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Ronald Acuna Jr. Extends Hit Streak With Two-Homer Game Against Marlins
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. could be in the midst of coming alive offensively after what was a disappointing and injury-plagued first half of the season. In the team's 11-3 blowout win over the division-rival Miami Marlins at Truist Park on Thursday, Acuna went 2-for-5 at the plate with two home runs and three RBI to extend his current hitting streak to a modest five games. It was the 28-year-old's second multi-homer game of the season and the 16th time in his career. During his five-game hitting streak in August, Acuna has gone 6-for-21 (.286) with three home runs, four RBI, and five runs scored. Since returning from his second stint on the injured list this year with hamstring issues, Acuna has hit .205 (8-for-39) with a .792 OPS, four homers, five RBI, eight runs scored, three walks, and 12 strikeouts in just 10 games played. The former MVP still has the talent to be a difference-maker down the stretch, but it's a bit worrisome that he hasn't been running yet since his return. Acuna is now slashing .244/.358/.436 on the season with a .794 OPS, 11 homers, 27 RBI, 15 steals, and 39 runs scored in his 234 at-bats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Gideon Davidson Begins Camp as Clemson's Lead Back
Clemson running back Gideon Davidson is in the starting role heading into fall camp, according to head coach Dabo Swinney. Davidson finished second on the team in rushing yards as a freshman while working behind Adam Randall, tallying 260 rushing yards on 60 carries. He also caught 11 passes for 93 yards. With Randall off to the NFL, the RB1 role is his to lose. "It starts with Gideon," Swinney said. "He's done a great job." Behind Davidson, SMU transfer Chris Johnson Jr., who rushed for 479 yards and four touchdowns last season with the Mustangs, should see touches. Under returning offensive coordinator Chad Morris, the Tigers are likely to operate in a split backfield, but based on early-camp buzz, Davidson has the slight leg up and will see the most touches.
Source: Chapel Fowler - The State Newspaper
Source: Chapel Fowler - The State Newspaper
Jaylin Noel Activated from NFI
Houston Texans second-year wide receiver Jaylin Noel has been activated from the Non-Football Injury list and should soon resume practicing after missing the start of training camp with a finger injury that did not allow him to catch passes. With former third-round pick Tank Dell recently taking part in his first padded practice since his season-ending 2024 knee injury, the Texans have seen a sudden influx of talent in the receiver room, with fellow second-year receiver Jayden Higgins drawing headlines for his standout play throughout training camp and two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins remaining one of the league's most unheralded superstars. After splitting slot work with veteran Christian Kirk in 2025, Noel is in line for additional snaps in year two, and at RotoBaller's WR78, he could provide a usable fantasy floor from the closing rounds of 2026 drafts.
Source: Houston Texans
Source: Houston Texans
Mac McClung Signs in Spain
Guard Mac McClung has signed with Spanish club Basquet Girona, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews. The three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion heads overseas after another huge G-League season with the Windy City Bulls, where he averaged 31.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists. McClung won his second G-League MVP, became the first two-time winner of the award, passed Renaldo Major as the league's all-time leading scorer, and dropped a career-high 59 points against Birmingham. The 27-year-old has played only 17 NBA games, including eight with Chicago last season, so this move keeps him off NBA fantasy radars unless he works his way back stateside.
Source: Donatas Urbonas
Source: Donatas Urbonas
Ashton Dulin Working as Wide Receiver Only
After seeing extensive special teams work throughout his first six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, veteran wide receiver Ashton Dulin is working exclusively with his position group, with beat reporter Zach Hicks noting that he has not been given his normal special teams reps. The change in usage could indicate how the team feels about his place on the depth chart as he battles Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for the third receiver spot alongside Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. With Pierce missing training camp practices while on the PUP list following offseason ankle surgery, there could also be an element of preservation in what is already a thin receiver room, but for the time being, cornerback Johnathan Edwards has served in Dulin's usual gunner role with the punting unit.
Source: Zach Hicks
Source: Zach Hicks
Hornets See Brandon Miller as Core Piece
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Brandon Miller and the team have discussed a potential rookie-scale extension, with president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson saying the Hornets want him around "for a very long time," via Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. The former No. 2 pick looks central to the Hornets' reset after the franchise traded LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges this offseason, though Peterson has avoided putting the face-of-the-franchise label on any one player. Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.0 steals while shooting 38.3 percent from three across 65 games last season. His usage could climb with Coby White handling more point-guard work, but the shoulder recovery keeps some risk attached. If healthy, Miller's scoring and three-point volume should keep trending up.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Seth McGowan Taking Advantage of RB2 Duties
Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Seth McGowan came into training camp competing with second-year runner DJ Giddens for the primary backup role behind the newly extended Jonathan Taylor, and with Giddens recently missing time with a hamstring injury, Colts beat reporter Zach Hicks has been impressed by what he's seen from McGowan in the RB2 role. Taylor recently praised the seventh-round pick, telling reporters, "Everybody thinks he's just like a big power back, but Seth has some moves... If you look at his feet, he reminds me of like a David Montgomery." While unlikely to force the type of committee role Montgomery has been part of in recent seasons in Detroit, McGowan has the opportunity to seize the all-important handcuff role to Taylor, raising his value as a dynasty stash and making him a player to at least keep tabs on in deep redraft leagues.
