January 7, 2026
The Cleveland Browns have requested permission to interview Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher for their head-coaching job, a source told Mark Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Browns have also requested to interview Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde as they look to replace Kevin Stefanski, who was fired on Black Monday. The soon-to-be 39-year-old Pitcher started his coaching career with the Colts from 2012-15, where he worked under Browns current general manager Andrew Berry. The former college quarterback at Colgate and Cortland, Pitcher became Cincy's offensive coordinator in 2024 after previously being an offensive assistant since 2016. In Cleveland, Pitcher's first order of business would be deciding the team's starting QB going into 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
January 7, 2026
Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has generated interest from at least nine NFL teams after being fired by the Ravens on Tuesday, a well-placed league source told FOX Sports' Ralph Vacchiano. Harbaugh, who won a Super Bowl in his 18 seasons in Baltimore, has quickly emerged as the top name on the open market for a head-coaching opening. Only six teams are currently looking for a head coach, so there are at least three teams (and possibly more) that are now considering firing their current coach to replace him with Harbaugh. The Miami Dolphins are believed to be one of those teams despite standing by Mike McDaniel at the end of the season. At least one of the expected suitors is playing in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs this weekend. Reports suggested on Wednesday morning that the New York Giants are "all-in" on trying to make Harbaugh their next head coach.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Ralph Vacchiano
January 7, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that he will return to the team for a fifth season in 2026, according to Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times. Bowles won't be fired after the Bucs finished 8-9 in 2025 and outside of the playoff picture, but he did acknowledge that there will be some changes to the coaching staff going into next season. In his four seasons as the head coach in Tampa, Bowles has gone 35-33. He helped lead the team to three straight NFC South titles in his first three seasons at the helm. The Bucs started 6-2 this year before losing seven of their last nine games to miss out on the playoffs. Bowles' teams have finished under .500 twice, with his best season coming in 2024 with a 10-7 record. Team brass expressed frustration with Tampa's offense under offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, so he could be on his way out.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
January 7, 2026
The New York Mets are still interested in some of the top free-agent arms, such as lefties
Framber Valdez and
Ranger Suarez, but their focus right now is on "first exploring trades," league sources told Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. The Mets are interested in both rentals and pitchers with team control, putting Tigers lefty
Tarik Skubal, Brewers righty
Freddy Peralta, Nationals lefty
MacKenzie Gore, Royals lefty
Kris Bubic, and Reds righty
Brady Singer in play. New York has plenty of ammunition to get a deal done with one of the top farm systems, and they are also willing to trade infielders
Mark Vientos,
Ronny Mauricio, and
Luisangel Acuna. As of right now,
David Peterson,
Clay Holmes, and
Nolan McLean are all locks for the Opening Day rotation. Expect the Mets to pick up at least one big-name starting pitcher before spring training.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 7, 2026
The Chicago White Sox are in the market for another pitcher on a one-year deal, and they expressed interest in free-agent right-hander
Griffin Canning (Achilles) in late December, league sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon.
Shane Smith,
Davis Martin, and
Sean Burke are already locked into the team's starting rotation for next season. The Pale Hose have added lefties
Sean Newcomb and
Anthony Kay this offseason, but Canning would give them another starting option. The 29-year-old Canning was pitching well for the New York Mets in 2025 before rupturing his left Achilles tendon in late June. He had a 3.77 ERA (4.04 FIP) in 76 1/3 innings over 16 starts. Before his injury, Canning was using his cutter and slider more often while keeping the ball in the yard. His Achilles injury will likely keep him from starting the season on time, which means he'll be off the draft radar in standard-sized leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
January 7, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles designated outfielder
Jhonkensy Noel for assignment on Wednesday to make room on the 40-man roster after claiming outfielder
Marco Luciano off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Noel didn't last long with Baltimore after being claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians earlier this week. The 24-year-old right-handed Dominican slugger has plenty of raw power in his large 6-foot-3, 250-pound frame. Noel clubbed 19 home runs in 136 games in his two seasons with the Guardians, but he also hit under .200 with 115 strikeouts and only 17 walks in 351 plate appearances at the big-league level. Big Christmas will need to prove he can make more contact with the lumber before he's given another extended chance in a corner-outfield spot in the majors.
--Keith HernandezSource: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
January 7, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ja Morant (calf) won't play on Wednesday against Phoenix, marking his third-straight absence. Only time will tell if he'll be able to get back on the floor when the Grizzlies face OKC on Friday night. However, while Morant is on the shelf,
Cam Spencer remains a must-start for fantasy managers. The 2024 No. 53 overall selection is coming off a strong showing, finishing with 21 points, eight boards, and eight assists in Tuesday's narrow win over the San Antonio Spurs.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 7, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington (knee) missed practice again on Wednesday due to a knee injury, per Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Whittington was injured in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals and is looking unlikely to be available to play in the Wild-Card playoff matchup on Saturday on the road against the Carolina Panthers. The 25-year-old hasn't been a fantasy asset all year, though, catching only 18 passes for 171 yards and no touchdowns on 25 targets for the Rams. If Whittington is unable to play this weekend in Carolina, it could open up a few more snaps on offense for the likes of receivers
Xavier Smith, Konata Mumpford, and
Tutu Atwell behind top wideouts
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams (hamstring).
