Jaguars Deny Shopping Brian Thomas Jr.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was not being shopped in recent trade talks, general manager James Gladstone said on Thursday. Gladstone said rumors of Thomas being shopped were "fraudulent claims" and that the team never received an offer for the wide receiver. The second-year general manager went as far as to say that Thomas will be a big part of the Jaguars' offense going forward. Fantasy managers should be excited to hear that, but the comments should obviously be taken with a grain of salt. Thomas is coming off a very frustrating second season in the NFL, catching just 48 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns across 14 games. To make matters worse, he faces plenty of competition in the passing game from a crowded receiver room that features Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter, and Parker Washington. Managers who trust Gladstone's comments might consider buying low on Thomas in dynasty leagues. Otherwise, he's probably more of a "hold" for the time being. UPDATE: Gladstone also said when asked about trading Thomas, that, "We have no interest in disrupting the momentum."
Source: Michael DiRocco
Source: Michael DiRocco
Obi Toppin a Late Scratch Thursday
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (foot) will miss Thursday's encounter with the Phoenix Suns. Toppin wasn't on the initial injury report before the team decided to rule him out for the contest with an hour and a half before tip-off. He has made six appearances since recovering from a fractured foot and started in Pascal Siakam's (knee) place on Tuesday against Sacramento. With both Siakam and Toppin out, Kobe Brown could move into the first unit, which would give him more fantasy value.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Vikings Sign Kyler Murray to a One-Year Deal
The Minnesota Vikings have signed free-agent quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. The deal includes a clause that says Murray cannot be assigned a franchise tag or transition tag next offseason. He'll be paid $36.8 million in 2026, but the bulk of that will come from the Arizona Cardinals' payroll. Minnesota will only be on the hook for the league minimum amount. Murray, a former No. 1 overall pick, is coming off a disappointing seventh and final season in Arizona. Injuries limited him to just five starts last year, and he only produced 962 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also had 173 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. It was a weird end to Murray's tenure with the Cardinals, as he was technically on IR with a season-ending injury but may have simply been benched for Jacoby Brissett. Regardless of the actual reason, the bottom line is that the Cardinals and Murray went their separate ways this offseason, leading the quarterback to sign with Minnesota. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has repeatedly been praised for his ability to identify successful quarterback reclamation projects, but it's far from guaranteed that Murray will be able to bounce back. In fact, he's not even a lock to earn playing time. Incumbent starter and former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy will presumably compete with Murray in a wide-open position battle during training camp.
Source: Tom Pelissero
Source: Tom Pelissero
Aaron Nesmith Won't Play Thursday
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (ankle) will sit out Thursday's game against the Phoenix Suns. After his impressive 29-point outing in Tuesday's loss to Sacramento, Nesmith will be held out of the first leg of a back-to-back for ankle injury management. With Nesmith sidelined, Ben Sheppard, Jalen Slawson, and Ethan Thompson are candidates for increased playing time. We will likely see Nesmith return to action on Friday against the New York Knicks.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Andrew Nembhard Good to Go Against Suns
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back, neck) will suit up on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. He will return from a one-game absence. With T.J. McConnell (hamstring) and Quenton Jackson (calf) out, Nembhard is set to have a busy time as Indiana's playmaker on Thursday. He has averaged 15.1 points and 6.7 assists per game since the All-Star break. This is the first game of a back-to-back, so fantasy managers should prepare for a likely Nembhard absence on Friday night against the New York Knicks.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ivica Zubac Set for Pacers Debut Thursday
Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac (ankle) has been cleared to make his team debut on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. He has been out of action since early February due to an ankle injury. Zubac will likely only see limited action against the Suns, but it will be great to see him back. The Croatian big man is set to replace Jay Huff as Indiana's starting center. Zubac's return will also affect the playing time of Micah Potter.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jonathan Kuminga Returns From Three-Game Absence
Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets. The team has upgraded his status from questionable to available. Kuminga has been out for three games due to a bone bruise in his left knee. Apart from his health issues, moving to Atlanta has worked out well for Kuminga, who has averaged 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals in three appearances with the Hawks. He looks set for another productive evening against a weak Nets squad.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Dyson Daniels Unavailable Thursday
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (toe) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. He will sit out the action after being initially considered questionable for the game. Daniels' exit from the lineup opens up a spot in the starting unit. Corey Kispert, Zaccharie Risacher, and Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will mainly benefit from his absence. The latter has been cleared to play after sitting out three games due to a knee issue.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Caris LeVert Remains Sidelined Thursday
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Caris LeVert (wrist) will miss a third straight game on Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers. This was expected after the team listed the veteran as doubtful on the initial injury report. Ausar Thompson (ankle) also remains out of the rotation, creating more opportunities for Javonte Green, Kevin Huerter, and Marcus Sasser. LeVert will have his next chance to return on Friday, when Detroit finishes a back-to-back against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Maxi Kleber, Jaxson Hayes Out for Lakers on Thursday
Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports that Los Angeles Lakers centers Jaxson Hayes (back) and Maxi Kleber (back) are unavailable for Thursday night's matchup with the Chicago Bulls. Both Hayes and Kleber are dealing with back issues that also kept them sidelined during Tuesday's win against Minnesota. While the two big men are out of action, Jarred Vaderbilt, who is averaging 17.9 minutes per contest, will likely see extended minutes during this evening's clash.
