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Zach Charbonnet Still Has Late-Round Stash Appeal
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) is hard to trust for September, but he is still worth remembering late in redraft leagues. Charbonnet ran 184 times for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, with seven of those scores coming on 16 carries from inside the five-yard line. He also caught 20 passes for 144 yards. The problem is obvious: Charbonnet tore the ACL in his left knee during Seattle's divisional-round win over San Francisco and did not have surgery until Feb. 20. He remains on the PUP list, and the Seahawks have said a Week 1 return looks unlikely. Seattle also used the 32nd overall pick on Jadarian Price, so Charbonnet will not simply walk back into the job Kenneth Walker III left behind. George Holani and Emanuel Wilson are part of the mix, too. Even so, Charbonnet is a 6-foot-1, 220-pound back who already showed Seattle can trust him near the goal line, and RotoBaller has him all the way down at RB60. If your bench is deep enough to wait on him, there is still useful second-half upside here.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jackson Chourio Dealing With Sore Thumb, In Wednesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said on Wednesday that outfielder Jackson Chourio (thumb) has been dealing with a sore thumb, not second baseman Brice Turang, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. However, Chourio is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale at Petco Park against left-hander Robbie Ray, starting in left field and hitting leadoff. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the 22-year-old's status going forward. If his thumb worsens, he'll be a candidate to land on the injured list. The Venezuelan outfielder has hit .278/.341/.480 with an .821 OPS, 17 home runs, 48 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 58 runs scored in 352 at-bats in 2026 in his third year in the big leagues for Milwaukee. Chourio hit only .229 (24-for-105) with a .588 OPS, one homer, five doubles, nine RBI, four steals, 18 runs, seven walks, and 27 strikeouts in 26 games in July, but he's picked things up so far in 11 games in August, going 12-for-37 (.324) with four homers, a double, six RBI, six runs scored, and one steal in 45 plate appearances. He's gone 1-for-3 in his career against Ray.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Denzel Boston "Has What It Takes" to Be a WR1
Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston continues to make believers during his first NFL training camp. An ESPN evaluator came away especially impressed after watching Boston practice, writing that the 6-foot-4 receiver "has what it takes to be a WR1 in the league." Boston's size was expected, but his route-running and ability to move smoothly for a bigger receiver stood out just as much. The Browns have seen that throughout camp, with Boston consistently winning contested catches and making plays downfield. Head coach Todd Monken has even said he wants to see Boston working as a boundary receiver with the first-team offense while moving Jerry Jeudy around. Cleveland selected Boston 39th overall after he caught 62 passes for 881 yards at Washington last season. There is still plenty to sort out, particularly with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders battling at quarterback. Boston does not need to become Cleveland's WR1 immediately, but everything he has shown this summer points toward a sizable rookie role and an intriguing long-term ceiling.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Brice Turang In Wednesday's Lineup in San Diego
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (thumb) is starting at second base and is batting second in Wednesday's series finale against the hosting San Diego Padres and left-hander Robbie Ray despite reportedly suffering a thumb sprain on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. It's a bit of a surprise that Turang is in there a day after being diagnosed with a sprained thumb, but manager Pat Murphy said he misspoke, and it's actually outfielder Jackson Chourio, who is in Wednesday's lineup, who is dealing with an injured thumb. Turang is good to go and will face a pitcher whom he has gone hitless against in five career at-bats. The 26-year-old left-handed-hitting second baseman is having another fine season overall in 2026 and is four home runs and four stolen bases away from the first 20-20 campaign of his MLB career. Turang has struggled against lefties this year, though, going 25-for-121 (.207) against them with only one of his 16 home runs, so fantasy managers setting DFS lineups probably will want to fade him.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jose Altuve Sidelined With Foot Injury in Series Finale Against Giants
Houston Astros second baseman/outfielder Jose Altuve (foot) is not in the team's starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the hosting San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com. Altuve is undergoing more tests after tests came back negative for a fracture when he was pulled from Tuesday's game early after being hit by a pitch on the left foot. Nick Allen is making the start at the keystone on Wednesday and will bat eighth against Giants right-hander Adrian Houser. Altuve was initially diagnosed with a left-foot contusion and will be considered day-to-day for now. Hopefully, Altuve will be ready to rock for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Seattle Mariners on Friday after a scheduled day off on Thursday. Altuve is nowhere near the power/speed threat at the second base position that he used to be, as he comes into Wednesday's action with a mediocre .240/.304/.391 slash line, .695 OPS, 13 home runs, 35 RBI, 54 runs scored, and two steals in 96 games in 2026. So far in 10 games in August, though, he's gone 11-for-34 (.324) with a homer, a double, five RBI, and five runs scored.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Pat Bryant Second-String Despite Strong Camp
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant is listed with the second group on the team's first unofficial depth chart despite an impressive training camp. According to Parker Gabriel, Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. are on the top receiver line, while Bryant is listed alongside Troy Franklin and Lil'Jordan Humphrey as a No. 2. The label is worth noting, but Bryant's practice work has told a more encouraging story. He caught a touchdown from Bo Nix during a first-team period Tuesday, and Broncos coaches have repeatedly praised the plays he has made throughout camp. Sean Payton has also pointed to Bryant's strong hands in traffic, run-after-catch ability and versatility between the outside and slot. Bryant caught 31 passes for 378 yards and one touchdown in 15 games as a rookie, making seven starts. Denver has a crowded receiver room after adding Waddle, so snaps will not come easily. Still, Bryant's second-string listing does not erase the momentum he has built this summer.
