RADIO
Chuba Hubbard Still in Line for Heavy Work
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard may remain a major part of the backfield, even with Jonathon Brooks healthy again. According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, the plan is for Hubbard and Brooks to split carries, with Hubbard potentially getting the larger share when Carolina is trying to close out games. The Panthers are excited about Brooks but intend to be careful with him after two ACL tears. Hubbard remains first on Carolina's current depth chart and has already shown he can handle a big workload, rushing for 1,195 yards in 2024. His numbers fell to 511 yards on 134 carries across 15 games last season. Brooks, meanwhile, has played only three regular-season games since entering the NFL and missed all of 2025. If ESPN's reported split holds, Hubbard should remain much more involved than fantasy managers expecting a Brooks takeover might have hoped.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Falcons Still Evaluating "All of the Quarterbacks"
Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said the group will make the decision on the starting quarterback going into Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "You're evaluating all of the quarterbacks," Cunningham said. The decision comes down to Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. (knee), although some folks believe that rookie Jack Strand could also be in the mix after looking good in the preseason and seeing some first-team reps in training camp practices. The thought was that the Falcons would give the starting gig to Tagovailoa to allow Penix to continue his recovery from a partially torn ACL late last season, but Tua's struggles this summer have the organization rethinking their plan under center. If Tagovailoa is named the starter, it might only be because the Falcons want to give Penix more time to get his legs under him and get back to 100%. Penix is clearly still Atlanta's preferred option to be the franchise signal-caller long term. Whoever starts at QB for the Falcons in Week 1 will be a low-end QB2 option in superflex leagues, at best.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter
Brandon Nimmo Heating Up Entering September
Across 564 plate appearances in 2026, Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo is hitting .269/.333/.428 with 14 home runs, 58 RBI, 56 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. The 33-year-old's top-line numbers have actually lagged behind his underlying metrics, as he's posted a 10.2% barrel rate and a 50.9% hard-hit rate, leaving him with a .280 xBA and .474 xSLG. Since the All-Star break, Nimmo's numbers have started to improve. Across his last 180 plate appearances, the veteran outfielder is hitting .282/.339/.436 with five home runs and 24 RBI. With the Rangers' overall lineup getting healthier and starting to round into form, Nimmo should be in a better position to be an impact run producer for fantasy managers the rest of the way. Fantasy managers in need of outfield help may want to target Nimmo as we enter the season's final month.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sean Tucker Misses Wednesday's Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (undisclosed) did not practice Wednesday, according to Greg Auman. No reason for the absence was immediately provided. Tucker made Tampa Bay's initial 53-man roster after beating out Josh Williams for the final spot in the backfield and is currently listed third behind Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell. The fourth-year back appeared in all 17 games last season, carrying 86 times for 320 yards and seven touchdowns while adding eight catches for 34 yards and another score. His eight scrimmage touchdowns led the Buccaneers in 2025. There is not enough information yet to know whether Wednesday's absence is anything to worry about. Tucker's status at the next practice should give a better idea of what is going on. UPDATE: Head coach Todd Bowles said Tucker is dealing with a minor injury.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Shohei Ohtani Might Not Pitch Again in 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers do not know when two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee, biceps) will make another appearance as a pitcher after having ongoing issues with his knee and biceps, and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was non-committal when asked if the Dodgers could reach a point where they would shut Ohtani down entirely as a pitcher, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Ohtani has not started a game on the mound for L.A. since July 3 due to repeated setbacks. "His value offensively is hugely important," manager Dave Roberts noted. "So if throwing potentially cuts into that, that's not worth the squeeze." The skipper said the four-time MVP is not expected to start a game for at least the next week, and his chances of getting built back up to make full-length starts in the playoffs are slim. Friedman continues to hold out hope that the 32-year-old veteran can pitch in the playoffs, but fantasy managers should not be as hopeful that Ohtani can help them in the fantasy playoffs. The six-time All-Star has been great when on the mound in 2026, going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (2.60 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings across 14 starts.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Bhayshul Tuten Sent Home Sick
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten was sent home from practice Wednesday because of an illness, according to Ryan O'Halloran. There is no indication right now that Tuten is dealing with anything beyond being sick. The second-year back is coming off a rookie season in which he ran 83 times for 307 yards and five touchdowns while adding 10 catches for 79 yards and two more scores. Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. were listed as co-starters throughout the preseason, and Jacksonville's post-cutdown roster breakdown still projects both at the top of the backfield. The Jaguars open Sept. 13 against Cleveland, so there is plenty of time before game week. For now, this looks like a simple illness absence, with his next practice status the thing to watch.
