February 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Tre Jones (hamstring) was upgraded from questionable to probable and will likely make his return on Thursday, when the Bulls host the Raptors. Jones and
Josh Giddey (hamstring) have both missed time with hamstring issues, and while they were out, the team made several moves to shake up the backcourt. Jones and Giddey will likely be playing limited minutes in their returns on Thursday, so they may not play their full workload. In the bigger picture, it will be fascinating to see how the roles are defined now that the team has
Collin Sexton,
Jaden Ivey, and
Anfernee Simons all looking for usage and minutes in the backcourt.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Washington Commanders running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick in 2025 following an unorthodox finish to his college career, and he became a popular sleeper pick heading into his first season. With the Commanders' running back room lacking obvious star talent, the path was there for the explosive young back to claim the top spot. Following an early-season injury to
Austin Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt was given multiple chances to secure the role. While he was never able to take a stranglehold of the position, injuries and ineffectiveness around him never let him stray too far from relevance. With Ekeler set to hit the open market and
Chris Rodriguez Jr. a restricted free agent, Washington will likely bring in another back to compete for touches. However, after putting up two of his best games against divisional foes over the final month of the season, Croskey-Merritt should have every chance to compete for a primary role again in 2026.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Toronto Raptors center
Sandro Mamukelashvili (rib) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Bulls in the Windy City, due to a right rib contusion. The Raptors just got
Jakob Poeltl back in action before the break, and he'll probably remain on a minutes restriction for a while. Mamukelashvili and
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb, probable) will continue to share time behind Poeltl if they're both available on Thursday, making each a high-risk play if everyone is healthy. Mamukelashvili definitely brings potential when he gets work, but his role is uncertain even if he does play through this rib injury on Thursday.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward/center
Micah Potter (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup, and he'll be a key player to watch for DFS contests and streaming options in a great matchup against the Wizards. He had 19 points and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes in his last game before the All-Star break against the Nets and could play a huge role on Thursday since
Pascal Siakam (personal) is away from the team, and
Ivica Zubac (ankle) also remains out. If Potter is unable to play through the injury,
Jay Huff and
Jarace Walker would have even more work to do in the frontcourt in this smash spot against Washington.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Third-year Jacksonville wide receiver
Parker Washington led all Jaguars pass catchers with 58 receptions for 847 yards in 2025, while his five touchdown grabs trailed only running back
Travis Etienne Jr. With rumblings that second overall pick
Travis Hunter will be used primarily on the defensive side of the ball in year two, the Jaguars' wide receiver room is wide open heading into 2026.
Brian Thomas Jr. was unable to follow up on his Pro Bowl rookie season, while veteran
Jakobi Meyers became an integral piece of Jacksonville's offense following a mid-season trade. With either just as capable as Washington of leading the room, and Hunter unlikely to be entirely phased out of the offense, whoever ends up as the de facto number one could still struggle to crack 1,000 yards or double-digit touchdowns, and will be difficult to trust week-in and week-out, making all of them more valuable in best ball formats.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers selected running back
Omarion Hampton 22nd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, but ankle injuries limited the talented rookie to only nine regular-season games. Even still, the 22-year-old out of North Carolina showed enough in his first season to make him a popular breakout candidate heading into 2026. Following a season-ending injury to
