January 21, 2026
Houston Texans tight end
Cade Stover's (knee) MRI exam showed no damage to his ACL, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 Sports. Stover was unable to make much happen after fellow tight end
Dalton Schultz (calf) left the Divisional Round loss to the New England Patriots before getting hurt himself in the fourth quarter. The 25-year-old caught one of his three targets for only two yards. The good news is that Stover should be a full-go for training camp in the summer and for Week 1 of the regular season in the fall. In his second year in the league, the former fourth-rounder caught just 12 passes for 76 yards and no touchdowns on 16 targets in nine regular-season games. As long as Schultz is healthy going into the start of the season, Stover won't be fantasy relevant. He had a 15-133-1 line in 15 games in 2024 in his rookie campaign.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
January 21, 2026
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said that surgery "went well" for quarterback
Bo Nix (ankle), according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Nix had surgery for a broken bone in his right ankle that he suffered at the tail end of Saturday's overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. The 25-year-old had one of his best games of the season, too, going 26-for-46 for 279 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. The Broncos haven't given a timetable for Nix's recovery, but we'd be surprised if he wasn't ready to go for the start of the 2026 campaign, where he'll easily be a top-12 fantasy QB. With Nix out for the AFC Championship this weekend against the visiting New England Patriots, the Broncos will go with backup
Jarrett Stidham, who hasn't started a game in the NFL since 2023.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
January 21, 2026
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores signed an undisclosed contract extension to stay with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. If Flores doesn't receive a head-coaching job this cycle, he will be back in 2026 to coach the Vikings' defense. His best chance to land another head-coaching job will be with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he has also interviewed with the Baltimore Ravens. The last two seasons in Minnesota, the Vikings' defense has been in the top 10 in points allowed. The 44-year-old spent 15 seasons on head coach Bill Belichick's coaching staff with the New England Patriots and won four Super Bowl rings. Flores then coached the Miami Dolphins for a couple of seasons before serving as the linebackers coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After that, he joined Minnesota, where he's been for the last three years.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
January 21, 2026
The Los Angeles Angels re-signed third baseman
Yoan Moncada to a one-year, $4 million deal on Wednesday, sources told Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Moncada, 30, will return to the Angels for a second season despite disappointing with a .234/.336/.448 slash line in 2025 with 12 home runs, 35 RBI, and 39 runs scored in 84 games and 289 plate appearances. As has been the story for most of Moncada's MLB career, he missed most of the year with ankle, knee, and hand injuries. In his 10 years in the big leagues, the Cuban switch-hitter has played in over 100 games only four times. Moncada has hit 20-plus long balls just once in his career, back in 2019 with the Chicago White Sox. His last full season was in 2021, so fantasy managers certainly need to bake in missed time for Moncada's 2026 profile. Moncada should be avoided in mixed fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
January 21, 2026
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Philadelphia Eagles' vacant offensive-coordinator position is not viewed as an attractive opening around the league. "I think coordinators on this list are aware that navigating Philly is difficult, and it's not the easiest place to step into--especially if you're looking for a successful few years," Russini said. Neither former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel nor former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll wanted the job, and the Eagles reportedly were willing to give them both "full autonomy" over the offense, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Eagles fired Kevin Patullo after one year in the role, but they're having a difficult time bringing in some of the top names on their wish list. The latest candidate to emerge is former Kansas City Chiefs OC Matt Nagy after he lost out on the Tennessee Titans' head-coaching gig.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
January 21, 2026
Denver Broncos wide receiver
Troy Franklin (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Franklin played only 13 offensive snaps in last weekend's win over the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round of the playoffs and wasn't targeted at all before suffering a hamstring injury. Fellow wideout
Pat Bryant (concussion) also departed early, and both receivers are now questionable to play in the AFC Championship on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Even if Franklin plays this weekend and Bryant is held out, Franklin's fantasy stock is down heading into championship weekend now that backup quarterback
Jarrett Stidham is taking over for the injured
Bo Nix (ankle). Franklin averaged only 8.3 half-PPR points per game in the regular season and is shaping up as an extremely risky fantasy option this week.
