March 6, 2026
The Athletic's James Boyd mentions Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed as an option for the Indianapolis Colts in free agency if they cannot bring
Alec Pierce back. Shaheed torched the Colts a few years ago while playing with the New Orleans Saints and just helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl over the New England Patriots. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Weber State was more productive on special teams as a kick returner for Seattle than on offense after he was acquired in a midseason trade from the Saints. Shaheed had 44 catches for 499 yards and two touchdowns with New Orleans in nine games, but caught just 15 passes for 188 yards and no TDs in nine regular-season games with the Seahawks. The speedy wideout would be a natural replacement for Pierce as a deep threat in Indy, though, perhaps improving Shaheed's fantasy upside in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
March 6, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Brandon Williams (quad) is available to play ahead of Friday's contest versus the Boston Celtics. Williams is back in action after sitting out Thursday's loss due to a quad issue. Luckily, it seems like a minor issue, so Williams will return to the court for the second leg of this back-to-back set. Since the All-Star break, Williams is averaging 15.9 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per game across seven contests. Williams has been a sneaky solid fantasy option lately, but his value figures to drop with
Cooper Flagg back in the mix. Fantasy managers who have Williams rostered can get him active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported this week that NFL teams will be calling the Atlanta Falcons to make trade offers for tight end
Kyle Pitts Sr., per The Athletic's Josh Kendall. "Whether or not they listen is another question," Kendall writes. He adds that new head coach Kevin Stefanski has sounded like he wants to coach Pitts this year, and he's the only real pass-catching TE on the roster. If the Falcons were to trade Pitts for a couple of mid-round draft picks, Kendall thinks they'd have to turn around and use the additional draft capital to take a rookie tight end in this year's NFL draft. The dynamic around trading Pitts could change if Atlanta is able to land a starting-caliber TE in free agency, such as
David Njoku or
Darren Waller. New general manager Ian Cunningham said recently the Falcons want another year to decide on whether Pitts is worth a long-term deal, which is why they placed the franchise tag on him. The former fourth overall pick broke out for 88 catches, 928 yards, and five touchdowns in 2025, but with potential issues at the QB position, Pitts could be a volatile TE1 in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
March 6, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Klay Thompson (groin) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. As expected, Thompson will suit up after being listed as probable on the injury report. Since the All-Star break, Thompson is averaging 12.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.5 three-pointers in 21.2 minutes per game in six contests. The veteran guard has been inconsistent in terms of fantasy value this season. Thompson has been playing better lately and could be worth a look as a streaming option for Friday's slate. He knocked down seven three-pointers on Thursday, so hopefully he can keep it going here.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Houston Rockets guard
Amen Thompson (ankle) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Thompson has been upgraded to available after coming into this game with a questionable tag. He tweaked his ankle during Thursday's game, but it won't be enough to keep him off the court. He played 44 minutes during Thursday's overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Rockets monitor Thompson on Friday. Regardless, fantasy managers should feel comfortable plugging him into their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. As expected, Gafford will head to the sideline after being listed as doubtful for this game due to an ankle injury. This is likely the Mavs being cautious with Gafford after he played 25 minutes during Thursday's contest. The expectation is that Gafford will be back for Sunday's game, but fantasy managers should check back for an update this weekend. The Mavs are thin at the center spot, which means
Dwight Powell and
Moussa Cisse could play heavy minutes. Powell could be worth a look as a deep league streaming option on Friday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Andrew Wiggins (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Wiggins has been playing through knee tendinitis, so it's not shocking to see him sitting out the second leg of this back-to-back set. His next chance to play will come on Sunday versus the Detroit Pistons. The Heat are expected to use a committee approach to fill the void left by Wiggins on Friday.
