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Mets Setting High Asking Price for Freddy Peralta
The New York Mets are asking teams for a "top-100 prospect and more" in return for starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, according to Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. With the Mets currently 16 games under .500 and Peralta set to hit free agency at the end of the season, the veteran right-hander is one of the safer bets to be moved at the upcoming trade deadline. Peralta's value around the league may be at a relative low point, as he's recorded a 5-9 record with a 4.99 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts across 113 2/3 innings (22 starts) on the year. Still, the 30-year-old recorded a 2.70 ERA with a 28.2% strikeout rate across 176 2/3 innings in 2025. He may be one of the few available arms at the deadline who carries true high-end upside for contenders.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal
Aleksandar Rakic Set For Heavyweight Debut
Aleksandar Rakic is scheduled to make his heavyweight debut against Marcin Tybura on the main card of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Rakic finds himself in a tough spot as he's lost four fights in a row. His last win was back in March 2021 against Thiago Silva. Rakic was last seen in action in October at UFC 321, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Azamat Murzakanov. DraftKings sees Rakic as a massive favorite with a salary of $9,300.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Courtland Sutton Could See Load Management
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and the team will meet to discuss load management for certain players, specifically pointing to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Sutton is not injured, but the Broncos could limit his workload over the course of the season to keep him fresh for another potential postseason run in January. It comes after the Broncos gave up a first-round pick to acquire speedy receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason. The 30-year-old Sutton had his third 1,000-yard season (and second straight) in 2025, catching 74 passes for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season games as quarterback Bo Nix's go-to target. The former second-rounder in 2018 from SMU and two-time Pro Bowler may struggle for a third straight 1,000-yard season with Waddle in the fold and tight end Evan Engram potentially being more involved. Sutton should continue to be an asset in the red zone, but age-related decline and fewer targets have dropped him into WR3/flex territory in fantasy going into the 2026 campaign.
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Shohei Ohtani's Knee May Not Get Back to 100 Percent in 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter/starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (knee) may be battling discomfort in his left knee for the remainder of 2026, per Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to nagging knee issues. While he's continued to play nearly every day as the Dodgers' designated hitter, he has not attempted to steal a base since May 22. The 32-year-old remains one of the best hitters in baseball even while playing at less than 100%, as he's slashed .289/.394/.537 with 23 home runs, 65 RBI, 68 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 456 plate appearances. However, Ohtani's barrel rate is down to 16.6% after he posted consecutive seasons with at least a 21% barrel rate in 2024 and 2025. It appears that fantasy managers may have to get used to slightly muted production from Ohtani the rest of the way.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo & Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo & Fabian Ardaya
Robert Valentin Looks For His Second UFC Win
Robert Valentin will look to win back-to-back fights as he faces off against Dusko Todorovic on the main card of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Valentin was last seen in the Octagon in April at UFC Winnipeg, where he got his first UFC win by beating Julien Leblanc via first-round submission. Prior to that, Valentin was on a three-fight skid. DraftKings sees Valentin as the favorite with a salary of $8,500.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Dierre Hill Jr. Brings Explosive Element to Ducks' Backfield
Sophomore running back Dierre Hill Jr. got significant playing time as a freshman at Oregon, carrying the ball 75 times for 656 yards and five touchdowns. Standing 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, Hill has the perfect frame combined with explosive speed to really make a difference in the Ducks' offense entering his sophomore season. Hill is again expected to split the backfield with fellow sophomore Jordon Davison, but the two should see more work with Noah Whittington off to the NFL. It is widely expected that the Ducks will deploy a committee at running back, and Hill should have his fair share of work as an important piece of the puzzle.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Michael Soroka Set to Make Rehab Start on Tuesday
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Michael Soroka (glute) is scheduled to make a rehab start with Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, per John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Phoenix. Gambadoro reports that the team's plan for Soroka is for him to throw "around 50-60 pitches." Soroka has been on the 15-day injured list since late June due to a left groin strain. However, it appears he could be on the verge of a return to the big leagues if all goes well on Tuesday. The 28-year-old got off to a strong start to the season before the injury, recording an 8-3 record with a 3.07 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts across 82 innings (15 starts). Soroka does not profile as an elite source of strikeouts (23.7% strikeout rate), but he limits walks (5.1% walk rate) and power (0.66 HR/9). Once healthy, the veteran right-hander profiles as a steady innings eater for fantasy managers.