Source: Zach Hicks
Source: Zach Hicks
Pistons Weigh Ausar Thompson Extension
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson is in line for a long-term extension, but talks appear tied to the team's unresolved negotiations with restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Thompson led the NBA with 2.0 steals per game last season and earned All-Defensive First Team honors while averaging 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. The offensive limitations remain clear, but his role beside Cade Cunningham and Duren gives him steady fantasy appeal through steals, rebounds, assists, and defensive stats. A deal in the low-to-mid $30 million annual range has been floated, though nothing appears imminent until Detroit gets more clarity on Duren.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Daniil Miromanov Returns to Russia
Defenseman Daniil Miromanov has signed a two-year contract with SKA Saint Petersburg. He will spend the next couple of seasons in the KHL after struggling to earn a regular role in the NHL. Despite making his NHL debut five years ago, Miromanov appeared in just 94 games, registering 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) and 110 blocks. In 2025-26, Miromanov made only one NHL appearance with the Calgary Flames. That contest might end up being Miromanov's final NHL outing, as he will turn 30 next year. Before moving to North America, Miromanov played in the KHL with HC Sochi.
Source: KHL
Source: KHL
Dereck Lively II Talks Extension with Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II and the team have held early-stage talks on a possible rookie-scale extension, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line, via Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. The number is tough to project after the 22-year-old played only seven games last season before undergoing season-ending right foot surgery. When healthy, Lively has been a high-efficiency rim runner and shot blocker, with career averages of 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 72.5 percent from the field. His lob finishing and rim protection fit cleanly alongside Cooper Flagg, but Dallas has reason to remain patient under Masai Ujiri, especially with Daniel Gafford still in the frontcourt picture. Lively carries blocks-and-boards upside, though his recovery is the swing factor.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
D'Andre Swift Could Have Expanded Role in 2026
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift ran for a career-high 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, but in catching a career-low 34 passes, head coach Ben Johnson views that as an area where he can still get his lead back more involved. Swift earned 148 targets in his two seasons with Johnson at passing game coordinator and offensive coordinator in Detroit, and while praising Swift as a runner, Johnson recently told reporters he wants to "continue to look at and challenge him" on receiving opportunities. How many opportunities will truly present themselves in an offense with Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland is a question for debate, but even a modest increase to his receiving production could push Swift into RB1 territory after a top 15 finish in 2025.
Source: Jason Lieser
Source: Jason Lieser
Brandin Podziemski Eyes Long-Term Deal with Warriors
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski wants a long-term extension, but the sides remain apart on price, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Podziemski's camp is reportedly seeking an annual salary in the $22 million to $24 million range, while Golden State prefers a lower number. The 23-year-old is entering the final season of his rookie deal and can reach restricted free agency in 2027 if no agreement is reached. He helped his case last season by averaging a career-high 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, then jumped to 17.5 points, 6.2 boards, and 4.1 assists after the All-Star break. His fantasy ceiling still depends on Stephen Curry or Jimmy Butler III missing time, but the late-season usage bump keeps him relevant as a depth guard with upside.
Source: Brett Siegel
Source: Brett Siegel
Flyers Sign Nikita Grebenkin to Two-Year Deal
Philadelphia Flyers left wing Nikita Grebenkin has agreed to a two-year, $2.2 million contract with the team. The 23-year-old Russian forward was a restricted free agent and will retain his restricted free agency status in the 2028 offseason, when his new deal expires. After impressing in training camp, Grebenkin skated in 55 games last season. He recorded 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) and 86 hits. Grebenkin's rookie campaign ended early due to an upper-body injury. According to Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia, Grebenkin is expected to be healthy for the start of training camp next month. Grebenkin will be a middle-six option for the Flyers and won't have significant fantasy value.
Source: Jordan Hall
Source: Jordan Hall
Zachariah Branch The Most Noticeable Player on the Field
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch was a spring standout during organized team activities, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa comparing him favorably to former teammate Jaylen Waddle, and the third-round rookie continues to make plays throughout the dog days of summer. The Athletic's Josh Kendall believes Atlanta may have found a budding star, pointing to Branch as the player who has most consistently stood out all offseason long and calling him the most noticeable player on the field. A former five-star prospect and the number one receiver in the 2023 recruiting class, Branch never topped 700 yards or four touchdowns in his three seasons with USC and Georgia, but he appears to have found his stride in Falcons camp. On a depth chart in need of playmaking wide receivers behind Drake London, Branch could make an early impact and is a player to target in the closing rounds of 2026 drafts.
Source: Josh Kendall - The Athletic
Source: Josh Kendall - The Athletic
Ville Koivunen Signs Eight-Year Extension With Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Ville Koivunen signed an eight-year contract extension on Thursday. The team has put a lot of faith in the young Finnish forward, who will earn $32 million over the next eight years despite having played in only 47 career games so far. Koivunen, who was a restricted free agent, has scored two goals and registered 12 assists in the NHL. He has been very prolific in the AHL, and the Penguins faithful will have their fingers crossed that Koivunen can replicate those performances in the big league soon. Given that he turned 22 just two months ago, Koivunen still has plenty of time to hone his skills.
Source: Pittsburgh Penguins
Source: Pittsburgh Penguins
