RADIO
Jacob Melton Currently Injured but Could Still Debut With Rays
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton (hamstring) was placed on the seven-day injured list with a right-hamstring strain and is expected to miss about a week at Triple-A Durham. Melton has had a nice season with Durham, batting .285 in 123 at-bats at Triple-A with five homers and 23 RBI to go with 24 runs scored and 23 stolen bases. The 25-year-old has shown off his five-category ability this season with Durham and is currently the No. 6 prospect in Tampa's system. He has 60-grade power and 60-grade speed, which shows off his ability to hit at a high level while also establishing himself as a stolen base threat. Melton debuted with the Houston Astros at the major league level in 2025 before being traded to Tampa Bay in December of 2025. Melton has MLB experience and could play for the Rays before the end of this year. He is worth stashing as he returns from his injury.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Anthony Richardson Sr. Having a "Roller Coaster" Training Camp
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. has been competing with second-year player Riley Leonard for the primary backup spot behind Daniel Jones, and according to Jake Arthur of Colts Roundtable, he has been "riding a roller coaster" throughout training camp. With his physical gifts rarely in question, the former fourth overall pick has made some of the most impressive throws of camp, but he's also struggled with some of the fundamentals that should not be slowing him down in his fourth professional season, bobbling or dropping several shotgun snaps. Arthur credits him with a 76.2% completion rate in 11-on-11 sessions, though it's important to note that most of his action has come against the second and third-team defenses with Jones showing little ill effect from his season-ending Achilles injury and handling the majority of the work with the ones. Richardson has fallen to QB35 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings, but with his natural abilities translating so strongly to fantasy, he remains a frustrating hold who can still put up points in bunches whenever he finds the field.
Source: Jake Arthur
Source: Jake Arthur
Nick Pivetta "All Systems Forward" After Injury Scare
San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen said that right-hander Nick Pivetta (forearm) had a normal day of recovery on Wednesday and threw out to 90 feet, according to Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan. Pivetta was checked out by doctors as an extra precaution, but Stammen said it sounds like it's "all systems forward" right now. The 33-year-old veteran walked off the mound abruptly in the middle of an at-bat in his first minor-league rehab appearance with Single-A Lake Elsinore on Tuesday due to tightness in his right elbow, but after throwing in the bullpen afterwards, he felt fine. Pivetta may have avoided a serious setback from a forearm/elbow injury that has limited him to just four starts in 2026. It looks like he will attempt to stay on schedule and make another rehab start. In a best-case scenario for Pivetta and the Padres, he'll return to SD's starting rotation by the end of the month as the Friars look to make a playoff push. When healthy, Pivetta showed last year that he can be the team's ace after going 13-5 with a 2.87 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 190:50 K:BB in 31 regular-season starts in what was a career year in 2025.
Source: 97.3 The Fan - Sammy Levitt
Source: 97.3 The Fan - Sammy Levitt
Jaxon Wiggins Struggling Since Returning To Iowa Rotation
Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins is coming off a start in which he allowed five earned runs in 2 2/3 innings and has struggled since coming off the injured list at Triple-A Iowa on July 10. He's 0-3 in five starts with Iowa since returning from right elbow inflammation. It's been a bit of a lost year for the 24-year-old with the injury, but he is still ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in the Cubs' system. He boasts a 60-grade fastball with a 55-grade slider and 50-grade changeup. With Iowa this season, Wiggins has 28 strikeouts in 22 innings pitched, which is a good sign. The Cubs 5-man rotation is set right now at the big league level, but Wiggins could be counted on for some depth if they look to give him his major league debut. But right now it would be best to keep Wiggins on the waiver wire unless an injury occurs to one of the Cubs' starters.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Daniel Palencia Blows a Save in First Rehab Appearance
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia (elbow) didn't exactly have the greatest first minor-league rehab outing on Wednesday at Triple-A Iowa. Palencia allowed an earned run on one hit while walking two and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning to blow the save against Triple-A Indianapolis. He threw half of his pitches for strikes but did sit around 98 mph with his fastball, which is encouraging. The 26-year-old Venezuelan hurler last pitched for the Cubbies on June 15, so he will need at least a couple more rehab appearances to try to get his command in the right place. Once reinstated from the 15-day injured list, the Cubs could ease Palencia back into high-leverage situations out of the bullpen, but the expectation is that Palencia will once again become manager Craig Counsell's preferred option for saves in the ninth inning. Palencia has appeared in only 19 games this year and has a 2.70 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, three saves, and 19 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings pitched after he saved a career-high 22 games for Chicago last year. Palencia is rostered in only 59% of Yahoo leagues. Now is the time to scoop him up if you need saves.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Daniel Jones Looks "Completely Fine Physically"
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon less than eight months ago, but he has been a full participant since Day 1 of training camp, and Jake Arthur of Colts Roundtable notes that he "looks completely fine physically." The eighth-year veteran has not hesitated to scramble when needed, and even with top receiver Alec Pierce on the PUP list while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Arthur credits Jones with over a 70% completion rate in 11-on-11 sessions. Before his season-ending injury in Week 14, Jones was the fantasy QB7, but with concerns of his recovery pushing his current ADP all the way down to QB24, he could prove to be one of the biggest steals of 2026 drafts, particularly in superflex formats.
