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Devaughn Vele Expected to be WR3 in Saints Offense
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele is expected to be the team's WR3 in 2026. Vele had just 293 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with the Saints, but he picked up steam at the end of the year. He totaled 19 of 26 targets for 239 yards and one touchdown in his final four games last season. While the additions of rookies Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance, and Barion Brown have increased the risk to Vele's stock entering his third season, his role in head coach Kellen Moore's offense seems cemented. With the injury history surrounding Tyson and current lead receiver Chris Olave, Vele could be in line for a major role in this offense if either were to miss time this season. Currently ranked WR86 in RotoBaller's rankings, Vele is a solid handcuff option to consider in deeper leagues.
Source: Grant Chachere - Sports Illustrated
Source: Grant Chachere - Sports Illustrated
Zebby Matthews Exits with Foot Issue
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews (foot) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's outing against the Milwaukee Brewers. Matthews came out to warm up for the sixth inning, but was taken out shortly after that. It has been announced that Matthews was pulled from this game due to a blister on his right foot. Before leaving, Matthews allowed three earned runs on seven hits while striking out four batters across five innings of work. For now, Matthews is lined up to start against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should monitor his status over the next few days. He could be a deep league streaming option if he's available to pitch versus the O's.
Source: Dan Hayes
Source: Dan Hayes
Carson Benge Removed with Wrist Injury
New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge (wrist) was removed early during Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Benge appeared to have suffered a wrist injury while making a sliding catch in the third inning. The Mets pulled him after that, and he exited the game with left wrist soreness. Before leaving the game, Benge was 2-for-2 at the plate with two singles, two RBI, and one stolen base. The assumption is that he'll head for imaging to determine the severity of the injury. Fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked to see Benge absent from Saturday's lineup. For now, he should be considered day-to-day until more information is revealed. UPDATE: The New York Daily News' Abbey Mastracco reports that X-rays on Benge's left wrist came back negative.
Source: Abbey Mastracco
Source: Abbey Mastracco
Brenen Thompson Turning Heads at Training Camp
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson has made a strong start at training camp. Thompson has emerged as a standout story at camp, earning praise from coaches and teammates as he aims to carve out a role in a crowded receiver room. The fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft had an SEC-leading 1,054 receiving yards at Mississippi State last season and showcased his speed at the NFL Combine, running a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash. Under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who has proven to value speed in his offense, Thompson has an opportunity to compete for targets in 2026. As a late-round option for fantasy drafts this season, the rookie receiver could be a playmaker in McDaniel's offense and contribute to fantasy seasons in 2026.
Source: Nic Jennings - Roundtable
Source: Nic Jennings - Roundtable
Athletics Fire General Manager David Forst
The Athletics have fired general manager David Forst on Friday, according to Ken Rosenthal. They've decided to mutually part ways with Forst, who had an expiring contract that ended after 2026. The A's have named Dan Feinstein as the interim general manager while the team begins a search for a new GM. Forst was hired by the A's as a scout in 2000 and worked alongside Billy Beane as the assistant GM in 2004. Forst put together an exciting young ballclub that surprised people last season. Unfortunately, the A's weren't able to capture the same magic in 2026. Many of the young stars are struggling, and only the Colorado Rockies have a worse ERA in the league. It's unclear if the poor performance this season led to Forst's exit or if they planned to move on anyway as they creep closer to their eventual home in Las Vegas.
Source: Ken Rosenthal
Source: Ken Rosenthal
Dalton Kincaid Poised for Breakout in 2026?
