RADIO
Teammates Excited to Play with Jeremiyah Love
The Arizona Cardinals spent the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jeremiyah Love, and the team's starting left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. is excited to see what he can do to open up the Cardinals' offense. In an interview with Omar Ruiz following the first practice of training camp, Johnson spoke highly of the running back room as a whole but paid particular attention to the electric rookie, telling Ruiz, "Being able to hand the ball to any of those guys, you know what they can do... Especially with Love. I'm excited to see him in his first year. You know everyone's excited to see what he does in the preseason, including myself." Arizona ran the ball at the league's lowest rate in 2025, but with a revamped running back room that also includes free agent acquisition Tyler Allgeier, first-year head coach Mike LaFleur should bring a more balanced approach into 2026, and Love is RotoBaller's RB13.
Source: Omar Ruiz
Source: Omar Ruiz
Kaelon Black Set to Compete for One of Fantasy's Most Important Insurance Roles
The backup running back job in San Francisco is up for grabs, and a player who will have a chance to claim it when the 49ers take to the field for their first practice of training camp is third-round rookie Kaelon Black. With four-time All-Pro Christian McCaffrey leading the NFL with 413 touches in 2025, Brian Robinson Jr. was limited to only 92 carries in his lone season with the team, but the latter's departure in free agency has opened up an important insurance role. Black will need to overtake 2025 fifth-round pick Jordan James, who did not record a single offensive statistic as a rookie, but who was reported to have an edge during the non-padded practices of OTAs and minicamp. With McCaffrey now 30 years old and coming off the heaviest workload of his nine-year career, the insurance role behind him could prove to be incredibly important for fantasy, making Black's battle for the job one of the more intriguing training camp stories to monitor out of San Francisco.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaac Guerendo Could Be Cut Ahead of 2026 Season
After scoring four touchdowns and racking up 420 yards on a 5.0-yard-per-carry clip as a 2024 rookie, San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo did not see the field for a single offensive snap in 2025, and beat writer Eric Branch believes his time in San Francisco could be over. In a posting of 25 pre-training camp predictions, Branch has Guerendo left off the 49ers' initial 53-man roster, which would put third-round rookie Kaelon Black and 2025 fifth-round pick Jordan James in position to compete for the valuable insurance role behind 30-year-old bell cow Christian McCaffrey. An older prospect coming into the league, Guerendo is already 26 years old, and should he be forced to find a new home ahead of the 2026 season, any remaining sliver of hope still held by dynasty managers would almost certainly be dashed.
Source: Eric Branch
Source: Eric Branch
Sione Vaki Competing for the RB2 Role in Detroit?
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki is a "natural pass-catcher," and "the opportunity is there" for him to cut into presumed Lions RB2 Isiah Pacheco's touches, per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. A fourth-round pick in 2024, Vaki has mostly played special teams through his first two professional seasons and has just seven career NFL carries. The Lions still have star running back Jahmyr Gibbs firmly atop their running back depth chart, but the team replaced veteran RB2 David Montgomery with Pacheco over the offseason. Pacheco has significantly more experience than Vaki, but he's averaged just 3.8 yards per carry on over 200 attempts since the start of the 2024 season. If Vaki can prove himself with a strong performance in training camp and the preseason, he could potentially threaten Pacheco's status as the Lions' clear backup running back. In deeper dynasty leagues, Vaki could be worth stashing just in case he emerges as the handcuff option in Detroit should Gibbs get injured.
Source: The Athletic - Colton Pouncy
Source: The Athletic - Colton Pouncy
Rasheen Ali on the Roster Bubble in Baltimore
Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic lists Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali as one of the players on the team's roster bubble entering training camp. A fifth-round pick by Baltimore in the 2024 NFL Draft, Ali has logged 26 touches across 21 games over the first two years of his professional career. With Derrick Henry and Justice Hill both firmly ahead of him on the Ravens' running back depth chart, Ali would likely continue to play a limited role on offense if he remains in Baltimore in 2026. However, Ali's uncertain roster status may speak volumes about Baltimore's faith in 2026 fifth-round pick Adam Randall. With Henry entering his age-32 season and Hill set to hit free agency next spring, it would make sense for the Ravens to be taking a long look at their young running backs. If Baltimore decides to let Ali go before the start of the season, it could be an indication of the team's faith in Randall.