Kel'el Ware,
Pelle Larsson, and
Myron Gardner all figure to see increased roles here. Among the three, Ware is the best fantasy option, but he's also rostered in most leagues. Otherwise, Larsson could be another option to look at in deep leagues with Wiggins unavailable.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (knee) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Ayton won't play after exiting during the first half of Thursday's contest due to a left knee injury. The severity is unknown, but the Lakers are likely just being cautious in the second leg of this back-to-back set. His absence will mean increased roles for
Jarred Vanderbilt and
Jaxson Hayes on Friday. Hayes finished with 19 points and five rebounds across 27 minutes of action on Thursday. He figures to be a safe streaming choice with Ayton and
LeBron James (elbow) both out on Friday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (elbow) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. James was forced to sit out during the fourth quarter of Thursday's game due to a left elbow injury. It appears to be significant enough to keep him out of the second leg of this back-to-back set. The severity of the injury is unknown right now, but his next chance to play will come on Sunday. The Lakers are expected to use a committee approach to fill the void left by James. That means
Rui Hachimura,
Jake LaRavia, and
Jarred Vanderbilt should all see increased playing time. Among the three, LaRavia is probably the most consistent option for fantasy managers seeking a streaming option on Friday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Mattias Janmark (undisclosed) has had season-ending surgery, head coach Kris Knoblauch revealed on Friday. He has been out since Feb. 25 with an undisclosed injury. The team expects Janmark to be healthy for training camp in the fall. Janmark has one season left on a three-year, $4.35 million contract. He finishes this season with eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 48 games. Having acquired Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks this week, the Oilers have several options available to fill in for Janmark. Both new additions are expected to be in the lineup on Friday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 6, 2026
The Houston Texans and tight end
Dalton Schultz agreed on a one-year contract extension worth $12.6 million on Friday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Schultz now has $17.6 million guaranteed in 2026 and 2027. The Texans will reward the 29-year-old after finishing up his third year with the team in 2025. The former fourth-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018 out of Stanford caught a career-high 82 passes on a career-high 106 targets for 777 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games last year in his eighth year in the league. Schultz's numbers made him the TE11 in half-PPR scoring in 2025, averaging 8.0 fantasy points per game. He is a trusted weapon over the middle for quarterback Dalton Schultz and should remain a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 target in fantasy football drafts this fall. Schultz has 194 grabs for 1,944 yards and 10 touchdowns in his three years in Houston.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 6, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals released defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson on Friday, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. Tomlinson played his only season with the Cardinals in 2025 and had 26 tackles (13 solo) and one sack in 17 starts in his ninth year in the NFL. The 32-year-old former second-round pick back in 2017 out of Alabama by the New York Giants played the first four years of his career with the Giants before spending two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Tomlinson has been a durable and consistent defensive tackle in his nine years in the NFL, but he doesn't move the fantasy needle in IDP formats with only 20 total sacks through 142 games played (142 starts). The Cardinals will free up around $9.4 million in salary cap space this year by cutting Tomlinson, who signed a two-year, $29 million deal with Arizona last March.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss
March 6, 2026
Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson (upper body) will return to work on Friday against the Florida Panthers. He has been named the starter for Friday night after missing Wednesday's loss to Vegas with an upper-body injury. Gibson has been strong between the sticks this season, posting a 23-12-2 record with four shutouts. He holds a 2.58 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. On Friday, Gibson draws a good matchup, as Florida has dropped nine of its last 11 games and has scored two or fewer goals in four of the past six contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 6, 2026
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (illness) will return from a four-game absence on Friday night against the Colorado Avalanche. Due to illness, the Finnish forward hasn't played for the Stars since the Olympics. Hintz will resume his role as the top-line center, with Wyatt Johnston shifting to the right wing. Mavrik Bourque is expected to move down to the third line. Across 52 games this season, Hintz has tallied 15 goals and 29 assists. He has recorded points in three of his last four regular-season games against Colorado.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 6, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) returned to practice on Friday. He skated for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury at the Olympics. Last Wednesday, Crosby was ruled out for at least four weeks. However, it seems there's a chance the Penguins captain might return sooner. While it's great news for the Penguins and fantasy managers to see Crosby back on the ice Friday, he has not been cleared for contact and isn't expected to play during Pittsburgh's back-to-back set this weekend. With Crosby out, Thomas Novak held the top-line center spot in Thursday's loss to Buffalo, while Ben Kindel has also seen increased usage recently.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
March 6, 2026
Left wing Bobby McMann will finish the 2025-26 season with the Seattle Kraken. He was traded on Friday by the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick. McMann is in the final season of a two-year, $2.7 million contract. While McMann was a top-six regular in Toronto, it's not yet clear where he'll fit into the Kraken's lineup. The 29-year-old is aiming for his first 40-point campaign, amassing 19 goals and 13 assists in 60 appearances so far.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 6, 2026
