Francisco Alvarez Unlikely to Play in First Week of Grapefruit League
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is unlikely to appear in the first week of the Grapefruit League as the team looks to slow-play him, according to Will Sammon and Tim Britton of The Athletic. Alvarez is expected to be ready to go for Opening Day in late March, but the Mets are going to be cautious with the 24-year-old backstop after he had thumb surgery at the end of last season. In addition to a torn UCL in his right thumb last August, Alvarez also got a late start in 2025 due to a left-hand fracture. The injuries limited the Venezuelan catcher to 76 games in his fourth year in the majors. In 277 plate appearances for the Mets, Alvarez hit .256/.339/.447 with a career-high .787 OPS, 11 home runs, 32 RBI, and 32 runs scored. Alvarez's injury history is concerning, but he'll be the team's primary catcher, and he's pretty intriguing for his power upside at the cost of a backup fantasy catcher.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Tim Britton
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Tim Britton
T.J. McConnell in Danger of Missing Another Game
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's game against Washington. He wasn't available versus the Nets in the Pacers' final contest before the All-Star break. Hopefully, the time off did him some good, although it's possible he may need another night off to recover from nagging hamstring soreness. With Pascal Siakam (personal) and Ivica Zubac (ankle) ruled out, and Aaron Nesmith (back) listed as questionable, McConnell might work his way into the starting lineup, assuming he gets the green light to play. At the same time, even if the 33-year-old comes off the bench, he'll be worth streaming in most fantasy setups.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Hunter Dobbins Hopes to be Cleared for Baseball Activities
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Hunter Dobbins (knee) was scheduled to visit with a doctor on Wednesday and is hoping to be fully cleared for baseball activities in spring training, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Dobbins is throwing bullpen sessions and live batting practice in camp, but he hasn't been able to field his position or do any running after having surgery on his right ACL last July. The 26-year-old could be on track to make some appearances in Grapefruit League games for his new team, but whether he'll be ready for Opening Day in late March is another question. The fact that Dobbins has yet to be fully cleared for baseball activities certainly isn't a good sign. For fantasy purposes, the former eighth-rounder doesn't have much long-term appeal with limited strikeout upside. In his 13 outings (11 starts) for Boston last year in his first MLB season, Dobbins had a 4.13 ERA (3.87 FIP) and 1.28 WHIP with 45 K's and 17 walks in 61 innings.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
Trae Young Still Not Cleared for Contact
Washington Wizards guard Trae Young (knee) has not been cleared for contact and did not practice Wednesday, coach Brian Keefe said, via The Athletic. There is no timetable for his debut, and he can be considered week-to-week as he works back from a right knee MCL sprain and quad contusion. His absence keeps Bub Carrington in the starting role. Carrington is averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 threes in 28.0 minutes across 53 games, though on 40.2 percent shooting. Tre Johnson remains a viable streamer after posting 12.9 points and 2.1 threes in 25.0 minutes over 40 games.
Source: Josh Robbins
Source: Josh Robbins
Aaron Nesmith Questionable Versus the Wizards
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (back) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Wizards. He didn't suit up for the meeting with the Nets ahead of the All-Star break because of a lumbar strain. While Nesmith has a shot at playing on Thursday, it's also realistic to assume he won't be back on the court until Friday when these clubs meet again. With Pascal Siakam (personal) sidelined, Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker have the best chance of leading the way offensively if Nesmith doesn't suit up. Jay Huff could also be more involved on both ends of the floor, especially with Ivica Zubac (ankle) still on the shelf.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Pascal Siakam Won't Suit Up Against Washington
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (personal) won't play on Thursday against Washington. These clubs will meet again on Friday, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll be back for that one. The Pacers have a number of players listed on the injury report, specifically, T.J. McConnell (hamstring), Aaron Nesmith (back), Micah Potter (ankle), and Ivica Zubac (ankle). As a result, Kam Jones and Ben Sheppard could see more work. That may also apply to Quenton Jackson and Ethan Thompson, depending on if they get the bump from the G League. With that said, there's a chance McConnell, Nesmith, and Potter will play, so there are a lot of moving parts in this scenario.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Darius Garland Considered Week-To-Week
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (toe) is considered week-to-week and continues practicing on a limited basis while managing his surgically repaired left foot, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. The team expects him to return this season, but a debut is unlikely before March. Garland carries a 28.6 usage rate when active, so his absence keeps Kris Dunn entrenched as the starting point guard while Kawhi Leonard maintains primary offensive control with a 34.8 usage rate. Bennedict Mathurin and Kobe Sanders carry value in deeper formats, though both profile as fringe options. Garland remains a firm hold in all competitive leagues.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Garrett Mitchell Fully Healthy This Spring