Source: Ryan O'Halloran
Source: Ryan O'Halloran
Carter Jensen Has Been a Batting-Average Drain in the Second Half
Across 516 plate appearances in 2026, Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen is hitting .224/.310/.412 with 19 home runs, 62 RBI, 61 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 23-year-old has shown off impressive power for a young backstop at times this season, posting a 10.3% barrel rate for the year. However, Jensen's batting average ceiling is limited by his 28.5% strikeout rate. He's also been working through an extended slump at the plate, as he hit just .187 across 102 plate appearances in July and .165 across 106 plate appearances in August. Jensen still hit four home runs and scored 14 runs last month, so he's not completely without value for fantasy managers. Still, managers may want to look to sell high on him ahead of the stretch run of the season, while his overall numbers still look better than his current production.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Corbin Carroll Dealing With Lower-Back Discomfort, In Wednesday's Lineup
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (back) is dealing with lower-back discomfort, manager Torey Lovullo told Jack Sommers of Sports Illustrated. Carroll was able to play all nine innings in Tuesday's contest against the Philadelphia Phillies, but he was not 100%. He went 0-for-4 at the plate with three strikeouts in the 7-1 loss. The good news is that the left-handed-hitting outfielder is back in action for Wednesday's game at Chase Field against the Phillies, starting in right field and batting in the two-hole against right-hander Andrew Painter. The 26-year-old former National League Rookie of the Year must not be dealing with serious back trouble if he is right back on the field the following day, although his back issues could be affecting him at the plate recently. In his last nine games, Carroll has gone 3-for-33 (.091) with one homer, three RBI, two stolen bases, two runs scored, four walks, and 12 strikeouts to drop his season slash line to .242/.339/.472 with an .811 OPS in 508 at-bats. Carroll is still a five-category contributor, and fantasy managers are hoping he can turn it around for the final month of the regular season in 2026.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Jonah Coleman Trending Toward Bigger Role in Denver
Denver Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman could move into a much bigger role sooner than expected. According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, the belief is that Coleman will overtake RJ Harvey on the depth chart early in the season and would be Denver's top choice to handle the lead job if J.K. Dobbins misses time. The Broncos took Coleman in the fourth round this year despite already having Dobbins and Harvey, and they have liked his fit from the start. Sean Payton praised the 5-foot-8, 220-pound back's physical running style, intelligence and ability to handle third-down work after the draft. Denver also viewed Coleman as a strong pass protector coming out of Washington. Dobbins remains the starter after rushing for 772 yards in 10 games last season, but injuries have followed him throughout his career. Coleman still has to earn his way past Harvey, but ESPN's report gives the rookie a clear path to becoming much more than a depth piece.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Trent Grisham Could Start to Lose Playing Time in New York
Across 481 plate appearances this season, New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham is hitting .209/.306/.394 with 18 home runs, 58 RBI, 67 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. The 29-year-old has been a batting average liability throughout the year for fantasy managers, but he frequently leads off for the Yankees and brings a decent power/speed profile. However, Grisham has struggled mightily in the second half of the season, hitting just .166 across 178 plate appearances since the All-Star break. The Yankees' outfield mix could also get more crowded in short order, as star outfielder Aaron Judge (ribs) appears to be making progress towards a mid-September return. With Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones emerging in recent weeks, Grisham could be demoted to fourth outfielder status in New York if/when Judge returns to the field.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
James Wood Activated And Starting on Wednesday
The Washington Nationals officially activated outfielder James Wood (oblique) from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, and he is starting in right field and batting leadoff against the visiting Atlanta Braves and right-hander Grant Holmes, according to the team. Wood will make his return to Washington's roster after missing almost a month with a strained left oblique. He is back in the starting nine after going 2-for-6 with a homer in two minor-league rehab games. Although the left-handed slugger has hit just .191 (13-for-68) with a .620 OPS and just two home runs in 17 games since the All-Star break, fantasy managers will want to get him back into their lineups in all traditional leagues now that he is healthy. Wood clobbered 28 home runs, drove in 64, and stole 15 bases in the first half of the campaign and remains one of the best all-around sluggers in the game. In just six career at-bats against Holmes, Wood is hitting .167, but he does have a solo home run against him. Wood has the ability to put fantasy teams over the top in September.