Source: Daniel Starkland
Source: Daniel Starkland
Bobby Brink a Game-Time Decision for Meeting with Flyers
Minnesota Wild right wing Bobby Brink (upper body) is considered a game-time call for Thursday's matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers. He may have to miss a meeting with his former team after sustaining an upper-body injury in Tuesday's win over the Utah Mammoth. Brink has made three appearances with the Wild since being traded last week by the Flyers, recording one goal on three shots on net. Robby Fabbri is expected to make the lineup if Brink can't play. Through 17 games with both the Wild and St. Louis Blues this season, Fabbri has produced only one goal and three assists, making him a non-factor in fantasy hockey.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Evander Kane Available Against Predators
Vancouver Canucks left wing Evander Kane (upper body) will return from a one-game absence on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. After shaking off an upper-body injury, Kane will replace Nils Hoglander in the lineup. Kane has had an underwhelming campaign, with 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 61 games. Still, he could make a significant impact in Thursday's matchup, as Kane will skate on the top line with Elias Pettersson, Vancouver's leading scorer. Drew O'Connor will complete the trio. Kane's two goals helped Vancouver to a 5-4 overtime victory over Nashville in their last meeting on Nov. 3.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Marcus Smart Unavailable Against Bulls
According to Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com, Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (hip) is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls. Smart will be held out of action due to a bruised right hip. The 32-year-old veteran's next opportunity to suit up is on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets. While Smart is out, Luke Kennard will likely take on extra minutes and could be considered a solid streaming option going into tonight's matchup.
Source: Daniel Starkland
Source: Daniel Starkland
Mark Stone a Game-Time Call Thursday
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (upper body) is a game-time decision for Thursday's clash against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Golden Knights captain has missed five games with an upper-body injury, but he has a chance to return on Thursday night. If he is cleared for action, Stone will immediately reclaim his spot on the first line and join the top power-play unit. Stone is third on the Vegas team with 60 points (21 goals, 39 assists) in 43 games and ranks sixth in the league with an average of 1.40 points per game.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Carter Verhaeghe, Anton Lundell Won't Play Thursday
Florida Panthers forwards Carter Verhaeghe (tightness) and Anton Lundell (rest) won't return to the lineup on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Florida has fallen behind in the fight for a playoff spot and has started resting players. It's Verhaeghe's and Lundell's turn to sit out some action, while Sam Reinhart (rest) will rejoin the lineup. Florida's lineup maneuvering will result in Cole Reinhardt making his team debut on Thursday. Meanwhile, A.J. Greer is set to have a top-six role, which elevates his fantasy value. Greer is slated to skate with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Sam Reinhart Returns to Action Thursday
Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart (rest) is expected to rejoin the lineup for Thursday's tilt against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was rested by the team on Tuesday night against Detroit, missing his first game of the season. Reinhart is set to start Thursday's game on the first line with Eetu Luostarinen and Evan Rodrigues. He will also be a vital part of the first power-play unit. This season, Reinhart has averaged slightly below a point per game, but he still leads Florida in scoring. Across 63 appearances, Reinhart has contributed 28 goals and 31 assists. Reinhart has finished 10 consecutive regular-season games against Columbus with at least one point.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Payton Pritchard Set to Suit Up Thursday
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (neck) is available for Thursday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Pritchard is dealing with a lingering neck issue and missed Tuesday's contest against San Antonio, but he's ready to return tonight after a one-game absence. With Pritchard back in action, fewer minutes will be available for Ron Harper, who logged 22 points, two assists and three rebounds across 33 minutes in his last outing on Tuesday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Andrew Copp to Sit Out Two Weeks
Detroit Red Wings forward Andrew Copp (lower body) will be out of action for two weeks. The veteran suffered a lower-body injury on Tuesday and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. This means Copp will be unavailable for at least six games, starting with Thursday's contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Copp sits fifth in scoring among the Red Wings' forwards, with 37 points (eight goals, 29 assists) in 65 outings. Dylan Larkin (leg) has also been ruled out for two weeks, leading to J.T. Compher and Marco Kasper moving up in the lineup.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Dylan Larkin Ruled Out for Two Weeks
