RADIO
Dont'e Thornton Jr. Leaves Practice Early on Friday
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (undisclosed) was forced to leave training camp practice early on Friday with an undisclosed injury, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. It's unclear at this time if Thornton's injury will keep him out for an extended period of time this summer as he competes for the WR3 job with Jack Bech and Malik Benson behind Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker. After being selected in the fourth round (108th overall) last year from the University of Tennessee, Thornton caught just 10 of his 30 targets for 135 yards and zero touchdowns in 15 games (eight starts) in a pretty dysfunctional offense. It remains to be seen if he'll be in line for a bigger offensive role in Year 2 under new head coach Klint Kubiak, but reports early in camp have suggested that Benson could be leading the competition for the WR3 role in Vegas. The Raiders are expected to rely more heavily on two-tight-end sets in 2026, so as things currently stand, Thornton is a receiver to avoid for fantasy managers in standard-sized 12-team leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Titans, Guard Peter Skoronski Agree to Four-Year Extension
The Tennessee Titans and standout offensive guard Peter Skoronski agreed to a four-year, $100 million deal on Friday with $88 million guaranteed that makes him the highest-paid guard in the league, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The 25-year-old was taken with the 11th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft from Northwestern, and he'll now be locked up long-term as one of the top protectors of second-year quarterback Cam Ward. The move comes after the Titans already picked up Skoronski's $19.07 fifth-year option for the 2027 campaign back in April. He will remain as the Titans' starting left guard for the 2026 season after starting all 48 games that he's appeared in over his first three NFL seasons with Tennessee. Skoronski has not missed a game since the start of the 2024 campaign after playing in 14 games as a rookie in 2023.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Broncos Rookie RB Jonah Coleman Stands Out in Camp on Friday
Denver Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman "had the best run of any RB in pads so far this camp" on Friday, according to Cody Roark of Mile High Sports. Head coach Sean Payton has singled out the fourth-rounder from the University of Washington as being one of the team's pleasant surprises early in training camp, and the 22-year-old will have a role in Denver's backfield in his first year in the NFL. However, despite his impressive performance this summer, Roark believes that J.K. Dobbins and second-year back RJ Harvey will get the primary reps and touches in the Broncos' backfield in 2026, with Coleman playing more of the Tyler Badie role as the RB3. At 5-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Coleman will give the Broncos' RB room something they've been lacking: a physical and tough presence between the tackles. But his weekly volume, at least to begin his rookie season, probably will not be there. Payton appears to be leaning towards more of a backfield committee, but that could all change if the oft-injured Dobbins misses more time in 2026. At best, Coleman will be an RB to stash in redraft fantasy leagues as a handcuff for Dobbins.
Source: Mile High Sports - Cody Roark
Source: Mile High Sports - Cody Roark
Mike Vrabel Says Kyle Williams Will be "Large Part" of Offense
New England Patriots second-year wide receiver Kyle Williams has seemingly been on the roster bubble during training camp this summer, but not if you ask head coach Mike Vrabel, according to Zack Cox of the Boston Herald. The former third-rounder has looked like the team's No. 7 wideout in camp and has seen limited reps with quarterback Drake Maye, but Vrabel, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and receivers coach Todd Downing are planning on finding ways to get the speedy pass-catcher the ball. "I really, really know that Kyle is going to help us," Vrabel said. "His speed is going to help us." Williams had some big plays in 2025 as a rookie, but he only caught 10 passes on 21 targets for 209 yards and three touchdowns. The 23-year-old from Washington State worked in the offseason to become more physical and versatile, and the Patriots have some more of a willingness to use him as a ball-carrier. "His release skills, his speed, his vertical speed, those are all things that we have to continue to take advantage of as we progress," Vrabel added. Time will tell if Vrabel's words hold up, but as things currently stand in New England's crowded WR room, it's hard to envision Williams having a big weekly role while competing for playing time with the likes of A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kayson Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Efton Chism.
