RADIO
C.J. Stroud, Texans Not Close to a Contract Extension
The Houston Texans' belief in quarterback C.J. Stroud as their franchise signal-caller remains strong, but the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the two sides are not close on a contract extension. Stroud had his fifth-year option picked up by Houston in April, and he has two years remaining on his rookie contract. Both sides seem comfortable kicking the can down the road as far as a contract extension, and Rapoport adds that the fact that extension talks are even happening backs up the Texans' position that Stroud is their unquestioned long-term plan at QB. The Texans probably are in no rush to lock up the 24-year-old former second overall pick in 2023 from Ohio State after he regressed in 2025 in his third year in the league, especially in the team's playoff loss to the New England Patriots. All reports are that Stroud is locked in and has made great strides towards a bounce-back in his fourth NFL season, but ultimately, his success in 2026 could come down to whether the offensive line can protect him. Stroud threw for 4,000-plus yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five picks in 15 regular-season starts as a rookie, so he has it in him. In two-QB superflex leagues, his lowered cost is enticing if you're betting on a bounce-back. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 23 fantasy QB, right behind Sam Darnold.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Puka Nacua Likely to be Extended Next Offseason
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that we should not expect the Los Angeles Rams to agree to a long-term contract extension with star wide receiver Puka Nacua before the start of the 2026 regular season. Nacua has one more year left on his rookie deal, and the Rams have already spent a lot of money in a lot of different places. Additionally, the Rams would like to see how Nacua has matured after very questionable off-the-field and public decisions were made that didn't put the star pass-catcher in a good light in 2025. The 25-year-old former fifth-rounder in 2023 from BYU has already taken steps to improve his decision-making, including going to therapy, as he seeks an expected lucrative extension next offseason. The two-time Pro Bowler has quickly become one of the best, if not the best, receivers in his three years in the NFL, catching 313 passes for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns in 44 regular-season games. Contract and off-the-field issues aside, Nacua should be considered the unquestioned top fantasy WR in 2026 drafts.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Mike LaFleur Compares Michael Wilson to Rams Star Receiver
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur had high praise for wide receiver Michael Wilson on Wednesday, comparing him to Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is widely considered the best wideout in the game, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. LaFleur made the comparison because of how both Nacua and Wilson are strong players who can excel inside the tackles while being physical, but they can also play outside. The 26-year-old Wilson showed similar Nacua-like dominance in the second half of last season and finished with his first 1,000-yard campaign while scoring seven times on 78 receptions in 17 games in his third year in the NFL. Wilson has quite a ways to go to be considered in the same light as Nacua, but it's clear that LaFleur has high expectations for the former third-rounder in 2023 from Stanford. Wilson's production cannot be ignored going into 2026, but fantasy managers also cannot expect that same volume to repeat itself in LaFleur's offense. He will probably be a bit overvalued in fantasy drafts because of his inflated numbers a year ago while sharing the field with Marvin Harrison Jr., who isn't going away as a key member of LaFleur's offense. RotoBaller has Wilson ranked as the No. 40 fantasy WR in 2026.
Source: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
Source: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
Ricky Pearsall Could be Facing Knee Surgery
Updating a previous report, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) missed Wednesday's training camp practice with swelling in his right knee, and The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows report that he might now be looking at surgery. Pearsall injured his PCL in the same knee in Week 4 of last year, which forced him to miss six games. The 25-year-old was bothered by the same knee, at times when he returned to close out the 2025 season, too. Pearsall finished with 36 receptions for 528 yards and zero touchdowns on 53 targets in just nine starts. The former 31st overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Florida only played in 11 games as a rookie due to injury, and he could be looking at starting the 2026 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list or Injured Reserve, which would obviously tank his fantasy football value going into his third year in the NFL. The 49ers are concerned, and fantasy managers should be as well. If Pearsall requires knee surgery, rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling would be the favorite for WR3 duties in San Fran behind Mike Evans and Christian Kirk.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows
Jerry Jeudy Healthy for Training Camp
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) reported to training camp healthy and took part in the team's first practice on Wednesday, according to Scott Petrak of The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. Despite dealing with a hamstring injury during offseason workouts in the spring, Jeudy was a full-go for the start of camp as he looks to bounce back in 2026. The 27-year-old former 15th overall pick in 2020 by the Denver Broncos out of the University of Alabama caught 50 of his 106 targets for only 602 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games. It was especially disappointing after Jeudy was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 in his first year in Cleveland, when he had a 90-1,229-4 line in 17 games. On paper, Jeudy's prospects for a bounce-back don't look promising in 2026, with Cleveland's less-than-ideal QB battle and added target competition in the form of rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. It explains why Jeudy has fallen to No. 66 in RotoBaller's WR rankings for the upcoming season. Jeudy isn't going away in the Browns' offense, but he figures to be more of a boom/bust WR4/flex, at best.
