February 2, 2026
Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Roy (lower body) has been cleared to return from a three-game absence on Monday against the New York Islanders, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports. The team has activated Roy from Injured Reserve ahead of the contest. Roy ranks second on his team with 106 blocks and is looking to post a fifth consecutive 20-point season. In 53 appearances, Roy has managed one goal and 13 assists. Washington's defense will also get Martin Fehervary (personal) back into the lineup after he missed Saturday's win over Carolina for the birth of his daughter.
--Taavi PailkSource: Tom Gulitti
February 2, 2026
Denver Broncos passing-game coordinator
Davis Webb reached an agreement with the team on Monday to become their offensive coordinator, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Webb interviewed for three head-coaching jobs and also had other offensive-coordinator opportunities this cycle, but he chose to stick around in Denver under head coach Sean Payton. He'll be taking over the OC job from Joe Lombardi, who was fired following the team's AFC Championship game loss to the New England Patriots. It's a promotion for Webb, a former backup QB in the NFL, although Payton will most likely continue to call plays for the Broncos' offense in 2026. The Broncos retaining Webb is excellent news for the entire offense, particularly quarterback
Bo Nix (ankle).
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
February 2, 2026
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (upper body) will return from a 13-game absence on Monday night against the Detroit Red Wings. He has been cleared to play after recovering from an upper-body injury. Toews will link up with his regular partner, Cale Makar, on the first defensive pairing. Sam Malinski will move to the third pairing. Toews offers defensive balance next to Makar, but occasionally also chips in on offense. He has tallied one goal and 12 assists in 40 outings. Additionally, Toews has blocked 58 shots and carries a plus-26 rating.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 2, 2026
The Seattle Mariners are nearing a deal on Monday to acquire infielder/outfielder
Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals as part of a three-way trade that also includes the Tampa Bay Rays, sources tell Jeff Passan of ESPN. Third baseman
Ben Williamson is expected to go from Seattle to Tampa, but the rest of the trade is unknown. The 29-year-old Donovan has been a popular trade candidate this offseason and will give the M's a versatile piece that will likely hit leadoff in his new home. He slashed .287/.353/.422 with a .775 OPS, 10 home runs, 50 RBI, 64 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 118 games for the Cardinals last year while earning his first All-Star nod. Donovan dealt with turf-toe and groin injuries in 2025 and was shut down early due to his groin issue. He also had offseason surgery to fix a sports hernia, although he's expected to be ready for Opening Day. With limited power and speed, Donovan is merely a utility infielder/outfielder in deeper fantasy leagues, even with the impending move to Seattle.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
February 2, 2026
Colorado Avalanche right wing Martin Necas (lower body) will miss a second consecutive game on Monday against the Detroit Red Wings. He was absent from the lineup for the first time this season on Saturday against Detroit and will miss at least one more game due to a lower-body injury. The team hopes to have Necas available for Wednesday's tilt against the San Jose Sharks. With Necas out, Valeri Nichushkin moved to the top line on Saturday, recording one assist in a 5-0 win. On Monday, Nichushkin has a chance to post a season-high with a five-game point streak.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 2, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
James Harden (personal) won't play on Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers. The former MVP will miss his second game in a row due to personal reasons. His next chance to suit up comes on Wednesday versus the Cavs. While Harden is out of the mix,
Kris Dunn,
Kobe Sanders and
Jordan Miller will continue to get more work in the backcourt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 2, 2026
After the worst offensive season of his career (.732 OPS), Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop and former MVP
Mookie Betts said his offseason consisted of "rewiring" his body to try to eliminate the flaws that slipped into his swing in 2025, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The 33-year-old was sapped of 20 pounds and much of his strength right before the start of last season due to a stomach virus, and from there, bad habits developed. "It was kinda like a snowball effect," Betts said. He believes his preparation last offseason for becoming a full-time shortstop also threw his routine off. Betts thinks he's in a "really good spot" going into his seventh year in L.A. as the Dodgers try to three-peat. Things will only get more difficult for Betts at his size (5-foot-10, 180 pounds). He should have a decent floor as the likely No. 3 hitter in a stacked Dodgers lineup, but fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting another MVP-like campaign from the eight-time All-Star.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
