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Braelon Allen Impresses on Friday Amid Depth-Chart Battle
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen tallied four carries, 44 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown during Friday's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Allen only appeared to play two drives, but he made the most of his limited opportunities, headlined by a 31-yard touchdown run. Breece Hall has a firm grasp on the lead-back role in New York, but Allen's big game puts him in the mix for the backup role, perhaps over Isaiah Davis. Allen found himself in a similar role at the start of last season before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 4. Despite what Friday's explosive run might suggest, Allen is actually more of a short-yardage back who has the ability to score points in deeper redraft leagues when he gets the ball around the goal line or when the Jets are approaching the line to gain. Plus, there's clear handcuff value behind Hall, even if the Jets aren't projected to have the most potent offense this year. Allen is worth a late-round flier in redraft leagues, especially for managers looking to grab Hall's handcuff.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Ted Hurst Draws High Target Share in NFL Debut
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst caught two of six targets for 19 yards during Friday's preseason opener against the New York Jets. A third-round pick out of Georgia State, Hurst was able to carve out a decent target share in his first taste of pro action, albeit in a preseason contest. Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Sr., and Jalen McMillan have all dealt with injuries this summer, so Hurst stepped up as the Bucs' top healthy receiver on Friday. With that being said, quarterback Baker Mayfield didn't play, so Hurst's targets came from depth quarterbacks Jalon Daniels and Connor Bazelak. Hurst has significant upside in dynasty leagues, but we'll need to see him produce consistently (and with Mayfield as his quarterback) before he gets onto the redraft radar.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Trey Lance Has Roller-Coaster Performance in Preseason Opener
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 164 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception in his team's 27-7 preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday. Lance also had three carries for 27 rushing yards. The 26-year-old was given the starting role for the Chargers' preseason opener, as the team decided to rest Justin Herbert and other key players. Lance had highs and lows during his six-drive performance by showing flashes of his athleticism and shaky ball security before handing the reins to DJ Uiagalelei to finish the game. The two are competing for the QB2 spot to be Herbert's backup for the 2026 season. Lance has the slight edge in the quarterback battle, and having familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system helps his case. However, Uiagalelei will be pushing him for the spot every week until the end of the preseason.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
DeMarcus Lawrence Entering his Final Season in 2026
Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence told Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein that the 2026 season "will be my last year." The 34-year-old is entering his 13th NFL campaign and is coming off a productive first year in Seattle that ended with him lifting the Lombardi Trophy. Lawrence also made the Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his career by recording 53 tackles (24 solo), six sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries (two returned for touchdowns) in 16 regular-season starts. It was a nice bounce-back season for the former second-rounder by the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 from Boise State after he played in a career-low four games in 2024 due to injury in his final year in Dallas. "It was a tough process," Lawrence said. "But through the grace of God, I'm able to play another year and soak it all up one more good time before I hang it up." Lawrence hasn't recorded double-digit sacks since 2018, but he's recorded 67.5 sacks in his 12-year career.
