RADIO
Deshaun Watson Takes All First-Team Reps on Friday
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson took all of the first-team reps in practice on Friday on Day 3 of training camp, according to ESPN Cleveland. Watson went 18-for-27 passing on the day with no touchdowns and an interception. He also took all the first-team reps on the first day of training camp practice on Wednesday, with second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders getting the first-team looks on Thursday. For now, head coach Todd Monken plans to alternate first-team reps every day for Watson and Sanders as they compete for the QB1 job entering the start of the 2026 regular season in September. Watson struggled on Wednesday, at one point throwing back-to-back interceptions in 11-on-11 team drills. There's no clear leader in the competition just yet, but we should get a clearer picture once the pads go on to start next week. Whoever wins the Browns' starting QB gig will probably be on a very short leash and won't be a very exciting QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues. Monken isn't expected to name a starter until much later in camp.
Source: ESPN Cleveland
Source: ESPN Cleveland
Unclear if Michael Penix Jr. Will Play in Preseason Games
It's unclear as of right now if either Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) or Tua Tagovailoa (back) will play in any preseason games, according to Tori McElhaney of the team's official website. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said a decision will be made at a later date, and with Penix, it will depend on where he's at in his recovery from a torn ACL in 2025. Penix was at training camp on Friday, but he continued to be held out of full team drills. However, he did get all of the high red-zone snaps in 7-on-7 work. The 26-year-old former eighth overall pick in 2024 from the University of Washington had surgery last November on his knee, and it might be several more weeks before he's fully cleared for team work in training camp. While nothing will be settled in terms of the QB competition for a while, Penix's extended rehab has opened the door for Tagovailoa to become the favorite in the competition under center this summer. Penix's fantasy stock in both redraft and dynasty leagues is way down entering 2026, and he could be an injury liability for the rest of his career.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Lan Larison an Early Leader for RB3 Role
Patriots.com's Evan Lazar reports that New England Patriots second-year running back Lan Larison appears to be an early leader for the third RB job behind TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson. With that said, rookies Jam Miller and Myles Montgomery "have flashed explosiveness and lateral quickness" so far in training camp. Larison might be the early favorite, but it might not be easy for him to hold off both rookies, who "have noticeable burst inside the outside zone schemes." The deciding factor for all three young RBs could come on special teams, and all three have been getting opportunities in the return game in early practices. Larison, who went undrafted last year out of UC Davis, didn't get involved at all on offense in his rookie season in 2025 due to a broken foot that landed him on Injured Reserve last August. At best, Larison is a stash candidate for RB depth in deep dynasty/keeper leagues.
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Drake Maye Continues to Build Chemistry With New Receiver
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and his new No. 1 wide receiver, A.J. Brown, got off to a quiet start in the early days of training camp, but "there have been some serious signs of life since the pads came on Thursday," according to Paul Perillo of Patriots.com. Brown was a problem for the Patriots' secondary on Friday, catching slants, gos, and everything in between. "I feel the connectivity building now," Maye said. "That's the biggest thing. You are just seeing it get better every day. I'm blessed to play with a player like him, and I'm looking forward to getting him the rock." The two have been seen spending time talking between plays as they "continue to forge a bond." The 23-year-old former third overall pick in 2024 from North Carolina broke out in 2025 thanks to a historically soft regular-season schedule, but he came back down to Earth in the postseason, even though the Pats made a run to the Super Bowl. With the additions of Brown and Romeo Doubs in the passing game, Maye has even more weapons. Between his downfield exploits and his mobility, he enters the 2026 campaign as a top-five fantasy QB.