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (leg) will be unavailable for two weeks, head coach Todd McLellan said on Thursday. The Red Wings captain will miss a third consecutive game on Thursday night when the team visits the Tampa Bay Lightning. Larkin has scored 28 goals and 55 points in 63 games during a productive season. J.T. Compher is set to take over first-line center duties against Tampa Bay. His fantasy value will get a big boost by linking up with Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane, who have combined for over 100 points this season. Compher has managed 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in 65 appearances. He has finished 14 of his last 16 outings without a point.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Pascal Siakam Slated To Miss Thursday's Matchup With Suns
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (knee) will miss his second consecutive game on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns. Siakam was previously listed as doubtful on the injury report, but he's since been ruled out. The 31-year-old star forward is dealing with a right knee sprain. With Siakam sidelined, Obi Toppin jumped into the starting five on Monday against Sacramento, but he carried a minutes restriction and was limited to 14:42 of action. However, Toppin logged 17 points, five rebounds, and one assist, proving that even with limited playing time, he can make an impact fantasy-wise.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jayson Tatum Sidelined on Thursday
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After recovering from a torn Achilles, Tatum made his campaign debut last week and has seen action in three consecutive contests. However, he will have tonight's game off for injury maintenance. In each of his first three appearances, Tatum has logged 27 minutes, averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez will likely see expanded roles while Tatum is sidelined, especially if Derrick White (knee), who's considered questionable, also misses Thursday's clash in OKC.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
49ers Reuniting With Dre Greenlaw on One-Year Deal
The San Francisco 49ers are agreeing to terms with free-agent linebacker Dre Greenlaw on a one-year, $7.5 million deal on Thursday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Greenlaw was drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round (148th overall) in 2019 out of Arkansas, and he spent the first six years of his NFL career in the Bay Area before joining the Denver Broncos last season. The 28-year-old linebacker will now return to the mix in San Francisco after recording 43 tackles (15 solo), one sack, an interception, and a forced fumble in eight regular-season games for the Broncos in 2025. Greenlaw battled hamstring and quadriceps injuries in Denver, and he just has not been the same player since suffering multiple lower-body injuries over the last two years. He played in just two games for the Niners in 2024. Before getting hurt in 2024, Greenlaw had two straight 100-plus tackle seasons in San Fran. In his return to the team, Greenlaw will likely be more of a rotational linebacker to give what was a banged-up defense last year some more depth.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Dolphins Sign Wideout Tutu Atwell to One-Year Deal
The Miami Dolphins are signing former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Atwell, a Miami native, will return home. The addition of Davante Adams in L.A. last year meant that Atwell's role in the Rams' offense would be reduced after he had a combined 81 catches on 129 targets for 1,045 yards and three touchdowns in 33 regular-season games (19 starts) in 2023 and 2024. The 26-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of Louisville only caught six passes for 192 yards and one touchdown on 15 targets last year in 10 regular-season games (four starts). There just weren't many targets to go around for Rams receivers not named Adams or Puka Nacua. In Miami, Atwell will have a shot at a bigger role behind WR1 Jaylen Waddle while working with new quarterback Malik Willis, but it still might not be a favorable outlook for fantasy purposes. Atwell is more of a deep threat on offense, averaging 14.6 yards per catch in his five-year NFL career.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Yankees Reassign George Lombard Jr. to Minor-League Camp
The New York Yankees announced that they reassigned infield prospect George Lombard Jr. to minor-league camp following their Grapefruit League game on Thursday. Lombard got off to a strong start at the plate in big-league spring training, but he had slowed down of late and will open the 2026 campaign most likely at Double-A for more development. Per MLB Pipeline, Lombard is considered the Yankees' top prospect going into this year, and he ranks as the No. 32 overall prospect in all of baseball. Even with Anthony Volpe (shoulder) set to miss the beginning of the season, the Yankees want to get Lombard more action in the minor leagues before he potentially makes his major-league debut in 2026. Lombard hit only .235/.367/.381 with a .748 OPS, nine home runs, 49 RBI, 90 runs scored, and 35 stolen bases in 132 games at High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset in 2025. He has a high baseball IQ and intriguing long-term power potential, but Lombard must first improve at making contact with the baseball at the plate.
