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Malachi Fields Making a Case for WR2 Role in New York
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields impressed in Thursday's joint practice session with the Miami Dolphins and "continues to put together his case for the (team's) No. 2 receiver role," per Charlotte Carroll of The Athletic. The 74th overall pick in this past April's draft, Fields recorded 36 catches for 630 yards and five touchdowns across 12 games at Notre Dame in 2025. Once healthy, New York has a clear WR1 in star wideout Malik Nabers (knee). However, Nabers' status for Week 1 remains uncertain as he works his way back from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 campaign. Outside of Nabers, Fields' competition for targets and playing time in New York is an uninspiring group of veterans that includes Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, Darius Slayton, Braxton Berrios, and Odell Beckham Jr. If the rookie can continue to impress throughout the remainder of the preseason, he could be in line for a significant role in the Giants' offense right away. Fantasy managers may want to consider targeting Fields as a late-round sleeper entering 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Charlotte Carroll
Source: The Athletic - Charlotte Carroll
Caleb Williams' Accuracy "Trending Upward"
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said on Thursday that quarterback Caleb Williams' accuracy is "trending upward," per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. After going through some growing pains as a rookie in 2024, Williams made significant improvements in his first season playing under Johnson in 2025. Across 17 games, the 24-year-old threw for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while also rushing for 388 yards and three scores. However, Williams completed just 58.1% of his pass attempts and has shown a tendency to miss on simple throws more consistently than would be expected from a highly-talented quarterback. If Williams can continue to fine-tune his raw skills while maintaining his ability to make spectacular plays and throws, he could be in line for a monster breakout in 2026. Fantasy managers should view Williams as a low-end QB1 with upside.
Source: Pro Football Talk - Josh Alper
Source: Pro Football Talk - Josh Alper
Colts Backup Quarterback Battle Remains Unsettled
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that there is no timetable on the team's decision on who to name as its backup quarterback behind QB1 Daniel Jones, per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. The competition is ongoing between former first-round pick Anthony Richardson Sr. and 2025 sixth-rounder Riley Leonard. Richardson Sr. has battled injury issues and inconsistency in his career to this point. In his last extended run of action in 2024, he completed 47.7% of his pass attempts for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 11 starts. However, the 24-year-old has rushed for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns across 17 career NFL games and brings high-end dual-threat fantasy upside if he ever gets another chance as a starter. Leonard started one game as a rookie in 2025, completing 21 of 34 pass attempts for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in Week 18 against the Houston Texans. While not as electric a rusher as Richardson Sr., Leonard is also a capable runner. With Jones making his way back from an Achilles injury, fantasy managers may want to keep an eye on the Colts QB2 job as the regular season draws closer.
Source: Pro Football Talk - Charean Williams
Source: Pro Football Talk - Charean Williams
Isaiah Bond Has a Lot to Prove in Preseason Action
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond is highlighted by Zac Jackson of The Athletic as one of Cleveland's players with the most to prove in the team's upcoming preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Bond flashed upside but also battled inconsistency as a rookie in 2025, recording 18 catches for 338 yards on 44 targets across 16 games (two starts). However, the Browns added significant talent to their wide receiver room over the offseason by using top-40 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft on wideouts KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Veteran wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman remain potential factors in Cleveland as well. While the 22-year-old Bond still offers some potential, it appears as though he may need to show well in the Browns' remaining preseason games to assure his place in the team's plans for 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Denzel Boston a Stand-Out Performer in Joint Practice on Thursday
Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston was his team's most impressive player during a joint practice session with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. The 39th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Boston recorded 62 catches for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns across 12 games at the University of Washington in 2025. Along with fellow Cleveland rookie wideout KC Concepcion, Boston is expected to play a significant role in the Browns' offense right away. While Cleveland's uncertain quarterback situation is a potential limiting factor for Boston's production, the 22-year-old carries significant upside due to his combination of talent and immediate opportunity. He could be a sleeper to target in redraft leagues ahead of 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Jacoby Brissett Will Not Play Saturday Against the Cowboys
According to NFL.com, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett will not play Saturday against the Cowboys, rookie quarterback Carson Beck (ribs) is unlikely to play, and Gardner Minshew will start for the Cardinals. Brissett started in the Cardinals' pre-season game against the Raiders on August 13 and looked sharp, completing all five of his passes for 44 yards and a touchdown (142.9 passer rating). Brissett signed a reworked one-year, $5.5 million fully guaranteed contract for the 2026 season after he burst onto the scene last season, throwing for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, and finishing the season as the QB16 in only 14 games. Brissett has been a journeyman throughout his career, playing for six different NFL teams, and is set to be the Cardinals' Week 1 starter once the regular season begins. RotoBaller ranks Brissett as the QB28 entering draft season, and he will have a wide array of weapons around him, including Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Trey McBride, and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle).
