sox add another bat before the deadline is over.
Source: Sean McAdam
Source: Sean McAdam
Michael Pittman Jr. to Do Wonders for Steelers Offense
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. enters the 2026 season in a new offense, but receiver D.K. Metcalf has high hopes for the former Colts wideout. Metcalf said of Pittman, "The type of experience in the league who's been successful in another franchise comes over here, I think it's going to do wonders for our offense." In six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Pittman had 485 receptions for 5254 yards and 25 touchdowns in 95 games, despite poor quarterback play for most of his career with the team. Now he gets to play with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Pittman is currently ranked WR41 in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings, but if he can adjust to head coach Mike McCarthy's system, he could have a career year in Pittsburgh.
Source: Aaron Becker - Yahoo
Source: Aaron Becker - Yahoo
De'Andre Hunter Eyes Kings Starting Spot
Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter is expected to claim the final starting spot over Maxime Raynaud, per Kings beat writer Chris Watkins. That would round out a projected five of Darius Acuff Jr., Zach LaVine, Hunter, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis, giving Sacramento more perimeter defense and spacing than a two-big look with Raynaud. Hunter, 28, arrived from Cleveland at the deadline and finished last season averaging 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 threes across 45 games. His low defensive stats and limited playmaking cap the fantasy ceiling, so even with a starting role, he profiles more as a points-and-threes streamer than a stable standard-league option.
Source: Chris Watkins
Source: Chris Watkins
Darius Acuff Jr. Could Start for Kings
According to beat writer Chris Watkins, Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. is expected to open the season as the starting point guard. That would put the No. 7 pick in a first unit with Zach LaVine, De'Andre Hunter, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis while pushing Malik Monk toward a bench scoring role. Acuff, 19, showed shot-creation juice in Summer League, averaging 20.8 points and 4.6 assists, but he shot just 27.8 percent from three and committed 3.8 turnovers per game. A starting job would boost his redraft case for points, assists, and steals, though shaky efficiency and turnovers could drag down his nine-category value. He remains more appealing as a dynasty piece than a safe redraft target.
Source: Chris Watkins
Source: Chris Watkins
Roch Cholowsky Gets Assigned to High-A Winston-Salem
Chicago White Sox shortstop Roch Cholowsky has been assigned to High-A Winston-Salem. Cholowsky was the first overall pick during last month's draft. The 21-year-old is universally regarded as the most polished collegiate shortstop of the last decade. If everything goes right, Cholowsky shouldn't need much time in the minor leagues. There is speculation that Cholowsky could be ready for the big leagues as early as sometime next season. The White Sox aren't going to rush him, but Cholowsky's ability with the bat might force their hand sooner rather than later.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Deebo Samuel Sr. to Play All Over the Field in 2026
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will play all over the field in 2026, according to general manager John Lynch. When asked about Samuel's role for 2026, Lynch said, "You're going to see him in the return game, you're going to see him some at receiver, you're going to see him some at running back. We're going to use him all over the field, and we're really excited to have Deebo back." Samuel signed a one-year, $7 million deal to return to San Francisco, where he spent the first six seasons of his career, totaling nearly 6,000 scrimmage yards and 42 touchdowns in 81 games with the team. With young receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) done for the season after electing to undergo surgery to repair his PCL, Samuel steps into a potential WR2 role behind Mike Evans. While Samuel is now 30 years old and has been trending downward in his career, he can still be a factor in fantasy and should be rostered in most fantasy formats.
Source: Matt Barrows - NY Times
Source: Matt Barrows - NY Times
Jeremy Sochan Joins Trail Blazers
Free-agent forward Jeremy Sochan has agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The former No. 9 pick was waived by the Spurs in February, then joined the Knicks and played a limited role during their championship run. Sochan, 23, owns career averages of 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, but his 28.6 percent career mark from three has capped his offensive fit. In Portland, he will try to stick behind Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara on the wing. His defensive versatility gives him a path to minutes, but he is more of a watch-list name than a draft target.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Parker Washington to Play in 11, 12, and 13 Personnel in 2026?
Speaking to 1010XL, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington said he's going to play in three-WR sets, 12 personnel, and 13 personnel in the 2026 season. When asked whether he is worried 2-TE sets will take away from the wide receivers' workload, he stated, "For me, 12 personnel is good, even 13 [personnel]." He also said, "Liam [Coen] told me to be ready to play all positions and to stay ready." Washington has been heavily praised during the first week of training camp, with head coach Liam Coen saying, "Like we can't coach them always to be special when the ball's in their hands. And that's something Parker has." In the last four games last season, Washington hauled in 26 of 41 targets for 454 yards and three touchdowns, including a monster performance in the Wild Card Round against the Buffalo Bills. Ranked WR32 in RotoBaller's rankings, Washington is a breakout candidate to watch in 2026.