Source: Yahoo Sports - Jori Epstein
Source: Yahoo Sports - Jori Epstein
Michael Mayer Caps Off First Drive with a Touchdown
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer had a fast start to the preseason despite the 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Kirk Cousins ended the first drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Mayer, who ended up with two receptions for 19 yards and that touchdown. With Raiders' TE1 Brock Bowers playing a single snap to start the game, Mayer had the opportunity to score. If Bowers were to miss any time this year, Mayer might have the best opportunity of his career to find success in what should be the best passing offense he has been a part of since entering the NFL. As RotoBaller's TE32 overall, Mayer likely won't be a major factor in redraft leagues but could prove to be an upside stash in dynasty leagues with this being the final year of his contract in Las Vegas.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Fernando Mendoza Shows Glimpses of Greatness in First NFL Showing
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza showed some promising traits during the 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night. While completing 10 of his 16 pass attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown, Mendoza also flashed his willingness to run with two carries for six yards. His touchdown pass went to sophomore wide receiver Jack Bech, whom he hit on a quick slant that split two defenders with perfect ball placement for the six-yard score. Mendoza showed confidence and decisiveness on most plays, but also left room for improvement in his first preseason game. As RotoBaller's QB29 overall, it's only a matter of time before Mendoza gets a true chance to exceed expectations in Las Vegas.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike Washington Jr. Erupts for 53-Yard Run in NFL Debut
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. flashed in his preseason debut, although the Raiders lost 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals. Washington Jr. turned six carries into 63 yards, no touchdowns, and failed to bring in his lone target on the night. A 53-yard scamper in which he followed his blocks, stayed square to the line of scrimmage, and exploded for the longest run of the night helped him get to 10.5 yards per carry in his debut. With teammate Ashton Jeanty firmly holding the RB1 spot, Washington Jr. could still have some upside in a change-of-pace role as RotoBaller ranks him at RB67 overall entering the season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chase Bisontis Suffers Torn MCL, Could Miss Entire Season
Arizona Cardinals second-round rookie offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (knee) suffered a torn MCL in his left knee in the team's preseason contest on Thursday night against the Las Vegas Raiders that will require surgery, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Only Bisontis' MCL will be repaired. He will be out for most of, if not all, of the 2026 season. Head coach Mike LaFleur said on Thursday night that the 22-year-old's knee injury looked pretty serious, and he was right. The 34th overall pick out of Texas A&M had to be helped off the field in Vegas. It's a big blow to the Cardinals' offensive line, as Bisontis had been one of the team's more promising players during training camp this summer and figured to push Isaiah Adams for the starting spot at right guard this year. Bisontis has the skills to be a solid interior offensive lineman for Arizona, but that could have to wait until 2027.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Mike Vrabel Expects Christian Gonzalez to be Ready for Week 1
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel expects star cornerback Christian Gonzalez (undisclosed) to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in a Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Chris Mason of MassLive.com. Gonzalez was not present for the team's joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts or on the sideline for their preseason opener on Thursday night against Indy as he works on a contract extension, but Vrabel suggests that's because he's dealing with a physical injury. The 24-year-old former 17th overall pick from the University of Oregon should be all healed up with a new contract in hand before the start of the 2026 regular season in early September. Going into his fourth NFL season, Gonzalez has quickly become one of the best shutdown corners in the NFL, and he had a big hand in leading the Pats to the Super Bowl last season. Gonzalez was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in 2025 and finished with a career-high 69 tackles (54 solo) and 10 pass breakups in 14 regular-season starts.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Mason
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Mason
Marcus Mariota Suffers Knee Injury in Preseason Opener
Washington Commanders veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) was pointing to his right knee when athletic trainers came out to check on him during Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Mariota was sent to the blue medical tent and was replaced by Sam Hartman at QB. The 32-year-old signal-caller played in 11 games and made eight starts in 2025 in his second year in Washington, with starter Jayden Daniels only starting seven games. Mariota went 2-6 in his eight starts, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his 11th year in the NFL. The Commanders' QB depth behind Daniels would be in serious trouble if Mariota is dealing with a major knee injury, as they only have Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis on the QB depth chart behind Mariota. He almost certainly will not return to Friday's game against Miami, even if his knee injury turns out to be minor.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Teams Checking in on Vita Vea, Bucs Don't Want to Trade Him
NFL teams such as the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers have called the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to check on the availability of disgruntled defensive tackle Vita Vea, but the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that Tampa remains steadfast that they are not trading him. They have kept the lines of communication open on a potential new deal, but nothing is imminent. Vea has been holding in during training camp as he seeks a new deal before the start of the 2026 season, so he will unsurprisingly not be playing in the team's preseason opener on Friday night against the New York Jets. The 31-year-old is set to make around $18 million in 2026 in the final year of the four-year, $71 million deal he signed with the team in January of 2022. Vea was reportedly dealing with a back injury at the start of camp, but it's unlikely to be anything serious enough to keep him from suiting up for Week 1 in early September. Vea is a two-time Pro Bowler and has spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the Bucs after they took him 12th overall in the 2018 NFL draft out of the University of Washington.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Jaylen Waddle Not in Uniform for Preseason Opener
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (leg) will not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons, per Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. Fellow wideout Marvin Mims Jr. is also sitting out, as is starting quarterback Bo Nix and running back J.K. Dobbins. It's no surprise that Waddle is being held out after exiting training camp practice last Wednesday with muscle tightness in his leg. The speedy pass-catcher has not yet returned to team drills, but there doesn't appear to be any concern that it's an injury that will linger into the start of the 2026 regular season. The 27-year-old former first-rounder by the Miami Dolphins in 2021 from the University of Alabama was acquired by Denver in the offseason in hopes that he could unlock the explosiveness in the Broncos' passing attack. Waddle could be Nix's go-to target over Courtland Sutton this year, giving him a lot of upside as a WR2 target in fantasy football drafts. He could be in line to make his team debut in the second preseason game at home next Friday against the Green Bay Packers.