Najee Harris in Week 3, Hampton exploded for his best game of the season, with 165 total yards and a touchdown in a Week 4 loss to the Giants. While he would play only five more games for the rest of the year, mostly behind an injury-ravaged offensive line, he continued to run hard, averaging 4.4 yards per carry while staying steadily involved in the passing game. Assuming a full return to health by both Hampton and the line in front of him, the second year back could be knocking on a top-five fantasy finish in Mike McDaniel's offense in 2026.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) is going to undergo surgery to address the misalignment of his right pinky finger, and after the surgery, the team should be able to provide a firmer timeline of when he'll be able to return this season, if at all. KCP gets plenty of minutes when healthy, but is not a major fantasy contributor. Without him, there is more time for
Jaylen Wells,
Ty Jerome,
Scotty Pippen Jr., and the rest of the Grizzlies younger options in the backcourt and on the wings. The Grizzlies spot in the standings makes it unlikely they push their veterans to return and instead use the rest of the year to evaluate players who could have a role in the future.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Brett Siegel
February 19, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (elbow) has not played since Jan. 21 and has been limited to only 20 games this season due to multiple injuries. He'll be sidelined for at least a couple more weeks due to discomfort from his UCL sprain. He is averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game when available, but the Grizzlies made an attempt to trade their former star at the trade deadline and were unable to find any takers. He doesn't seem to be in the team's plans, although he could return late in the season to try and increase his value. He'll be re-evaluated in two weeks, and until then,
Ty Jerome,
Scotty Pippen Jr., and
Cam Spencer will continue to run the point for the Grizz.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Brett Siegel
February 19, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson (foot) told The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane on Thursday that he is officially returning for a 14th season with the Eagles. It will be big to have the future Hall of Fame right tackle back as head coach Nick Sirianni alters the offense under new offensive coordinator
Sean Mannion in 2026. On top of that, Philly will have a new offensive-line coach after Jeff Stoutland resigned. Chris Kuper will be taking over responsibilities, and the scheme on the O-line is likely to change. The 35-year-old Johnson missed the final eight games of last season, including the loss in the postseason to the San Francisco 49ers, with a Lisfranc foot injury. He has continued his rehab early this offseason as he works to regain full strength, and he should be ready to go by Week 1 this fall. Johnson's return is excellent news for the Eagles' offense in 2026, primarily for quarterback
Jalen Hurts and running back
Saquon Barkley.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
February 19, 2026
Cleveland Guardians pitchers
Emmanuel Clase and
Luis L. Ortiz entered not guilty pleas while being accused of colluding with sports bettors to rig bets, according to The Associated Press. The pitchers were first charged in November with accepting several thousand dollars in payoffs to help two gamblers from their native Dominican Republic win at least $460,000 by placing more than 100 in-game prop bets and parlays on the speed and outcome of certain pitches. Charges against them include wire-fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests. Clase and Ortiz have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July. Lawyers for both men have insisted their clients never colluded with gamblers. Clase is a three-time All-Star and had a $4.5 million salary in 2025. If convicted on all charges, the 27-year-old faces a maximum of 65 years in prison.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Associated Press
February 19, 2026
Detroit Tigers infield prospect
Kevin McGonigle will start at shortstop in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday, manager A.J. Hinch told Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen reports that McGonigle "has taken reps mostly at shortstop" in camp, and it's clear that the Tigers still view him as a long-term shortstop. Nobody in the Tigers organization has done anything to shut the idea of McGonigle making the Opening Day roster down. "His actions at shortstop look smoother than they did a year ago at this time," writes Stavenhagen. The 21-year-old is still stating his case for a shot to open the 2026 season in the big leagues. The consensus No. 2 prospect in the sport is the purist minor-league hitter, while his power and speed are still developing. McGonigle figures to be in the big leagues sooner than later as Detroit's starting shortstop and potential No. 2 hitter.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
February 19, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect
Andrew Painter continues to draw rave reviews in spring training, according to John Clark of NBC Sports. "He looks great. I caught his bullpen yesterday. Shoot, I want to say it was 98, 99. It's just easy. It doesn't look like he's throwing max effort. It's still coming out that firm. He is kind of like Wheeler. His stuff is so elite, and he's still able to throw the ball on the edges (command)," catcher
J.T. Realmuto said. Manager Rob Thomson said on Wednesday that Painter's command appears to be back after he struggled a bit to throw strikes in 2025 in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. The 22-year-old former top prospect should be rising up draft boards this spring and has a real shot to crack the team's Opening Day rotation with
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) injured. RotoBaller has Painter ranked as the No. 97 fantasy starting pitcher, but he has the stuff to break out in his first MLB season while being another year removed from elbow surgery.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Philadelphia - John Clark
February 19, 2026
New York Yankees right-hander
Cam Schlittler (back) came away from his bullpen session on Tuesday "feeling good," according to Meredith Marakovits of YES Network. Schlitter had no issues with his back. He will throw another bullpen session and then likely start facing live hitters in camp. The 25-year-old is recovering from a minor middle-back issue and still has time to get ready for Opening Day in late March. If healthy by then, Schlittler is expected to be part of the season-opening starting rotation in the Bronx with some of their other regulars injured. The 6-foot-6, 225-pounder and former seventh-round pick in 2022 out of Northeastern University was very impressive in his first 14 MLB starts in 2025, going 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA (3.74 FIP) and 1.22 WHIP with 84 K's and 31 walks in 73 frames. Even with some regression likely coming in Year 2, Schlittler is a fine SP4 investment in redraft fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: YES Network - Meredith Marakovits
February 19, 2026
Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent wide receiver/return man
Rashid Shaheed told NFL Network's Judy Battista and Bridget Condon on Wednesday that he "would love" to return to the Seahawks. Seattle acquired Shaheed at last year's trade deadline, and the 27-year-old was an underrated piece of the Seahawks' Super Bowl-champion squad. He provided an additional deep threat for quarterback
Sam Darnold while also returning three kicks for scores on special teams, including one in the Divisional Round blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers. He was more of a threat for fantasy managers with the New Orleans Saints before the trade, though, as he caught only 15 of 26 targets for 188 yards and no touchdowns in nine regular-season games in Seattle. Shaheed was averaging career bests in catches per game (4.9) and receiving yards per game (55.4) before the trade. Wherever he lands in free agency this offseason, Shaheed will most likely be a boom/bust WR4/flex for fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Judy Battista and Bridget Condon
February 19, 2026
Baltimore Orioles infielder
Jordan Westburg (oblique) is currently unable to participate in baseball activities in camp, manager Craig Albernaz told Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. The skipper also declined to say whether it's Westburg's elbow or oblique. "I just want to make sure that we're doing our due diligence and make sure Jordan is in the best chance to play this year," Albernaz said. The 27-year-old came to spring training with a strained right oblique, but it's unclear if something else is bothering him as well. With no timetable to return to the field, his availability for Opening Day is in question. If Westburg is forced to open the 2026 season on the injured list, both
Coby Mayo and
Blaze Alexander would be options to take over at the hot corner in Baltimore. Injuries continue to be an issue for Westburg, but he makes enough contact and has enough power to be a worthwhile depth option at third base in deep-mixed fantasy leagues when he's available.
UPDATE: Westburg recently had imaging done on his elbow.--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Banner - Andy Kostka
February 19, 2026
