January 22, 2026

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (oblique) was limited in practice again on Thursday, according to Seahawks PR. Darnold suffered an oblique injury in practice a week ago, but he played through the injury in the blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round last Saturday night. Head coach Mike Macdonald said earlier this week that Darnold didn't suffer any sort of setback with his oblique last weekend, although he's being considered day-to-day this week. Barring something unforeseen, the 28-year-old signal-caller should be active on Sunday in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, but it doesn't mean he won't carry a questionable tag into that game for the second straight week. There are valid concerns about Darnold going into this weekend, surrounding his health, but also the fact that he threw only two touchdowns and six interceptions against the Rams in two games in 2025.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Seahawks PR

January 22, 2026

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) will play on Thursday against the Miami Heat, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports. The veteran will be back in action after skipping the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. Holiday recently returned from a right calf injury, averaging 10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in 19.3 minutes. He has been productive since returning, but the team has understandably limited Holiday's workload following his two-month injury layoff.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Danny Marang

January 22, 2026

Miami Heat point guard Davion Mitchell (shoulder) won't play Thursday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. He has been trending in the wrong direction throughout the day, and the team has downgraded Mitchell from doubtful to out before tip-off. Last week, Mitchell injured his left shoulder. He returned to the lineup on Monday and played in both games of a back-to-back set, but it appears his shoulder still hasn't fully healed. Kasparas Jakucionis saw an increased workload with Mitchell out of the rotation last week and is likely to see significant minutes again, especially with Tyler Herro (ribs) also sidelined.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

The Washington Nationals announced they have designated catcher Riley Adams for assignment, a corresponding move for their claim of right-hander Gus Varland. Adams had been one of the longest-tenured Nationals, having been acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 in exchange for left-handed reliever Brad Hand. Over five major league seasons, the 29-year-old has slashed .211/.287/.354 with 21 home runs in 849 plate appearances. While Adams has shown occasional power, his 79 wRC+ over that span indicates his offense has done more harm than good, particularly given that he grades out as a below-average defender. Washington further crowded its catching depth chart in December by acquiring Harry Ford from the Seattle Mariners in the José A. Ferrer trade. With Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas already on the 40-man roster, Adams' designation seemed inevitable.--Marty Tallman
Source: Washington Nationals X Account

January 22, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) will miss Friday's contest against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Spanish veteran is experiencing right knee soreness, forcing him to skip a second consecutive game. Following Aldama's exit from the lineup, John Konchar started in Wednesday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Unfortunately, he had a quiet evening with two points in 21 minutes. GG Jackson II also logged 21 minutes as a member of the second unit, contributing nine points, two rebounds, one assist, and two blocks. Both players could have expanded roles again on Friday night, though neither looks like a reliable fantasy option.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (elbow) won't play on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. After returning from a calf problem, Morant managed to make two appearances before suffering a new injury. He is on the injury report with a UCL sprain in his left elbow. Morant's absence on Friday will likely give Cam Spencer a chance to rejoin the starting lineup. Spencer has frequently filled in for Morant this season, averaging 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 9.3 assists as a starter. It's a good matchup for Spencer, as he faces a team that allows the fourth-most assists to point guards.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (hip, illness) is listed as questionable for Friday night's action against the Houston Rockets. He's dealing with a hip contusion and an illness, and these issues might keep Cunningham on the shelf for a second consecutive game. If that's the case, Daniss Jenkins will continue in a starting role. He totaled 17 points, one rebound, four assists, two blocks, and two steals in Wednesday's win over the Indiana Pacers. Friday's matchup will be much tougher, but Jenkins could still make some noise in a larger role.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

The Minnesota Twins announced they have traded infielder Vidal Brujan to the New York Mets in exchange for cash considerations. Minnesota designated Bruján for assignment on Tuesday after acquiring Tristan Gray in a trade with the Boston Red Sox. The Mets have not yet made a corresponding roster move. Across five MLB seasons, the switch-hitting Bruján has slashed .199/.267/.276 with five home runs and 16 stolen bases in 645 plate appearances. Optimistically, Bruján has recently shown modest gains in power without sacrificing his low strikeout rate, but he has still been unable to find a long-term home. The 27-year-old Dominican Republic native was once a highly regarded prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays organization but has never been able to secure consistent playing time or production at the major league level. Bruján is out of minor-league options, meaning he would need to remain on the active roster to stay with the Mets. If he does stick around, he would likely serve as infield depth following the Mets' decision to trade Luisangel Acuna for Luis Robert earlier this week. For now, fantasy managers can safely leave Bruján off their radar.--Marty Tallman
Source: Minnesota Twins X Account