Source: Jake Arthur
Source: Jake Arthur
Nick Lodolo Gives Up Three Runs in Rehab Outing on Wednesday
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) tested out his injured finger in a minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday and allowed three earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out four in 4 1/3 innings in a loss to Triple-A St. Paul. Manager Terry Francona said that Lodolo looked "OK" while hitting 94 to 95 mph with his fastball and throwing 37 of his 65 pitches for strikes during the outing. The 28-year-old southpaw threw seven of his 15 curveballs for strikes, the pitch that had initially led to his recurring blister problem. The main takeaway is that Lodolo didn't have any issues with his finger, and the Reds could be satisfied enough to have him make his next start back in the big leagues. The former first-rounder from Texas Christian University will be pretty risky for fantasy managers whenever he makes his first start back with the Reds. Lodolo has teased strikeout upside since entering the league in 2022, but he has a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate and a career-high 9.7% walk rate in his 12 starts in 2026.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
George Klassen Could Come Through as a Late-Season Stash
Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect George Klassen has had solid success with Triple-A Salt Lake this season, pitching to a 6-6 record with a 3.96 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP to go with 88 strikeouts in 91 innings pitched. Klassen's strikeout rate is a bit underwhelming but he has a decent record and solid ERA and WHIP. The right-hander is ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the Angels' system. The 24-year-old has the experience necessary to pitch at the major league level if given an opportunity. He has a 70-grade fastball with two 55-grade secondary pitches in his curveball and slider. The Angels seem to have an opening in their rotation and could look toward Klassen's power arm to fill that spot. He needs to improve his strikeout rate for fantasy purposes but he is an arm that is worth taking a chance on in deep leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Pirates Still Don't Have Specific Timetable for Oneil Cruz's Return
The Pittsburgh Pirates still do not have a specific timetable for outfielder Oneil Cruz's (hand) return from the 60-day injured list, according to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Still don't have a specific date or timeline, but I think we're getting closer all the time. We're waiting for maybe a little bit more information from him, but we're anticipating it happening soon," general manager Ben Cherington said. Despite starting baseball activities on July 29, it doesn't appear that the 27-year-old will be ready to come off the IL when he's eligible on Friday. Fantasy managers will need to be a bit more patient. Once he's cleared for a minor-league rehab assignment, his return to the big leagues won't be far off, barring a setback. The Dominican outfielder is a must-start in all fantasy formats when he's active for the Bucs, and he has hit .264/.350/.472 with an .822 OPS, 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 45 runs scored across his 250 at-bats in 2026 in his sixth major-league season in Pittsburgh. Cruz had a league-high 38 stolen bases in 2025 and is one of the best power/speed assets in baseball when he's healthy.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Colin Beazley
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Colin Beazley
Emeka Egbuka Back at Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is back in action on Thursday after being held out of Tuesday night's indoor practice session with lower body soreness. With a scheduled off day on Wednesday, the team was able to exercise an abundance of caution, holding the second-year receiver out along with Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan. While Egbuka and Godwin have returned to practice, McMillan remains out after banging his knee, as does Tez Johnson, who exited Tuesday's session with a groin strain. Egbuka's play trailed off in his rookie season, following a historically strong start, but an improving connection with quarterback Baker Mayfield has expectations high for his second season, and he is being drafted as the WR18.
