RADIO
Denny Hamlin Places Fourth and Maintains the Championship Lead
Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin finished in fourth position during Saturday Night's Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. Hamlin started the race from 14th and showcased plenty of speed early in the race. In the first stage of the race, Hamlin went from 14th and made it up to seventh by the end of the stage, collecting four stage points. The second stage saw Hamlin race up to the top five and compete for the lead with Joey Logano and Chase Briscoe. By the end of the second stage, Hamlin made it past Briscoe, but was behind Logano to place second and earn nine more stage points. In the final stage, Hamlin kept up with Logano and Briscoe in terms of speed throughout the stage, but had some struggles on pit road that caused him to finish fourth behind Logano, Briscoe, and Austin Cindric. After his fourth consecutive top-5 finish in four races, Hamlin remains the Cup Series standings leader with a 115-point advantage over Ryan Blaney.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Ryan Blaney Ends Richmond with A Finish of 13th Despite Stage Win
Ryan Blaney of Team Penske started the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway with plenty of promise, but ended with a disappointing finish of 13th. Blaney started the race from the pole position and dominated the first stage, winning it by leading almost every one of the first 70 laps. In the second stage, Blaney continued to lead through the stage break, but lost it on the restart to Chase Briscoe. Midway through the second stage, Blaney took the lead back from Briscoe and held it until another caution with another set of pit stops caused him to lose the lead. He continued to run well as he went on to finish fifth at the end of the second stage and earn six more stage points. Although he continued to run inside the top five through the first half of the final stage, in the second half of the stage, changes in track conditions caused Blaney to lose speed and grip. The No. 12 Ford driver went from running inside the top five to finishing 13th, one lap down. With the 24th race of the season finished, Blaney is now second in the Cup Series standings with two races to go before The Chase begins.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
C.J. Williams Sees Large Role in Jaguars Offense on Saturday
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver C.J. Williams got an extended look in Saturday's 24-20 preseason win over the New Orleans Saints. With most of Jacksonville's starters held out, the rookie started and drew five targets, catching two passes for 28 yards. His longest gain came midway through the second quarter, when Carter Bradley found him for 17 yards. Head coach Liam Coen called Williams and fellow rookie Josh Cameron "solid" afterward while noting how many young players were getting their first NFL game action. Williams was a sixth-round pick out of Stanford after catching 59 passes for 749 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. He's currently listed behind Jakobi Meyers on the Jaguars' first unofficial depth chart, so Saturday's workload shouldn't be confused with a regular-season starting role. Still, five targets in his first preseason game gave Jacksonville a long look at Williams, and he should have more chances to separate himself in the receiver competition.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jeremy McNichols to Miss a Few Weeks With Quad Injury
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols (quad) will miss a few weeks, according to Ben Standig. Head coach Dan Quinn provided the timeline Sunday after McNichols had already missed Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. The 30-year-old appeared in all 17 games for Washington last season, finishing with 44 carries for 221 yards and a touchdown while catching 25 passes for another 196 yards. McNichols is currently listed alongside rookie Kaytron Allen on the third line of the Commanders' unofficial depth chart, behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White. His absence leaves more camp and preseason work available for Allen and undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. Both got chances against Miami, with Henry breaking a 22-yard touchdown run and Allen scoring from four yards out. McNichols was already fighting for a depth role in a crowded backfield, so missing multiple weeks at this stage of camp could make that battle tougher for him when he returns.
Source: Ben Standig
Source: Ben Standig
Garrett Nussmeier Handles QB1 Duties In First Preseason Game
Kansas City Chiefs rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed 13 of his 19 pass attempts for 98 yards in the 20-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the preseason opener on Saturday. Nussmeier averaged 5.2 yards per completion and took two sacks in the contest. With superstar Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs starters sitting out for the first preseason game, Nussmeier and the other Kansas City rookies had the opportunity to take the reins. Nussmeier was selected 249th overall in the seventh round and appears to be the QB behind Mahomes in the pecking order. Nussmeier may get the opportunity to start again next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if Mahomes remains sidelined, but he should not be viewed as a player to draft for the 2026 season.
