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Efton Chism III Building Deep-League Redraft Appeal
New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III keeps making the most of a crowded situation. Chism caught all four of his targets for 45 yards in Saturday's 24-21 preseason win over Philadelphia, moving the chains on a 24-yard catch on third down and again after an eight-yard grab. This wasn't a one-night flash, either. Chism has been working as the backup slot receiver with Tommy DeVito and the second-team offense, and Mike Vrabel praised his blocking, competitiveness and ability to show up when needed earlier this month. He made the roster as an undrafted rookie last year, though the regular-season opportunities were scarce. Chism caught three passes for 75 yards and a touchdown in eight games. The path is still ugly for redraft purposes with A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams all in the room. Chism isn't suddenly a standard-league target because of four preseason catches. He is making it harder for New England to ignore him, though, and Saturday gave deeper-league managers another reason to keep his name tucked away.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Trayveon Williams Leads Lions Backfield in Preseason Action on Saturday
Detroit Lions running back Trayveon Williams saw heavy usage in his team's second preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, recording 10 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown. The 28-year-old also logged a 24-yard reception on his only target out of the backfield. Across seven games split between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns in 2025, Williams recorded 91 scrimmage yards on 18 touches. The veteran back has played seven NFL seasons but has done most of his work on special teams, failing to reach 100 yards from scrimmage in all but one campaign. Still, Williams may have a chance to make the Lions' roster out of training camp. Detroit has superstar back Jahmyr Gibbs atop its running back depth chart, but reserve backs Isiah Pacheco (knee) and Sione Vaki (back) are both currently dealing with injuries. It's too early for fantasy managers to add Williams yet, but he could end up being a name to monitor as a handcuff option for Gibbs.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
UCLA Adds Impact Linebacker Trent Hendrick
James Madison transfer linebacker Trent Hendrick has committed to UCLA, according to On3's Transfer Portal on X. Hendrick was granted a temporary restraining order last week, allowing him to return to college football for a fifth season. He was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 after totaling 106 tackles (39 solo), seven tackles for loss, three sacks, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Hendrick's head coach, Bob Chesney, and defensive coordinator, Colin Hitschler, are now at UCLA, so he should fit in nicely despite the late arrival in Los Angeles. The Bruins open the season on September 5 against Cal, who is led by rising star quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and a cast of new weapons.
Source: Transfer Portal On X
Source: Transfer Portal On X
Defensive End Alex Wright Done for the Year With Ruptured Achilles
The Cleveland Browns are placing starting defensive end Alex Wright (Achilles) on season-ending Injured Reserve on Sunday with a ruptured Achilles tendon, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. In a corresponding move, the Browns will sign former first-round defensive end Derek Barnett. Wright was carted off the practice field on Thursday after he was hurt during a one-on-one drill with offensive tackle Spencer Brown in a joint practice with the Buffalo Bills. Now that the 25-year-old is done for the entire 2026 season, the Browns will be looking for both Julian Okwara and Isaiah McGuire to step up on their defensive line in pass-rushing roles. Wright's loss is a big one, as the former third-rounder from Alabama-Birmingham had a career-high 5.5 sacks and 37 tackles (21 solo) in 14 games in 2025 in his fourth year in the NFL. He signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension last November and is under contract in Cleveland through the 2028 campaign.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Jakobi Meyers Misses Practice on Sunday
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (hand) did not practice with the rest of the team in training camp on Sunday, according to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union. Head coach Liam Coen said on Friday that Meyers jammed his right hand during a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, and he was seen wearing a brace while sitting on the sidelines on Friday. The 29-year-old's injury doesn't appear to be very serious, but he did not play in Friday's preseason game against the Panthers and could continue to miss practice in the coming week before the preseason finale on Friday, Aug. 28, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We would be surprised if Meyers' hand injury prevents him from being ready for Week 1 of the regular-season opener in early September. Both Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. have been in the headlines for standout training camps, which has pushed Meyers' fantasy stock down going into his first full year in Jacksonville. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 52 wideout after he caught 42 of 61 targets for 483 yards and three touchdowns in nine games last year with the Jags after he was acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders at midseason.
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Jadarian Price Won't Play in Final Two Preseason Games
Seattle Seahawks rookie first-round running back Jadarian Price will not play in Sunday's preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, according to Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. The Seahawks also plan to keep Price out of their preseason finale next Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Bell writes that head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider have seen enough of Price's speed, decisiveness in cutting into outside-zone run gaps, and his pass-catching to know that he's invaluable, especially with Zach Charbonnet (knee) not ready for the start of the regular season. Price also missed a week in August with what was being called upper-leg soreness, and Seattle continues to be extremely cautious with the star RB from Notre Dame. Even though the Seahawks listed George Holani as the RB1 on their preseason depth chart, the team's decision to hold Price out of preseason action confirms that the 22-year-old will be a key part of their backfield right away. At worst, Price should be considered a low-end RB2 target with upside in upcoming fantasy football drafts.
Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
Keldric Luster Named Ball State's QB1 Against Ohio State
Ball State has officially named Keldric Luster its starting quarterback to open the season against No. 1 Ohio State in The Shoe, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Luster spent last season at Texas State after beginning his career at SMU, where he spent two years. Overall, he has appeared in nine games, completing just four of his 12 passing attempts for 37 yards. He has tallied 76 yards on 16 career rushing attempts. Needless to say, he'll have his work cut out for him against the ferocious Buckeyes' defense led by defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
Source: Pete Thamel - ESPN
Source: Pete Thamel - ESPN
Jac Caglianone Scratched on Sunday With Ankle Soreness
The Kansas City Royals announced that first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone (ankle) has been scratched from Sunday's starting lineup against the division-rival Detroit Tigers due to ankle soreness. John Rave will make the start in right field for KC and will bat sixth against Tigers right-hander Jacob Waguespack. Caglianone left Wednesday's contest early against the Athletics with a right-ankle injury and was also kept out in the series finale on Thursday. Apparently, the left-handed slugger is not over his ankle injury and will miss another game, but fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. The next opportunity he will have to play will be for Monday's series opener in Toronto against the Blue Jays. The 23-year-old former sixth overall pick from the University of Florida in 2024 got off to a slow start in 2026 in his first full year in the majors, but he's rebounded nicely and has become a must-start for his left-handed power in KC. Cags currently holds a .276/.328/.491 slash line, an .819 OPS, 22 homers, 60 RBI, 59 runs scored, and six steals in his 434 at-bats.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Travis Hunter Works Exclusively on Defense on Sunday
Jacksonville Jaguars two-way player Travis Hunter took all 20 of his snaps in training camp practice on Sunday on defense in 11-on-11 team drills, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Hunter has now taken 249 total snaps during training camp, with 183 coming on defense, 65 on offense, and one on special teams. DiRocco notes that these numbers do not include the team's joint practice with the New Orleans Saints. The 23-year-old former second overall pick last year out of Colorado did not suit up for the team's second preseason game on Friday against the Carolina Panthers, and he has been listed as a starting cornerback and a backup wide receiver on the Jaguars' preseason depth chart. The former Heisman Trophy winner caught only 28 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown in seven games as a rookie before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Hunter is fully healthy now, but his fantasy stock in both redraft and keeper leagues has plummeted since it looks like he might only be a gadget player on offense going forward.
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
CJ Abrams Out of the Lineup Again on Sunday
Washington Nationals middle infielder CJ Abrams (ankle) is missing a fourth straight game on Sunday in the series finale in Miami against the division-rival Marlins, according to MLB.com. Nasim Nunez is at shortstop and is batting eighth, while Jose Tena will make another start at second and bat fifth for the Nats against Marlins right-hander Janson Junk. Abrams could be a candidate to land on the 10-day injured list early next week after spraining his left ankle in Wednesday's contest against the Texas Rangers. Fantasy managers will want to check back on his status on Monday before the start of a new series at home against the Colorado Rockies. The 25-year-old former first-rounder was recently asked to move from shortstop to second base, and although Abrams was not happy about the organization's decision, he is willing to do what is best for the franchise. Offensively, Abrams is in the midst of a career year and has been a must-start in all fantasy leagues, slashing .279/.354/.530 with an .884 OPS, 29 homers, 91 RBI, 24 steals, and 77 runs scored across his 124 games and 534 plate appearances in his fifth year in the majors.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Edwin Diaz to be Eased Back in Lower-Leverage Role When he Returns
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Saturday that right-handed reliever Edwin Diaz (neck) will be eased back into a lower-leverage role in the team's bullpen once he returns from the 15-day injured list in September, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Diaz, the Dodgers' big free-agent acquisition last offseason, has only appeared in 16 games in his first year with the team in 2026 due to elbow and neck injuries, and he has been bad when he has been available. The 32-year-old Puerto Rican hurler and three-time All-Star currently has an 11.85 ERA (6.01 FIP), 2.56 WHIP, seven saves, 19 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 13 2/3 innings pitched. Diaz will be eased in next month when he returns as the Dodgers look to get him right for the postseason, but with just over a month left in the campaign, it's fair for fantasy managers to wonder if he's even worth holding in redraft leagues. The good news is that Diaz's neck injury is not believed to be serious, and he has a chance to come off the injured list around when he is eligible to return on Sept. 2. In the meantime, lefty reliever Tanner Scott will continue to be Roberts' leading candidate for saves.
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Tyler Glasnow to Return on Tuesday Against Braves
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) will be activated from the 60-day injured list to start on Tuesday in Atlanta against the Braves, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Glasnow will finally return to the Dodgers' starting rotation after giving up only two runs with 20 strikeouts and four walks in 13 2/3 innings in his four minor-league rehab starts. He had been on the injured list since May 8 due to lower-back spasms. The 33-year-old hard-throwing right-hander got up to 77 pitches in his final rehab outing, so he's close to being fully stretched out, although fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if the Dodgers have a short leash on him in his first outing back next week in Atlanta in a tough matchup against the Braves. Now that he is on the verge of a return to L.A., Glasnow should be rostered in most fantasy baseball leagues for his high-end strikeout upside to close out the year. Before hurting his back, the former All-Star had gone 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with 49 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings pitched over his first seven starts of the 2026 season.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Nick Folk Converts All Six Attempts in Saturday's Preseason Win
Atlanta Falcons kicker Nick Folk brought some stability to Atlanta's kicking game in Saturday's 34-6 win over the Colts, making both of his field goal attempts and all four extra points. The field goals were from 50 and 51 yards out, so there is still some length left in the 41-year-old's leg. The veteran kicker is coming off a solid 2025 campaign in which he converted 28 of 29 field goal attempts (career-long of 58) and all 22 of his extra points while kicking for the Jets, though that effort still landed him well outside the top 12 for fantasy (K21). The Falcons should be a slight upgrade over the Jets offense, and not having to deal with the elements inside the dome in Atlanta should be a benefit as well. Folk ranks No. 24 in RotoBaller's kicker rankings, but there is potential to outproduce that projection. Still, he's more of a streaming option than a kicker to draft for the entire season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
J.J. McCarthy Banged Up After Saturday's Preseason Game
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy would have played longer in Saturday's preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens if he had not gotten "banged up" during a rough first quarter, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. McCarthy only played 18 offensive snaps over four series in the first quarter and struggled with his accuracy while taking three hits and a sack. O'Connell was hoping to send McCarthy out for at least one more possession. The Vikings have not revealed a specific injury, but it is notable after several injury-plagued seasons in Minnesota to begin his NFL career after he was taken 10th overall out of Michigan in 2024. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn meniscus in his right knee and missed seven games in 2025 with a high right-ankle sprain and a concussion. He also missed time with a hairline fracture in his right hand. He finished 5-for-10 passing for 81 yards against Baltimore on Saturday. While McCarthy might be banged up, it is unlikely that he will not be ready for the start of the regular season in several weeks as the QB2 behind Kyler Murray.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Casey Mize Leaves Saturday's Game Early With Ankle Sprain
The San Diego Padres announced that right-hander Casey Mize (ankle) left his start early on Saturday at Petco Park against the Minnesota Twins with a sprained right ankle. Before being pulled, Mize struggled on the mound, allowing four earned runs on four hits (three home runs) while walking one and striking out none in 2 2/3 innings pitched. The 29-year-old's next scheduled start next weekend on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays is now up in the air and will depend on how he recovers over the next few days. The former first overall pick in 2018 from Auburn has gone 5-7 on the season with a 3.44 ERA (3.28 FIP) and 1.09 WHIP with a career-high 139 strikeouts and 36 walks in 149 innings pitched across his 28 starts with the Padres and Detroit Tigers. Since being acquired by the Friars at the Aug. 3 trade deadline, Mize has struggled in four starts for San Diego, allowing 14 earned runs on 21 hits (five homers) while walking seven and fanning 10 in 18 innings. If he is cleared to make his next start, he will have a difficult matchup on tap on the road against the first-place Rays.
Source: San Diego Padres
Source: San Diego Padres