Source: Scott Smith
Source: Scott Smith
Brody Hopkins has Pitch Mix Necessary For Big-League Success
Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Brody Hopkins has had a solid season at Triple-A Durham and could be looking at a late season promotion. Hopkins, a right-hander, is 4-8 this season with a 4.93 ERA and 1.67 WHIP to go with 105 strikeouts in 84 innings. The 24-year-old has made 18 starts in 21 appearances this season and he has struggled a bit with his overall record, but his strikeout rate is encouraging. He is the No. 5 prospect in the Rays' system and possesses a 60-grade fastball and 60-grade curveball with two other 55-grade secondary pitches in his cutter and slider. Hopkins seems to have major league stuff and is just awaiting a promotion to Tampa Bay. The Rays have a deep rotation especially after trading for Freddy Peralta. But with Shane McClanahan on the IL, Hopkins could provide depth at the major league level and would be worth a waiver wire addition in that case.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jose Ramirez Back in Thursday's Lineup Against Mets
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand) is starting at third base and batting third in the series finale on Thursday against the visiting New York Mets and right-hander Nolan McLean, according to MLB.com. Ramirez is returning to action after missing the last two games due to soreness in his surgically-repaired left hand. It's great to see the 33-year-old Dominican switch-hitter back in the starting nine, but fantasy managers still have to be a bit concerned that he has gone 8-for-41 (.195) with zero home runs, two RBI, six runs scored, three stolen bases, five walks, and two strikeouts in 11 games since returning from his fractured left hamate bone. The seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner has not been himself in 2026, and his hand injury did not help. J-Ram returns to Thursday's tilt hitting just .233/.331/.388 with a .720 OPS, 10 homers, 35 RBI, 27 stolen bases, and 48 runs scored in 83 games and 360 plate appearances. He's still a must-start in most fantasy leagues, but it would be nice for him to show some signs of life at the plate. Ramirez has never faced McLean.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Will Hammond Wearing Knee Brace in First Practice
Texas Tech quarterback Will Hammond (knee) was seen at practice wearing a brace on his surgically repaired knee, but the sophomore was "bouncing around fine," as shown in an X post by Jarret Johnson of InsideRedRaiders.com. Hammond suffered a torn ACL in the team's November 25 win over Oklahoma State but has a chance to be ready for Week 1. Following the departure of Cincinnati transfer Brendan Sorsby, Hammond is slated to start for the College Football Playoff-hopeful Red Raiders in 2026. In 12 career games, Hammond has completed 62.7% of his passes for 1,151 yards, nine touchdowns, and five interceptions. He'll be surrounded by elite talent in the Big 12, but it remains to be seen if he can be a legit high-end starter capable of taking the program further than the opening game of the CFP.
Source: Jarret Johnson - InsideRedRaiders.com
Source: Jarret Johnson - InsideRedRaiders.com
Ted Hurst Taking Advantage of Receiver Absences
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially eyeing a big-bodied long-term replacement for franchise legend Mike Evans. In recent days, the Buccaneers' receiver depth chart has been thinned by injury, and Hurst has taken advantage of the opportunity to build chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. With Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan all absent from the team's last practice, and Tez Johnson exiting early with a groin strain, Hurst became Mayfield's go-to target according to team staff writer Brianna Dix, and head coach Todd Bowles spoke on their growing rapport. "Baker trusts him," he said of the rookie. "He knows he goes where he needs to go with the football. Ted was open at the right time, so we know he's got a good vertical, and he's got very good hands." The crowded depth chart in Tampa could still make consistent fantasy viability difficult to come by, but at RotoBaller's dynasty WR72, Hurst is a player well worth stashing with a future that will only be made brighter if he can continue to stack productive days in his first training camp.
