RADIO
Travis Hunter Expected to Have Package Role at Wide Receiver
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter (knee) is expected to work as a package player on offense while taking on a key role at cornerback, according to ESPN. Head coach Liam Coen said the Jaguars now have a better understanding of where Hunter fits after asking him to learn too much of the offense as a rookie. Rather than carrying the entire playbook, Hunter will focus on selected plays and situations, including third downs, the red zone, two-minute drills, quick screens, and opportunities to get him the ball in space. He caught 28 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown in seven games last season before a knee injury ended his year. With Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., and Jakobi Meyers already in the receiver rotation, Hunter's offensive snap count remains unclear. The specialized role should still create chances for him to make plays, but inconsistent volume could make him difficult to trust as a weekly fantasy starter.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Luther Burden III Slow to Get Up After Goal-Line Hit
Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III was slow to get up after taking a hit from linebacker Devin Bush near the goal line late in Tuesday's practice, according to Brad Biggs. The contact came from behind on a fourth-down pass during a two-minute period, and Burden walked off the field slowly under his own power. No injury or follow-up evaluation has been reported, so his status should be treated as uncertain rather than assuming he avoided an issue. Burden caught 47 passes for 652 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie while adding 37 yards on six carries. He enters his second season as one of Chicago's key receiving options alongside Rome Odunze. The next update from the Bears, or Burden's participation in the next practice, should provide a better idea of whether the hit will cost him any time.
Source: Brad Biggs
Source: Brad Biggs
Chase Brown Continues to Grow as a Receiver
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown continues to show growth as a receiver. Joe Burrow said Brown has taken another leap catching the ball this offseason, while Charlie Clifford noted that the fourth-year back lined up wide for a couple of reps during Monday's 11-on-11 work. Brown already set a franchise record for a running back, halfback, or fullback with 69 receptions last season, turning them into 437 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,019 yards and six scores, giving him 1,456 yards from scrimmage in his first full season as Cincinnati's lead back. A few snaps split out wide do not guarantee a major change in how the Bengals use him, but the look fits Brown's growing role as an all-around weapon. His receiving work remains a major part of his fantasy value, and any further expansion would make him even harder to take off the field.
Source: Charlie Clifford
Source: Charlie Clifford
TreVeyon Henderson Still a Liability on Passing Downs
The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that it has "looked a bit like last season" with New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson in terms of his inability to separate himself on passing downs. The second-year player out of Ohio State is big and explosive with the ball in his hands, but he continues to make "just enough mistakes in pass protection that it feels like a risk to use him on third downs." The 23-year-old former second-rounder had a very promising rookie campaign in 2025, carrying the ball 180 times for 911 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and nine rushing touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (four starts), adding 35 catches for 221 yards and another score as a receiver. Henderson will once again have a key role in the Patriots' backfield, but his fantasy ceiling will be capped again while he shares the workload with Rhamondre Stevenson. As Graff mentions, Henderson's stock could skyrocket if he improves in pass protection, but until that happens, he should be considered more of a low-end RB2 with upside in Year 2.
Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff
Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff
Kayshon Boutte's Stock is Surging
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is already up to four catches in training camp practice on Tuesday, according to the Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan, and he continues to see his stock surge this summer as a potential trade candidate before the start of the 2026 regular season. Boutte has stated his desire to remain with the Patriots, but after the offseason additions of Pro Bowler A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, Boutte could be the odd-man out after catching 78 passes for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns in 34 games (23 starts) in his first three years in the NFL. The 24-year-old former sixth-rounder from LSU did have a career-high six touchdowns in 14 regular-season games in 2025, but there is just a lot of competition for targets now in New England's WR room. Boutte is competing for a role in 2026 (if he stays in New England) with DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism. For fantasy purposes, Boutte's best path to fantasy relevance in 12-team formats would be a trade out of town.