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell (shoulder) said that he received full clearance for baseball activities in early February, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Mitchell is a full-go in camp after having a second surgery on his left shoulder that limited him to just 25 games last season. The 27-year-old UCLA product was a first-rounder (20th overall) in 2020, but he just hasn't been able to stay on the field due to injuries. Mitchell hasn't played in more than 69 contests in a single season since debuting in the big leagues in 2022. In his four years with the Brewers, he's combined to hit .254/.333/.433 with a .766 OPS, 13 home runs, 40 RBI, 61 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases in 141 games and 443 plate appearances. Mitchell should have a role in Milwaukee's outfield if he can stay healthy, and there is still enough power and speed in his profile to make him a worthwhile deep-league stash.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Nicolas Claxton Sprains Ankle, Won't Play on Thursday
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (ankle) won't play on Thursday versus Cleveland. He tweaked his ankle during practice on Wednesday, so it appears his absence might extend beyond Thursday's contest. While Claxton is sidelined, Day'Ron Sharpe will likely replace him in the starting lineup. Sharpe has averaged 13.8 points, 8.5 boards, 2.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in four starts this season, meaning he needs to be featured in all fantasy lineups as long as Claxton remains on the shelf.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Dylan Cardwell Out Four Weeks with Ankle Sprain
Sacramento Kings forward/center Dylan Cardwell (ankle) sprained his left ankle at practice Tuesday and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, according to James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento. The rookie was providing 5.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 21.2 minutes across 29 games, flashing strong per-minute rebounding. With Domantas Sabonis (knee) already out for the season, Maxime Raynaud is locked into heavy run. Raynaud is averaging 9.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 23.5 minutes over 48 games and now projects for 30-plus minutes. He is a must-add in standard leagues, while Precious Achiuwa gains deeper-league appeal.
Source: James Ham
Source: James Ham
Mauricio Dubon to Open the Year as Braves Shortstop
Atlanta Braves infielder Mauricio Dubon will be the team's starting shortstop while Ha-Seong Kim misses at least the first five weeks of the 2026 season after having surgery on his right middle finger, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Defense and positional versatility are Dubon's calling card, but he did hit 10 homers and posted a .720 OPS in 492 plate appearances for the Houston Astros in 2023. He had a .651 OPS the last two seasons in Houston, not drawing more than 428 plate appearances either year. Defensively, Dubon should be able to hold down the 6 in Kim's absence after tying for the seventh-highest Fielding Run Value (six) among MLB shortstops last year. The 31-year-old Honduras native has appeared at every spot in the big leagues except catcher and pitcher, so he offers the Braves a lot of flexibility on defense. But he barely moves the needle in fantasy.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Joel Embiid Won't Play on Thursday Evening
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (shin) won't play on Thursday versus Atlanta. He reported soreness in his right shin during the All-Star break, so he'll miss at least one contest. However, the 31-year-old will be re-evaluated leading up to Philly's three-game road trip in New Orleans, Minnesota, and Indiana, meaning there is a chance he might miss more time. While Embiid is out of commission, Andre Drummond, averaging 8.9 points and 10.8 boards in 19 starts this season, will presumably replace him in the rotation. Adem Bona should also see additional action and would be worth streaming if Drummond sits out a game during the road trip.
Source: Associated Press
Source: Associated Press
Franz Wagner Facing Multi-Week Absence with Ankle Issue
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (ankle) will be sidelined indefinitely after further evaluation revealed he requires additional rehabilitation for soreness stemming from a left high ankle sprain, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks, leaving a significant usage gap in the interim. Wagner carries a 25.6 usage rate, and his absence elevates Anthony Black, who is averaging 16.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 threes in 31.1 minutes across 53 games. Paolo Banchero should handle more creation duties, while Tristan da Silva and Noah Penda profile as short-term streamers.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Domantas Sabonis Will Miss Remainder of Season
Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (knee) underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair a torn left meniscus. The 29-year-old was limited to 19 appearances this season, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 29.7 minutes before being shut down as the 12-44 Kings shift focus to development. With backup center Dylan Cardwell (ankle) also sidelined, rookie Maxime Raynaud is positioned to handle 30-plus minutes nightly. Raynaud is averaging 9.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 23.5 minutes across 48 games and now profiles as a must-add in standard leagues. Precious Achiuwa should see a steadier run off the bench, while Keegan Murray and DeMar DeRozan gain modest usage bumps. Sabonis can be dropped in redraft formats.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Kyrie Irving to Miss Entire 2025-26 Season
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (knee) will not return this season as he continues recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery performed March 26, the team announced Wednesday. The 33-year-old has yet to play in 2025-26, and Dallas is prioritizing a full recovery with an eye toward next fall. His absence locks in heavy on-ball duties for rookie guard Cooper Flagg, who carries a 28.3 usage rate in 35.0 minutes, while Brandon Williams and Max Christie should continue seeing expanded roles. Irving remains a stash only in dynasty formats.