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Michael King is a high-risk, high-reward option in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts after re-signing a three-year deal in the offseason. In his first year in San Diego, King showed his upside with a sparkling 2.95 ERA, 3.33 FIP, and 1.19 WHIP to go with a career-high 201 strikeouts in 30 regular-season starts. Last year, though, he was held back by shoulder and knee injuries and was only able to make 15 starts, compiling a 3.44 ERA, 4.42 FIP, and 1.20 WHIP. His strikeout rate slipped a bit as well, and he finished with 76 punchouts in 73 1/3 innings. If he can stay healthy this year, King has the potential to be a fantasy ace, and he opens spring training with no restrictions. Some buzz from spring training suggests that the Padres may adopt a six-man rotation to mitigate their injury issues in the rotation, but this hasn't been officially announced yet. Drafting King for his upside is a good move in almost all formats, as long as you build in some extra depth in case injuries limit him again in 2026.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll (hand) said he is targeting an Opening Day return from his surgery to fix a broken hamate bone suffered in spring training. Carroll will get the stitches out early next week and should be able to resume hitting. The injury was to his non-throwing hand, but the primary concern with hamate bone injuries is the force from swinging the bat. It looks like Carroll still has a chance to miss no time at the start of the season, but even if he misses his target, he won't likely miss extended time, barring any complications. If he coes miss time, it looks like the Diamondbacks will try
Jordan Lawlar in center and move
Alek Thomas to right field. While his injury definitely raises his risk factor, Carroll's injury is actually creating some great potential value in drafting Carroll, since he should be a top contributor when he returns and is sliding a little bit in drafts. If you take a shot on him early, just be sure to build in reliable depth later in your draft.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Foul Territory
February 19, 2026
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Logan Webb has been a durable and consistent ace for the Giants over the last several seasons, making 32-plus starts in four straight years and surpassing 200 innings in each of the last three years. He tied a career-high with 15 wins and topped the National League with 224 strikeouts in his 207 innings. He finished the year with a 3.22 ERA despite an elevated 1.24 WHIP, but most of that was due to an elevated .346 BABIP against him. If he gets better defense and some batted-ball luck regression, he could be even sharper this season if he stays healthy again. He's a great option if you're looking for a reliable arm with good durability and upside in mixed-league drafts after about 20 pitchers have gone off the board.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Logan Webb
February 19, 2026
Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (lower body) is practicing in a regular jersey, Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports. With the Olympic tournament nearing its conclusion, NHL teams have started practicing again, and Cooley has been a full participant in the Mammoth's sessions. This bodes well for his availability once the season resumes next week. Utah will restart the action on Feb. 25 against the Colorado Avalanche. Cooley has been out since early December with a lower-body injury. Before he was hurt, the 21-year-old enjoyed a great start to the campaign, posting 14 goals and 23 points in 29 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Cole Bagley
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Maxwell Crozier will miss approximately 10 weeks following surgery to repair a core muscle injury, the team announced on Wednesday. Crozier has been a solid contributor for the Lightning this season, recording 10 points (one goal, nine assists), 44 shots, 31 blocks, 38 hits, and a plus-seven rating across 34 outings. Crozier's projected recovery timeline means he will likely miss the rest of the regular season and could be sidelined for the start of the playoffs if the Lightning manage to extend their season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Tampa Bay Lightning
February 19, 2026
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Griffin Canning (Achilles) is not expected to be ready to join his new team's rotation to start the season, but he could be back relatively early in the season. He could be ready to take a spot in April or May after finishing his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered last June. Before the injury, the 29-year-old righty was having his best season in the majors, going 7-3 with a career-best 3.77 ERA, a 4.04 FIP, and a 1.38 WHIP with 70 strikeouts in 76 1/3 innings for the Mets. Canning will be an interesting option in Petco Park and a nice late-round stash if your league has enough IR spots to start the season. He is high-risk, though, given his inability to stay healthy during his career, so it may be better to grab him off waivers closer to his return in mixed leagues. In NL-only leagues, Canning is definitely worth stashing if possible.
