RADIO
Jahmyr Gibbs Working with Trainer on Side Field
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs took part in a walk-through and team stretch on Thursday morning before moving to a side field to work with a trainer. One week into Lions training camp, the three-time Pro Bowler has yet to take part in practice as he awaits a long-term contract extension. High-profile running backs Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor both agreed to new extensions this week, so it's possible a new deal for Gibbs could be close, but until he puts ink to paper, it's unlikely he'll take part in any drills. After sharing a backfield with David Montgomery for his first three seasons, the veteran's trade to the Texans has presented Gibbs with the opportunity to handle close to a bell cow role, and he is RotoBaller's RB1 for 2026. With training camp approaching its halfway point, fantasy managers will want to see him on the field as soon as possible to avoid carrying any rust or added injury risk into the Lions' regular season opener on September 13.
Source: Dave Birkett
Source: Dave Birkett
Jonathan Taylor Signs Two-Year Extension with Colts
All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts have agreed to a two-year extension that will pay the three-time Pro Bowler up to $47 million and keep him on the team through the 2028 season. The deal includes $39 million in guarantees and makes Taylor the second-highest-paid running back in the league after the Falcons' Bijan Robinson signed a historic deal on Tuesday. Taylor has dealt with injuries for much of his career, playing in 17 games only once over the past four seasons, but when healthy and right, he is one of the most impactful offensive players in the league. He was the fantasy RB1 through the first 13 weeks of 2025 before Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury derailed the offense as a whole. Jones has made remarkable progress and is expected to be the team's Week 1 starter, and should the injury limit his mobility, Taylor could benefit from an increase in checkdowns, only adding to his value and putting him among a handful of backs with overall RB1 upside for 2026.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Jacob Cowing Dealing with Hip-Flexor Strain
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing (hip) did not practice on Wednesday due to a hip flexor strain. Cowing has missed time so far this offseason, dealing with a hamstring injury during OTAs and most of the 2025 season, and now a hip flexor strain that may cost him additional practice time. The 2024 fourth-round pick has caught just four passes for 80 yards in his NFL career, largely because of injury-related absences. With most players taking 1-3 weeks to recover from a hip flexor strain, Cowing will need to perform at a high level upon his return to make the 49ers' final roster.
Source: Nick Wagoner - ESPN
Source: Nick Wagoner - ESPN
Darius Cooper Receives Praise From Eagles QB
In an interview with NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Brian Baldinger, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts named second-year receiver Darius Cooper as a player who has emerged in camp. Hurts said, "I think Darius Cooper has done a really good job. He's always been a big-bodied, physical, strong-hands guy. But just to see how he's transitioned going into Year 2, I'm definitely excited for him." Cooper hauled in just nine of 11 targets for 92 yards in 13 games as a rookie, which ranked fourth among Eagles receivers last season, despite being an undrafted rookie. Now with two of the top three receivers from last season gone (A.J. Brown and Jahan Dotson), Cooper has a chance to translate his solid practice play to the field in 2026. While he's off the fantasy radar for now, a strong preseason or additional injuries to the Eagles' wide receiver room could make Cooper a player to watch in 2026.
Source: Mike Garafolo - NFL Network
Source: Mike Garafolo - NFL Network
Myles Garrett Returns to Practice on Wednesday
After missing the previous four practices due to "lower-body soreness," Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Myles Garrett (lower body) returned to practice on Wednesday. Rams head coach Sean McVay previously said the issue was "nothing to worry about," and with Garrett back at practice, he should be a full go for the remainder of camp and the regular season. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year was traded to Los Angeles from the Cleveland Browns, marking one of the biggest trades in league history. The possibility of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald unretiring and returning to the Rams, alongside Garrett, could catapult the Rams' defense into one of the NFL's strongest units.
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
JuJu Smith-Schuster Returns to Practice on Wednesday
After missing Tuesday's practice due to knee swelling, New York Giants wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) returned and participated on Wednesday. Smith-Schuster reportedly made the catch of the day in practice, hauling in a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Jameis Winston in tight coverage at the back of the end zone. The veteran receiver was signed by the team after trying out in June and has worked with the second team for most of camp. He has had recent stints with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, though he didn't contribute in fantasy leagues in any of those seasons. With him fighting for a roster spot in camp, Smith-Schuster is off the radar in fantasy formats this season.