Source: 98.7 FM Phoenix - John Gambadoro
Source: 98.7 FM Phoenix - John Gambadoro
Charlie Becker to Break Out in 2026?
Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker came on down the stretch of the season last year during the Hoosiers' national title run. He finished the season with 34 grabs for 679 yards and four touchdowns, putting together his most productive games in big moments against the likes of Penn State and Ohio State. Becker returns to Indiana as a redshirt sophomore and is joined by Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh to form a dangerous tandem. While Becker did have some productivity down the stretch last year, he is set for a full-fledged breakout as a full-time starter in 2026 with Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. off to the NFL.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dusko Todorovic Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dusko Todorovic will try to win his second consecutive fight as he takes on Robert Valentin on the main card of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Todorovic was last seen in action at Noche UFC 3, where he bounced back in the win column by defeating Jose Medina via first-round submission. That was a much-needed win for Todorovic, who was prior to that fight on a three-fight losing streak. DraftKings sees Todorovic as the underdog with a salary of $7,700.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Ja'Kyrian Turner Set to Lead Pittsburgh Backfield
Sophomore running back Ja'Kyrian Turner is set to step into a lead role for Pitt this season after running alongside Desmond Reid in 2025. With Reid off to the NFL, the backfield is Turner's to lose. Standing 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, the young back carried the ball 140 times for 745 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman. He also caught 25 balls for 150 yards. Turner's most productive game came in an upset win over Georgia Tech when Reid was sidelined, in which he ran 21 times for 201 yards and a score. With that type of workload weekly, the potential is there for him to emerge as one of the nation's best running backs.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Out of Yankees Lineup on Friday
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (leg) is not in the lineup for his team's matchup against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Chisholm Jr. was pulled from the Yankees' loss to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday due to what the team described as cramping. To this point, there's been no indication that Chisholm Jr. is dealing with a more significant injury. The 28-year-old is slashing .224/.261/.384 with a 35.8% strikeout rate this season against left-handed pitching, so New York could simply be looking to get him out of the lineup against Cubs southpaw Shota Imanaga. Still, fantasy managers should monitor Chisholm Jr.'s status closely in the coming days. Across 405 plate appearances overall in 2026, Chisholm Jr. is hitting .224/.301/.407 with 16 home runs, 45 RBI, 53 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases. Even in a down year, he remains a high-end power/speed threat for fantasy managers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Matthew Golden Showing Out in Friday's Training Camp Practice
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden is making more noise early in training camp during Friday's practice, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today Sports. Golden skied to catch a pass from quarterback Jordan Love in the middle of the field for an 18-yard gain, which Wood says was the "best catch of camp so far." It didn't take long for Golden to top that with a 20-yard fade down the right sideline from Love. Cornerback Keisean Nixon had great leverage on the sideline, but Golden shielded him with his back and caught the ball over his shoulder in the same motion. It displayed "tremendous body control" and immediately became the new best catch of camp. With Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks no longer in town, the 22-year-old former 23rd overall pick out of the University of Texas has clear Year 2 breakout potential in the Packers' offense as a locked-in starter in three-wide sets next to Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. Golden only had 29 receptions for 361 yards and zero touchdowns in 14 regular-season contests, but he became the team's most consistent wideout late in the year, and he found the end zone for the first time in his career in the playoffs. His fantasy ADP figures to continue rising this summer as one of the more intriguing young pass-catchers in the league.