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Will Howard Battling for the QB2 Job in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Will Howard and Mason Rudolph could be battling for the "QB2 job and, potentially, a spot on the 53-man roster" in training camp, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard battled injury as a rookie and did not see any game action in his first professional season. Aaron Rodgers remains atop the Steelers' depth chart for 2026, leaving Howard unlikely to play a fantasy-relevant role as long as Rodgers remains healthy. The Steelers also drafted quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, leading to speculation that Howard's place on the Pittsburgh roster could be in major jeopardy. While Howard may still end up off the Steelers roster, it appears that he may have a legitimate chance to beat out both Allar and Rudolph for the team's backup job entering 2026. Rudolph has 34 games (19 starts) of NFL experience under his belt, but Howard may be the higher-upside option. In deeper fantasy leagues, Howard could still be worth stashing in case he establishes himself during the preseason.
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Dontayvion Wicks Impressing New Teammates in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks has stood out as the team's most physical wideout against press-man coverage, per Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. Kubena also reports that Eagles players and coaches have said Wicks was underrated during his time with the Green Bay Packers. Philadelphia acquired Wicks from Green Bay this past offseason for a pair of late-round draft picks, and the 25-year-old enters training camp competing with rookie wideout Makai Lemon for the team's WR2 job alongside DeVonta Smith. Wicks flashed upside at certain points in his three-year career with the Packers, but ultimately failed to carve out a significant role in the Green Bay offense. Across 14 games (seven starts) in 2025, Wicks recorded 30 catches for 332 yards and two touchdowns on 46 targets. However, Wicks should have a clearer path to playing time and fantasy-relevant target volume in Philadelphia than he did in Green Bay's crowded wide receiver room. At his current redraft ADP of WR93, Wicks could be a late-round sleeper to target.
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
DeVonta Smith Well-Positioned for Career Year in 2026
Brooks Kubena of The Athletic writes that fans and fantasy managers should "expect career highs in targets and catches to be shattered" for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith. After years of playing a supporting role in Philadelphia alongside wideout A.J. Brown, Smith is entering 2026 as the Eagles' clear WR1 following the team's offseason trade of Brown to the New England Patriots. Smith was a productive player in 2025, recording 77 catches for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns on 113 targets across 17 games. However, his status as the team's WR2 and Philadelphia's conservative, run-heavy offense both played a factor in his WR20 finish. The Eagles have a new offensive coordinator in place for 2026 in Sean Mannion, who is looking to open up the team's passing game. All in all, Smith appears poised for a career year in 2026 and profiles as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 for fantasy managers.
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
Michael Wilson in a Position to Succeed in Mike LaFleur's Offense
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson thinks that new head coach Mike LaFleur's offense will put him in a "position to succeed" after his breakout 2025 campaign, according to PHNX Cardinals. "Look at the history of like the Rams with Puka and Cooper Kupp playing the Z role, the ball's gonna find you a lot," Wilson said. The 26-year-old former third-rounder from Stanford in 2023 surprisingly finished as a top-15 fantasy wideout last year, setting career highs across the board in catches (78), targets (126), receiving yards (1,006), touchdowns (seven), and yards per catch (12.9) in his third year in the NFL. The move from Kyler Murray to veteran Jacoby Brissett at QB opened the floodgates for Wilson, and it also helped that Marvin Harrison Jr. battled through several nagging injuries that caused him to miss time. Brissett is back as Arizona's starter under center, but the passing volume he had last year isn't sustainable in a new offense, and Harrison is now healthy and motivated. Wilson will be a key weapon in the Cardinals' passing game going forward, but fantasy managers shouldn't be buying his 2025 production. RotoBaller is expecting regression, ranking him as the overall WR40 for the upcoming campaign.
Source: PHNX Cardinals
Source: PHNX Cardinals
Kyler Murray, Jordan Addison Have Been Working Together for Two Months
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver Jordan Addison have been working out together for the last two months in Dallas, Texas, according to Jordan Schultz. Both players also reported to Minnesota early this week to prepare for the start of training camp, and they both have hopes for a big year in 2026. Murray and Addison are motivated to succeed after down years in 2025. The 28-year-old Murray only played in five games due to a foot injury in his final year in Arizona, throwing for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. The former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma is competing with J.J. McCarthy for the starting QB gig for the Vikes this year, but given his experience and dual-threat abilities, Murray feels like the favorite entering camp. Murray will see his ADP rise if he's named the starter, but right now, he's an intriguing low-cost, low-end QB2 target with upside. Addison, 24, had a career-low 610 receiving yards and only three TDs in 14 games in 2025, but he wasn't helped by the team's lackluster QB play. He's locked in as the WR2 in Minnesota behind Justin Jefferson, and he, too, could be primed for a bounce-back year if Murray wins the job and elevates the passing attack. Addison is currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 36 fantasy WR for 2026.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Seahawks Bring Tight End Nick Vannett Back
The Seattle Seahawks signed tight end Nick Vannett to an undisclosed deal on Friday, according to John Boyle of the team's official website. The Seahawks drafted Vannett in the third round (94th overall) in 2016 from Ohio State. The 33-year-old spent the first three years of his NFL career in Seattle before they traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2019 season. Since the trade, he has spent time with the Steelers, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and Los Angeles Rams. In his 10 years in the NFL, the journeyman tight end has accumulated 108 receptions on 150 targets for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns in 121 games played (54 starts). His most successful season came in 2018 with Seattle, when he caught 29 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. If Vannett earns a spot on the 53-man roster for the regular season in 2026, he will most likely serve as a blocking TE and on special teams, making him avoidable in all fantasy leagues.