Former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback
Geno Smith and Arizona Cardinals QB
Jacoby Brissett are the front-runners to be the New York Jets' starting signal-caller in 2026, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Smith was taken by the Jets in the second round in 2013 out of West Virginia, so it would be a homecoming after he spent the first four years of his career in New York. The 35-year-old was one of the worst QBs in the league in 2025, but he'll come cheap this offseason and has enough experience to be a one-year bridge option at the position. Brissett would be more expensive, and it's unclear if the Cardinals will even trade him this offseason. Reports on Friday suggested the Jets could add two veteran QBs in free agency, so if the team adds Smith or Brissett, they'd likely be competing for the starting role this summer. Most likely, the QB position will be one to avoid in fantasy leagues this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
March 6, 2026
The Detroit Red Wings acquired defenseman Justin Faulk from the St. Louis Blues on Friday in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick, defenseman Justin Holl, and forward prospect Dmitri Buchelnikov. Faulk spent six and a half seasons with the Blues, recording 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists), 116 shots, 102 blocks, and 49 hits in 61 appearances this term. The veteran blue-liner has had a decent campaign on a bad team and will have an opportunity to improve his production with the playoff-chasing Red Wings. He's going to be part of the top-four group in Motown and will likely strengthen the second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 6, 2026
The New York Giants released veteran offensive tackle James Hudson on Friday, according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. Hudson will hit the open market this offseason after struggling in the 11 games (two starts) that he appeared in over the course of his only year with the team in 2025. The 26-year-old reached an agreement on a two-year, $12 million contract with the G-Men in March of last year. The former fourth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2021 out of Cincinnati only played in four games in his final season in Cleveland in 2024 due to a shoulder injury. Hudson will be searching for a depth role in free agency this offseason, as he has started just 19 of the 60 games he's appeared in over his five years in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Paul Schwartz
March 6, 2026
Center Nazem Kadri rejoined the Colorado Avalanche in a trade deadline deal on Friday. After winning the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022, Kadri signed a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Calgary Flames as a free agent. Now, he's back in town after Colorado re-acquired Kadri from Calgary in exchange for forward Victor Olofsson, unsigned draft pick Maxmilian Curran, a conditional 2028 first-round pick, and a conditional 2027 second-round pick. Additionally, the Avalanche received a 2027 fourth-round pick as part of the deal. Calgary will retain 20 percent of Kadri's salary. Kadri had a career year with the Avalanche in 2021-22 and could increase his productivity down the stretch. He has recorded 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 61 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 6, 2026
Center Ryan Kelly announced his retirement from professional football on X on Friday. Kelly was placed on Injured Reserve in late December of last year after suffering his third concussion of the year. His head injuries also prompted the 32-year-old veteran to hang up his cleats after playing 10 years in the league. Kelly was originally the 18th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts out of Alabama. Nine of his 10 seasons in the NFL came in Indy, where he was named a Pro Bowler four times, including three straight seasons from 2019 to 2021. Kelly played in only eight games last year because of his head injuries, but when he was on the field, he was playing at a high level. With the announcement, the Vikings will most certainly be in the market for a center in free agency this offseason. Kelly started all 129 games that he appeared in over his 10-year career.
--Keith HernandezSource: Ryan Kelly on X
March 6, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Friday that they placed an exclusive-rights tender on free-agent running back
Kimani Vidal to keep him around for the 2026 season. The Chargers also signed running back
Jaret Patterson and safety Kendall Williamson to contract extensions. The 24-year-old Vidal was thrust into a bigger role than anticipated last year when both
Najee Harris (Achilles) and rookie
Omarion Hampton (ankle) went down with injuries. The former sixth-rounder in 2024 out of Troy had 155 carries for 643 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and three touchdowns in 13 regular-season games, adding 16 catches for 136 yards and another score. Vidal proved to be a reliable plug-and-play RB3/flex option for fantasy managers, although with Hampton returning as the Bolts' clear lead back, it will be difficult for Vidal to improve on his numbers in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Chargers
March 6, 2026
The Washington Commanders re-signed former first-round wide receiver
Treylon Burks to a one-year deal worth a maximum of $4 million on Friday, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Burks, who was taken 18th overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 out of Arkansas, was a bust in his three years in Nashville and was barely healthy, playing only 27 games (17 starts) and catching 53 of 92 targets for 699 yards and one touchdown. After being cut by the Titans, the Commanders scooped him up, and Burks had 10 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets in eight games played last year in D.C. The 25-year-old obviously didn't do enough to be rostered in most fantasy leagues, but he could have a much bigger opportunity for Washington in 2026 with
Deebo Samuel Sr. hitting free agency this offseason. Burks is worth watching going into training camp this summer.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 6, 2026
The Houston Texans released running back
