RADIO
Brett Pesce Healthy for New Season
New Jersey Devils defenseman Brett Pesce (knee) is healthy ahead of training camp, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News reports. Pesce suffered a season-ending knee injury in March, spraining his MCL. Earlier in the campaign, he also sustained a finger injury. As a result, Pesce made a career-low 37 appearances. He recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) and 80 blocks. Pesce's presence on the back end is a major asset for the Devils, but his lack of offensive production limits his fantasy value.
Source: Kristy Flannery
Source: Kristy Flannery
Collin Graf Re-Ups With Sharks for Three Years
San Jose Sharks winger Collin Graf has inked a three-year, $12.75 million contract extension. He was a restricted free agent after an impressive 2025-26 campaign. Graf finished last season as San Jose's sixth-highest scorer, posting 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists) in 81 appearances. Only Macklin Celebrini (45) and Will Smith (24) scored more goals. Additionally, Graf played an important role as a penalty killer and contributed with his physical play, recording 88 hits. Graf will be 24 at the start of next season, so he could still have untapped potential.
Source: San Jose Sharks
Source: San Jose Sharks
Tommy Novak Agrees to Three-Year Extension With Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Tommy Novak signed a three-year, $13.95 million contract on Friday. The deal will begin in 2027-28 after Novak completes his current three-year, $10.5 million contract. Novak had his first full season with the Penguins last term, contributing 16 goals and 26 assists in 82 games. It was his third 40-point campaign in four years. Novak has shown great consistency, but at 29, he's probably reached his ceiling and is unlikely to develop further. He will likely spend most of next season in a middle-six role.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Nick Bosa Doing Work Off to the Side at Training Camp
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) has yet to take part in team drills or one-on-one work at training camp, but he spent time with veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams doing some work on the side during one-on-one pass-rush drills on Friday to start getting back up to speed, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The 49ers are easing Bosa back into the mix this summer after he suffered a torn ACL in his knee in Week 3 of last year. He avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list to open camp, but it's unclear when he'll be a full-go. "I can't tell he had an injury and came back from anything," Williams said. "Most people with an injury that catastrophic, you can see it with something like atrophy in the leg. Bosa looks better than he did before he got hurt." The Niners had the fewest sacks in the NFL in 2025, but getting a healthy Bosa back this year would go a long way in turning that around. The 28-year-old five-time Pro Bowler had a league-best 18.5 sacks in 2022 and has 64.5 sacks in seven NFL seasons, but he remains a big injury risk at D-line in IDP fantasy formats.
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Luis Garcia Jr. Leaves Friday's Game Early With Knee Soreness
Washington Nationals infielder Luis Garcia Jr. (knee) left Friday night's game early against the division-rival Atlanta Braves with soreness in his right knee in the seventh inning, according to Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com. Garcia went 0-for-3 at the plate with a strikeout in the eventual 6-2 loss at Truist Park. He was replaced at first base by Andres Chaparro. Until we know more about the severity of the 26-year-old's injury, we'll consider him day-to-day. But if the injury forces him to miss extended time, Chaparro could be the leading candidate in D.C. to see most of the playing time at first base. Garcia has been mentioned as a potential trade chip this summer with the deadline quickly approaching on Monday, Aug. 3, and it remains to be seen if this injury will scare contending teams off. The lefty hitter has an intriguing power profile and came into Friday's contest hitting .286 (100-for-350) with a career-high 23 home runs, 76 RBI, 48 runs scored, four stolen bases, and a league-high .566 slugging percentage in 102 games played. Check back to see if Garcia is available for Saturday's game in Atlanta.