February 2, 2026
St. Louis Blues winger Jake Neighbours (upper body) will return to action on Monday against the Nashville Predators. He missed Saturday's loss to Columbus due to an upper-body injury. Neighbours is expected to join the second power-play unit and will skate with Pavel Buchnevich and Jordan Kyrou during even-strength play. It's been a tough season for Neighbours, as health issues have limited him to 42 appearances. He leads the Blues with 13 goals and has tallied 22 points. Although Neighbours scored in his most recent outing, he has finished 12 of his last 17 games without a point, making him an unreliable fantasy option.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 2, 2026
Tennessee quarterback Joe Aguilar has filed a new lawsuit against the NCAA in Knox County Chancery Court, seeking to extend his collegiate eligibility for the 2026 season. Aguilar played his fifth overall college season last year with the Vols following one year wth City College of San Francisco, two years at Diablo Valley, and two years at Appalachian State. However, he has only played three seasons of Division I football. "After a breakout season as the Volunteers' quarterback in 2025, the NCAA is blocking Aguilar from playing a fourth year of Division I football, depriving Tennessee of a gifted quarterback and robbing Aguilar of millions in compensation," Aguilar's complaint says. In 13 games with Tennessee, Aguilar completed over 67% of his passes for 3,565 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He arrived in Knoxville after last year's spring practice, yet still won the starting job and had success running Josh Heupel's offense. Should Aguilar earn another season of eligibility, he should be favored to remain the starter, and he could contend to lead the nation in passing.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3 on X
February 2, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Austin Reaves (calf) is considered questionable for Tuesday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. Reaves has been listed as questionable a few times recently, but Lakers head coach JJ Redick said after Sunday's loss to the Knicks that he was hopeful to have the guard back in the mix. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since Dec. 25 due to a left calf strain.
Marcus Smart and
Gabe Vincent will continue to take on extra minutes if Reaves remains absent on Tuesday.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 2, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect
Trey Yesavage said he plans to add a curveball to his repertoire, which already includes a fastball, splitter, and slider, according to Kristjan Lautens of the Toronto Star. "I have a funky (over-the-top) arm angle, so I've just got to play around with it. I would love (a pitch) that moves glove side," Yesavage said. The 22-year-old former 20th overall pick in 2024 started the 2025 season at Single-A Dunedin and ended up what was a whirlwind season as a starter in the postseason for Toronto. He made his first three regular-season starts in September before appearing in six playoff games. Along the way, he set a Blue Jays franchise single-game postseason record by fanning 12 Dodgers hitters in the World Series. Yesavage will begin the 2026 campaign in Toronto's rotation and won't have a strict innings limit. Control was a bit of an issue in his small sample size in the big leagues last year, but Yesavage's upside alone makes him a No. 3 starting pitcher target going into his first full season with the Jays.
--Keith HernandezSource: Toronto Star - Kristjan Lautens
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds rookie and top prospect
Sal Stewart is expected to have a similar role as
Eugenio Suarez in 2026 as a designated hitter and corner infielder, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
Ke'Bryan Hayes will be Cincy's regular third baseman. In addition to Suarez,
Spencer Steer could also share time with Stewart at first base. Stewart made his MLB debut in 2025 but played in only 18 regular-season games, going 14-for-55 (.255) at the plate with five home runs, eight RBI, and 11 runs scored in 58 plate appearances. The 22-year-old former first-round pick in 2022 is ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect in baseball entering the 2026 campaign, per MLB Pipeline. It was encouraging that he had a 52.5% hard-hit rate and 17.5% barrel rate in the big leagues, and Stewart should be an everyday player for the Reds in his first full year in the big leagues as long as he's healthy. Stewart is a nice late-round flier with a high-end hit tool and above-average power in a hitter-friendly home ballpark.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder
Spencer Steer, who was a National League Gold Glove finalist at first base in 2025, will play some in the outfield and will have a utility role in 2026, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.