Source: Jordan Ranaan - ESPN
Source: Jordan Ranaan - ESPN
Kendre Miller Dealing with Back Issue
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (back) has been limited in the last two practices due to a back issue. Head coach Kellen Moore said the problem was "something to keep an eye on" and not a major concern at this time. The former third-round pick has been plagued by injuries throughout his NFL career, with his most recent being a torn ACL in his left knee. Despite not being on the PUP list before camp, Miller is still dealing with issues, even if they are not a concern. Miller is behind Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara on the depth chart and is battling second-year back Devin Neal for the third-string spot. Miller is not on the fantasy radar this season, though he has shown the ability to make a difference when healthy and given touches.
Source: Katherine Terrell - ESPN
Source: Katherine Terrell - ESPN
Derrick Henry Wants to Finish his Career With Ravens
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry said Wednesday he would prefer to finish his career with the Ravens. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Henry wrote, "I would like to finish my career with the Ravens. I never said anything about retiring lol. I'm enjoying being a Raven. I'll worry about that retirement s**t later." The 32-year-old veteran is coming off another strong season, totaling 1,745 scrimmage yards and 16 touchdowns while playing all 17 games for the third consecutive season. With superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson in the fold and still showing no signs of slowing down, the future Hall-of-Famer will look to continue his legendary run in 2026.
Source: Derrick Henry
Source: Derrick Henry
Rico Dowdle to be "Unquestioned RB1" to Begin the Season
Although the Pittsburgh Steelers listed incumbent running back Jaylen Warren as the RB1 on their first preseason depth chart on Wednesday, Steelers correspondent Mark Kaboly writes that Rico Dowdle "will be the unquestioned RB1 when the season starts." Kaboly adds that Dowdle is much more than a big, bruising RB. The 28-year-old former undrafted free agent from South Carolina also shows quickness, speed, vision, and power, which make him "more than a platoon back." There is some uncertainty as to how the backfield touches will shake out between Dowdle and Warren in new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense in 2026. McCarthy has been mum on naming a starter, and it feels like he's seeking more of a balanced approach with the two backs, which isn't what fantasy managers want to hear. Right now, RotoBaller has Dowdle and Warren ranked at No. 30 and 31, respectively, at the RB position. Dowdle is probably the safer bet after signing a two-year, $12.25 million deal in free agency with Pittsburgh, at least in standard-scoring leagues as the favorite to lead the Steelers in early-down carries. Dowdle also has plenty of momentum, reaching the 1,000-yard rushing mark in each of the last two years with the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers.
Source: Mark Kaboly
Source: Mark Kaboly
Browns Beat Writer Suggests Buying Stock in Denzel Boston
The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that "if there's any Denzel Boston stock left to buy, you should consider buying some." The Cleveland Browns' rookie wideout, who was taken with the 39th overall pick in April in the second round from the University of Washington, has really been impressive early in training camp. The 22-year-old and fellow first-round rookie receiver KC Concepcion have a real chance to unseat veteran Jerry Jeudy as the team's new No. 1 wideout in 2026. The 6-foot-4, 212-pound Boston has been particularly good at jump balls and contested catches after he scored 20 total touchdowns in 25 games in his final two collegiate seasons with the Huskies. Target volume could be an issue for Boston in his first year in the NFL as he battles Jeudy, Concepcion, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for looks from either QB Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders. Boston has been compared to former Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and he could be a nice late-round sleeper to target in upcoming fantasy drafts for his big-play upside in an offense searching for answers under new head coach Todd Monken. RotoBaller has Boston ranked as its No. 61 fantasy WR in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Kyler Murray the Favorite for Vikings Starting QB Job
Minnesota Vikings writer Will Ragatz reports that several deep balls from quarterback Kyler Murray were the big story over the course of Wednesday's training camp practice, and he also "showed off his legs a few times." Ragatz adds that he expects Murray to win the QB1 job over J.J. McCarthy because of his ability to create explosive plays. The Vikings are splitting first-team reps evenly between Murray and McCarthy early in camp, with both signal-callers having their moments so far. McCarthy has more familiarity with head coach Kevin O'Connell's system, but the 28-year-old Murray has more NFL experience and a better dual-threat skill set with his arm and his legs. The former first overall pick by Arizona in 2019 from the University of Oklahoma has played in under 10 games in two of the last three years due to injuries, and he's never thrown for 4,000 yards in his seven NFL campaigns, but it's quite clear that he gives Minnesota's offense more upside as he looks for a bounce-back campaign in 2026. Murray is one of the more intriguing low-end QB2 targets in superflex leagues with an improved receiving corps compared to what he had in Arizona.