Source: Dallas Mavericks
Source: Dallas Mavericks
Joel Bitonio's Void Date on Contract Pushed Back
The Cleveland Browns and left guard Joel Bitonio pushed the void date of his contract to the start of the new league year on March 11, a league source told Dan Labbe of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Bitonio's contract was previously set to void on Monday, Feb. 16. The team's longest-tenured player will now have a little extra time to decide if he wants to return to play a 13th year in the NFL. The 34-year-old veteran offensive lineman will be extended or released by March 11 because the Browns would take on a $23 million dead-cap hit if his contract voids. If Bitonio chooses to return to Cleveland in 2026, he'll be expected to start at left guard. He was originally drafted in the second round in 2014 out of Nevada. Bitonio has been a stalwart interior offensive lineman for the franchise, being named to the Pro Bowl for seven straight seasons from 2018 to 2024.
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Dan Labbe
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Dan Labbe
Ravens Expect All Players to Show Up for Voluntary Workouts
New Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said on Wednesday that he expects everyone to be in attendance for the team's voluntary organized team activities this spring, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. The team's offseason program will start on April 6, with their first on-field workouts beginning in May. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had a down year by his standards in 2025, has typically skipped most of the voluntary OTAs and didn't take part in eight of the nine on-field practices last spring. Whether the Ravens can get a new deal done with Jackson, who represents himself in contract negotiations, could impact his availability this spring. The 29-year-old is tied for the best career passer rating (102.2) and has the most rushing yards ever by a QB (6,522), making him one of the best dual threats at the position all time. Injuries slowed him down in 2025, though, and he'll be looking to bounce back with a first-time play-caller in Doyle.
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Patriots Promote Zak Kuhr to Full-Time Defensive Coordinator
The New England Patriots have promoted inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr as their full-time defensive coordinator, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Kuhr was hired as the team's inside linebackers coach last season, but he took over as the defensive play-caller in Week 2 after defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Williams was cleared to return last week, according to head coach Mike Vrabel, and he was elevated to a higher-ranking role on the coaching staff. The 37-year-old Kuhr drew rave reviews from Williams at Super Bowl LX, and the Patriots' defense was instrumental in helping them get to the big game. Coaching assistant Vinny DePalma is expected to take over Kuhr's former position as inside LBs coach. The Pats' defense allowed the fourth-fewest points per game (18.8) and eighth-fewest total yards per game (295.2) during the 2025 regular season.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Quinn Priester Being Slow-Played in Camp
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (wrist) has recovered from the wrist issue that he dealt with late last year, but he will be slow-played this spring, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "He's had a couple of things that have kept him from progressing, but he's thrown bullpens. Nothing shutting him down or anything like that," manager Pat Murphy said. In his first year with the Brew Crew in 2025, the 25-year-old had a strong season, going 13-3 with a career-best 3.32 ERA (4.01 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with 132 strikeouts and 50 walks in 157 1/3 innings pitched over his 29 appearances (24 starts). The former first-round selection generated a lot less hard contact, but his 20.2% strikeout rate, 3.59 xERA, and 3.81xFIP all indicate that some regression could be in store in 2026 in his second year in Milwaukee. Priester is in a good situation with the Brewers, but his ceiling for fantasy purposes might be as a mid-tier starting pitcher with limited strikeout upside. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 73 fantasy starting pitcher.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Konnor Griffin Unlikely to Make Pirates Opening Day Roster?
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly told Pittsburgh sportscaster Shelby Cassesse that "it would be a tough ask" for shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin to make the Opening Day roster, according to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan. "Keep in mind he's only had a handful of at-bats at Double-A," Kelly said. Spring training games have yet to begin, but it sounds like the Bucs are pretty set on having Kriffin, the consensus top prospect in the game, start at Triple-A Indianapolis in 2026. The ninth overall pick in 2024 made it all the way to Double-A Altoona in his first pro season in 2025, slashing a combined .333/.415/.527 with a .941 OPS, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 65 stolen bases in 122 games played at three different levels. Griffin will still be a stash candidate in all single-year leagues, even if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster, but keep in mind that the Pirates generally have not rushed their top prospects to the majors.