--Keith HernandezSource: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
January 21, 2026
Denver Nuggets center
Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Wizards. The veteran big man suffered a right calf strain during the win over the Toronto Raptors on New Year's Eve. He was initially projected to be sidelined for at least four weeks. While that may remain the case, the questionable tag seems to indicate Valanciunas might be back sooner than anticipated. With
Nikola Jokic (knee) on the shelf, the Nuggets could certainly use Valanciunas's services as soon as possible. In the meantime,
Aaron Gordon (hamstring) will presumably continue handling things in the middle, with
Zeke Nnaji getting around 15-20 minutes of work from off the bench.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones (upper body) was replaced on Team USA's Olympic roster by Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. Jones suffered an upper-body injury in the 2026 Winter Classic on Jan. 2, and the Panthers won't have him back until after the Olympics. Earlier this week, Florida moved Jones to long-term Injured Reserve. Jones has made an impact on both ends of the ice, recording 24 points (six goals, 18 assists), 78 shots, 47 blocks, and 38 hits in 40 appearances. With Jones out, Uvis Balinskis has been promoted to the first power-play unit, giving his fantasy value a big boost. The Latvian blue-liner had a three-game point streak last week, which included two power-play points.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 21, 2026
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver
Pat Bryant (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, but he was able to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday, according to DenverBroncos.com's Aric DiLalla. Before leaving against Buffalo, the 23-year-old third-rounder out of Illinois caught all three of his targets for 32 yards. It's good to see Bryant practicing, but it's worth noting that Bryant also suffered a concussion in Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and missed the following week. He still needs to be cleared by an independent neurologist and is up in the air to be available for the AFC Championship versus the New England Patriots.
Troy Franklin (hamstring) was also injured last weekend, so
Marvin Mims Jr. may serve as Denver's WR2 again as the Broncos look to get back to the Super Bowl.
--Keith HernandezSource: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
January 21, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard
Christian Braun (ankle) remains out on Thursday versus the Washington Wizards. There hasn't been any real indication he's nearing a return, although the team certainly isn't looking to rush things regarding his recovery. While Braun continues to work his way back,
Jalen Pickett is expected to stay in the starting lineup, with the 26-year-old averaging 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 44.2% shooting from behind the arc in 11 starts this season.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Denver Broncos running back
J.K. Dobbins (foot) was listed as a limited participant in his return to practice on Wednesday, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Dobbins' 21-day practice window has been opened, but he remains on Injured Reserve. The 27-year-old has not played since Week 10 due to a Lisfranc foot injury that required surgery. He has a chance to be active this Sunday for the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots, but Dobbins is probably more doubtful than probable for this weekend, at least until he upgrades to a full practice. At the time of his injury, the Broncos weren't expecting Dobbins to contribute again this season. Dobbins was on pace for a career season with 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns before his injury. If he returned on Sunday, it would probably be in a limited role alongside rookie
RJ Harvey and
Jaleel McLaughlin.
--Keith HernandezSource: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
January 21, 2026
Calgary Flames forward Martin Pospisil (undisclosed) will make his first appearance of the season in Wednesday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Slovakian forward suffered an undisclosed injury in a preseason game. On Tuesday, Calgary activated Pospisil from long-term Injured Reserve, and he practiced on a line with Adam Klapka and Ryan Lomberg. Last season, Pospisil was tied for third in the league with 301 hits and posted 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) in 81 appearances. He will struggle to make a fantasy impact on the fourth line, but managers should monitor him in case Pospisil moves up the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 21, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) is questionable for Thursday's game against Charlotte. He's missed seven contests because of his latest ailment, a right knee contusion. However, even if the 24-year-old isn't back for this one, the questionable designation at least suggests he's trending in a positive direction. If Suggs suits up, he'll probably see limited action. That may last for at least a few games. As a result,
Anthony Black should remain even more relevant for fantasy managers while Suggs works his way back to form.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Vancouver Canucks center Teddy Blueger (lower body) has been cleared to play on Wednesday night against the Washington Capitals. He will be available after sitting out 43 games due to a lower-body injury. Blueger was hurt in a game against the Capitals on Oct. 19. Wednesday's contest will mark only his third appearance of the season. Blueger is expected to fill the third-line center role, flanked by Liam Ohgren and Conor Garland. Both wingers have scoring talent, boosting Blueger's fantasy value. However, managers shouldn't expect much from the Canucks, who just posted a new franchise record with 11 consecutive losses.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 21, 2026