Source: Parker Gabriel
Source: Parker Gabriel
Geraldo Perdomo Active on Wednesday Against Rockies
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (knee) is starting at the 6 and batting leadoff on Wednesday in the series finale against the division-rival Colorado Rockies and right-hander Ryan Feltner, per MLB.com. Perdomo dealt with knee soreness in Monday's series opener against the Rockies and was held out as a precaution on Tuesday, but he's back in there and ready to set the table against Colorado. The 26-year-old switch-hitting Dominican infielder will be looking for his first hit against Feltner, whom he's gone hitless against in seven at-bats. Perdomo has mostly been underwhelming for fantasy managers in 2026 after a career year in 2025, but he is batting .368 (14-for-38) with a 1.021 OPS, a homer, a double, two triples, four RBI, and four runs scored so far in 10 games in the month of August.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Keelon Russell, Austin Mack "Still Even" in Alabama QB Competition
Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said the quarterback competition between senior Austin Mack and sophomore Keelon Russell is "still even" when asked if either player has separated themselves so far in fall camp. Mack spent the 2023 season behind Michael Penix Jr. at Washington under head coach Kalen DeBoer before following him to Tuscaloosa, while Russell spent his freshman year backing up Mack and Ty Simpson last season. Russell played in two games last year, completing 11 of his 15 passing attempts for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Mack appeared in four games, compiling 228 passing yards and two touchdowns. Both are former highly-rated recruits, but Russell was the No. 2 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class. The competition for the QB1 job will continue deep into fall camp, but whoever wins the starting position should be expected to be productive in Grubb's high-flying passing offense. Alabama opens the season playing host to East Carolina, so both quarterbacks will likely see live reps in Week 1.
Source: Charlie Potter
Source: Charlie Potter
Michael Penix Jr. Still Not Cleared for 11-on-11 Work
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is still not cleared for 11-on-11 team work in training camp, and he will not play in Friday's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Even though Penix has yet to really compete with Tua Tagovailoa for the starting QB job this summer, head coach Kevin Stefanski has refused to name a starter for the beginning of the 2026 regular season. Tagovailoa will start on Friday against Denver, although he's likely to play only one offensive series. The 26-year-old Penix has been limited to 7-on-7 drills at camp so far, and it's unclear if he'll be able to play in any preseason games. Although Stefanski has yet to name a starting QB, the overwhelming expectation is that Tagovailoa will get the nod to begin the year. He'll likely be on a short leash if he doesn't perform, but as things currently stand, Penix is undraftable in single-year fantasy leagues, even in two-QB superflex formats.
