RADIO
Joe Fagnano Practicing With Significant Brace on his Ankle
Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano (ankle) was seen practicing on Tuesday with a significant guard/brace on his right ankle, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Despite tweaking his ankle in his first-ever NFL action in Sunday's Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the 25-year-old from Connecticut is expected to make his first NFL start on Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars with Lamar Jackson (thumb) likely done for the year and Tyler Huntley (toe) expected to miss multiple weeks with turf toe. Fagnano predictably struggled in Buffalo while being forced into action on Sunday, going 10-for-21 passing for 91 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, and more struggles are expected in his first-ever start on a short week against a capable defense in the Jaguars. Fagnano should only be a starting option in deep two-QB superflex leagues for desperate fantasy managers. Even if Fagnano surprises and plays well on Thursday, the Ravens should be looking for upgrades at the position via trade or the free-agent market.
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Rashid Shaheed has a Chance to Play in Week 9
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee), who did not play in the Monday night loss to the Chicago Bears, will have a chance to return on Sunday to face the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in Week 9, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. In Shaheed's absence on Monday against Chicago, Tory Horton saw more snaps on offense and served as Seattle's WR2 behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he caught only three of his six targets for 26 yards and did not find paydirt. The 28-year-old Shaheed has continued to mostly be a non-factor on offense for the Seahawks in seven games this year, catching 16 of his 30 targets for only 163 yards (10.2 yards per reception) and no touchdowns after posting a 15-188-0 line in nine regular-season games last year after being acquired in a midseason trade from the New Orleans Saints. Mostly all of Seattle's passing-game targets are funneled through JSN, the best receiver in the NFL, leaving little for Shaheed and others. If Shaheed returns in Week 9, he will not be a recommended starting option, even in a plus matchup against the Cardinals. In the 31-7 win over Arizona in Week 2, Shaheed caught three of six targets for 35 yards.
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Raiders Feeling "No Pressure" to Start Fernando Mendoza
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis is pleased with the coaching staff's plan to develop rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza and feels "absolutely no pressure whatsoever" to start the first overall pick in this year's draft, according to Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "Today, there's a lot of pressure put on teams when they draft a guy No. 1 that you have to play him right away," Davis said. "That's why I think we were so fortunate to get Kirk Cousins as someone who could bridge the gap and let this young man learn a lot about what football is in the pros, the speed of the game, and the things that have to be done." Davis has been "blown away" by Mendoza's presence off the field while he sits behind Cousins and learns the intricacies of playing QB in the NFL. The Raiders are currently 4-4, and with Cousins playing really well under center, the Raiders are in no rush to bench him in favor of Mendoza. Just like it was before the start of the 2026 season, mostly all of Mendoza's fantasy value in his first year in the league is in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal - Adam Hill
Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal - Adam Hill
Dylan Sampson Offers PPR Value Without Lead-Back Workload
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson is worth targeting in 12-team PPR leagues, although his fantasy appeal comes primarily from receiving opportunities rather than rushing volume. RotoBaller lists him at 17% rostered, and he has caught nine of 11 targets for 94 yards in two games since returning from injured reserve. Sunday's 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers highlighted the distinction between Sampson's role and Quinshon Judkins' responsibilities. Sampson played 39 offensive snaps (56%) and caught six passes for 62 yards, but received only one carry. Judkins, meanwhile, handled 11 rushing attempts despite playing fewer snaps (27, 39%). Cleveland spent much of the afternoon trailing, which contributed to Sampson's increased involvement in the passing game. He has also rushed seven times for 52 yards since returning, providing some additional production beyond his receiving work. Sampson offers immediate PPR flex potential and valuable backfield insurance, but his workload against the New Orleans Saints in Week 9 will depend heavily on game script.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonathon Brooks a Waiver Target on Verge of his Return From IR
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen) was seen getting some work in during Tuesday's unofficial practice, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The Panthers are still deciding whether they will open Brooks' 21-day practice window this week to return from Injured Reserve, but it is a good sign that he was out on the practice field on Wednesday. If the 23-year-old's practice window is opened this week and he returns to practice, it will not guarantee his return to the active game-day roster on Sunday for a Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos, though. Brooks, who has already torn his ACL twice while with the Panthers, has not played since Week 2 after having core-muscle surgery, and he will most likely be eased back into Carolina's backfield as the RB2 behind starter Chuba Hubbard whenever he is officially activated from IR. The former second-rounder from Texas has a lengthy injury history but is still a worthwhile RB handcuff in fantasy football in 2026, especially since he is nearing a return. Brooks is currently rostered in 38% of Yahoo leagues and is a worthwhile stash for RB depth in 12-team leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Wan'Dale Robinson's Increased Playing Time Revives PPR Waiver Appeal
