Aug 4, 2026, 6:18 PM ET

The Athletic's Dan Duggan reports that the New York Giants' offense has been scuffling early in training camp this summer, and the "expected growing pains have been evident" for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart in head coach John Harbaugh's new offense. Former Giants head coach Brian Daboll imported many of the passing concepts from Ole Miss' playbook last year to help Dart enjoy success as a rookie, but Harbaugh and new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy have "challenged Dart to run a more traditional offense." The former first-rounder has had to play more under center to facilitate what is expected to be a more run-heavy offensive approach. Dart was in the shotgun on 79.9% of his snaps as a rookie, so the transition has been a major adjustment. It helps explain why New York's offense has looked "disjointed" early on, and part of the problem has been the team's dominant pass rush. Despite the offense's struggles, Harbaugh has praised Dart, saying "he's done an outstanding job" while having a lot on his plate. Dart is tempting as a QB1 in fantasy because of his elite rushing ability, but this should help temper some expectations for him going into Year 2 in his first full season as the Giants' starter. He's best drafted as a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 in what probably won't be a linear development for him in the new offense.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan

Aug 4, 2026, 6:08 PM ET

The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain reports that Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (undisclosed) returned to team drills in training camp practice on Tuesday. Monangai recently missed some practices due to an undisclosed soft-tissue injury, but the Bears never seemed very concerned, and the second-year RB is now making his way back into team drills this week. Fantasy managers should have no concerns at this point regarding Monangai potentially missing the start of the 2026 regular season. The 24-year-old former seventh-round pick last year from Rutgers had a nice showing in his first NFL season in 2025 while sharing the backfield with RB1 D'Andre Swift, carrying the ball 169 times for 783 yards and five touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (one start). He wasn't very efficient as a pass-catcher, though, catching 18 of 30 targets for 164 yards as a receiver. Monangai is set to reprise his role as a backfield complement to Swift in 2026, limiting his weekly fantasy football upside as more of an RB3/flex play. He's a must-have as a handcuff if you draft Swift early on.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Kevin Fishbain

Aug 4, 2026, 5:48 PM ET

Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said on Tuesday that left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder, lat) has resumed throwing, according to Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald. Crochet started throwing on flat ground at 50 to 60 feet, but it's still a notable step towards a potential return in the second half of the season. The 27-year-old southpaw has made only six starts in 2026 in his second year with the team, and he's been sidelined since late April with shoulder and lat injuries. The Red Sox are right in the mix for a playoff spot this year, so the team isn't going to shut Crochet down, especially since he's making progress. It's good news for his fantasy managers, but Crochet still has a ways to go and won't be ready to rejoin the big-league starting rotation until sometime in September, most likely. The two-time All-Star struggled in his six starts before landing on the IL, too, posting a 6.30 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts in 30 innings pitched. Crochet is being stashed in 85% of Yahoo leagues, but he's not going to have much time to contribute if/when he returns in the final month of the regular season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Boston Herald - Mac Cerullo

Aug 4, 2026, 5:40 PM ET

Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports that New York Giants veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. had a "major" uptick in first-team reps at training camp practice on Tuesday and had a near touchdown ruled out of bounds. OBJ came into Giants camp this summer competing for a depth role with the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Isaiah Hodgins, Braxton Berrios, and Jalin Hyatt, and by all accounts, he's putting his best foot forward to win a roster spot at the end of camp and the preseason. It has helped the 33-year-old veteran's cause that Malik Nabers (knee) and Darius Slayton (abdomen) are being held out of practices. Beckham still has a ways to go to make the Giants' final roster, and even if he does, it still seems like an uphill battle for the former first-rounder to carve out a big enough role in New York's offense to warrant attention in fantasy football leagues. He's managed just 44 receptions on 82 targets for 620 yards and three touchdowns in 23 games (six starts) over the last two years with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Post - Ryan Dunleavy

