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George Pickens Seen Practicing on Thursday
Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver George Pickens was seen practicing at training camp on Thursday and made a nice catch in close coverage down the sideline, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Although the Cowboys didn't really make much of an attempt to sign Pickens to a long-term extension this offseason, he showed up to training camp and has been on the field after signing his one-year, $23.7 million franchise tag for the 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 from the University of Georgia hit a new level in his first year in Dallas in the Cowboys' pass-happy offense, even while sharing targets with CeeDee Lamb. Pickens led the Cowboys with 93 receptions on 137 targets for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in a career year to become a Pro Bowler for the first time in his fourth NFL season. He and Lamb will continue to torment defenses in 2026, with Pickens coming at a high price in fantasy drafts as a surefire WR1 after his breakout 2025 campaign.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Can Still Matter in Giants Backfield
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is no longer the favorite to lead the backfield, but he should not disappear behind Cam Skattebo. Tracy topped 1,000 scrimmage yards for the second straight season in 2025, rushing 176 times for 740 yards and adding 36 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns. The receiving work is what keeps the door open. He has 74 catches through two NFL seasons and spent spring practices showing the new staff what he can do while Skattebo continued working back from his ankle injury. Skattebo is now back in camp and fits the physical identity John Harbaugh wants to build with Patrick Ricard and Greg Roman involved in the offense. He still looks like the stronger bet for early-down and goal-line work. That leaves room for Tracy, especially on passing downs and in a Giants offense that ranked among the league's top five in rushing last year. RotoBaller ranks Tracy RB43 in PPR, RB46 in half-PPR, and RB45 in dynasty. He is not a weekly starter while Skattebo is healthy, but he offers more than injury-only value in PPR leagues and becomes a much stronger play if the backfield opens up.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Allen Is Still the First Quarterback Worth Drafting
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen spent the start of the offseason in a walking boot after having a procedure on the broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot. By April, Buffalo expected him to be full go, and Allen was back for the offseason program before training camp. There has been no reported setback. The injury matters because so much of his fantasy value comes from his legs. Allen ran for 579 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, making up for a passing line that fell to 3,668 yards and 25 scores. He still finished as fantasy's QB1. Buffalo also upgraded the receiver room with DJ Moore, who joins Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Keon Coleman, and James Cook. Joe Brady's promotion to head coach should keep the offense familiar, with Pete Carmichael taking over as coordinator. RotoBaller ranks Allen QB1 in redraft and dynasty. There is always some risk in paying an early-round price for a quarterback, especially one who absorbs as much contact as Allen. His foot recovery has not given managers a reason to move him off the top line. He remains the first quarterback worth drafting.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nico Collins Is Still Worth a WR1 Price
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has more help around him now. He is still the receiver this passing game runs through. Collins caught 71 of 120 targets for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games last season, giving him three straight 1,000-yard campaigns. Jayden Higgins is pushing for more after a 41-catch, 525-yard rookie year, and Tank Dell took part in padded practice this week for the first time since his major knee injury. That makes Houston deeper. It does not erase what Collins has already done with C.J. Stroud. He set a career high in targets last season and averaged 15.7 yards per catch. The bigger concern is whether he can stay on the field. Collins has never played more than 15 games, missed one regular-season contest after a concussion last year, then suffered another head injury in the playoffs and sat out the Divisional Round. RotoBaller ranks him WR9 in PPR. The price is not cheap, but it is supported by three years of WR1 production. Higgins and Dell may take some work, but Collins remains the clear first option and should be drafted as a low-end WR1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Denzel Boston Eager to Attack Press Coverage
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston is eager to see press coverage as he prepares for his rookie season. "When I see press coverage, I think of it as it's a time for me to eat because you're singled up," Boston told BrownsNation.com, adding that go routes and fades are his favorite routes. The confidence fits a 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver Cleveland selected 39th overall after he caught 62 passes for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns at Washington last season. Boston scored 14 of his 20 college touchdowns in the red zone, showing the size and ball skills that could earn him early work near the goal line. Jerry Jeudy and first-round rookie KC Concepcion will command targets, and Boston still has to prove he can consistently separate from NFL corners. His performance against press coverage during the preseason should tell us more about how quickly he can carve out an outside role and become relevant in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: BrownsNation
Source: BrownsNation
Josh Downs Standing Out Ahead of Expanded Role
