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Red Sox Place Willson Contreras on Injured List With Hamstring Strain
The Boston Red Sox announced on Monday that they placed first baseman Willson Contreras (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring and recalled catcher/first baseman Mickey Gasper from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move. Gasper will start at first base and bat second for the BoSox in their series opener on Monday at Fenway Park against the Seattle Mariners and right-hander George Kirby. Contreras was pulled from Sunday's series finale against the New York Yankees with tightness in his hamstring, and he will now miss at least the next 10 days. The 34-year-old Venezuelan reportedly had been playing through the issue for around a month, which helps explain why he went 3-for-27 (.111) with two walks and eight strikeouts in his last seven games. Overall, Contreras has been one of Boston's most consistent offensive producers in 2026 in his first year with the team, though, slashing .274/.384/.516 with a .900 OPS, 26 homers, 79 RBI, 66 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 434 at-bats. Fantasy managers must keep the four-time All-Star stashed in all formats.
Source: Boston Red Sox
Source: Boston Red Sox
Mets Promote Outfield Prospect Nick Morabito
The New York Mets are calling up outfield prospect Nick Morabito from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, per MLB Pipeline. Morabito, who is considered the team's No. 13 prospect at MLB Pipeline, is getting another call to the big- league roster after hitting .254/.355/.388 with a .743 OPS, 13 home runs, 47 RBI, 42 stolen bases, and 73 runs scored across 114 games and 507 plate appearances in the International League. The 23-year-old right-handed hitter and former second-rounder in 2022 appeared in five games for the Mets earlier this year and went hitless in 12 plate appearances with no walks and nine strikeouts. It remains to be seen how long Morabito will stick around in Queens this time, but with Luis Robert Jr. now in Baltimore, he could be an option for outfield starts when the Mets face a left-handed pitcher. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues who are still looking for speed could look to add Morabito, but they should not expect much in the way of power. Morabito is not rostered yet in any Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Source: MLB Pipeline
CeeDee Lamb's WR1 Ceiling Looks Less Certain
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is healthy again, but his path back to the very top of the fantasy position looks a little less clean than it did earlier this summer. Lamb still topped 1,000 yards last season despite missing three full games with a high ankle sprain, finishing with 75 catches for 1,077 yards and three touchdowns. The bigger issue now is George Pickens. Pickens led Dallas with 93 catches, 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, and the buzz around him only grew during camp. DallasCowboys.com writer Nick Eatman recently suggested Pickens may have elevated into the receiver defenses worry about most, while RotoBaller noted Monday that there has been plenty of chatter about Pickens having the better camp. Lamb remains an elite option and has looked sharp with Dak Prescott, including several deep connections in August. He is also healthy entering Week 1. Still, RotoBaller currently has Lamb at WR5 in half-PPR. With Pickens pushing for an even bigger role, Lamb's ceiling looks a little less automatic than it once did.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Klubnik Wins Jets' Backup QB Job
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said on Monday that rookie fourth-round quarterback Cade Klubnik will be the team's backup signal-caller to begin the 2026 regular season, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Klubnik got the nod after the Jets cut both Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe on roster cutdown day on Sunday. The 22-year-old from Clemson went 21-for-34 passing for 197 yards with one interception in three preseason games. If anything happens to veteran starter Geno Smith this year, Klubnik will be thrown into the fire as the Jets' starter under center. The 35-year-old Smith is under contract for only one season, too, so if the Jets move on after one year, Klubnik could be the favorite to start for Gang Green going into Week 1 of the 2027 season. The 6-foot-2, 207-pounder had his best collegiate season in 2024 as a junior at Clemson, throwing for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 14 games played. Klubnik is only stash-worthy as a QB prospect in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Dillon Gabriel's Back Injury Not Considered Serious
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken does not think that quarterback Dillon Gabriel's (back) injury is a major injury, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Monken thinks Gabriel first injured his back on a third-down run in the preseason finale last Thursday against the New England Patriots. With Gabriel opening the 2026 regular season on Injured Reserve (he will be required to miss at least the first four weeks), rookie Taylen Green and Shedeur Sanders will split scout-team reps in the next two weeks. As long as Gabriel does not suffer a setback with his back in the next couple of weeks, he should be ready to rejoin the 53-man roster for Week 5. For now, the second-year QB's injury allows the Browns to keep Green on their active roster as the QB3 behind Sanders and starter Deshaun Watson. The 25-year-old former third-rounder from Oregon failed to do much outside of short-area throws as a rookie, throwing for 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions in 10 games (six starts) before an injury opened up the starting gig for Sanders the rest of the season in 2025.
