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Sean Murphy Likely to Rejoin Braves Next Week
Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (hip) is likely to rejoin the big-league team in Seattle next week, manager Walt Weiss told Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Braves kick off a three-game series in Seattle against the Mariners on Monday, May 4. Murphy has yet to make his 2026 season debut with Atlanta after having surgery on his hip last September. When he's ready, the Braves will have a decision to make with three catches on the big-league roster in Murphy, Drake Baldwin, and Jonah Heim. Heim will most likely end up being the odd man out. When he's ready to return, fantasy managers should expect Murphy to see most of his playing time at designated hitter, at least initially. The 31-year-old is only rostered in 1% of Yahoo leagues, and while there are major question marks as to whether he can return to his pre-injury form, Murphy was an All-Star as recently as 2023 in his first year with the Braves. He has 82 home runs and 263 RBI over the last five seasons and should draw more attention from fantasy managers looking for more power from the catching position.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Michael Harris II Could be Forced to the Injured List
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (quadriceps) is dealing with a left-quad injury and will serve as the designated hitter for most of the team's upcoming road trip if his injury doesn't get any worse, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. However, if there's no improvement, Harris could be placed on the 10-day injured list. Now we know why Harris was out of the starting lineup for Thursday's loss to the Detroit Tigers in the series finale. The Braves head to Denver this weekend for a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies before heading to Seattle to face the Mariners early next week. Hopefully, the left-handed-hitting Harris can rest up while DH'ing and stay off the IL. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in 2019 has been one of the league's hottest hitters with April coming to an end, slashing .320/.355/.540 with an .895 OPS, six home runs, 20 RBI, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his first 29 games in 2026. Eli White, who got the start in center field on Thursday, will see more playing time in the outfield on the team's upcoming road trip, but he offers little upside at the plate for fantasy managers.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Jorge Polanco Labeled "Week-to-Week" by Mets
New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said that infielder Jorge Polanco (wrist, Achilles) is "week-to-week" as he recovers from his injuries, according to SNY. Polanco has resumed baseball activities, but he's not exactly close to returning from the 10-day injured list. The veteran infielder landed on the IL on April 18 with a right-wrist bone bruise and left-Achilles bursitis. The 32-year-old had been playing through his Achilles issue early in the season, but the Mets chose to put him on the IL after he recently suffered a wrist injury. The fact that the Dominican switch-hitter has been injured for most of the first month of the 2026 season helps explain why he was hitting just .179/.246/.286 with a homer, two RBI, and three runs scored in 56 at-bats. It's unclear exactly when Polanco might return, but it might not be until around mid-May, at the earliest. When Polanco is back, he might be relegated to primary designated-hitter duties in New York. Mark Vientos has seen most of the playing time at first base for the Mets lately. Polanco is rostered in 30% of Yahoo leagues at the moment as a power option who should eventually add first base eligibility on top of second base and third base.
Source: SNY Mets
Source: SNY Mets
Makai Lemon Signs Four-Year Rookie Deal With Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles rookie first-round wide receiver Makai Lemon signed his four-year, fully guaranteed rookie contract on Thursday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The deal includes an $11.5 million signing bonus. The Eagles traded up with the division-rival Dallas Cowboys to take Lemon at 20th overall and steal them away from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were reportedly ready to take Lemon at pick No. 21. The selection of Lemon only reinforces the expectation that the Eagles will trade Pro Bowl wideout A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots around June 1. Lemon, who stands at 5-foot-11 and 294 pounds, profiles as more of a slot receiver, but he could be moved around the offensive formation alongside DeVonta Smith. Lemon plays bigger than his size and has plenty of yards-after-the-catch potential in a Philly offense looking for a spark. As long as Brown ends up heading out of town, Lemon should have immediate value in single-year fantasy formats in 2026. In rookie-only keeper drafts this year, Lemon should be considered a top-five player.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Brandon Woodruff Pain-Free Despite Being Pulled From Thursday's Outing
Updating a previous report, Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy told Brewers reporter Sophia Minnaert that right-hander Brandon Woodruff wasn't feeling any pain during his outing on Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but "nothing was coming out" in terms of his velocity, per Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "He wasn't himself. He felt like, felt kind of dead," Murphy added. Woodruff couldn't get over 85 mph while recording only four outs on Thursday before being pulled. It's obviously pretty concerning, especially for a veteran pitcher who got a late start last year after recovering from right-shoulder surgery. Woodruff also missed time late last year due to a lat injury that he was managing going into spring training. He hadn't been terrible coming into Thursday's start, posting a 3.77 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and six walks in 28 2/3 innings pitched. But Woodruff's lack of velocity should definitely concern his fantasy managers. It's unclear if the 33-year-old will be ready to make his next scheduled start. Murphy said the Brewers will be extremely cautious with Woodruff.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
Charlie Condon Scuffling, Still Worth Stashing for Home Run Potential?
