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Jalen Royals Continues to Draw Targets in Training Camp
Kansas City Chiefs second-year wide receiver Jalen Royals continues to draw targets from quarterback Patrick Mahomes in training camp this summer, and he hauled in a touchdown pass deep down the field in practice on Monday, according to Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star. Royals made a minimal impact last year as a rookie after he was selected in the fourth round out of Utah State, catching just two of three targets for four yards in seven games played for the Chiefs. However, the 23-year-old has made some noise in camp this summer with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and rookie Cyrus Allen recently missing practice time due to injuries. It's something to watch as the summer progresses, but as long as all of the Chiefs' pass-catchers are ready for the start of the 2026 regular season, Royals will be in a depth role without enough playing time to matter in most fantasy football leagues. With Allen also impressing in camp, Royals could be the WR5 heading into Week 1 behind Rice, Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, and Allen. At best, Royals is a stash in dynasty/keeper leagues for his long-term upside and athleticism at the WR position.
Source: The Kansas City Star - Pete Sweeney
Source: The Kansas City Star - Pete Sweeney
Cowboys, Quinnen Williams Agree to Three-Year Extension
The Dallas Cowboys and star defensive lineman Quinnen Williams agreed to a three-year, $105.9 million contract extension on Monday to make him one of the highest-paid defensive linemen in the league, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The deal is the largest third contract ever for a defensive lineman. The 28-year-old former third overall pick in 2019 from the University of Alabama by the New York Jets was a Pro Bowler for the fourth straight season in 2025 with the Jets and Dallas Cowboys, recording a total of 53 tackles (26 solo), 2.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, one interception, and three forced fumbles in 15 starts in his seventh year in the NFL. The Cowboys acquired Williams from the Jets ahead of last year's trade deadline, and he had 1.5 sacks in his seven starts for Dallas to close out the year. Williams, who has just one double-digit sack season in his seven years, will now anchor the interior of Dallas' defensive line for years to come.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Jayden Daniels as "Accurate as he's Ever Been"
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is having a strong training camp this summer as he looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued and disappointing 2025 campaign. According to JP Finlay of NBC Sports, offensive coordinator David Blough said that Daniels is "as accurate as he's ever been." "He hasn't missed a beat. We track everything. We've tracked every throw he's made over the last three years. We have metrics to measure all of those statistics. He's completed as many passes as he ever has," Blough said about Daniels adjusting to the offensive changes in 2026. The 25-year-old former second overall pick from LSU nearly led the Commanders to the Super Bowl in his first year in the NFL, but he was a fantasy bust in 2025 while playing in just seven games due to injuries. Daniels could continue to be a durability concern because of his slight frame, but he's proved that his athletic ability (both with his arm and legs) gives him QB1 upside. With veteran Stefon Diggs now in the fold alongside Terry McLaurin, Daniels' stock is rising as a top-five option at the QB position in upcoming fantasy football drafts.
Source: NBC Sports Washington - JP Finlay
Source: NBC Sports Washington - JP Finlay
Kazuma Okamoto Scratched With Knee Contusion
Toronto Blue Jays corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto (knee) was scratched from Monday's starting lineup against the division-rival Boston Red Sox due to a left-knee contusion, according to the team. After being called up from Triple-A Buffalo, Charles McAdoo will start at third base for Toronto and bat seventh against Red Sox veteran right-hander Sonny Gray. It doesn't sound like Okamoto's knee injury is all that serious, so hopefully he can avoid going on the injured list. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday to see if he's active for Game 2 of the series in Toronto. Overall, it's been a very strong first year in the big leagues for Okamoto, who comes into Monday's series opener hitting .225/.299/.429 with a .728 OPS, 24 home runs, 70 RBI, 61 runs, and a stolen base across his 116 games and 475 plate appearances. The 30-year-old Japanese right-handed slugger has a strikeout rate over 30%, though, and has been swinging and missing more in the second half of the season. Still, he leads Toronto in homers, RBI, and runs scored, and remains a must-start in most fantasy baseball leagues when he's in the lineup.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Karson Milbrandt Has Been Hit Hard in August at Triple-A
