Jun 5, 2026, 3:37 PM ET

Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker followed head coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Stillwater, Oklahoma, with hopes of revitalizing an offense that scored just over 14 points per game in last season's one-win year. Mestemaker led the nation with 4,379 passing yards and also threw for 34 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman at North Texas last season, seemingly coming out of nowhere. Playing in the Big 12 is a big step up for the young signal caller, but he brings a level of stability to the position that the program hasn't seen since the Mason Rudolph days. It may not all come together in one season for Oklahoma State, but Mestemaker could be gearing up for another big year in 2026.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jun 5, 2026, 3:33 PM ET

Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht is graded as the sixth-best newcomer, per ESPN's Billy Tucker. Starting at Iowa State for the majority of the past three seasons, Becht has accumulated 9,274 yards and 64 touchdowns in his career. His leadership and experience in Matt Campbell's system give the Nittany Lions a safe floor in year one of a new era. Becht has won 26 college football games, led the Cyclones to their first 11-win season in program history, and has all of the elements that a fan could dream of in a collegiate quarterback.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jun 5, 2026, 3:31 PM ET

The New York Yankees announced that outfielder Jasson Dominguez (shoulder) is starting a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday. Barring a setback on his rehab assignment, Dominguez could return to the Yankees' big-league roster at some point late next week. The 23-year-old Dominican switch-hitter is recovering from a left-shoulder AC joint sprain that he suffered when he crashed into the outfield wall. The Yankees placed superstar outfielder Aaron Judge (rib) on the IL on Friday, and he could be sidelined through the mid-July All-Star break due to a stress fracture in his rib. With Giancarlo Stanton (calf) still sidelined as well, Dominguez figures to play regularly in the Yankees' outfield once he returns. The Martian didn't make the Opening Day roster out of spring training and only played in nine games for the Yanks before his shoulder injury, going 6-for-30 (.200). Still, Dominguez has enough power/speed upside to be attractive as a waiver-wire pickup in at least deep-mixed fantasy leagues. He is rostered in under 10% of Yahoo leagues right now.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Yankees PR Department

Jun 5, 2026, 3:27 PM ET

Texas Tech arguably had the best defensive line in college football in 2025, but the Red Raiders had to go back to the transfer portal for 2026 after losing David Bailey, Lee Hunter, Romello Height, and Skylar Gill-Howard all to the NFL Draft. To rebuild one of the nation's best units from a season ago, Joey McGuire landed a pair of stars in Trey White (San Diego State) and Adam Trick (Miami OH). White earned first-team All-Mountain West honors in both 2024 and 2025, compiling 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Trick broke out in 2025, racking up 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles for Chuck Martin's RedHawks. The duo has high expectations to live up to and will look to keep the Red Raiders on the top of the Big 12.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jun 5, 2026, 3:23 PM ET

Detroit Tigers right-handed reliever Kenley Jansen (pelvis), who is eligible to come off the 15-day injured list next Friday, is throwing a bullpen session on Friday, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. Jansen has been out since May 28 with inflammation in his pelvis, but the veteran reliever is already throwing off a mound and could be ready to return to start next weekend if he continues to progress and can avoid any setbacks. Although Will Vest and Enmanuel De Jesus have the Tigers' last two saves with Jensen on the shelf, right-hander Kyle Finnegan is considered the best option for saves in the short term until Jansen can return to the back end of the Tigers' bullpen. The 38-year-old Jansen has seven saves in 15 innings pitched in his first year in Motown, but he has shown his age, going 1-3 with a 4.80 ERA (5.84 FIP) and 1.20 WHIP with 19 strikeouts and nine walks in his 18 relief appearances. He's going to need to pitch better upon his return to hold off Finnegan in the ninth inning for the rest of the 2026 season. Jansen is currently rostered in 68% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky

Jun 5, 2026, 3:19 PM ET

Utah quarterback Devon Dampier chose to return to Utah after leading the Utes to an 11-2 season in his first year with the program. Despite former head coach Kyle Whittingham departing for Michigan, Dampier stayed loyal after new head coach Morgan Scalley recruited him back. Scalley recalls the process in getting his quarterback back, stating "Just going to Devon and really going over to his apartment, saying, 'Dude, this sucks for you. You have your coordinator leave, head coach leave, and no one really is saying sorry, but here I am. I'm sorry you're going through this. I'm sorry you're having to deal with uncertainty. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.'" Dampier produced over 3,300 total yards and 34 touchdowns with five interceptions in his first season at the P4 level, instantly becoming one of college football's star. His retention puts Utah on the map heading into the 2026 season.--Brant Henson - RotoBaller
Source: On3