Source: The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
Source: The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
Cam Ward Thinks he has Improved Going into Year 2
Tennessee Titans second-year quarterback Cam Ward thinks he has improved as he heads into his second year in the NFL in 2026, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. "I am the same person," Ward said. "But I think I have become a better football player. I think that has been the biggest thing that I have changed. But I am the same person, keep the same routine. A lot of stuff has helped me get to this point, so there is no big thing to change." After the Titans used the first overall pick on Ward last year, he threw for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his rookie campaign, with a passer rating of 80.3. It was definitely an up-and-down year with plenty of growing pains, but Ward showed improvements in the final few weeks, and he's expected to take the next step under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll in 2026. The 24-year-old is showing more situational awareness and confidence, and he'll have more receiving weapons in rookie first-rounder Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson. Ward is a low-end QB2 with upside, but he'll have to prove himself in Year 2 to land on the fantasy radar of those in single-QB, 12-team formats.
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Deshaun Watson Takes All the First-Team Reps on Wednesday
The Cleveland Browns opened training camp on Wednesday, and it was quarterback Deshaun Watson who took all the first-team reps, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it, though, as head coach Todd Monken said he will continue to split first-team QB reps in practice between Watson and second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. Watson struggled on Day 1, throwing interceptions on back-to-back throws in 11-on-11 drills. Monken didn't disclose a timetable for naming a starting QB this summer, but he did say he plans to play his starters in the preseason. It will likely be Sanders' turn with the first-team offense on Thursday. There were conflicting reports this offseason speculating on which way Monken might be leaning for the starting QB role, but the bottom line is both Watson's and Sanders' play will determine the winner in camp and the preseason. Whoever wins the starting gig will likely be on a short leash and will be no more than a volatile, low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Jaydon Blue Flashing Early in Camp, Remains in Competition for No. 2 Role
Dallas Cowboys second-year running back Jaydon Blue has flashed early in training camp this summer and had one of the highlights of the first day of practice on Wednesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. "My speed is what I'm best at. Once I get in the open field and it's one-on-one, I don't think anyone in this league can stand a chance," Blue said. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said back in June that the 22-year-old Blue has been "night and day" in terms of his performance this year compared to last year. Javonte Williams is Dallas' clear RB1 after a career year in his first year with the Cowboys in 2025, but the RB2 job is up for grabs, and based on Blue's strong work so far, he may very well be the favorite. The former fifth-rounder from the University of Texas could never get his legs under him in a trying rookie campaign, as he had only 38 rushing attempts for 129 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch for five yards in five games played. Blue is battling with Malik Davis and Phil Mafah for the RB2 role this summer, with his elite speed giving him a leg up. The time is now for Blue to make his move.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Kyler Murray Leads Vikings in QB Snaps on Wednesday