Eugenio Suarez and
Sal Stewart are expected to see most of the at-bats at designated hitter and first base, so Steer could get squeezed to mostly playing in left field. Elite defenseman
Ke'Bryan Hayes will be the starting third baseman. Left field was Steer's primary position in 2024. Although Steer managed to reach the 20-homer mark for the third straight year in 2025, he was mostly a disappointment offensively with a .238/.312/.411 slash line, .723 OPS, 21 homers, 75 RBI, 66 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 146 regular-season games. It helps that Steer is eligible at first and outfield in most fantasy leagues, but with his playing time potentially taking a dip in 2026, his fantasy stock is on the decline. RotoBaller has Steer ranked as the No. 25 fantasy first baseman.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds two-time National League Gold Glove winner
Ke'Bryan Hayes is expected to remain entrenched as the team's starting third baseman, even after the signing of
Eugenio Suarez. Suarez is expected to serve as Cincy's primary designated hitter, but he'll also see time at third and first base. Hayes hit .234/.315/.342 with three home runs, 13 RBI, and 16 runs scored in 52 regular-season games for the Reds in 2025 after they acquired him at midseason from the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates. The 29-year-old was slightly better offensively after the move to Cincy, but his .306 slugging percentage was the worst among qualified hitters last year, and his .595 OPS was second-worst. Hayes' 2026 fantasy profile is slightly better as he enters his first full year with the Reds, but he's a better real-life player for his top-notch glove than a fantasy one. He's the No. 52 fantasy third baseman at RotoBaller.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
February 2, 2026
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Monday that he has "no reason to believe" that wide receiver
Davante Adams won't be back in 2026, according to ESPN's Sarah Barshop. Adams signed a two-year, $44 million contract with the team in March of last year, so the 33-year-old is under contract with the team through the 2026 campaign. In his first year in L.A. while working with McVay and quarterback
Matthew Stafford, Adams showed he still has it, catching 60 of his 114 targets for 789 yards and a league-high 14 touchdowns in only 14 regular-season games. He wasn't all that efficient and took a back seat to star wideout
Puka Nacua, but the six-time Pro Bowler was Stafford's go-to target in the red zone. Adams finished as the WR8 in half-PPR scoring. With Nacua not going anywhere as the target hog in this offense, Adams will be a regression candidate if he's unable to find the end zone as he did in 2025. There's also the chance of Adams' value tanking if Stafford retires this offseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
February 2, 2026
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Monday that he doesn't have a timetable for when quarterback
Matthew Stafford will make a decision about his future, but McVay is "hopeful" that the QB will return for his 18th NFL campaign in 2026, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. The Rams' head coach said he thinks Stafford "deserves as much time as he needs" to make a decision and said he doesn't "get the sense that (Stafford) wants to let it drag on either." "I'm keeping my fingers crossed." The 37-year-old is under contract through the 2026 season after he agreed to a reworked contract last February. He had the best season of his career in 2025 and is the odds-on favorite to be named MVP after leading the league in passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46). Durability will be a concern if Stafford returns for another season, but he proved last year that he still has what it takes to be successful with a strong supporting cast on offense.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
February 2, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens are expected to hire Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver as their defensive coordinator, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Weaver worked for the Ravens under former head coach John Harbaugh from 2021 to 2023 in assorted roles, including assistant head coach. In his return to Baltimore, Weaver will be working under first-year head coach Jesse Minter, who was previously the DC for the Los Angeles Chargers. With Minter being a defensive-minded head coach, Weaver might not be in line to call plays on the defensive side of the ball with the Ravens in 2026. Baltimore's defense was in the middle of the pack during the 2025 season with 23.4 points allowed per game. They allowed 354.5 total yards per game, which was the ninth-most in the NFL. Shoring up the secondary will be a point of emphasis for Weaver, as the Ravens' D gave up the second-most passing yards per game (247.9).