Aug 4, 2026, 5:22 PM ET

The Colorado Rockies announced on Tuesday that they agreed to a two-year contract extension with outfielder Mickey Moniak that covers the 2027-28 seasons. The deal covers his final year of salary arbitration next season and the first year of free agency in 2028. MLB.com's Thomas Harding reports that the deal is worth $16.25 million. There are still some holes in the 28-year-old former first overall pick's game, but he has been at his best since joining Colorado last year, hitting .272/.310/.536 with an .847 OPS, 42 home runs, 117 RBI, 101 runs, and 10 stolen bases with the Rockies since the start of last season in 210 games played. Moniak has hit .277/.318/.565 with a career-best .883 OPS, 18 home runs, 49 RBI, 39 runs scored, and a steal in 75 games and 283 plate appearances in Denver this year, and he needs six more homers to set a new career high. Plate discipline remains an issue for Moniak despite all the power gains, and he's hitting just .216 (11-for-51) with two of his 18 homers against lefties. Still, Moniak has become a much more attractive strong-side platoon outfield bat with pop, especially when playing at hitter-friendly Coors Field.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Rockies Club Information

Aug 4, 2026, 5:06 PM ET

Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (knee) is starting at shortstop and will bat second for the A's on Tuesday against the hosting Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Brady Singer, according to MLB.com. The A's held Wilson out of Sunday's series finale against the Detroit Tigers due to patellar tendinitis in his knee, but after Monday's off day, he's back in the starting nine. The 24-year-old will return to a .274/.307/.396 slash line with a .703 OPS, seven home runs, 34 RBI, 33 runs scored, and four stolen bases in his 71 games across 304 plate appearances in 2026 in his second full year in the majors. The former first-rounder from Grand Canyon University has elite bat-to-ball skills, but he lacks any real power or speed upside, which makes him less interesting in fantasy baseball. Wilson is rostered in only 55% of Yahoo leagues. He's battled injuries this year as well and played in just 20 combined games in May and June. In 20 games in July, Wilson bounced back by hitting .272 (22-for-81) with three homers, two doubles, a triple, seven RBI, nine runs scored, and two stolen bases in 85 plate appearances. Wilson is hitless in just two career at-bats against Singer.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Aug 4, 2026, 5:05 PM ET

Former Indiana star defensive lineman Stephen Daley is returning to the Hoosiers for the upcoming season, per ESPN's Pete Thamel. Daley recorded 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his senior season before tearing his ACL while celebrating with fans after the Big Ten Championship victory over Ohio State. Daley was out of eligibility but after the recent court ruling, gained his fifth year of eligibility and is now opting to return to Bloomington for a second season. He started his career at Kent State before joining Curt Cignetti at Indiana as a senior. Daley adds a big boost to Indiana's defensive line depth, making the line one of the best rotations in the nation.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Aug 4, 2026, 4:56 PM ET

Green Bay Packers All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee) said it's "very realistic" to play in Week 6 against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today Sports. "Is it possible? Yes, so I wouldn't say it's not possible. At the same time, in the next 10, 12 weeks from now, we've got to make it possible by putting the work in," Parsons said. The 27-year-old is unlikely to come off the Physically Unable to Perform list for the start of the 2026 regular season after tearing his ACL against the Denver Broncos in late December of last year, which means he will be forced to miss at least the first four weeks of his second season with the Packers. The former 12th overall pick by the Cowboys in 2021 from Penn State continued to be a difference-maker on defense in 2025 in his first year with the Packers, recording 41 tackles (19 solo), 12.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 27 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 14 games played. Missing at least the first four games will surely hurt Parsons' fantasy appeal in IDP formats in 2026, but he'll still be worth stashing in those leagues as an elite sack artist.--Keith Hernandez
Source: USA Today Sports - Ryan Wood