Source: 1010XL
Source: 1010XL
Gary Payton II Stays With Warriors
Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal to return to the Bay Area, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The 33-year-old defensive specialist remains in a familiar bench role under Steve Kerr, giving Golden State another low-usage defender around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Payton is coming off one of his best seasons, averaging a career-high 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals while shooting 58.3 percent across 73 games. His finishing and defense help the Warriors, but limited touches and low three-point volume keep him off most fantasy boards.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Sean Payton Praises Jaylen Waddle, Plans to Use Him All Across the Field
In an interview with NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund and Steve Wyche, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton offered high praise for newly acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Payton said, "he's an elite competitor," and "he's a guy that can play in the slot, he can play outside, and he can separate with both his speed and agility." Earlier this week, Payton said Waddle is the kind of player who "walks on water" and that "there's a clear vision for him." The former Dolphins receiver was traded to Denver this offseason and has been making a ton of noise during training camp. With high praise from his head coach, Waddle could be in line for a great season in Denver, similar to how receivers like George Pickens and Davante Adams did after changing teams in 2025.
Source: NFL Network
Source: NFL Network
Kyler Murray Outplays J.J. McCarthy on Saturday
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy saw its first clear, decisive win during the first four days of camp. The veteran who signed from the Arizona Cardinals had a great day, hitting star wide receiver Justin Jefferson several times and rarely seeing the ball hit the ground during practice. While McCarthy has played well during the first three days of camp, he was shaky on Saturday. While Murray missed most of the 2025 season with a foot injury, McCarthy struggled mightily, throwing 17 interceptions in 10 games. Murray likely holds the edge in this quarterback battle, but the young quarterback should have ample opportunities to win the starting job in Minnesota.
Source: Will Ragatz - BMTN
Source: Will Ragatz - BMTN
Matthew Bergeron Agrees to Extension with Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons and left guard Matthew Bergeron agreed to a four-year, $96 million extension, with $60 million guaranteed. The deal ties Dallas Cowboys right guard Tyler Smith for the highest contract value at the guard position in the NFL. Bergeron has been a full-time starter since being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, starting 49 games over his first three seasons. He allowed one sack last season and has been a key part of the Falcons' solid offensive line alongside Jake Matthews and Chris Lindstrom. After extending both Drake London and Bergeron, the Falcons will look to lock up running back Bijan Robinson to a well-deserved contract extension next.
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Will Levis Believes He's 100% a Starting Quarterback in the NFL
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis said on Saturday that he's "100 percent" a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL. "There are not 32 quarterbacks in this league better than me. I know I've put the tape out there already that I'm a dang good quarterback in this league." After a disastrous 2024 season, in which he had 18 turnovers in 12 games, Levis missed the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury. The former second-round pick is currently battling former starting quarterback Mitchell Trubisky for the backup role behind Cam Ward. If Levis loses this battle, a trade could be in the works for a player who believes he can compete with the best in the world at quarterback.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Tre Tucker Operating Mostly on the Outside at Training Camp
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker is spending most of his reps on the outside at training camp. With new head coach Klint Kubiak in town and his prior rapport with receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who led the NFL in fantasy points scored from the outside (17.3), Tucker could have a ton of success in this new system. Kubiak said in March that "One guy that sticks out is watching [Tucker] play football. He's kind of everything that we're about." Tucker scored 90% of his fantasy points from the outside in 2025 and totaled 747 yards and five touchdowns in 17 games last season. With potential upgrades at quarterback, including rookie Fernando Mendoza, Tucker could become a real fantasy starter in 2026.
Source: Adam Hill - Las Vegas Review Journal
Source: Adam Hill - Las Vegas Review Journal
Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy "Competing for Everything"
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh said on Saturday that both running backs, Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr., are "competing for everything at this point in time. Both those guys are going to play a lot." While both backs have produced and are legitimate starting options in the NFL, Skattebo is expected to have the edge at the start of the season. Before fracturing his ankle in Week 8, Skattebo was taking full control of the backfield, averaging 103.8 scrimmage yards and scoring six touchdowns in the five games before the injury. With the new coaching regime in New York for the 2026 season, whoever performs best early will earn more trust and likely a larger workload in the backfield. Both backs should be rostered, with Skattebo as a low-end RB2 and Tracy as a productive handcuff with upside to start in soft matchups.