Colorado Rockies corner infield/outfield prospect Charlie Condon, after a strong start to the year, has been mired in a funk at the plate, going 3-for-26 (.115) with just one extra-base hit (a double) over his last eight games. However, despite the recent bout of futility, the Rockies' second-ranked prospect is currently riding an 18-game on-base streak thanks to his ability to draw walks at a high rate. The former third-overall draft pick has recorded 14 walks in 22 games this season, good for a 17.1 percent BB%, and with an improved K% of 20.0 percent so far in 2026, there should be optimism that he'll be able to break out of the slump soon. For the season, the 6-foot-5 slugger is slashing .268/.410/.451 with four home runs and three steals. At some point in the coming weeks, the Rockies will likely want to give the 23-year-old a shot in the big leagues, and with power like he possesses in a home environment like he'll be in, the right-handed hitter remains one of the top power bats to stash in redraft leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
George Kittle Trying to Return in Week 1
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told ESPN that tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is "shooting to return" Week 1 against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams after tearing his Achilles tendon in the playoffs against the Philadelphia Eagles in January, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. It's unclear if Kittle is actually on track to be ready for the season opener, but it's where he's aiming. Kittle suffered a clean tear of his Achilles, which is expected to allow him to return quicker than usual for someone with a torn Achilles. While Kittle is hoping to be ready for Week 1, there's still a good chance he won't be ready for the start of the 2026 season, which will make him a pretty risky and volatile high-end TE1 target in fantasy football drafts. If Kittle is not ready to go by Week 1, Jake Tonges will be in play as a streaming option at the position early on. The 32-year-old Kittle only played in 11 games last year due to injuries and finished as the TE13 in half-PPR scoring. When healthy, he's been one of the top TEs in the league, though, catching at least six touchdown passes in five straight seasons.
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Bryce Eldridge Surging Again, Remains a High-End Stash for Power Upside
San Francisco Giants first base prospect Bryce Eldridge broke out of a week-long slump in a big way over his last four games at Triple-A, going 10-for-18 (.555) with three home runs, nine RBI, and six runs scored over that span. Perhaps most impressive of all is that, after logging just three games without a strikeout over his first 22 contests, the 6-foot-7 slugger has tallied four such outings in the last five games, showcasing how locked in he has been. The Giants' top-ranked prospect is slashing .327/.426/.529 with five home runs through 27 games, and a promotion to the big leagues could come at any time now. Though swing-and-miss will likely continue to be part of his profile, especially at the major league level, along with it should come plenty of power, and the former first-round draft pick remains a top stash option in most fantasy leagues for his home run potential.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Back in Action, Colt Emerson a Stash Candidate with Multi-Category Potential
Seattle Mariners infield prospect Colt Emerson (wrist) returned to the lineup at Triple-A Tacoma last week after sitting out a few games with a minor wrist injury. In the five games since his return, the Mariners' top-ranked prospect has struggled to get back into a rhythm at the plate, going 3-for-20 (.150) over that span, though two of his hits went for extra bases (one double, one home run) and he drew five walks as well (20.0 percent BB%). For the season, the former first-round draft pick is hitting just .232, but has recorded a solid .351 on-base percentage thanks to a 13.3 percent walk rate, and is slugging .427. With seven steals already through 23 games, the left-handed slugger has the look of a potential multi-category contributor for fantasy. Though he's just 20 years old, MLB's No. 7 prospect overall could be in the majors within weeks, so fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing him ahead of time.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Chris Rodriguez Jr. to Lead the Jaguars in Carries?