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
February 2, 2026
Dallas Cowboys club officials have held preliminary contract-extension talks with pending free-agent running back
Javonte Williams, but talks are on hold until Williams finalizes hiring an agent, according to The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins. The Cowboys have already made it clear that re-signing Williams will be a top priority this offseason after he had a career year in his first season in Dallas in 2025. After four seasons with the Denver Broncos, Williams set career highs across the board with the Cowboys, carrying the ball 252 times for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 starts. He added 35 receptions on 51 targets for 137 yards and two more scores. Williams finished as the RB11 in half-PPR scoring as Dallas' unquestioned lead back all year long. He finished the year on Injured Reserve due to a shoulder injury, but Williams should be fully healthy by the start of the 2026 campaign. If he returns to Dallas, which is expected, the 25-year-old will be a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 target in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
February 2, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys have not held any contract talks with wide receiver
George Pickens' agent, two people briefed on the situation told Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. It's not concerning that the Cowboys haven't talked to Pickens about an extension yet, and they have expressed a desire to re-sign Pickens since the 2025 season ended. The 24-year-old broke out in his first year with Dallas, setting career highs in catches (93), receiving yards (1,429), and touchdowns (nine), to earn his first Pro Bowl nod. People close to Pickens were hopeful for a contract worth at least $30 million per season after the Cowboys acquired him from Pittsburgh last offseason, but after the big year he had in 2025, that average salary figure will most likely rise. If a long-term deal isn't worked out, the Cowboys can place the franchise tag on Pickens, starting Feb. 17. Most likely, Pickens will remain in Dallas for at least one more season on the franchise tag, where he'll be an early-round fantasy pick as a WR1.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
February 2, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles acquired Cuban third baseman
Bryan Ramos from the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in exchange for cash considerations, sources told Francys Romero. Ramos will move to the American League East after being designated for assignment by Chicago last week. The 23-year-old only played in four games for the Pale Hose last year, going 2-for-12 with two RBI, a run scored, and four strikeouts. In his first MLB season in Chicago in 2024, Ramos slashed .202/.252/.333 with three home runs, 11 RBI, and 13 runs scored in only 32 games played. At Triple-A Charlotte in 2025, Ramos hit .216/.309/.396 with 16 home runs, 51 RBI, 60 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases in 431 plate appearances. He'll be competing for a roster spot in spring training, and there's a good chance he'll open the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Norfolk as organizational infield depth.
--Keith HernandezSource: Francys Romero
February 2, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams signed head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead to contract extensions on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Both McVay and Snead were previously extended after winning Super Bowl LVI. McVay was hired as the head coach in 2017, while Snead has been the GM since 2012. Since 2017, the Rams have compiled a 92-57 regular-season record, which ranks fifth-best in the NFL. McVay and Snead enter 2026 tied with Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach, and San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch for the longest-tenured active head coach-GM pairing. Since McVay was hired in 2017, L.A. has made the playoffs seven times, playing in three NFC Championship games and two Super Bowls. McVay became the winningest head coach in Rams history last year.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
February 2, 2026
The National Football League announced on Monday that the New Orleans Saints will be the "home" team for the first-ever NFL game in Paris, France, during the 2026 regular season this fall, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The game will be played at the Stade de France, France's national stadium. New Orleans was granted international marketing rights in France in 2023, and owner Gayle Benson, linebacker Demario Davis, and team officials visited Paris last summer to grow the team's brand. The Saints' opponent for the game in Paris will be announced when the NFL reveals its full schedule in the spring. The NFL will have eight international games in the 2026 season, with three of them set to be played in London/United Kingdom.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
