RADIO
Eli Heidenreich Finds The End Zone in His Push for Steelers' RB3 Role
While the top of the Steelers running back depth chart has provided spirited debate among the fantasy community for much of the offseason, the team's third spot is also very much up for grabs, and during Thursday night's preseason loss to the Bills, rookie Eli Heidenreich put in a strong claim, leading the team with nine carries. Heidenreich opened up the second half scoring, capping off an 11-play, 68-yard drive by following his blockers and fighting through contact for a nine-yard touchdown run off the right side. While the exact order might still be contested, Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle are locked in as the Steelers' top two running backs, leaving Heidenreich battling with fourth-year player Lew Nichols and 2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson for the third spot in the room. Nichols has been the most consistent runner throughout the preseason, but after catching 90 passes across his final two seasons with Navy and adding further versatility in the return game, Heidenreich could force his way onto the team's initial 53-man roster. Even still, without a number of catastrophic injuries ahead of him, the seventh-round pick is unlikely to see fantasy relevance in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Germie Bernard Scores a Statement Touchdown in Preseason Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard caught only one of his two passes in Thursday night's preseason loss to the Bills, but he made it count. Following an opening drive three-and-out by the Steelers and a muffed punt by the Bills, Pittsburgh began its second drive deep in Buffalo territory and took only one play to find paydirt. Lined up in one-on-one coverage against 2025 first-round pick Max Hairston, Bernard took a quick pass from Will Howard and muscled his way through to the end zone. "I played running back for a very long time in my childhood," Bernard said after the game. "I always had the ball in my hands. It just always translated and stayed with me." Bernard enters his rookie season seemingly locked out of the Steelers' third wide receiver spot by 2024 third-round pick Roman Wilson, but the versatility and playmaking that he has flashed throughout camp and on Thursday night could help him find the field and earn targets from Aaron Rodgers earlier than is customary for most rookies in the veteran's orbit. At RotoBaller's WR83, Bernard is not a player who needs to be targeted in 2026 drafts. Still, fantasy managers will need to monitor his early-season involvement and be ready to make a waiver claim if and when his role expands.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Michael Hawkins Jr. Expected to be QB1 at West Virginia
Oklahoma transfer quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. is expected to be named West Virginia's starter of the 2026 season, according to On3's Pete Nakos. The third-year player appeared in nine games for the Sooners over the last two seasons, backing up Jackson Arnold and John Mateer, and he tallied 950 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 262 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns. Hawkins is a dynamic athlete on the ground and could be a great fit in Rich Rodriguez's offense. He beat out Scotty Fox for the QB1 job. Hawkins is worth monitoring early in the season, as his rushing skill set could make him a viable college fantasy football streaming option in favorable matchups this season.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Cal Petersen Signs Tryout Deal With Capitals
Goaltender Cal Petersen will join the Washington Capitals' training camp on a professional tryout agreement. After a strong start to his career, Petersen has been limited to AHL action in recent campaigns. In 2025-26, he posted a 13-16-2 record, a 2.73 goals-against average, and a .896 save percentage with the Iowa Wild. The 31-year-old made his last NHL appearances in 2023-24 with the Philadelphia Flyers. Petersen has also suited up for the Los Angeles Kings in the big league, compiling a 46-44-10 record. Across 106 NHL games, he has registered a 2.96 goals-against average with a .903 save percentage. Petersen could be a solid depth piece for Washington in 2026-27, behind Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Justin Herbert Shakes Off Early Mistake, Showcases Elite Arm Talent
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and some of the team's starting offense played two series against the Rams' defensive reserves in Thursday night's preseason finale, with both drives lasting exactly two plays. After his fumbled handoff attempt on the Chargers' second play of the game led to a Rams' field goal, Herbert quickly made up for the mistake on his next opportunity, uncorking a 65-yard touchdown strike to fourth-year receiver Quentin Johnston. Herbert's physical abilities have never been in question, but since a QB2 finish in 2021, he's been unable to overcome a series of environmental setbacks, with a number of catastrophic injuries to his offensive line most recently holding him back in 2025. While the Chargers have already lost center Tyler Biadasz (knee) to a season-ending knee injury, the returns to health of bookend Pro Bowl tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater have Herbert well-positioned for a fantasy bounceback in Mike McDaniel's new-look offense. As RotoBaller's QB7, Herbert is already priced higher than any of his fantasy finishes since his second season in the league, but with the skill set, the surrounding cast, and the playcaller all seemingly in place, he could ultimately prove to be a league-winning value in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Flames Invite Alexander Nylander to Training Camp
Left wing Alexander Nylander will join the Calgary Flames for training camp on a professional tryout agreement, Bryan Wilson of The Hockey News reports. Nylander is looking to return to NHL action after playing exclusively in the AHL last season. He had a good year with the Toronto Marlies, recording 53 points (24 goals, 29 assists) in 65 games and winning the Calder Cup. The Swedish forward has tallied 25 goals and 49 points in 126 NHL career games. Earning a spot on the Flames would be special for Nylander, a Calgary native whose father, Michael, played for the team for five seasons.
Source: Bryan Wilson
Source: Bryan Wilson
Quentin Johnston Shows Off Boom Potential with Long Touchdown
With the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive starters playing two series against the Rams' defensive reserves in Thursday night's cross-town preseason finale, fourth-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston helped quarterback Justin Herbert atone for an opening drive fumble by splitting two defenders for a 65-yard touchdown to give the Bolts an early 7-3 lead. A first-round pick in 2023, Johnston struggled with drops early in his career, but has flashed moments of underrated excellence over the past two seasons, particularly during a four-week stretch that saw him open 2025 as the fantasy WR4. While volume and consistency concerns still exist in what is expected to be a run-first Mike McDaniel offense, Johnston should be schemed into space and put in a position to make use of his run-after-catch abilities, and Thursday night's deep touchdown served as a reminder of his big-play potential. As RotoBaller's WR38, Johnston can still be viewed through a boom-or-bust lens in 2026, but all signs point to the booms being more explosive with the busts less detrimental.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Buddy Hield Leads Bahamas Past Uruguay with 28 Points
Atlanta Hawks guard/forward Buddy Hield posted a team-high 28 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the Bahamas' 103-94 win over Uruguay on Thursday in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers. The 33-year-old shot 8-for-16 from the field, 6-for-11 from three, and 6-for-7 at the line in 32 minutes, though he also committed four turnovers. The shooting burst fits Hield's profile, but it does little to change his fantasy outlook in Atlanta. He appeared in only seven regular-season games after February's trade to the Hawks, averaging 5.1 points in 7.3 minutes. With CJ McCollum, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luguentz Dort, and Dyson Daniels ahead of him in a crowded perimeter mix, Hield has no clear fantasy path unless injuries or another move opens minutes.
Source: Keith Smith
Source: Keith Smith
Chris Driedger Joins Canucks on Professional Tryout Agreement
The Vancouver Canucks announced they have signed goaltender Chris Driedger to a professional tryout agreement. Recently, it emerged that Thatcher Demko (hip) might not be available at the start of training camp, and adding Driedger to the mix gives Vancouver an additional option between the sticks. Driedger has been out of the NHL for a couple of seasons and suited up for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL last term. He holds a solid 31-24-5 career record in the NHL, along with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Yves Missi Posts 24 Points, Four Blocks for Cameroon
New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi scored 24 points in Cameroon's 78-62 win over Nigeria on Thursday in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers. The 22-year-old went 9-for-13 from the field and 6-for-8 at the line while adding nine rebounds, two steals, and four blocks in Rades, Tunisia. That free-throw line is worth noting after Missi shot just 55.9 percent at the stripe last season, which remains the biggest drag on his category profile. His NBA role shrank in 2025-26, when he averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 19.7 minutes across 66 games with 14 starts. Jamahl Mosley now inherits a center mix that includes Derik Queen, Karlo Matkovic, and DeAndre Jordan, so Missi still has work to do. New Orleans reportedly turned away trade interest in him, at least keeping his path tied to the Pelicans' in-house competition.
Source: Keith Smith
Source: Keith Smith
Simon Nemec Eyes Major Role With Flames
Calgary Flames defenseman Simon Nemec hopes to play a major role with his new club. "It's a new challenge," Nemec said. "That was a good spot for me, for the team. I feel like they need a player like me. I can play a lot of minutes there. I can be part of the future there and be one of the leaders of the team." Nemec moved to Calgary this offseason following a modest three-year run with the New Jersey Devils. He notched a career-high 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 68 contests last season, but the former second-overall pick has the potential to make an even bigger impact. Speaking at the European Player Media Tour, Nemec said he wants to earn a spot on the Flames' top power-play unit, which would certainly boost his fantasy production.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Mike Washington Jr. Emerging as Priority Late-Round Sleeper
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr., who could see starting action to begin the year if Ashton Jeanty (ankle) is unavailable for the season opener, ran for 49 yards on eight carries in Thursday night's preseason loss to the 49ers. The fourth-round pick, who was one of the stars of the 2026 NFL Combine, concludes his first preseason with 168 yards on 23 attempts for a 7.3 -yard per carry average. After an offseason spent espousing the value of a two-back system, head coach Klint Kubiak appears to have found a player capable of platooning with Jeanty, giving Washington potential standalone value outside of what he can provide as an injury fill-in. With Jeanty's status for Week 1 still up in the air, and the Raiders backfield deployment somewhat of a mystery in Kubiak's first year at the helm, Washington is a must-draft player as RotoBaller's RB48.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Pelle Larsson Pours in 31 Points as Sweden Topples Finland
Miami Heat guard/forward Pelle Larsson scored a game-high 31 points in Sweden's 86-81 win over Finland on Thursday in FIBA World Cup qualifying. The 25-year-old finished 9-for-17 from the field and 11-for-14 at the line while Sweden held Lauri Markkanen to 11 points on 2-for-13 shooting. Sweden has won four straight, and Larsson is averaging 27.0 points in qualifying. The outburst doesn't shift his fantasy value by itself, but the volume fits what Miami may need. Larsson started 54 of 70 games last season, posting 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 26.4 minutes. With Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, and Kasparas Jakucionis sent to Milwaukee in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and Norman Powell gone in free agency, Larsson has a runway to a larger perimeter role behind Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Macklin Celebrini Looks to Evolve as Player and Leader
San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini is confident he can still improve after his spectacular 2025-26 campaign. The 20-year-old posted a new franchise record with 115 points (45 goals, 70 assists) in 82 games, ranking fourth on the NHL's scorers' charts. "I still have a lot of space to grow. I think in my game and off the ice," Celebrini said. "Growing into myself as hopefully a leader for this team. We have a great group of vets that have been amazing and helped guide all of us young guys and gave us the best kind of role models as possible." Celebrini is a special talent, giving San Jose a player to build around. No doubt, he'll also lead many fantasy teams to success next season.
Source: Max Miller
Source: Max Miller
Rui Hachimura Powers Japan Past Saudi Arabia with 29 Points
Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura scored 29 points on 11-for-14 shooting in Japan's 106-78 win over Saudi Arabia on Thursday in FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifying. The 28-year-old added four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block in 28 minutes, going 3-for-4 from deep and 4-for-4 at the line without a turnover. It was his first national team appearance since the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the clean shooting was a strong sign before his first Clippers season. Hachimura signed a two-year, $28 million deal with LA in July after averaging 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds with the Lakers last season. He still has to carve out frontcourt minutes around Derrick Jones Jr. and Brook Lopez, but his shooting gives him a path to a useful role if the Clippers lean into spacing-heavy lineups.
Source: Keith Smith
Source: Keith Smith
