February 25, 2026
There is a "strong belief" that former New Orleans Saints quarterback
Derek Carr is "very serious" about unretiring and returning to the NFL in 2026, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Carr's rights belong to the Saints, but Schultz writes that teams with winning aspirations "have real interest" in the former four-time Pro Bowler. The 34-year-old's retirement last offseason was a surprise, and now he's got the itch to come back now that he's fully healthy. The former second-round selection by the Raiders in 2014 out of Fresno State, Carr played in only 10 games for the Saints due to injury in 2024 and threw for 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. His prime for fantasy purposes came from 2018 to 2021 with the Raiders, when he had four straight seasons of 4,000 passing yards. Carr could be in contention for a starting role in 2026 if he comes out of retirement, but it's a stretch to think he'll be much more than a low-end QB2 in fantasy if it ends up happening.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 25, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
James Harden (thumb) has been downgraded to out for Wednesday's game in Milwaukee after initially planning to play through the injury. The non-shooting thumb will not require surgery, but his absence, along with
Donovan Mitchell's (groin) injury, leaves significant usage available.
Jaylon Tyson logged 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 27 minutes last game and profiles as a strong short-term add.
Dennis Schroder posted five assists and two steals in 21 minutes and gained streaming appeal, while
Craig Porter Jr. could see a situational run.
--Brian DailisanSource: Spencer Davies
February 25, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are releasing starting center Lloyd Cushenberry on Wednesday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Cushenberry was a big-ticket free-agent acquisition by the Titans in 2024, when he signed a four-year, $50 million deal. The 28-year-old didn't live up to expectations in his two years with the team, though, and he was set to make $8 million in 2026. The former third-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2020 out of LSU only started eight games for the Titans in his first year with the team after suffering an Achilles tear in Week 9 before making 15 starts last year. Cushenberry should generate interest from NFL teams looking for help on the interior of their offensive line, even though he ended the 2025 campaign with an undisclosed injury.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 25, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons informed former Pro Bowl special teams player
KhaDarel Hodge (shoulder) that he will be released, a source told Marc Raimondi of ESPN. The 31-year-old veteran wide receiver appeared in 12 games in 2025 in his fourth year in Atlanta and caught just three passes on 10 targets for 31 yards and no touchdowns on offense. Hodge finished the season on Injured Reserve due to a shoulder injury, but he should be good to go for the start of next season this fall. Regardless of where Hodge lands in free agency, the former undrafted free agent won't be on the fantasy football radar and will most likely contribute more on special teams as a kick returner. In Hodge's eight NFL seasons with four different teams, he's never gone over 232 receiving yards, one touchdown, or 14 receptions.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
February 25, 2026
Houston Rockets forward
Dorian Finney-Smith (rest) will not play Wednesday against the Kings as the team manages his workload on the front end of a back-to-back. The veteran wing is expected back on Thursday in Orlando. His absence could open a few extra minutes for
Josh Okogie and
Jeff Green, though neither offers reliable fantasy appeal. Okogie logged two points with one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 13 minutes last game, while Green played two minutes without scoring.
Kevin Durant and
Tari Eason should absorb most of the wing usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Lachard Binkley
February 25, 2026
According to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca, Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Scottie Barnes (quadriceps) will play on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Barnes sustained a right quadriceps contusion during Tuesday's contest versus Oklahoma City but appears ready to suit up without restrictions. Before exiting late in the fourth quarter, the two-time All-Star recorded 15 points, three rebounds, seven assists, three steals and four blocks. With no reported limitations, Barnes should remain a high-upside fantasy option in all formats.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Blake Murphy
February 25, 2026
The Chicago Bears have granted permission for linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to seek a trade this offseason, a league source told Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. Edmunds is under contract through the 2026 season at $15 million after he signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the team in May of 2023. He's still young at 27 years old and was playing at a Pro Bowl caliber in 10 games before suffering a minor injury. Despite playing in a career-low 13 games in his third season in Chicago, the former 16th overall pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2018 out of Virginia Tech led the Bears with 112 tackles (61 solo). He also had one sack, a career-high four interceptions, nine pass breakups, and a forced fumble in the regular season. If Edmunds reaches the open market, he'll be one of the better linebackers available and should sign quickly.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
February 25, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Kyle Anderson (personal) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Warriors after initially being listed as questionable with a knee issue. He will miss a third straight contest, keeping the frontcourt rotation thin.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper started last game and posted 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block in 25 minutes.