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated has Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. listed atop the team's RB depth chart ahead of training camp. His gut feeling says that Rodriguez will lead the team in carries, but then writes that he doesn't know if there will be "enough of a difference between his workload" and Bhayshul Tuten's. LeQuint Allen Jr. projects as the RB3 as the top passing-down back, while DeeJay Dallas and undrafted rookie J'Mari Taylor will battle for the RB4 spot. Travis Etienne Jr. is now in New Orleans, which was paving the way for Tuten to be an easy breakout candidate in fantasy football in 2026, until the Jags signed C-Rod. The 25-year-old got a two-year, $10 million deal from Jacksonville, and he has familiarity with head coach Liam Coen from their time at Kentucky. Tuten surely has plenty of explosive potential, but the team also likes Rodriguez's abilities as a tough inside runner. Rodriguez averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his three seasons with the Commanders, and he added seven total touchdowns in 13 games in 2025. Right now, both Rodriguez and Tuten are shaping up to be WR3/flex options every week in fantasy if their workload is split mostly down the middle.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Is Kyle Tucker's Middling Production to Open 2026 His New Norm?
Through the first month of the 2026 season, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker hasn't quite given his new team the production they were hoping for. Across 133 plate appearances, Tucker is hitting .241/.331/.371 with three home runs, 15 RBI, 21 runs scored, and three stolen bases. The 29-year-old has been a bit better of late, as he enters play on Thursday riding a five-game hitting streak. Still, Tucker's 21.8% strikeout rate is his worst mark since 2019. His underlying metrics don't point to an imminent power breakout either, as his 8.0% barrel rate is the lowest mark he's posted since a 72-plate appearance sample size from his rookie season in 2018. As long as Tucker stays healthy, he's a lock for everyday playing time in Los Angeles and should continue to rack up counting stats, which gives him a safe fantasy floor. However, fantasy managers hoping for Tucker to return to his 29-homer, 30-steal peak from 2023 may end up disappointed.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ravens Sign Former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia
The Baltimore Ravens signed former Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia to a three-year deal earlier this week, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Pavia was scheduled to try out during the team's rookie minicamp this weekend, but the Ravens scooped him up before that could happen. The 24-year-old undrafted free agent will compete with fellow rookie Joe Fagnano in training camp this summer for the Ravens to see who will enter the 2026 season as the QB3 behind starter Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley. Surprisingly, the Heisman Trophy finalist in college did not attract the interest from a single team during seven rounds of the NFL draft. Pavia produced in college, but he lacks size (5-foot-10), and he's old for a rookie at 24 years of age. At the very least, he should be on Baltimore's practice squad this year, but he lacks the measurables to be a very exciting stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues. Pavia threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns at Vandy last year while also adding 862 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Can Ezequiel Tovar Break Out of Extended Cold Streak?
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar has largely been a steady producer throughout his career to this point. However, the 24-year-old is off to a nightmarish start to the 2026 season, hitting .195/.235/.292 with one home run, eight RBI, nine runs scored, and two stolen bases across 119 plate appearances entering play on Thursday. Tovar's plate skills remain a major flaw, as he's walked in just 3.4% of his plate appearances while striking out at a 29.4% clip. Unlike in previous seasons, Tovar's quality of contact hasn't been enough to make up for his free-swinging approach, as he currently owns a career worst 7.7% barrel rate. Tovar's .273 batting average on balls in play is significantly below his career average of .327, so he should see some regression over a larger sample size of plate appearances. Still, fantasy managers may want to consider going in a different direction, particularly when Tovar and the Rockies are on the road and away from the hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chiefs "Super High" on Emmett Johnson
The Kansas City Chiefs were "super high" on former Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson before selecting him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL draft, and vice president of player personnel Ryne Nutt said the team was surprised he was still available in the fifth round when they traded up to take him. Johnson was the only player in college football to average more than 150 scrimmage yards per game last year, and he led the Big 10 with 1,451 rushing yards and finished second among all RBs in catches (46) while also scoring 15 touchdowns. He was graded as high as a third-round pick by some analysts. "He's a juke button, he has very good feet, vision, feel, and he's very good out of the backfield," Nutt described. The Chiefs lost Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt in free agency, but they signed former Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III. Johnson is projected to be the immediate backup to Walker in the lead-back role, and Arrowhead Pride's Ron Kopp Jr. doesn't think we should be surprised if he earns his way onto the field on passing downs. At the very least, Johnson will be a handcuff option as a late-round flier in fantasy football redraft leagues in 2026.
Source: Arrowhead Pride - Ron Kopp Jr.
Source: Arrowhead Pride - Ron Kopp Jr.
