February 5, 2026
The Green Bay Packers have already started contract-extension talks this offseason with tight end
Tucker Kraft (knee), according to Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. Before Kraft's season-ending torn ACL on Nov. 2 against the Carolina Panthers, he was the team's leading receiver with 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games, and he was well on his way to his first Pro Bowl appearance in his third year in the league. The 6-foot-5, 259-pounder is entering the final year of his four-year, $5.54 million rookie deal, and the Packers would like to lock him down for the long-term. "Obviously, he's a really important part of this football team," Gutekunst said. The 25-year-old is ahead of schedule in his recovery from ACL surgery, which means he's currently expected to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Despite his major knee injury last year, if Kraft is a full-go for the start of next season, he'll be a high-end TE1 target in fantasy football drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Packers.com - Wes Hodkiewicz
February 5, 2026
The Kansas City Royals announced on Thursday that they re-signed catcher
Luke Maile to a minor-league contract with an invitation to major-league spring training. Maile will return to KC after appearing in 25 games for the Royals last season, going 11-for-45 (.244) at the plate with a home run, six RBI, six runs scored, one stolen base, seven walks, and 16 strikeouts in 54 plate appearances. The 34-year-old veteran backstop has 10 years of major-league experience, but he's expected to begin the 2026 campaign as catching depth at Triple-A Omaha behind
Salvador Perez and
Carter Jensen. In his 10 years in the majors with six different organizations, Maile has slashed just .209/.277/.320 with a .597 OPS, 22 home runs, and 119 RBI in 458 games played. Maile has never appeared in more than 76 games in a single season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Kansas City Royals
February 5, 2026
According to 247 Sports' high school rankings, there are only three five-star high school quarterbacks for the Class of 2026. Houston signed No. 1 overall player Keisean Henderson (Spring, TX), Vanderbilt landed No. 2 overall player Jared Curtis (Nashville, TN), and Tennessee reeled in No. 3 overall player Faizon Brandon (Greensboro, NC). It's a new era of college football due to NIL, and it has given smaller programs like the Cougars and Commodores a chance to bring in elite prospects. Henderson is likely to sit behind veteran Conner Weigman next season, while Jared Curtis, a former Georgia commit, is the favorite to start on Day 1 for Vandy. Tennessee is still waiting to see if Joey Aguilar will be granted another season of collegiate eligibility, but if he is not, Brandon is slated to compete with George MacIntyre for the QB1 role in Josh Heupel's offense. These three rising true freshmen could become household names in the near future, so keep them on your radar.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: 247Sports.com
February 5, 2026
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said on Thursday that running back
Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) will attempt to play in 2026, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. "Joe (Mixon) worked really hard to get himself ready. He's committed to trying to be able to play football this year. We'll see if he's physically able to do it or not. It's a little bit of a moving target," Caserio said. The GM said late last month that Mixon's foot/ankle injury last year was a "freak thing" that ended up keeping him out all year. The 29-year-old will attempt to play in 2026, but Caserio admits that it's no sure thing. Mixon has one year left on the three-year, $25.5 contract restructure that he signed in March of 2024, and the Texans can clear $8 million in salary cap space this year by cutting him. Even if Mixon sticks on Houston's roster, they could add to the RB position after
Woody Marks took over as the primary back in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander
February 5, 2026
According to 24/7 Sports' composite recruiting class rankings, Michigan signed the No. 12 recruiting class in the country for 2026, despite its offseason drama. Former head coach Sherrone Moore was fired with cause after engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a football staffer, leading the Wolvarines searching for a new head coach late in the cycle. However, the program landed a big name in longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, and its recruiting class has remained strong. Michigan signed five-star running back Savion Hiter and edge rusher Carter Meadows, along with 10 four-star players out of high school. The team also retained big-time quarterback Bryce Underwood, who could have left Ann Arbor without a buyout. Michigan remains a Big Ten contender despite its shaky offseason.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: 247Sports.com
February 5, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates signed free-agent right-hander
Jose Urquidy to a one-year, $1.5 million deal on Thursday, a source told Jason Mackey of PG Sports Now. The 30-year-old Mexican hurler has pitched for the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers in his six-year MLB career, but he's thrown only 2 1/3 innings in the big leagues in the last two seasons after having right-elbow surgery. The 30-year-old appeared in 49 games (48 starts) for the Astros from 2021 to 2022 and was solid with a 3.81 ERA (4.42 FIP), 1.09 WHIP with 224 strikeouts and 57 walks in 271 1/3 innings pitched. Urquidy had Tommy John surgery in June of 2024. Given the stout nature of Pittsburgh's starting rotation going into the 2026 season, it's unlikely that Urquidy will win an Opening Day starting spot, but he'll give the Bucs some valuable depth and could operate as a swingman. He has a career 19.6% strikeout rate, which limits his fantasy upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: PG Sports Now - Jason Mackey
February 5, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Corbin Burnes (elbow) has not had any setbacks during his rehab from Tommy John surgery, and the Diamondbacks' ace is still aiming to return in July of this year. "We put an aggressive timeline on it from the get-go. We were looking at the 12 1/2, 13-month mark. We're still on pace with that," Burnes said. It's the same timeline that the 31-year-old veteran gave back in late September, but it's still good news that he's on track after having right-elbow reconstruction in June of 2025. The four-time All-Star signed a six-year, $210 million contract with Arizona in December of 2024 but ended up only making 11 starts in his first year in the desert, posting a 2.66 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 63:26 K:BB in 64 1/3 innings. Before the injury, Burnes was one of the most consistent high-end starters in baseball over the previous five seasons. Fantasy managers can stash Burnes in an IL spot in 2026 in hopes of him being an ace in the second half, but expectations should be tempered as well.
--Keith HernandezSource: Kyle Odegard
February 5, 2026
According to 247 Sports and On3, the USC Trojans finished 2026 with the No. 1 high school signing class in the country. The team's top signees include five stars Keenyi Pepe (OT), Luke Wafle (Edge), and Jaimeon Winfield (DL). Lincoln Riley and company also signed 19 four-star recruits and six three-star recruits overall. While many teams have found success building through the transfer portal, most successful programs are still recruiting high school players at a high level. With Riley looking to take the program to the next level in its third year in the Big Ten, this class could lay the foundation for a strong run toward competing for a College Football Playoff berth over the next few seasons. Last year, USC knocked on the door of the CFP, but it ultimately fell short after losing a de facto elimination game at Oregon in late November and ultimately finishing the regular season 9-3.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: 247Sports.com
February 5, 2026
Cleveland Guardians infield prospect
Angel Genao, who is ranked No. 33 on Keith Law's top-100 prospect list for 2026, had a lost year in 2025 due to a sprained right shoulder that he suffered in spring training. Genao still managed to play in 85 games between the Arizona Complex League and Double-A Akron, but he didn't look like his 2024 self and often "seemed hesitant to swing at full speed." Overall, the 21-year-old switch-hitting Dominican slashed .263/.332/.382 with a .715 OPS, five home runs, 42 RBI, 49 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 373 plate appearances. Law believes that second base is more likely for Genao in the long-term, but shortstop is not off the table given his strong defense at the 6. Genao showed more full extension on his swings in the Dominican Winter League and could very well bounce back in 2026. Law has Genao as an above-average regular somewhere in the middle infield in Cleveland whenever he makes the jump to the big leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Keith Law
February 5, 2026
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said at Fenway Fest last month that he "envisions more playing time against lefties" for infielder
Marcelo Mayer, which indicates more of a full-time role instead of a platoon, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. The departure of
Alex Bregman in free agency left a gaping hole at third base this offseason. Mayer is expected to see most of the playing time at the hot corner, although it's unclear how Wednesday's addition of
Isiah Kiner-Falefa will change the dynamic. Boston also has infielders
Romy Gonzalez,
David Hamilton, and
Nick Sogard in the mix, as well as
Nate Eaton and
Kristian Campbell. The 23-year-old Mayer, who hits left-handed, only had 27 plate appearances against southpaws in 2025 and posted an ugly .416 OPS against them. Mayer struggled in his rookie campaign, striking out 30% of the time while walking at a 5.9% clip. If he struggles against lefties, Kiner-Falefa could take over the short side of a platoon at third in Beantown.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey
February 5, 2026
Seattle Seahawks nickelback Nick Emmanwori (ankle) injured his ankle while defending a pass late in practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. Emmanwori, a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year, walked off the field under his own power, but it remains to be seen if he'll be able to play this Sunday against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX. The second-rounder has been a key player in head coach Mike Macdonald's top-ranked scoring defense this year. Emmanwori was officially listed as limited on Wednesday's practice report. How much the 21-year-old defensive back can do in practice on Thursday and Friday will ultimately determine his status for the big game this weekend. If Emmanwori is unable to play or is limited on Sunday, it will definitely be a downgrade for Seattle's secondary.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
February 5, 2026
Despite being listed as limited on Wednesday's injury report, Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) doesn't seem concerned about his injury heading into Super Bowl LX on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. "It feels really good," Darnold said. "Definitely, the time off has helped a little bit. I'm always just going to take it one step at a time, do my rehab and do everything I need to do to make sure it feels great going into practice and going into the game ... on Sunday." The 28-year-old has played both playoff games with the oblique injury and hasn't been affected, so fantasy managers in DFS contests shouldn't be too worried about it affecting him on Sunday, especially with an extra week to rest. Darnold will be going up against a Patriots defense that allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game (16.1) to the QB position during the regular season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
February 5, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard
Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for
Luke Kennard. Vincent has spent the last three seasons with the Lakers, averaging 5.6 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in over 20 minutes per game. He has struggled mightily on offense in 2025-26, scoring on less than 35% of his shot attempts and just over 25% of his 2PA's. Vincent is likely to come off the bench in Atlanta, with guards
Dyson Daniels and C.J. McCollum carrying most of the minutes and shot attempts in this backcourt. The veteran guard hopes to bounce back in Atlanta, but remains outside of fantasy relevance for now.
--Nathan HarveySource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 5, 2026
The Atlanta Hawks are trading guard
Luke Kennard to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for
Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick. Kennard signed with the Hawks on a one-year deal this past offseason and has averaged 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in just over 20 minutes per game. He adds much-needed shooting for the Lakers, as Kennard leads the NBA in three-point percentage at a whopping 49.7%. The Lakers currently rank 20th in three-point percentage and have struggled to find production off the bench this season. While he lacks a fantasy ceiling due to his limited role, Kennard should be a key producer for the Lakers as they chase their 18th NBA title.
--Nathan HarveySource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 5, 2026
The Minnesota Timberwolves are trading guard
Rob Dillingham to the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Dillingham was drafted with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft but has struggled to find his footing in Minnesota, averaging just 10 minutes per game in his first two seasons. The former Top-10 pick will hope for a jump-start to his career in Chicago, which traded guard
Ayo Dosunmu in this deal. With guards
Jaden Ivey and
Collin Sexton joining the Bulls in prior deadline deals, Dillingham is unlikely to be a key producer for the Bulls; however, he should see an increased workload compared with what he had in Minnesota.
--Nathan HarveySource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 5, 2026
The Chicago Bulls are trading guard
Ayo Dosunmu to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for
Rob Dillingham,
Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks. Dosunmu has spent the first five seasons of his career in Chicago, averaging 10.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. His ascension was on display this season, as he averaged a career-high 15.0 points per game in 45 games. With Minnesota trading
Mike Conley Jr. and now Dillingham, Dosunmu will compete for minutes at the point guard position alongside
Donte DiVincenzo, who has started in every game this season for Minnesota. For Chicago, the rebuild continues, as Dosunmu's departure opens the door for newly acquired
Jaden Ivey and
Collin Sexton to take over the share left behind.
--Nathan HarveySource: Shams Charania - ESPN
February 5, 2026
Free-agent starting pitcher
Zac Gallen is one of the few impact starting pitchers left on the market after
Framber Valdez signed with the Tigers on Wednesday, and that fact could lead to more focus on Gallen from the Orioles, who were considered one of the main teams in the mix for Valdez. Like Valdez, Gallen rejected a qualifying offer, which could be complicating his market, but now that Framber is no longer an option, the O's could turn to Gallen. They need an arm for the top of their rotation that seems stuffed with middle-of-the-rotation arms like
Shane Baz,
Kyle Bradish,
Trevor Rogers,
Zach Eflin,
Dean Kremer,
Tyler Wells, and
Cade Povich. Gallen struggled early in 2025 but looked better in the second half, finishing with a 4.83 ERA, 4.50 FIP, and 175 strikeouts in 192 innings. The 30-year-old has won at least 12 games in each of the last four seasons, and he'll look to return to his ace form wherever he ends up landing.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Mark Feinsand
February 5, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman
Brice Turang is a perfect example of a post-hype breakthrough. He was considered a top prospect early in his career but took longer than some other players to develop. He had a breakthrough last season, though, hitting .288 with 18 homers, 24 stolen bases, and a .346 wOBA. His blend of power and speed from the top of the lineup made the former first-round pick one of the best second basemen on the board last season, and he's still undervalued in many formats, according to his ADP. Even if his batting average and power regress a little bit, the lefty should remain in a key spot in Milwaukee's lineup, and his speed gives him even more ways to help your fantasy team. The 26-year-old is definitely worth a look as you look for solutions at 2B, which doesn't have many elite options on the board.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
February 5, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Kyle Stowers got his first extended look at major-league pitching last season, and the 28-year-old lefty established himself as one of the best emerging power options in the league. He smashed 25 homers in his 117 games while hitting a very solid .288 with a stellar .386 wOBA and 149 wRC+. Stowers hard-hit metrics have been good in the past, but his barrel rate jumped from 10.9% in 2024 all the way to 19.0% in 2025. That barrel rate placed him in the 98th percentile, and his hard-hit rate also fell in the top 10% of the MLB. He crushed right-handed pitching and should be back to play a key role in the Marlins' young, progressing lineup this season. He's a good power option to target in fantasy baseball drafts this season and should remain in a prominent role in Miami. He was shut down at the end of the year with an oblique injury, but should start spring training fully healthy.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
February 5, 2026
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin had a three-assist game on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks, helping his team secure a 4-2 victory. Nichushkin helped Artturi Lehkonen score two second-period goals, and Josh Manson potted the game-winning goal in the third after work from Nichushkin and Nathan MacKinnon. With Martin Necas (lower body) out, Nichushkin has skated on the first line with Lehkonen and MacKinnon. The Olympic break comes at the wrong time for him, as the Russian forward has been pointless only once in his last six outings. For the season, Nichushkin has totaled 12 goals and 34 points in 46 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 5, 2026
The NCAA denied Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss' medical redshirt waiver on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. The veteran signal caller was seeking an extra year of eligibility through a medical redshirt dating back to his second year at Farris State in 2022. This was just one step in his fight to earn a sixth year of collegiate eligibility, but it is not over. The 23-year-old's attorney has filed an injunction in the state court of Mississippi. The hearing is expected to take place on February 12 in the Chancery Court of Lafayette County in Mississippi. This case looms large for the 2026 college football season, as Chambliss would be viewed as one of the nation's top quarterbacks if he can return, giving Ole Miss a chance to compete for a second straight College Football Playoff berth. In his first season with the Rebels, he tallied 3,973 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and three interceptions along with 527 rushing yards and eight scores. If Chambliss is unsuccessful in gaining another year of eligibility, former Auburn five-star quarterback Deuce Knight is likely in line to start for Ole Miss in the first full year of the Pete Golding era.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
February 5, 2026
Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly finished Wednesday's high-scoring 6-5 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild with three assists. The veteran forward started off the night with a power-play assist in the first period and served up an even-strength assist in the second and third periods. O'Reilly has been one of the surprise performers in fantasy hockey this season, averaging a point per game for the first time in his 17-year NHL career. He's on track for an 80-point campaign after managing only 53 points a season ago. In 56 outings, O'Reilly has posted 20 goals and 36 assists. He will attempt to post a three-game multi-point streak on Thursday against Washington, something O'Reilly hasn't done in the regular season since 2016-17.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 5, 2026
Free-agent pitcher
Mason Thompson has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers after spending the last several years with the Nationals. The signing marks a return home for Thompson, who is from Texas and attended Round Rock High School, near where the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate is based. The 6-foot-6 righty has appeared in 89 games out of the bullpen for the Nats over the last four seasons, compiling a 5.54 ERA and 4.26 FIP in 89 1/3 innings. He was knocked around in both Triple-A and his brief stint in the majors last season, but that was his first action since Tommy John surgery in the spring of 2024. He'll look to complete his recovery and compete for a job in the Rangers' bullpen, and if he can return to his pre-surgery production, he will be an interesting depth option to monitor in spring training.
--Zach ThompsonSource: MLB.com
February 5, 2026
Free-agent starting pitcher
Zac Gallen has drawn interest this offseason from the Chicago Cubs and Baltimore Orioles, but the veteran righty remains open to a return to the Arizona Diamondbacks as well. He said in an interview on Fox10 Phoenix, "I think people understand what Phoenix means to me...For us to be here would be awesome." The 30-year-old remains one of the top available starting pitchers, especially now that
Framber Valdez landed with the Tigers. Last year, Gallen's numbers dropped off, even though he still logged 192 innings with a 4.83 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and just 175 strikeouts. He looked better late in the season, and he could try to return to Arizona to re-establish his value on a short-term deal. He would provide nice depth for the D-backs' rotation that currently has the re-signed
Merrill Kelly,
Ryne Nelson,
Eduardo Rodriguez,
Brandon Pfaadt, and free agent signee
Michael Soroka slotted into the rotation. Managers should expect Gallen to hold mid-end SP4/SP5 upside in 2026, given his inconsistencies last season, but keep an eye on where he lands since his environment will play a big factor in his production.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Blake Niemann
February 5, 2026
Minnesota Wild winger Matt Boldy rocked the Nashville Predators with an early hat trick and a four-point performance in Wednesday's 6-5 overtime victory. The 24-year-old posted the fastest hat trick in franchise history to start a game, netting his third goal with just 12:58 played in the first period. Zach Parise held the previous record of 16:33, set in 2016. Boldy completed his big performance with an assist on Jared Spurgeon's game-winning goal late in overtime. The prolific winger became the sixth player in the league this season with at least 30 goals and 30 assists. He has managed 62 points (32 goals, 30 assists) in 54 contests. Boldy will now shift his attention to representing Team USA at the Olympics before continuing the season with the Wild on Feb. 25.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 5, 2026
Free-agent pitcher
Josh Fleming will look to add some left-handed depth to the reigning American League champions after signing a minor-league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays that includes an invite to spring training. Felming is a 29-year-old southpaw who last appeared in the majors in 2024 with the Pirates. He went 1-1 with a 4.02 ERA and 4.76 FIP in 31 1/3 innings with Pittsburgh, striking out just 17 and allowing a .457 wOBA to lefties in tough reverse splits. Fleming originally came up with the Rays before spending that season in Pittsburgh, but he spent 2025 in Triple-A for the Mariners, where he went 5-5 in 47 games, working mostly out of the bullpen and compiling a 4.91 ERA and 5.64 xFIP. He could get some work in the bullpen at some point this season, but he's not likely to break camp with the team unless injuries strike Toronto's relievers.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Alden Gonzalez
February 5, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Jet Greaves registered a 21-save shutout on Wednesday night in a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. A day after Elvis Merzlikins blanked the New Jersey Devils, Greaves responded with an equally impressive shutout effort. The Blue Jackets kept the opposition from scoring in consecutive days for just the second time in franchise history. Greaves earned his second shutout of the season, improving to 18-12-6. He holds a 2.62 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Greaves and Merzlikins have been sharing the workload recently and will likely continue to do so after the Olympic break.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 5, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser (lower body) exited Wednesday's 4-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period. He appeared to injure his left leg after getting tangled with Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. Chicago also finished the contest without forward Colton Dach (undisclosed), who left in the second frame. "If we were playing tomorrow, Dach wouldn't play, but he'd be kind of day to day-ish," Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill said postgame. "Kaiser would be out for a little bit. Kaiser, I don't want to put out an exact timeline. We'll know more after getting examined tomorrow, but we'll see after the break." Due to the Olympic break, the Blackhawks won't return to action until Feb. 25, giving Kaiser plenty of time to recover. However, he might still miss action if it's a major injury. The 23-year-old has registered 12 points (five goals, seven assists), 58 shots, 47 blocks, and 36 hits in 57 appearances this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 5, 2026
Florida Panthers left wing Sandis Vilmanis (upper body) left Wednesday's 5-4 shootout win over the Boston Bruins early, Adam Lichtenstein of the Sun Sentinel reports. The Latvian forward was limited to four shifts and 2:35 of ice time. Vilmanis has contributed two goals and two assists through his first 13 career games this season. He had three points in four games before Wednesday's contest. Given his early exit against Boston, Vilmanis should be considered questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Florida also lost defenseman Tobias Bjornfot (undisclosed) in Wednesday's game.
--Taavi PailkSource: Adam Lichtenstein
February 5, 2026
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (lower body) won't play on Thursday against the New York Islanders, missing a third consecutive game. After sitting out most of December with a hand injury, Hughes is dealing with a lower-body ailment. Hughes is scheduled to play for Team USA at the Olympics and will have an additional week to recover before the tournament opener against Latvia. The Devils have used Cody Glass in the top six since Hughes landed on the shelf. Before going scoreless in Tuesday's loss to Columbus, Glass had averaged a point per game over a 10-game stretch.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
RADIO