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson caught six of seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 43-36 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, although he also lost a fumble. His playing time was the more notable development, as Robinson logged 72 offensive snaps (94%) after playing just 38 snaps (60%) against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7. Carnell Tate (shoulder) missed all three practices before being ruled out against Cincinnati, helping explain the change in Tennessee's receiving rotation. Robinson has drawn six or seven targets in each of his last four games, but he has managed only 262 yards on 35 receptions through eight contests and hasn't exceeded 57 receiving yards in a game this season. Chimere Dike (71 yards) and tight end Gunnar Helm (76) also outproduced him against Cincinnati. RotoBaller's Week 9 waiver rankings list Robinson as 55% rostered and recommend adding him in 12-team PPR leagues. With Tennessee on bye this week, Robinson is a depth addition rather than an immediate lineup option, and Tate's availability could affect his playing time when the Titans face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darren Waller Seen on Sidelines at Tuesday's Practice
Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller was spotted on the sidelines during Tuesday's practice, according to ESPN's Mike Kaye. The reason for his sideline activity has not been reported, leaving some uncertainty about his status ahead of Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Carolina has previously given the 34-year-old scheduled veteran rest days, so his appearance on the sidelines does not necessarily indicate a new injury. Waller was not listed on the team's final Week 8 injury report and played against Green Bay last Thursday, catching one of two targets for 11 yards. He has recorded 15 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns across seven games, but has drawn just two targets in each of his past three appearances. Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans could see additional opportunities if Waller becomes unavailable, although his recent lack of involvement already limits his fantasy appeal.
Source: Mike Kaye
Source: Mike Kaye
Masataka Yoshida Unlikely to Return in 2027
Boston Red Sox outfielder/designated hitter Masataka Yoshida does not fit the team's current roster and "looks like a goner" for next season after another subpar season in 2026, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Yoshida is due $18 million next season. If the Red Sox cannot find a taker via a trade, they could cut him outright after he hit .274/.347/.399 with a .746 OPS, only five home runs, 28 RBI, 34 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 87 games and 297 plate appearances in his fourth year in the majors. The 33-year-old Japanese native battled injuries and has essentially become a designated hitter only, limiting the options he gives Boston in terms of lineup construction. The Red Sox would prefer to get something back for Yoshida, but if they cannot find any takers this offseason, he could be a cut candidate and find himself on the open market. The left-handed hitter makes a lot of contact and has a .280 batting average in his four MLB seasons, but his lack of power and defensive versatility make him a player to ignore in most fantasy baseball leagues going into the 2027 season.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Tyler Huntley Misses Practice, Unlikely to Face Jaguars
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (toe) did not practice Tuesday and is unlikely to play in Thursday's Week 9 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. Huntley suffered the injury during the second quarter of Sunday's 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, completing two of four passes for zero yards and losing a fumble before exiting. He was also listed as a nonparticipant on Monday's estimated injury report, while head coach Jesse Minter acknowledged that he probably would not be available Thursday. With Lamar Jackson (thumb) headed to injured reserve, rookie Joe Fagnano (ankle) is projected to make his first career start despite being limited on Monday's estimated report. Baltimore is reportedly adding Kedon Slovis from Green Bay's practice squad to provide additional quarterback depth. Fagnano threw for just 91 yards and an interception against Buffalo, making Baltimore's passing attack difficult to trust for fantasy purposes, particularly for managers relying on Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews.
Source: Jamison Hensley
Source: Jamison Hensley
Diamondbacks Have Discussed Using Nolan Arenado at First Base
Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said the organization has discussed using infielder Nolan Arenado at first base next season, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. On the surface, it seems counterproductive to move a player who has won 10 Gold Glove Awards and six Platinum Gloves off third base, but the D-backs are not talking about a full position switch. "I think it's taken a toll on him physically a little bit," Hazen said. "So we're trying to be mindful of that." In his first year in Arizona in 2026, Arenado had his best season since his 2022 campaign in which he finished third in the National League MVP race. He slashed .255/.331/.475 and had a 122 OPS+ in 152 games while also hitting 30 home runs, driving in 86 runs, scoring 80 runs, and stealing four bases in 533 at-bats. Arenado is open to the possibility of moving across the diamond and said he might go play some winter ball for the first time to get some work in at first base. His bounce-back 2026 was nice, but fantasy managers should not expect the eight-time All-Star to be as productive offensively again in 2027, even if he reduces some wear and tear physically by moving to first base occasionally.