Source: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
Source: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
Ravens Host Receiver Sterling Shepard for a Workout
The Baltimore Ravens hosted veteran free-agent wide receiver Sterling Shepard for a workout on Friday, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. The Ravens are apparently looking for some receiver depth before the start of training camp after drafting rookies Elijah Sarratt and Ja'Kobi Lane. The 33-year-old Shepard would bring some veteran experience to the WR room for the Ravens and give them more depth behind Zay Flowers and fading veteran Rashod Bateman. Shepard served in a depth role the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, combining for 71 catches on 104 targets for 705 yards and two touchdowns in 27 games (seven starts). The former second-rounder in 2016 from the University of Oklahoma had a career-high 872 receiving yards in 2018 with the New York Giants and a career-high eight touchdowns as a rookie in 2016, but he has had exactly one touchdown reception in each of the last five years. Shepard would not be very attractive for fantasy purposes if he were to land in Baltimore, a place that hasn't boasted too many fantasy-relevant WRs over the years.
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Bucky Irving Could be Set For Reduced Workload to Improve Efficiency
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has already declared running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) as healthy following offseason shoulder surgery, but there are still some reasons for concern if you're considering drafting him in fantasy football. Irving burst on the scene as a rookie in Tampa in 2024 with 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 207 carries while also catching 47 passes for 392 yards as a receiver, but he had an injury-plagued 2025 and finished with 588 rushing yards and just one TD while adding 30 receptions for 277 yards and three more scores. He's looking to return to the 1,000-yard mark in 2026, but will that be possible following the addition of Kenny Gainwell? Pewter Report's Scott Reynolds writes that there's a reason why Bowles has called Irving and Gainwell 1A and 1B. Gainwell is very talented, and the Bucs gave him a two-year, $14 million deal in free agency. He has impressed new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, and he will "see plenty of snaps and touches" this fall to "reduce Irving's workload so he can be more effective with fewer plays." It's how the Bucs' backfield operated when Irving and Rachaad White shared the workload in 2024. Between durability concerns and the loss of volume to Gainwell, Irving is shaping up as a volatile low-end RB2 target in 2026 fantasy drafts.
Source: Pewter Report - Scott Reynolds
Source: Pewter Report - Scott Reynolds
Rashee Rice Cleared for Start of Training Camp
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) has been cleared for the start of training camp next week, head coach Andy Reid told Matt McMullen of Chiefs.com. Rice will be ready to rock, along with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee), in training camp practices next week after he had a minor clean-up procedure on his right knee in May. As long as the 26-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 out of SMU isn't in anymore danger of being suspended by the league to begin the 2026 season, his ADP should continue to rise after playing in just 12 regular-season games the last two years combined due to injuries and suspension. Rice caught 79 of his 102 targets for 938 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games (eight starts) as a rookie, and he has clear WR1 upside as Mahomes' top target if he can stay active for an entire season again. The Chiefs will be leaning on the Mahomes-Rice connection a ton if both players are healthy in 2026. Right now, Rice is a bargain based on his current WR2 ADP, but that could change fast now that he's fully healthy for training camp.
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Patrick Mahomes Fully Cleared for Training Camp Practice
Updating a previous report, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Friday that quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) has been fully cleared to participate in the start of training camp practices next week, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. A previous report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggested that Mahomes was hoping to take part in 11-on-11 team work next week after being limited to seven-on-seven drills during the offseason program while rehabbing a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee from late last season. It appears that Mahomes has gotten the clearance. The 30-year-old three-time Super Bowl MVP and two-time regular-season MVP still has boxes to check, but barring a setback during camp and the preseason, he figures to be KC's starting QB for Week 1 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Going up against Denver's stout defense out of the gates will be a good test of Mahomes' health if he plays. We've learned not to bet against Mahomes at this point, but his redraft and dynasty stock going into 2026 is as low as it's ever been as he returns from a serious knee injury. Draft him as a low-end QB1 with upside if the Chiefs' offense can bounce back.
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