Source: GiantsWFAN
Source: GiantsWFAN
Sam LaPorta Fully Healthy in Camp, Set to be "Big Part" of the Detroit Offense
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) has been deemed fully healthy at the start of training camp and is set to take on a large role in the Lions' offense, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. The 25-year-old had a disappointing Year 3 in the NFL, appearing in just nine games due to a herniated disc. However, not only is the Iowa product a full-go, but he is also set to play a large role in the offense under newly-tabbed offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. The tight end enjoyed a breakout campaign as a rookie, catching 10 touchdowns and totaling an impressive 889 yards. As a sophomore, LaPorta saw his production take a slight dip, but was still productive, scoring seven touchdowns with 726 yards. While the Detroit offense is crowded, LaPorta figures to be a primary option and is poised for a bounce-back with a clean bill of health.
Source: Eric Woodyard
Source: Eric Woodyard
Xavier Worthy Believed to Have Avoided a Major Injury on Saturday
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) is believed to be "OK," according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The young wideout exited Saturday's practice early due to a shoulder injury. However, the former first-round selection appears to have avoided a serious injury and may not face many limitations during the remainder of training camp. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his stats as he works his way back to full strength. Last season, Worthy had a disappointing sophomore campaign as he dealt with a lingering shoulder injury (dislocated shoulder) he suffered back in Week 1. Over the course of the 2025 season (14 games), the wideout scored just one touchdown. However, as a rookie, he found the end zone nine times, with three of them coming on the ground. When healthy, Worthy possesses high-end WR3/FLEX upside operating as the primary deep-threat in the Kansas City passing attack.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Ryan O'Hearn Out 6-8 Weeks With Quadriceps Strain
The Pittsburgh Pirates placed first baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn (quadriceps) on the 10-day injured list on Saturday with a strained left quadriceps muscle that is expected to keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks, according to Jason Mackey. O'Hearn injured his quad while running to first base on Friday, and the injury could keep him out for the remainder of the 2026 season. It's a really tough break for the 33-year-old left-handed slugger, who was in the midst of the best year of his MLB career. If O'Hearn doesn't play again for Pittsburgh this year, he'll finish with a .270/.334/.454 slash line, a .788 OPS, a career-high-tying 17 home runs, 69 RBI, 54 runs scored, and a stolen base in 96 games across 398 plate appearances. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues should not feel the need to hold O'Hearn on their rosters because of the high likelihood he won't play again this year. Rookie Rafael Flores Jr., who is coming off the concussion injured list, and Jacob Gonzalez could split playing time at first base for the Bucs going forward with O'Hearn on the shelf.
Source: Jason Mackey
Source: Jason Mackey
Jose Soriano Scratched From Saturday's Start With Trade Deadline Approaching
The Los Angeles Angels announced that right-hander Jose Soriano has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers with Monday's trade deadline right around the corner. "Today, Jose Soriano will not make his scheduled start. With the trade deadline on Monday and the uncertainty of the next 48 hours, we decided to take a prudent approach and see where these next few days lead us," baseball operations consultant John Mozeliak said in a statement. Left-hander Brent Suter will open Saturday's bullpen game against the Brew Crew. Both Soriano and left-hander Reid Detmers could be traded by the Halos this weekend, with the team looking at a potential full rebuild after another dismal season in 2026. The 27-year-old Soriano was looking like one of the best pitchers in baseball early this year before coming back to Earth quickly, and he currently sits with a 9-6 record, career-low 3.29 ERA (3.79 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 127 strikeouts and a league-high 57 walks in 123 innings and 22 starts. Soriano's volatile command makes him a boom/bust fantasy starting pitcher, but his overall value should be boosted if he's traded to a contender this weekend.
Source: Angels PR
Source: Angels PR
Tests Reveal Shin Bruise for Cyrus Allen
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen (shin, leg) was carted off during Saturday's practice with an apparent leg injury. Tests on the Chiefs rookie revealed a shin bruise; nothing was torn or broken, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. This was the best-case scenario for Allen, as he appeared to avoid a serious injury. The Chiefs have been dealing with injuries at wide receiver as Xavier Worthy also exited Saturday's practice with a shoulder injury. At the same time, Rashee Rice is still not 100% from knee surgery in May. The 23-year-old has had an outstanding training camp as he continues to build a rapport with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City selected Allen with the 176th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after he caught 51 passes for 674 yards and 13 touchdowns across 13 games in his senior year at Cincinnati. Allen is considered day-to-day for now and will likely receive a few days off from training camp to let his shin heal.