Source: NatsJournal.com - Mark Zuckerman
Source: NatsJournal.com - Mark Zuckerman
Willson Contreras Pulled After Getting Hit in the Head by a Pitch
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (head) was pulled from Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers after he was hit in the head by a pitch in the top of the third inning, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Contreras stayed in to run the bases and was then pulled going into the bottom of the third inning. Before leaving, the right-handed slugger went 0-for-1 at the plate with a strikeout. Contreras will most assuredly go for concussion testing, and he could be forced to the seven-day injured list. Nick Sogard shifted from second base to first base after Contreras left, with rookie Anthony Seigler entering the game to play the keystone for Boston. With Curtis Mead (wrist) on the injured list, Sogard would most likely take over most of the playing time at first base if Contreras is forced to miss additional time with his head injury. Losing the Venezuelan first baseman would be a tough blow for the surging BoSox, as Contreras is having the best year of his career in Beantown in 2026. The four-time All-Star came into Friday's game in L.A. with a .289/.396/.549 slash line with a .944 OPS, 23 home runs, 67 RBI, 55 runs scored, and three steals in 101 games. He needs just two more home runs to set a new career high in that category.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Oronde Gadsden to be Phased Out of Chargers Offense
After a standout rookie season in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden has been pushed to the side by the team's recent additions to the tight end room. Gadsden hauled in 49 of 69 targets for 664 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games last season as a rookie. However, the team added former Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar to a three-year, $24.3 million contract and former Pro-Bowler David Njoku as well. In training camp, footage has shown Gadsden catching passes from fourth-string quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, while Kolar and Njoku work with the first team. If this trend continues, fantasy managers will need to pump the brakes on a second-year breakout for the former Syracuse tight end.
Source: Kris Rhim - ESPN
Source: Kris Rhim - ESPN
Charlie Kolar Could be a Big Factor in 2026
Los Angeles Chargers' new tight end, Charlie Kolar, is expected to be a major factor in the team's tight end room in 2026. Kolar signed a three-year, $24.3 million contract with the Chargers, marking one of the team's first free-agent moves, well before the addition of former Browns tight end David Njoku. Quarterback Justin Herbert praised both Kolar and Njoku, saying, "I think it's really cool to have Charlie [Kolar] and David [Njoku]." He added that he expects Kolar to have a very good year and is excited to get him the ball. Kolar and Njoku joined Oronde Gadsden II, who had a tremendous rookie season as a receiver but struggled as a blocker. From a fantasy perspective, targeting any tight end in this offense seems risky.
Source: Alex Insdorf - Bolt Beat
Source: Alex Insdorf - Bolt Beat
Sean Tucker to be Short Yardage Back in 2026?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker is likely to be a factor on the goal line again. While Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell take over as the RB by committee, Tucker remains a factor in short-yardage and goal-line situations because of his size advantage over Irving and Gainwell. Tucker scored eight touchdowns last season, including six in his final eight games, while Irving had zero attempts inside the five-yard line. With the Buccaneers' offense hoping to bounce back after a tough finish to their season, Tucker could see more work on the goal line. Along with his value as a handcuff to Irving, Tucker is worth monitoring in most fantasy formats this season.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Jaylen Waddle Having Sensational Camp So Far
Denver Broncos' newly acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has gotten off to a fantastic start to his first training camp in Denver. Waddle has made several explosive plays, including an insane one-handed catch in the end zone, and has earned praise from head coach Sean Payton. Payton said that he is a player who "walks on water" and that "there's a clear vision for him." The former Dolphins receiver has tallied over 50 yards per game in each of his five NFL seasons and may have found his best situation yet with Bo Nix and the Broncos. The former Top-10 pick is currently ranked WR22 and could easily outshine that mark in 2026.
Source: Zac Stevens - DNVR
Source: Zac Stevens - DNVR
Adonai Mitchell's Connection With New QB is Standing Out
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell has shown strong chemistry with quarterback Geno Smith early in training camp. Smith and Mitchell had a fantastic spring and have picked up right where they left off early in camp. After being traded from the Indianapolis Colts to the Jets during the 2025 season, Mitchell emerged, recording 24 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns in eight games with the team. The former second-round pick struggled early in his career with drops and costly mistakes, but has seen a jump in production in New York, with the team's No. 1 receiver, Garrett Wilson, out for most of the 2025 season. Despite Wilson being back and new rookies entering the fold, Mitchell has all the talent and may have found his match with Smith as his quarterback.
Source: Eric Allen - NYJets.com
Source: Eric Allen - NYJets.com
Ryan O'Hearn Suffers Quad Injury on Friday
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Ryan O'Hearn (quad) was removed during Friday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. O'Hearn appears to have suffered a quad injury while running to first base during the ninth inning of Friday's loss. He needed to be helped off the field and was reportedly using crutches in the clubhouse. Pirates' manager Don Kelly said that the injury didn't look good, so the team will likely send O'Hearn for additional testing. There should be more information on his status ahead of Saturday's contest. For now, fantasy managers can consider O'Hearn as day-to-day, but don't be shocked if he lands on the Injured List. Jacob Gonzalez could potentially move to first base if O'Hearn misses time.
