RADIO
Mason Rudolph Dominating Steelers' Backup Competition
The Pittsburgh Steelers spent a third and a sixth-round pick at quarterback over the course of the past two drafts, but according to beat reporter Alan Saunders, the battle for the primary backup job behind Aaron Rodgers has been dominated by veteran Mason Rudolph. Saunders lists both Will Howard and Drew Allar among his losers of the second week of Steelers training camp, with them all but handing the competition to Rudolph. While Rudolph himself has done little to stand out, Howard has reportedly been unable to close the gap that looked to be tightening during OTAs, making too many errors to overcome a limited skill set. Allar, meanwhile, has flashed standout athleticism, but is still a long way away from running an NFL offense after a near-total teardown of his fundamentals. With Rodgers preparing for his 22nd and final season, the rookie still has the best chances to eventually take over, but the backup job for 2026 is expected to remain with Rudolph.
Source: Alan Saunders
Source: Alan Saunders
Carson Beck Back Working With Third-Team Offense
After an impressive starting debut in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck was back working primarily with the third-team offense during Sunday's practice, and he was not particularly sharp, according to team reporter Darren Urban. While he did rally with a pair of touchdown throws late in practice, the offense was reportedly a step behind the defense for much of the day. Beck was a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and there is an expectation that he could see starting work at some point as a rookie. His performance in the Hall of Fame Game offered reassurance to fantasy managers weighing the late-season upside of players like Trey McBride or Jeremiyah Love. However, Beck will still need to establish consistency and show he can run the offense without significant drop-off to remove some of the lingering doubt surrounding his high-profile teammates.
Source: Darren Urban
Source: Darren Urban
Oronde Gadsden Listed as Co-Starter on First Unofficial Depth Chart
The Los Angeles Chargers released their first unofficial depth chart on Sunday ahead of Thursday's preseason opener against the Texans, and tight end Oronde Gadsden is listed as a co-starter along with both Charlie Kolar and David Njoku. The "or" designation is used throughout the lineup, including at running back where both Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal are listed in the primary backup spot, but with the highest statistical upside of the tight end group, fantasy managers are likely looking for more signs of encouragement surrounding Gadsden after he spent much of the early offseason as a popular breakout candidate. The second-year tight end was candid in recent remarks to the media about needing to improve as a blocker, and with Kolar and Njoku both excelling in that area, Gadsden could be hard-pressed to make consistent contributions in 2026, and he enters the year as RotoBaller's TE20.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Isiah Pacheco Has MCL Sprain, Should Be Ready for Week 1
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) is dealing with a sprained MCL, but head coach Dan Campbell told the media that the team still feels good about his Week 1 availability, according to beat writer Nolan Bianchi. Pacheco signed a one-year deal in the offseason but having now missed a string of training camp practices, the Lions have leaned on third-year back Sione Vaki to handle an expanded workload as three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs ramps back up from an early training camp hold-in that resulted in him becoming the league's highest paid running back. After splitting the backfield with David Montgomery for his first three seasons, Gibbs is expected to handle close to a bell cow role in 2026, limiting Pacheco's standalone value but making him one of fantasy's most important handcuff backs and a player who can generally be found in the closing rounds of drafts as RotoBaller's RB44.
Source: Nolan Bianchi
Source: Nolan Bianchi
Xavier Legette Returns to Practice
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (neck) was back at practice on Sunday after suffering a stinger while hauling in a touchdown catch and leaving Tuesday's practice on a cart. The third-year player was a full participant in what was one of the more intense sessions of the summer, according to team reporter Kassidy Hill. With 2026 third-round pick Chris Brazzell II (knee) already ruled out for the entirety of his rookie season after tearing his LCL in the early days of training camp, Legette's presence becomes all the more important as the potential third receiver alongside Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. Head coach Dave Canales has indicated that he will play his starters in Saturday's next preseason matchup with the Bills, and barring any setbacks, Legette, who is RotoBaller's WR109, should be a part of that group.