Source: Will Ragatz
Source: Will Ragatz
Brandon Aiyuk Remains on Left-Team List
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) remains on the team's Reserve/Left-Team list during training camp, meaning he doesn't count against the team's 90-man roster, and he isn't being paid, according to Spotrac. To be removed from the list, Aiyuk will have to submit a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell seeking reinstatement. His contract still contains $26,662,370 of dead cap, which comes from his previously paid signing and option bonuses. If the 49ers release the former first-rounder in the coming weeks, they will take on dead-cap hits of $7,363,790 in 2026 and $19,298,580 in 2027. It looked like there might be an opening for Aiyuk to return to San Fran when Ricky Pearsall (knee) was lost for the season, but the return of Deebo Samuel Sr. quickly put an end to that. General manager John Lynch said back in January that the 28-year-old would never play for the organization again after badmouthing the team and failing to rehab at the team's facilities last year. The Washington Commanders were mentioned as the best potential fit for Aiyuk for most of the offseason, but that ship has sailed after they inked veteran Stefon Diggs to a one-year deal on Wednesday. Aiyuk's fantasy and real-life stock has hit rock bottom.
Source: Spotrac
Source: Spotrac
Emeka Egbuka Dealing With Lower-Body Soreness
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed on Wednesday that wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (lower body) did not practice on the turf on Wednesday as a precaution due to some lower-body soreness, according to Brianna Dix of Buccaneers.com. Egbuka caught 63 of his 127 targets for 938 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games in his rookie season in 2025 after Tampa took him with the 19th overall pick from Ohio State. The 23-year-old was looking like a beast early on before petering out down the stretch while having to learn the entire route tree because of a banged-up WR corps. Entering Year 2, Egbuka has breakout potential with future Hall of Famer Mike Evans gone and in a new offense led by Zac Robinson. As long as he's able to stay healthy, Egbuka should have a strong floor as one of quarterback Baker Mayfield's top targets, with his first 1,000-yard season looking extremely likely. Fantasy managers should be targeting the sophomore pass-catcher as a strong WR2 option early on in drafts this fall.
Source: Buccaneers.com - Brianna Dix
Source: Buccaneers.com - Brianna Dix
Jaylen Warren Listed as RB1 on First Preseason Depth Chart
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is listed as the RB1 ahead of newcomer Rico Dowdle on the team's first preseason depth chart, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Depth charts, especially preseason ones, must always be taken with a grain of salt. This is especially true for Pittsburgh's backfield in a new offense in 2026 under head coach Mike McCarthy, who has already been mum on naming a "starting" RB between Warren and Dowdle. The 27-year-old Warren had a career-high 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries in 2025 in his fourth year in the league, adding 40 receptions for 333 yards and another two TDs as a receiver in 16 regular-season games. Dowdle's arrival most likely will mean a reduction in carries for the former undrafted free agent from Oklahoma State, but Warren could make up for it with more receiving work now that pass-catching back Kenny Gainwell is in Tampa. Warren is trending as a more attractive RB3/flex target for fantasy managers in PPR leagues in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Rams Have Aaron Donald in for a Workout on Wednesday
The Los Angeles Rams had retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald in for a workout on Wednesday, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Donald continues to assess whether he's in good enough shape, football-wise to come out of retirement to join new Rams pass-rusher Myles Garrett in 2026 for another run at a Lombardi Trophy, but this is the 35-year-old veteran's first official workout with his old team. It's looking more and more likely that Donald will come out of retirement this year, but an official announcement might not come until right before the start of the 2026 regular season or at some point after the season starts. If Donald returns to the Rams, it will be in a much smaller role as basically a third-down situational pass-rusher to keep him fresh and productive in what would be his 11th NFL season after enjoying retirement the last two years. It will make Donald a tougher sell as a fantasy-relevant pass-rusher in IDP leagues, but his return would no doubt make the Rams' pass rush even more formidable. Donald is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and had 111 sacks in his 10 NFL campaigns with the Rams before hanging up his cleats.
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