Source: Colin Beazley
Source: Colin Beazley
Maikel Garcia to Visit a Hand Specialist
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (hand) is scheduled to see a hand specialist next week, according to Jaylon Thompson. Garcia has been sidelined since late June due to a left-hand muscle strain. He began a rehab assignment on Tuesday, but was quickly pulled off due to renewed pain in his left hand. The Royals should have a better timetable for Garcia after he is evaluated by the hand specialist. Fantasy managers should continue to hold the 26-year-old and be hopeful for a return sometime this month. There should be another update on his status later this week.
Source: Jaylon Thompson
Source: Jaylon Thompson
Casey Schmitt has Knee Surgery, Out 6-8 Weeks
San Francisco Giants third baseman Casey Schmitt (knee) underwent successful surgery and will be sidelined roughly six to eight weeks. Schmidt required surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee. Given the Giants' current place in the standings, Schmidt is most likely done for the season. Unless a miracle happens, the Giants aren't going to be in playoff contention, so they probably won't bother bringing back Schmidt until 2027. The 27-year-old can be safely dropped in all redraft formats. This season, Schmidt is slashing .271/.301/.483 with a career-high 21 home runs and 55 RBI across 98 games. It was a breakout season for Schmidt, so hopefully he'll be able to recapture the same magic once he returns.
Source: Alex Pavlovic
Source: Alex Pavlovic
Blake Snell to Make Another Rehab Start
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell (elbow) will make one more rehab outing at Triple-A Oklahoma City. On Friday, the southpaw confirmed that he'll make a final rehab start before rejoining the Dodgers rotation. He was excellent during his latest rehab outing when he struck out nine batters across four scoreless innings of work. He only threw 60 pitches during that outing, so the Dodgers probably want to increase his pitch count before Snell comes back to the active roster. Fantasy managers should scoop him up off the waiver wire if he's still sitting there in any formats.
Source: Jack Harris
Source: Jack Harris
Tatsuya Imai is Shifting to the Bullpen
Houston Astros starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai will be moved to the bullpen for the time being. Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters on Friday that Imai will move to the bullpen for the upcoming weekend series against the Texas Rangers. It has been mostly a struggle for Imai, so the team will see if he is more reliable out of the bullpen. During his latest start, Imai allowed two earned runs and walked four batters across 0.2 innings of work. The Astros haven't named a replacement to take Imai's spot for Sunday's start, but the expectation is that Peter Lambert will get a chance in the rotation. Imai is unlikely to offer much fantasy value out of the bullpen, so fantasy managers can start looking for a replacement.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Greg Dulcich Expected to Split Snaps?
Despite a ton of hype surrounding Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich, he may not be the starting tight end in 2026. According to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques, third-round rookie tight end Will Kacmarek is expected to start right away in his rookie season, making Dulcich a TE1B or TE2 for this season. The former Broncos and Giants tight end played 10 games last season with Miami, hauling in 26 of 33 passes for 335 yards and one touchdown. With the team expected to use heavy personnel frequently in 2026, both Dulcich and Kacmarek will contribute to the offense. However, with limited passing volume or production expected from Malik Willis, Dulcich may not be worth a dart throw in fantasy this season.
Source: Marcel Louis-Jacques - ESPN
Source: Marcel Louis-Jacques - ESPN
Grizzlies are Nearing Buyout with D'Angelo Russell
The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly nearing a buyout with guard D'Angelo Russell. According to Evan Sidery, the Grizzlies are expected to finalize this buyout soon. There are no plans for Russell to play for the Grizzlies this upcoming season. The 30-year-old was acquired as a part of a six-team blockbuster trade earlier this offseason. After the buyout is finished, Russell would enter free agency as an unrestricted player who is free to sign anywhere. Last season, Russell averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 19.0 minutes per game in 26 contests with the Dallas Mavericks. He'll likely sign with a contending team as a bench piece, so his fantasy value will probably be limited.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Deebo Samuel Sr. had Offer From Colts Before Signing With 49ers
Newly signed San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. had a deal on the table from the Indianapolis Colts before deciding to return to the 49ers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Colts have been looking to add another receiver to their room, with Alec Pierce (ankle) dealing with an injury and Josh Downs as the only receiver in their current room to tally over 500 yards in any season of their career. While Samuel chose the 49ers over the Colts, that doesn't shut the door on Indianapolis adding another receiver in free agency. Players like Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, and Keenan Allen remain on the market looking for deals. While the trade of Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers has vacated targets for Pierce and Downs, adding any of those three free agents would increase risk to their current fantasy value.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Nets Could Extend Michael Porter Jr.
