RADIO
Corbin Carroll to Return to the Lineup on Friday
Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro said that he has not heard anything concerning about Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll's (back) MRI exam and that he will return to the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the Texas Rangers. Carroll did not play in the team's last two games against the Kansas City Royals due to discomfort in his lower back, but after his testing did not show anything concerning, he is on track to return for the start of a weekend series against Texas. The 26-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder continues to offer five-category upside for fantasy managers, which makes him a must-start when he is available, but Carroll hit .234 (25-for-107) with an .815 OPS in 29 games in August, and he had gone just 2-for-22 (.136) with no walks and eight strikeouts in six games to start September before his back injury. Fantasy managers playing for a championship are hoping that Carroll can get things turned around quickly this weekend and into next week after dealing with a minor back injury of late. Overall, Carroll is slashing .240/.334/.466 with an even .800 OPS, 19 home runs, a league-high 16 triples, 61 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 85 runs scored across 141 games and 608 plate appearances in his fifth year in the majors.
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Geno Smith a Deep-League Bounce-Back Candidate Entering 2026
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith enters 2026 in search of a bounce-back season after a disastrous 2025 campaign. Across 15 games with the Las Vegas Raiders last year, Smith completed 67.4% of his pass attempts for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. As he enters his age-36 season, Smith may simply be past his prime. However, he was saddled with one of the worst offensive lines in football and a subpar group of healthy pass-catchers last season in Las Vegas. While the Jets enter 2026 with question marks on offense, Smith will have an exciting group of weapons to work with on offense in wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell, tight ends Mason Taylor and Kenyon Sadiq (groin), and running back Breece Hall (groin). In deeper leagues and two-quarterback formats, Smith could be worth targeting ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Sale Continues to be a Fantasy Ace
Despite being 37 years old, Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale has been one of the best pitchers in the National League in 2026 in his 16th season in the league. The former Cy Young winner and 10-time All-Star has managed to stay healthy this season and has been excellent for the Braves and fantasy managers alike, going 14-9 with a 2.10 ERA (2.26 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 184 strikeouts and only 29 walks in 150 innings pitched across his 25 starts. Sale picked up his eighth straight quality start his last time out on Sept. 4 against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies, picking up a win while allowing two earned runs with one walk and seven strikeouts in six innings of work. He has at least six strikeouts in each of his last eight quality starts, and his 18 quality starts this year rank fifth in the National League. Sale also ranks second in the NL in ERA, third in wins and WHIP, and fourth in strikeouts. Sale has a tough matchup his next time out against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays, but the veteran hurler is a must-start in all fantasy leagues, especially in the fantasy playoffs.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Brevyn Spann-Ford Agrees to Three-Year Extension with Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys and tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford agreed to terms on a three-year extension on Thursday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Since catching on with Dallas as an undrafted free agent ahead of 2024, Spann-Ford has seen minimal usage as a pass-catcher through the first two years of his career. Across 17 games (five starts) in 2025, the 26-year-old recorded nine catches for 90 yards and one touchdown on 13 targets. Entering 2026, Spann-Ford is once again expected to be the blocking complement to Cowboys receiving tight ends Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker. Dallas' financial commitment to Spann-Ford proves that the team values his contributions, but he should remain off fantasy radars in 2026.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Aroldis Chapman Continues to Defy Father Time
Boston Red Sox veteran left-handed closer Aroldis Chapman has not pitched like a 38-year-old in 2026. The nine-time All-Star and two-time World Series winner has been fantastic in the ninth inning for the BoSox in his second year with the team and his 17th in the big leagues, going 3-4 with a 2.03 ERA (2.52 FIP), a 1.13 WHIP, 33 saves, and a 65:20 K:BB in 48 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen. The Cuban southpaw has been even better in the second half of the season, with a 1.80 ERA, only eight walks, 29 strikeouts, and 14 saves in 20 innings pitched. He has converted 17 straight save chances since his last blown save on June 28 against the division-rival New York Yankees. Since the beginning of August, Chapman has a 3.00 ERA (3.35 FIP) with only three walks, 16 strikeouts, one win, and seven saves in 12 innings pitched. Chapman has only blown two of his 35 save chances this year for the Red Sox, and he has been a big reason why they are in the mix for a wild-card spot in the American League down the stretch in the 2026 season.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Chris Bell Still Working to Regain His Conditioning
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chris Bell said he's "about 80-85 percent back as far as conditioning," per Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. A third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Bell suffered a torn ACL last November that ended his final collegiate season prematurely. The 22-year-old was able to return to game action in the preseason and is expected to play in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, it appears Bell may not be all the way back to 100% in all facets of the game right away. With the Dolphins lacking established high-end pass-catchers, Bell has a chance to play a high-volume role in Miami's passing game as a rookie. Fantasy managers may want to temper their expectations for Bell as he gets his legs underneath him, but he's a worthy stash candidate for his season-long upside.