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid could be in a better position within the offense that head coach Joe Brady is implementing in 2026. The former first-round pick has totaled 1,692 yards and nine touchdowns in 41 NFL games, averaging 7.3 half-PPR fantasy points per game over three seasons. The problem hindering his breakout is a lack of snaps. He's dropped from playing 63% of the snaps in his first season to 57% in his second year to 38% in 2025, well behind tight end Dawson Knox. Under head coach Sean McDermott's run-blocking emphasis, Kincaid was limited by his lack of run-blocking ability. He will hope that under Brady, who now has full control of the offense, he plays more snaps and finally breaks out in his contract season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luis Perales Could Make Big-League Debut Soon
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Luis Perales could be nearing his big league debut, according to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. The 23-year-old came over in a trade with the Boston Red Sox this past offseason. He struggled to begin the season in Triple-A Rochester, but has pitched much better lately. Over his last eight starts, Perales owns a 2.79 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and a 41/25 K/BB ratio across nearly 40 innings of work. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Nats give some of their younger arms a chance if they fade from playoff contention down the stretch of the season. Perales is someone deep league managers should keep an eye on right now.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
Mike Gesicki Faces Uncertain Role Entering 2026
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki enters his ninth NFL season facing more competition for targets than in any previous year. In 2025, Gesicki had just 28 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games, finishing as the TE40 in half-PPR formats. Now, with wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins set to dominate the target share, and other playmakers, including running back Chase Brown and wideout Andrei Iosivas, handling secondary roles, Gesicki is facing limited targets despite an elite quarterback in Joe Burrow. However, he's unlikely to have a high snap count in 2026, as tight ends Drew Sample (58%) and former Bengal Noah Fant (38%) each played more snaps than Gesicki in 2025. With young player Erick All Jr. standing out in training camp as well, Gesicki could be a much smaller factor than he's been in his first two seasons in Cincinnati.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Amen Thompson Eyes Below-Max Extension with Rockets
Houston Rockets guard/forward Amen Thompson is expected to sign a rookie-scale extension before the 2026-27 season begins, though a full five-year, $250 million max deal is not expected, according to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel. Siegel wrote that a deal between 20 and 22 percent of the salary cap, worth roughly $200 million total, would make more sense for Houston. The 23-year-old broke out last season, averaging 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals across 79 games. He was already a 2024-25 All-Defensive First Team selection, and the fantasy appeal is clear: rebounds, assists, steals, and efficiency. The jumper still caps the ceiling, but Thompson is trending toward early-round value.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Max Meyer to be Evaluated Next Week
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Max Meyer (neck) appears to be making progress after being sidelined since late July. According to Christina De Nicola, Meyer will have his neck re-evaluated next week. The right-hander has been out for weeks due to a neck strain. Once he's cleared to throw, it's going to take time for Meyer to ramp up again. This season, Meyer owns a 2.68 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and a 121/41 K/BB ratio across 20 starts. He earned the first All-Star selection of his career with his outstanding pitching in the first half of the season. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Meyer and be hopeful for his return in the coming weeks.
Source: Christian De Nicola
Source: Christian De Nicola
Mike Washington Jr. Could Earn RB2 Role
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. could have an immediate impact on the team. The 23-year-old was selected in the fourth-round of this year's draft out of Arkansas. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored eight touchdowns during his final season in college. Given the lack of viable options in the backfield, Washington could immediately slot into the RB2 role in Las Vegas. Ashton Jeanty is going to be the workhorse RB1, but he'll need to rest at some point. Washington could be an interesting change-of-pace back who could be one injury away from starting. He's someone worth taking a look at as a late-round handcuff.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
DeMar DeRozan Draws Interest from Four Teams
Free-agent forward DeMar DeRozan has drawn interest from the Heat, Nuggets, Cavaliers, and Wizards, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports, citing Shams Charania. Sacramento waived DeRozan's $25.7 million expiring deal in July, with the six-time All-Star receiving the $10 million guaranteed portion. The 37-year-old remained productive last season, averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting 49.7 percent from the field across 77 starts. His next landing spot will decide the fantasy angle. A team with a clearer scoring need could keep his usage afloat, while a contender bench role would cap his minutes and touches. Either way, limited threes and defensive stats cap the ceiling.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Braelon Allen is Gaining Stash Value
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen is quickly gaining value early in camp. Fellow back Isaiah Davis (knee) suffered an injury that is going to keep him sidelined for a couple of weeks. The team believes he'll be ready for the regular season, but his absence gives Allen a straight shot at the No. 2 role in New York. Without Davis in the picture, Allen should have no problem securing the backup gig to Breece Hall, although that still wouldn't result in any standalone value as the backup in New York. Allen would likely be the change-of-pace back and would be the next man up if anything happens to Hall. The 22-year-old has shown flashes of potential in the past and deserves to be rostered in at least deep leagues to begin the season.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Kevin Love Seeks 76ers Fit
Free-agent forward/center Kevin Love has interest in joining LeBron James in Philadelphia, with agent Jeff Schwartz in contact with the 76ers since James signed, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The fit is not simple. Philadelphia is already at roster capacity after adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, while Joel Embiid, Adem Bona, and Ariel Hukporti leave little room in the frontcourt. Love averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 37.3 percent from three for Utah last season, so his real appeal would be spacing and veteran depth. Even if the Sixers clear a spot, he would be too far from steady minutes to matter in fantasy.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
Tucker Kraft is Absent from Friday's Practice
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) was absent from Friday's practice session, according to Matt Schneidman. Kraft is currently working his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 9 of last season. Kraft has been practicing for the last week, so his absence could just be for rest purposes. There is no word on Kraft suffering any kind of setback, so the assumption is that the Packers are just giving him the night off. The Packers are hopeful that Kraft will be ready to play for Week 1 of the regular season. He's coming off a significant injury, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect too much out of Kraft right away.
Source: Matt Schneidman
Source: Matt Schneidman