Source: Brianna Dix
Source: Brianna Dix
Arch Manning Shines in First Practice of Fall Camp
Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who was previously dealing with a foot injury, posted a strong first practice of fall camp, according to Eric Nahlin of Inside Texas. "When he was on--which was for most of the viewing period--Arch Manning stood above the rest," Nahlin wrote. "He completed an effortless pitch-and-catch with Ryan Wingo that looked exactly how it's supposed to. He connected to all three levels of the field." After a rough showing to begin his first season as a starter, Manning flashed his high ceiling in the second half of the year, averaging 286.2 passing yards per game, scoring 19 touchdowns, and throwing five interceptions over his final six games. The fourth-year signal-caller will need to clean up the turnovers, but he has a stronger supporting cast in 2026, and Texas is fully expected to compete for an SEC crown and spot in the College Football Playoff. Manning projects to be one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country this season.
Source: Eric Nahlin - Inside Texas
Source: Eric Nahlin - Inside Texas
Carnell Tate Looking to Build Upon his First Standout Moment of Training Camp
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate has had a relatively quiet start to his first training camp, but on Tuesday he provided a reminder of why he was the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. After a slow start to practice that included a drop and an apparent miscommunication with quarterback Cam Ward, he delivered the play of the summer on a 70-yard touchdown pass from Ward over starting cornerback Alontae Taylor. The play was Tate's only catch of the session, as credited by Titans senior writer Jim Wyatt, and with the team now preparing for Friday's annual blue vs white scrimmage, the 21-year-old receiver will need to continue developing consistency. As the Titans' most explosive playmaker, Tate should command an early role and only see his value rise throughout the season, making him a player to target in the middle rounds of 2026 drafts as RotoBaller's WR30.
Source: Jim Wyatt
Source: Jim Wyatt
LJ Martin Full-Go for Practice Following Shoulder Surgery
BYU running back LJ Martin (shoulder) is fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgery and is cleared for the start of fall camp, according to Carly Ludlow of Universe Sports. Martin's procedure took place in December, and he spent spring recovering before being cleared in June. Martin is one of the nation's top running backs entering 2026 after posting 1,305 rushing yards, 255 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns a season ago. The 220-pound ball carrier should see another heavy workload as a senior, especially after the departures of top wideouts Parker Kingston and Chase Roberts. Expect the Cougars to remain one of the best rushing teams in the Big 12, led by Martin and quarterback Bear Bachmeier.
Source: Carly Ludlow - Universe Sports
Source: Carly Ludlow - Universe Sports
Omar Cooper Jr. Coming Alive in Padded Practices
New York Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. had a slow start to his first training camp, visibly thinking his way through some of the team's early practices while Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell were routinely making plays, but Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo reports that he has come alive since the pads came on at Florham Park. Cooper is a well-put-together and rugged receiver who excelled at Indiana in some of the most high-traffic areas of the field, so it's no surprise he's finding his game as practices become more physical, and Melo believes he may have turned a corner. Cooper is RotoBaller's rookie WR5 and has obvious appeal in dynasty leagues, but he could also see some fantasy usability in year one if he's able to earn a steady role out of the slot in a Frank Reich offense that has historically leaned on three-receiver sets well above league average.
Source: Justin Melo
Source: Justin Melo
Nic Anderson Missing Start of Fall Camp
Kentucky wide receiver Nic Anderson (undisclosed) is not participating in the start of fall practices, according to Adam Luckett of Kentucky Sports Radio. Unfortunately, Anderson's injuries have been a major theme of his collegiate career. The former Oklahoma Sooner and LSU Tiger has missed over a dozen games due to injury, including 12 games in his final season at Oklahoma in 2024. Anderson flashed big-time upside as a sophomore (2023), catching 38 passes for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he's tallied just 12 receptions for 106 yards and two scores over the last two seasons (11 games). He is a projected starter for the Wildcats this year, and hopefully, he can put the injury woes behind him ahead of his fifth year of college football. He is expected to be available this preseason at some point.