Source: Boston Herald - Andrew Callahan
Source: Boston Herald - Andrew Callahan
Jonathon Brooks Won't Play in Hall of Fame Game
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that running back Jonathon Brooks will not play in Canton, Ohio, in Thursday's Hall of Fame preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The Panthers aren't planning on playing their starters to open the preseason slate, and it makes all the sense in the world not to put Brooks in harm's way when considering his history of knee injuries. The 23-year-old former second-rounder in 2024 from the University of Texas has played in only three games for the Panthers due to two torn ACLs. The Texas native is fully healthy this summer, though, and heads into his third NFL campaign as the favorite for change-of-pace duties behind Chuba Hubbard in Carolina. Hubbard will most likely continue to serve as the team's RB1, but Brooks has been impressive so far in camp and could cut into his overall touches, making him an intriguing late-round flier at the position, especially if you have Hubbard rostered. RotoBaller has Brooks ranked as the No. 40 fantasy RB for 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Xavier Legette Suffers a Stinger, Won't Play in Hall of Fame Game
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Tuesday that wide receiver Xavier Legette (neck) suffered a stinger in training camp practice and isn't dealing with a concussion, according to Steve Reed of The Associated Press. Legette will not play in Thursday's Hall of Fame preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, but he's expected to return to the practice field next week. It doesn't sound like the Panthers are worried about Legette's availability for the 2026 regular-season opener in early September, which is good news, considering rookie wideout Chris Brazzell II (knee) is already out for the season. As long as Legette doesn't pick up any more injuries, he figures to be the favorite for WR3 duties to begin the 2026 season in Carolina behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. The 25-year-old from South Carolina hasn't lived up to expectations after the Panthers took him 32nd overall in 2024, as Legette has recorded 84 catches for 860 yards and seven touchdowns in 31 games (25 starts) in his two seasons. He had a 35-363-3 line in 15 games in 2025, which was a step back from his rookie numbers. Fantasy managers in typical 12-team leagues should be avoiding Legette in drafts.
Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed
Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed
Jets Confident That Kenyon Sadiq Will be Ready for Week 1
New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq (hernia) had a setback after having surgery in the offseason for a hernia, head coach Aaron Glenn told Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Glenn said that Sadiq will "be out for a little bit." However, Glenn also said he's not worried about Sadiq and that he's "very confident" he'll be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in September. The 21-year-old former 16th overall pick from the University of Oregon will continue to sit out of practice at training camp. Ultimately, Sadiq should be good for the start of the regular season, but he is missing valuable reps in camp that could put him behind the eight ball in terms of his involvement in New York's offense early in his rookie season, especially since the Jets already have a very capable pass-catching TE in Mason Taylor. Sadiq's elite athleticism and pass-catching prowess down the field make him a popular dynasty/keeper pick going into his rookie campaign, but fantasy managers in redraft formats might want to temper expectations as more of a low-end TE2 with upside in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Dontayvion Wicks Serving as WR1 Amid Eagles' Injuries
With Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers DeVonta Smith and rookie Makai Lemon both sitting out of training camp practice on Tuesday due to hamstring injuries, Dontayvion Wicks is serving as the team's WR1, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP.com. Wicks has a massive opportunity in 2026 in his fourth year in the NFL after being acquired from the Green Bay Packers in an offseason trade. The 25-year-old has a clear path to WR2 duties in Philly behind Smith after the Eagles sent A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. The former fifth-rounder in 2023 from the University of Virginia has impressed in training camp so far as he looks for an expanded role in Philly's new-look offense. Head coach Nick Sirianni has compared Wicks to veteran wideout Keenan Allen because of his versatility. As long as he doesn't get injured, Wicks figures to beat out Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore, and depending on Lemon's development, there's a path to WR2 duties. Wicks is gaining some steam early in camp and could continue to rise up draft boards at the WR position. Currently, RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 80 fantasy WR after catching 108 passes for 1,328 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first three seasons with Green Bay.
Source: 94WIP.com - Eliot Shorr-Parks
Source: 94WIP.com - Eliot Shorr-Parks
Jahmyr Gibbs' Negotiations Won't be Affected by Recent RB Deal
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that running back Bijan Robinson's record-setting deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday is "certainly not gonna hurt" the team's own negotiations with star RB Jahmyr Gibbs, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Robinson and Atlanta agreed to a three-year extension that includes $51 million guaranteed. Gibbs, who is also managing a tight back, continues to hold in during training camp until he gets a new deal. He missed a fifth straight practice on Monday, but as long as the three-time Pro Bowler and the Lions reach a deal sooner rather than later, fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned about taking the elite dual-threat back as the No. 1 overall pick in drafts this fall. Gibbs told a reporter on Monday that "only time will tell" when he returns to the field this summer. When asked whether he needs a new deal before returning to the field, Gibbs said, "It's not about that," but he refused to elaborate. Eventually, Gibbs should become the NFL's highest-paid RB after holding the record for most touchdowns scored (49) in a player's first three seasons in the league.