Source: Patriots.com - Paul Perillo
Source: Patriots.com - Paul Perillo
Michael Wilson Looks Like Cardinals' Best Receiver
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson has "generally looked better" than Marvin Harrison Jr. early in training camp, hauling in multiple diving catches while Harrison has "struggled for consistency," according to Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. Harrison is the team's starting X receiver, while Wilson is the starting Z receiver in new head coach Mike LaFleur's offense. Wilson is more of "a move piece," meaning he's still an outside receiver, but he often aligns closer to the formation. Harrison is typically the lone WR on the field when the offense is in three tight-end sets, and so far, Harrison has earned more targets than Wilson, with 17 to Wilson's 12. Wilson broke out with 78 catches, 1,006 yards, and seven touchdowns in 17 games in 2025 in his third year in the league, but the Cardinals were an extremely pass-happy offense, and Harrison missed time due to injury. The 26-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 from Stanford is clearly a player on the rise, but if Harrison stays healthy all year, Wilson won't be a lock to improve on his numbers from a year ago in Arizona's new offense. RotoBaller currently has Wilson ranked as the No. 40 fantasy WR in 2026.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Theo Mackie
Source: The Arizona Republic - Theo Mackie
Rashee Rice Clearly Not 100 Percent Recovered From Knee Surgery
Arrowhead Pride's Ron Kopp Jr. writes that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) has been leaving training camp practice early each day for planned rehabilitation. Rice clearly is not 100% recovered from his knee surgery in May. The 26-year-old wideout had a cleanup procedure on his knee in the offseason, and the Chiefs have elected to ease him into camp workouts. It's definitely something to watch this summer, but as long as Rice doesn't suffer any sort of setback, he figures to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season on Monday night against the division-rival Denver Broncos. Rice's absence from team drills has allowed rookie receiver Cyrus Allen to stand out early on. When healthy, Rice will be quarterback Patrick Mahomes' go-to target in the passing game. The former second-rounder from SMU had nearly 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games as a rookie, but he's played in just 12 games the last two seasons combined due to injuries and off-the-field issues. Rice is a risk/reward No. 2 fantasy wideout entering his fourth year in the NFL. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 16 WR for 2026.
Source: Arrowhead Pride - Ron Kopp Jr.
Source: Arrowhead Pride - Ron Kopp Jr.
Chris Olave Returns to Team Drills
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (chest) returned to team drills on Friday, according to Ross Jackson of LouisianSports.net. The 26-year-old recently signed a four-year contract extension worth up to $132 million after breaking out in 2025. Olave was medically cleared after dealing with a blood clot that sidelined him for the closing game of the 2025 season, which was his only absence of the year. The former Ohio St. star will look to build on last season after hauling in 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns on 156 targets. He should see more favorable matchups after the team selected Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. On paper, the two are perfect complements to each other's game. Additionally, Olave will get to work with Tyler Shough for a full season, which could lead to bigger statistical numbers this year.
Source: LouisianaSports.net - Ross Jackson
Source: LouisianaSports.net - Ross Jackson
De'Zhaun Stribling Continues to Impress as Starting Role is in Reach
The Athletic's Vic Tafur reports San Francisco 49ers rookie wideout De'Zhaun Stribling continues to check off nice practices with a starting receiver role within reach. Stribling has been turning heads at the start of training camp and generating buzz that will start to increase his ADP in fantasy football. With recent news of Ricky Pearsall (knee) likely heading into season-ending surgery on his knee, it has opened the door for Stribling to be a fantasy-relevant receiver in Year 1. However, the team decided to bring back Deebo Samuel Sr. on a one-year deal on Thursday. It has yet to be seen if adding Samuel was a move to add depth to the roster or to play a contributing role this season. Stribling was the 33rd overall pick and the 49ers' first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was widely considered a big-bodied development receiver coming out of Ole Miss and was seen as a reach to some in the football community. Nonetheless, Stribling has a chance to be a starting receiver in a Kyle Shanahan offense, which means he will be worth keeping tabs on as training camp progresses.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Emeka Egbuka Having a Strong Summer So Far
Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is having a strong summer so far and had a big touchdown catch from quarterback Baker Mayfield that was the highlight play of Friday's training camp practice, according to Adam Slivon of PewterReport.com. Egbuka added a few more catches on the day. There were questions coming into camp about who would be the beneficiary of a bigger workload after the departure of future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, and it appears that Egbuka is ready to handle more targets. Chris Godwin Jr. has plenty of chemistry with Mayfield, but durability is a concern with him. The 23-year-old Egbuka, the 19th overall pick last year from Ohio State, started strong with 25 catches, 445 yards, and five touchdowns in his first five NFL games. However, he faded down the stretch and had just one TD the rest of the way in 12 games played while moving around on offense and learning the entire route tree. Egbuka should have a more defined role in 2026 in the Z spot in new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's scheme, and it would not be a surprise if he finishes the year as the team's leading wideout. RotoBaller has Egbuka ranked as the No. 20 fantasy WR, making him a strong WR2 target for a potential Year 2 breakout.