Aug 4, 2026, 4:48 PM ET

The Chicago Bears and right tackle Darnell Wright agreed to a four-year, $116 million contract extension with $93 million guaranteed on Tuesday, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The deal is the biggest ever for a right tackle and the most guaranteed money for an offensive lineman in NFL history. The 24-year-old has helped the Bears stabilize their offensive line in recent years, and he's started all 49 of the games that he's appeared in over his first three years in the league. The Bears definitely hit on Wright when they selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of the University of Tennessee. The $29 million average annual value of Wright's new deal is the second-most for an offensive tackle, trailing only the $30.1 million that Washington Commanders tackle Laremy Tunsil received in the extension he signed in March. With Wright's help last year, the Bears' offense ranked third in rushing to help them win the NFC North title.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Aug 4, 2026, 4:41 PM ET

Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand) is out of the starting lineup on Tuesday against the visiting New York Mets due to soreness in his surgically-repaired left hand, according to Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Gabriel Arias is making the start at the hot corner and will bat seventh for Cleveland against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea. It's concerning that it's the same hand that Ramirez had surgery on to fix a fractured hamate bone, as this is an injury that could very well send the All-Star third baseman back to the injured list. The 33-year-old seven-time All-Star has only played in 82 games (360 plate appearances) and is hitting an un-J-Ram-like .233/.331/.388 with a .720 OPS, 10 home runs, 35 RBI, 27 stolen bases, and 48 runs scored after reaching the 30-homer mark in three of the last five seasons for the Guards. Ramirez has had a tough time bouncing back from his original hand injury, as he's posted a .478 OPS since the All-Star break. This setback should have his fantasy managers worried that he won't bounce back to his pre-injury form again until maybe next year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Paul Hoynes

Aug 4, 2026, 4:33 PM ET

The Washington Nationals placed outfielder James Wood (oblique) on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday with a mild oblique strain, according to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. Manager Blake Butera said the team hopes that Wood will have a close-to-minimum stay on the IL. The club is recalling outfielder Andrew Pinckney from the minors to replace Wood on the active MLB roster. It's not what Wood's fantasy managers want to hear, but the good news is that he'll have a shot to return when he's first eligible on Aug. 14. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger has been an All-Star in two of his three MLB seasons, and he currently leads the league in walks (90) and runs scored (100) while slashing .265/.393/.535 with a .928 OPS, 30 home runs, 73 RBI, and 17 stolen bases across 114 games and 535 plate appearances. Wood needs to be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues as one of the best five-category producers in the game in just his third season in the majors. He needs just two more home runs to set a new career high in that category after hitting 31 dingers in 2025.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum

Aug 4, 2026, 4:25 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers former first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) will have season-ending knee surgery on his PCL, and because surgery for his type of knee injury is extremely rare, it's hard to say whether he'll ever be able to return to his pre-injury form, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Most isolated PCL injuries heal on their own, but Pearsall's did not. Dr. Prem Ramkumar said that surgery for an isolated PCL injury is so rare among pro athletes that there isn't enough data to predict whether Pearsall will return to his pre-injury form next season. Reconstructing a damaged PCL often doesn't provide substantially more stability than allowing the ligament to scar and heal without surgery. The 25-year-old former 31st overall pick in 2024 from the University of Florida is a full-blown injury risk after just two seasons in the league, in which he played in just 20 games (13 starts). Pearsall was set to be a big part of San Fran's passing game alongside veteran Mike Evans this year, but that's out the window now. He's obviously off the board in redraft leagues in 2026, and fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues don't have a lot of incentive to buy low on Pearsall at this point.--Keith Hernandez
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Eric Branch