The Brooklyn Nets could potentially use the rest of their remaining cap space to give small forward Michael Porter Jr. a long-term extension. They could raise his 2026-2027 salary to $45.3 million and add four additional seasons to his contract. Porter is entering the final year of his deal and is coming off a career year with the Nets. He averaged a career-high 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 32.5 minutes per game in 52 contests. The 28-year-old is going to set himself up for a hefty payday if he puts together similar stats again in 2026. The Nets would be smart to lock up Porter now, assuming they believe he's going to be a key piece to the future of this roster.
Source: Yossi Gozlan
Source: Yossi Gozlan
Jalen Coker Aiming to Become 1,000-Yard Receiver
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker has set his sights on becoming a 1,000-yard receiver in 2026. Coker told the media Friday, "That was my goal as a rookie. That was my goal last year. It will be my goal this year." Despite a quad injury that cost him the first six games of the 2025 season, Coker finished strong, totaling 28 receptions for 377 yards and four touchdowns in his final six games, including his monster playoff game. If he holds that pace for a full 17-game season, Coker will reach 1,000 yards. While second-year receiver Tetairoa McMillan will operate as the WR1 in Carolina, Coker showed at the end of 2025 that he can produce even without being the alpha WR1. The third-year receiver is a dark horse to contribute in fantasy formats this season and should be rostered in all formats.
Source: Joe Person - The Athletic
Source: Joe Person - The Athletic
Bulls, Pelicans Remain Interested in Bennedict Mathurin
The New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls are both reportedly interested in restricted free-agent shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin. The Los Angeles Clippers tendered a qualifying offer to Mathurin, so they do retain his restricted rights. The Clippers intend to keep Mathurin, but that hasn't slowed teams down from showing interest. He averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 28.0 minutes per game in 26 games with the Clippers this past season. There seems to be a handful of suitors for Mathurin, but the Clippers are unlikely to let him leave. We'll see if the Pelicans or Bulls make an offer to Mathurin this offseason.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Terrance Ferguson Looking to Separate Himself in Rams Deep Tight End Room
Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson is eyeing a breakout season in 2026, but it won't come easy. The 2025 second-round pick had 11 receptions on 25 targets for 231 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games last season. He saw an increase in snaps toward the end of the 2025 season, jumping from 26% in the first seven weeks to 63% from Week 12 on. However, the Rams currently have one of the deepest tight end rooms in the NFL, with Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and now second-round rookie Max Klare. While efficiency was there in Year 1, Ferguson will have to separate himself as the clear-cut TE1 in this room to have a chance to contribute in most fantasy formats this season. Unless a trade or injury happens to a tight end on this team, Ferguson is a late-round flyer at best.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sean McVay Says Arrow Pointing Upwards for Aaron Donald's Return
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Friday that future Hall of Fame pass-rusher Aaron Donald's return is trending upward as the Rams approach the season. McVay said, "He doesn't expect an update when the team gets to Woodland Hills, but if there's an arrow, it's trending upward." Donald retired after the 2023 season, but the Rams' acquiring reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett this offseason reportedly piqued his interest. Donald has been training hard to see how his body responds, and if all goes well, he could suit up for the team this season. The Rams head back to their facility on August 10th, so expect a Donald update or announcement then.
Source: Sarah Barshop - ESPN
Source: Sarah Barshop - ESPN
Timberwolves Expressing Interest in Jonathan Kuminga
The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in signing free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga. He became an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks decided to decline his $24.3 million option for the 2026 season. A return to Atlanta is possible, but the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly showing interest as well. Now, Minnesota is putting its hat into the mix after missing out on the LeBron James sweepstakes. The Wolves could use another forward or center after the departure of Julius Randle and Naz Reid this offseason. His overall fantasy value will be dependent on where he lands this offseason.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Davante Adams Uncertain About Future After 2026 Season
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams is unsure whether 2026 will be his final NFL season or if he'll continue to play. The 13th-year receiver said this week that, "I've given (retirement) some thought. Right now, I'm just enjoying it. I can't tell you if it's going to be after this year or after next year. I truly don't know." In his first season with the Rams in 2025, he had 60 receptions for 789 yards and a league-high 14 touchdowns in 14 games. With Matthew Stafford still playing at a high level and Adams remaining one of the NFL's most dangerous red-zone wide receivers, expect the veteran receiver to post low-end WR2 numbers in 2026.