GG Jackson II added 16 points, six rebounds, and three three-pointers in 26 minutes. Both are viable streamers if minutes hold in the mid-20s, while
Taylor Hendricks remains a deeper category option.
--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
February 25, 2026
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that wide receiver/kick returner
Tory Horton (shin, groin), who missed the entire second half of his rookie campaign last year, will not "do anything in the spring," according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. The 23-year-old fifth-rounder out of Colorado State was starting to see a bit more usage in the offense at the time of his injury, and he scored five times in eight games, but he caught just 13 passes on 22 targets for 161 yards as a wideout. Horton underwent surgery for his lower-body injuries, but he should have enough time to recover to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. In addition to his five TDs as a receiver, Horton returned a punt for a touchdown on special teams. He appears to have a nose for the end zone, but going into Year 2, Horton probably won't be on the fantasy radar for managers in standard 12-team leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
February 25, 2026
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that running back
Zach Charbonnet (knee) doesn't have a timetable for a return after undergoing surgery last weekend to fix the torn ACL in his knee that he suffered in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs, according to Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. The typical recovery time for reconstructive knee surgery for ACL tears is eight to 12 months. Seattle doesn't know exactly when Charb might be back in 2026, but Macdonald said the team is "more optimistic than it was initially." The 25-year-old took on a bigger role next to
Kenneth Walker III during the 2025 regular season and led the team with 12 rushing touchdowns, the fifth-most in the NFL. He was the first Seahawk with double-digit TDs since Marshawn Lynch in 2014. Walker will be a free agent next month, but even if he departs, Charbonnet's 2026 fantasy value will most likely be down since he probably won't be ready for Week 1.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
February 25, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Alex Caruso (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Detroit. The 31-year-old wing will sit out the second leg of the back-to-back, leaving rotation minutes available on the perimeter.
Jared McCain logged five points, four rebounds, and one steal in 10 minutes on Tuesday after producing 10 points with two three-pointers in 16 minutes against Cleveland.
Aaron Wiggins added eight points in 17 minutes last game. Both are deep-league streamers, while
Cason Wallace and
Isaiah Joe remain in elevated roles with increased shot volume.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that there hasn't been an indication that the Jacksonville Jaguars are planning to trade wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. this offseason, but there "are teams monitoring the situation" in case the former first-rounder has fallen far enough down their depth chart that the "front office would consider a move." The 23-year-old LSU product was a draft choice of the previous administration two years ago and still has two more years for a total of $4.9 million on his contract, plus a fifth-year team option for 2028. Thomas was excellent in 2024, posting an 87-1,282-10 line in 17 regular-season games, but he regressed in 2025 and finished with 48 catches for 707 yards and only two TDs in 14 regular-season games. The Jags traded for
Jakobi Meyers and then signed him to a long-term deal, and
Parker Washington also broke out. Thomas finished in more of a WR3 field-stretching role last year, and the best chances of him returning to his rookie form might be with a change of scenery.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
February 25, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Al Horford (toe) is set to suit up Wednesday against Memphis after sitting out Tuesday's matchup with New Orleans. The 39-year-old totaled 22 points, one rebound, seven assists, two blocks and three steals in his most recent appearance against Denver on Sunday. With
Draymond Green (back) sidelined, Horford should continue to see steady frontcourt minutes, likely in the 20-25 range for Wednesday's contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder centers
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and
Chet Holmgren (back) will not play Wednesday against Detroit, and
Jalen Williams (hamstring) remains out, clearing significant frontcourt minutes.
Jaylin Williams is the primary beneficiary after posting two points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 16 minutes Tuesday. He profiles as a deep-league streamer for rebounds and short-term volume, with a path to 24 to 28 minutes if he starts.
Kenrich Williams and
Branden Carlson could join the rotation as situational options.
Cason Wallace and
Isaiah Joe retain secondary usage bumps.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect
Konnor Griffin (foot) left Wednesday's Grapefruit League game in the sixth inning after he was hit in the foot with a pitch, according to DK Pittsburgh Sports. Griffin stayed in the game to run the bases, but he didn't come out to play the field in the seventh inning. It doesn't appear to be a very serious injury, though, as Griffin said, "I'm good." Pittsburgh might give the 19-year-old a day or two off in camp to rest his foot, but it doesn't sound like anything that will prohibit the young infielder from winning the Opening Day starting shortstop gig. Griffin has played in only 21 minor-league games beyond High-A, but his power/speed upside might be too much for the Pirates to pass up to begin the 2026 season, which is why they're considering signing him to a long-term extension before he has even set foot on a big-league diamond in a regular-season game. His draft stock will continue to improve in all fantasy formats if he continues to play well in spring training.
