RADIO
Griffin Jax Resumes Throwing
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Griffin Jax (elbow) was able to throw from 120 feet on Friday, according to Marc Topkin. This is encouraging news after Jax recently got an injection in his right elbow. Rays manager Kevin Cash described the throwing session as "very, very good" and noted the team will begin ramping up Jax's activity. The right-hander is eligible to return from the IL on August 21, but it's unclear if his stint will be that quick. Given his progress, fantasy managers should have Jax back in the mix before the end of the month. Fantasy managers looking for pitching help should scoop Jax up off the waiver wire in leagues where he was dropped.
Source: Marc Topkin
Source: Marc Topkin
Kaytron Allen Given Large Workload in Preseason Debut
Washington Commanders running back Kaytron Allen tallied 23 carries, 85 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown during Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. He also converted one of his two targets for a one-yard reception. Allen, a sixth-round pick out of Penn State, is presumably competing for the No. 3 role behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White and ahead of Jeremy McNichols. More importantly, Allen could be proving to the coaching staff that he deserves consistent touches once the regular season comes around. There's not much pass-catching upside here, but it wouldn't be crazy to say that Allen could become the primary ball-carrier if Croskey-Merritt goes down, while White remains in more of a receiving role. Allen's big preseason showing makes him an instant riser in dynasty leagues, and he could even sneak onto the fantasy radar as an option in the deepest of redraft formats.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Abner Uribe Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Flexor Strain
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Abner Uribe (forearm) was placed on the 15-day Injured List, retroactive to August 11. Uribe hasn't taken the mound since Sunday, and now we know why. The right-hander heads to the shelf with a right forearm flexor strain. There is no word on how long Uribe is going to be sidelined. A minimum stint would get him back in the bullpen by the end of August, but it's unclear at the moment if that'll be the case. In a corresponding move, reliever Grant Anderson was recalled from Triple-A Nashville to take over the empty spot in the bullpen. Trevor Megill figures to get all the save chances with Uribe on the shelf.
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Braelon Allen Impresses on Friday Amid Depth-Chart Battle
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen tallied four carries, 44 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown during Friday's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Allen only appeared to play two drives, but he made the most of his limited opportunities, headlined by a 31-yard touchdown run. Breece Hall has a firm grasp on the lead-back role in New York, but Allen's big game puts him in the mix for the backup role, perhaps over Isaiah Davis. Allen found himself in a similar role at the start of last season before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 4. Despite what Friday's explosive run might suggest, Allen is actually more of a short-yardage back who has the ability to score points in deeper redraft leagues when he gets the ball around the goal line or when the Jets are approaching the line to gain. Plus, there's clear handcuff value behind Hall, even if the Jets aren't projected to have the most potent offense this year. Allen is worth a late-round flier in redraft leagues, especially for managers looking to grab Hall's handcuff.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Ted Hurst Draws High Target Share in NFL Debut
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst caught two of six targets for 19 yards during Friday's preseason opener against the New York Jets. A third-round pick out of Georgia State, Hurst was able to carve out a decent target share in his first taste of pro action, albeit in a preseason contest. Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Sr., and Jalen McMillan have all dealt with injuries this summer, so Hurst stepped up as the Bucs' top healthy receiver on Friday. With that being said, quarterback Baker Mayfield didn't play, so Hurst's targets came from depth quarterbacks Jalon Daniels and Connor Bazelak. Hurst has significant upside in dynasty leagues, but we'll need to see him produce consistently (and with Mayfield as his quarterback) before he gets onto the redraft radar.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Exits Early After Collision, In Concussion Protocol
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (head) was removed early during Friday's game against the New York Yankees. According to Mitch Bannon, Guerrero was removed after suffering a head injury while sliding into third base. Guerrero collided with the knee of George Lombard Jr., which resulted in Guerrero being pulled from the game for precautionary reasons. Before leaving, Guerrero went 1-for-3 at the plate with a single and a run scored. The Jays will likely continue to evaluate him, but for now, fantasy managers should consider Guerrero as day-to-day. There should be another update on his status ahead of Saturday's game. UPDATE: MLB.com's Keegan Matheson reports that Guerrero is going through the league's concussion protocol. Manager John Schneider said Guerrero had a "bit of a headache."
Source: Mitch Bannon
Source: Mitch Bannon
Jordan Brink Joins Bulls' Development Staff
The Chicago Bulls are hiring Jordan Brink as an assistant coach and director of player development, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Brink arrives after winning an NBA championship on Mike Brown's New York Knicks staff and previously worked as an assistant coach with the Detroit Pistons. Assistant-coach hires rarely shift fantasy value by themselves, but the move fits the development focus under Bryson Graham and Tiago Splitter. Josh Giddey remains Chicago's safest fantasy piece after averaging 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.1 assists last season. The more interesting name is Matas Buzelis, whose path to a breakout could improve if Brink helps speed up his two-way growth.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Braden Smith Nears Two-Way Deal with Pacers
Indiana Pacers guard Braden Smith is in line for a two-way deal after the team waived Ethan Thompson from his two-way contract, according to Spotrac's Keith Smith. Thompson's exit allows him to join Partizan in Serbia and clears a roster path for Smith, the No. 38 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The former Purdue guard left college as the NCAA's all-time assists leader after averaging 14.3 points and 8.8 assists as a senior, and he flashed his passing in Las Vegas with a nine-assist Summer League finale. The fit is developmental, though. With Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell ahead of him, Smith projects for heavy Noblesville Boom minutes and stays off the fantasy radar.