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has given up 11 combined earned runs in his last two August starts for Triple-A Jacksonville to bring his record to 0-5 in his last six starts. The right-handed pitcher is clearly talented but has found the going tough at Jacksonville. In Double-A Pensacola prior to his promotion, Milbrandt was 4-1 with a 1.34 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, but he's yet to find a win at Jacksonville. Despite his struggles, Milbrandt is ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect for the Marlins and has four 55-graded pitches in his fastball, curveball, slider, and cutter. Milbrandt might need to work through his struggles that he is experiencing in his first taste of Triple-A. He is still a highly ranked prospect and could debut for Miami at some point next season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
James Tibbs III Looking To Break Through For MLB Opportunity
In eight August games, Los Angeles Dodgers first base/outfield prospect James Tibbs III has eight RBI while going 12-for-31 (.387) at the plate at Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 23-year-old has produced in a big way for Oklahoma City this season with 22 homers and 83 RBI to go with a .295 batting average and 88 runs scored. The left-handed hitter can play first base or in the outfield but has had a tough time making it up to the Dodgers for a big-league debut. The Dodgers are obviously loaded at the MLB level, but could turn to Tibbs III for a spark as he has done nothing but produce all year long. He's the No. 7 prospect in the Dodgers system and has a 50-grade hit tool with 50-grade power. He makes for a decent stash in mid to deep leagues with the shot he breaks through and gets an MLB debut this year.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Kemp Alderman Slowing Down A Bit At Triple-A
Miami Marlins first base/outfield prospect Kemp Alderman is having a rough August so far for Triple-A Jacksonville. In seven games this month, Alderman is hitting just .125 with one homer and five RBI. Altogether, he is 3-for-24 at the plate as he's cooled down a bit from a good, solid season at age 23 at Jacksonville. In 282 at-bats for Jacksonville, Alderman has 15 homers and 48 RBI while hitting .277. With the ability to play first base or the outfield, the right-handed hitter could potentially see time with the Marlins. The Marlins have a lot of depth at first base and the outfield but could look to Alderman for a potential spark despite his recent downturn. Alderman is graded out with 60-grade power and is the No. 7 prospect in the Marlins system. It could be worth taking a look at him just in case he is given a big-league opportunity late this season
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jaxon Wiggins Struggling to Find Consistent Results Amid Injury Setback
Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins is looking for results at Triple-A Iowa and was saddled with a tough loss on Tuesday with five earned runs and six walks in 2 2/3 innings. Wiggins has had a tough time all season dealing with right elbow inflammation, and it has caused some inconsistency issues for the right-hander. At 24 years of age, Wiggins is knocking on the door for a major league debut, but this year might be tricky for him as he has dealt with the injury and hasn't seen the dynamic results he is used to seeing. He is getting back in the mix though at Triple-A and is gaining valuable Innings. It might be best, however, to leave him off the stash radar as he works his way back and gains more confidence with his right throwing arm. Right now, he is best left on waiver wires in redraft leagues with an eye toward dynasty leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Lazaro Montes Having Red-Hot Month Of August at Triple-A
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes is tearing it up at Triple-A Tacoma this month with four homers and nine RBI in seven games in August with a .367 average. Montes has hit with power all season between Double-A Arkansas and Tacoma with 32 homers and 83 RBI combined between both levels of the minors. At age 21, he is proving his 65-grade power is justified and might be worth a look in the outfield for Seattle before the season is over. The left-handed hitter hit 25 homers at Arkansas before adding seven at Tacoma in 26 games. He has proven he can hit at every level and is worth a look on waiver wires as a stash candidate. The Mariners could use his power bat at the big-league level, and it isn't out of the question that they give him his MLB debut.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Ty Johnson Has Path To MLB Innings
Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Ty Johnson is working out of the bullpen at Triple-A Durham since July 25, but there is a path to major-league innings with Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Griffin Jax now injured. Johnson, himself, was dealing with a lower back strain to begin this season, but it's looking like a high-leverage or multi-inning role could be available for him at the MLB level. Johnson has three one-inning appearances out of the bullpen in August for Durham and has not allowed an earned run. He has five strikeouts in those three innings proving that he could be a high upside reliever with the ability to strike out more than a batter an inning. Johnson hasn't started a game since July 4. He's 4-1 at Durham in 14 games (10 starts) with a 3.08 ERA and 1.04 WHIP and 70 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings. It's looking like he can be added as a potential bullpen arm with high strikeout upside.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Konnor Griffin Participating in Baseball Activities