With Potential Injury News Looming, Logan Henderson a Priority Stash in All Formats
Milwaukee Brewers pitching prospect Logan Henderson continues to be one of the top pitchers to stash for fantasy baseball while being downright dominant for Triple-A Nashville to begin the year. The Brewers' sixth-ranked prospect made his longest appearance of the season in his last outing, throwing 67 pitches (46 strikes) over five innings of one-run ball while striking out nine batters. The right-hander now owns a 1.02 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and a 26:9 K:BB over 17 2/3 innings pitched. A 12.3 percent walk rate is a bit out of character for the former fourth-rounder after coming into the season with a 7.1 percent walk rate during his minor league career to that point, but he's still posting a strong 23.3 percent K-BB%. With Quinn Priester, who had a strong 2025 campaign, currently in the midst of a rehab assignment at Nashville, Henderson may have some competition the next time a rotation spot opens up, but he offers far more strikeout upside, and the 24-year-old is worthy of stashing in all formats. It is worth noting that Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff exited his start on Thursday in the second inning after seeing a significant dip in velocity compared to his previous starts, so the time is now to grab Henderson from the waiver wire.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Brandon Woodruff Exits Early from Start on Thursday After Drastic Velocity Drop
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (undisclosed) exited in the second inning of his start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Woodruff's fastball velocity failed to reach 87 mph after sitting at 92.5 mph across his first five starts of the year. Woodruff faced just six batters against Arizona, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two across 1 1/3 scoreless innings. The 33-year-old had been effective across 28 2/3 innings entering Thursday, pitching to a 3.77 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and two wins. However, Woodruff has not reached 100 innings in a season since 2022 and missed the entire 2024 campaign due to shoulder surgery. While it's too early to speculate on an injury for Woodruff, the drastic velocity drop is obviously a major cause for concern. If Woodruff requires a trip to the injured list, Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson could get the call from Triple-A to take Woodruff's place in the Brewers rotation.
Source: ESPN - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN - Jeff Passan
Ty Simpson Met With Sean McVay Before the Draft
Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson said on ESPN Radio that he had secret meetings with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay before the Rams took Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. It was a bit of a surprise that the win-now Rams took Simpson with their first-round pick, a year after Matthew Stafford won the MVP. McVay said that he and general manager Les Snead were in lockstep and in agreement to take Simpson as the QB of the future in L.A., while also making sure to notify Stafford beforehand that they would select Simpson in the draft. McVay made it clear that this is still Stafford's team as they seek another Super Bowl championship in 2026 and beyond. Without much of a collegiate resume (Simpson started just one year at Alabama), the 23-year-old is expected to compete with Stetson Bennett for the backup role this year. The Rams think Stafford is capable of playing beyond 2026, too, so fantasy managers in dynasty leagues must be prepared to play the long game with him as he develops behind Stafford.
Source: ESPN Radio
Source: ESPN Radio
Max Clark Remains an Elite Stash Option in All Formats
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark continues to show off his offensive potential that could soon be on display in the majors. The Tigers' second-ranked prospect is riding a four-game hit streak and has now reached base via hit or walk in all but three of his 26 games for Triple-A Toledo this season. The left-handed hitter is slashing .301/.378/.437 with nearly as many walks (14) as strikeouts (16) and nine stolen bases. The former third-overall draft pick came into the season with a career 18.5 percent strikeout rate, but has cut that all the way down to 13.4 percent this season, and it is looking like there isn't much left to prove offensively in the minors. President of baseball operations Scott Harris recently stated the team isn't ready to promote him, but with Detroit's outfield options getting thin after injuries to Parker Meadows (arm) and Javier Baez (ankle), the 21-year-old's MLB debut presumably draws nearer and nearer. With the potential to be a solid five-category contributor, there aren't many better hitters in the minor leagues to stash for fantasy.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jonah Coleman has Clear "Three-Down Potential" in Denver's Offense
Denver Broncos rookie fourth-round running back Jonah Coleman has clear "three-down potential" in the team's offense, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. However, with the Broncos already having second-year back RJ Harvey and veteran J.K. Dobbins, his first task in his rookie season might be giving the Broncos a "more complete presence in the third-down role." "The thing I would say is he's very physical," head coach Sean Payton said. "He can play on third down." The Broncos lost that physical rushing presence when Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury midway through last season. Denver struggled to run the football consistently with mostly Harvey after that, including into the playoffs. The 22-year-old Coleman is a bruising back (5-foot-8, 220 pounds) who has drawn comparisons to Dobbins for his tough rushing style between the tackles. He has clear three-down potential long-term, but in the short-term, he'll be a short-yardage asset for the Broncos while also helping in pass protection on third downs. Because of Dobbins' lengthy injury history, Coleman could become a weekly fantasy option quickly in 2026 if Dobbins misses more time with an injury.