Jun 5, 2026, 3:16 PM ET

Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal (elbow) will make a minor-league rehab start at High-A West Michigan on Sunday instead of at Triple-A Toledo because of weather concerns, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. This will be Skubal's first rehab start since having bone chips removed from his left elbow in early May. Because of the non-invasive procedure, the back-to-back Cy Young winner has recovered very quickly and has been throwing off a mound over the last couple of weeks. Depending on how Skubal fares in his outing on the farm this weekend, he could be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to rejoin Detroit's starting rotation at some point late next week. The talented 29-year-old southpaw will have ample time to build his trade value up before this year's deadline in early August. Before having elbow surgery, Skubal went 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings pitched over his first seven starts of the 2026 campaign. He'll go right back to being a must-start in all fantasy baseball formats once he's back from the IL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen

Jun 5, 2026, 3:07 PM ET

The New York Yankees officially announced on Friday that they placed outfielder Aaron Judge (rib) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 2) with a stress fracture of his right rib and recalled rookie outfielder Spencer Jones from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a corresponding move. Judge will be out for an extended period of time and won't be re-evaluated for another four to six weeks. Depending on how he recovers, there's a good chance we won't see the superstar slugger until after the All-Star break in mid-July. The injury to Judge will put a real strain on New York's outfield, as they are already missing Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Jasson Dominguez (shoulder). Jones, who has light-tower power from the left side, will get a second shot in the Bronx this year after struggling following his first MLB call-up. Judge heads to the IL with a .248/.375/.533 slash line, .907 OPS, 17 homers, 38 RBI, 43 runs scored, and five steals in 214 at-bats. He obviously should not be dropped in any fantasy leagues while he recovers.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Yankees PR Department

Jun 5, 2026, 2:59 PM ET

After suffering an oblique strain in Spring Training, Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller did not make his 2026 debut until May 13. However, the 27-year-old has been impressive across 21 innings since returning to Seattle, pitching to a 1.71 ERA and 0.86 WHIP with 20 strikeouts. One of Miller's four appearances so far this season has come in relief as Seattle juggles its impressive rotation depth. Still, Miller has worked at least five innings in every outing and has also significantly out-pitched Mariners veteran Luis Castillo, with whom he is ostensibly competing for a rotation spot. Miller battled injury and underperformance in 2025, posting a 5.68 ERA across 90 innings. Early on in 2026, he looks to have regained his form from 2024, when he recorded a 2.94 ERA and 0.98 WHIP with a 17.9% K-BB rate across 180 1/3 innings. In any league where he's not already rostered, Miller should be a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 5, 2026, 2:47 PM ET

After a relatively slow start to the season in which he posted a .754 OPS through the end of April, Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo caught fire in May. Across 77 plate appearances last month, the 21-year-old hit .338/.376/.597 with four home runs, 16 RBI, and 13 runs scored. Basallo's 12.1% barrel rate and 48.4% hard-hit rate are solid for any position, but profile as elite for his position. Additionally, Baltimore's ability to rotate him between catcher and designated hitter with Adley Rutschman should help keep Basallo fresh throughout the year and in the lineup on an everyday basis. Basallo struggled in a small sample size of 118 plate appearances after making his MLB debut as a 20-year-old in 2025, logging a .559 OPS. However, the top prospect looks to be realizing his immense potential in 2026 and is an absolute must-add in any fantasy league where he is currently unrostered.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 5, 2026, 2:36 PM ET

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf) is expected to return to the big leagues in "about a couple weeks," per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The superstar shortstop has been on the 15-day injured list due to a calf strain since late April. Lindor was off to a slow start before suffering the injury, hitting .226/.314/.355 with two home runs, five RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 105 plate appearances. Still, the 32-year-old entered 2026 coming off three consecutive seasons with at least 31 home runs, 86 RBI, 107 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases. When healthy, Lindor profiles as an elite fantasy shortstop and a true five-category producer. While Heyman's timeline still leaves some room for interpretation, it appears Lindor may be on track to return to the Mets before the end of June.--Will Brady
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman

Jun 5, 2026, 2:28 PM ET

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (finger) has been activated from the 15-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. The 28-year-old last pitched on May 20 before being placed on the IL due to a blister issue. Before the injury, Cabrera recorded a 3-2 record with a 4.00 ERA, 1.35 ERA, and 47 strikeouts across 54 innings (10 starts). The right-hander's average fastball velocity had dipped from 97 miles per hour in 2025 to 95.9 mph, and his strikeout rate had fallen from 25.8% to 20.7%. It's possible that blister issues had been plaguing Cabrera before he hit the shelf, which could explain his downturn in production. Now that he's back, fantasy managers should monitor closely for an uptick in his velocity and strikeout rate.--Will Brady
Source: MLB.com

Jun 5, 2026, 2:24 PM ET

There had been thought that New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco (Achilles, wrist) might come off the 10-day injured list to rejoin the Mets for their series opener in San Diego against the Padres on Friday night, but he will remain on his minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse instead, according to Mike Puma of The New York Post. Polanco probably won't come off the IL to join the Mets now until next Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals for the start of a homestand in Queens. It's been a long absence for Polanco, who has been sidelined since mid-April with bursitis in his left Achilles and a right-wrist contusion, but he should play regularly as the team's designated hitter when he returns. The 32-year-old Dominican switch-hitter got off to a rough start in 2026 in his first season with the Mets, going 10-for-56 (.179) with a homer, two RBI, and three runs scored in 14 games before going down with multiple injuries. Polanco's Achilles bursitis is something that he could have to manage for the rest of the season. He is eligible at second and third base in most fantasy leagues and can provide some pop as infield depth. Polanco is currently rostered in just 23% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Post - Mike Puma

Jun 5, 2026, 2:18 PM ET

Washington Nationals left-hander DJ Herz (elbow) has been sent on a rehab assignment in the Florida Coast League. The 25-year-old is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in April 2025. Herz made his MLB debut with Washington in 2024, recording a 4-9 record with a 4.16 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 106 strikeouts across 88 2/3 innings (19 starts). Herz consistently struggled with command during his time in the minors before his debut, but he kept his walk rate to a manageable 9.4% while striking out an impressive 27.7% of the batters he faced in his first taste of the big leagues. Given how long he's been out, Herz will likely require an extensive rehab stint before he's ready to return to Washington. However, his ability to miss bats gives him considerable fantasy upside and could make him worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of his eventual activation.--Will Brady
Source: MLB.com

Jun 5, 2026, 2:12 PM ET

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) has been sidelined on the 15-day injured list since experiencing a dramatic drop in velocity and a feeling of "dead arm" during a start on April 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Woodruff then had a minor procedure to address a cyst in his shoulder joint. He was on track to start against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 27, but he pulled the plug because he didn't feel right. The 33-year-old two-time All-Star made a significant mechanical change during a 42-pitch live batting practice session on Wednesday, lowering his arm slot to help correct the slow creep of bad habits that have accompanied his comeback from right-shoulder surgery. "Ever since surgery, my release point has been getting higher, and I've been pinching my [shoulder] off," Woodruff said. He has bounced back nicely since his BP session on Wednesday, and he could pitch in some Arizona Complex League games soon as he tries to make it back to Milwaukee's starting rotation before the mid-July All-Star break. Woodruff is confident he'll return and make multiple starts before the All-Star break, and because of his track record before shoulder surgery as a fantasy ace, he's currently rostered in 87% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy

Jun 5, 2026, 2:10 PM ET

After spending nearly two months in the minor leagues, Cincinnati Reds third baseman/outfielder Noelvi Marte was recalled by the big league club on Wednesday. The 24-year-old got off to a miserable start to his 2026 season after breaking camp with Cincinnati, hitting .138/.219/.138 with a 31.9% strikeout rate across 38 plate appearances. However, Marte has absolutely crushed Triple-A pitching since being sent down, slashing .369/.409/.575 with eight home runs, 27 RBI, 31 runs scored, and nine stolen bases across 176 plate appearances. The former top prospect has had MLB success as recently as 2025, when he posted a .748 OPS with 14 home runs and 10 stolen bases across 360 plate appearances. He may also now have a chance to work his way into everyday playing time in Cincinnati, as Reds third baseman/designated hitter Eugenio Suarez has posted a .645 OPS with a 30.3% strikeout rate across 142 plate appearances so far this season. A chance to reset himself in the minors may have been just what Marte needed, and he profiles as a must-roster waiver wire target now that he's back in the big leagues.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 5, 2026, 1:58 PM ET