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Luke Fahey Starting Again in Week 10
Luke Fahey will serve as the Ohio State starting quarterback for a second straight week, according to head coach Ryan Day. Fahey was 21-of-38 passing in the team's Week 9 loss to USC. He threw for 260 yards and a touchdown, while also avoiding an interception. Fahey rushed for 12 yards on seven attempts, while taking two sacks. Fahey is starting in place of Julian Sayin (arm), who is out indefinitely with his injury. Fahey and the Buckeyes will be facing Oregon in Week 10. The Ducks' defense allows 341.8 total yards and 21.4 points per game, so it will be another test for Fahey.
Source: Joey Kaufman - The Columbus Dispatch
Source: Joey Kaufman - The Columbus Dispatch
Jeremiyah Love Headed to Injured Reserve With High-Ankle Sprain
Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is headed to injured reserve after suffering a high-ankle sprain that is expected to sideline him for four to five weeks, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The first-round rookie suffered the injury during the first quarter of Sunday's 33-30 overtime victory over the Dallas Cowboys, finishing with 23 rushing yards on nine carries. Love had just returned from a two-game absence caused by a separate left ankle injury, making this another setback in his rookie campaign. Tyler Allgeier took advantage of the depleted backfield, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries while adding five receptions for 44 yards and another score. Bam Knight also exited with a concussion, while James Conner remains on injured reserve. Allgeier is now a priority waiver-wire addition with potential RB2 value during Love's absence, beginning with Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Mariners Hiring Jason Kanzler as New Manager
The Seattle Mariners are hiring former Chicago Cubs' director of player development Jason Kanzler as their new manager, a source told Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Houston Astros manager Joe Espada had been among the finalists to land the job in Seattle, but it will instead go to Kanzler in an unconventional move by the Mariners. Kanzler, 36, will be replacing Dan Wilson after he was fired following the team's disappointing 2026 season. Kanzler has never managed at any level, but he will be inheriting one of the league's deepest, most talented rosters. Seattle has stars in outfielder Julio Rodriguez and catcher Cal Raleigh, not to mention some of the best starting-pitching depth in baseball. Kanzler is a former outfielder who was drafted in the 20th round in 2013. He previously spent five years with the Houston Astros, serving as a major-league coach in 2022 and 2023. He was hired by the Cubs as their director of player development at the start of the 2024 campaign. Kanzler will be the third skipper to serve under general manager Jerry Dipoto, who was brought in near the end of the 2015 season.
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Josh Jacobs Could See More Touches as Packers Look to Improve Run Game
Finding the end zone both on the ground and through the air in Thursday night's win over the Panthers, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs finished the week as the fantasy RB11, and while he has lacked efficiency in his two games since being removed from the Commissioner Exempt List, ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports that more touches could be on the way. The Packers rank dead last in the NFL with 485 rushing yards and 2.8 yards per carry, with Jacobs contributing only 75 yards on 32 carries. While his three touchdowns in two games have salvaged his fantasy performances, Green Bay's running game will need to improve to keep him in the weekly starting conversation, and offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich told reporters on Tuesday, "The more you feed him, the better he gets."
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
Chris Rodriguez Jr. a Must-Add with Teammate Missing Practice
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (hand) managed an RB19 fantasy finish in Week 8 on the strength of a 28-yard third-quarter touchdown run, but in a game that Jacksonville led wire-to-wire, he carried the ball only six times while teammate Bhayshul Tuten (foot, ankle) dominated touches. While ordinarily that would not be a recipe for repeatable success, Tuten missed Monday's practice with a foot and ankle injury and was not spotted at the start of Tuesday's session as the Jaguars face a short week of preparation ahead of Thursday night's matchup with the Ravens. Rodriguez was listed as limited in Monday's practice estimation, but he should be ready for Thursday's game. If Rodriguez should have the backfield to himself, his upside is obvious in a Jaguars offense that has topped 30 points on four separate occasions, making him a priority waiver add in Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