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
Robby Snelling Looks to Rebound Friday, Still a Worthwhile Stash Option
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Robby Snelling should remain a top pitcher to stash in fantasy leagues for his strikeout upside. The Marlins' second-ranked prospect displayed uncharacteristically poor command in his latest start, yielding five walks and being charged with a wild pitch in five innings of work, but still only allowed two hits in the outing while adding four strikeouts. The southpaw owns a 2.25 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and a strong 22.3 percent K-BB% (35:14 K:BB) in 24 innings pitched at Triple-A Jacksonville. Snelling is not on the 40-man roster, while teammate Braxton Garrett is, and with the latter looking dominant in his own right, Snelling may not be the first name called when the Marlins need an arm, but he'll likely be called upon for his MLB debut in the coming weeks. Look for him to bounce back in his next start on Friday against Durham, and with his strikeout potential, the 22-year-old is worth stashing in deeper leagues ahead of his eventual call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Bobby Witt Jr. Riding 10-Game Hitting Streak Entering Play on Thursday
By his own lofty standards, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got off to a little bit of a slow start to the 2026 season. However, the 25-year-old has started to heat up as April draws to a close and is currently riding a 10-game hitting streak into the Royals matchup against the Athletics on Thursday. Across 134 plate appearances for the season overall, Witt Jr. is hitting .297/.366/.441 with two home runs, 15 RBI, 10 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. While Witt Jr.'s power stroke hasn't quite gotten going yet, his 12.2% barrel rate is right in line with his career mark of 11.9%, and his 52% hard-hit rate would be a single-season best. Witt Jr. remains an elite fantasy shortstop who should provide above-average five-category production once again in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yainer Diaz in Danger of Reduced Role in Houston?
Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz has gotten off to a slow start to the 2026 season. Entering play on Thursday, the 27-year-old is hitting .229/.250/.349 with two home runs, 12 RBI, and six runs scored across his first 88 plate appearances of the year. Diaz's underlying metrics don't provide much reason for optimism either, as he currently owns career low barrel (4.2%) and hard-hit (29.6%) rates. Diaz's lack of plate discipline continues to be an issue, as his 3.4% walk rate is right in line with his career mark of 3.6%. Diaz entered 2026 Spring Training dealing with a foot sprain, which could be a reason for his poor production at the plate so far. Either way, veteran Astros catcher Christian Vazquez is off to a red-hot start to the year with a .913 OPS. If Vazquez continues to play well and Diaz continues to struggle, Diaz could find himself losing playing time in Houston.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Josh Hader Return to Dominant Form in 2026 Once Healthy?
Houston Astros closer Josh Hader (biceps) has yet to pitch in 2026 as he works his way back from a biceps injury. There was some thought in Spring Training that Hader might have a chance to return in April, but the 32-year-old was transferred to the 60-day injured list in the middle of the month and is not eligible to return in late May. Still, the Astros have struggled mightily to backfill for Hader while he's been out, as right-hander Bryan Abreu has pitched to a 12.96 ERA. Hader remained one of the best relievers in baseball when healthy in 2025, pitching to a 2.05 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 76 strikeouts and 28 saves across 52 2/3 innings. Once he makes it back to the big leagues, Hader should immediately step in as the unquestioned closer in Houston. However, health remains a question mark until Hader can progress to a rehab assignment.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Ekeler 100 Percent Medically Cleared for Football Activities
Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) is 100% fully medically cleared for all football activities after suffering a torn right Achilles last September against the Green Bay Packers, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Ekeler intends to play in 2026 and is expected to draw plenty of interest. The 30-year-old was one of the premier pass-catching backs in the NFL in his seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before he signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season. He appeared in 12 games (six starts) for Washington in 2024, carrying the ball 77 times for 367 yards and four touchdowns while catching 35 passes for 366 receiving yards. Ekeler missed some time due to a concussion that year before playing in just two games in 2025 before tearing his Achilles. Ekeler might not be the same shifty back in space after his season-ending injury, but he could still give a team some solid pass-catching depth out of the backfield as he nears the end of his career.