Source: Kassidy Hill
Source: Kassidy Hill
Antonio Williams at the Bottom of Commanders' Depth Chart
The Washington Commanders have released their first unofficial depth chart of the season ahead of their first preseason tilt with the Dolphins, and like many of the team's rookies, wide receiver Antonio Williams is listed near the bottom of his position group. A low spot on the depth chart is typical for rookies at this time of year, though it's worth noting that first-round pick Sonny Styles is already listed as one of the team's starting linebackers. Williams currently sits behind at least four wide receivers, including Stefon Diggs, who signed with the team on Friday, and with tight end Chig Okonkwo reportedly seeing extensive work out of the slot, calls of a sleeper season have quieted significantly for the third-round pick in recent days. Now sitting at RotoBaller's WR95, Williams offers little fantasy upside in 2026.
Source: Nick Jhabvala
Source: Nick Jhabvala
Isaac Brown Remains Limited in Monday's Practice
Louisville star running back Isaac Brown (undisclosed) remains a limited participant in Monday's practice, according to Matt McGavic of WHAS11 News. However, he did take part in some team periods on Saturday, which is a notable improvement after he missed the team's first fall practice. Brown missed four games last season due to injury, but he was fantastic when active, leading all FBS running backs in average yards per carry (8.8). Through his first 22 games of his collegiate career, Brown has tallied 2,057 rushing yards, 200 receiving yards, and 19 total touchdowns. He has been one of the most efficient and explosive ball carriers in the nation since joining the Louisville program, and his availability is a significant storyline this offseason. The Cardinals are a sneaky contender to compete for an ACC crown, but Brown is a key piece in that equation.
Source: Matt McGavic - WHAS11 News
Source: Matt McGavic - WHAS11 News
Hunter Henry Signs Two-Year Extension with Patriots
Veteran tight end Hunter Henry and the New England Patriots have agreed on a two-year extension that will keep him with the team through his age-34 season, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. Henry signed with the Patriots in 2021, and the new deal increases the likelihood that he finishes his career in New England. The 11th-year pro caught 60 passes in 2025 for a career-high 768 yards, and he's become a favorite target for quarterback Drake Maye. While the Patriots spent a Day 2 pick on rookie Eli Raridon, and the addition of A.J. Brown could add touchdown competition in the red zone, those concerns are thoroughly baked into Henry's draft cost, giving him a chance to once more surpass ADP expectations as the 16th tight end off the board after top 12 finishes in each of the past two seasons.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Victor Wembanyama Says 100 Points Is Possible
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama said he believes he can score 100 points in a game during a quick-fire Q&A with French content creator Rookicks, per Eurohoops. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year also named Olympiacos forward Evan Fournier as the French player he would bring to San Antonio and left the door open to teaming with his brother Oscar, possibly first with the French national team. None of this changes Wembanyama's fantasy outlook, but it tracks with his rare ceiling after he averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 3.1 blocks across 64 games last season.
Source: Eurohoops
Source: Eurohoops
Jordan Mason a Standout Throughout Vikings Camp
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason led the team in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns in 2025, and after arriving at training camp in exceptional shape, he's drawn the praise of beat reporters throughout the summer, with The Athletic's Alec Lewis the most recent to label him as a camp standout. Listing Mason as one of four running backs to make the team in his latest 53-man roster projection, Lewis points out the explosiveness he's shown in team drills while also acknowledging the trust that head coach Kevin O'Connell has in veteran Aaron Jones Sr. Jones is now 31 years old and missed five games in 2025, so the team could opt to keep him fresh in his 10th season by limiting some of his between-the-tackles touches and using him more in the passing game, opening an opportunity for Mason to claim the bulk of early-down and goal-line work. At RotoBaller's RB37, Mason is a late-round target with double-digit touchdown potential in what should be an improved Vikings offense.