Aug 4, 2026, 4:15 PM ET

New York Jets second-year tight end Mason Taylor is set to have more opportunities in the passing attack with rookie first-round tight end Kenyon Sadiq (hernia) likely to miss at least a chunk of the preseason, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Jeremy Ruckert took advantage of Sadiq's absence in training camp practice on Tuesday with a team-high four catches. "I see him breaking out this year," head coach Aaron Glenn said of Taylor, a 2025 second-round pick who made a team-high 44 receptions for 369 yards last season. The Jets plan to use more two-tight-end packages involving Taylor and Sadiq in new offensive coordinator Frank Reich's scheme, but those plans will be on hold after Sadiq had a setback following offseason hernia surgery. Taylor is still a hard sell in redraft leagues with Sadiq now in the fold in an offense run by veteran QB Geno Smith, but now might be the time to buy low on Taylor in dynasty/keeper leagues. Sadiq, although he possesses elite physical traits, wouldn't be the first rookie TE in the NFL to get started slow, and his injury doesn't help his cause.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini

Aug 4, 2026, 4:04 PM ET

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that "it feels" as if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Baker Mayfield "are on a collision course for the franchise tag" next season, which would pay him at least $47 million next year. Tampa could not get a deal with Mayfield done after offering two years and $100-plus million, and the veteran signal-caller has been very disappointed with the team's lack of interest in getting something done before training camp started. The last three Bucs players who received the franchise tag -- Antoine Winfield Jr., Chris Godwin Jr., and Shaquil Barrett -- all eventually got long-term deals. Another option would be to franchise tag Mayfield and trade him to a QB-needy team. If that were to happen, Fowler speculates that Mayfield could be a short-term option for the Los Angeles Rams after Matthew Stafford retires if they think Ty Simpson isn't quite ready. Mayfield has always played with a chip on his shoulder, but he'll have extra motivation in 2026. His dip in production last year could have been due to multiple injuries he played through, but fantasy managers should have their doubts about a rebound in 2026 now that future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans is no longer around.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Aug 4, 2026, 4:00 PM ET

Notre Dame wide receiver Quincy Porter (knee) will be limited to start fall camp after undergoing left knee patellar surgery this offseason, according to Pete Sampson of The Athletic. Porter is an Ohio State transfer who arrives in South Bend with four catches for 59 yards on his resume. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school in 2025 and is expected to compete for significant playing time for the Irish this season. Fellow Ohio State transfer Mylan Graham and Notre Dame returners Jordan Faison and Jaden Greathouse are others expected to be key pass-catchers for CJ Carr in 2026. While it's not ideal that Porter is not fully ready to go, his limited participation suggests he could be at 100% for the season-opener in Week 1 against Wisconsin.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Pete Sampson - The Athletic

Aug 4, 2026, 3:59 PM ET

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has a chance to climb to the top of an unsettled depth chart after making strides with his route pacing and breaks, according to C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald. Washington said he learned from playing behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, particularly in how they ran routes, prepared and attacked the game. Both receivers are now gone, leaving Washington with a much larger opportunity alongside new quarterback Malik Willis. The former sixth-round pick caught 46 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns in 2025, then added 110 yards and another score on 17 carries. Those numbers do not make him an established lead receiver, and he still has to separate from Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Miami's rookie additions. Still, Washington's familiarity with the offense and growing connection with Willis give him a legitimate path to leading the team in targets. He is worth monitoring in deeper fantasy leagues while Miami sorts out the receiver hierarchy.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Miami Herald

Aug 4, 2026, 3:56 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons promising edge rusher Jalon Walker (knee) is feared to have suffered a torn ACL in training camp practice on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Walker will undergo an MRI exam to confirm the injury after being carted off the practice field on Tuesday with a left-leg injury. This would be a brutal blow for a Falcons defense that already had pass-rush questions going into the 2026 campaign. If Walker is indeed done for the year, Atlanta will need James Pearce to step up in a huge way. The 22-year-old Walker, the 15th overall pick in last year's NFL draft out of the University of Georgia, played in 15 games (nine starts) in his first NFL season and finished with 36 tackles (24 solo), 5.5 sacks, nine QB hits, a pass breakup, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery for Atlanta.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Aug 4, 2026, 3:54 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III is still putting up good numbers at Triple-A Oklahoma City, going 7-for-20 (.350) over his last five games, with two doubles, a triple, one steal, and a 3:3 BB:K. The Dodgers' ninth-ranked prospect's slash line now stands at .288/.409/.539, with the strong on-base percentage anchored by a 16.4 percent walk rate. Though the left-handed hitter has 21 home runs and continues to hit for extra bases, he's now gone 24 games without a home run. Still, the strong hitting and keen eye are things that should help get him to the majors this season, although it may be just for a late-season cup of coffee unless one of the regulars were to go down with injury before then. There is fantasy appeal here with the power and the potent lineup he'd be hitting if he got the call, but the 23-year-old isn't on the 40-man roster, and with plenty of other outfield competition for at-bats in the minors, there isn't much need to stash the former first-rounder outside of very deep leagues with multiple NA spots.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