January 22, 2026

San Antonio Spurs forward/center Jeremy Sochan (illness) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's meeting with the Utah Jazz. He was initially listed as questionable by the team. Unfortunately, Sochan hasn't been relevant in fantasy basketball this season, averaging 4.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13.5 minutes across 26 appearances. On Thursday night, Sochan could play a role in the rotation because Luke Kornet (adductor) is absent from San Antonio's lineup.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Veteran free-agent third baseman Eugenio Suarez remains on the open market, and Nick Deeds of MLBTradeRumors.com believes the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Seattle Mariners remain the most likely landing spots. The Red Sox appear to be the most obvious fit after losing out on Alex Bregman and missing on other veteran power bats such as Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso earlier this winter. Boston is in clear need of right-handed power, and Suárez would immediately help fill that void. The Pirates also make sense as a potential destination. The front office has shown signs of attempting to field a more competitive roster around Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, and Suárez would likely slot into the heart of the lineup, hitting either third or fourth while playing every day. The Mariners have been linked to Suárez since the end of the season, though a reunion comes with concerns. The 34-year-old Venezuelan has historically struggled in Seattle, slashing just .227/.317/.424 across 365 games in a Mariners uniform, though he still managed to hit 66 home runs during that span. From a fantasy perspective, Suárez landing in Boston would be the most appealing outcome, but regardless of where he signs, he should see ample RBI opportunities in a middle-of-the-order role. On the downside, Suárez has become a below-average defender, and his strikeout rate has climbed to nearly 30 percent, limiting his overall fantasy ceiling.--Marty Tallman
Source: Nick Deeds

January 22, 2026

The Chicago White Sox and veteran free-agent first baseman/outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. have agreed to a minor-league contract, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Wade will report to MLB camp as a non-roster invitee. Across seven MLB seasons, Wade owns a .236/.341/.390 slash line with 55 home runs and 185 RBI over 560 games. In 2025, the 32-year-old split time between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels, struggling to a .167 batting average with just one home run in 242 plate appearances. The White Sox have become something of a landing spot for underperforming veteran bats, so it's not impossible that Wade makes the roster out of spring training. Even if he does, however, he would offer minimal fantasy value outside of the deepest AL-only leagues. Chicago already has Munetaka Murakami and Miguel Vargas, who could play first base.--Marty Tallman
Source: Jon Heyman

January 22, 2026

Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (illness) has been cleared to return from a two-game absence on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. He was initially listed as questionable for the matchup. Sensabaugh missed a back-to-back set at the start of the week due to illness. Before landing on the shelf, he had an eye-popping three-game stretch, during which he averaged 31.7 points and 5.3 rebounds with 61.4 percent shooting. Sensabaugh's hot streak could continue on Thursday night, as Lauri Markkanen's (conditioning) absence should provide him with additional scoring opportunities.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

New Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said it is a priority for the organization to make sure it has the proper infrastructure in place for whenever they "find our guy" at QB, according to Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN. "We need to get the quarterback situation in place, but we're not going to do it in an irresponsible manner where we sacrifice building the infrastructure of this football team," Sullivan said. The new GM complimented quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but it seems likely that he'll be released after being benched for rookie Quinn Ewers for the final three games in 2025. Tagovailoa threw a career-high 15 interceptions and didn't go over 200 passing yards in eight of 14 games played. If Miami released him before June 1, they'd take a $99 million dead-cap hit, while that number drops to $67.4 million if it's done after June 1, with an extra $31.8 million dead-cap hit in 2027. Even if the Dolphins think Ewers could be their starter in 2026, the Dolphins are a good bet to draft a QB this spring.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Marcel Louis-Jacques