Source: Yahoo Sports - Twitter
Source: Yahoo Sports - Twitter
Quinn Ewers Week-to-Week With Groin Injury
Miami Dolphins second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers (groin) suffered a groin injury early in his action in Friday's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders and is now considered week-to-week, a source told David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. As a result, the Dolphins are bringing back QB Mark Gronowski for more depth at the position behind starter Malik Willis and Cam Miller. Ewers, a seventh-rounder in 2025 from the University of Texas, appeared in four games (three starts) as a rookie last year, going 55-for-83 passing for 622 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. The 23-year-old will not be available for the team's next preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 22, versus the New York Giants, but he could be ready to return for the final preseason tilt on Friday, Aug. 28, against the Atlanta Falcons. If healthy for the start of the 2026 regular season, Ewers is primed to open up his second year in the NFL as the backup to Willis.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Brenen Thompson Making Noise With More Big Plays
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Brenen Thompson connected with Justin Herbert for another deep completion at Sunday's practice, according to Alex Insdorf. It's becoming a theme for the rookie. The Chargers had already highlighted a pair of long catches from Herbert early in camp, including a deep cross that went for a big gain. Thompson has the speed for that kind of work after running a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also led the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards at Mississippi State last season while averaging 18.5 yards per catch and scoring six touchdowns. Los Angeles currently lists Thompson behind Quentin Johnston on its unofficial depth chart, with Ladd McConkey and Johnston in the starting spots and Tre' Harris also pushing for work. There is still plenty of competition for targets, but Thompson keeps making himself difficult to ignore. His downfield chemistry with Herbert has been one of the more consistent stories of Chargers camp.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Colbie Young Keeps Making Big Plays at Bengals Camp
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Colbie Young continues to make noise in training camp. Dan Hoard noted Sunday that the rookie seems to come down with at least one catch of 20-plus yards in every practice, and wide receivers coach Troy Walters pointed to Young's size, strength, speed and hands as the reason. More importantly, Walters said Cincinnati's quarterbacks are starting to trust him enough to give him chances downfield. Young, a fourth-round pick out of Georgia, showed some of that in Thursday's preseason opener with two catches for 28 yards, including a 20-yard grab on third-and-16. He has even mixed in for a rep with Joe Burrow, though Andrei Iosivas still has a major experience edge in the No. 3 receiver battle. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins aren't going anywhere at the top of the depth chart, but Young keeps giving the Bengals reasons to get him on the field. He's turning into one of the more interesting rookie receivers to watch in Cincinnati.
Source: Dan Hoard
Source: Dan Hoard
Tank Dell Not Practicing Sunday
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) was not practicing Sunday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. Wilson did not report a new setback or give a reason for the absence. Dell is still being eased back after missing the entire 2025 season because of the serious left knee injury he suffered in December 2024. His workload has picked up recently. Dell returned to padded practice on August 5 and got his first 11-on-11 reps five days later, even catching a pass during team work. He was back out there Saturday as well, though only for a few routes in team drills and was not targeted. Houston has been cautious throughout the process, with head coach DeMeco Ryans repeatedly saying the team will let Dell progress at his own pace. Sunday's absence is worth noting, especially this deep into his comeback, but there is nothing in Wilson's report suggesting Dell suffered another injury. His practice participation remains something fantasy managers will have to watch closely.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Joe Jackson Remains Atop Kansas State Depth Chart
Kansas State running back Joe Jackson had a strong first season as the team's primary back, rushing 169 times for 911 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also involved in the passing game, collecting 22 receptions for 119 yards and one score. Former Oklahoma State running back Rodney Fields Jr., who has 1,012 total yards and three touchdowns to his name through two collegiate seasons, will also be involved in Collin Klein's rushing attack. But Jackson remains the clear RB1 for the Wildcats, and he could be headed for a big breakout season in Klein's new offense. As Texas A&M's offensive coordinator last season, Klein led the Aggies to the No. 3 rushing offense in the SEC (184.7 YPG). With dual-threat quarterback Avery Johnson at the helm, expect the run game to be a point of emphasis in Klein's first year at the helm.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Omar Cooper Jr. Losing Ground for Early-Season Work