Source: Nationals Communications
Source: Nationals Communications
Jalen Moss, Jaren Hamilton Listed as Co-Starters for Arizona State
Arizona State wide receivers Jalen Moss and Jaren Hamilton are officially listed as co-starters on ASU's depth chart. Moss transferred to ASU in the 2025 portal and had big expectations, but due to illness and a nagging foot injury was not able to deliver on those high hopes. Moss only consistently started playing in Week 9 of last year, and he finished the season with 16 receptions for 273 yards and one touchdown; however, 129 of his total yards came against Duke in the Tony The Tiger Sun Bowl. Hamilton was a big-play threat for ASU last campaign, hauling in seven receptions for 169 yards and no touchdowns. ASU welcomes Morgan State in a home matchup in Week 1. Morgan State was one of the worst FCS defenses last year, allowing 32.9 points per game. Moss and Hamilton should not be considered when fantasy owners are setting their lineups this week, despite the great matchup.
Source: 247Sports
Source: 247Sports
David Bednar Remains a High-End Closer Option in New York
Across 59 1/3 innings (55 games) in 2026, New York Yankees closer David Bednar has pitched to a 2.73 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 65 strikeouts, 31 saves, and six wins. Bednar got off to a slow start, allowing 12 earned runs over 24 innings through the end of May. However, the 31-year-old has largely been lights out since the start of June. He's allowed just six earned runs over his last 35 1/3 innings pitched and has blown just three saves on the year. Bednar has struck out 27% of the batters he's faced this season while allowing just a 7.5% walk rate. The veteran right-hander is also very difficult to take deep, as he's allowed just 0.46 HR/9. As the clear ninth-inning option for the Yankees, Bednar profiles as a high-end closer option for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emeka Egbuka Running on Side Field
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (toe) did some running on a side field with trainers Wednesday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Stroud noted that Egbuka showed no obvious problems with the toe while running. The second-year receiver has been out since injuring it during an Aug. 12 joint practice with the Jets. Initial testing showed a sprained toe, and Egbuka still has not returned to team practice. Head coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday that he wants to see how Egbuka looks next week before making a call on his Week 1 availability. Egbuka caught 63 passes for 938 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie last season. Tampa Bay opens Sept. 13 at Cincinnati, so there is still time, but getting back into practice will be the next important step.
Source: Rick Stroud
Source: Rick Stroud
MarShawn Lloyd Gets First Crack at Green Bay Backfield
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd could get the first shot at the starting job while Josh Jacobs is on the Commissioner's Exempt List. ESPN's Dan Graziano reports that the coaching staff has liked what it has seen from Lloyd throughout the offseason and training camp, and believes he could run with the opportunity. Lloyd has barely had a chance to show anything in the regular season, playing just one game across his first two years because of injuries. He had six carries for 15 yards in that 2024 appearance and did not play at all in 2025. This summer has gone much better. Lloyd stayed healthy through camp, mixed in with the first-team offense and had 10 carries for 30 yards with two catches in the preseason, including an 11-yard touchdown against Denver. Green Bay also has Chris Brooks and recently acquired Kaleb Johnson, so the job is not automatically Lloyd's. But if he stays healthy and produces, ESPN's report makes it clear he has a real chance to claim the backfield.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