Source: Yankees PR Department
Source: Yankees PR Department
Justin Fields Expected to be Replaced as Starting QB in 2026
ESPN's Rich Cimini writes that veteran quarterback Geno Smith is expected to replace Justin Fields as the New York Jets' bridge starter this year. Head coach Aaron Glenn is hoping to get enough wins out of Smith to stick around for a third year at the helm. The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract in March of last year, but he was not the answer under center. The 27-year-old former 11th overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2021 out of Ohio State only made nine starts before being benched for veteran Tyrod Taylor. Fields, one of the better rushing QBs in the league, didn't run as much, and although he did limit his turnovers, he didn't help the Jets' offense much, throwing for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception in his nine starts. He had 71 carries for 383 yards and four touchdowns as a rusher. It would not be a surprise to see the Jets cut Field this offseason, which would save them $10 million in salary cap space in 2026.
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Mike Evans Expected to Fit in Nicely in San Fran as X Receiver
New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to "step in right away as the X receiver" and provide leadership for a wideout group that doesn't have much experience, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Evan's "red-zone and tight-window acumen" should translate quickly into head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense in 2026. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer had 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before breaking that streak last year when he played in only eight games due to collarbone and hamstring injuries. Evans has scored double-digit touchdowns in six of his 12 seasons in the league, and his 27 TDs on tight-window throws over the last 10 seasons are six more than the next closest player, according to Next Gen Stats. While Evans is nearing the end of his career, his landing spot in the Bay Area could be the best chance he has for a 12th 1,000-yard season. The Niners swooped on Evans earlier this week and signed him to a three-year, $42.4 million contract that could reach $60.4 million through incentives.
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Bengals Signing Jonathan Allen to Two-Year Deal
The Cincinnati Bengals are signing veteran free-agent defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $26 million deal on Thursday, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Allen can make a maximum of $28 million over two years through performance-based incentives. The 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowler will make the jump to the AFC North as he heads into his 10th NFL season after spending 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings, where he had a career-high 68 tackles (29 solo), 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, and a fumble recovery in 17 starts. He finished just inside the top-50 defensive linemen in IDP fantasy formats. The former 17th overall pick by Washington in 2017 out of Alabama is expected to serve as a starting interior defensive lineman in 2026 for a Bengals defense that needs all the help it can get after letting star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson walk in free agency. Allen has 469 total tackles (270 solo) and 45.5 sacks in his nine NFL seasons, starting in 125 of the 126 games he's appeared in.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Zack Wheeler to Face Hitters in Live Batting Practice on Saturday
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) will face hitters in a live batting practice session in camp on Saturday, manager Rob Thomson told Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. It's a big benchmark in Wheeler's recovery from thoracic outlet surgery that he had last September, as it will be the first time that he has faced hitters since going under the knife. The 35-year-old could get into Grapefruit League games before the end of spring training, too, if he continues to progress in his throwing program and avoids any setbacks. We already know that Wheeler will open the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list, but his debut could come before the end of April. The former first-rounder and three-time All-Star was one of the top fantasy arms in baseball before his injury last year, and all the positive reports on his recovery this spring have his ADP rising. Wheeler is now the No. 29 fantasy starting pitcher in RotoBaller's 2026 rankings.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Luis Pena Looking to Show Improvement in 2026
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Luis Pena impressed at Single-A in 2025, slashing .308/.375/.469 with a low 13.3 percent strikeout rate and 41 steals through 71 games as an 18-year-old. The showing earned him a promotion to High-A, where things did not go as smoothly, slashing just .168/.220/.297 with a 24.8 percent strikeout rate and three steals in 25 games. The 2026 campaign will provide Pena an opportunity to right the ship at High-A, and with highly-rated hit and power tools, there should be plenty of confidence that he will. Assuming he does, the Brewers' third-ranked prospect should continue to show off his 70-grade wheels (per MLB.com), and if all goes well, Pena could see time at Double-A before the season is over. The 19-year-old should already be on the radar in dynasty leagues, if not already rostered, although he's a couple of years away from the majors.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Joe Ryan to Join Team USA in World Baseball Classic
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan will join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, replacing future Hall of Fame left-hander Clayton Kershaw, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. Ryan was scratched ahead of his first scheduled Grapefruit League start on Feb. 21 with back tightness, but he has since recovered and thrown three shutout innings with two walks and no strikeouts in his lone spring training outing to this point. Now that he's recovered from his back injury, he'll be available to USA for the quarterfinals of the WBC against Canada. The 29-year-old was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his fifth year in the big leagues, going 13-10 with a career-best 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, and 194:39 K: BB in 171 innings over 31 outings (30 starts). The injury bug has been one of Ryan's biggest issues, like so many other pitches, but when healthy, he's a solid low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 fantasy starting pitcher.
Source: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale
Source: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale
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