New York Jets wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. flashed in his preseason debut, but his path to early-season targets suddenly looks a little less comfortable. The 30th overall pick caught two of three targets for 31 yards against Tampa Bay, including a 26-yard catch-and-run that showed off the after-catch ability New York liked coming out of Indiana. The concern is what happened around him. Isaiah Williams has had a strong camp and started with Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell in the preseason opener, while a Sunday report said Williams appears to have moved ahead of Cooper for the slot role. Cooper is still going to get chances. The Jets traded back into the first round to get him, and his 69-937-13 final season at Indiana gives him real production behind the draft capital. RotoBaller has him at WR60 and 145th overall in half-PPR. That is not an outrageous price, but it is harder to buy into if Cooper opens the year behind three other receivers for snaps. For now, his redraft stock is moving the wrong way.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J'Mari Taylor Heavily Featured Against Saints
Jacksonville Jaguars undrafted rookie running back J'Mari Taylor was a main contributor in a 24-20 win over the New Orleans Saints in the preseason opener on Saturday. He finished with 22 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown, which ended up as the game-winning score for the Jaguars. He also ran in a two-point conversion. Taylor has lots of competition in the running back room, so it's doubtful he is worth consideration in redraft anytime soon, but this promising performance should draw the eyes of dynasty managers. Veteran DeeJay Dallas was also involved in the rushing attack but had a much less efficient 2.6 yards per carry on 10 carries. The clear top three running backs of Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and LeQuint Allen Jr. surely will make the roster, but as of now, it seems Taylor is the favorite if Liam Coen decides to keep four backs on the roster. He is worth taxi consideration in dynasty leagues for now.
Source: J'Mari Taylor
Source: J'Mari Taylor
Malik Benson Earning Reps With First-Team Offense
Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Malik Benson has earned reps with the first-team offense in training camp, according to head coach Klint Kubiak, per Levi Edwards of the team's official website. "He's earned those reps, but he's got to stay humble and stay hungry," Kubiak said. Benson has looked like the front-runner for the team's WR3 role this summer behind Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor, although Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. could still have something to say about that before the Week 1 regular-season opener rolls around in early September. The 23-year-old was taken in the sixth round in April from the University of Oregon after he caught 43 passes for 719 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games with the Ducks last year. Benson caught two of his four targets for 26 yards on 20 offensive snaps in the team's preseason opener on Thursday against the Arizona Cardinals, also returning a kickoff for 21 yards. For now, Benson is a name to monitor in single-year redraft leagues.
Source: Raiders.com - Levi Edwards
Source: Raiders.com - Levi Edwards
Cam Little Perfect in Preseason Win Over Saints
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little nailed all of his field-goal attempts in a 24-20 win over the New Orleans Saints in Saturday's preseason opener. He nailed field goals of 54 yards, 36 yards, and 32 yards, as well as his one extra-point attempt. In a preseason opener filled with backups playing for the Jaguars, Little showed why he is the clear starter at kicker. He was a top fantasy kicker last season mainly due to his incredible leg strength (holds the longest made field-goal record of 68 yards) and has the upside for a similar finish once again this season. The Jaguars offense has a chance to be special in year two under Liam Coen given their offensive talent across the board, meaning the soon-to-be 23-year-old kicker even has a case for finishing as the number one kicker in fantasy next season. Both Jaguars fans and fantasy managers should be excited for Little's prospects for the 2026 NFL season.
Source: Cam Little RotoBaller
Source: Cam Little RotoBaller
Jonathan Taylor Still Looks Worth the First-Round Cost
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is coming off a season that would be hard for almost anyone to repeat, but there still isn't much reason to get cute with him in the first round. Taylor led the NFL with 323 carries, turning them into 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns, then added 46 catches for 378 yards and two more scores. The 20 total touchdowns are the obvious number to expect some regression from. The workload is another story. Indianapolis still has Taylor clearly atop the depth chart, with DJ Giddens and Seth McGowan behind him, and the Colts just gave the 27-year-old another contract extension. Taylor also scored during red-zone work against New England this week. Daniel Jones is back as the QB1 and has looked healthy in camp, which should help keep the offense functional around him. RotoBaller has Taylor seventh overall in half-PPR and RB4 in their rankings. There are younger backs near the top of drafts, but Taylor is still catching passes, getting the goal-line work and handling as much volume as anyone. He remains worth paying up for.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