Will Ragatz of Sports Illustrated writes that he saw enough eye-popping throws from new Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray in offseason practices that "make it hard to imagine" J.J. McCarthy "having a realistic chance to win this competition." It's still only OTAs, but so far, Murray has looked sharper throwing the football than McCarthy. McCarthy still has plenty of zip on his passes and has shown signs of mechanical improvement from a year ago (his first as a full-time starter in the NFL), but Murray "looks like a veteran quarterback who can make all the throws." "His physical talent throwing the ball has been on display every day," head coach Kevin O'Connell said of Murray. "The ability to throw to all three levels, layer the ball, anticipation that veteran players bring to the position." McCarthy, who was the 10th overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Michigan, struggled mightily with accuracy and decision-making, and also struggled to stay healthy, completing 57.6% of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 10 starts after missing his entire rookie season due to knee surgery. It's still early in McCarthy's career, but it's quickly looking like he's falling out of favor as Minnesota's QB of the future.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Sports Illustrated - Will Ragatz

Jun 5, 2026, 1:44 PM ET

After a disappointing sophomore season in 2025, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. appears to be developing new chemistry with quarterbackTrevor Lawrence during OTAs this offseason, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Thomas has been the subject of numerous offseason trade rumors, but instead, he's expected to stick around in Duvall and could be headed for a bounce-back in Year 3. Lawrence missed seven games during Thomas' impressive rookie season, so most of his production came with backup Mac Jones throwing him the football. Then, both players were learning new head coach Liam Coen's offense last year, with Lawrence limited while coming off shoulder surgery. Thomas had five drops in his first seven games in 2025 and also missed four games with ankle and shoulder injuries. The 23-year-old former 23rd overall pick out of LSU finished with a 48-707-2 line in 14 regular-season starts after catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 TDs as a rookie. It hasn't helped Thomas' cause that the Jags acquired Jakobi Meyers in a midseason trade, or that Parker Washington took on an expanded role. Those two receivers are still on the roster, but it doesn't mean that Thomas can't bounce back from his disappointing showing in 2025 with better chemistry with Lawrence. Coen said the coaching staff is "trying to get a true connection" going between Thomas and Lawrence. It's something to watch for fantasy managers with Thomas certainly coming at a discount in 2026 drafts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco

Jun 5, 2026, 1:32 PM ET

New Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis' chemistry with his receivers in Miami is a "work in progress," according to head coach Jeff Hafley. Willis, who spent the past two years as a backup for the Green Bay Packers, needs to build chemistry with all of the Dolphins' wideouts, whom he has never worked with before in his career. "I just think it's going to take time. I think it's improved. It's going to be a work in progress, and it's going to take a lot of reps, just like it would with any new quarterback and new wide receiver group. It's just going to take time with the rhythm," Hafley said. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said it's an "ongoing process" that will go all the way up until the start of the 2026 regular season in September. Willis hasn't exactly been great during OTAs, but he also hasn't had star running back De'Von Achane (shoulder) working out of the backfield. The 27-year-old Willis will be Miami's starter after signing a three-year, $67.5 million deal in March, but at best, he'll be a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues in what could again be a frustrating and inefficient Dolphins offense with a lack of established wideouts at Willis' disposal. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 21 signal-caller for the upcoming campaign.--Keith Hernandez
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones

Jun 5, 2026, 1:23 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said that current contract talks "are not anywhere close to what we were thinking," but he's "gonna do everything he can to help his team win a Super Bowl," according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. Mayfield wants to stay in Tampa long term, but he doesn't want to focus on negotiations once training camp hits at the end of July. The 31-year-old veteran is entering the final year of a three-year, $100 million deal he signed in 2024, and his fantasy stock is on the decline due to mounting nagging injuries and the fact that he lost future Hall of Fame wide receiver Mike Evans to free agency this offseason. Mayfield finished as the QB12 in fantasy in 2025, throwing for 3,693 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 starts in his third year with the Bucs. It was a big dropoff after Mayfield threw for a career-high 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns, and a league-leading 16 picks in 17 starts in 2024 to earn his second Pro Bowl berth. The Bucs still have weapons around him, but fantasy managers should be pegging Mayfield as more of a high-end QB2 than a surefire QB1 as he enters what could be his final season in Tampa.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine

Jun 5, 2026, 1:12 PM ET

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (undisclosed) has not been taking part in OTAs due to an undisclosed reason, according to John Shipley of Sports Illustrated. The Jags' backfield has plenty of uncertainty heading into the 2026 season after Travis Etienne Jr. joined the New Orleans Saints in free agency, and Rodriguez's absence during voluntary offseason workouts adds to the unknown. In addition to C-Rod, the Jags have Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. as their top-three RBs for the upcoming campaign. We should have a better idea of how the RB touches might shake out in Jacksonville this year once the 25-year-old Rodriguez rejoins the team, hopefully for mandatory minicamp this month. Most likely, Rodriguez and Tuten will share the early-down work for head coach Liam Coen's offense, with Allen primarily working on passing downs. In his first three NFL seasons with the Washington Commanders after being a sixth-round pick in 2023 out of the University of Kentucky, Rodriguez averaged 4.6 yards per carry and totaled 920 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 198 carries over 35 games (seven starts). Tuten is the more explosive, higher-upside fantasy target in 2026 with clear RB2 upside, but C-Rod could also carve out a role for fantasy managers as an RB3/flex play.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley

Jun 5, 2026, 12:59 PM ET

After spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, tight end Isaiah Likely signed a three-year, $40 million contract in free agency with the New York Giants this past March. Likely routinely flashed high upside during his time in Baltimore, but his path to consistent fantasy production was blocked by the presence of fellow Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. In New York, Likely may now be facing another playing time split with incumbent Giants tight end Theo Johnson. However, the team's sizable financial commitment to Likely indicates that he is the Giants' TE1, as does Likely's familiarity with new Giants and former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Additionally, Likely could conceivably open 2026 as the number one target in New York's passing game with star Giants wideout Malik Nabers (knee) facing an uncertain recovery timeline from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 campaign. Likely's fantasy profile still lacks certainty, but his dynasty upside is significant as he enters his first season with his new team.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 5, 2026, 12:50 PM ET

After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Green Bay Packers, running back Emanuel Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks for the 2026 season in March. The 27-year-old was productive in a backup role behind Josh Jacobs in Green Bay, recording 1,145 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 254 touches across 34 games over the past two seasons. With Seahawks RB1 Zach Charbonnet (knee) expected to miss the start of the 2026 regular season while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in mid-January, Wilson could open the year as Seattle's lead rusher. However, the Seahawks also added Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the 32nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, likely capping Wilson's production upside. Wilson carries some short-term production upside, but he likely still profiles long-term as a handcuff running back option for dynasty managers.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 5, 2026, 12:37 PM ET

Across 17 games as a rookie in 2025, Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel hauled in 26 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets. Noel profiles primarily as a slot receiver, so his path to playing time last season was largely blocked by veteran wideout Christian Kirk. While Houston let Kirk walk in free agency, Noel may not be in a better position in 2026 due to the impending return of Texans wideout Tank Dell (knee) from the knee injury that caused him to miss the entire 2025 season. Dell is recovering from a dislocated kneecap and multiple torn ligaments, making both his return and ability to produce uncertain at best. However, if Dell is healthy, Noel could project as the WR4 in Houston behind Dell, Nico Collins, and Jayden Higgins. Noel profiles as a player to hold in dynasty formats for the time being, but his future in Houston is likely largely dependent on Dell's health status going forward.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 5, 2026, 12:33 PM ET

Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) threw a two-inning live batting practice session at Target Field on Thursday and touched 97 mph on the radar gun during a 37-pitch effort, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Abel has been out since landing on the 15-day injured list on April 20 with right-elbow inflammation. He hasn't pitched in a big-league game since April 14, and there isn't a current timetable for when he might rejoin the Twins' starting rotation. Abel could throw another live BP session next week or pitch in a minor-league game. "Free and easy," Abel said. "Just being able to have hitters in the box again, it feels really, really good, and really nice. The body feels great, too, so I can't complain." The 24-year-old would have been back already if not for feeling soreness in his right triceps over a month ago during a bullpen session on May 2, which resulted in him needing a cortisone shot. Before landing on the IL, Abel struck out 16 batters in 13 scoreless innings in his two most recent outings. As he nears a return to the big leagues, Abel will be a starting pitcher worth targeting off the waiver wire in deeper leagues. He's rostered in only 12% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes

Jun 5, 2026, 12:30 PM ET

Across 15 games as a rookie in 2025, Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson recorded 446 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 98 touches. While fellow Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins (ankle) emerged as the team's clear lead rusher, Sampson established himself as a pass-catcher out of the backfield by hauling in 33 receptions for 271 yards and two scores on 40 targets. Cleveland did not make any notable additions to its running back room over the offseason and let veteran back Jerome Ford walk in free agency. As a result, Judkins and Sampson appear to be locked in as the Browns' top two rushers for 2026. As long as Judkins fully recovers from the ankle injury that ended his 2025 season and remains healthy in 2026, Sampson's production upside is limited. Still, Sampson carries dynasty handcuff appeal and could offer some standalone value in PPR-scoring formats if he continues to dominate passing-down work. Fantasy managers may want to consider attempting to buy low on Sampson ahead of his second NFL season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 5, 2026, 12:22 PM ET

Across 11 games in 2025, Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani recorded just 88 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 24 touches. The 26-year-old spent the year blocked from regular playing time by Seattle's potent running back duo of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet (knee). Walker III departed Seattle in free agency, and Charbonnet's status for the start of 2026 is in doubt as he works his way back from the torn ACL that he suffered during Seattle's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers in mid-January. However, Holani's place on the depth chart remains uncertain following the Seahawks' use of a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jadarian Price and their free agent acquisition of running back Emanuel Wilson. With Charbonnet expected to miss the beginning of the upcoming season, Holani could carve out a regular role in Seattle. However, he could also remain limited to RB3 duties if he cannot beat out Wilson and/or Price emerges as a star. Holani could be worth rostering in deeper dynasty leagues, but his profile comes with risk.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 5, 2026, 12:22 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease (hamstring) had a rough outing in his first minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, surrendering five earned runs on six hits (two homers) while walking one and striking out six in four innings of work. Cease threw 50 of his 75 pitches for strikes and was able to hit 99 mph on the radar gun. The results for the 30-year-old weren't great, but his arm looked fine, and it could be his only rehab outing before the Jays reinstate him from the 15-day injured list. If Cease returns to Toronto's starting rotation after this, he'll be lined up to face the Philadelphia Phillies next Tuesday. The former sixth-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2014 is 98% rostered in Yahoo leagues for a reason. He has looked great so far in 2026 in his first year north of the border, posting a 3.05 ERA (2.59 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 26 walks in 62 innings across his first 11 starts. Cease should be thrown back into starting fantasy lineups immediately upon his return, even against a Phillies team that has been heating up lately.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milb.com

Jun 5, 2026, 12:11 PM ET

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby could see an increase in snaps in his second year with the team, according to Geoff Mosher of PhillyVoice. Mosher speculates that Bigsby's one-cut running style may actually be a better fit for new Eagles play-caller Sean Mannion's offensive scheme than star running back Saquon Barkley's "freelance" approach. Philadelphia acquired Bigsby one week into the 2025 season, and he finished the year with 344 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 58 carries across 16 games. In games where Barkley is available, the Eagles have typically leaned on him heavily as a three-down workhorse. However, Bigsby was highly efficient as a rusher (5.9 yards per carry) when given the opportunity in 2025. If he earns more touches in 2026, he could carve out some standalone fantasy value. Either way, he carries significant upside as a high-end handcuff running back option for fantasy managers.--Will Brady
Source: PhillyVoice - Geoff Mosher

Jun 5, 2026, 12:03 PM ET

Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown (elbow) took the next step in his recovery by throwing 4 1/3 innings for Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday in a no-decision against Triple-A El Paso. Brown allowed just one earned run on three hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out four. He threw 38 of his 57 pitches for strikes and touched 98.9 mph on the radar gun. Brown is looking good so far on his minor-league rehab assignment, but he's likely to need at least one more start on the farm before the Astros reinstate him from the 60-day injured list around mid-June. The 27-year-old now has a 1.93 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and 14:1 K:BB in 9 1/3 frames over his three rehab starts with Sugar Land and Double-A Corpus Christi. Brown is a fantasy ace when healthy after breaking out for the Astros in 2025. The former fifth-rounder in 2019 out of Wayne State University was 1-0 with a 0.84 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in his two starts in 2026 before encountering elbow issues. Brown should definitely not be available on any waiver wires in fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milb.com