--Keith HernandezSource: DK Pittsburgh Sports
February 25, 2026
Top prospect
Konnor Griffin and the Pittsburgh Pirates are open to a long-term contract extension, according to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The 19-year-old is the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball going into the 2026 season, and he appears to be the favorite this spring to open the 2026 regular season as Pittsburgh's starting shortstop. He hit two homers in a Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox already in spring training. Griffin has played in only 21 minor-league games above High-A, so fantasy managers in all formats would be wise to expect some growing pains if he breaks camp with the big-league roster. With positive reports coming out of camp, Griffin's ADP continues to rise. He should be rostered in all fantasy formats, and he's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 19 shortstop in fantasy because of his elite power/speed upside at a premium position.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Noah Hiles
February 25, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas (knee) is holding out hope that he'll be ready to play by Opening Day in late March, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. "I still have a couple benchmarks like sliding and running bases that I haven't tackled yet that I want to feel perfectly comfortable going into a game having done multiple times and recovered from, and then over the weeks felt like I've developed that skill again. But my health right now is in a really good place compared to where it's been in the past," Casas said. A torn patellar tendon limited Casas to 29 games in 2025, and he's likely to either begin this season on the injured list or at Triple-A Worcester as he works his way back to 100%. And when the 26-year-old left-handed slugger is ready, he won't be the primary first baseman after Boston acquired
Willson Contreras in a trade this offseason. Casas' fantasy baseball stock has dropped considerably.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
February 25, 2026
Colorado Rockies center fielder
Brenton Doyle (wrist) was scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League contest against the Chicago Cubs with left-wrist inflammation, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The Rockies are saying it's precautionary and not from a recent hit-by-pitch. Although it doesn't sound like a serious injury, it's not what the 27-year-old wants to deal with as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing third year in the big leagues. Doyle broke out in 2024 with a .260/.317/.446 slash line, .764 OPS, 23 home runs, 72 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 30 steals in 149 games, but he regressed to a .233/.274/.376 slash line, .651 OPS, 15 homers, 57 RBI, 57 runs, and 18 stolen bases in 138 games played in 2025. If he can stay healthy, though, fantasy managers should look at him as a value pick this year. Doyle's batted-ball metrics (44.6% hard-hit rate, 10.8% barrel rate, and 89.9 mph average exit velocity) point to a rebound.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
February 25, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Draymond Green (back) won't play Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 35-year-old veteran will sit out the second set of a back-to-back after finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks during Tuesday's loss to the Pelicans. Green should be back on the floor on Saturday versus the Lakers, but in the meantime,
Al Horford and
Quinten Post will be relied upon to carry the team's frontcourt. However, neither player qualifies as a viable streaming option this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed on Wednesday that veteran right-hander
Merrill Kelly (back) will not start on Opening Day due to a back injury he picked up in camp, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. The good news is that Kelly's MRI results haven't shown any structural damage, so he could have a minimal stay on the injured list to begin the 2026 regular season. With Kelly now unable to be ready for the start of the year, right-hander
Michael Soroka could round out the Snakes' Opening Day rotation in Arizona. Kelly features a diverse arsenal and has plenty of experience in the big leagues, but his lack of putaway stuff already made him a low-ceiling starting pitcher for fantasy purposes, and his back injury now make his even less attractive as rotation depth in mixed leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
February 25, 2026
Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (thigh) will rejoin the lineup on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers, while forward Mikael Granlund (upper body) has been ruled out. Carlsson was one of the biggest stars to miss the Olympic tournament after undergoing a thigh procedure on Jan. 16. He's made a huge impact this season, posting 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games. Granlund, who centered the first line during Carlsson's absence, was hurt while playing for Finland in Milan, but he could return to the lineup later this week. Alex Killorn and Beckett Sennecke will join Carlsson on the first line against Edmonton.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 25, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (knee) won't play on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Melton will have the second set of back-to-back games off for injury maintenance after posting 28 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 28 minutes during Tuesday's loss to New Orleans.