Source: Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
Source: Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
Tucker Kraft Unlikely to Receive Extension Before Week 1
The Green Bay Packers and tight end Tucker Kraft are unlikely to agree to terms on an extension before the start of the season, per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Kraft is reportedly seeking a top-of-market deal as he enters the final year of his rookie contract with Green Bay. The 25-year-old had his 2025 season cut short after he suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 9. However, Kraft was in the midst of a breakout campaign before suffering the injury, recording 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 44 targets across eight games. As long as he can stay healthy, Kraft profiles as a high-end TE1 option for fantasy managers entering 2026.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Jacob deGrom Strikes Out 12 But Gets No-Decision on Thursday
Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom was dominant on the mound on Thursday in the 4-3 loss on the road against the division-rival Seattle Mariners. deGrom looked like his old Cy Young self by tossing six shutout innings with just one hit allowed, no walks, and 12 strikeouts. Unfortunately, the Rangers' bullpen was unable to hold a 3-0 lead after deGrom left, and he was not able to pick up a win for his fantasy managers. deGrom was nearly unhittable in this one and generated 20 swings and misses on his 92 total pitches on the day. After the strong performance, deGrom will carry a 3.80 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and a 186:38 K:BB in 149 1/3 innings pitched into his next scheduled outing next Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox. In his first meeting with Boston on June 13 of this year, deGrom had a no-decision but had a quality start, allowing two earned runs in six innings with zero walks and five strikeouts in the team's 6-3 loss.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
A.J. Brown to Miss at Least Four Weeks
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain in Wednesday night's season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks and is expected to miss at least four weeks, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. High-ankle sprains typically keep players out anywhere from four to six weeks, so fantasy managers will need to be patient with the 29-year-old wideout after he caught just three of his four targets for 26 yards in Week 1 before leaving with his ankle sprain in his Patriots debut. It is not how Brown or his fantasy managers wanted him to get started back in the AFC this year, but he should be stashed in all leagues while he heals up. In the meantime, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams will all be asked to step up to help quarterback Drake Maye out after his frustrating three-interception season opener on Wednesday night. Doubs, who is already rostered in 56% of Yahoo leagues, probably has the most fantasy upside of the bunch, even though he failed to haul in any of his three targets on Wednesday in his team debut.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Sam Darnold has Unusual Strain, Timetable Remains TBD
Tests showed that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (hip) has an unusual muscle strain in his hip area that he suffered on the first offensive drive of Wednesday's season-opening win over the New England Patriots, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. There is no consideration at this point of putting Darnold on Injured Reserve, but his timetable for a return remains to be determined. Reports earlier suggested that the Seahawks "dodged a bullet" with Darnold's right-hip injury, but he might not be out of the woods yet. The 29-year-old signal-caller is expected to miss the Week 2 contest against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, but if he recovers nicely, he could be in play for Week 3 against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Sept. 27. Still, the consensus is that Darnold avoided a long-term injury. Until he can return, backup Drew Lock will be thrust into starting duties for the Seahawks. In Week 2 versus the Cardinals, he should only be a fantasy streaming option in deep two-QB superflex formats.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Marvin Mims Jr. Looks Ready for Week 1 Against Chiefs
Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (foot) was the only player listed on the team's practice report on Thursday, but he was a full participant, according to Aric DiLalla of the team's official website. Mims looks ready to go after suffering a foot contusion in the team's preseason finale against the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 28. He was listed as one of Denver's starting wideouts on their first unofficial depth chart going into Week 1, but that does not mean he will have a big role out of the gate after the Broncos added Jaylen Waddle in an offseason trade. Mims will be competing for the WR3 role this year with Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin behind Waddle and Courtland Sutton. The 24-year-old former second-rounder from Oklahoma has intriguing big-play ability, but he regressed in 2025 in his third year in the league with 37 catches, 322 yards, and only one touchdown in 15 regular-season games after he had a 39-503-6 line in 2024. Mims should be on the waiver wire in 12-team leagues to begin the 2026 campaign and will probably be a boom/bust WR4/flex option, at best, in his fourth year in the league.