Washington Capitals right wing Tom Wilson (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve, paving the way for him to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. The power forward has been out for eight games due to a lower-body injury. Wilson has had a wonderful 2025-26 campaign, posting a team-high 22 goals and sharing the overall scoring lead on the squad with 42 points in 41 games. He also has an outstanding plus-20 rating. Wilson returns in a great spot, taking on a team that has lost a franchise-worst 11 games in a row. Ivan Miroshnichenko is projected to make way for Wilson in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Washington Capitals
January 21, 2026
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (shoulder) is facing a lengthy absence after the team placed him on long-term Injured Reserve on Wednesday. The move is retroactive to Monday, when Hughes injured his shoulder in a matchup against the Calgary Flames. A player on long-term Injured Reserve is required to miss at least 10 games and 24 days. Hughes' absence began on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers. Brett Pesce and Jonas Siegenthaler led the blue line in ice time against Edmonton, while Dougie Hamilton logged the most power-play time. Johnathan Kovacevic took Hughes' spot in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 21, 2026
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (upper body) will rejoin the lineup on Wednesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. The Russian forward didn't play in Monday's win over the Washington Capitals after sustaining an upper-body injury in a car accident. Fortunately, Nichushkin has made a quick recovery and should fill his normal duties against Anaheim. Colorado uses Nichushkin on the second line and the second power-play unit. He has tallied 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 38 games this season. In January, Nichushkin has been slumping, finishing scoreless in six of seven appearances.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 21, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (upper body) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's contest against the Calgary Flames. He missed practice on Tuesday and could also sit out at least one game. Pittsburgh will remain without Erik Karlsson (lower body) on Wednesday, so having Letang available on defense would be crucial. Due to Karlsson's absence, Letang has recently seen more power-play time. In 10 January outings, Letang has produced one goal and five assists. Overall, he has managed 25 points (three goals, 22 assists) in 48 games. If Letang doesn't play on Wednesday, the Penguins could use Brett Kulak on the top power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 21, 2026
Detroit Pistons shooting guard
Caris LeVert (illness) won't play Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. LeVert is dealing with an illness, and his next chance to return to action is on Friday against the Rockets. Detroit's backcourt will also be without its star point guard,
Cade Cunningham (hip, illness), so
Jaden Ivey and
Daniss Jenkins will likely see expanded roles and could be considered marginal streaming options ahead of tonight's clash in The Big Easy.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (illness, hip) won't suit up against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. The 24-year-old is feeling under the weather, and he is also dealing with a left hip contusion. His next chance to get back on the floor is on Friday against Houston. With Cunningham out of action,
Jaden Ivey,
Marcus Sasser and
Daniss Jenkins will likely have expanded roles in the Pistons backcourt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Charlotte Hornets PR announced that Charlotte Hornets guard
Tre Mann (illness) will suit up against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. The 24-year-old was feeling under the weather and was added to the injury report late, but he has since been cleared to play. Mann is averaging 7.8 points, 2.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game across 28 outings this season. With a fully healthy Hornets backcourt, Mann will likely see limited minutes during tonight's contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Hornets PR
January 21, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) won't play on Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings. Walter is dealing with a right hip pointer and he will miss his sixth straight game. The 21-year-old's next chance to suit up comes on Friday on the road in Portland. An injury-riddled Raptors lineup will also once again be without
RJ Barrett (ankle), so they will rely on
Jamal Shead to be the primary playmaker, making him a solid streaming option during tonight's clash.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
RJ Barrett (ankle) is still not ready to return from a sprained left ankle, and he'll miss his seventh straight game on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. Barrett still hasn't been given a timeline for his return, and he should be considered questionable for Friday's matchup with the Trail Blazers. With
Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) also out of action,
Jamal Shead and Grady Dick will continue to carry a heavier workload during tonight's clash.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