Aug 4, 2026, 3:47 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor has emerged as one of the team's most consistent pass-catchers early in training camp, according to the Las Vegas Sun. Nailor won all three of his one-on-one reps during Monday's first padded practice, then connected with Kirk Cousins on a long post route during team drills. He also made two red-zone catches from Cousins on Friday, continuing a connection the pair developed during their two seasons together in Minnesota. Nailor signed a three-year, $35 million contract with Las Vegas after posting career highs of 29 receptions and 444 yards with four touchdowns in 2025. The Raiders have moved him between the slot and outside, and the Sun currently views Nailor and Tre Tucker as the clear top two receivers. Brock Bowers remains the offense's premier target, but Nailor is building a strong case for a meaningful role. His contract, versatility, and early chemistry with Cousins put him on the late-round radar in deeper fantasy drafts.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Las Vegas Sun

Aug 4, 2026, 3:46 PM ET

ESPN's Ben Solak writes that he saw what looked like an "unimpeded" Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) at training camp. Solak added that it doesn't look like Jones is only 7 1/3 months removed from Achilles surgery. If anything, Jones is "just a little stiff and uncertain when he's moving." Still, Solak thinks Jones "looks good," but he's not 100% on his Achilles just yet, so it remains to be seen how close he'll be to 100% by Week 1 of the 2026 regular season in September. The 29-year-old is in a "good place," though, and head coach Shane Steichen isn't modulating how he distributes reps or calls plays in training camp to account for Jones' recovery. It looks like the former sixth overall pick by the Giants in 2019 from Duke will be ready for Week 1, which would be great news for the Colts' offense. Jones was on his way to a career-best season in 2025 in his first year in Indy, but coming off a torn Achilles tendon and without receiver Michael Pittman Jr., there are plenty of reasons for fantasy managers to be skeptical of a repeat. Jones should be targeted as a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues with limited upside.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak

Aug 4, 2026, 3:37 PM ET

Washington Commanders running back Kaytron Allen has a clear selling point. The sixth-round rookie left Penn State as the program's career rushing leader with 4,180 yards and 39 touchdowns, and Washington drafted him to handle the kind of physical, short-yardage work that can keep drives alive. The fit is easy to understand. The role is not. Jacory Croskey-Merritt rushed for 805 yards and eight touchdowns as a rookie, then caught all three of his targets during what the team called his best practice of camp. Rachaad White broke a long outside run in the first padded session and remains the most accomplished receiver in the group. Jeremy McNichols, Jerome Ford, and Robert Henry Jr. are still around as well. RotoBaller has Allen at RB55 in PPR, RB58 in half-PPR, and RB8 among rookie backs. His quickest route to fantasy value is winning the goal-line job, but Washington has not handed it to him. Allen remains a worthwhile dynasty stash because the room could open quickly. Redraft managers should wait for the preseason to show whether he has a real weekly role.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Aug 4, 2026, 3:36 PM ET