Source: Around The NFL
Source: Around The NFL
George Kittle Ahead of Schedule, Legitimate Chance to Play Week 1
According to ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) visited Los Angeles on Wednesday with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the surgery on his torn Achilles in January. It was an encouraging visit, with Kittle's recovery ahead of schedule and giving him a legitimate chance to play in the regular-season opener in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams. Kittle injured his Achilles in January during the second quarter of the 49ers' NFC Wild Card game. While he is now 32 years old, it's a very encouraging sign for a 49ers offense that is dealing with injuries to wide receivers Mike Evans (quad) and has already lost Ricky Pearsall (knee) for the season. Kittle played in 11 games last season and was extremely efficient, hauling in 57 of his 69 targets for 628 yards and seven touchdowns with an 11.02 yards per reception. RotoBaller currently ranks Kittle as the TE9 for upcoming drafts; however, if he is cleared to play Week 1, that will surely go up. He has finished in the top five at the position in six of the last eight seasons, and in the two seasons he didn't, he played in no more than 11 games.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Joey Porter Jr. Drawing Trade Interest
According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is drawing trade interest, and multiple teams around the NFL have wondered about him as a potential trade target, per sources. Porter is in the final year of his rookie contract, and with the cornerback market where it stands, teams have wondered if the Steelers would be open to moving the Pro Bowl caliber corner. Porter excels at disrupting receivers' timing at the line of scrimmage and has a stellar reputation for avoiding touchdowns in coverage, limiting opposing quarterbacks to a 56.2 passer rating when they try to throw his way. While he lacks run defense and tackling ability, he is considered a top cornerback. While he is currently on the PUP list, the former second-round pick out of Penn State should draw a lot of interest from teams in need of help in the secondary.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Chiefs Hope Kenneth Walker Reshapes the Offense
According to Pete Sweeney, writer for The Kansas City Star, the Chiefs didn't just sign Kenneth Walker to run; they hope he reshapes the offense. The Chiefs went out and got the Super Bowl MVP Walker in the offseason from the Seahawks, and signed him to a three-year, $43.05 million contract to be the team's lead running back after they moved on from Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. Walker, entering his age 25 season, was one of the NFL's most efficient runners in the league, as he ranked sixth in evaded tackles, fourth in explosive rating, third in breakaway, and 12th in yards per touch. Reports from camp have also suggested that the Chiefs brought him in for his explosiveness and plan to get him more involved in the passing game. Last season, his ceiling was capped by Zach Charbonnet, who had 12 rushing touchdowns, and Walker enters a Patrick Mahomes-led offense where he will not have much competition for touches with Emari Demercado, Emmett Johnson, and Brashard Smith behind him. RotoBaller ranks him as the RB10 for the season, and he has the upside to finish inside the top five given his projected workload and explosiveness.