Source: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
Source: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
Ladd McConkey's Bounce-Back Case Is Getting Stronger
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey had a weird second season. After 82 catches, 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, he slipped to 66-789-6 in 2025 and never caught more than four passes in any of his final eight games. There is a pretty good reason to buy back in now. McConkey is full go after dealing with a hamstring strain during the offseason, and Mike McDaniel's offense looks like a much cleaner fit for him. The Chargers have been stressing quicker throws, motion and getting the ball into space, which should give McConkey chances to do what he does best. Justin Herbert has kept connecting with him in camp, including a long completion during Tuesday's one-on-one work. The room is not empty. Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris are both involved, and Los Angeles also has a deep tight end group with Oronde Gadsden, David Njoku and Charlie Kolar. That makes a huge target jump tough to assume. But McConkey is healthy, the scheme suits him, and RotoBaller has him at WR17 in half-PPR. After last year's letdown, there is a pretty believable path back to WR2 production.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tua Tagovailoa to Start Preseason Opener on Friday
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will start the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Denver Broncos, but head coach Kevin Stefanski said he isn't naming a starting QB for the regular season just yet, according to Tori McElhaney of AtlantaFalcons.com. Stefanski said the starters will play around 10 plays/one series but will vary based on the player. The 28-year-old Tagovailoa is widely expected to be named the Falcons' starting QB going into Week 1 of the regular season, with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) still recovering from a torn ACL and having not yet been cleared to take part in team drills in training camp this summer. The former fifth overall pick from the University of Alabama led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards in 2023 and had a league-high 72.9% completion percentage in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, but he has a dangerous history of concussions and threw for under 3,000 yards in each of his final two seasons in Miami. Tagovailoa has the weapons to bounce back in Atlanta in Stefanski's offense in 2026, but given his injury history, lack of arm strength, and likely short leash if he's named the starter, fantasy managers shouldn't be targeting him as much more than a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Mark Bowman Projected to Start for USC as True Freshman
USC true freshman tight end Mark Bowman is listed as a starter on Chris Trevino of On3's mid-fall depth chart projection, meaning he could make a significant impact in Year 1 of Lincoln Riley's passing offense led by quarterback Jayden Maiava. "I feel great about Mark Bowman being a starter on offense," Trevino wrote. "I, and many others, don't care if he's a true freshman. He's the most talented tight end in the room." Bowman was a five-star recruit in Rivals' Industry rankings out of Santa Ana, California, and there is plenty of receiving production up for grabs after the departure of Makai Lemon (NFL), Ja'Kobi Lane (NFL), Luke McRee (NFL), and Walker Lyons (Transferred). Four of the team's top-five leading receivers from last year are gone. Wideout Tanook Hines is expected to lead the pass-catching room, but Bowman could be one of the nation's top freshmen in 2026.
Source: Chris Trevino - On3
Source: Chris Trevino - On3
Hunter Henry's Role Still Makes Him a Late-Round Target
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry keeps giving fantasy managers reasons not to forget about him. He caught 60 passes for a career-high 768 yards and seven touchdowns last season, finishing as the TE7 in half-PPR, and New England just gave him a two-year extension worth a reported $16 million. That matters, but so does what has happened on the field. Henry was the standout player in the Patriots' Aug. 3 practice, and he still sits at the top of a tight end room that includes third-round rookie Eli Raridon. Raridon has flashed in camp and should have a role, especially with New England using plenty of multi-tight end looks, but the Patriots have treated him more like Henry's eventual successor than an immediate replacement. There is more competition for targets after the additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, so another TE7 finish is hardly a lock. Still, Henry has already shown he can produce with Drake Maye and remains RotoBaller's TE16. For managers who wait at tight end, he is one of the better late-round options still sitting outside the position's top tier.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ethan Davis Missing Fifth Consecutive Tennessee Practice
Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis (undisclosed) is once again absent from practice on Wednesday after suffering an injury last week. This marks the fifth straight practice the four-year veteran has missed, according to RockyTopInsider. It's unclear what his situation is, but hopefully, there will be an update soon. Davis is entering the season as Tennessee's TE1 after primarily working behind Miles Kitselman over the last two years. In 24 career games, the Georgia native has tallied 36 receptions for 390 yards and four touchdowns, but his play at the end of last year's campaign suggests he could be headed for a breakout season in Year 4. In the Volunteers' final three SEC games against Oklahoma, Florida, and Vanderbilt, Davis caught 17 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown.
Source: RockyTopInsider.com
Source: RockyTopInsider.com
Kenneth Walker Called an "Absolute Superstar"
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker continues to make a strong impression on his new teammates. According to Charles Goldman, Travis Kelce said Walker is "going to be a hell of a ball player for us," praised his all-around traits, and called him an "absolute superstar" on and off the field. Walker signed with Kansas City in March after rushing for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns on 221 carries for Seattle last season. He added 31 catches for 282 yards, then closed out the year by running for 135 yards and earning MVP honors in Super Bowl LX. The Chiefs have Walker listed first on their unofficial depth chart, and his receiving ability has been noticeable throughout camp, including a touchdown catch from Patrick Mahomes on a wheel route Monday. Kelce's comments are still teammate praise, but they fit everything Kansas City has seen from Walker since he arrived. He looks set for a significant role in the Chiefs' offense this season.
Source: Charles Goldman
Source: Charles Goldman