Some Atlanta Falcons people on the ground think that tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is "moving better than he has in years," according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Pitts' confidence has wavered in previous seasons while battling a lingering knee injury, but he's at full health this offseason, and new head coach Kevin Stefanski's offense is set up for him. The Falcons' receiver depth is still a major question mark behind WR1 Drake London, leaving Pitts as "a certified first or second option" in the passing attack. Fowler mentions that Pitts has been going as a top-five fantasy TE in drafts after his big 2025 season in which he caught a career-high 88 passes on 118 targets for 928 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in 17 starts. We know that the former fourth overall pick in 2021 from the University of Florida is going to have a big role in 2026, but it's just a matter of whether QBs Tua Tagovailoa/Michael Penix Jr. can get him the ball consistently. Pitts finished last year as the No. 2 fantasy TE and has high-end TE1 potential yet again this year, albeit with some risk based on Atlanta's less-than-ideal QB situation.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Aug 4, 2026, 3:30 PM ET

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane has already shown why the team spent a third-round pick on him. The 6-foot-4 rookie went over Marlon Humphrey for a leaping catch from Lamar Jackson on the second day of camp, a play that matched the contested-catch profile he showed at USC. Lane caught 49 passes for 745 yards and four touchdowns last season after scoring 12 times in 2024. There is real upside here. The immediate role is less certain. Zay Flowers is Baltimore's No. 1 receiver, Rashod Bateman is still projected to start, and Lane is competing with Elijah Sarratt and Devontez Walker for the remaining work. Jesse Minter said there could be major opportunities for at least one of the rookie receivers, not necessarily Lane. RotoBaller ranks him WR94 in PPR leagues and WR17 among rookies. That makes Lane a reasonable final-round swing in deeper redraft formats, but managers in ordinary 12-team leagues can wait for more evidence. Dynasty is different. His size, third-round investment, and red-zone history are worth stashing while Baltimore sorts out the depth chart. Lane offers more long-term appeal than immediate fantasy value.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Aug 4, 2026, 3:23 PM ET

The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (back), who returned to a limited practice on Tuesday, is likely to be the team's Week 1 starter under center. Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has not been cleared for 11-on-11 team work in training camp after tearing his ACL last year, leading to Tagovailoa getting all of the first-team reps so far in camp. Tagovailoa's fantasy stock is rising for those in two-QB superflex leagues as he enters his first season in Atlanta. The 28-year-old former fifth overall pick from the University of Alabama led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards in 2023 and a 72.9% completion percentage in Miami in 2024, and he'll have plenty of weapons around him in Atlanta to bounce back in 2026. However, durability remains a major concern (mostly in relation to head injuries), and when Penix returns to full health, Tagovailoa could be on a short leash in the starting role if he struggles. The arrow is pointing up for Tagovailoa, but RotoBaller still has him ranked as the No. 30 fantasy QB as he heads into his seventh year in the NFL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Aug 4, 2026, 3:19 PM ET

Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck will start Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers, according to head coach Mike LaFleur. The third-round pick is part of an open competition with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew for Arizona's regular-season starting job, so the assignment gives him the first live-game opportunity to make his case. Beck completed 72.4% of his passes for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions over 16 games during his final season at Miami, helping the Hurricanes reach the national championship game. Arizona selected him with the 65th overall pick in April. A strong performance Thursday would not settle the competition, but it could earn Beck additional preseason work and strengthen his standing with the new coaching staff. His experience and accuracy give him a chance to make the race interesting, though he remains primarily a dynasty and deeper Superflex option until the Cardinals provide more clarity under center.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Arizona Cardinals

Aug 4, 2026, 3:11 PM ET

The Athletics announced on Tuesday that they placed first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Aug. 1) with a right-thumb sprain and recalled infielder Max Muncy from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. The A's decided to put Kurtz on the IL after he visited with a hand specialist on Monday following a few absences over the weekend. The elite left-handed power hitter was diagnosed with a chronic volar plate tear of his MCP joint in his thumb. Kurtz will receive a platelet-rich plasma injection on Tuesday, and there is no timetable for his return. In the two games that Kurtz missed over the weekend against the Detroit Tigers, Jeff McNeil and Jonah Heim filled in for the A's at first base. While on the IL, Kurtz, 23, must be stashed in all fantasy baseball leagues for his power upside in a hitter-friendly home park. The former fourth overall pick from Wake Forest University has hit 21 home runs with 69 RBI in 352 at-bats in 2026 after clubbing 36 homers and driving in 86 in 117 games played as a rookie in 2025.--Keith Hernandez
Source: A's Communications