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) suffered a torn left ring-finger sagittal band on a diving play on July 5 and was expected to be in a splint for six weeks. Griffin has been participating in baseball activities, playing catch and swinging with his top hand, according to MLB.com. He has also been standing in against the Trajekt machine. Griffin was originally placed on the 10-day injured list on July 7 and was moved to the 60-day IL on July 11. He still has a ways to go before potentially returning to the major-league roster, but barring a setback, the shortstop phenom will have a chance to be back in early September. The 20-year-old former ninth overall pick in 2024 is still rostered in over 60% of Yahoo leagues, even though he might only help fantasy managers for the last couple of weeks of the 2026 season. Before suffering a finger injury, Griffin was batting .276/.332/.404 with a .736 OPS, five homers, 25 RBI, 20 steals, and 35 runs scored across his first 225 at-bats. He's going to be a high-end, five-category contributor for a long time to come as long as he stays healthy.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mets Place Closer Devin Williams on Injured List With Shoulder Strain
The New York Mets placed right-handed closer Devin Williams (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list on Monday with a strained right shoulder, according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Williams missed time recently with arm fatigue, but now he'll miss at least another two weeks with a shoulder injury. In what has been a lost season for the Mets, fantasy managers should not be surprised if Williams is eventually shut down for the rest of the year. With reliever Luke Weaver now in Pittsburgh, Daniel Duarte could be the team's favorite for saves with Williams on the shelf. Duarte recorded his second career save last week when Williams was unavailable to pitch, and he's been solid with a 1.17 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts this year, albeit in a small sample size of only 15 1/3 innings pitched. The Mexican right-hander only has two career saves in four MLB seasons. Along with Duarte, former starter Kodai Senga could be an option for the Mets late in games with saves on the line.
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Christian McCaffrey Sits Out Practice With Soreness
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey sat out Monday's practice with some soreness, but offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak does not sound concerned. According to Matt Barrows, Kubiak said the team is "just managing" McCaffrey and added that he is "fine." Kubiak later explained that McCaffrey always has a rep count during camp and that his workload is right where the 49ers want it. There is good reason for San Francisco to be careful after McCaffrey led the NFL with 413 touches last season. He played all 17 games, running for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while catching 102 passes for another 924 yards and seven scores. No specific injury has been announced. McCaffrey is still RotoBaller's No. 4 overall player in current PPR rankings. Unless the soreness lingers or keeps him out for an extended stretch, this looks like routine summer maintenance for one of the league's busiest backs.
Source: Matt Barrows
Source: Matt Barrows
Nick Pivetta Plays Catch on Sunday
San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta (elbow) played catch again on Sunday at Petco Park after leaving his first minor-league rehab outing last week with Single-A Lake Elsinore with a right-elbow issue, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. The Padres have paused Pivetta's rehab assignment. They have tentative plans for Pivetta to throw a bullpen session, but it's unclear when that might happen. After a career year in 2025 in his first season with the Padres, the 33-year-old veteran has been on the injured list since April 14 with a right flexor strain. It sounds like the Padres are hoping to get Pivetta back before the end of the regular season, but for fantasy purposes, it's probably unlikely that we'll see him back in SD's starting rotation before the end of August. Pivetta is running out of time to help fantasy managers in 2026, but he's still rostered in almost 70% of Yahoo leagues despite having not pitched since April. UPDATE: Pivetta threw off a mound on Monday, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune's Jeff Sanders. He was not fully dressed, as is the norm for between-starts bullpen sessions, but he got off the mound.
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
DeAndre Hopkins Accuses Steve Keim Over 2022 PED Test
Free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins made an accusation involving former Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim over the PED test that led to Hopkins' six-game suspension in 2022. According to ProFootballTalk, Hopkins said in a since-deleted social-media post that he was "set up" while playing for Arizona and pointed toward Keim when discussing what he called a contaminated test. Hopkins did not explain why he believes Keim was involved. The NFL suspended Hopkins without pay for six games in 2022 for violating its performance-enhancing drug policy. Hopkins said at the time that his November test showed trace elements of a banned substance and that he was surprised by the result. Now 34, Hopkins remains a free agent after catching 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns with Baltimore last season. He recently joined Georgia Tech as an assistant wide receivers coach but says he has not retired from the NFL.
Source: ProFootballTalk
Source: ProFootballTalk
