Aug 7, 2026, 10:15 AM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell is not practicing on Friday, as indicated by Pewter Report. Gainwell has drawn praise from the local beat as a training camp standout, with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson recently telling reporters, "He is super versatile, and he is great with the ball in his hands," adding, "we will continue to find out where we can put him in the best spots." Gainwell's 73 receptions were the fourth most by a running back in 2025, and assuming his absence is not a prolonged one, he could step seamlessly into Rachaad White's vacated pass-catching role that has allowed for at least 50 receptions in three of the last four seasons. How much additional work he sees on the ground remains to be seen, but at RotoBaller's RB36, Gainwell is a potential late-round sleeper who could thrive in Robinson's wide zone offense.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Pewter Report

Aug 7, 2026, 10:03 AM ET

Houston Texans second-year wide receiver Jaylin Noel has been activated from the Non-Football Injury list and should soon resume practicing after missing the start of training camp with a finger injury that did not allow him to catch passes. With former third-round pick Tank Dell recently taking part in his first padded practice since his season-ending 2024 knee injury, the Texans have seen a sudden influx of talent in the receiver room, with fellow second-year receiver Jayden Higgins drawing headlines for his standout play throughout training camp and two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins remaining one of the league's most unheralded superstars. After splitting slot work with veteran Christian Kirk in 2025, Noel is in line for additional snaps in year two, and at RotoBaller's WR78, he could provide a usable fantasy floor from the closing rounds of 2026 drafts.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Houston Texans

Aug 7, 2026, 9:51 AM ET

After seeing extensive special teams work throughout his first six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, veteran wide receiver Ashton Dulin is working exclusively with his position group, with beat reporter Zach Hicks noting that he has not been given his normal special teams reps. The change in usage could indicate how the team feels about his place on the depth chart as he battles Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for the third receiver spot alongside Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. With Pierce missing training camp practices while on the PUP list following offseason ankle surgery, there could also be an element of preservation in what is already a thin receiver room, but for the time being, cornerback Johnathan Edwards has served in Dulin's usual gunner role with the punting unit.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Zach Hicks

Aug 7, 2026, 9:41 AM ET

Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Seth McGowan came into training camp competing with second-year runner DJ Giddens for the primary backup role behind the newly extended Jonathan Taylor, and with Giddens recently missing time with a hamstring injury, Colts beat reporter Zach Hicks has been impressed by what he's seen from McGowan in the RB2 role. Taylor recently praised the seventh-round pick, telling reporters, "Everybody thinks he's just like a big power back, but Seth has some moves... If you look at his feet, he reminds me of like a David Montgomery." While unlikely to force the type of committee role Montgomery has been part of in recent seasons in Detroit, McGowan has the opportunity to seize the all-important handcuff role to Taylor, raising his value as a dynasty stash and making him a player to at least keep tabs on in deep redraft leagues.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Zach Hicks

Aug 7, 2026, 9:25 AM ET

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift ran for a career-high 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, but in catching a career-low 34 passes, head coach Ben Johnson views that as an area where he can still get his lead back more involved. Swift earned 148 targets in his two seasons with Johnson at passing game coordinator and offensive coordinator in Detroit, and while praising Swift as a runner, Johnson recently told reporters he wants to "continue to look at and challenge him" on receiving opportunities. How many opportunities will truly present themselves in an offense with Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland is a question for debate, but even a modest increase to his receiving production could push Swift into RB1 territory after a top 15 finish in 2025.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Jason Lieser

Aug 7, 2026, 9:12 AM ET

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch was a spring standout during organized team activities, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa comparing him favorably to former teammate Jaylen Waddle, and the third-round rookie continues to make plays throughout the dog days of summer. The Athletic's Josh Kendall believes Atlanta may have found a budding star, pointing to Branch as the player who has most consistently stood out all offseason long and calling him the most noticeable player on the field. A former five-star prospect and the number one receiver in the 2023 recruiting class, Branch never topped 700 yards or four touchdowns in his three seasons with USC and Georgia, but he appears to have found his stride in Falcons camp. On a depth chart in need of playmaking wide receivers behind Drake London, Branch could make an early impact and is a player to target in the closing rounds of 2026 drafts.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Josh Kendall - The Athletic

