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Patrick Mahomes Extremely Confident He Will Play in Week 1
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) said he is extremely confident he will be ready to go in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes tore his ACL in Week 15 last season, but the future Hall of Fame quarterback has had a smooth recovery by all accounts. During a sideline interview in their preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mahomes said he wanted to play in Saturday's game. "I'll try to play next week, but that's up to Coach Reid." Mahomes also said that as long as there are no setbacks, "I'm ready to be on that field." Mahomes completed 315 of 512 passes for a career-low 3,587 yards and 22 touchdowns during the 2025 season. With his former offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, back, Mahomes is looking to rekindle the magic he had early in his career.
Source: Sam McDowell
Source: Sam McDowell
Ja'Kobi Lane Could Be in the WR3 Mix in Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane saw limited action in the team's second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, finishing the contest with one catch for nine yards on two targets. A third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Lane has consistently drawn rave reviews for his work throughout training camp. The 22-year-old played three collegiate seasons at USC, recording 49 catches for 745 yards and four touchdowns across 11 games in 2025. Entering 2026, Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman profile as the top wideouts in Baltimore. However, Lane could be leading a WR3 battle that also includes fellow rookie Elijah Sarratt and 2024 fourth-rounder Devontez Walker. Bateman is also currently dealing with some legal issues regarding an alleged family violence incident. Should he face any sort of league punishment, Lane could move even further up the Ravens' wide receiver depth chart. Entering 2026, Lane profiles as a priority late-round sleeper target for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Shohei Ohtani Throwing Live BP Session on Saturday
According to David Vassegh, Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) threw live batting practice ahead of Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This is the first time that Ohtani has thrown on the mound since being shut down from pitching last month. It was a 30-pitch outing, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said afterward that Ohtani will likely need another session before being cleared to pitch in games. His exact timetable is unclear at the moment, so fantasy managers will need to check back for more updates on his status.
Source: David Vassegh
Source: David Vassegh
Ryan Weathers Removed Early with Forearm Injury
New York Yankees starting pitcher Ryan Weathers (forearm) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's start against the Toronto Blue Jays. Weathers was only able to get through 3.1 innings before leaving due to left forearm discomfort, Meredith Marakovits reports. It was a rough outing for Weathers, who allowed eight hits and two earned runs before exiting with a trainer early in the fourth inning. The expectation is that the 26-year-old will require additional imaging to determine the severity of the injury. His next scheduled start is against the Boston Red Sox on Friday. Fantasy managers will need to check back after the imaging is done to see if Weathers will be able to make that start.
Source: Meredith Marakovits
Source: Meredith Marakovits
Shedeur Sanders Throws Touchdown Pass in Preseason Action on Saturday
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders put together a respectable performance in his team's second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, completing nine of 11 pass attempts for 74 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The 24-year-old is currently competing with veteran signal-caller Deshaun Watson to be Cleveland's Week 1 starting quarterback. Sanders was clearly the better of the two quarterbacks on Saturday, as Watson completed just five of 12 pass attempts for 36 yards. A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders completed 56.6% of his pass attempts for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across eight games (seven starts) as a rookie. While Sanders has more talent and offensive stability around him in 2026, he should likely remain off fantasy radars in all but the deepest of leagues even if he is named Cleveland's starter.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Brandon Woodruff to Resume Throwing Program
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) did not decide to have surgery and could actually return to the mound this season. According to Curt Hogg, Woodruff is scheduled to begin a throwing program on Wednesday. This is huge news after Woodruff said in July that he planned to undergo season-ending capsule repair surgery. Luckily, follow-up imaging revealed better results, and Woodruff's shoulder is actually healing. He'll begin a five-week throwing program next week, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect to get anything out of Woodruff for the rest of the season. Although this is great news for the Brewers, who could potentially have Woodruff available for the postseason.