Source: PewterReport.com - Adam Slivon
Source: PewterReport.com - Adam Slivon
49ers "Continuing to Evaluate" Ricky Pearsall
The Athletic's Matt Barrows reported that the San Francisco 49ers are continuing to evaluate Ricky Pearsall's (knee) after he aggravated last year's knee injury in practice on Wednesday. Pearsall had experienced swelling during the first couple of days of training camp, which led to the initial health concerns. The news got worse for Pearsall on Thursday after reports that the 49ers were not expecting the 25-year-old to make any contributions in 2026. The 49ers were hoping the PCL issue would heal itself in the offseason, but it now appears that Pearsall is heading for season-ending surgery. As a result, the 49ers have signed Deebo Samuel Sr. for extra receiving depth, but he has yet to start practice with the team.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Kenny Gainwell Used "Primarily as a Receiver"
During Friday's training camp practice, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving saw most of the first-team work, with Kenny Gainwell "primarily utilized as a receiver out of the backfield," according to Adam Slivon of PewterReport.com. Gainwell was quarterback Baker Mayfield's primary checkdown option out of the backfield as well, which is where he thrived last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, catching a career-high 73 passes for 489 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 85 targets in 17 regular-season games. Rachaad White is no longer in Tampa, but the Bucs signed the 27-year-old Gainwell to a two-year, $14 million contract to help complement Irving. Irving should be Tampa's primary early-down back, but there are signs that the Buccaneers want to manage his workload after a down sophomore season in 2025 due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Gainwell is primarily a pass-catching back, but he has also averaged 4.4 yards per carry as a runner in his five NFL seasons, and he probably won't strictly be a third-down option for head coach Todd Bowles. The former fifth-rounder in 2021 by the Philadelphia Eagles is an ascending RB3/flex play (more valuable in PPR leagues) as he enters his first year in Tampa.
Source: PewterReport.com - Adam Slivon
Source: PewterReport.com - Adam Slivon
Wan'Dale Robinson Projected to Lead the Titans in Catches
Buck Reising of A to Z Sports writes that former New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson gives him a reason to believe he could be a "cheat code" for Tennessee Titans second-year quarterback Cam Ward in 2026 in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's scheme. The Titans gave the 25-year-old a four-year, $78 million deal in free agency, which seemed like a lot for a slot receiver with limited physicality because of his size (5-foot-8, 185 pounds). Reising adds that Robinson could be a "huge key" to unlocking the potential for the rest of the Titans' offense under Daboll, who worked with Robinson in New York. The former second-rounder in 2022 from the University of Kentucky had 185 catches for 1,713 yards and seven touchdowns the last two years in the Big Apple, including his first 1,000-yard season in 2025. Reising projects Robinson to lead the Titans in catches in his first year with the team, and he could be the primary reason why Ward takes a step forward in his sophomore campaign. Robinson is a nice flex wideout to have, especially in point-per-reception leagues.
Source: A To Z Sports - Buck Reising
Source: A To Z Sports - Buck Reising
Bucky Irving Given Most Carries During Practice on Friday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving was given the most carries during practice on Friday, according to Pewter Report's Adam Slivon. The Bucs had their best day on the ground so far in training camp with Irving leading the way. The 23-year-old provided the biggest run of the day on a delayed handoff through the middle of the field that would have been a "game-changing run." Additionally, Kenny Gainwell was primarily utilized as a receiver out of the backfield during practice. Irving has seen his fantasy stock steadily decline over the summer due to unfavorable reports about his health. If he continues to impress in camp, it will not take long for his ADP to rise back to where it was a year ago.
Source: Pewter Report - Adam Slivon
Source: Pewter Report - Adam Slivon
Panthers Place Chris Brazzell II on Injured Reserve, Officially Ending His Season
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Carolina Panthers have placed rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (knee) on Injured Reserve, officially ending his season. The 22-year-old suffered a torn LCL in his left knee on a noncontact play during training camp on Wednesday. The Panthers selected Brazzell with the 83rd overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Brazzell offered a rare combination of size and speed to the Carolina offense, which would have allowed for Tetairoa McMillan to be moved around the formation more often. McMillan has spoken publicly about wanting to play from the slot more often to get the ball in his hands and create more mismatches. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until 2027 to see both 6'4 receivers on the field at the same time.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Matt Gay in the Lead in Kicker Competition in Vegas
The Athletic's Sam Warren reported that kicker Matt Gay is in the lead for the Las Vegas Raiders' kicking competition. Additionally, Gay was perfect during practice today, while undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa doinked one off the right upright from 40 yards away but made everything else. The two are competing to replace long-time Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson. Gay enters camp as the favorite to win the competition because of his NFL experience. However, Matsuzawa has an opportunity to win the kicking competition if he can perform consistently on deep kicks. Over the last few seasons, Gay has struggled on 50-plus-yard kicks with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