February 2, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are interviewing New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien on Monday for their offensive-coordinator job, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 38-year-old former QB played for new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay and also coached with him in Dallas. Tolzien spent the last week as the American team's offensive coordinator at the Senior Bowl. Before joining the Saints' coaching staff in 2025, he spent the last five years working for the Cowboys, first as an assistant coach and then as the QBs coach in 2023 and 2024. If Tolzien were to land the job in Pittsburgh, it would be his first time as an OC in the NFL, which means that McCarthy would likely be the one calling the offensive plays. There are a lot of question marks about Pittsburgh's offense for 2026, especially at the QB position.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
February 2, 2026
Diego Lopes suffered a unanimous decision loss to Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 325 on Saturday. Lopes had his moments in the first three rounds, but it wasn't nearly enough to defeat Volkanovski, who used his well-rounded skillset to keep Lopes guessing, which left Lopes tentative and not as active as he usually is. In 25 minutes of action, Lopes landed two takedowns and 70 significant strikes. With the loss, Lopes dropped to 27-8 as a pro and is now 6-3 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 2, 2026
Alexander Volkanovski defended the featherweight title by defeating Diego Lopes via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 325 on Saturday. Although it wasn't the most exciting fight, Volkanovski's jab and clinchwork were his best weapons as he dominated Lopes for most of the fight. The first fight between Volkanovski and Lopes this past April saw Volkanovski reclaim the vacant belt, and it could be argued that Volkanovski won this time more convincingly than the first time. In 25 minutes of action, Volkanovski landed two takedowns and 98 significant strikes. After the fight, Volkanovski expressed interest in facing Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 2, 2026
Fan-favorite Dan Hooker suffered a second-round TKO loss to Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event of UFC 325 on Saturday. Hooker had some success with his striking, to be more specific, with the body kicks. Hooker also threatened Saint Denis with a guillotine choke in the second round, but other than that, Saint Denis had a dominant performance. The finishing sequence came in the second round when Saint Denis took Hooker down and unleashed a barrage of punches and elbows, forcing the referee to stop the fight with 15 seconds left in the second round. In 9:45 of action, Hooker landed 30 significant strikes. With the loss, Hooker dropped to 14-10 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 2, 2026
Benoit Saint Denis extended his win streak by beating Dan Hooker in the co-main event of UFC 325 on Saturday. Saint Denis was having trouble with Hooker on the feet, so he took the fight to the ground and did the most damage there. He first attempted to submit Hooker before deciding just to punish him with a barrage of elbows and punches until the referee decided to stop the fight with 15 seconds remaining in the second round. In 9:45 of action, Saint Denis landed two takedowns and 97 significant strikes. With the win, Saint Denis improved to 9-3 in the UFC and is now on a four-fight winning streak.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 2, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Mike Sirota is quickly progressing through the minor leagues and is a name to watch in 2026. Sirota was drafted with the 87th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds out of Northeastern. He was then shipped to the Dodgers in the package that sent infielder
Gavin Lux to the Reds. Sirota made his professional debut in 2025 with Low-A, then joined High-A shortly after. Through 24 games with Low-A Sirota, held a .354/.443/.687 line with eight doubles and seven home runs. With High-A, Sirota continued to show immense power upside, posting an elite 1.014 OPS with six home runs and four stolen bases. While his season was cut short by a knee injury, he is expected to push for an early promotion to the upper levels in 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds catching prospect
Alfredo Duno is a name to monitor in dynasty formats ahead of the 2026 regular season. Duno is currently listed as the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 48-ranked prospect on MLB.com. Duno joined the Cincinnati system in 2023 and has continued to show high upside at the lower levels. He made his professional debut in 2023 in the Dominican Summer League, where he held a .303/.451/.493 line with a strong .944 OPS. This past season, he spent the entire campaign with Low-A Daytona, where he posted an impressive .287/.430/.518 slash line with 32 doubles, 18 home runs, and six stolen bases. Given his solid play last summer, managers should expect Duno to spend most of 2026 with High-A.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 2, 2026
Rafael Fiziev suffered a second-round TKO loss to Mauricio Ruffy on the main card of UFC 325 on Saturday. Fiziev came out strong in the first round, landing leg kicks and applying pressure to Ruffy; however, Ruffy found his rhythm towards the end of the first round. Ruffy was doing much better than Fiziev in the second round. With a minute left in the second round, Ruffy landed a devastating right hand that hurt Fiziev. He followed up with a barrage of punches that dropped Fiziev, and Ruffy continued to land until the referee stopped the fight. In 9:30 of action, Fiziev landed 36 significant strikes. With the loss, Fiziev dropped to 13-5 as a pro and is now 7-5 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
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