Source: Keith Smith
Source: Keith Smith
Tre Mann Heads to Cavaliers
Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Dennis Schroder and cash, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Mann gives Cleveland a younger, cheaper backcourt piece, but the fantasy path is narrow with James Harden and Donovan Mitchell controlling most of the guard usage. The former Florida standout averaged 5.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 12.6 minutes across 53 games last season while shooting 36.0 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from three. Cleveland's guard room leaves him buried for now, so Mann stays off the fantasy radar barring injuries ahead of him.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Trey Lance Has Roller-Coaster Performance in Preseason Opener
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 164 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception in his team's 27-7 preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday. Lance also had three carries for 27 rushing yards. The 26-year-old was given the starting role for the Chargers' preseason opener, as the team decided to rest Justin Herbert and other key players. Lance had highs and lows during his six-drive performance by showing flashes of his athleticism and shaky ball security before handing the reins to DJ Uiagalelei to finish the game. The two are competing for the QB2 spot to be Herbert's backup for the 2026 season. Lance has the slight edge in the quarterback battle, and having familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system helps his case. However, Uiagalelei will be pushing him for the spot every week until the end of the preseason.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dennis Schroder Lands in Charlotte
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder was traded to the Charlotte Hornets along with cash in exchange for Tre Mann, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 32-year-old lands with the 12th team of his NBA career and gives Charlotte a veteran option behind Coby White. Schroder split last season between Sacramento and Cleveland, averaging 10.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 24.2 minutes per game. He should slot ahead of Christian Anderson Jr. as the primary backup point guard, which trims the rookie's early runway. Schroder can provide assists in short bursts, but he is only a low-end fantasy option if injuries open more minutes.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
DeMarcus Lawrence Entering his Final Season in 2026
Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence told Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein that the 2026 season "will be my last year." The 34-year-old is entering his 13th NFL campaign and is coming off a productive first year in Seattle that ended with him lifting the Lombardi Trophy. Lawrence also made the Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his career by recording 53 tackles (24 solo), six sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries (two returned for touchdowns) in 16 regular-season starts. It was a nice bounce-back season for the former second-rounder by the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 from Boise State after he played in a career-low four games in 2024 due to injury in his final year in Dallas. "It was a tough process," Lawrence said. "But through the grace of God, I'm able to play another year and soak it all up one more good time before I hang it up." Lawrence hasn't recorded double-digit sacks since 2018, but he's recorded 67.5 sacks in his 12-year career.
Source: Yahoo Sports - Jori Epstein
Source: Yahoo Sports - Jori Epstein
Michael Mayer Caps Off First Drive with a Touchdown
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer had a fast start to the preseason despite the 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Kirk Cousins ended the first drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Mayer, who ended up with two receptions for 19 yards and that touchdown. With Raiders' TE1 Brock Bowers playing a single snap to start the game, Mayer had the opportunity to score. If Bowers were to miss any time this year, Mayer might have the best opportunity of his career to find success in what should be the best passing offense he has been a part of since entering the NFL. As RotoBaller's TE32 overall, Mayer likely won't be a major factor in redraft leagues but could prove to be an upside stash in dynasty leagues with this being the final year of his contract in Las Vegas.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Fernando Mendoza Shows Glimpses of Greatness in First NFL Showing
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza showed some promising traits during the 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night. While completing 10 of his 16 pass attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown, Mendoza also flashed his willingness to run with two carries for six yards. His touchdown pass went to sophomore wide receiver Jack Bech, whom he hit on a quick slant that split two defenders with perfect ball placement for the six-yard score. Mendoza showed confidence and decisiveness on most plays, but also left room for improvement in his first preseason game. As RotoBaller's QB29 overall, it's only a matter of time before Mendoza gets a true chance to exceed expectations in Las Vegas.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike Washington Jr. Erupts for 53-Yard Run in NFL Debut
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. flashed in his preseason debut, although the Raiders lost 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals. Washington Jr. turned six carries into 63 yards, no touchdowns, and failed to bring in his lone target on the night. A 53-yard scamper in which he followed his blocks, stayed square to the line of scrimmage, and exploded for the longest run of the night helped him get to 10.5 yards per carry in his debut. With teammate Ashton Jeanty firmly holding the RB1 spot, Washington Jr. could still have some upside in a change-of-pace role as RotoBaller ranks him at RB67 overall entering the season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