Source: Alec Lewis - The Athletic
Source: Alec Lewis - The Athletic
76ers' Mike Gansey Touts a Big 5 Starting Lineup
Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey said the team "kind of" has a Big 5 in its starting lineup, pairing LeBron James and Jaylen Brown with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe, according to Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The comment suggests Edgecombe is still viewed as part of the first unit despite Philadelphia's veteran additions. Gansey also compared coach Nick Nurse to "a kid in a candy store" with so many lineup options, which points to heavy staggering. Edgecombe, Maxey, and Embiid remain fantasy-relevant starters, but shared touches with James and Brown could trim usage from a thinner-roster ceiling.
Source: Gina Mizell
Source: Gina Mizell
Kade Anderson Extends Shutout Streak as Incredible Debut Season Progresses
Seattle Mariners starting pitching prospect Kade Anderson tossed another shutout in his most recent outing at Double-A and remains the most dominant pitcher in the minor leagues. On August 7, Anderson tossed 5 1/3 innings, allowing just three hits, with no walks, no runs, and nine punchouts. This extended his current shutout streak to 15 innings (three starts). During this stretch, the former LSU star has posted a 0.47 WHIP with a near-perfect 20:2 K:BB. On the season, the southpaw has held a 1.13 ERA with a 0.65 WHIP across his first 87 2/3 professional innings. While Luis Castillo's move to Chicago did make Anderson's path to the majors clearer, the team has indicated he will remain a starter once promoted, so he may need to wait for another injury, as Seattle currently has a full staff. However, his upside on a per-game basis remains elite, and managers should continue to view him as a priority stash option across all league types.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Trey'Dez Green to be "Leaned on Early and Often" in LSU's New Offense
LSU tight end Trey'Dez Green is viewed as one of the top players at the position after catching 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns a season ago in the struggling Tigers' passing attack. With Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. now in charge of the offense led by quarterback Sam Leavitt, Green's ceiling is sky-high in 2026. Shea Dixon of The Bengal Tiger reports that Green has been a standout during the early part of fall camp, and he will be "leaned on early and often." The 6'7", 240-pound Green is a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties, and if LSU takes a big step forward on offense as expected, he could be a legitimate contender to lead the country in touchdown grabs. Green has the chance to become a clear All-American selection and first-round NFL Draft pick if he lives up to his potential.
Source: Shea Dixon - The Bengal Tiger
Source: Shea Dixon - The Bengal Tiger
Fair to Doubt Makai Lemon's Starting Status
When the Philadelphia Eagles spent a first-round pick on wide receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring), he was viewed as a critical piece to replacing the production of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown, with expectations that he could earn a starting role out the gates. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury has sidelined him for much of training camp, and when he has been on the field, his impact has been minimal, leading beat reporter Jimmy Kempski to note, "It's fair at this point to doubt that he will start, at least early in the season." A strong camp has positioned Dontayvion Wicks to begin the year as the team's second receiver opposite DeVonta Smith, but Lemon still has a chance to earn early reps out of the slot, making the team's three-game preseason slate and a pair of joint practices with the Patriots all the more important for his development. The rookie sits at RotoBaller's WR50, but a further prolonged absence could push him into the closing rounds of 2026 drafts.
Source: Jimmy Kempski
Source: Jimmy Kempski
Franklin Arias Surging at Triple-A as Late-Season Debut Remains in Play
Boston Red Sox top-ranked prospect Franklin Arias has looked quite comfortable since joining Triple-A and is making a strong case to earn a call-up to the MLB roster down the stretch. Arias opened the 2026 season at the Double-A level, where he posted a dominant .318/.407/.587 line with an eye-catching .994 OPS. During this 75-game stretch, Arias launched 19 home runs while adding 17 doubles, with five stolen bases. Since moving up to Worcester, the shortstop has carried a .288/.356/.519 line with three doubles and three home runs over just 12 games. Given that Boston has lacked much production at shortstop with Trevor Story on the shelf, Arias remains in play not only to earn the call, but to have a sizable role.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