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
January 7, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (knee) will play on Wednesday against Utah. SGA struggled shooting the ball in Monday's loss to the Hornets. However, he still had 21 points, six assists, and one block. OKC has lost the last two contests, so Gilgeous-Alexander should have plenty of motivation to produce versus one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 7, 2026
Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end
Terrance Ferguson (hamstring) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Daily News' Adam Grosbard. Ferguson injured his hamstring in practice late last week and didn't play in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. The 22-year-old has scored in each of his last two games played with five grabs on eight targets for 87 yards, but he's trending in the wrong direction to suit up on Saturday versus the hosting Carolina Panthers on Wild-Card weekend. Even if Ferguson somehow plays this weekend, he'll be hard to recommend as a TE streamer in playoff formats with
Tyler Higbee (ankle) now back from Injured Reserve. Higbee scored and nearly hit the century mark in his return from IR in the Week 18 season finale.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
January 7, 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Tyler Higbee (ankle) was listed as a limited participant again in practice on Wednesday, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Higbee missed six games while on Injured Reserve with an ankle injury before he was activated and played in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. The 33-year-old veteran played 64% of the offensive snaps and caught five of his six targets for 91 yards and a touchdown. While Higbee saw fewer snaps than fellow TEs
Colby Parkinson and
Davis Allen, it was, all in all, a very successful return. The Rams are likely just managing Higbee's ankle this week, and he should be active on Saturday to face the Carolina Panthers in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs. Higbee could be on the field more this weekend for a high-scoring Rams offense, putting him in play as a low-end TE1 option in fantasy playoff formats.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Daily News - Adam Grosbard
January 7, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward
Jaren Jackson Jr. (illness) is available to play on Wednesday against Phoenix. The Grizzlies are down
Cedric Coward (ankle) and
Ja Morant (calf), among others, so the team couldn't afford another absence. Fortunately, that's not the case with 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. With so many absences for Memphis on Wednesday evening, Jackson should be more productive than usual.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 7, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Santi Aldama (ankle) will play on Wednesday against Phoenix. The 24-year-old is coming off a rough showing in Tuesday's narrow win over the San Antonio Spurs, amassing 10 points, shooting 3-for-10 from the field and 1-for-6 from downtown. However, with
Ja Morant (calf),
Cedric Coward (ankle), and
Vince Williams Jr. (knee), Aldama has an excellent chance of turning things around, assuming his ankle cooperates.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 7, 2026
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said on Wednesday that tight end Tasom Hill's shoulder injury that he suffered in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons was "just an AC" joint sprain, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. It means that Hill should be fully ready in advance of the 2026 season, whether it be back in New Orleans or somewhere else. The 35-year-old Swiss Army Knife offensive weapon is headed for unrestricted free agency when the calendar flips to March. There's also a chance that Hill decides to hang up his cleats after nine years in the NFL with the Saints. In 13 games played (five starts) in 2025, Hill had 52 rushing attempts for just 114 yards (2.2 yards per carry) and one touchdown on the ground. He added 11 receptions for 91 yards through the air. Hill's fantasy outlook will depend on what team he's playing for if he decides to return for a 10th season, but he'll most likely be off the fantasy radar in 12-team leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: NewOrleans.Football - Mike Triplett
January 7, 2026
Detroit Lions tight end
Sam LaPorta (back) said earlier this week that he's entering the next stage of his rehab from back surgery, and he plans to be fully cleared before the start of training camp at the end of July, according to Richard Silva of The Detroit News. LaPorta played in only nine games in 2025 before suffering a herniated disc in his back against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 9. In addition to his rehab, the 24-year-old will be focused on trying to ink a contract extension with the Lions this offseason. LaPorta burst onto the scene in his rookie year in 2023 with 86 receptions, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He wasn't quite as good in 2024, but he still had a 60-726-7 line in 16 games. Obviously, LaPorta's production suffered in 2025 due to injury, but he'll be a prime bounce-back candidate at the TE position in 2026 for the Lions.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Detroit News - Richard Silva
January 7, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels claimed outfielder
Wade Meckler off waivers on Tuesday afternoon from the San Francisco Giants. Meckler made his MLB debut last summer with the Giants. During his brief 20-game stint in the big leagues, Meckler held a .232/.328/.250 line with just one double, no home runs, and a 25:6 K:BB. Under the hood, the former eighth-round pick generated a .265 xwOBA with a low 22.6% hard-hit rate. However, at the Triple-A level, Meckler posted a .287/.390/.370 line with 21 doubles, one home run, with 11 stolen bases across an 87-game stint. Given his production at the Triple-A level, Meckler could be in line to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster in Los Angeles.