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been one of the stars of training camp as the team prepares to feature him more heavily in 2026, according to ESPN. Downs caught 58 passes for a career-low 566 yards and four touchdowns last season after averaging 103 targets and 787 receiving yards over his first two years. Michael Pittman Jr.'s departure has opened a much larger opportunity, and the Colts are also giving Downs more work outside after using him primarily in the slot throughout his career. Head coach Shane Steichen said Downs can now play both spots and expects his role to grow this season. Tyler Warren and Alec Pierce will still command plenty of attention, but Indianapolis appears determined to get Downs back to being a central part of the passing game. If the expanded usage carries into the regular season, he has a strong chance to climb back toward the 100-target range and regain consistent value in PPR leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
David Montgomery Still Has the Upper Hand in Houston's Backfield
Houston Texans running back David Montgomery is not taking over an empty backfield, but he still has the better path to fantasy points. The 29-year-old was squeezed down to a career-low 158 carries in Detroit last season and still produced 716 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. Houston traded for him in March, then reworked his contract into a two-year, $16.5 million deal with $10 million guaranteed. Woody Marks is not disappearing. He led the Texans with 196 carries for 703 yards as a rookie, caught 24 passes for 208 yards and three scores, and has been preparing for a larger receiving role. Current camp reporting suggests the split will change with the situation. That still leaves Montgomery as the stronger bet for the physical early-down work, with Marks mixing in on passing downs and elsewhere. RotoBaller ranks Montgomery RB21 in PPR and RB26 in dynasty. That is a fair price for a back who has scored at least eight touchdowns in three straight seasons. He remains a solid redraft RB2 and a useful win-now piece. Rebuilding teams should be willing to shop him before the age discount gets any steeper.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Waddle Should be Back in "4-5 Days"
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) has missed the last two days of training camp practice due to undisclosed muscle tightness, but he's expected back soon, according to Aric DiLalla of the team's official website. "I think we'll see him back in the next 4-5 days," Payton said. The Broncos are also resting veteran wideout Courtland Sutton, which will give Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant more opportunities with the first-team offense over the next few days. The Denver Post's Parker Gabriel is reporting that Waddle is dealing with a strain, but to what part of his body is unclear. Waddle was seen walking around with a limp during Thursday's training camp practice without his helmet. It's something to keep an eye on, but it shouldn't affect the speedy pass-catcher's availability for the Week 1 Monday night showdown against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Denver gave up a lot to acquire Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, so he should be peppered with targets as one of quarterback Bo Nix's go-to targets in 2026. Waddle will be a strong WR2 to target in upcoming fantasy drafts.
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
A.J. Brown, Christian Gonzalez Separated at Patriots Practice
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown and cornerback Christian Gonzalez were separated after a heated exchange during Thursday's practice, according to Mark Daniels. The moment came after Gonzalez broke up a pass intended for Brown during a two-on-two red-zone drill and celebrated the play. The two exchanged words as the team moved to the next period before Kayshon Boutte stepped in and pulled Brown away. Boutte said he heard Brown tell Gonzalez, "You a grown man," and wanted to intervene before the situation went any further. Gonzalez later called the matchup "good on good" and said there was no disrespect between them. The two have battled throughout camp, and this appeared to be another competitive moment between two of New England's top players.
Source: Mark Daniels
Source: Mark Daniels
Malik Willis Makes More Sense in Superflex Leagues
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is finally getting a real shot to start after two years behind Jordan Love. He completed 30 of 35 passes for 422 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in four appearances last season, then added 123 yards and two scores on the ground. The useful part for fantasy is not the 85.7% completion rate. It is the rushing. In his final two appearances, Willis ran 19 times for 104 yards and two touchdowns while also throwing for 409 yards and two scores. That gives him a way to survive weeks when Miami's passing game stalls, and there could be a few of those. Tyreek Hill is gone, Jaylen Waddle was traded, and the receiver room is now built around Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, and three rookies. That is a lot to ask of a quarterback with six career starts. RotoBaller has Willis at QB21, which is a fair place for the gamble. His legs make him a useful QB2 in Superflex leagues. In ordinary one-quarterback formats, he is better viewed as a matchup option than a draft-day plan.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Stefon Diggs Reportedly Drew Interest From Several Teams
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs reportedly drew interest from the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins before signing with Washington, according to NFL Rumors. Diggs landed a one-year deal worth up to $12 million after catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games with New England last season. It was the seventh 1,000-yard campaign of his career and showed that the 32-year-old can still handle a significant role. Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Miami each entered the offseason with questions at wide receiver, but Diggs ultimately joins Terry McLaurin in a Washington offense led by Jayden Daniels. His arrival gives the Commanders another proven target while making it more difficult for Antonio Williams, Luke McCaffrey, and the rest of the receiver room to earn consistent opportunities.