Source: Adam Luckett - KSR
Source: Adam Luckett - KSR
Romeo Doubs Misses Walkthrough Practice
New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs appeared slightly hobbled in recent days, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss, and he was not present for the team's Wednesday walkthrough practice. After a slow start to camp, Doubs has begun to build momentum, seemingly gaining comfort in a Josh McDaniels offense that asks more of its wide receivers than any system he'd been a part of in Green Bay. Doubs is projected to serve as the team's second receiver opposite A.J. Brown, and while Reiss doesn't believe he is dealing with anything overly serious, his status will need to be monitored, as receiver represents the Patriots' deepest position group of camp and any prolonged absence could create pathways for others to climb the depth chart. Doubs is RotoBaller's WR52 and should provide steady production in a modified version of the role that saw Stefon Diggs accumulate 1,013 yards a season ago.
Source: Mike Reiss
Source: Mike Reiss
LeBron James Set for More On-Ball Work
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward LeBron James is expected to take on more point-guard duties next season, with Evan Sidery reporting that head coach Nick Nurse confirmed James will primarily play the position. The four-time MVP averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists last season, and this setup should keep his assists useful even if his scoring volume dips in a crowded lineup. Tyrese Maxey may lose some on-ball reps, but cleaner off-ball scoring chances could soften the fantasy hit. VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown face tighter touch ceilings, while Joel Embiid should remain a major half-court hub. James still carries fantasy value, but the appeal leans more toward assists and efficiency than vintage scoring volume.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Marvin Mims Jr. Could Be Unlocked by New Offensive Coordinator
Denver Broncos fourth-year wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. has made plays almost any time he's been given the chance, but his sporadic usage has led to little fantasy relevance outside of deep best ball formats. In 2025, he saw a 53% offensive snap share in Week 1 but then topped 50% participation only once more in the regular season. Through his first three seasons, he has never reached a season-long snap share of 40%, but The Denver Post's Parker Gabriel believes that the promotion of Davis Webb to offensive coordinator and play caller could serve to unlock the speedy playmaker. Gabriel points out that Mims has moved with confidence and made a number of standout plays through the opening week of training camp. Mims could see increased involvement and become a more useful piece of the Broncos' offense, but in a receiver room that added Jaylen Waddle to a returning group of Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, and Troy Franklin, consistency will still be difficult to find, and he does not need to factor into 2026 fantasy plans as RotoBaller's WR94.
Source: Parker Gabriel
Source: Parker Gabriel
Mavericks Seek First-Rounder for Daniel Gafford
Dallas Mavericks forward/center Daniel Gafford remains available for the right price, with Evan Sidery reporting that Dallas is seeking a protected first-round pick in a deal. The 27-year-old is signed through 2028-29 at roughly $18.1 million annually, so Dallas does not have to dump him. Gafford averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 21.7 minutes last season while shooting 65.5% from the field, keeping him useful as a low-usage fantasy center. A trade would likely hurt Dereck Lively II's insurance value less than it would open minutes for Morez Johnson Jr. and Moussa Cisse, who would move closer to the nightly center mix.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Keaton Wallace Reportedly Joins Maccabi Tel Aviv
Free-agent guard Keaton Wallace is reportedly signing a two-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv worth $1.2 million per season, according to Israel Hayom's Tomer Givati. Wallace, the older brother of Thunder guard Cason Wallace, spent the last two seasons with Atlanta, averaging 4.2 points, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 rebounds across 84 NBA games. He was on a two-way deal in 2024-25 before earning a standard contract last season, but the Hawks did not extend him a qualifying offer this summer. The move should help Maccabi replace Lonnie Walker IV, who reportedly agreed to return to the NBA with Denver. Wallace is off fantasy radars unless he works his way back into a clearer NBA role.
Source: Tomer Givati
Source: Tomer Givati
Jahmyr Gibbs Working with Trainer on Side Field
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs took part in a walk-through and team stretch on Thursday morning before moving to a side field to work with a trainer. One week into Lions training camp, the three-time Pro Bowler has yet to take part in practice as he awaits a long-term contract extension. High-profile running backs Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor both agreed to new extensions this week, so it's possible a new deal for Gibbs could be close, but until he puts ink to paper, it's unlikely he'll take part in any drills. After sharing a backfield with David Montgomery for his first three seasons, the veteran's trade to the Texans has presented Gibbs with the opportunity to handle close to a bell cow role, and he is RotoBaller's RB1 for 2026. With training camp approaching its halfway point, fantasy managers will want to see him on the field as soon as possible to avoid carrying any rust or added injury risk into the Lions' regular season opener on September 13.