The Philadelphia Eagles interviewed former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy for their offensive-coordinator job on Wednesday, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Nagy was previously an intern and assistant for head coach Andy Reid with the Eagles from 2008 to 2012. He is now exploring a few OC options around the league since he didn't get the head-coaching job with the Tennessee Titans. The Chiefs' offense took a step back under Nagy the last few seasons, and they will turn back to former OC Eric Bieniemy now that Nagy's contract is up. If Nagy were to land the gig in Philadelphia, he'd be in charge of an offense with plenty of weapons, but one that went stagnant under first-year OC Kevin Patullo in 2025. The 47-year-old also went 34-33 as the Chicago Bears' head coach from 2018 to 2021.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
January 21, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies "hope" that top pitching prospect
Andrew Painter will make the Opening Day rotation, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Painter was the Phillies' first-round pick in 2021, but he missed the entire 2023 and 2024 seasons due to Tommy John surgery, pushing back the ETA for his MLB debut. He tossed 118 innings in the minors last year, which was his highest innings total since being drafted. More than 106 of those innings came at Triple-A, where he posted a 4.34 xFIP, 9.4 K/9, and 3.9 BB/9. He allowed a significant amount of loud contact, but despite some of the concerning metrics, he looked healthy for the first time since 2022. His health will put him in the mix for the No. 5 starter role when the Phillies break camp in a couple of months. His chances to make the rotation are higher than ever with
Ranger Suarez departing in free agency and
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) still recovering. As it stands, Painter ranks as the #102 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Matt Gelb
January 21, 2026
The Buffalo Bills requested an interview with Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for their head-coaching job, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers also have strong interest in Weaver for their head-coaching positions. Although Miami's defense was a weak spot in 2025, Weaver is generating plenty of head-coaching buzz this cycle. We would think he'd be more of a long shot to replace Sean McDermott in Buffalo for a couple of reasons. Weaver doesn't have any prior head-coaching experience, and reports have also suggested that the Bills probably prefer to hire an offensive-minded head coach who can connect with franchise quarterback
Josh Allen. In addition to Weaver, the Bills have requested interviews with former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, Jags OC Grant Udinski, and Colts DC Lou Anarumo.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
January 21, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) continues to recover from thoracic outlet syndrome, and manager Rob Thomson indicated that the veteran right-hander could be ahead of schedule. It was previously reported that Wheeler's estimated return was sometime in May, but now, Thomson has told the media that the 35-year-old has been handling "a very heavy workload for him." Additionally, Matt Gelb of The Athletic writes that Wheeler "will be behind the other pitchers in camp, but by every indication, he will not be too far behind." This phrasing suggests that Wheeler still has a chance to be ready for Opening Day. If so, he could fill a key role in a Phillies rotation that saw
Ranger Suarez depart during free agency. Wheeler, who had a 2.73 xFIP, 11.73 K/9, and 1.98 B/9 through 24 starts last year, ranks as the #51 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Matt Gelb
January 21, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) will sit out Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The 20-year-old rookie will miss his second consecutive contest due to a thumb contusion. His next chance to return is on the road in Portland on Friday. With
Jakob Poeltl (back) still out,
Sandro Mamukelashvili should get all the work he can handle. Mamukelashvili can score points in bunches, and with added minutes, he could be a servicable streaming option during tonight's tilt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
January 21, 2026
The Buffalo Bills requested to interview former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll for their head-coaching job, a source told The Athletic's Dianna Russini. Daboll has ties to Buffalo and president of football operations Brandon Beane, having served as their offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, and he's also a native of Western New York. During Daboll's time in New York, the Bills' offense was a top-five unit in yards and points per game in 2020 and 2021. Daboll didn't have much success as a head coach with the Giants, but his prior success with Allen could make him a leading candidate for the job to replace Sean McDermott, who was fired on Monday. If Daboll doesn't get the job in Buffalo, he's expected to become the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator under new head coach Robert Saleh. The Bills also plan to interview Jaguars OC Grant Udinski and Colts DC Lou Anarumo.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
January 21, 2026
The Buffalo Bills requested to interview Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski for their head-coaching job, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 30-year-old rising young coach also has a second head-coaching interview scheduled with the Cleveland Browns on Friday. After firing Sean McDermott on Friday, the Bills could shake things up and go with a young offensive-minded coach like Udinski to lead their team moving forward while also hopefully developing strong chemistry with quarterback
Josh Allen. The Bills led the NFL in rushing in 2025, but it didn't help them get over the hump and return to the Super Bowl. Udinski, who helped quarterback
Trevor Lawrence play the best football of his career this year, could potentially improve Buffalo's passing attack going forward. Still, Udinski might be a stretch with no head-coaching or play-calling experience in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
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