Source: 93.7 The Fan - Andrew Fillipponi
Source: 93.7 The Fan - Andrew Fillipponi
Dolphins Have had Trade Talks Involving Minkah Fitzpatrick
The Miami Dolphins have had trade talks with teams this offseason regarding five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Miami already released four players earlier this week, including Pro Bowl receiver Tyreek Hill (knee), and they are in the early stages of resetting their roster under a new regime. The Dolphins acquired the 29-year-old defensive back from the Pittsburgh Steelers last year in the deal that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Steel City. Fitzpatrick could be on the move again this year after he recorded 82 tackles (59 solo), one sack, four tackles for loss, one interception, six pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 14 games in his return to Miami. He should have plenty of suitors on the trade market as the Dolphins look for draft-pick compensation.
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Kevin Alcantara a Good Bet to Make Opening Day Roster?
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that outfielder Kevin Alcantara has prepared well for a job coming into spring training, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network. Alcantara said on Wednesday that he is confident in his ability and has matured while waiting for his chances. Additionally, the 23-year-old Dominican said he made swing adjustments in the offseason to find more consistency at the plate. In the last two years, Alcantara has only appeared in 13 major-league games with the Cubbies, going 5-for-21 (.238) with no homers, one RBI, one stolen base, one walk, and five strikeouts. He slashed .266/.349/.470 with 17 home runs, 10 stolen bases, and a 29.8% strikeout rate in 102 games at Triple-A Iowa in 2025. Alcantara has plus speed and raw power, but no clear path to playing time in Chicago in 2026. He also has minor-league options remaining, so starting in Iowa again is a possibility.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Tyler Higbee Unlikely to Re-Sign With Rams in Free Agency?
Los Angeles Rams impending free-agent tight end Tyler Higbee has been a key weapon in the organization for a full decade, but he could be headed for a change of scenery as he enters free agency in 2026. Higbee played 10 games in 2025, missing the remaining seven due to an ankle issue. He was held to just 25 catches, 281 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE40 in PPR leagues. It was another underwhelming year for the veteran tight end, who has been healthy for just 13 of 34 games over the last two years. Not only has Higbee's recent downturn made him a non-priority for the Rams in free agency, but so has the emergence of two key teammates. Colby Parkinson scored eight touchdowns in a late-season breakout, and the Rams also invested significant draft capital in Terrance Ferguson, who had five catches, 87 yards, and two touchdowns over his final two games as a rookie in 2025. There's no real spot for Higbee in this offense, especially if he and the Rams don't agree on a salary. If Higbee, 33, wishes to return for an 11th NFL season, it seems likely it'll be with an organization other than the Rams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
AJ Barner Coming Off a Big Year in Super Bowl-Winning Offense
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner broke out as the overall TE14 in PPR leagues during his second pro season in 2025. Fully healthy for all 17 games, he racked up 52 catches, 519 yards, and six touchdowns in a Seahawks offense that ultimately won Super Bowl LX. Most importantly, he fended off rookie Elijah Arroyo. Before the year, it seemed like Arroyo might push to be the No. 1 tight end, but that never happened because Barner contributed at such a high level. Arroyo will get a little more involved in 2026, but we expect that Barner will remain the top tight end target for Sam Darnold, especially around the goal line. Not only is he trending up in dynasty leagues, but he's also an intriguing option in redraft leagues, especially for managers waiting to take their primary tight end until the later round of fantasy drafts. He'll likely open 2026 draft rankings just outside the top 12 tight ends, but he has top-10 upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Griffin Conine Learning First Base
Miami Marlins corner outfielder Griffin Conine is learning first base this spring, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. It's the same position his father, Jeff, played for most of his 17-year MLB career. The Marlins could use some depth at the position since Graham Pauley and Liam Hicks have limited experience there. In addition to Conine, Christopher Morel and Connor Norby are working at first base to give the Fish more options. Miami's outfield is already heavy on left-handed bats with Kyle Stowers, Jakob Marsee, and prospect Owen Caissie. If the 28-year-old adapts well to the position in spring training, it's possible he could make plenty of starts there in 2026. Conine only played in 24 games in Miami last year due to a dislocated shoulder that required surgery, and he went 20-for-79 (.253) with two homers and eight RBI. He had a nice 48.1% hard-hit rate, 14.8% barrel rate, and 117.4 mph maximum exit velocity in a short sample size, so he could become interesting as a depth outfielder in deeper fantasy leagues this year if he can carve out enough playing time at first base.