Source: The Kansas City Star
Source: The Kansas City Star
Michael Penix Jr. Hopes to be Cleared Soon
According to Tori McElhaney, senior reporter for the Atlanta Falcons, Falcons 26-year-old 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was asked about his timeline for return and said on July 29 that his doctor wanted to give him four more weeks at that clearance level "before going to the next stage." Throughout this timeframe, Penix has been participating in individual drills, one-on-ones with pass catchers, and seven-on-sevens. Now that we are approaching that four-week mark, Penix is trending towards further conversations with the doctor, in hopes of being cleared soon and competing for the starting role. The Falcons brought in former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.3 million contract in March, and although Penix has missed valuable camp reps, head coach Kevin Stefanski has not officially named a starting quarterback for the regular season. Penix figures to see the field at some point during the season; however, due to missing some time in camp, Tagovailoa appears to be in the driver's seat. Penix is not on the fantasy radar in one-quarterback leagues, but remains someone to keep an eye on in superflex and dynasty formats. Rotoballer ranks him as the QB36 off the board.
Source: Tori McElhaney
Source: Tori McElhaney
Gardner Minshew II Set to Start Against Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback Gardner Minshew II will start Saturday's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. With starter Jacoby Brissett resting, along with the rest of the starters, and rookie quarterback Carson Beck (ribs) not expected to play, Minshew is set to start. The veteran quarterback has started 47 games in his career, including one start with the Kansas City Chiefs, which he left early due to a knee injury. The former sixth-round pick signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Cardinals this offseason as a backup behind Brissett. While fantasy managers should avoid targeting Minshew in fantasy drafts, he could be worth a look if Brissett misses time and the team decides to be patient with their third-round rookie.
Source: Darren Urban - Cards Chatter
Source: Darren Urban - Cards Chatter
Terrance Ferguson's Route Tree Expanding in 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson is seeing his route tree expand significantly heading into 2026, according to The Athletic's Nate Atkins. With star wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) not practicing, Ferguson is stepping up as a playmaker for reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. During joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, Ferguson caught two touchdowns in the red zone and was used all over the formation, a development that is exciting for the second-year tight end. "Coming in (last year), I never expected to play the positions I'm playing. Being able to play F, Z, Y, and X, all of them together, it's definitely been a big jump." Ranked as the TE21 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Ferguson is a high-upside tight end to target in the late rounds of fantasy drafts.
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams' Connection On Point
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford's connection with wide receiver Davante Adams has been on point this offseason. According to The Athletic's Nate Atkins, Stafford and Adams excelled in joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday, connecting on two touchdowns and on crossers and slants over the middle. After Stafford missed all of training camp last season with a back issue, he and Adams struggled, especially early in the season. Now, with a full offseason and star wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) not practicing, Stafford is finding Adams all across the field in camp. Adams had only 789 yards in 14 games last season but scored a league-high 14 receiving touchdowns. If Nacua's injury or possible suspension lingers into the season, Adams could be an elite option at wide receiver.
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Brock Purdy to Use Mobility More in 2026
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is prepared to use his mobility more this season, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Purdy told Fowler, "I'm never going to be a 4.4 guy, 4.5 guy. The thing I pride myself on is moving quickly, moving the chains when I need 10, 12 yards. I think I can add that for our offense, for sure." Purdy has averaged 12.8 rushing yards per game in his career and has scored 11 touchdowns in 45 starts. The former seventh-round pick dealt with a toe injury that cost him seven games last season, likely hindering his rushing ability in 2025. Currently ranked QB11 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Purdy offers QB1 upside with a high floor in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Source: Jeremy Fowler - ESPN
Carson Beck Not Expected to Play Against Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck (ribs) is not expected to play in the second preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. Beck suffered a rib injury during the Hall of Fame game in early August. The injury was deemed not serious, but he will miss his second preseason game this season. Beck showed promise in that game against the Carolina Panthers, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. With Beck unlikely to be available and starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett sitting with most of the starters, veteran Gardner Minshew will start on Saturday. The third-round pick hopes to return next week in their final preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Source: Darren Urban - Cards Chatter
Source: Darren Urban - Cards Chatter
