RADIO
Jaguars Preparing Travis Hunter to Be the No. 1 CB
Billed as football's answer to Shohei Ohtani when he was selected second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jacksonville Jaguars two-way player Travis Hunter spent the majority of his rookie campaign on the offensive side of the ball before an LCL injury ended his season right when he looked to be on the verge of a breakout. Heading into his second season, the Jaguars' depth chart has dictated that he will spend most of his time on defense, and the team is preparing him to be the number one cornerback. In defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's zone-based system, Hunter is unlikely to follow the opponents' top receiver across the formation, but after gaining 10-12 pounds of muscle over the offseason, he will be trusted to shut down one side of the field. Hunter projects to see time on offense still, but with a receiver room of Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., and Jakobi Meyers manning the top reps, he will be hard-pressed to find any consistent fantasy value outside of IDP leagues with positional delineations and a cornerback requirement.
Source: Jeff Howe - The Athletic
Source: Jeff Howe - The Athletic
KC Concepcion Moved Everywhere Within WR Room
The Cleveland Browns spent a 2026 first-round pick on wide receiver KC Concepcion, and since Day 1, head coach Todd Monken and the offensive staff have not held back in loading up his plate. "He's handled us moving him around at an elite level," Monken told team reporter Kelsey Russo. "It's not easy to - all right, you're at Z, OK, you're at F, you're at X. We're going to ask you to do all of these things within our offense, and he's been impressive." Concepcion won the Paul Hornung Award in 2025 as the most versatile player in college football, and that versatility was on full display in his first preseason game, in which he caught three passes and scored on a 14-yard touchdown run while also returning punts. Concepcion projects to feature heavily in three-receiver sets along with veteran Jerry Jeudy and fellow rookie Denzel Boston, and the ability to play all three spots should help to keep him on the field regardless of alignment. At RotoBaller's WR46, the 21-year-old is a high-floor target in the middle rounds of drafts who could also offer week-winning spike performances.
Source: Kelsey Russo
Source: Kelsey Russo
Parker Washington Expected Back Next Week
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (undisclosed) is expected to return to practice next week after missing time with an undisclosed injury, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Coming into training camp as part of a crowded receiver room, Washington quickly reestablished the connection he formed with quarterback Trevor Lawrence down the stretch of the 2025 season. Washington was the WR12 over the final nine weeks of the regular season, while Lawrence was the QB1 over that same span. By most accounts, Washington has again proven to be Lawrence's favorite target for much of camp, and with his availability for Week 1 not looking to be in question, the fourth-year receiver still represents a value in the middle rounds of drafts, priced as the WR31 by current ADP.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Tetairoa McMillan to Be a "Huge Part" of Panthers Offense
The Carolina Panthers recently participated in a joint practice with the Jaguars ahead of Friday night's preseason matchup. While the session got off to a slow start for the Panthers' offense, things quickly settled into place once quarterback Bryce Young started looking in the direction of wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. "Bryce just started finding TMac in different ways," head coach Dave Canales told reporters after practice. "Explosive passes, touchdowns, things that went into the end zone. It was fantastic to see." Young connected with the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year on a number of plays throughout practice, including a leaping catch in the corner of the end zone that beat double coverage. Afterward, Young spoke about McMillan's importance to the team. "It makes my job so much easier, having a guy like him out there that you can trust one-on-one," he shared. "Obviously he's a huge part of what we do." Following a WR15 finish as a rookie, McMillan is being drafted as the WR17 but has a chance to crack the top 12 as a focal point of the Panthers' offense.
Source: Alex Zietlow - The Charlotte Observer
Source: Alex Zietlow - The Charlotte Observer
Raiders Not Ready to Name a Starting Quarterback for Week 1
The Las Vegas Raiders open the regular season by hosting the Miami Dolphins on September 13, but head coach Klint Kubiak is not ready to name a starting quarterback, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. With veteran Kirk Cousins held out of Thursday's preseason matchup against the Texans, first overall pick Fernando Mendoza received his first professional start, throwing an interception on the opening drive that was returned 80 yards for a touchdown. When asked after the game about who would start the regular season, Kubiak told reporters, "We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job... It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going." By all accounts, Mendoza has impressed behind the scenes with his work ethic and mentality, but McFadden reported on Tuesday that the coaching staff is still looking for the improved timing and anticipation that will come with additional reps. Regardless of who begins the season under center for the Raiders, Mendoza is projected to take the job from Cousins before the end of his rookie season, making him a dart-throw third quarterback in superflex drafts as RotoBaller's QB29.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Luther Burden III Looks "Mostly Fine"
The Chicago Bears were in Cincinnati on Thursday for a joint practice with the Bengals, and while second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III (groin) did not participate as he works his way back from the groin injury that has caused him to miss most of training camp, podcast hosts Adam Hoge and Adam Jahns expressed a lack of concern, saying that Burden looks "mostly fine." After a strong finish to his rookie season, Burden was the star of the opening days of training camp before getting tangled with a teammate and exiting practice on August 8. The hope has since been that he would be ready for the team's regular season opener against the Panthers on September 13. While the groin injury has caused an ADP dip in recent weeks, Burden is still RotoBaller's WR22, as all signs pre-injury pointed to the 22-year-old receiver becoming the focal point of a high-powered Bears offense.
Source: Hoge & Jahns
Source: Hoge & Jahns
De'Zhaun Stribling Continues To Impress In Preseason Action
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling had four catches for 46 receiving yards on five targets in Thursday's preseason win over the Chargers. Stribling's stats might not be eye-popping, but his ability to secure the ball while in traffic or going to the ground on each reception in the game added to his burgeoning popularity. Stribling was not listed as a starter but was on the field for the 49ers' first two offensive drives before being removed from the game. With Ricky Pearsall (knee) out for the season and Mike Evans (foot/ankle) already hobbled by injuries, Stribling may have a significant role in the 49ers' offense when the regular season begins. His next opportunity to build on his impressive preseason performance will come on August 27 against the Raiders.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Khalil Herbert Finds End Zone In Preseason Win
San Francisco 49ers running back Khalil Herbert handled four carries for 17 yards and caught his lone target for no gain in Thursday's 41-17 drubbing of the Los Angeles Chargers. He also handled one kickoff for a 29-yard return. The five-year veteran showed flashes of talent with the Bears in the first years of his career, but timeshares and injuries barred him from fully breaking out. In 2025, Herbert appeared in seven games with the New York Jets. Now with the 49ers, Herbert is among a handful of running backs vying for the team's RB2 role behind Christian McCaffrey. Aside from the touchdown on Thursday night, Herbert has done little to set himself apart from the rest of the group. He will have one more chance to do so in San Francisco's preseason finale on August 27.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Sincere McCormick Improves His Stock In Preseason Win
San Francisco 49ers running back Sincere McCormick led the team in rushing for another week in the team's preseason meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers. While starter Kaelon Black and backup Zamir White handled more carries, McCormick finished with a team-high 53 rushing yards and scored a touchdown in the 49ers' 41-17 win. McCormick got the bulk of his yardage after taking advantage of solid blocking and weaving his way through traffic and then exploding for a 37-yard gain. Two plays later, McCormick fought his way into the end zone from seven yards out. Despite being used as an alternate, McCormick has outshone his teammates for the second game in a row. The 49ers' depth chart at running back is yet to be settled, but whoever wins might be worth a late flyer as Christian McCaffrey's handcuff. McCormick's last preseason audition to be San Francisco's RB2 will come on August 27 against the Raiders.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Adrian Martinez Extends Lead In Rout Of Chargers
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Adrian Martinez captained the team's offense in the second half of Thursday's preseason clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. Martinez went 8-for-17 for 57 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, and added 10 more yards and another touchdown on four scrambles in the 41-17 win. Martinez got off to an inauspicious start, going three-and-out in his first series and throwing a pick-six in his second. Martinez righted the ship on the 49ers' next possession, leading a 14-play drive that culminated in a Khalil Herbert touchdown. Martinez himself ran in for a score on the following drive, and hit Jordan Watkins for a 17-yard score on the possession after that. With Brock Purdy and Mac Jones firmly positioned ahead of him on the depth chart, the best Martinez can hope for is a solid showing in the 49ers' preseason finale on August 27 to retain his third-string role.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Brock Purdy Sees First Preseason Action Against Chargers
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy got the start in Thursday's preseason meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers. Purdy was removed after the 49ers' opening drive, and he finished the game 4-for-6 for 29 passing yards and one rushing attempt for three yards. Purdy's first pass went to Deebo Samuel Sr., who recently re-signed with the 49ers after spending last season with the Commanders. Purdy missed Deebo on his next attempt but completed his next three consecutive throws to De'Zhaun Stribling. With Ricky Pearsall (knee) out for the season and Mike Evans (foot/ankle) already slowed by injuries, it is imperative that he rekindles his relationship with the recently reunited Samuel and develops chemistry with Stribling. Purdy's next and final tune-up before the regular season will come on August 27 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jason Myers Faces Accuracy Concerns After Strong 2025 Season
Seattle Seahawks placekicker Jason Myers is coming off the best fantasy season of his NFL career in 2025. Myers made 41 of 48 field goals and 48 extra points in 17 games, finishing as the number one-ranked kicker and averaging 11.9 fantasy points per game. The veteran kicker has finished in the top four among kickers in three of the last four seasons, but inaccuracy could cost him important points in 2026. He has an 85% field goal percentage, which would've ranked him below league average last season. He also missed his only field goal attempt in the Seahawks' opening preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, from 45 yards. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Myers' preseason performances, as accuracy could be the difference between another top season and an average one for the Seahawks kicker.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Justice Hill Could Lose Handcuff Role to Adam Randall in 2026
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill is coming off a down year in 2025, with 18 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns, plus 169 yards and one touchdown on 21 receptions. Hill had his lowest carries per game (1.8), rushing yards (9.3), and total attempts per game (3.9) since 2020. While he's been a solid third-down back and special teams player for the team, his 2025 decline could be part of the reason they spent a fifth-round pick on running back Adam Randall. While star running back Derrick Henry will be the workhorse in Baltimore, any injury could mean Randall steps into the two-down back role rather than Hill. Without a clear handcuff role, Hill is likely too low for fantasy relevance in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Noah Gray to See Similar Usage to 2025 Season
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray could see a workload similar to what he had in 2025. Gray had a down year in 2025, hauling in just 21 of 37 targets for 178 yards and no touchdowns in 16 games. Despite playing over 50% of the snaps in each of the last four seasons, Gray didn't match the impact he had during the first three years of his NFL career. With Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and third-string tight end Jared Wiley all back and healthy, Gray may have a tough time being fantasy relevant this season. Even if future Hall-of-Fame tight end Travis Kelce suffers an injury that costs him playing time, Gray still doesn't offer enough upside to be a starting player on fantasy rosters in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brenen Thompson Heads to Locker Room on Thursday
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson (undisclosed) is heading to the locker room during their preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. Thompson went to the medical tent after a hard fall on an overthrow from backup quarterback Trey Lance, then headed to the locker room for further evaluation. While the team has not provided an update, it appears the third-round pick's night is over. Thompson caught one pass for nine yards while playing all three snaps with quarterback Justin Herbert and the first-team offense. While fantasy managers should keep an eye on his injury status following Thursday's game, Thompson could see a large role in the Chargers' offense under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Source: Daniel Popper
Source: Daniel Popper