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Darius Slayton Undergoes Core-Muscle Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Camp
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (abdomen) recently had core-muscle surgery, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Slayton will miss spring workouts, but he's expected to be a full-go for training camp this summer. Barring a setback in his recovery, Slayton should be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. Top wideout Malik Nabers (knee) is also recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered early last season, so there are some definite question marks for New York's receiving room heading into the upcoming campaign. Wan'Dale Robinson departed in free agency, but the G-Men added Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III in free agency, and drafted Malachi Fields in the third round. The 29-year-old Slayton has seven years of experience in the NFL (all with the Giants), but he's never cleared 770 receiving yards, and he hasn't had more than four touchdowns in a single season since his rookie year, when he had eight. Slayton's roster spot in New York should be secure, but he'll be battling for targets with Mooney, Austin, and Fields, and he won't be a very intriguing late-round flier in standard 12-team fantasy leagues going into his eighth year in the league.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Keaton Mitchell's Dynasty Value Rising Heading into 2026
After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, running back Keaton Mitchell landed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this offseason. Mitchell's playing time in Baltimore was limited by injury issues and the presence of star Ravens running back Derrick Henry. However, Mitchell has averaged a highly efficient 6.8 yards per touch across a limited sample size of 140 career touches. 2025 first-round running back Omarion Hampton profiles as the clear RB1 in Los Angeles ahead of Mitchell. Still, Mitchell should have a chance to carve out a consistent RB2 and pass-catching role behind Hampton. He also has the benefit of working with new Chargers play-caller Mike McDaniel, who has proven the ability to produce offenses with multiple fantasy-relevant running backs during his time as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Dynasty managers should approach Mitchell with cautious optimism following his offseason move to Los Angeles.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jadarian Price Not Expected to Lead Seahawks' Backfield Right Away
The Seattle Seahawks made a major addition to their backfield on draft night, selecting University of Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the final pick of the first round. Given that Seattle lost star running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs, Price should eventually have a chance to take over as the Seahawks' RB1. However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the sense around the Seahawks is that Price "won't have to be a bell cow right away." Seattle running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered a torn ACL in January, but should be able to make an impact once healthy. The Seahawks also signed former Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson in free agency. While Price is unquestionably the highest-upside running back in Seattle, it appears as though the team may look to bring him along slowly in his rookie season.
Source: ESPN - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN - Jeremy Fowler
Isaiah Bond's Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft
Across 16 games as a rookie in 2025, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond recorded 18 receptions for 338 yards on 44 targets. While the 23-year-old's numbers don't necessarily leap off the page, he flashed some intriguing big-play upside while working with less-than-ideal quarterback play in Cleveland. Heading into his second NFL season in 2026, Bond could be in the mix for a prominent role with the Browns. Unfortunately for Bond and his dynasty value, Cleveland added a pair of well-regarded wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Browns used a first-round pick on Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion and a second-round pick on University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, both of whom could easily leapfrog Bond on the team's wide receiver depth chart. The Browns quarterback situation also remains as unsettled as ever, which throws the team's overall offensive environment into question. Bond still carries some fantasy upside, but his dynasty value has taken a hit following the NFL Draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Vinnie Pasquantino Still Out With Back Injury on Thursday
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (back) will miss a second straight game on Thursday against the Athletics in the series finale at Sutter Health Park after aggravating a back injury on Tuesday night, according to MLB.com. Catcher Salvador Perez will start at first base again and bat cleanup against A's left-hander Jeffrey Springs, with Elias Diaz doing the catching for left-hander Noah Cameron while hitting ninth in the batting order. Pasquantino is not ready to return, plus the Royals are facing a lefty starter. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the Pasquatch going forward, as he said on Wednesday that he's been dealing with back issues for a while now. It helps explain why he's currently hitting just .167 (17-for-102) in the early portion of the year with three home runs, 14 RBI, and 11 runs scored. If he's unable to return to the Royals' starting lineup for their weekend series in Seattle against the Mariners, he might be forced to the 10-day injured list to let his back heal. UPDATE: Manager Matt Quatraro said that Pasquantino is available off the bench on Thursday, which is a good sign that he could return this weekend in Seattle.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Can James Cook Continue to Ascend in 2026 and Beyond?
Although Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was a highly productive player in his first three NFL seasons, he took his game to a new level in 2025. Across 17 games, the 26-year-old recorded 1,912 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns on 342 touches. Cook has always been an extremely efficient rusher, but the Bills coaching staff finally entrusted him with a true RB1 workload in 2025. Cook averaged 20.1 touches per game last season, well beyond his previous career-high of 16.5 touches per game in 2023. While the Bills shook up their coaching staff heading into 2026, former offensive coordinator Joe Brady is now the head coach in Buffalo and appears unlikely to drastically alter Cook's usage. Entering his age-27 season with an excellent offensive environment around him in Buffalo, Cook profiles as an elite dynasty running back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