January 22, 2026

Utah Jazz point guard Keyonte George (forearm) has shed a questionable tag and will play in Thursday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. This is great news for the Jazz, who remain without Lauri Markkanen (conditioning). George had a career-high 43 points in Tuesday's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and has been his team's offensive leader recently. Over the last six games, George has averaged 29.3 points and 5.7 assists. This stretch includes a 30-point, six-assist effort against the Spurs on Monday night.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Golden State Warriors guard/forward Gary Payton II (foot) will be in action on Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks. It was initially unclear whether Payton II would play, as the team listed him as questionable on the injury report. Payton II mainly contributes on the defensive end for the Warriors and doesn't have significant fantasy value. Across 10 January appearances, Payton II has averaged 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 15.4 minutes.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb, who will be a free agent in March, won't be returning to the team for next season, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Dare Ogunbowale will also be a free agent, but he has a better shot at potentially re-signing for backfield depth. Chubb began the 2025 campaign as Houston's lead RB with Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but he lost the job to rookie Woody Marks halfway through the year. The 30-year-old veteran averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 122 rushing attempts for 506 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in 15 regular-season games for the Texans. The four-time Pro Bowler just has not looked like the same player since suffering a gruesome knee injury in 2023 with the Browns, in which he tore multiple ligaments. At best, Chubb will be backfield depth in 2026 if he latches on with another team in free agency.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander

January 22, 2026

Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse (illness) will play on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. The 23-year-old big man has been battling an illness this week. But Dallas has upgraded Cisse on the injury report a couple of times during the day, and he is now officially listed as available. The Mavericks are currently short of bodies in the paint, giving Cisse a larger role. He has averaged 11.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 21.6 minutes across the last three games. Cisse's momentum could continue on Thursday night against a Warriors team that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to centers this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) put in another limited practice on Thursday, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Franklin suffered a hamstring injury in last weekend's victory over the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round of the playoffs and is now questionable to play against the New England Patriots in Sunday's AFC Championship tilt. If the 22-year-old doesn't upgrade to a full practice on Friday, he could carry a questionable tag into the weekend. Meanwhile, rookie wideout Pat Bryant upgraded to full practice on Thursday after being limited on Wednesday. Franklin's fantasy stock has been on the decline since late in the 2025 regular season, and that has continued into postseason play. It looks like Bryant has a good chance of playing this weekend, which will limit Franklin's fantasy upside if he's active, especially with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham making the start.--Keith Hernandez
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla

January 22, 2026

Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (personal) will be held under 30 minutes during Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors, according to Noah Weber. Washington is making his return on Thursday after missing each of the last three games due to personal reasons. The Mavs are going to take the cautious approach and limit Washington during his first game back in the rotation. They want to give him a game or two to build up his conditioning again. That could mean a few extra minutes for Caleb Martin or Dwight Powell during Thursday's game. Fantasy managers should still be safe to plug Washington into their lineups ahead of Thursday's tip-off.--Andy Webb
Source: Noah Weber

January 22, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (eye) will play on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. The former first-overall pick left Tuesday's win over the Denver Nuggets early after being poked in the eye, but the Lakers didn't include him on the injury report for Thursday's game. Before Tuesday night, Ayton had produced three double-doubles in four games. He has a mediocre fantasy matchup on Thursday.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) was limited in practice again on Thursday for the second straight day this week, according to DenverBroncos.com's Aric DiLalla. Dobbins' 21-day practice window was opened on Wednesday, but he would need to be activated to the 53-man roster to play in the AFC Championship game on Sunday against the New England Patriots. The Broncos are holding out hope that Dobbins can return this weekend for the first time since suffering a Lisfranc foot injury back in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, it may not be realistic to expect Dobbins to play against the Patriots unless he upgrades to a full practice on Friday. And even if Dobbins does return against the Pats, Denver may not feel comfortable using him as the lead back right away over rookie RJ Harvey. Before his injury, Dobbins was on pace for a career year, rushing for 772 yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries in 10 games.--Keith Hernandez
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla

January 22, 2026

Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Brandon Miller (ankle) will suit up on Thursday against the Orlando Magic. He has received the green light to play after the team initially listed him as probable on the injury report due to left ankle soreness. Miller has scored 20-plus points in four consecutive games, though he struggled against the Magic earlier this season. In a 120-105 win on Dec. 26, Miller notched only 15 points on 3-for-16 shooting.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (ankle) is available ahead of Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams is back in the rotation after missing each of the last two games due to a right ankle sprain. Given it was only a two-game absence, Williams shouldn't be under a minutes limit. His return to the rotation should mean less playing time for Kevin Huerter, Isaac Okoro, and Jalen Smith. When healthy, Williams has been an inconsistent fantasy option and isn't someone who is viewed as a must-start right now.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Denver Broncos rookie Pat Bryant (concussion) improved to a full participant in practice on Thursday ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Bryant had three catches for 32 yards in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills despite only playing three snaps on offense before suffering a concussion. The rookie out of Illinois was limited in practice on Wednesday, so an upgrade to full on Thursday suggests he's on the right path to clear the NFL's concussion protocol in time for Sunday's big game. Bryant, who became a bigger part of Denver's passing attack late in the season, could be in line for a bigger role if he's active and Troy Franklin (hamstring) is not. However, with backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham starting this weekend, Bryant will be even more volatile in fantasy lineups if he's active.--Keith Hernandez
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla

January 22, 2026

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Giddey is officially back after missing each of the last 11 games due to a hamstring injury. Given the lengthy absence, Giddey will be under a minutes restriction during Thursday's game. According to K.C. Johnson, Giddey is expected to play around 24 minutes during his first game back. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can feel safe getting Giddey back in their lineups. Tre Jones and Ayo Dosunmu should take a step back in the rotation with Giddey back in the mix.--Andy Webb
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) has been cleared to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Houston Rockets. He has missed two games due to knee injury management. While Kelly Oubre Jr. was initially George's replacement in the first unit, Dominick Barlow will make way for him on Thursday. Joel Embiid (ankle) will also return for Philadelphia on Thursday, giving the team a lot of scoring potential. George has contributed 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in January.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

The Chicago Cubs signed free-agent outfielder Chas McCormick to a minor-league deal on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, a source told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. McCormick will be battling for a roster spot during camp this year in his new digs after he struggled in his final two seasons with the Houston Astros. The 30-year-old center fielder hit a career-high .273 with a career-best 22 home runs, 70 RBI, 59 runs, and a career-high 19 steals in 115 games for Houston in 2023, but the last two years combined, he has slashed a mere .211/.273/.301 with a .574 OPS, only six home runs, 32 RBI, 45 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 158 games played. There's a very good chance that McCormick is forced to open the 2026 campaign in the minors at Triple-A Iowa for outfield depth, depending on how he performs this spring.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome

January 22, 2026

Dallas Mavericks guard Cooper Flagg will remain on a minutes limit ahead of Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Flagg made his return to the court during Monday's game versus the New York Knicks. He finished with 18 points, three assists, and seven rebounds across 28 minutes during that contest. The Mavs plan to be more cautious with Flagg during Thursday's game and keep him in the 20-to-25-minute range. His fantasy value is going to be limited, given he won't have a full workload yet. Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams could see a few extra minutes during Thursday's game.--Andy Webb
Source: Noah Weber

January 22, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle) will play on Thursday against the Houston Rockets. He will return to the lineup after a one-game absence, having been initially listed as probable for Thursday's matchup. The former MVP has scored 30 points in each of his last two appearances and is averaging 26.7 points and 7.3 rebounds for the month. Houston is ranked sixth in defensive efficiency and allows the fewest rebounds in the league to opposing centers, so Embiid must bring his A-game on Thursday to be effective.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

January 22, 2026

After being acquired by the New York Mets on Wednesday night in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, right-hander Freddy Peralta is open to signing a contract extension with the Mets, sources told Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated. The Mets gave up two of their top-five prospects in infielder Jett Williams and right-hander Brandon Sproat, and they're also receiving right-hander Tobias Myers. Given the cost of acquiring Peralta, New York is incentivized to lock Peralta up for years to come before he hits free agency after the 2026 season. Peralta was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2025, going 17-6 with a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 204 strikeouts, and a 5.5 bWAR in 176 2/3 innings over 33 regular-season starts. While the landing spot with the Mets isn't ideal, Peralta's track record of consistency speaks for itself -- 3.59 ERA and 14.9 bWAR in 211 games with Milwaukee. He'll be a top-20 fantasy starter in his first year with the Mets.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Sports Illustrated - Pat Ragazzo