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
TreVeyon Henderson's Lead-Back Case Takes a Hit
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) entered camp with a chance to push for more of the backfield duties. That never really happened. Henderson was explosive as a rookie, finishing with 911 rushing yards, 221 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns, but New England leaned heavily on Rhamondre Stevenson during the playoffs. That carried into August. Patriots.com called Stevenson the team's most consistent between-the-tackles runner, pass protector and route-runner and said he remains the lead back, while Henderson was described more as a change-of-pace option. Henderson also hurt his right ankle when he slipped during practice on Aug. 24. He avoided a serious injury and is expected to be ready for Week 1, so the ankle itself isn't the biggest concern. The bigger issue is that the expected Year 2 role growth never showed up. Henderson still has enough speed to create fantasy points on limited touches, but his path to taking over this backfield looks weaker than it did entering camp.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emari Demercado Joins Cowboys' Backfield Via Waiver Claim
The Dallas Cowboys claimed running back Emari Demercado off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. In a surprising move on roster cutdown day on Sunday, the Cowboys waived both running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, leaving them with just Javonte Williams and Malik Davis in their backfield entering Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Demercado, who was with the Chiefs during training camp, will now head to Dallas, where he will serve as the RB3 to open the regular season. The 27-year-old former undrafted free agent out of TCU spent his first three NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, averaging a notable 6.5 yards per carry for 819 yards and three rushing scores in 40 games (two starts) while adding 50 receptions on 70 targets for 324 yards and one touchdown as a receiver. Demercado has been efficient when he has gotten opportunities so far, but he will open 2026 as the clear third option out of Dallas' backfield, and he could also face competition from fullback Hunter Luepke.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Blake Grupe Claimed by Jets
Kicker Blake Grupe has been claimed off waivers by the New York Jets, according to Tom Pelissero. Indianapolis waived Grupe on Sunday after Spencer Shrader won its preseason kicking competition, but Grupe won't have to wait long for another opportunity. The Jets had previously given their job to Jason Sanders over Cade York, only for Sanders to miss an extra point and come up well short on a 54-yard field goal in Friday's preseason finale against the Giants. Grupe made 29 of 37 field-goal attempts between New Orleans and Indianapolis last season, including a perfect 11-for-11 run over five games after joining the Colts. He also connected from a franchise-record 60 yards. New York hasn't officially named Grupe its Week 1 kicker or announced a move involving Sanders yet, but claiming him immediately after Sanders' rough finish to the preseason puts the veteran's job in serious jeopardy.
Source: Tom Pelissero
Source: Tom Pelissero
Brady Cook Claimed by Dolphins
Quarterback Brady Cook has been claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins, according to Tom Pelissero. Cook joins a quarterback room that changed quickly over the weekend. Miami traded Quinn Ewers to Jacksonville on Saturday, then acquired Kyle McCord from Green Bay on Sunday to back up starter Malik Willis. Cook brings some actual NFL starting experience after appearing in five games and making four starts for the Jets last season. He completed 88 of 153 passes for 739 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 49 rushing yards. New York kept only Geno Smith and rookie Cade Klubnik on its initial 53-man roster, leaving Cook on waivers. Miami now adds the 24-year-old behind Willis and McCord. There is no immediate fantasy value here, but Cook gives the Dolphins another quarterback with regular-season experience after a busy few days reshaping the position.
Source: Tom Pelissero
Source: Tom Pelissero
Justin Joly Claimed by Dolphins
Tight end Justin Joly has been claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins from the Denver Broncos, according to Mike Klis. Denver traded up to select Joly 152nd overall in April, but the fifth-round rookie was waived Sunday during final cuts. He did leave the Broncos with one big preseason highlight, catching an 88-yard touchdown against Minnesota in the finale. Joly finished August with five receptions for 105 yards and one score. The 22-year-old caught 49 passes for 489 yards and seven touchdowns at NC State last season and was viewed coming out of college as a movable receiving tight end who could work from several alignments. Miami initially kept Greg Dulcich, Will Kacmarek, Ben Sims and Seydou Traore at the position, so Joly joins another crowded group. Dulcich remains the most established receiving option, leaving Joly without an obvious immediate fantasy role, but Miami gives the rookie another developmental opportunity after his brief stay in Denver.