Source: Boston Herald - Zack Cox
Source: Boston Herald - Zack Cox
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Utilized Near the Goal Line in Friday's Scrimmage
Sports Illustrated's John Shipley reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars' backfield plans are starting to come into focus during their scrimmage at training camp on Friday. New running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was limited at the start of camp due to a foot injury that required surgery in the spring, but he has been mixing in more this week and shared the backfield with Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. during Friday's scrimmage. Friday only reinforced the notion that head coach Liam Coen is leaning toward a backfield committee with Tuten, Rodriguez, and Allen. Tuten started the first drive and only came off the field on third down for Allen. Then C-Rod started the second drive before rotating with Tuten. Eventually, Tuten started the drives, but he came off the field in favor of Rodriguez when the team got within the 10-yard line, with Allen playing all the third downs. Both Rodriguez and Tuten had some nice runs, with Allen scoring a receiving touchdown. Fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into the team's first training camp scrimmage, but it suggests that Rodriguez and Tuten will split early-down carries, with Rodriguez potentially serving as the goal-line back.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Bhayshul Tuten Splits Backfield, Comes Off the Field Near Goal Line
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten started the first drive during Friday's scrimmage and only came off the field on third down for LeQuint Allen Jr., according to John Shipley of Sports Illustrated. Chris Rodriguez Jr. then started the second drive before rotating with Tuten. The team eventually settled into "a rotation where Tuten would start the drives, Rodriguez would come on the field when the Jaguars got within the 10-yard line, and then Allen would play all of the third downs." Tuten and Rodriguez each had some positive runs, and Allen caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence. We're starting to finally get some answers as to how head coach Liam Coen's backfield will shape up for the regular season, but Shipley cautions that it's dangerous to glean too much from a scrimmage in training camp. However, he says it felt meaningful to see all three backs be used in their specific roles. Tuten is still the most explosive and highest-upside fantasy option from this backfield, but with a committee most likely to be utilized, fantasy managers should temper expectations for Tuten as a low-end RB2 in 2026.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Parker Washington Hype Hits New High
There may not be a player who has garnered more hype this offseason than Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington. During Friday's scrimmage, Washington caught six passes from quarterback Trevor Lawrence, including two third-down grabs and a touchdown. He was Lawrence's favorite target on Friday and throughout camp. The former sixth-round pick had 847 yards and five touchdowns last season, but he emerged down the stretch, averaging 6.5 receptions for 113.5 yards and scoring three touchdowns in his final four games. He should play the slot role in Liam Coen's offense, a position that has been a strength in Coen's scheme. Players like Cooper Kupp and Chris Godwin Jr. have had monster seasons under Coen, and Washington will hope to do the same in 2026.
Source: John Shipley - Sports Illustrated
Source: John Shipley - Sports Illustrated
Colston Loveland Eyeing Second-Year Breakout
After a stellar finish to the 2025 season, Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland is aiming for a massive second season in 2026. Loveland hauled in 58 of 82 targets for 713 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie, but he really hit his stride after Week 9. He had 41 receptions on 57 targets for 479 yards and four touchdowns in the nine regular-season games after he took over as Chicago's starting tight end. And in two playoff games, Loveland caught 12 of his 25 targets for another 193 receiving yards. Not only is he further cemented in Ben Johnson's offense, but he could also develop a better connection with Caleb Williams. With wide receiver D.J. Moore gone, that should open up more work for Loveland. A 25% target share could be in the making, as Johnson loves featuring tight ends in the passing game, as he did with Sam LaPorta in 2023 and 2024. While Loveland's price is high, going as the TE3 in RotoBaller's rankings, he could contend for the number one tight end in fantasy if Williams improves on last year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Terry McLaurin Still a Good Value Despite WR Addition
The Washington Commanders officially signed veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Thursday, finally cementing Diggs as their WR2 opposite Terry McLaurin. While Diggs should see substantial volume in 2026, McLaurin is still set up for a big year. After a wasted 2025 season, during which McLaurin dealt with a nagging groin/hip injury, he is looking to replicate his 2024 season, when he had just under 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns with quarterback Jayden Daniels. The offensive coordinator change should also benefit McLaurin, as former OC Kliff Kingsbury used him as a primary X receiver. In 2025, he scored 96% of his fantasy points on the outside, the most of any receiver in the NFL. New coordinator David Blough publicly said he wants to get McLaurin "10 targets a game" in 2026 and should be used in motion and in different spots across the formation. McLaurin remains the WR1 on this offense. With both him and Daniels healthy, he is in position to finish among the top 10 wide receivers in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elic Ayomanor Good to Go After Suffering Shoulder Injury on Thursday
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (shoulder) will participate in Friday night's scrimmage after leaving practice early Thursday. Ayomanor walked off with a trainer during practice Thursday, holding his left shoulder. Head coach Robert Saleh said, "It feels stable, but we'll get more information later." Now that he's good to go, the rising star hopes to remain a key part of the Titans' camp. The second-year receiver had 515 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie year and is currently competing with veteran Calvin Ridley for the WR3 role. If Ayomanor can win that battle against Ridley, he could flirt with being a late-round draft pick in most fantasy formats.