--Zach ThompsonSource: AJ Cassavell
February 19, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (lower body) wasn't able to practice on Wednesday, Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch reports. The Russian forward battled an illness before the Olympic break, missing two games, and he's now dealing with a lower-body injury. Marchenko leads all Blue Jackets forwards with 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) in 50 appearances. Sean Monahan (illness) also missed Wednesday's practice. Columbus restarts the season next Thursday against the Boston Bruins. The absence of Marchenko and Monahan could lead to increased roles for Danton Heinen and Cole Sillinger.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brian Hedger
February 19, 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed infielder
Ben Cowles off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old offers good defense and speed potential, which could be very important for the Blue Jays this season. He originally came up in the Yankees' system before getting traded to the Cubs in the
Mark Leiter Jr. deal back in 2024. He has bounced back and forth between the Cubs and White Sox late last season and over the winter, but now he's headed north of the border to join the Jays. He's still awaiting his MLB debut after spending last year in Triple-A, slashing .235/.300/.371 with nine homers and 18 stolen bases. He's a defense-first option that could have speed upside if he gets playing time, but he's likely to start the season in the minors, unless there's an injury.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Blue Jays
February 19, 2026
Anaheim Ducks goaltender Petr Mrazek (hip) had season-ending surgery on Tuesday, the team announced. Unfortunately, due to a hip injury, Mrazek must wrap up the 2025-26 campaign after making only 10 appearances. He was a starter eight times, going 3-5-0 with a 4.07 goals-against average and an .858 save percentage. Mrazek will come off a two-year, $8.5 million contract this offseason, leaving his future in the NHL uncertain. For the rest of the way, Ville Husso will be Lukas Dostal's primary backup as Anaheim tries to end a seven-year postseason drought.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 19, 2026
Free-agent infielder
CJ Alexander has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Astros, and the 28-year-old lefty will likely serve as organizational depth for Houston this season. For the last few seasons, the infielder has bounced around Triple-A, spending time in the systems of the Braves, Royals, Athletics, Yankees, and Dodgers. He made it to the majors for six games with the Athletics last season, going just 3-for-17 with three singles and eight strikeouts. In his combined time in Triple-A, he slashed .254/.335/.448 with 15 homers in 466 plate appearances, so there's a little pop in his bat, even though he hasn't shown it yet in the majors. Barring injury, he doesn't seem likely to make the Astros roster out of Spring Training, although rumors about a potential infield trade could change that outlook. For now, he's not a fantasy factor but does give the team another option in the infield if needs arise.
--Zach ThompsonSource: MLB.com
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman suffered a lower-body injury during pregame warmups ahead of Sweden's quarterfinal clash against Team USA on Wednesday. He was named in the lineup but didn't log any ice time as Sweden's Olympic tournament ended in a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss. There's no word yet on whether Hedman's injury will be significant enough to keep him out when NHL action picks up again next week. Just before the Olympic break, Hedman returned to the Lightning lineup after recovering from elbow surgery. The 2018 Norris Trophy winner has been limited to 21 appearances this season, recording 13 assists, 90 shots, 30 blocks, and a plus-two rating.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 19, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) is day-to-day, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports. Team Canada hasn't ruled out Crosby for Friday's Olympic semifinal against Finland. Crosby appeared to have injured his right leg in Wednesday's quarterfinal victory over Czechia. Fortunately, it seems Crosby avoided a major injury. Canada's roster is strong enough to handle Crosby's absence, but it would be a huge setback for the Penguins if he were forced to miss extended time. Crosby has contributed two goals and four assists in four games at the Olympics.
--Taavi PailkSource: Pierre LeBrun
February 19, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Sandro Mamukelashvili (ribs) is questionable for Thursday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. The Georgian big man has made 13 consecutive appearances but may have to exit the lineup on Thursday due to a right rib contusion. Mamukelashvili has formed a solid one-two punch with
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) at center for Toronto during
Jakob Poeltl's absence. With Poeltl now back in the mix, the two will have smaller roles on the team. Murray-Boyles will likely see a bit more action against Chicago if Mamukelashvili can't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) is listed as probable for Thursday's action against the Chicago Bulls. The rookie big man hurt his left thumb before the All-Star break, but the injury will cost him only one game. Murray-Boyles has averaged 7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists during his first year in the Association. He's done a great job filling in for
Jakob Poeltl, who has dealt with a back issue throughout the season. Poeltl returned to the lineup just before the break, meaning Murray-Boyles must settle for a bench role going forward, which limits his fantasy potential.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Tre Jones (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Toronto Raptors. He has been nursing a left hamstring strain for several weeks and might be out for a 12th consecutive game. The injury has occurred at a bad time for Jones, who faces increased competition for playing time in Chi-Town.
Anfernee Simons,
Collin Sexton, and
Jaden Ivey have all made a positive first impression since joining the team. The trio has also benefited from
Josh Giddey's (hamstring) absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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