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Zay Flowers Agrees to Four-Year Extension With Ravens
Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers and the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension on Tuesday that includes $108 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Flowers gets paid after catching 237 passes on 342 targets for 3,128 yards and 14 touchdowns in 50 regular-season games in his first three years in the NFL. The former 22nd overall pick in 2023 from Boston College was named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last two years, and he recorded a career-high 1,211 receiving yards and five touchdowns on a career-high 86 receptions in 17 starts in 2025, even with star quarterback Lamar Jackson missing time with various injuries. The 25-year-old now ranks in the top 10 at the receiver position in guaranteed money and average annual value. The Ravens drafted a couple of rookie pass-catchers this year, but Flowers will remain the unquestioned WR1 for Jackson in a new offense as the team looks to bounce back from missing the playoffs last year. Flowers should be considered a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 target in fantasy football drafts as he heads into his fourth year in the NFL.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Chargers Have a Role Planned for Keaton Mitchell
In signing speedy running back Keaton Mitchell to a two-year deal, the Los Angeles Chargers provided offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel with a unique weapon that could find a significant role in 2026. McDaniel recently told ESPN's Dan Graziano, "He's as dynamic as they come with the ball in his hands in space," going on to say, "He's a matchup issue for every defense. I think he has a lot of pass-game value that he hasn't been able to really represent in his career, but it's showing so far in camp. He's a playmaker that I'm very excited about." Mitchell is likely to work as the Chargers' primary change-of-pace back behind presumed starter Omarion Hampton, with last year's leading rusher Kimani Vidal serving as more of a direct handcuff, more capable of handling a full workload if called upon. While any fantasy viability for Vidal is injury-dependent, Mitchell should see his own standalone value and is a high-upside swing as RotoBaller's RB42.
Source: Dan Graziano
Source: Dan Graziano
Mike McCarthy Declines to Name a Starting Running Back
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy spoke with the media on Tuesday, and when asked about running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, he declined to name a definitive starter, instead referring to them as a "dynamic one-two punch." He went on to say, "I don't want to have to worry about what back is in there... Both of those guys give us that flexibility." Warren led the Steelers backfield with 958 rushing yards on 211 attempts in 2025, while Dowdle, who signed a two-year deal this offseason, has topped 1,000 yards in each of his last two stops with the Panthers and Cowboys. Both backs are also capable pass-catchers, giving Pittsburgh one of the more well-rounded running back situations regardless of who is on the field. While both players are capable of outperforming their 2026 ADP, RotoBaller ranks them back to back, but gives Dowdle a narrow edge as the RB30 to Warren's RB31.
Source: Mike DeFabo
Source: Mike DeFabo
Makai Lemon Not Practicing with Hamstring Injury
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon is not practicing on Tuesday, listed with a hamstring issue by The Athletic's Zach Berman. Joining Lemon on the DNP list is DeVonta Smith, who deals with a hamstring concern of his own, but while the veteran has years of chemistry banked with quarterback Jalen Hurts, as evidenced by their two red zone touchdown connections on Monday, Lemon is still looking to establish a role in Sean Mannion's offense. The 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Lemon did not participate in team drills on Monday, and his status will need to be monitored, as he factors as a critical piece in replacing the production of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown. With the WR2 spot up for grabs across from Smith, Lemon is RotoBaller's WR45, but any lingering concerns could cause his ADP to drop.
Source: Zach Berman
Source: Zach Berman
DeVonta Smith Sidelined With Hamstring Injury
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) will not practice on Tuesday as he deals with a hamstring issue. After a quiet start to training camp, quarterback Jalen Hurts turned in his best practice of the summer on Monday, throwing his first three touchdowns of competitive sessions, with two of them going to Smith during red zone work. Now with Smith sidelined, along with first-round pick Makai Lemon, who is dealing with a hamstring ailment of his own, Hurts will look to build further chemistry with a new-look receiver room in year one with Sean Mannion calling plays. With an offseason of offensive change, Smith represented one of the few pieces of stability, so his status will need to be monitored in the coming days, but he's expected to be a major piece of the Eagles' passing attack and is RotoBaller's WR12.
Source: Zach Berman
Source: Zach Berman