Source: Dave Birkett
Source: Dave Birkett
Clippers Waive Two-Way Guard Sean Pedulla
The Los Angeles Clippers are waiving two-way guard Sean Pedulla, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Pedulla won G-League Rookie of the Year after averaging 23.6 points, 6.8 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals between the Rip City Remix and San Diego Clippers. He signed with the Clippers in February but logged only 31 NBA minutes, totaling 13 points on 5-for-15 shooting across seven appearances. The move comes after Los Angeles agreed to two-way deals with Jamarion Sharp and Jalen Pickett, while rookie Nick Martinelli is also in the two-way mix. Pedulla's G-League production keeps him on the fringe radar, but he needs a new landing spot and a real rotation path before mattering in fantasy.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Stephen Belichick Away from North Carolina Program on Medical Leave
North Carolina defensive coordinator Stephen Belichick is not with the program and is on medical leave, his father and UNC head coach Bill Belichick announced on Thursday. "Just want to let everyone know that my son Steve's on medical leave, and look forward to getting him back as soon as possible," he said. "It's a medical situation, so I really can't make any further comment on that." Spencer Haskell of Inside Carolina reports that the 39-year-old was not seen at open practice last week and has not been available for interviews. In his absence, the defensive staff will collectively coach that side of the ball. Belichick coached under his father with the New England Patriots from 2012 to 2023 before joining him in Chapel Hill in 2025. Last season, the Tar Heels ranked eighth in points per game allowed (24.5) among ACC teams.
Source: Spencer Haskell - Inside Carolina
Source: Spencer Haskell - Inside Carolina
Jonathan Taylor Signs Two-Year Extension with Colts
All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts have agreed to a two-year extension that will pay the three-time Pro Bowler up to $47 million and keep him on the team through the 2028 season. The deal includes $39 million in guarantees and makes Taylor the second-highest-paid running back in the league after the Falcons' Bijan Robinson signed a historic deal on Tuesday. Taylor has dealt with injuries for much of his career, playing in 17 games only once over the past four seasons, but when healthy and right, he is one of the most impactful offensive players in the league. He was the fantasy RB1 through the first 13 weeks of 2025 before Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury derailed the offense as a whole. Jones has made remarkable progress and is expected to be the team's Week 1 starter, and should the injury limit his mobility, Taylor could benefit from an increase in checkdowns, only adding to his value and putting him among a handful of backs with overall RB1 upside for 2026.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Lonnie Walker IV Returns to NBA with Nuggets
Guard Lonnie Walker IV has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Denver Nuggets, agent George S. Langberg told ESPN's Shams Charania. Walker returns to the NBA after spending last season with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he averaged 15.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in EuroLeague play. He last played stateside with Philadelphia in 2024-25, posting 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 20 games. Denver has a clear need for bench scoring after Tim Hardaway Jr. left for Miami, but Walker still has to fight Julian Strawther for perimeter minutes and Tyus Jones for backup ball-handling reps behind Jamal Murray and Christian Braun. In a Nikola Jokic-led offense with limited spare usage, Walker is more of a rotation flyer than a fantasy target.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Jacob Cowing Dealing with Hip-Flexor Strain
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing (hip) did not practice on Wednesday due to a hip flexor strain. Cowing has missed time so far this offseason, dealing with a hamstring injury during OTAs and most of the 2025 season, and now a hip flexor strain that may cost him additional practice time. The 2024 fourth-round pick has caught just four passes for 80 yards in his NFL career, largely because of injury-related absences. With most players taking 1-3 weeks to recover from a hip flexor strain, Cowing will need to perform at a high level upon his return to make the 49ers' final roster.
Source: Nick Wagoner - ESPN
Source: Nick Wagoner - ESPN