Source: NFL Rumors
Source: NFL Rumors
Jack Bech Has Not Separated in the Raiders' Receiver Battle
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech ended his rookie season with a little life, catching 12 passes for 132 yards over the final five games. That does not erase how quiet the year was. The 2025 second-round pick finished with 20 catches for 224 yards and no touchdowns across 16 games, despite five starts and a receiver room that opened up after Jakobi Meyers was traded. Year 2 brings another chance under Klint Kubiak, but Bech has not pulled away from the competition. Tre Tucker led the group last season, Jalen Nailor was added in free agency, and sixth-round rookie Malik Benson has been one of the early camp risers. Dont'e Thornton Jr. remains in the mix as well. RotoBaller ranks Bech WR100 across its main scoring formats. That is low enough for deep dynasty managers to wait, especially given his age and second-round investment. Redraft managers do not need to follow. Bech still has to win regular snaps before Las Vegas can provide enough weekly volume for him to matter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Mayer Returns to Practice Following Nose Injury
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (nose) returned to training camp practice on Thursday, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. Mayer missed a few practices after busting his nose during practice on Monday. The 25-year-old will return to working as the No. 2 tight end in Vegas behind Brock Bowers. The former second-rounder in 2023 from Notre Dame has yet to really make an impact for fantasy managers in his first three seasons in the NFL, and that will likely continue as long as Bowers stays healthy. Bowers dealt with a knee injury last year, which allowed Mayer to have career highs in catches (35), targets (50), and receiving yards (328) while scoring just once in 13 games played. The Raiders figure to use more two-tight-end sets in 2026 under new head coach Klint Kubiak, but that's unlikely to be enough to make Mayer a weekly starting option, even in two-TE fantasy leagues. Mayer opens his fourth NFL season ranked as RotoBaller's No. 35 fantasy TE. If Bowers misses time with an injury again, Mayer would become a priority waiver-wire addition.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Dylan Sampson's Handcuff Case Is Not That Simple
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson has a clear role behind Quinshon Judkins, but fantasy managers should not assume every Judkins touch would fall to him. Sampson was much better as a receiver than a runner during his rookie year, catching 33 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns while managing only 175 yards on 65 carries. Jerome Ford is gone, which leaves Sampson as the leading passing-down option in the backfield. That gives him some standalone value in deeper PPR leagues. The handcuff case is less straightforward. Judkins returned to full work during the offseason after recovering from a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula, and Cleveland still has 6-foot, 230-pound Raheim Sanders for heavier carries. The Browns also added fullback Michael Burton as Todd Monken installs more gap concepts and short-yardage looks. RotoBaller ranks Sampson RB53 in PPR and RB52 in half-PPR. He is worth a late pick in deeper formats, especially for managers looking for catches from the back end of the roster. Just do not draft him expecting a three-down role if Judkins misses time.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Courtland Sutton Given Some Time Off in Training Camp
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton was given his second consecutive day off from training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN. With Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) also sitting out, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant got the bulk of the work with the starters. The Denver Post's Luca Evans reports that Sutton was seen working on a side field on Thursday. The 30-year-old veteran is not believed to be dealing with any sort of injury, so it's likely that head coach Sean Payton is using this time to give Sutton a little rest while evaluating the rest of the receiver group. In his eighth year in the league in 2025, Sutton caught 74 of his 124 targets for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season games for the third 1,000-yard season of his career. The former second-rounder from SMU has 25 touchdown receptions in the last three seasons and has lots of chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix, but his ceiling and floor will come down in 2026 after the addition of speedy wideout Jaylen Waddle in the offseason. Fantasy managers are now better off targeting Sutton as more of a WR3/4 flex than a legitimate No. 2. UPDATE: According to Evans, head coach Sean Payton confirmed that Sutton is not injured.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold
