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DeMario Douglas the Star of Patriots Scrimmage
The New England Patriots held their second annual Blue and White team scrimmage under head coach Mike Vrabel on Friday, and the standout performer, according to senior reporter Evan Lazar, was wide receiver DeMario Douglas. The fourth-year player has earned praise from the local beat for running an expanded route tree throughout training camp, and that work paid off under game conditions, with Lazar noting that he made catches at all three levels of the field, including a deep ball in an end-of-game scenario and a touchdown from Tommy DeVito. Douglas saw only a 26% snap share in 2025 but has been operating as the primary slot receiver with the first-team offense and should see an uptick in usage in a role that has had some notable success in Josh McDaniels' offense. Falling outside of RotoBaller's top 300, Douglas is going largely undrafted in most single-season formats, but a strong training camp could lead to an increased role and occasional fantasy viability in 2026.
Source: Evan Lazar
Source: Evan Lazar
Jordan Mason Looking Good in Training Camp
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has been a standout at training camp and looks poised for a big 2026 season. According to the Purple Daily Podcast, Mason looks better than Jones, and "the way [Mason] is moving around, the way that he runs. I really like Jordan Mason as a fit in the new run scheme that the Vikings have with their new wide zone concepts." Last season, Mason totaled 758 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 16 games, averaging 4.8 yards per carry, while Jones averaged 4.2 yards per carry. While Mason doesn't offer much in the passing game, any improvement there could boost his stock, especially if the team improves on their abysmal showing in 2025. Ranked RB37 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Mason is a great value that could easily top his current price this season.
Source: Purple Daily Podcast
Source: Purple Daily Podcast
Kimani Vidal Still a Factor in Chargers Crowded Running Back Room
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is competing for touches in a crowded backfield. Vidal had a career year in 2025, posting 779 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 171 total attempts, doing most of his work while both Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Najee Harris (Achilles) were out. Now that former first-round pick Hampton is back and Keaton Mitchell has been added, Vidal is still fighting for his role in Los Angeles. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said the group of Hampton, Mitchell, and Vidal is "as deep and complementary a group that [he's] been around." Ranked RB73 by RotoBaller, Vidal is an option if Hampton or Mitchell were to struggle or miss time during the 2026 season.
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Brian Robinson Jr. Back With Second-Team Offense in Camp
After Atlanta Falcons superstar running back Bijan Robinson ended his holdout and signed a three-year, $75 million contract, Brian Robinson Jr. has returned to the second team in training camp. The former Commanders and 49ers running back has totaled 3,341 yards and 22 touchdowns in 58 NFL games. Robinson Jr. is coming off the worst statistical season of his career with San Francisco, finishing with just 425 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns despite playing all 17 games. Now in Atlanta, most speculate that he'll replace Tyler Allgeier, who was the Falcons' RB1B from 2023-2025. However, Allgeier's production has been far better than Robinson Jr.'s, and it's a whole new scheme with Kevin Stefanski in town. Fantasy managers should view Robinson Jr. as a handcuff in this offense and not expect much standalone value behind Bijan.
Source: Marc Ralmondi - ESPN
Source: Marc Ralmondi - ESPN
Ray Davis Expected to be Fine After Injury Scare
After a foot injury on Tuesday, Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (foot) returned to practice and is fine. Davis went down during an 11-on-11 drill with a lower-right-leg injury. He went to the medical tent, returned with tape on that foot/ankle, and had no serious injury. The former fourth-round pick struggled in 2025, totaling only 361 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in 17 games. As a direct handcuff to star running back James Cook, Davis has a tough time finding standalone value, with fellow backup Ty Johnson taking most of the receiving work in the offense. If Cook is injured, Davis would be a priority pickup; otherwise, he will likely be a non-factor in fantasy this season.
Source: Ty Dunne
Source: Ty Dunne
Tyreek Hill to Sign with Contender Midseason?
Former Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) is not expected to be ready for Week 1 as he prepares for his comeback after a gruesome knee injury. After five straight 1,000-yard seasons, Hill suffered a knee dislocation in Week 4 that involved multiple torn ligaments. In a training video, Hill said he has "no power" in his left leg as he continues to deal with the repercussions of a significant knee injury. At this point, Hill is unlikely to be on a roster by the start of the season, so a midseason signing with a contender makes the most sense. The Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, or a team with a major injury in its receiving room could call for Hill. Either way, the former superstar receiver could be a good stash in 2026 in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emmett Johnson Working with Second and Third Team in Camp
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has yet to emerge in training camp and has been working with the second- and third-team offenses. Johnson was drafted with the Chiefs' fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a strong final season at Nebraska. He totaled 1,821 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025, leading the Big Ten in rushing yards. Now behind Kenneth Walker III and Brashard Smith and competing with veteran Emari Demercado, Johnson appears likely to be a non-factor early in the season. Fantasy managers who draft the rookie running back should expect a slow start and a potentially increased role if injuries occur to backs above him on the depth chart.