Source: Adam Schefter of ESPN
Source: Adam Schefter of ESPN
Sean Payton Exploring Reunion With Taysom Hill
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said the team will explore bringing in free-agent tight end Taysom Hill, according to Steve Wyche. Hill spent five seasons with Payton in New Orleans, where he carved out a unique role as a runner, receiver and occasional quarterback. The 35-year-old has not said whether he will play in 2026, but he confirmed earlier this week that he will not return to the Saints. Hill appeared in 13 games last season, finishing with 52 carries for 114 yards and one touchdown, 11 catches for 91 yards, and a touchdown pass on six attempts. Payton knows how to use Hill's versatility, so the interest is easy to understand, but Denver has not moved beyond exploring the possibility.
Source: Steve Wyche
Source: Steve Wyche
RJ Harvey in Position for Third-Down Work
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey will "certainly" be in position to serve as the team's third-down back, according to head coach Sean Payton. Zac Stevens relayed the comment as Denver sorts through a backfield that also includes J.K. Dobbins and fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman. Harvey already proved useful in the passing game as a rookie, catching 47 of 58 targets for 356 yards and five touchdowns over 17 games. He also rushed 146 times for 540 yards and seven scores. Payton's wording is encouraging, but it stops short of naming Harvey the winner of the role. Coleman entered the league with receiving experience of his own, while Dobbins remains Denver's most established runner after producing 772 yards in 10 games last season. Harvey's clearest route to steady touches may come on passing downs, making this a positive development for his PPR outlook even though the overall backfield split remains unsettled.
Source: Zac Stevens
Source: Zac Stevens
Mariners Listening to Offers on Randy Arozarena
The Seattle Mariners are listening to offers for outfielder Randy Arozarena, according to Adam Jude and Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. Arozarena is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, and trade talks are expected to "intensify" leading up to the MLB trade deadline on August 3. Seattle is also listening to offers for pitchers George Kirby, Emerson Hancock, and Luis Castillo. The Mariners are sellers and are expected to move Arozarena by the deadline. He has been hitting well over his last 12 games, slashing .277/.358/.426 with three home runs, five RBI, eight runs, and a stolen base. Overall, the 31-year-old is slashing .280/.375/.447 with 13 homers and 20 steals over 440 plate appearances this season. Arozarena's fantasy value could take a bump if he gets moved to a better offense. Still, regardless of where the veteran is traded to, he should continue to be a multi-category contributor for fantasy managers.
Source: Seattle Times
Source: Seattle Times
George Kirby Could Be Moved Before the Trade Deadline
Seattle Mariners right-hander George Kirby could be moved before the August 3 trade deadline, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Multiple teams have engaged the Mariners on a potential deal for Kirby. The Mariners are also listening to offers for starters Emerson Hancock and Luis Castillo. Kirby owns a 3.98 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 107 strikeouts across 120 innings. The 28-year-old was rocked for seven earned runs, serving up four long balls across just four innings in his last start on Monday. Before that start, Kirby posted a 1.73 ERA in his previous four starts before Monday's implosion. His fantasy value might change a little if he's traded but should remain a viable starter regardless of where he lands. Kirby is scheduled to start on Sunday against the Twins, but the Mariners could hold him back until after the MLB deadline. Stay tuned.
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Source: Jeff Passan of ESPN
Calvin Ridley Regains Weight After Stomach Virus
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley said he lost almost 15 pounds while dealing with a stomach virus but has since gained the weight back, according to Terry McCormick. Ridley also said he had eaten Chipotle before becoming ill, though the report did not identify the restaurant as the cause. The update is welcome after a quiet offseason in which Ridley's work was limited. His 2025 season ended after seven games because of a broken fibula and high ankle sprain, leaving him with 17 catches for 303 yards and no touchdowns. Tennessee added Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency and selected Carnell Tate fourth overall, giving Ridley more competition for targets this season. With the lost weight already restored, there is no indication in McCormick's report that the illness remains an active concern. Ridley's camp usage and role alongside Tennessee's new receivers are the more important fantasy developments to follow.
Source: Terry McCormick
Source: Terry McCormick
George Holani Expected to Handle Passing-Down Work
Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani is getting passing-down work with the first-team offense while Zach Charbonnet remains on the PUP list. Seattle Times Sports reported that Holani and rookie Jadarian Price have split most of the snaps with the starters, with Holani expected to handle third downs and two-minute situations while Price leans toward the early-down role. That gives Holani a defined lane in Seattle's backfield, though Charbonnet's eventual return could change the rotation. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound back had 22 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown in 11 regular-season games last year, then caught four passes for 34 yards after returning from injured reserve during Seattle's playoff run. That postseason usage offers some evidence that the Seahawks trust him in passing situations. Holani is not yet a clear redraft target, but his first-team work makes him worth monitoring in deeper PPR leagues while Charbonnet remains sidelined.
Source: Seattle Times Sports
Source: Seattle Times Sports