Joe Mixon (foot) on Friday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. We knew Mixon was expendable, especially after not playing at all last year due to an ankle/foot injury, when the Texans acquired
David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions this week. Details on the 29-year-old Mixon's injury last year were sparse, and it's unclear if he'll even be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall. Because of that, Mixon could be greeted with a cold free-agent market upon his release. In fantasy football, the former second-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 out of Oklahoma will be hard to gauge until he lands with a new team. The two-time Pro Bowler has five 1,000-rushing seasons in his eight years in the NFL and can do anything on the field when healthy, but his uncertain future and injury status have really cratered his fantasy value this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 6, 2026
SNY's Connor Hughes reports that the New York Jets could prefer to sign two veteran free-agent quarterbacks this offseason, and Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent QB
Carson Wentz could be high up on their wish list. Wentz is believed to be offensive coordinator Frank Reich's "preferred option," according to two sources. Reich was previously Wentz's offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016 to 2017, and Wentz's best season came in his second year in the league under Reich, when he threw for 3,296 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Wentz also played for Reich with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, throwing for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. "No one loves Wentz more than Frank," a third source said. The 33-year-old played through a shoulder injury in five starts in Minnesota last year, throwing for 1,216 yards, six TDs, and five picks. If Wentz were to land in New York, he'd most likely be battling another veteran for the starting gig. And with the Jets, that's about as gross as it gets for fantasy purposes.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
March 6, 2026
Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Kyler Murray (foot) is the top available option at the QB position this offseason. The New York Jets have discussed him as an option, but the "resounding belief" from multiple sources is that he will sign with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. The 28-year-old former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma didn't play beyond Week 5 last year due to a foot sprain, and veteran
Jacoby Brissett actually elevated the offense in Murray's absence. The Vikings are looking for a signal-caller to push
J.J. McCarthy and perhaps even win a QB battle going into next season. Murray, the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, would be in position to rebound in a big way if he were to land in Minnesota, with head coach Kevin O'Connell and legitimate receiving threats in
Justin Jefferson and
Jordan Addison. Murray is going to be cheap on the open market and in fantasy drafts this fall, but he will make for an interesting QB2 flier with bounce-back potential if he signs with the Vikes.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY - Connor Hughes
March 6, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward
Harrison Barnes (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The usually reliable Barnes is set to miss his third straight game due to a lingering ankle issue. His next chance to play will come on Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back later this weekend. In the meantime,
Carter Bryant and
Julian Champagnie (knee) should see increased roles in the rotation. Champagnie is currently considered questionable with a knee injury, so Bryant could be looking at a bigger role, assuming he sits out as well.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
It's becoming "increasingly obvious" that Milwaukee Brewers right-hander
Quinn Priester (wrist) won't be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season due to a right-wrist injury that is "not responding consistently," manager Pat Murphy told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Priester doesn't have structural damage, but more than six months after feeling discomfort in his wrist, the issue has not gone away. Opening Day is three weeks away, and Priester has not thrown off a mound in more than a week. "He'll have a bullpen and feels great, and then the next bullpen, he can't do it. Whenever you're dealing with whatever up the arm, [starting at] the wrist, it's concerning. But I'm optimistic," manager Pat Murphy said. Milwaukee is even thinking of sending Priester to a specialist at this point. If Priester is not ready to start the year,
Jacob Misiorowski and
Chad Patrick are the leading candidates to take a rotation spot. Fantasy managers should be extremely hesitant to take the 25-year-old in upcoming drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
March 6, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Dejounte Murray (rest) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Murray is set to return after sitting out the front end of the back-to-back set for rest purposes. The Pelicans will continue to be cautious with Murray, who recently returned from an Achilles injury. When healthy, Murray has been solid, so fantasy managers should get him active in their lineups on Friday. He finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists across 28 minutes of action during Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He figures to have a similar workload during Friday's contest.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 6, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard
VJ Edgecombe (back) was unable to practice on Friday, according to Noah Levick. Instead, Edgecombe went through an individual workout session following Friday's practice. The rookie guard is in danger of missing a second straight game after suffering a lumbar contusion during Tuesday's contest. The Sixers are likely going to wait and see how Edgecombe feels on Saturday before deciding if he'll suit up against the Atlanta Hawks. If he's unavailable,
Quentin Grimes and
Cameron Payne are expected to help fill the void. Between the two, Grimes is the better streaming choice after dropping 16 points with five rebounds during Wednesday's game.
--Andy WebbSource: Noah Levick
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