Source: Ryan Dodson - Athlon Sports
Source: Ryan Dodson - Athlon Sports
Devaughn Vele Expected to be WR3 in Saints Offense
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele is expected to be the team's WR3 in 2026. Vele had just 293 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with the Saints, but he picked up steam at the end of the year. He totaled 19 of 26 targets for 239 yards and one touchdown in his final four games last season. While the additions of rookies Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance, and Barion Brown have increased the risk to Vele's stock entering his third season, his role in head coach Kellen Moore's offense seems cemented. With the injury history surrounding Tyson and current lead receiver Chris Olave, Vele could be in line for a major role in this offense if either were to miss time this season. Currently ranked WR86 in RotoBaller's rankings, Vele is a solid handcuff option to consider in deeper leagues.
Source: Grant Chachere - Sports Illustrated
Source: Grant Chachere - Sports Illustrated
Brenen Thompson Turning Heads at Training Camp
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson has made a strong start at training camp. Thompson has emerged as a standout story at camp, earning praise from coaches and teammates as he aims to carve out a role in a crowded receiver room. The fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft had an SEC-leading 1,054 receiving yards at Mississippi State last season and showcased his speed at the NFL Combine, running a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash. Under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who has proven to value speed in his offense, Thompson has an opportunity to compete for targets in 2026. As a late-round option for fantasy drafts this season, the rookie receiver could be a playmaker in McDaniel's offense and contribute to fantasy seasons in 2026.
Source: Nic Jennings - Roundtable
Source: Nic Jennings - Roundtable
Dalton Kincaid Poised for Breakout in 2026?
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid could be in a better position within the offense that head coach Joe Brady is implementing in 2026. The former first-round pick has totaled 1,692 yards and nine touchdowns in 41 NFL games, averaging 7.3 half-PPR fantasy points per game over three seasons. The problem hindering his breakout is a lack of snaps. He's dropped from playing 63% of the snaps in his first season to 57% in his second year to 38% in 2025, well behind tight end Dawson Knox. Under head coach Sean McDermott's run-blocking emphasis, Kincaid was limited by his lack of run-blocking ability. He will hope that under Brady, who now has full control of the offense, he plays more snaps and finally breaks out in his contract season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Gesicki Faces Uncertain Role Entering 2026
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki enters his ninth NFL season facing more competition for targets than in any previous year. In 2025, Gesicki had just 28 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games, finishing as the TE40 in half-PPR formats. Now, with wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins set to dominate the target share, and other playmakers, including running back Chase Brown and wideout Andrei Iosivas, handling secondary roles, Gesicki is facing limited targets despite an elite quarterback in Joe Burrow. However, he's unlikely to have a high snap count in 2026, as tight ends Drew Sample (58%) and former Bengal Noah Fant (38%) each played more snaps than Gesicki in 2025. With young player Erick All Jr. standing out in training camp as well, Gesicki could be a much smaller factor than he's been in his first two seasons in Cincinnati.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Washington Jr. Could Earn RB2 Role
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. could have an immediate impact on the team. The 23-year-old was selected in the fourth-round of this year's draft out of Arkansas. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored eight touchdowns during his final season in college. Given the lack of viable options in the backfield, Washington could immediately slot into the RB2 role in Las Vegas. Ashton Jeanty is going to be the workhorse RB1, but he'll need to rest at some point. Washington could be an interesting change-of-pace back who could be one injury away from starting. He's someone worth taking a look at as a late-round handcuff.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Braelon Allen is Gaining Stash Value
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen is quickly gaining value early in camp. Fellow back Isaiah Davis (knee) suffered an injury that is going to keep him sidelined for a couple of weeks. The team believes he'll be ready for the regular season, but his absence gives Allen a straight shot at the No. 2 role in New York. Without Davis in the picture, Allen should have no problem securing the backup gig to Breece Hall, although that still wouldn't result in any standalone value as the backup in New York. Allen would likely be the change-of-pace back and would be the next man up if anything happens to Hall. The 22-year-old has shown flashes of potential in the past and deserves to be rostered in at least deep leagues to begin the season.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tucker Kraft is Absent from Friday's Practice
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) was absent from Friday's practice session, according to Matt Schneidman. Kraft is currently working his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 9 of last season. Kraft has been practicing for the last week, so his absence could just be for rest purposes. There is no word on Kraft suffering any kind of setback, so the assumption is that the Packers are just giving him the night off. The Packers are hopeful that Kraft will be ready to play for Week 1 of the regular season. He's coming off a significant injury, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect too much out of Kraft right away.
Source: Matt Schneidman
Source: Matt Schneidman
Josh Jacobs Misses Another Practice on Friday
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (groin) was absent from Friday's practice session, according to Matt Schneidman. This is the second straight day that Jacobs has missed practice due to a groin injury. It's early in camp, so it's not surprising to see the Packers playing it safe with Jacobs. This injury is not viewed as a long-term issue, so fantasy managers shouldn't have anything to worry about right now. MarShawn Lloyd is getting first-team reps without Jacobs available. He could be an interesting handcuff option for fantasy managers if Jacobs does miss any time. For now, Jacobs should be considered day-to-day and should be back at practice in a few days.
Source: Matt Schneidman
Source: Matt Schneidman