Source: Curt Hogg
Source: Curt Hogg
Konnor Griffin Begins Taking Swings
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) has been sidelined since early July, but could be making his return to the big league roster soon. Griffin landed on the Injured List on July 7 due to a torn left ring finger. The good news is that Griffin is beginning to ramp up his baseball activities in Florida. According to Pirates manager Don Kelly, Griffin was taking swings earlier this week, and it reportedly went well. The Pirates haven't given an official timetable for his return, but believe he'll be able to return in early September. The rookie shortstop could be worth stashing depending on when he'll actually get back on the field for the Pirates.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Alec Pierce Could Be Available, May Not Be 100% in Week 1
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) "could be available" but is unlikely to "be a super dynamic player" in Week 1, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Pierce is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he works his way back from ankle surgery, which he underwent in April. The 26-year-old had the most productive year of his career in 2025, recording 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 84 targets across 15 games. The Colts handed him a monster four-year contract extension this past spring and traded away former WR1 Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving Pierce in position to step into an expanded role in 2026. When healthy, Pierce is one of the most dynamic deep-ball threats in the NFL. However, his health and fantasy value both appear to be open questions heading into the year.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Malachi Fields' Role Appears Solidified Entering 2026
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields went without a catch in the 26-3 preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins. Although Fields did not record a target in his time on the field, his role appears to be solidified entering the 2026 season. Fields played all eight snaps with the first-team offense and ran the most routes alongside Darius Slayton (5). More good news for the second-round pick: After the first drive, Fields did not play another snap for the rest of the game, while both Slayton, Calvin Austin III, and Odell Beckham Jr. played beyond the opening drive. While receivers Malik Nabers and Darnell Mooney were inactive against the Dolphins, Fields should continue to operate with the first-team offense. Currently ranked as the WR81 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Fields should be considered in the late rounds in drafts this year.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Giancarlo Stanton Suffers Setback While Rehabbing
According to Joel Sherman, New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (calf) suffered a setback when he strained his other calf while running the bases over the weekend. Stanton has been out since late April due to a strained right calf. Now, he suffered a left calf injury after falling during a recent baserunning session. The Yankees haven't ruled out Stanton for the rest of the season, but it's difficult to imagine him making an impact over the final five weeks of the season. Fantasy managers shouldn't count on Stanton bringing much of anything to the table for the rest of the season.
Source: Joel Sherman
Source: Joel Sherman
Jordan James Returns to 49ers Practice on Saturday
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James (ribs) was back on the practice field on Saturday, per David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. James suffered fractured ribs early in training camp, but it appears he is getting closer to full health and should be ready to go for the start of the regular season. A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Oregon, James appeared in just three games and did not record a carry during his rookie season. Entering 2026, superstar 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey remains firmly atop the team's depth chart at the position. However, James looks to be competing with 2026 third-rounder Kaelon Black and veteran Zamir White for the RB2 role in San Francisco. If James can establish himself as the primary backup to McCaffrey, he would immediately become one of the more valuable handcuff running back options for fantasy managers.
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Devin Singletary Starts Ahead of Tyrone Tracy Against Dolphins
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary carried the ball eight times for 40 yards and added four yards on one reception in the 26-3 preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins. Singletary played every snap on the team's opening drive, while projected backup running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. spent time on special teams and rotated after the first drive. The Giants signed veteran running back Najee Harris to a one-year contract, forming a committee led by Cam Skattebo. With Tracy fumbling in scoring position, his standing with the team could be at risk, which could be good news for Singletary. While Harris will need time to get back into football shape, Singletary could have a prominent role alongside Skattebo early in the season. Fantasy managers should monitor this backfield, as the Giants' offense is projected to be among the NFL's most run-heavy this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cody Bellinger to Return on Sunday
New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (hamstring) is set to return from the 10-day Injured List on Sunday, according to Chris Kirschner. Bellinger is finally ready to return and will be back in the lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The left-handed slugger missed a month of action due to a left hamstring strain. The banged-up Yankees' offense could certainly use Bellinger's help right now. This season, Bellinger is slashing .259/.350/.420 with 11 home runs, 53 RBI, and 10 stolen bases across 102 games. He should immediately reclaim the starting gig in left field and should be rostered in all fantasy formats.
Source: Chris Kirschner
Source: Chris Kirschner
Mike Evans Returns to 49ers Practice on Saturday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (quadriceps, ankle) returned to practice on Saturday, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Evans has been dealing with both an ankle injury and quad tightness, but it appears both injuries are minor and his status for the start of the regular season is not in any doubt. Wagoner reports that Evans "went on to have a nice practice" after returning to the field on Saturday. The 33-year-old is in his first season with the 49ers after spending the first 12 years of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Evans is looking for a bounce-back season after missing nine games in 2025 due to hamstring and collarbone injuries. With 49ers wideout Ricky Pearsall (knee) already out for the year, Evans profiles as the undisputed WR1 in San Francisco. Fantasy managers should view Evans as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 option entering 2026.
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Could be on the Roster Bubble
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. "could be a trade candidate ahead of final cuts," according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. A fourth-round pick of the Giants in 2024, Tracy Jr. has topped 1,000 scrimmage yards in each of his first two NFL seasons. However, New York has a new coaching staff in place under John Harbaugh heading into 2026, and the team has a trio of capable running back options outside of Tracy Jr. in Cam Skattebo, Najee Harris, and Devin Singletary. Tracy Jr. has also had a rough preseason so far. He whiffed on a block that led to a big hit on Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in the team's first game and fumbled in New York's second game against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday. Given the backfield depth in New York, Tracy Jr.'s fantasy value would likely be improved by a move elsewhere.
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