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood
Georgia Tech to Add DeAndre Hopkins to Staff
Former NFL star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who played for the Ravens just last season, is reportedly set to join Georgia Tech's staff for the upcoming season. Hopkins has a relationship with offensive coordinator George Godsey, and is expected to take on a role on the offensive staff. Fresh out of the NFL, Hopkins has never held a coaching role before but makes an interesting hire given his pedigree. He played at Clemson from 2010-2012 before being drafted in the first round, and amassed 13,295 receiving yards and 76 touchdowns in his career. Having such a successful NFL receiver around should certainly help boost recruiting pedigree for Brent Key's program.
Source: 247 Sports
Source: 247 Sports
Julian Sayin Up 10 Pounds Heading into 2026
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was a Heisman finalist in 2025, but that does not stop him from feeling like he has a lot to prove. Buckeyes' strength coach Mickey Marotti stated that Sayin is "the toughest player in the whole Woody," despite the reputation he gets for being smaller-framed. The redshirt sophomore threw for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions a season ago, and has reportedly gained 10 pounds and "feels faster." On Sayin, safety Jaylen McClain stated, "He's a lot more comfortable. Obviously, he had a great season being a Heisman finalist, but for him to come back with a chip on his shoulder as well, he feels like he has a lot to prove." The Buckeyes kick the season off against Ball State on September 5th.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Evan Engram Drawing Ample Targets Early in Training Camp
Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports reports that Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram is having a day in training camp practice on Friday, as he's been targeted multiple times with multiple catches during team drills, including a 50-yard bomb from quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stevens adds that Davis Webb as the team's new play-caller "seems to be benefiting him a ton." Stevens added that Engram can "definitely" be a big part of the offense this year. The Athletic's Nick Kosmider writes that Engram has been "the standout" during the team's first 11-on-11 period in camp. The 31-year-old veteran TE also had a strong showing during mandatory minicamp last month, perhaps setting himself up to be a sleeper at the position in fantasy football drafts in 2026. Engram was a disappointment last year in his first year in Denver after head coach Sean Payton talked him up all offseason, ultimately finishing with a 50-461-1 line in 16 regular-season games. The Broncos have receiver Jaylen Waddle now, though, which could totally transform their offense and open up space for Engram to operate. RotoBaller has Engram ranked as only the TE34, but if he continues to impress during camp and gain the trust of Webb as a play-caller, his ADP could rise quickly as a TE2.
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Bob Chesney Says Nico Iamaleava is Growing as a Leader
New UCLA head coach Bob Chesney stated that he has seen marked growth in junior quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who is one of the few holdovers from the previous regime in Westwood. "This year definitely feels more comfortable. I'm comfortable at home. I feel better about it this year, mentally and physically," Iamaleava stated, settled in at UCLA now after his tumultuous departure from Tennessee. Chesney brought five coaches and 10 players along with him from James Madison, and stated, "Your quarterback needs to be your leader, and when you bring in an outsider, obviously, there's some friction that might occur at moments. Having [Iamaleava] already present in that community, in that school, all the things that come with it, I think he finally had a chance to just let his guard down and be like, 'All right, we got a program. We're stable now. Let's do this thing.'" The new coach-quarterback pairing will kick their season off on September 5th against California.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Shedeur Sanders to Start the Team's First Padded Practice
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is taking the first-team reps at QB in training camp practice on Friday, as the alternating practices with second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders continue, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. It means that Sanders will see the first-team reps for the team's first padded practice on Monday. As expected, the two QBs are splitting first-team work early in training camp. There is no clear leader in the quarterback competition this early, although Watson noticeably struggled the other day and threw back-to-back interceptions during 11-on-11 work. Head coach Todd Monken hasn't given a timetable for when he wants to announce the winner of the competition, but he did say he plans to play his starters in the preseason. We should have a better idea of who the leader in the competition is once pads come on. Watson has the experience over Sanders, but he also missed all of 2025 due to a torn Achilles tendon. Whoever wins the Browns' QB job will have a short leash and will be a low-end, low-upside QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
