RADIO
Bucky Irving Making a Big Impression on New Offensive Coordinator
The Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud writes that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is making a big impression on new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson in training camp. "His feet are always in the ground," Robinson said. "So he's always able to change direction and, obviously, that keeps him so balanced to be able to break tackles." Irving missed all of the team's organized team activities in May and June while rehabbing a shoulder injury, but he is back now and is looking quick and decisive since pads went on this past week. "Bucky is a stud," Robinson said. Irving had a great rookie year in former OC Liam Coen's outside-zone running scheme, and Robinson's and Coen's offensive styles are similar. The 23-year-old had a 1,000-yard rushing season with eight touchdowns as a rookie, but injuries slowed him down in 2025, and he finished with 588 rushing yards and only one TD in 10 games. A bounce-back in 2026 should be coming for Irving if he stays healthy, but injury risk and the addition of pass-catching back Kenny Gainwell figure to limit Irving's overall ceiling as more of an RB2 in his third NFL campaign. Stroud also mentions Gainwell's seamless transition to Tampa's RB room.
Source: The Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: The Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
J.J. McCarthy Seeing More Time With No. 2 Offense
Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray split snaps with the first-team offense evenly through the first seven practices of training camp during their competition. However, McCarthy has now spent a "significant portion" of camp working with the No. 2 offense against the No. 1 defense, and beneath the surface, there have been "plenty of indications that Murray remains the heavy favorite to win the job," according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. Both signal-callers have had their up-and-down moments, but the Vikings have given Murray around two-thirds of the snaps with the first-team offense in 11-on-11 drills. Unless the usage reverses in the coming week, Seifert thinks it's hard to imagine McCarthy winning the job while mostly working with the second team. McCarthy's passes have mostly been in the short and intermediate range, with less frequent deep attempts than Murray. The Vikings still want to develop McCarthy after his rough go as the starter in 2025, but now that Murray is in town, they don't have to rush it. Nothing is official yet, but it would be a surprise for McCarthy to be named Minnesota's Week 1 starter under center at this point.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Calvin Austin III the Giants' Top Slot Option at Wideout
The Athletic's Dan Duggan writes that although New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin III's strong spring hasn't carried over to the start of training camp this summer, he's "still the team's top slot option." With that said, the slot role in New York isn't expected to be featured as much in new head coach John Harbaugh's offense as it was when Wan'Dale Robinson was racking up targets at will the last two seasons. Austin is going to have a role, sponging up the short targets in the passing game that Robinson once received. The 27-year-old, who stands at just 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, failed to take advantage of extra opportunities with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, with just 31 catches for 372 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games played in his third year in the NFL. Austin could have more of a role early on with the Giants this year if Malik Nabers (knee) isn't all the way back from his torn ACL, but every week, Austin's role in the offense is unlikely to yield enough targets to make him a worthy target in fantasy drafts in 12-team leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
Xavier Worthy Still Sidelined on Friday
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) remains sidelined in Friday's training camp practice, according to Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride. Worthy injured his shoulder last weekend and has been sitting out ever since, but the good news is he's just dealing with a minor shoulder sprain and is considered day-to-day, so there's a good chance we'll see him back on the field this weekend. Fantasy managers had to have been a bit worried initially, as Worthy's 2025 season was derailed by a separated shoulder that he suffered in the Week 1 season opener against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. The 23-year-old speedy pass-catcher came into camp this summer at full health with obvious bounce-back potential for fantasy managers at a reduced cost. The former first-rounder in 2024 from the University of Texas figures to be KC's WR2 behind Rashee Rice (knee) if he's back to full health in 2026 in his third year in the NFL. Durability remains a concern, but at a reduced cost this year, Worthy is absolutely worth pulling the trigger on in the middle rounds of drafts.