Aug 4, 2026, 3:03 PM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed that he was dealing with flu-like symptoms before last season's wild-card loss to the Houston Texans. Rodgers told Mike Silver that he had a fever and was vomiting on the day of the game. He said he appeared so pale when he arrived at the facility that the Steelers sent him home, though he returned later and made the start. Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception while taking four sacks in Pittsburgh's 30-6 loss on January 12. The Steelers failed to score an offensive touchdown, and Rodgers' final pass was returned for a touchdown by Texans safety Calen Bullock. The illness offers additional context for one of the poorest postseason performances of Rodgers' career, though he did not use it as an excuse afterward. He has since returned to Pittsburgh for what he says will be his final NFL season.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Ari Meirov

Aug 4, 2026, 2:58 PM ET

New Orleans Saints veteran running back Alvin Kamara has been splitting the backfield with newcomer Travis Etienne Jr. in training camp this summer, with Etienne taking the bulk of the first-team reps on early downs and Kamara "getting first call on third down and in passing situations," according to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. It's an evolving situation in head coach Kellen Moore's offense, but Duncan said he'd be surprised if it's a 50-50 split with Etienne and Kamara when all is said and done. Behind Etienne and Kamara, the RB room is crowded with contenders for the RB3 role among Devin Neal, Audric Estime, Ty Chandler, and C.J. Donaldson. The 31-year-old Kamara is set to take on a much smaller role in New Orleans' backfield as mostly a third-down pass-catching back, which will make him more of an RB4/flex option in point-per-reception leagues in his 10th year in the league. Etienne, who is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 16 fantasy RB, is the back to roster for the Saints in 2026, but fantasy managers should temper expectations with him as an RB2 because of the presence of Kamara in passing situations.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune - Jeff Duncan

Aug 4, 2026, 2:55 PM ET

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Malik Benson has worked with the team's top receiver group through the first six practices of training camp, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. McFadden identified Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and Benson as the Raiders' current top three, though the early rotation does not amount to an official depth-chart announcement. Las Vegas selected Benson in the sixth round with the 195th overall pick after he caught 43 passes for 716 yards and six touchdowns during his final season at Oregon. His speed and strong offseason have helped him gain ground in a crowded competition that also includes second-year receivers Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. Tucker led the Raiders with 696 receiving yards last season, while Nailor joined the team after recording 444 yards and four touchdowns for Minnesota. Benson's early placement gives him a legitimate path to offensive snaps, but he still needs to maintain that standing throughout camp and the preseason before becoming a serious redraft consideration.--Bruno Mulé
Source: Ryan McFadden

Aug 4, 2026, 2:52 PM ET

Miami Marlins outfield prospect Cam Cannarella has held his own since being promoted to Triple-A in mid-July, now 12-for-43 (.279) with four doubles, a home run, and five steals through his first 11 games with Jacksonville. The Marlins' seventh-ranked prospect is striking out more than normal, 29.4 percent compared to just 13.3 percent at Double-A, but he's also been able to maintain a strong walk rate of 15.7 percent, which is similar to the 15.3 percent rate he posted at Double-A. Expect the strikeout rate to normalize over the remainder of the season, and the Clemson product could make a push for a late-season debut in the majors if all goes well. The 22-year-old hit a sizzling .344 with more walks than strikeouts during his time at Double-A, and with some injured/underperforming assets in the Miami outfield, the 22-year-old could make a case for another promotion. The 6-foot slugger isn't on the 40-man roster yet, and isn't necessarily a stash target at the moment, but he's certainly a name worth monitoring in fantasy leagues for his multi-category potential.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com