Source: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
Source: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
Chig Okonkwo Sitting Out With Rest of Starters
Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo is not suiting up for Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, according to The Athletic's Ben Standig. Okonkwo will have to wait at least another week before potentially making his debut with the Commanders after they signed him to a three-year, $27 million deal in free agency earlier this year. In his four seasons in Tennessee with the Titans, the 26-year-old had a total of 194 receptions for 2,017 yards and eight touchdowns on 272 targets across 68 games played. He had a career-high 560 receiving yards and a career-high 56 catches a year ago, despite sharing valuable playing time with rookie Gunnar Helm. The former fourth-rounder from the University of Maryland will have a much higher ceiling in Washington as long as QB Jayden Daniels can stay healthy, and he could be the team's No. 3 target behind receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs. If you decide to wait on the TE position in fantasy drafts, Okonkwo is a nice sleeper to target later on.
Source: The Athletic - Ben Standig
Source: The Athletic - Ben Standig
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Sitting Out of Preseason Opener
With the Washington Commanders sitting their key offensive players in Friday night's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be in street clothes, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols (quadriceps) aren't playing either, so rookie Kaytron Allen, Jerome Ford, and Robert Henry should split backfield touches against Miami. Croskey-Merritt led the Commanders' backfield in 2025 after being taken in the seventh round out of the University of Arizona, recording 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries in 17 games played. The Commanders will give Bill every opportunity to earn a bigger workload in Year 2, but White poses a real threat to JCM, especially in the passing game. Croskey-Merritt must also clean up his ball-security issues in order to take the next step. Going into his sophomore campaign, Croskey-Merritt is best viewed as an RB3/flex target in standard-scoring formats. His next chance to suit up in the preseason will come next Saturday on the road against the Detroit Lions.
Source: The Athletic - Ben Standig
Source: The Athletic - Ben Standig
Emeka Egbuka has Sprained Toe, Bucs Optimistic he'll be Ready for Week 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (toe) underwent more testing on Friday with a specialist, and it was confirmed that he has a sprained toe, but it's stable, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The Buccaneers are "very optimistic" that Egbuka will be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September. The 23-year-old former 19th overall pick from Ohio State will not play in Friday's preseason opener against the New York Jets, and there's a very real possibility that he won't play at all in the preseason. Egbuka's role is destined to grow in Year 2, especially with veteran Mike Evans no longer in town, but Egbuka's toe injury should cast some doubt for fantasy managers in upcoming drafts when considering taking him as a WR2. He came out of the gates hot in his rookie campaign with five touchdowns and 445 receiving yards in his first five games before closing out the year with 493 receiving yards and just one TD in his final 12 contests. Egbuka's toe injury could make him a nice value pick in fantasy drafts as long as his toe injury doesn't have any kind of negative impact on his early-season form.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