Draymond Green (back) has also been ruled out, so Guy Santos will likely continue to see an expanded role in the Warriors' rotation.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander
River Ryan (elbow) made his return from Tommy John surgery on Wednesday in Cactus League action by retiring two of the three batters he faced against the Arizona Diamondbacks, including a strikeout of third baseman
Nolan Arenado, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Ryan hit 98 mph with his fastball and showed six different pitches overall. Harris writes that Ryan is battling for a potential Opening Day rotation spot in camp. The 27-year-old former 11th-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2021 out of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke has only four major-league starts under his belt when he debuted with the Dodgers in 2024. The former position player has enough upside to be worth stashing in NL-only leagues. In his four starts in 2024, Ryan had an impressive 1.33 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 18:9 K:BB in 20 1/3 innings with a 50% ground-ball rate.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
February 25, 2026
Chicago White Sox infielder/outfielder
Luisangel Acuna (eye) left Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Cincinnati Reds with a cut above his left eyebrow, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Acuna is being evaluated for sutures. The 23-year-old was injured in the fourth inning while attempting to steal a base. As long as he doesn't also have a concussion, Acuna should be fine to return to baseball activities in a day or two. The younger brother of Braves star outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr., hit .248/.299/.341 with a .640 OPS, three home runs, 14 RBI, 36 runs, and 16 stolen bases in 109 games with the New York Mets in his first two MLB seasons. Acuna has a path to become Chicago's Opening Day center fielder, but on one of the worst teams in baseball with limited power, he's only really a late-round target for his speed in AL-only leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
February 25, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid will suit up Wednesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. While it was initially reported that McDavid could sit out a couple of games after the Olympics, the Oilers captain participated in Wednesday's morning skate and told reporters he will play in Wednesday's contest. Edmonton dropped three games in a row before the Olympic break, and McDavid appears determined to get his squad back on track. The NHL's leading scorer needs just four more points to record his sixth consecutive 100-point campaign. He has logged 34 goals and 62 assists in 58 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 25, 2026
Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (lower body) will sit out Wednesday's contest against the Philadelphia Flyers. The veteran blue-liner sustained a lower-body injury before the Olympic break and needs more time to fully recover. It's bad news for the Capitals, as Carlson has played great hockey in 2025-26. Across 55 outings, Carlson has contributed 10 goals, 36 assists, and 84 blocks. Declan Chisholm is expected to take Carlson's spot in the lineup on Wednesday, but he is an unappealing option for fantasy managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 25, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (groin) is unavailable for Wednesday's clash with the Milwaukee Bucks. Mitchell is dealing with a strained right groin and will sit out the second half of a back-to-back after finishing with 23 points, four assists, five rebounds and three steals across 31 minutes in Tuesday's 109-94 win over the Knicks. Cleveland's backcourt could also be without
James Harden (thumb), who is listed as questionable. If Harden is unable to suit up,
Dennis Schroder,
Sam Merrill, and
Jaylon Tyson would likely take on expanded roles during Wednesday's contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (illness) has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup with the Seattle Kraken. He's been battling an illness after the Olympics and won't be available for at least one game. Dallas will also restart the action without Radek Faksa (upper body) and Mikko Rantanen (lower body), putting the spotlight on players like Mavrik Bourque and Sam Steel. The two will be part of the top six on Wednesday night and will skate on the second power-play unit. Meanwhile, injuries in the attacking department have opened the door for Arttu Hyry to make his NHL debut.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 25, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore won't play against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night. Vegas had several representatives in Sunday's Olympic final, including Theodore, and the team has decided to give them a bit of extra rest after the tournament. According to Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, all players are likely to return to the lineup for Friday's tilt against the Washington Capitals. With Theodore and Noah Hanifin missing from the defense, Dylan Coghlan and Brayden McNabb (upper body) will be inserted into the lineup. McNabb will return to action after missing 19 games with an upper-body injury.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 25, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center
Evan Mobley (calf) will not play in Wednesday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. The contest is the second leg of a back-to-back, and the Cavaliers are opting to rest Mobley as he continues his recovery from a left calf strain that previously sidelined him for seven games. Cleveland appears to be taking a cautious approach to avoid any setback. In his absence,
Dean Wade and
Nae'Qwan Tomlin should see increased minutes, making them potential short-term streaming options in deeper fantasy formats.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
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