Source: Arrowhead Pride - Pete Sweeney
Source: Arrowhead Pride - Pete Sweeney
George Lombard Jr. a Priority Waiver-Wire Pickup as Yankees New Shortstop
The New York Yankees called up infield prospect George Lombard Jr. from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make his major-league debut on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, and he immediately made an impact, going 1-for-2 at the plate with a solo home run in the team's 2-0 victory. In his first two major-league games, Lombard has gone 2-for-6 in seven plate appearances. The club's top overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline, is here to stay and will be taking over the starting shortstop job in the Bronx from Anthony Volpe, who was sent down to Triple-A when Lombard came up. The former first-rounder in 2023 hit .268 (56-for-209) with six home runs, 21 RBI, 10 steals, and 44 runs scored in 56 games and 262 plate appearances with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before his call-up. The 21-year-old is patient with advanced plate discipline as a hitter, and his power upside makes him an immediate waiver-wire priority in a starting role at a premium position in fantasy. Right now, Lombard is rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Cole Young's Recent Hitting Streak has his Stock Trending Up
Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young had a recent eight-game hitting streak from July 26 through Aug. 2 that saw him go 15-for-34 (.441) with a home run, a double, two triples, three RBI, and six runs scored across 37 plate appearances. He capped it off with a 4-for-5 night against the Minnesota Twins on Aug. 2. Young has gone 0-for-9 with three walks in three games since losing his eight-game hitting streak, but the recent hot stretch had fantasy managers giving the 23-year-old a look off the waiver wire for middle-infield help in deeper leagues. The former 21st overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft is now hitting .263/.323/.412 with a .736 OPS, 14 home runs, 51 RBI, 54 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 116 games played and 465 plate appearances as a regular for the M's in his first full MLB season in 2026. Young has definitely taken a step forward in his second season in the big leagues, and he's quietly become a steady second base option in counting-stat leagues with improved power at the plate. And with a .280 expected batting average and .334 xwOBA, Young still has time to do more damage before his sophomore season comes to an end. He's rostered in only 21% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
JJ Bleday a Fine Source of Power Off the Waiver Wire
Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday may only be hitting .230 (70-for-304) on the year in 86 games and 361 plate appearances, but he reached the 20-homer mark for the second time in the last three seasons in Thursday's 6-5 win over the Athletics and is worth waiver-wire consideration down the stretch in fantasy baseball leagues if you need power. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has had a resurgence in 2026 in his first season in Cincinnati, and he has also dropped his strikeout rate from 26.5% last year to 21.3% this year while posting a career-best 14.4% walk rate. The former fourth overall pick by the Miami Marlins in 2019 from Vanderbilt University has hit under .200 with just five of his 20 homers on the year, and although he hit just over the Mendoza Line in 25 games in July, he did manage to hit six home runs in the month. Bleday definitely has his flaws, but fantasy managers shouldn't ignore his power from the left side. He's currently rostered in only 26% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
EJ Crowell Draws Praise From Ryan Grubb
Alabama true freshman running back EJ Crowell was one of the top overall prospects in the Class of 2026, and given the Tide's struggles running the football over the last two seasons, he is expected to play a significant role on offense in Year 1. In a media availability during camp, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb praised the talented newcomer. "EJ's young, super explosive," Grubb said. "Runs out over his toes, has good balance. He's thick with the ball. He runs physical. He runs bigger than he is. He's got speed in the long end. Sky's the limit for him, but he's got to learn the game. He's got to know how to practice, and he's got a good shot." Alabama's leading rusher from last year, Jam Miller, tallied just 504 yards. Daniel Hill finished second on the team with 284 rushing yards. He is back for the Tide in 2026, but Crowell has the opportunity to become the featured back in Grubb's offense right away if he can live up to his potential early in his career.
Source: Charlie Potter - On3
Source: Charlie Potter - On3
Max Clark Can Provide Five-Category Upside the Rest of the Way
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark made his major-league debut on July 31 against the Athletics and went 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI, two runs scored, and a walk in the team's 13-1 blowout victory. He's gone 8-for-24 (.333) with a home run, four RBI, and four runs scored in the early going in his first six big-league games. The 21-year-old former third overall pick in 2023 is the Tigers' top prospect and the No. 13 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, and he is already making an immediate impact in the majors. In 90 games (418 plate appearances) at Triple-A Toledo before his big-league call-up, Clark was slashing .276/.368/.434 with an .802 OPS, 11 home runs, 42 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 65 runs scored for the Mud Hens. The left-handed-hitting outfielder has as much power/speed upside as any young player in the big leagues, and yet he's rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues still. If you need a spark, Clark is your guy. Paired with infielder Kevin McGonigle, the Tigers have two excellent table-setters at the top of their lineup for the foreseeable future.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Dwight Phillips Jr. Set for Increased Role in Georgia Backfield
Georgia running backs Nate Frazier and Chauncy Bowens are the clear lead ball carriers in the backfield, but with Kentucky transfer Dante Dowdell dealing with a serious injury stemming from an ATV accident, third-year back Dwight Phillips Jr. is the top candidate to work as the RB3 this season, according to Jordan D. Hill of Dawgs247. In two seasons in Athens, Phillips has rushed 41 times for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He's been seldom utilized, but Georgia has long believed in the RB-by-committee approach, and the Mableton native is in position to make an impact as a junior. "Dwight has worked his tail off," head coach Kirby Smart said. "He's had a great offseason. He works really hard." Although his production will be capped to start the season behind Frazier and Bowens, an injury or two could propel him into a significant role in Mike Bobo's offense.
Source: Jordan D. Hill - Dawgs247
Source: Jordan D. Hill - Dawgs247
Malachi Fields Making a Claim for Giants' WR2 Role
Behind Pro Bowler Malik Nabers (knee), the New York Giants have one of the league's more wide-open competitions for meaningful receiver work, and The Athletic's Dan Duggan believes that rookie Malachi Fields has made an early claim to the No. 2 role. Duggan highlights Fields' size and physicality, which have allowed him to work through underneath traffic while still making downfield plays in contested catch situations. Duggan sees his 2026 role as that of a vertical field stretcher, and with the Giants expected to see an uptick in 12 personnel usage, the rookie could become a staple of two-receiver sets. Fields is RotoBaller's WR89, making him a potential bargain if he's able to earn regular usage in what could be an ascending offense.
Source: Dan Duggan
Source: Dan Duggan
Samy Natera Jr. Now Firmly in the Mix for Saves in Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels rookie left-handed reliever Samy Natera Jr. is now firmly in the mix for saves in Anaheim after the Halos traded away relievers Kirby Yates and Ryan Zeferjahn at the deadline on Monday. Hard-throwing right-hander Ben Joyce will surely be involved as well, but Natera is worth consideration in deeper fantasy baseball leagues for managers who are desperate for saves. The Mexican hurler is currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. In the team's 4-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on Thursday, Natera gave up a hit while walking none and striking out two in 1 1/3 innings for his second save of the season. The 26-year-old southpaw has looked good of late, giving up just one earned run with three walks and 23 strikeouts in his last 11 appearances out of the bullpen since he allowed a career-high four earned runs in two-thirds of an inning to the Boston Red Sox on the Fourth of July. Natera has a 2.16 ERA (1.90 FIP), 0.88 WHIP, and 38:10 K:BB in his first 25 relief innings at the big-league level.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Makai Lemon Misses Another Practice
After a closed walkthrough session on Thursday, Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon is absent from his third straight public practice as he deals with a hamstring injury that has kept him out since Tuesday. With DeVonta Smith also missing time, the offense has reportedly faced some stumbles in recent practices. While Smith's role atop the depth chart is not in question, Lemon's absence has opened the door for offseason acquisition Dontayvion Wicks to stake a claim to the Eagles' WR2 spot, as seen by several reporters on the beat. Used primarily as a slot receiver on his way to earning the Biletnikoff Award at USC, Lemon should still see an important role in Philadelphia's offense as Wicks profiles more as a boundary replacement for A.J. Brown. Lemon is RotoBaller's WR46, and if he can return without missing extended time, an expectation to see the second most targets on the team is still not out of the question.
Source: Dave Zangaro
Source: Dave Zangaro
DeVonta Smith Absent Again on Friday
Dealing with a hamstring injury, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is missing another practice on Friday, as reported by Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia. Smith has been absent from practice since Tuesday, with the offense working through a pair of up-and-down practices without him before a closed walkthrough session on Thursday. With Sean Mannion serving as the team's fifth offensive coordinator in as many seasons, the Eagles are looking to establish some consistency following the departure of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown. With Smith and 2026 first-round pick Makai Lemon both dealing with hamstring injuries in recent days, much of that responsibility has fallen to offseason addition Dontayvion Wicks, though Smith still profiles as a fantasy difference-maker who ranks as RotoBaller's WR12 in his first season in a primary role.
Source: Dave Zangaro
Source: Dave Zangaro
Gunnar Henderson Unlikely to Sign With Baltimore Long-Term
ESPN's Buster Olney, who was appearing on Just Baseball, said that Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who is represented by super agent Scott Boras, "in all likelihood isn't going to sign there long-term." It comes after the Orioles traded away the former first overall pick, switch-hitting All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman, to the division-rival Boston Red Sox on Monday for a giant prospect haul. The 25-year-old Henderson has two years of team control remaining, but after that, Olney thinks he will bolt for the open market. The former second-rounder in 2019 broke out with 37 home runs, 92 RBI, and 21 stolen bases in his second full MLB season with Baltimore in 2024, and although he had a career-high 30 steals the following season, he hit just 17 home runs in 2025. Henderson has continued to decline in 2026, as he's currently slashing .218/.297/.393 with a career-low .690 OPS, 18 home runs, 47 RBI, 65 runs scored, and only eight steals in 114 games and 518 plate appearances. His batted-ball metrics do not point to a turnaround anytime soon.
Source: ESPN - Buster Olney
Source: ESPN - Buster Olney