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
Jeremiyah Love Limited Again on Thursday
Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) was listed as limited in the team's practice on Thursday for the second straight day with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered early in the preseason, according to Bo Brack of PHNX Sports. Love, the third overall pick in April's draft out of Notre Dame, has been making progress, but he might need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to avoid a questionable tag going into the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. If Love is cleared to take on the Bolts in what will be his NFL debut, he could take a back seat in Arizona's backfield to Tyler Allgeier, which will make him a volatile play for fantasy managers. For now, you should consider Love as a low-end RB2 option this weekend if he is cleared to play. He has clear three-down upside and the potential to be one of the best all-around RBs in the NFL, but it might take a bit to get there. The Cardinals are not going to force volume on him early on after adding Allgeier in free agency.
Source: PHNX Sports - Bo Brack
Source: PHNX Sports - Bo Brack
Sean Tucker Bumps Up to Limited Practice on Thursday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (hamstring) returned to practice on Thursday and was listed as limited, per the team's official website. Tucker, who was close to being cut from the 53-man roster to begin the 2026 regular season, has been hampered by a hamstring injury of late and could be questionable to play in Week 1 on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. He may need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to be cleared from the final injury report. However, even if Tucker is active for the season opener this weekend, fantasy managers in deeper formats are going to want to stay away from him as the RB3 behind Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell. The former undrafted free agent out of Syracuse has shown flashes of his upside in his three NFL seasons, but ultimately he has not been able to get out of a depth role. Tucker averaged 5.1 yards per carry on his 86 rushing attempts last year while scoring a career-high seven rushing touchdowns in 17 games, but he has averaged just 3.4 yards per tote in his 45 games (zero starts). He is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Buccaneers.com
Source: Buccaneers.com
Tua Tagovailoa Day-to-Day With Oblique Strain
Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), who was listed as limited in Thursday's practice, suffered an oblique strain that is considered day-to-day, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Tagovailoa's status for Sunday's Week 1 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers is to be determined. The former Miami Dolphins signal-caller went to the ground during individual drills on Thursday and was grabbing at his lower back. He did not return and was replaced by Cooper Rush with the first-team offense. Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has already been ruled out as he continues to recover from a partially torn ACL in his knee from late last year. If Tua is ruled out on Friday, Rush will be the one starting under center for the Falcons on Sunday, with undrafted rookie Jack Strand backing him up. Fantasy managers in deep two-QB superflex leagues who were planning on starting Tagovailoa this weekend against Pittsburgh need to go in another direction. We would be surprised if Tagovailoa is cleared to start in just a few days.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Remains Limited in Practice
Washington Commanders second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day as the team continues to prepare for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles. Croskey-Merritt could end up questionable for the season opener due to a groin injury he picked up in practice on Aug. 22 if he does not upgrade to a full practice on Friday. If JCM is limited or out, it would be a big upgrade for Rachaad White as the Commanders' lead back in his debut with the team this weekend. The 25-year-old Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick out of Arizona last year, but he impressed by leading Washington with 805 yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 175 rushing attempts, adding nine catches for 68 yards through the air in 17 games. The Commanders like him as their primary early-down back, but White will steal plenty of pass-game work, leaving JCM as primarily an RB3/flex option with upside for fantasy managers in Year 2. Check back for his official Week 1 status on Friday.
Source: Washington Commanders
Source: Washington Commanders