David Braun Says Chip Kelly Hire was "Transformative"
Northwestern head coach David Braun swung for the fences when the Wildcats brought in Chip Kelly to be the team's offensive coordinator in 2026. Braun stated, "There needed to be some form of transformative change, and the fact that he chose us is a reflection of what we're building." The Wildcats went 7-6 (4-5 Big Ten) last season, and have gone 19-19 in his tenure thus far in Evanston. Northwestern's offense has not been the strong suit over the last few seasons under Braun, and if Kelly can ignite a spark, the Wildcats could build something special. They will be relying on Michigan State transfer Aidan Chiles, who has thrown for 4,116 career yards, to run the offense. Star receiver Griffin Wilde, who recorded 880 yards and eight touchdowns last season, should be the go-to target in the revamped offense.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Browns Think Quinshon Judkins "Can Play All Three Downs"
Cleveland Browns running backs coach Duce Staley said that RB Quinshon Judkins has "worked his ass off" to come back from his dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16 of his rookie campaign in 2025, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "The sky is the limit ... I think that Q can play all three downs," Staley added. The 22-year-old former second-rounder from Ohio State is an emerging young RB, and although his fantasy ceiling could be limited by Cleveland's offense (especially their QB situation), Judkins is becoming a more attractive RB2 candidate for fantasy managers for what could be lots of volume. In 14 starts in his first NFL season in 2025, Judkins averaged only 3.6 yards per carry to finish with 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries. He added 26 receptions for 171 yards on 36 targets in the passing game. Judkins' fantasy ceiling could be limited with Dylan Sampson serving as the Browns' top pass-catching back, but it's clear Judkins' arrow is pointing up. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 22 RB for 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Bryce Underwood to Run More in 2026?
Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood scrambled for 392 yards and six touchdowns as a true freshman last season. The sophomore is due to see an uptick in his usage on the ground in 2026 with Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck in the fold. Under Beck, Devon Dampier produced 2,001 yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground over the past two seasons. Whittingham stated that "A lot of what we did with Devon Dampier last year at Utah is what you're going to see Bryce doing this year." Underwood has also reportedly been doing drills with the running backs to better that aspect of his game. On the running game in general, Whittingham also said: "To help Bryce, there's two things we can do: shore up the offensive line and have a strong running game. A strong running game is a quarterback's best friend. If he can turn and hand the ball and get chunks of yardage up the field, that takes a lot of pressure off of him." With Jordan Marshall returning and five-star Savion Hiter joining him in Michigan's backfield, the Wolverines should be lethal on the ground in 2026.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Chuba Hubbard Remains the Projected Lead Back in Carolina
There has been plenty of hype surrounding Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks so far in training camp now that he looks fully healthy, but Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer also reports that "it's Chuba Hubbard's world he's living in." With that said, Kaye also thinks Brooks has "looked sharp." "He's cutting well, showing impressive hands, and I think he's gaining a rhythm out there." Brooks could be a thorn in Hubbard's side in 2026 if he stays healthy, but Rico Dowdle is gone, and the Panthers will open the regular season with Hubbard as the clear leader of their backfield. However, the 27-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2021 from Oklahoma State has work to do after a disappointing 2025 season in which he had 134 carries for 511 yards and one rushing touchdown in 15 regular-season games. It was a massive disappointment after Hubbard reached the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career in 2024. Most of Hubbard's 2026 fantasy value derives from the fact that he's Carolina's RB1, but without a ton of pass-catching upside, he's vulnerable to Brooks and should be considered a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex target going into upcoming drafts.