Source: Paul Kuharsky
Source: Paul Kuharsky
Texans Taking Their Time With Tank Dell
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) is expected to be eased in during this training camp and season, despite looking strong in drills. Head coach DeMeco Ryans was excited about Dell's return to the field, saying, "You want to see that comeback story. Tank (Dell) looks real nice out there. We're taking our time with Tank, allowing him to come along. Outstanding job, nice crisp in routes. It's exciting." Dell suffered a significant knee/leg injury, including torn ACL, MCL, and LCL, a patellar tendon injury, and a vascular injury that required emergency surgery. This comeback is nothing short of legendary, as Dell hopes to regain his previous form, in which he averaged over 55 receiving yards per game and scored 10 touchdowns in 25 games. While the risk is evident when drafting Dell, the upside remains for him to be a late-round sleeper.
Source: Aaron Wilson - KPRC2
Source: Aaron Wilson - KPRC2
Chris Bell Could Play in Preseason
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley suggested that rookie wide receiver Chris Bell (knee) could play in the preseason. When asked about Bell's current status, Hafley said, "He's progressing nicely. He's accelerating, decelerating; he's able to cut. It would be a huge benefit if we can get him some work in the preseason." Bell is currently on the PUP list as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered in November 2025. While it seemed likely the rookie receiver would miss time in the regular season, Hafley appeared optimistic that he's improving, and fantasy managers could take advantage of a great value if Bell is healthy enough to start the season.
Source: Dave Furones - Sun Sentinel
Source: Dave Furones - Sun Sentinel
John Metchie III a Candidate for WR3 Job in Carolina
Carolina Panthers wide receiver John Metchie III, who is with his fourth different NFL team in 2026 in a little more than 11 months, had a 19-yard rush and a 36-yard kick return in Thursday's Hall of Fame preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. With rookie wideout Chris Brazzell II (knee) already ruled out for the 2026 season, The Charlotte Observer's Mike Kaye suggests that Metchie has a real shot to compete for the WR3 role this year in Carolina behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. The 26-year-old's primary competition will be Xavier Legette, a former first-rounder who has disappointed in his first two years in the NFL. If Metchie makes more noise in training camp and the preseason, he could have a role in the slot with the Panthers, although it wouldn't generate enough volume for the former second-rounder from Alabama to be much more than a bench stash in deeper redraft formats. In 16 games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans in 2025, Metchie had career highs with 33 catches, 274 yards, and two touchdowns on 48 targets.
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Chiefs "Leaning Against" Playing Patrick Mahomes in Preseason Opener
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said the team is "leaning against" playing quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) in next week's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star. Reid also said he doesn't know if Mahomes will play in the second or third preseason games, either. Mahomes prefers to see some preseason action, but it's a special scenario going into the 2026 season after he tore his ACL and LCL late last season. The good news for the Chiefs and fantasy managers is that the 30-year-old two-time MVP and six-time Pro Bowler is on track to be ready for the team's Week 1 season opener on Monday night against the division-rival Denver Broncos in early September. Mahomes has made great progress from his knee injury and has been participating in 11-on-11 team drills in training camp without limitations. His improving health will improve his fantasy football stock going into his 10th year in the league, but still, managers should be hesitant not to overvalue Mahomes based on his past exploits, with his mobility potentially not being the same as it once was. Treat him as more of a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 in fantasy in 2026.
Source: The Kansas City Star - Sam McDowell
Source: The Kansas City Star - Sam McDowell
Texans Actively Looking to Involve Jaylin Noel on Offense
Now that Houston Texans second-year wide receiver Jaylin Noel (finger) has come off the Non-Football Injury list at training camp, head coach DeMeco Ryans said the Texans are actively looking for ways to "get him the ball on offense multiple times a game," according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. The 23-year-old former third-rounder from Iowa State wasn't as productive as teammate Jayden Higgins as a rookie, as he caught just 26 passes on 35 targets for 292 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (three starts). However, Noel should have a bigger role in Year 2 in 2026 as he competes with Tank Dell (knee) and Xavier Hutchinson for the WR3 role behind Higgins and Nico Collins. Losing the first two weeks of training camp didn't help Noel's cause, but he has plenty of time to get more involved going into Week 1 of the regular season. How big Noel's role is in his sophomore season will probably depend on how much Dell can do after suffering a devastating knee injury in 2024 and missing all of last year. Right now, Noel is merely a late-round dart throw in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