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Ryan McMahon to Get Reps at Shortstop This Spring
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the plan is to get infielder Ryan McMahon some reps at shortstop this spring to see if that can be an option with Anthony Volpe (shoulder) expected to miss the first month of the season, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Phillips adds that this would purely be for emergency purposes, as Jose Caballero is expected to man the 6 regularly in the Bronx to begin the year with Volpe sidelined. The 31-year-old McMahon has only played three innings at shortstop back in 2020 with the Colorado Rockies in his pro career. He still has pop -- he's hit 20-plus homers in six straight seasons -- but the nine-year veteran hit an ugly .214/.312/.381 with a .693 OPS, 53 RBI, 62 runs scored, and three steals in 154 regular-season games last year in Colorado and New York. Because of his struggles against same-handed pitching, McMahon is set for a platoon at the hot corner for the Bombers, causing him to lose most of his mixed-league appeal.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Zebby Matthews an Option for Opening Day Starting Rotation?
Minnesota Twins right-hander Zebby Matthews could be a candidate for the No. 5 starting rotation spot to begin the 2026 season now that right-hander Pablo Lopez (elbow) will likely miss the entire season, according to Matthew Leach of MLB.com. Taj Bradley and Simeon Woods Richardson were the favorites for the fourth and fifth spots in the Opening Day rotation, but a new spot has emerged in Minnesota due to Lopez's injury. In 16 starts for the Twins last year, Matthews struggled to a 5.56 ERA (3.79 FIP) and 1.49 WHIP with 88 strikeouts and 24 walks in 79 1/3 innings over his 16 starts. The former eighth-round pick in 2022 out of Western Carolina University also struggled to a 6.69 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in his first nine big-league starts in 2024. Under the hood, Matthews showed promise with plenty of velocity and above-average strikeout and walk rates. A high .357 BABIP and 3.79 FIP indicate bad luck. Given another opportunity in 2026, don't be surprised if Matthews turns things around.
Source: MLB.com - Matthew Leach
Source: MLB.com - Matthew Leach
Astros Showing Interest in Michael Conforto
The Houston Astros "have expressed interest" in free-agent outfielder Michael Conforto, with their chances of trading infielder Isaac Paredes diminishing, a source told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed hitter really struggled with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, slashing .199/.305/.333 with a career-worst .637 OPS, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and a 121:56 K:BB in 138 regular-season games (486 plate appearances). Conforto's xBA of .237 suggests he might have been a bit unlucky, but most of his advanced metrics at the plate were average, at best. In his two previous seasons with the San Francisco Giants, he slashed .238/.322/.418 with a .740 OPS with 35 homers and 124 RBI in 255 games. Conforto could bounce back in the average department, but he'll likely be limited to a platoon role wherever he lands in free agency.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Noah Gray a Sneaky Stash in Dynasty Leagues?
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray has long-term upside in dynasty leagues, making him a sneaky stash for the upcoming offseason. For his entire five-year career so far, Gray has been stuck in a depth role behind superstar Travis Kelce. However, with Kelce likely nearing the end of his playing career, it's time for fantasy managers to start considering who might take his place after he retires. Right now, the frontrunner is Gray, who has flashed tremendous upside even in his role as the Chiefs' No. 2 tight end. In 2024, even with Kelce playing 16 games, Gray ranked as the overall TE2 in PPR leagues with 40 catches, 437 yards, and five touchdowns. He added another 21 catches and 178 yards last year. Kelce is likely coming back for another year, but we expect the Chiefs to begin incorporating Gray even more than last year. In addition to an anticipated larger role, Gray is the top tight end handcuff in the NFL. While roster spots are limited and rostering a backup tight end in redraft leagues may not be feasible, Gray is absolutely an intriguing offseason pick-up in dynasty leagues. He has top-10 upside when Kelce isn't healthy or isn't playing anymore. Dynasty managers should consider adding Gray if he's currently not rostered.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ja'Tavion Sanders Coming Off Late-Season Injury
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (fibula) missed the end of 2025 after being placed on IR. He still appeared in 13 games throughout the course of the regular season, amassing 29 catches, 190 yards, and one touchdown. This was a significant step back from his rookie campaign in 2024, when he was the TE36 in PPR leagues with 33 catches, 342 yards, and a trip to the end zone. The Panthers simply haven't placed much emphasis on utilizing the tight end position in the passing game in recent years, so even though Sanders has been atop the depth chart, he hasn't carved out a significant receiving role. That's unlikely to change in 2026, so he's not a particularly intriguing target in redraft leagues. However, he's worth holding and stashing in dynasty leagues because he's still a young, talented player with long-term upside in a more appropriate scheme.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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