ESPN's Kevin Seifert reports that the Minnesota Vikings had a relatively even split of snaps between quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy in the first training camp practice on Wednesday, but Murray had the slight edge in first-team snaps with 16 to McCarthy's 12. Will Ragatz reported that it was a solid first day for both Murray and McCarthy in their QB1 battle. Murray had some impressive throws, but also some misses. McCarthy has plenty of arm strength, but the Vikings are going to need to see more accuracy to all parts of the field after a pretty disastrous first full season as the starter in 2025. Whoever wins this QB battle will be no more than a QB2 in superflex leagues, but Murray has more NFL experience and fantasy upside as a dual-threat signal-caller with an upgraded receiving corps in his new home. Murray has felt like the favorite going into training camp, but head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't tipping his hand. If Murray wins the starting job, as expected, he'll have QB1 upside, based on matchups, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as his top-two receivers.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Jordan Addison Impresses in First Training Camp Practice
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was "everywhere" during the team's first training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Will Ragatz. This comes after a recent report that Addison and new quarterback Kyler Murray worked with each other for two months leading up to training camp. The 24-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2023 out of USC is motivated going into the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 after a career-worst season that saw him catch 42 of his 79 targets for 610 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games after combining for 19 touchdown receptions in his first two seasons. Minnesota's lackluster quarterback play in 2025 didn't help matters. Addison will continue to be in the shadow of All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, but a bounce-back campaign could be in the cards if Murray seizes the QB1 gig and elevates the Vikings' passing attack from what it was a year ago. His case for being a WR3/4 sleeper in fantasy drafts this year is dependent on Murray winning the job in training camp and clicking with Addison in 2026. So far, so good.
Source: Will Ragatz
Source: Will Ragatz
Matt Chapman Expected to Return This Weekend
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello said that third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen) will return from the 10-day injured list at some point this weekend during the series against the division-rival San Diego Padres, which starts on Thursday, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. Despite missing a month with an abdominal strain, the 33-year-old veteran third baseman will return just before the Aug. 3 trade deadline without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. The former first-rounder will return to a mediocre .235/.324/.368 slash line with a .692 OPS, seven home runs, 42 RBI, and 35 runs scored in his 307 at-bats before going on the shelf. Chapman's return to close out July is good timing with the Giants losing infielder/outfielder Casey Schmitt to a likely season-ending torn meniscus in his knee this week. He'll take over starting third base duties at some point this weekend, and it remains to be seen if he'll be involved in a deadline deal as the Giants look to sell for the future.
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Alex Pavlovic
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Alex Pavlovic
Casey Schmitt "More Than Likely" Done for the Season
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello said that infielder/outfielder Casey Schmitt (knee) will undergo knee surgery, which will "more than likely" end his 2026 season, according to Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports. No date has been set for Schmitt's surgery, but it will be "as soon as possible." The 27-year-old will require arthroscopic surgery to fix the torn meniscus in his left knee that he suffered earlier this week. Depending on the specifics of Schmitt's surgery, the utility man could miss anywhere from three to six weeks to four to six months, although the Giants expect it to be in the latter range. A more invasive surgery will put an end to what has been a breakout campaign for the former second-rounder. In his 387 at-bats in his fourth year in the majors, Schmitt has hit .271/.301/.483 with a .784 OPS, a career-high 21 home runs, 55 RBI, 47 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 98 games played. Infielder Christian Koss made a second straight start at third for the Gigantes on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers, but regular third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen) appears to be close to returning from a stint on the injured list.
Source: NBC Sports - Tristi Rodriguez
Source: NBC Sports - Tristi Rodriguez
Shota Imanaga No Longer Starting for Cubs on Thursday
Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga is no longer listed as the team's probable starter for Thursday's series finale against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals, according to Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune. Right-hander Javier Assad will now get the nod. Montemurro speculates that nothing is wrong with Imanaga physically, but the Cubs are pushing him back to Friday's series opener at Wrigley Field against the New York Yankees to have him take Jameson Taillon's spot. The 32-year-old Japanese native will get a little extra rest, but he'll also get a downgrade in matchup against the Yanks. In his third MLB season with the Cubbies, Imanaga has gone 7-8 with a 3.72 ERA (4.40 FIP) and 1.09 WHIP with 113 strikeouts and 29 walks in 121 innings pitched across his 21 starts. Imanaga has been pretty lights-out in his last five starts (29 innings), allowing only five earned runs (1.55 ERA) while walking six and striking out 25. The Yankees rank second in baseball in home runs, but they also have the fifth-most strikeouts, making Imanaga a risk-reward fantasy starter this weekend.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Byron Buxton Remains Out With Hip Injury on Wednesday
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) is not in the team's starting lineup for Wednesday's contest against the division-rival Kansas City Royals, per MLB.com. Buxton will unsurprisingly sit out after leaving Tuesday's contest early with soreness in his right hip, an injury that recently landed the veteran center fielder on the injured list. It's uncertain if this new injury is serious enough to send Buxton back to the IL, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. His next chance to return will be for Thursday's series finale against KC at Target Field. Luke Keaschall is starting in center field and will bat eighth on Wednesday against Royals right-hander Randy Dobnak. The 32-year-old Buxton had managed to stay mostly healthy in 2026 up until recently. The three-time All-Star has hit .263/.320/.544 with an .864 OPS, 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs, and seven steals in 82 games and 362 plate appearances after a resurgent 2025 campaign that saw him hit a career-high 35 long balls in 126 games. Buxton has played in just nine games in July and has hit .207 (6-for-29), and he might finally be wearing down.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Vinnie Pasquantino Heading Back to Injured List With Wrist Soreness
The Kansas City Royals announced on Wednesday that they are placing first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (wrist) back on the 10-day injured list with soreness in his right wrist and are recalling outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. With Pasquantino out of the starting lineup again on Wednesday against the division-rival Minnesota Twins, Salvador Perez will start at first and bat cleanup, with Carter Jensen catching right-hander Randy Dobnak and batting leadoff against Twins right-hander Joe Ryan. This will be the second time on the IL for Pasquantino in 2026 after previously requiring surgery on June 14 to fix a broken hamate bone in the same hand. It's unclear if the 28-year-old lefty slugger will be ready when he's eligible to return on Aug. 8, but our guess is he won't be. Perez and Jac Caglianone will likely split playing time at first in KC with Pasquantino out again, opening up extra playing time for Nick Loftin. Pasquantino has been a massive bust this year, hitting just .232 (68-for-293) with six homers, 33 RBI, 34 runs, and four steals after breaking out for 32 homers and 113 RBI in 160 games in 2025. For the power upside alone, the Pasquatch is worth stashing in the majority of fantasy leagues while he heals.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Rico Dowdle Offers Mid-Round Redraft Value
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle offers reasonable mid-round redraft value after signing a two-year, $12.25 million contract following consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. The 28-year-old handled 236 carries for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns with Carolina in 2025 while adding 39 receptions for 297 yards and another score, giving him 1,373 scrimmage yards on 275 touches. Dowdle also rushed for 1,079 yards with Dallas in 2024, proving last season was not an isolated breakout. The concern is workload. Jaylen Warren produced 958 rushing yards, 40 receptions, 333 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns last year, and Pittsburgh's coaching staff has described the pair as a one-two punch whose usage could change by scheme and weekly game plan. Both have been evaluated as three-down options, so neither is guaranteed the more valuable rushing, receiving, or scoring role. RotoBaller currently ranks Dowdle 87th overall and RB33, which appropriately reflects the committee risk. He is a worthwhile third running back with weekly flex potential and greater upside if Warren misses time, but fantasy managers should not draft him expecting a workhorse role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor Has Late-Round Redraft Sleeper Appeal
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor has a real path to the largest role of his career, but he is better viewed as a late-round redraft swing than a guaranteed breakout. Las Vegas signed the 27-year-old to a three-year, $35.03 million contract with $18 million fully guaranteed at signing after he totaled 57 receptions for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns over his final two seasons in Minnesota. Nailor set career highs with 29 catches and 444 yards in 2025, averaged 15.3 yards per reception, and flashed his ceiling with five catches for 124 yards and a touchdown against Baltimore. The opportunity is legitimate, but Nailor has never exceeded 29 receptions or 444 yards in a season. Tre Tucker led the Raiders with 696 receiving yards last year, while Brock Bowers recorded a team-high 64 catches and seven touchdowns despite playing only 12 games. Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. also remain in the competition for wide receiver snaps. RotoBaller's WR66 ranking keeps the price manageable. Nailor has late-round and best-ball appeal, but dynasty managers should wait for evidence of sustained target volume before treating him as a meaningful buy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Xavier Worthy May Be Overvalued at Current Redraft ADP
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy still offers game-breaking speed and a valuable connection with Patrick Mahomes, but his current redraft cost requires fantasy managers to project a breakout that has not yet arrived. Worthy followed a promising rookie season of 59 receptions, 638 yards, and six receiving touchdowns with 42 catches for 532 yards and one score on 73 targets across 14 games in 2025. A dislocated right shoulder suffered on the third offensive snap of the season cost him two games, and the Chiefs reported that he was among their most productive players during the 2026 offseason program. Still, Worthy averaged only 5.2 targets per game even though Rashee Rice appeared in eight contests, producing 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns. Worthy's career mark of 1.25 yards per route run also leaves questions about whether he can earn enough consistent volume to support his ceiling. Current redraft ADP places him at WR48, which already prices in meaningful improvement. Worthy remains a worthwhile upside pick, but he is better treated as a volatile depth receiver than a priority breakout target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Jones Sr. Is a Low-Cost Buy for Dynasty Contenders
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. remains a sensible low-cost dynasty target for contenders, while rebuilding managers should look to move him before his short-term value declines further. The 31-year-old produced 1,546 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 before a hamstring injury helped limit him to 12 games last season. Jones finished 2025 with 132 carries for 548 yards and two touchdowns, plus 28 receptions for 199 yards and another score. Jordan Mason was the more productive runner, totaling 758 yards and six touchdowns on 159 carries, but Jones doubled Mason's reception total and should remain the more established passing-down option. Minnesota retained Jones on a revised contract that lowered his 2026 base salary to $5.5 million, and he is entering the final year of the deal. Sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne adds another change-of-pace option, but Jones still has a path to useful receiving work. RotoBaller ranks Jones 171st overall in its latest dynasty update, placing him firmly in the low-cost range. Contenders can justify acquiring him as PPR depth, while rebuilders should sell rather than risk another age-related drop in value after the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dak Prescott Opens 11th Cowboys Camp on 33rd Birthday
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott opened his 11th training camp with the organization Wednesday, the same day he turned 33, according to Tommy Yarrish. Prescott has spent his entire career in Dallas since the Cowboys selected him 135th overall in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He enters the 2026 season after starting all 17 games and completing 404 of 600 passes for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 99.5 passer rating in 2025. His passing-yardage total ranked third in the NFL and was the second highest of his career, trailing only the 4,902 yards he recorded in 2019. Prescott also rushed 53 times for 177 yards and two scores last season. The veteran remains Dallas' unquestioned starter and continues to offer fantasy value through his passing volume and touchdown production.
Source: Tommy Yarrish
Source: Tommy Yarrish
Brandyn Garcia Picks Up Second Save, a Deep-League Saves Target in Arizona
The Arizona Diamondbacks used left-handed reliever Brandyn Garcia for his second save of the season in their 3-0 victory over the hosting Pittsburgh Pirates in favor of veteran right-hander Paul Sewald. Garcia allowed a walk and struck out two in his inning of work to slam the door on the Bucs, and after the game, manager Torey Lovullo announced that Sewald is out as the closer. Unfortunately, Lovullo didn't specifically name Garcia as his go-to guy in the ninth inning going forward. It means that the D-backs will likely play the matchups late in games if they are ahead, and will most likely be operating with a closer-by-committee situation that could involve all of Garcia, Jonathan Loaisiga, Kevin Ginkel, and Juan Morillo. The 26-year-old Garcia entered Wednesday's action with a 2.25 ERA (1.72 FIP), one save, a 0.82 WHIP, and 33:6 K:BB in 28 relief innings in just his second big-league season. Garcia will be an option in the ninth going forward, but probably only if several lefties are due up for the opposing team. We wouldn't advise fantasy managers to chase the D-backs' bullpen situation unless you're absolutely desperate for saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jaylin Noel Expected Back in a Few Weeks
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (finger) is expected to return in a few weeks after injuring his finger, according to Aaron Wilson. Noel was placed on the active/non-football injury list before training camp and cannot practice until he passes his physical. No additional information has been provided regarding which finger is affected, how the injury occurred, or whether he required a procedure. The 23-year-old caught 26 of 35 targets for 292 yards and two touchdowns across 17 games as a rookie while also handling most of Houston's return work. Noel returned 31 punts for 335 yards and 29 kickoffs for 799 yards. He entered camp positioned to compete for a larger second-year role from the slot in addition to his special-teams responsibilities. The reported timeline suggests the injury is relatively short term, but Noel will lose valuable practice repetitions while sidelined. His eventual activation and participation level will determine how much time he has to prepare for an expanded offensive role.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Paul Sewald Out of the Closer's Role in Arizona
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said on Wednesday that right-hander Paul Sewald is out of the team's closer role, at least for now, and he will pitch in lower-leverage situations going forward, according to Jack Sommers of Sports Illustrated. Lovullo declined to specifically name left-hander Brandyn Garcia as the new closer, although Garcia picked up the save in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lovullo is expected to play the late-inning matchups for now, depending on the situation. When the skipper was asked about veteran righty Kevin Ginkel as an option for saves, Lovullo mentioned right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga. In addition to Garcia, Loaisiga, and Ginkel, right-hander Juan Morillo could be an option in the ninth inning for the Snakes going forward. Sewald blew two of his last three save chances, and although the veteran has 24 saves in 2026, he also has an ugly 5.26 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 43:9 K:BB in 37 2/3 innings. It looks like a full-blown closer-by-committee situation in Arizona now, which isn't ideal for fantasy purposes.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
DeMario Douglas Seeing Expanded Route Tree
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas is seeing his usage and route tree expanded during training camp compared with recent seasons, according to the Boston Herald. Douglas caught 31 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns across 17 games in 2025, averaging a career-high 14.4 yards per reception. New England already pushed him farther downfield last season, when he averaged a career-high 9.7 air yards per target and tied his career best with four deep receptions. The latest camp usage suggests the Patriots are continuing to explore ways to deploy Douglas beyond a traditional underneath slot role. A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs project as the top two receivers, while Douglas is competing with Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams for snaps in three-receiver sets. The broader route tree improves Douglas' path to staying involved, but his fantasy value will still depend on whether the expanded responsibilities lead to consistent playing time and targets.
Source: The Boston Herald
Source: The Boston Herald
Luke Musgrave Could be Dealing With Long-Term Neck Injury
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that tight end Luke Musgrave (neck) is dealing with a neck injury, and the team is proceeding cautiously while trying to determine if it's a long-term injury, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Packers tend to be extra cautious with neck injuries, meaning it's unlikely that the 25-year-old will come off the Physically Unable to Perform list during training camp anytime soon. Fellow TE Tucker Kraft (knee) is also on the PUP list to start camp after tearing his ACL in Week 9 of last year, but all indications are that he should be ready to practice sooner rather than later. Musgrave failed to take advantage of Kraft's knee injury in 2025, catching 24 of his 31 targets for 252 yards and zero touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (10 starts), and the former second-rounder in 2023 from Oregon State has found the end zone just once in his three NFL seasons. Even if Musgrave is ready for the 2026 regular-season opener in early September, he'll be off the fantasy radar in all redraft formats as long as Kraft is active as well.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Packers "Gradually" Ramping MarShawn Lloyd Up
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that running back MarShawn Lloyd doesn't necessarily have a rep count in training camp, but learning from the past and Lloyd's lengthy injury history, the plan is to "gradually" ramp him up for the 2026 season, according to USA Today Sports Network's Ryan Wood. Lloyd has looked very explosive early on this summer, but the Packers are going to make sure not to overwork a player who has appeared in just one game since being drafted in the third round in 2024 out of USC due to injuries. With Emanuel Wilson now in Seattle and with Chris Brooks unavailable for the start of camp, Lloyd has a prime opportunity to cement himself as the Packers' No. 2 back behind starter Josh Jacobs going into the 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old's speed and athleticism should make him the favorite for backup duties in his third NFL season if he can just stay healthy for once, and his physical attributes still make him an intriguing handcuff pick for those who take the plunge on Jacobs, who is still facing legal issues this offseason.
Source: USA Today Sports Network - Ryan Wood
Source: USA Today Sports Network - Ryan Wood
Calvin Ridley Limited by Illness in First Camp Practice
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley was limited during Wednesday's first training camp practice after being sick, according to Paul Kuharsky. No additional details were provided about the illness, and the team has not indicated that Ridley will miss further time. The veteran is also returning from a broken fibula and high ankle sprain that ended his 2025 season after seven games. He caught 17 passes for 303 yards without a touchdown last year after recording 64 receptions for 1,017 yards and four scores in 2024. Tennessee limited Ridley's offseason work while he completed his recovery, with the veteran participating primarily in individual drills before becoming more involved later in the spring. Ridley's limitation appears minor for now, with no indication that he is expected to miss additional time. His participation in Tennessee's next practice should provide a clearer indication of whether the illness is already behind him.
Source: Paul Kuharsky
Source: Paul Kuharsky
Tucker Kraft Expects to Come Off PUP List "Very Soon"
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) said he will "probably come off the PUP here very soon," according to Ryan Wood of the USA Today Sports Network. The Packers placed Kraft on the Physically Unable to Perform list to open training camp as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 9 of last season. General manager Brian Gutekunst said on Wednesday that Week 1 of the 2026 regular season is "very much a possibility" for Kraft, especially if he rejoins the team at practice soon. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 from South Dakota State was one of the top players at his position before his season-ending knee injury in 2025, and he's poised for a breakout campaign in 2026 once he's back to full speed. Kraft had 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 44 targets through only eight games last year. Despite coming off a serious knee injury, RotoBaller has Kraft ranked as its No. 5 fantasy TE as he heads into Year 4. The Packers are going to be cautious with Kraft once he returns to the field, and they could also make him the league's highest-paid tight end before the start of the regular season.
Source: USA Today Sports Network - Ryan Wood
Source: USA Today Sports Network - Ryan Wood
Xavier Legette Favored for Panthers' WR3 Role
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette now has the inside track on the No. 3 role after rookie Chris Brazzell II suffered a moderate LCL tear in his left knee and is expected to miss up to eight weeks, according to Joe Person. Person reported that the new injury is believed to be unrelated to the knee soreness that kept Brazzell out of practice Sunday and Tuesday. With Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker established atop the depth chart, Legette is now positioned ahead of David Moore and John Metchie III for the next spot. The 25-year-old caught 35 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games last season after recording 49 receptions for 497 yards and four scores as a rookie. Legette has also made several notable catches early in camp, including a red-zone touchdown Sunday. Brazzell's absence removes the most prominent challenger to Legette's role, but the former first-round pick still must turn the opportunity into more consistent production before becoming a dependable fantasy option.
Source: Joe Person
Source: Joe Person
Daniel Jones Takes All First-Team Reps on Day 1 of Colts Training Camp
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) took all of the first-team reps during the team's first practice on Wednesday, according to Kevin Bowen of 93.5 The Fan. Jones is continuing to recover from a ruptured Achilles he suffered in Week 14 last season. The Colts were producing as one of the league's best offenses with an 8-4 record before Jones went down with a season-ending injury. The team will look to get back on track as GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen enter a pivotal year of their tenure with the Colts. There are a lot of moving pieces in Indianapolis while Jones continues to get back to full health and regain chemistry with his pass-catchers. It could take time for the offense to get back to where it was a year ago.
Source: Kevin Bowen
Source: Kevin Bowen