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Bobby Witt Jr. on Track to Return Next Tuesday
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (back) is expected to go through another full workout on Saturday, and he is on track to return from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday to take on the division-rival Minnesota Twins at home at Kauffman Stadium, according to Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star. Witt has been sidelined since July 22 with back soreness, but he has been recovering nicely and will return to the Royals without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 26-year-old three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner should be plugged back into all starting lineups in traditional leagues right away next week. Witt will be returning to a .279/.350/.450 slash line with an .800 OPS, 13 home runs, 39 RBI, 30 stolen bases, and 51 runs scored in his 369 at-bats in 2026. July was by far Witt's worst month of the season, as he hit just .196 (11-for-56) with a homer, two doubles, three RBI, seven runs scored, two steals, four walks, and 13 strikeouts in 14 games played. The former second overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft still has plenty of time to be a difference-maker down the stretch for fantasy managers as a five-category contributor.
Source: The Kansas City Star - Jaylon T. Thompson
Source: The Kansas City Star - Jaylon T. Thompson
DJ Giddens Sees First-Team Reps in Practice on Friday
Indianapolis Colts second-year running back DJ Giddens took more first-team reps in training camp practice on Friday with starter Jonathan Taylor being rested, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Giddens has struggled to catch the ball out of the backfield in team drills, with Boyd saying that he's going to need to clean that up if he wants to secure the backup role behind Taylor in 2026. The 22-year-old former fifth-rounder (151st overall) last year from Kansas State only appeared in nine games with the Colts as a rookie and had 26 rushing attempts for 96 yards and zero touchdowns while adding zero catches on just two targets. Giddens' primary competition for the RB2 role in camp this summer is Seth McGowan. Neither Giddens nor McGowan will be much of a threat to Taylor's overall workload as the Colts' bell-cow back, giving them very little fantasy appeal as handcuff options in very deep fantasy leagues this year.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Ben Sinnott Far More Active in Training Camp
Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott has been "far more active," as well as Chig Okonkwo, in terms of running routes and versatility under new offensive coordinator David Blough than they had been the previous two seasons, according to John Keim of ESPN. Sinnott and the other tight ends "have run a wider variety of routes" so far in training camp. "It's not even close," Sinnott said. "So many different variations. Today we're lining up at number one [receiver on the outside], we're running five-step ins, we're running corners, we're running options, we're running flat [routes]. We're just doing everything. It's so much fun. It's a breath of fresh air for this offense and how it uses tight ends." The 24-year-old Sinnott, who was a second-rounder in 2024 from Kansas State, has only caught 16 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons in D.C., so this is pretty new to him. While he could be used as more of a pass-catcher in Blough's offense, Sinnott would likely need an injury to Okonkwo to become relevant as a streaming TE in fantasy football leagues in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - John Keim
Source: ESPN.com - John Keim
Deshaun Watson Takes All First-Team Reps on Friday
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson took all of the first-team reps in practice on Friday on Day 3 of training camp, according to ESPN Cleveland. Watson went 18-for-27 passing on the day with no touchdowns and an interception. He also took all the first-team reps on the first day of training camp practice on Wednesday, with second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders getting the first-team looks on Thursday. For now, head coach Todd Monken plans to alternate first-team reps every day for Watson and Sanders as they compete for the QB1 job entering the start of the 2026 regular season in September. Watson struggled on Wednesday, at one point throwing back-to-back interceptions in 11-on-11 team drills. There's no clear leader in the competition just yet, but we should get a clearer picture once the pads go on to start next week. Whoever wins the Browns' starting QB gig will probably be on a very short leash and won't be a very exciting QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues. Monken isn't expected to name a starter until much later in camp.
Source: ESPN Cleveland
Source: ESPN Cleveland