Aug 7, 2026, 3:29 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Bryson Green did not see much action in Thursday's preseason opener, but he did have an impact late in the game, however brief. Just inside the two-minute warning, Green caught a one-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kedon Slovis to give the Cardinals the lead in the back-and-forth affair against the Carolina Panthers. The glory of the go-ahead score was short-lived, as the Panthers put together a game-winning drive on their ensuing possession. Still, Green did himself a favor with his sure-handed play as he needs to demonstrate his value at every opportunity afforded to him. An undrafted free agent and member of Arizona's practice squad in 2025, Green is vying for a roster spot as much as he is jockeying for placement on the depth chart. His next opportunity to prove himself will come against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 13.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Aug 7, 2026, 3:19 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Simi Fehoko caught his lone target for a five-yard touchdown in Thursday's 33-30 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Fehoko had the second-highest snap count among Arizona's wide receivers, but was ignored in the pass game outside of his end zone target. The score came on a five-yard fade route midway through the second quarter. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Fehoko got outside his defender and pulled in the pass from quarterback Carson Beck with one arm to secure the touchdown. Fehoko will be fighting this preseason for a role in the back end of the Cardinals' wide receiver depth chart. He has been in the NFL since 2021, having previously played for the Cowboys and Chargers, but has never played in more than eight games in a season. This is his second year with the Cardinals. His next chance to work his way up the ladder will come against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 13.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Aug 7, 2026, 3:12 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals running back Corey Kiner punched in a touchdown from the one-yard line with five seconds to go in the first quarter of Thursday's Hall of Fame Game. Kiner handled 14 carries for 57 yards, leading Arizona in rushing attempts and coming up three yards shy of team leader Bam Knight's 60 in the eventual 33-30 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Kiner operated as Knight's backup in the first half, but Kiner took on a more prominent role after halftime. Arizona's running back room is overcrowded, so Kiner did himself a favor with his solid performance. Third-overall pick Jeremiyah Love and free agent signee Tyler Allgeier are at the top of the depth chart. With Knight, James Conner (foot), and Trey Benson (knee) contending for the third-string role, Kiner will need some strong preseason showings just to hold onto a roster spot. His next chance to prove his worth will be on August 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Aug 7, 2026, 3:05 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kedon Slovis was effective in relief of starter Carson Beck in Thursday's 33-30 loss to the Panthers. Slovis went 9-for-10 for 106 passing yards and one touchdown after taking over in the third quarter of the preseason opener. Slovis' one-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green just inside the two-minute warning gave the Cardinals a late lead that was ultimately nullified by the Panthers' ensuing touchdown drive to close the game. Slovis, an undrafted free agent in 2025, was on the Cardinals' practice squad last year and was on the active roster for two games. He is at the bottom of Arizona's depth chart and does not pose a real threat to those ahead of him. Slovis' next opportunity to showcase his talents will come on August 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Aug 7, 2026, 2:55 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck put on a show in the NFL's first preseason game of 2026. Beck operated as the signal-caller for the first half plus the opening drive of the third quarter. He went 15-for-19 for 188 passing yards and one touchdown in the eventual 33-30 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The rookie engineered a 96-yard drive in the first quarter that culminated in a rushing touchdown from running back Corey Kiner. Beck kicked off Arizona's next drive with a 49-yard bomb to receiver Jalen Brooks and three plays later hit Simi Fehoko on a five-yard fade route for a touchdown. Beck's performance added some fuel to the simmering quarterback competition in Arizona. Jacoby Brissett, who signed a one-year, $15.5 million contract in July, is still the presumed starter, but free agent signee Gardner Minshew II's position on the depth chart suddenly looks less secure. Beck's next chance to impress will come on August 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Aug 7, 2026, 12:32 AM ET

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that wide receiver Xavier Legette (neck) "feels great" and is "back," according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. The Panthers held Legette out of the Hall of Fame preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night as a precaution, but it sounds like he could be ready to return to practice soon after being carted off due to a neck stinger earlier this week. The health of Legette is pretty important now after rookie wideout Chris Brazzell II (knee) was already ruled out for the entire 2026 season. The 25-year-old former 32nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft from South Carolina is now considered the favorite to hold WR3 duties behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, although that role probably won't afford Legette enough volume to be taken seriously by fantasy managers in standard-sized 12-team leagues. Legette has been a disappointment in his first two years in the league, and he caught only 35 passes on 64 targets for 363 yards and three touchdowns in 15 regular-season games in his sophomore campaign.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye

Aug 6, 2026, 11:50 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Thursday that he doesn't have an update on wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) after he had offseason ankle surgery, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. "His rehab's going great, I'll say that. I don't have the timetable on his return, but he's doing a hell of a job in his rehab process," Steichen said. Pierce still has time to get ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, but it's a bit ominous that there have been very few details on Pierce's recovery from ankle surgery. The 26-year-old is expected to take over WR1 duties in Indy in 2026 with Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh, but so far in training camp, it has been Josh Downs impressing as the team's top pass-catcher while working with quarterback Daniel Jones, who looks fully recovered from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in 2025. Pierce led the NFL with 21.3 yards per catch for the second straight season while posting a 47-1,003-6 line in 15 games in a breakout campaign. The longer Pierce stays on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the more of a risk he'll be for fantasy managers as a big-play threat in the Colts' offense. He's currently ranked as the No. 39 fantasy WR for the upcoming season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd

Aug 6, 2026, 11:42 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said he still views veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield as the team's franchise signal-caller, even though the two sides were unable to agree on a contract extension before the start of training camp this summer, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. Tampa offered Mayfield a two-year deal, but he turned it down and felt disrespected by the organization. "We love Baker. Baker's in a great place right now. We're in a very good place," Licht said. The GM also acknowledged that using the franchise tag on Mayfield is an option for 2027. Mayfield gave the team a deadline of the start of training camp to get a deal done, but Licht said the Bucs have left the door open if Mayfield and his agent, Tom Mills, decide they want to resume negotiations. Whether the two sides eventually agree on an extension might come down to how Mayfield plays in 2026 after taking a step back in 2025 after back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2023 and 2024 in his first two years with the team. For fantasy purposes, Mayfield's arrow is pointing down after an injury-plagued year as he heads into his ninth year in the league in a new offense that won't feature Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans. He'll go undrafted in single-QB, 12-team fantasy leagues, and he's merely a low-end QB2 in superflex formats without a ton of upside in his age-31 season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine