RADIO
C.J. Stroud, Other Texans Starters Won't Play on Thursday
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and other key offensive starters like running backs David Montgomery and Woody Marks and wide receiver Nico Collins will not play in the team's preseason opener on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, league sources told Aaron Wilson of Sports Talk 790 AM. With Stroud sitting, Davis Mills and Graham Mertz will take the snaps under center. The Texans will be short-handed at the RB position with Jawhar Jordan (hip) and British Brooks (hand) also out with injuries, meaning Noah Whittington, Josh Pitsenberger, and Owen Wright should handle the backfield duties against the Bolts. The 24-year-old Stroud took another step back in 2025 in his third year in the NFL after an impressive rookie season. The former second overall pick from Ohio State completed a career-high 64.5% of his pass attempts last year, but he threw for a career-low 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 regular-season starts. Stroud will certainly be motivated to deliver if he wants the Texans to seriously consider giving him a long-term extension in the future. Fantasy managers should treat him as a low-end QB2 with bounce-back potential.
Source: Sports Talk 790 AM - Aaron Wilson
Source: Sports Talk 790 AM - Aaron Wilson
Terrance Ferguson Consistently Showing Up in All Phases
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Thursday that second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson has consistently shown up in all phases -- in pass protection, in the running game, and as a receiver. McVay also said that Ferguson can play all over the formation and that he has become more comfortable in the offense going into his second year in the league. The 23-year-old former second-rounder from the University of Oregon stood out during a joint practice early this week against the Dallas Cowboys, connecting on several big pass plays with quarterback Matthew Stafford. McVay said that Ferguson "has been awesome" and that he has loved what he's done so far. L.A.'s tight end room is crowded with Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and rookie Max Klare, but Ferguson might have the most pure pass-catching upside of the group as he heads into Year 2. Most of the pass-game targets in L.A. will continue to go through receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but in this explosive offense, Ferguson has intrigue as a low-end TE2 target with upside after averaging a hefty 21 yards per catch on 11 receptions as a rookie in 2025.
Source: Los Angeles Rams
Source: Los Angeles Rams
"Everything Points" to Malik Nabers Being Ready for Start of the Season
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) took part in team drills in training camp on Thursday while wearing a red, non-contact jersey, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. It was just a walkthrough/install period, but Nabers was out there against the defense and caught a couple of passes. Hughes adds that "everything points towards him being back for the start of the season." Although most of Nabers' work so far this summer has come during individual drills as he returns from a torn ACL and meniscus in his knee in Week 4 of 2025, the 23-year-old has missed just one practice. Nabers should continue to slowly be ramped up by the Giants, and as long as he doesn't suffer a setback, the former first-rounder from LSU looks to be on track to play on Sunday Night Football in Week 1 versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. There's still risk involved in taking a high-end WR coming off an ACL tear, but at least now fantasy managers should feel a little more comfortable targeting Nabers as a low-end WR1 in the early rounds of drafts.
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Getting Plenty of First-Team Work
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is getting plenty of work with the first-team offense. John Oehser noted Thursday that Rodriguez was seeing a lot of reps with the starters and described him as a hard, physical runner. That's another encouraging sign in a backfield that still looks unsettled. Jacksonville's first unofficial depth chart lists Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten as co-starters, and the two have been sharing first-team work throughout camp. Rodriguez rushed for 500 yards and six touchdowns on 112 carries for Washington last season, with all six scores coming in the red zone. He's also worked his way back from offseason left foot surgery, making his current workload worth noting. Tuten isn't going away, and LeQuint Allen Jr. remains part of the mix, particularly on passing downs. Still, Rodriguez keeps getting meaningful reps with Trevor Lawrence and the starters. At this point, he's looking like more than just a short-yardage specialist.
Source: John Oehser
Source: John Oehser
Puka Nacua Expected Back at Practice Next Week
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) is expected back on the practice field next week. Head coach Sean McVay said Nacua left Tuesday's practice because of soreness in his psoas, according to Sarah Barshop. Nacua did some work off to the side Thursday, and McVay expects him to be "ready to go" when he returns next week. That's good news after the 25-year-old left Tuesday with the training staff and was initially reported to be dealing with groin soreness. Nacua is coming off a monster 2025 season, catching a league-high 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games. He finished second in the NFL in receiving yards and led all players in receptions. The Rams have no reason to push him through an August practice, and McVay's timetable makes this look like a short absence for now. Barring a setback, there isn't much here to change Nacua's fantasy outlook.
Source: Sarah Barshop
Source: Sarah Barshop
Treylon Burks Keeping Himself on the Redraft Radar
Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks is making a better case for himself than he was a few weeks ago, even if the fantasy ceiling is still pretty low. Burks caught just 10 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown in eight games last season, but he has been one of Washington's more noticeable receivers throughout camp. Dan Quinn said Burks came in leaner and has routinely been one of the team's fastest players in practice, especially on deep and in-breaking routes. He backed that up again during Wednesday's joint practice with Miami, making a tough over-the-shoulder catch from Jayden Daniels with tight coverage. The problem is that Washington added Stefon Diggs on Aug. 7, and the first unofficial depth chart now has Burks behind him. Terry McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey are also listed as starters, with several other receivers still fighting for work. RotoBaller has Burks at WR108, which feels right for now. His camp has helped his chances of sticking in the rotation, but he is still more of a deep-league flier than someone to chase in standard redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kalif Raymond Is Becoming More Interesting in Deep Leagues
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond has probably earned a bigger offensive role than most expected when he signed in March. Ben Johnson has praised him throughout the offseason, and Raymond has backed that up in camp, including a 54-yard touchdown from Caleb Williams during an 11-on-11 period. Chicago still lists him behind Rome Odunze on the depth chart, with Luther Burden III starting at the other receiver spot, so the path to steady targets is not especially clean. Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet will be involved too. Raymond also sits atop both return jobs, which guarantees he will have a weekly role even if the offensive touches come and go. He caught 24 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown with Detroit last season, so there is not much recent fantasy production to lean on. RotoBaller has him at WR94, which feels about right for normal redraft leagues. He is more interesting than he was a month ago, but that mostly matters in deep formats or leagues that reward return production.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Daniels Issues Personal Statement Regarding LSU Controversy
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels addressed his dispute with LSU on Thursday and made clear he wants the matter handled away from football. In a statement shared on Instagram and reposted by Adam Schefter, Daniels said training camp has been his "number one focus" and that his "sole personal focus is on Commanders' football." He also said he remains grateful for his time at LSU and hopes the issues between his team and the school can be resolved privately. The statement comes after Daniels' representatives sent LSU a cease-and-desist asking the school to stop using his name, image and likeness, then requested that LSU return its copy of the Heisman Trophy he won in 2023. Washington's own camp coverage has described Daniels as sharp and increasingly comfortable in the offense, including a strong showing in Wednesday's joint practice with Miami. For fantasy managers, this remains an off-field story.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Brock Purdy Won't Play in Preseason Opener on Thursday
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will not play in the team's preseason opener on Thursday against the Tennessee Titans, according to Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows of The Athletic. It doesn't make much sense for Mac Jones to play either, although Jones has not been very sharp during training camp. Kurtis Rourke, who could be the backup in 2027 if Jones isn't around, figures to see most of the playing time on Thursday night. Adrian Martinez also figures to see extensive work against Tennessee, especially if Jones is held out. Even though the 26-year-old Purdy has already lost receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) for the entire 2026 season, the former seventh-rounder from Iowa State should be primed for a bounce-back campaign in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense after suiting up for only nine games in 2025 due to a turf-toe injury. Purdy will have more QB1 upside in his fifth NFL season if rookie second-round receiver De'Zhaun Stribling can step up as a big-play wideout across from veteran Mike Evans. Fantasy managers should be targeting Purdy as a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows
Kenneth Walker Could See His Biggest Workload Yet
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker could finally get the kind of workload he never quite had in Seattle. Jesse Newell of The Athletic reports that Walker is primed to be the Chiefs' clear workhorse after spending last season sharing carries with Zach Charbonnet. Walker still topped 1,000 yards, rushing 221 times for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, but he was on the field for only 46.8% of Seattle's offensive snaps. Charbonnet had 184 carries of his own and saw 50 red-zone rushes to Walker's 31. Kansas City has been showing off another part of Walker's game in camp, too, getting him loose on screens more than once. Patrick Mahomes has been openly excited about what Walker can add, and the Chiefs currently list him first on the depth chart ahead of Emari Demercado and rookie Emmett Johnson. More work near the goal line and in the passing game would make Walker even more interesting after an already efficient 2025 season.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Jaydon Blue to "Get a Ton of Work" in the Preseason
Dallas Cowboys running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah will both "get a ton of work" in preseason games, head coach Brian Schottenheimer told Patrik Walker of the team's official website. Schottenheimer also made it known that Blue and Mafah are "in a heated battle" for the backup RB spot behind starter Javonte Williams. It appears that both Blue and Mafah have overtaken Malik Davis for potential RB2 duties entering the 2026 campaign. The 22-year-old Blue, a fifth-rounder from the University of Texas last year, only saw action in five games as a rookie, carrying the ball 38 times for 129 yards and one touchdown and catching one pass for a five-yard gain. Who wins the RB2 job between Blue and Mafah could very well come down to how they perform in the preseason, with Blue being the more intriguing upside stash in dynasty/keeper leagues because of his blend of pass-catching ability and speed. He's also the best handcuff play for fantasy managers who draft Williams. There have been nothing but glowing reports on Blue's development going into his sophomore season in Dallas.
Source: DallasCowboys.com - Patrik Walker
Source: DallasCowboys.com - Patrik Walker
Jordan Love Says Biggest Difference in Offense is "Ability to Finish"
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love said the biggest difference between this year's offense and the 2025 version is "our ability to finish," according to Kevin Clark of ESPN. Love explained that the offense's inability to finish late in games and late in the season is why they ultimately fell short last year, and it has been their goal and mindset to finish stronger in 2026, regardless of the situation. Love continued to focus on having a better mindset and focus late in games for every player on the team to do their job better in crunch time. The 27-year-old Love threw for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in 15 regular-season starts in 2025 in his fifth year in the league, good enough for a QB16 finish in fantasy. Head coach Matt LaFleur staying aggressive over the course of entire games could give Love the passing volume he needs to finish in the QB1 territory in 2026, but fantasy managers should be drafting him as a strong QB2 with a solid floor.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Clark
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Clark
Ryan Flournoy Is Getting Harder to Ignore in Redraft Leagues
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy has moved a long way from the practice-squad spot he held at the start of last season. He finished 2025 with 40 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns on 56 targets, and Dallas now lists him as a starting receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. That matters, even if the target ceiling is still pretty obvious. Flournoy's two 100-yard games last year both came when the Cowboys needed more from him, including a 9-115-1 line against Detroit after Lamb left with a concussion. He has kept building on that this summer. Dallas has talked openly about his improved route running and consistency, and Brian Schottenheimer has praised the work he put in during the offseason. KaVontae Turpin is still getting first-team reps, while Jake Ferguson gives Dak Prescott another established option in the middle of the field. Flournoy is RotoBaller's WR63, so nobody is asking him to become a weekly starter right away. For deeper leagues, though, the WR3 role and the flashes he showed last season make him a reasonable late-round swing.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Carson Beck Won't Play in Thursday's Preseason Game Due to Rib Injury
Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Carson Beck (rib) will not suit up for Thursday's second preseason contest against the Las Vegas Raiders due to a rib injury that he suffered in last Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The injury is not considered serious, though, and Beck practiced through the soreness all week. The Cardinals have decided to keep him out as a precaution and to allow for more time to heal. It remains to be seen if Beck will be cleared to participate in the third preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 22, against the Dallas Cowboys. The third-rounder went 15-for-19 passing for 188 yards and a touchdown in the first half last week against the Panthers. Even if veteran starter Jacoby Brissett misses time due to an injury in 2026, the 24-year-old Beck might not be the next man up under center in Arizona, with veteran Gardner Minshew also in the QB room.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Jayden Daniels' Camp Asks LSU to Return Heisman Trophy Copy
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels' representatives have asked LSU to return its copy of the Heisman Trophy he won in 2023, according to Matt Moscona. The request is the latest development in Daniels' dispute with the school over sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett wearing No. 5. Moscona also reported that Daniels personally contacted LSU leadership before fall camp to voice his displeasure with the decision. ESPN previously obtained a cease-and-desist letter from Daniels' attorney asking LSU to stop using his name, image and likeness. Pickett was promised No. 5 during his recruitment, and former LSU coach Brian Kelly said he would not issue it last season without Daniels' approval. LSU's current policy allows a number tied to a retired jersey to remain in circulation at the head coach's discretion. Moscona reports LSU has no intention of returning its Heisman copy.
Source: Matt Moscona
Source: Matt Moscona