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Eli Raridon Continues to Flash in New England's Offense
New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon has been flashing early on during training camp and made another catch in team drills on Friday from quarterback Tommy DeVito on a corner/stop route, according to Evan Lazar of the team's official website. Raridon once again found the soft spot between defenders and finished strong at the catch point. The 22-year-old third-rounder from Notre Dame said that things are slowing down for him already this summer compared to back in the spring, and he's doing all the right things so far to become a contributor in the Pats' ascending offense in his first year in the NFL. Hunter Henry is still New England's unquestioned No. 1 pass-catching tight end who has strong chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye, though, which will undoubtedly limit Raridon's fantasy football upside in Year 1. But there's no denying that Raridon has the size (6-foot-6, 245 pounds) and physicality to be a strong downfield, pass-catching presence for fantasy managers in the future. Raridon's draft stock in both single-year and dynasty/keeper leagues is on the rise this summer.
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Zachariah Branch is "Always Open"
Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch received praise from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during training camp on Friday, according to Tori McElhaney of the team's official website. "You see him, he's usually open," Tagovailoa said. The 22-year-old third-rounder out of the University of Georgia was also a standout during organized team activities in the spring, with Tagovailoa saying back then that the young pass-catcher reminded him of former Dolphins teammate Jaylen Waddle. That's pretty high praise. Branch could also have a path to immediate fantasy relevance in 2026 in his first year in the NFL, as none of Atlanta's WR spots are locked up besides Drake London as the unquestioned WR1. Branch will primarily be competing with former first-rounder Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus for the WR2 role this summer. The small slot receiver could face durability concerns in the NFL, but his speed could make up for it. Branch will most likely go undrafted in most single-year fantasy formats, but he has the skills and opportunity to quickly emerge as a waiver-wire priority in Atlanta. RotoBaller has Branch ranked as the WR80 going into 2026.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Rookie Receiver Ted Hurst Receives Praise From Teammate
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield said that rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst is "one of those guys where you can throw the ball up to him and he's probably going to come down with it," according to Pewter Report. The 22-year-old third-rounder from Georgia State has a big opportunity to serve as the team's true X receiver under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson now that future Hall of Famer Mike Evans is out of town. He has the size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and the speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash) to be a legitimate downfield weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield in Tampa sooner rather than later. With that said, the Bucs could ease Hurst into the fold behind Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan in 2026. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues should be stoked if Hurst is on your roster after drawing some comparisons to Texans WR1 Nico Collins. RotoBaller has Hurst ranked just inside the top 100 at the WR position in 2026, but he has the skills and opportunity to rise quickly if an injury strikes Tampa's receiving corps early on.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Germie Bernard Seeing Usage as Receiver and Running Back
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard got a series with the first-team offense on Friday at training camp, and he was flexed into the backfield and then back out into the slot on one rep, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. It suggests that the 22-year-old former second-rounder from the University of Alabama could be moved around as somewhat of a gadget player in his first year in the NFL in head coach Mike McCarthy's offense in 2026. Bernard will primarily be battling veteran Roman Wilson for the WR3 role in Pittsburgh in his first year in the league, but Wilson could have the advantage due to his experience and strong chemistry with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He never put up elite receiving numbers in college, which could make him a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect for fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues. Bernard has sneaky explosiveness. Pittsburgh's offense should be a bit more fantasy-friendly under McCarthy, but Bernard will most likely struggle for regular snaps in his first year in the NFL as long as all of DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Wilson stay healthy.
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Cyrus Allen Making Noise in Kansas City's Offense
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen has been making noise early on in training camp and had an outstanding one-handed catch up the middle of the field on Friday despite double coverage in 11-on-11 team drills, according to Matt McMullen of Chiefs.com. It was a perfect throw by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a great catch by Allen. Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star writes that Allen has "undoubtedly" been Mahomes' favorite target early on. "It feels like he's looking Allen's way every time he's out there," Sweeney writes. The 23-year-old was a fifth-round pick (176th overall) back in April from the University of Cincinnati, and although he's having a strong early showing in camp, it remains to be seen how much of a role Allen will have once the regular season arrives. Allen was a red-zone presence in college last year, but he doesn't have high-end speed or size. He will most likely have to contribute on special teams and work his way up the pecking order, but for now, he's an interesting flier in dynasty/keeper leagues in head coach Andy Reid's offense.