Source: Mike Klis
Source: Mike Klis
Konnor Griffin Moving Rehab Assignment to Triple-A
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) will start his next minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Sept. 1, according to Dominic Campbell of Sports Illustrated. Griffin is eligible to come off the 60-day injured list on Sept. 4, but it is unclear if the Pirates will be ready to bring him back by then. The young shortstop is ready to move to Indy after playing with Double-A Altoona over the weekend. He is attempting to return from a torn sagittal band on his left ring finger that has kept him sidelined since July 6. The 20-year-old former ninth overall pick in 2024 has the chance to be a perennial All-Star at the 6 for years to come, and he hit .276/.332/.404 with a .736 OPS, five home runs, 25 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 35 runs scored in his first 59 major-league games across 247 plate appearances before injuring his finger. When Griffin returns, he will play regularly at shortstop to close out the 2026 campaign. Fantasy managers looking for power/speed upside at the 6 need to stash Griffin ASAP. He is currently rostered in 68% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Dominic Campbell
Source: Sports Illustrated - Dominic Campbell
Carson Wentz Locked In as Vikings' No. 2 Quarterback
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz is locked into the No. 2 role for now with J.J. McCarthy expected to miss multiple weeks because of an ankle injury. Kyler Murray was already named Minnesota's starter, leaving Wentz and Max Brosmer as the healthy quarterbacks behind him while McCarthy recovers. Wentz was making a strong case for the backup job even before the injury. He started Friday's preseason finale against Denver and completed three of four passes for 15 yards over two series. The 33-year-old also has recent experience stepping in for Minnesota, starting five games last season and throwing for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions before a left shoulder injury ended his year. The Vikings haven't formally announced a new depth chart, but there isn't much uncertainty about who would enter first if Murray were forced out of a game. Wentz is back in the primary backup role for the opening weeks.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Jeremy McNichols Opens Season on Injured Reserve
The Washington Commanders placed running back Jeremy McNichols (quadriceps) on Injured Reserve on Sunday on roster cutdown day, according to Zach Selby of the team's official website. The move leaves the Commanders with three RBs on their initial 53-man roster -- Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, and rookie Kaytron Allen. The 30-year-old McNichols was designated to return in 2026, but he will not be eligible to make his season debut until Week 5 after injuring his quad earlier in August. The former fifth-rounder by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2017 NFL draft from Boise State is entering his third year in D.C. after combining for 99 carries, 482 rushing yards, and five touchdowns in 34 games (two starts) with Washington in the last two years. McNichols has added 34 receptions for 223 yards on 43 targets as a receiver. Once McNichols returns from IR, he will most likely factor in on special teams for the Commanders, leaving him off the fantasy football radar in all leagues.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
J.J. McCarthy Facing Multi-Week Absence With Ankle Injury
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is expected to miss multiple weeks, according to Adam Schefter. McCarthy suffered the injury during Minnesota's Aug. 22 preseason game against Baltimore and was unable to recover in time for Friday's finale against Denver. The Vikings had hoped to give him the entire first half in that game, but Carson Wentz started instead. Minnesota initially considered McCarthy day-to-day, making Schefter's new timetable a notable change. The 2024 first-round pick still made the Vikings' initial 53-man roster alongside Kyler Murray, Wentz and Max Brosmer. Murray was already named the starter earlier this month, so McCarthy's absence does not change Minnesota's QB1 situation. McCarthy started 10 games last season, throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding 181 rushing yards and four scores. His injury does leave Wentz and Brosmer as Minnesota's healthy options behind Murray for the opening weeks.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Orioles Claim Luis Robert Jr. Off Waivers From Mets
The Baltimore Orioles are claiming outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from the New York Mets on Monday, multiple people familiar with the situation told Chelsea Janes of SNY. The Mets gave up quickly on Robert after bringing him in to be their center fielder last offseason. He has played in only 58 games in 2026 due to a lumbar spine disc herniation in his back, and he has unsurprisingly struggled to a .223/.303/.399 slash line with a .702 OPS, 10 home runs, 23 RBI, 24 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 218 plate appearances. The Orioles will pay the remaining $5 million in salary that Robert is owed this year, and they will have a $20 million team option for 2027 that comes with a $2 million buyout. The buyout is more likely for the 29-year-old Cuban slugger unless he turns things around drastically in the final month of the regular season in Baltimore. Robert had 38 home runs, 80 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 2023 with the Chicago White Sox, but that is the only season since debuting in 2020 in which he has capitalized on his power/speed potential. He is currently rostered in 43% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: SNY - Chelsea Janes
Source: SNY - Chelsea Janes