--Andy SmithSource: Los Angeles Angels PR
January 7, 2026
According to Robert Murray of FanSided.com, right-handed pitcher
Brusdar Graterol has avoided arbitration with the Dodgers and signed a one-year contract worth $2.8 million. Graterol was on the shelf during the 2025 season while recovering from the labrum surgery he underwent in 2024. During that season, he logged only 7 1/3 innings with the Dodgers and posted a 2.45 ERA. However, in 2023, he was a reliable high-leverage option in the Los Angeles bullpen, posting a 1.20 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, with a 48:12 K:BB across 67 1/3 innings. He tallied a career-best seven saves as well. While the 27-year-old does not project to see many save opportunities in 2026 with
Edwin Diaz now in the bullpen, he could find value in deeper leagues that reward holds, pitching for the two-time reigning World Series Champions.
--Andy SmithSource: Robert Murray
January 7, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver
Keandre Lambert-Smith (hamstring) did not take part in Wednesday's practice, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Lambert-Smith's status for the Wild-Card playoff tilt on Sunday night against the New England Patriots is in question after the 23-year-old pass-catcher hurt his hamstring in Sunday's 19-3 loss to the Denver Broncos. He never returned to the contest. If Lambert-Smith isn't cleared to play this weekend,
Tre' Harris and
Derius Davis could see more time on the field as WR depth behind
Ladd McConkey,
Keenan Allen, and
Quentin Johnston. Lambert-Smith, a fifth-rounder out of Auburn back in April, saw action in only 10 regular-season games in 2025 and caught just five passes for 51 yards and one touchdown for the Bolts. He'll be off the fantasy radar if he's active for the postseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
January 7, 2026
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) continued to be limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Packers.com. Wicks suffered a concussion in Week 17 against the Baltimore Ravens, didn't practice at all last week, and was inactive for the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. The good news is that the 24-year-old has advanced through the league's concussion protocol, but he still has more boxes to check to be cleared to play on Saturday night against the division-rival Chicago Bears on Wild-Card weekend. How much he's able to do in practice on Thursday could determine Wicks' status for Saturday's playoff game. Wicks has been a boom/bust fantasy wideout all season long, with one really true boom performance in the Thanksgiving Day win over the Lions, when he caught six passes for 94 yards and his only two TDs of the year. If he's active against Chicago, fantasy managers should focus on more reliable options.
--Keith HernandezSource: Packers.com
January 7, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have traded infield prospect
Cristian Hernandez to the Miami Marlins in the package that sent
Edward Cabrera to the North Side of Chicago. Hernandez was sent to Miami alongside Cubs' top prospect
Owen Caissie and Edgardo DeLeon. Hernandez joined the Cubs' organization in 2021 but did not make his Low-A debut until the 2023 season. During his first season with Low-A Myrtle Beach, the 22-year-old posted a .223/.302/.301 line. In 2024, Hernandez spent most of the season in a second stint with Low-A but did earn a taste of High-A. This past season, the infielder spent the entire season at High-A South Bend, where he held a .252/.329/.365 line with an eye-catching 52 stolen bases and a career-high seven home runs. Dynasty managers should monitor his status as he could be in the mix to debut at Double-A later in 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Will Sammon
January 7, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Grant Calcaterra (ankle) could be in danger of missing Wild-Card weekend and Sunday's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers after missing Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury. Calcaterra saw the field a bit more in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, with
Dallas Goedert (knee) being rested, and he caught two of his three targets for a season-high 21 yards and his only touchdown of the year. The 27-year-old was injured in the season finale, though, and he'll need to get back on the practice field over the next two days if he wants to be active for the playoff opener as the Eagles look to defend their title. With Goedert most likely returning this weekend, Calcaterra won't be in play as a TE option in fantasy playoff leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
January 7, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward
Brandon Miller (knee) is out for Wednesday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. He will sit out the opening set of back-to-back games due to a contusion on his left knee. Miller has averaged 23.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per contest during his first three games in 2026. While the 23-year-old is out of action,
Josh Green and
Sion James could see extra minutes during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Charlotte Hornets PR
January 7, 2026
Chicago Cubs top outfield prospect
Owen Caissie was the centerpiece in the trade that sent right-handed pitcher
Edward Cabrera to the Cubs on Wednesday afternoon. In addition, prospects
Cristian Hernandez and Edgardo DeLeon were also included in the package. Before the trade, Caissie was ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Cubs system on MLB.com and the No. 47 overall prospect in the sport. The former second-round pick made his MLB debut late last summer and struggled in his brief stint, posting a .192/.222/.346 line with just one double and one home run across 12 contests. However, through 99 games with the Iowa Cubs, the 23-year-old flashed high upside, posting a .286/.386/.551 line with 22 long balls. While he has high raw power, Caissie had a high 28.0% K%, which raises some concern in his profile. Managers should expect the young outfielder to be in serious contention to earn a spot in the Opening Day lineup.