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Tua Tagovailoa "Getting Better Every Day"
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (back) is "getting better every day," according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com. Tagovailoa is not 100% recovered from back tightness, but he has practiced the last two days and appears to be on track to be back to full health soon. The 28-year-old took part in individual drills in Thursday's training camp practice. It doesn't seem to be anything the Falcons are overly concerned about. With Michael Penix Jr. (knee) still rehabbing a torn ACL and unlikely to be cleared for another couple of weeks, Tagovailoa has a clear path to claiming the starting QB job going into the start of the 2026 regular season as long as he can stay healthy himself. The former fifth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2020 from the University of Alabama is looking to bounce back in Atlanta after throwing for under 3,000 yards in each of his final two seasons in Miami due to injury (mainly concussion issues). Tagovailoa will have the weapons in Atlanta to do so if he wins the job over Penix, but fantasy managers will be treating him as a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues. UPDATE: Tagovailoa said he feels "great right now," per ESPN's Marc Raimondi.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
Brian Thomas Jr. Continues to Impress
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said that wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is "showing strong hands" at the point of contact in training camp and has run routes "at a very high level" so far, according to Hays Carlyon of 101 XL. Thomas improved his chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the offseason and looks like a prime bounce-back candidate in 2026 in his third year in the league. The 23-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2024 from LSU burst onto the scene to post 87 catches, 1,282 yards, and 10 touchdowns on 133 targets in 17 games in his first year in the league before falling to a 48-707-2 line in 14 regular-season starts last year. Fellow wideout Parker Washington is getting most of the hype so far, but Thomas has also been impressive and will be a big part of the team's passing attack this year in Coen's second season leading the offense. Thomas will most likely go after Washington in upcoming drafts, making him a potential excellent value buy at the WR position. He's currently ranked as the No. 34 fantasy WR at RotoBaller, with Washington sitting at No. 32.
Source: 101 XL - Hays Carlyon
Source: 101 XL - Hays Carlyon
Kyle Monangai Remains Out of Practice
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (undisclosed) remains out of training camp practice on Friday for a second straight day, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. With Monangai out for undisclosed reasons, Salvon Ahmed is getting Monangai's reps behind starter D'Andre Swift. The 24-year-old Monangai should be considered day-to-day until we know more about his situation. Hopefully, he'll be able to get back on the practice field at some point this weekend. As a rookie in 2025, Monangai had 169 rushing attempts for 783 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and five touchdowns while adding 18 receptions on 30 targets for 164 yards as a receiver in 17 regular-season games (one start). He's expected to resume his role in 2026 as a complementary option to Swift in Chicago's backfield, limiting his overall fantasy upside. Monangai also isn't a particularly strong receiver, so his only real path to an improvement in Year 2 is to see more goal-line work and vulture touchdowns from Swift. Fantasy managers should consider the second-year back as a TD-dependent RB3/flex and a strong handcuff to Swift.
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Travis Hunter Operating Primarily on Defense Through Start of Camp
Through the first three days of training camp practice for the Jacksonville Jaguars, cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter has primarily been on the defensive side of the ball, per Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Hunter has played 39 total snaps -- 24 on defense and 15 on offense. The former second overall pick from the University of Colorado has just one catch on two targets on offense. The 23-year-old Heisman Trophy winner was being drafted as a WR2 in fantasy going into his rookie campaign, but he disappointed with only 28 catches on 45 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown in his first seven NFL games before suffering a season-ending LCL injury in his knee that required surgery. The good news is that Hunter is fully healthy this summer. The bad news is the Jaguars plan to use him more on defense in Year 2, which has tanked his 2026 redraft fantasy value. It's going to be hard for him to stand out in a crowded WR room that also includes Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and Brian Thomas Jr., not to mention pass-catching tight end Brenton Strange. It seems like Hunter is going to operate as more of a gadget player on offense in 2026 in Duval.
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