--Andy SmithSource: Will Sammon
January 7, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to the team. Goedert didn't practice at all last week and was held out of the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Washington Commanders with the Eagles resting most of their starters. The 31-year-old veteran should be able to return for the Wild-Card matchup on Sunday against the visiting San Francisco 49ers, but we'll keep a close eye on his status the rest of the week. It's worth noting that
Grant Calcaterra (aknle) did not practice on Wednesday, so the Eagles could be thin at the position behind Goedert if Calcaterra doesn't play this weekend. As long as Goedert is active to kick off the playoffs, fantasy managers should consider him a top-five TE after he tied with
Trey McBride in touchdowns at the position with 11 in 15 regular-season games.
--Keith HernandezSource: Philadelphia Eagles
January 7, 2026
According to Will Sammon, the deal to send right-handed pitcher
Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs has been finalized. In return, the Cubs are sending prospects
Owen Caissie,
Cristian Hernandez, and Edgardo DeLeon to Miami. Cabrera is coming off the largest workload of his career as he tossed a season-best 137 2/3 innings during the 2025 season. This was the first time he eclipsed the 100.0 inning mark in a campaign. Across this workload, the right-hander posted a 3.53 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP. He struck out 150 batters but showed modest command, posting an 8.3% BB%. His 3.99 xERA suggests he could take a bit of a step back, but his 47.5% ground-ball rate should play well with an elite Chicago defense behind him. While his workload concerns do make him a risky fantasy asset, when healthy, he has flashed high strikeout upside and should be in a great position to win games on a competing Cubs team.
--Andy SmithSource: Will Sammon
January 7, 2026
According to Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network, Atlanta Hawks forward/center
Onyeka Okongwu (illness) won't suit up against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. The 25-year-old big man will miss the game due to an illness. His next chance to get back on the floor will come on Friday against the Nuggets. Okumgwu has played in 37 games this season, posting averages of 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks across 37 appearances. With Okongwu sidelined this evening,
Mouhamed Gueye will likely take extra minutes.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Brad Rowland
January 7, 2026
For the second straight day this week, Chicago Bears wide receiver
DJ Moore (knee) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Moore's fantasy stock is at an all-time low heading into the playoffs and a Wild-Card matchup against the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Saturday night at Soldier Field. Not only could Moore take a questionable tag into the weekend if he doesn't practice in full on Thursday, but he's coming off back-to-back one-catch efforts in the final two games of the regular season with
Rome Odunze (foot) out of action. The 28-year-old has become extremely hard to trust as a WR4/flex in fantasy lineups, and especially so this weekend with Odunze expected to return after missing the last five weeks. Don't expect Moore to show out the way he did the last time he faced Green Bay, when he caught five of seven targets for 97 yards and a touchdown in the overtime win.
--Keith HernandezSource: Bears Communications
January 7, 2026
St. Louis Blues left wing Nathan Walker (upper body) will return from a 16-game absence on Wednesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks. He will team up with Alexey Toropchenko and Oskar Sundqvist on the fourth line. Walker was in the midst of a solid offensive stretch when he got hurt at the start of December. The 31-year-old has notched nine points (three goals, six assists) in 25 appearances this season, while averaging 3.8 hits per game. Mathieu Joseph will be in the press box on Wednesday to accommodate Walker's return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 7, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Rutger McGroarty (concussion) will be out indefinitely after being hurt at Tuesday's practice. The 21-year-old was involved in a collision with a teammate and has been diagnosed with a concussion. The Penguins placed McGroarty on Injured Reserve. McGroarty entered the lineup in December and has posted three points (two goals, one assist) in 16 appearances. At the beginning of the campaign, he missed time due to an upper-body injury. Evgeni Malkin (upper body) has resumed full practice and could grab McGroarty's spot in the lineup on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 7, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Jaren Jackson Jr. (illness) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Phoenix Suns. Jackson was previously tagged as probable, but he has since been downgraded to questionable due to feeling under the weather. In 34 games this campaign, the 26-year-old big man is averaging 18.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks across 30.4 minutes per outing. The Grizzlies frontcourt could also be without
Santi Aldama (ankle), who is considered questionable due to soreness in his right ankle.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Grizzlies PR
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