RADIO
Demond Claiborne Appears Locked into RB3 Role
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne totaled eight carries for 18 yards and added seven yards through the air in the 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Claiborne has been inefficient in both preseason games, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry on 20 carries. However, the sixth-round pick played all 19 snaps with J.J. McCarthy and the second-team offense, while Zavier Scott entered the game afterward. While both veterans Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are expected to handle the backfield early in the season, Claiborne offers more speed and explosiveness than the other two. Injuries will likely be needed for the rookie to find the field this season, but Claiborne is a player to keep an eye on.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Seth McGowan Poised to Claim RB2 Role in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Seth McGowan appears to be the favorite for the backup role behind star Jonathan Taylor. McGowan had eight carries for 27 yards and added five yards on one catch in the 34-6 preseason loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With quarterback Riley Leonard and the backups, McGowan played 27 of 27 snaps and has done a good job in training camp. With second-year back DJ Giddens (hamstring) struggling at camp and expected to miss time, McGowan appears locked into the handcuff role behind Taylor, who has missed 16 games over the last four seasons. Currently ranked as the RB63 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, McGowan could be in a great situation behind an elite offensive line if Taylor is banged up during the season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyler Goodson Impresses Against Former Team
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Goodson had six carries for 59 yards and a touchdown in the 34-6 preseason victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Goodson scored a 49-yard touchdown on the team's second drive, and the former Colts running back had his "return game" as teammates were penalized for storming the field after the long touchdown run. Goodson served as the team's lead back while star Bijan Robinson and backup Brian Robinson Jr. sat out. Goodson played eight of 11 offensive snaps, while 2025 third-string back Nathan Carter played just three snaps. Though it's a long shot that Goodson will have a role in the 2026 season, any injuries to the two starting backs could elevate him to a starting role this year.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
De'Von Achane Sits Out of Saturday's Preseason Contest
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane and quarterback Malik Willis were both in street clothes for the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the New York Giants, according to David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. In the 26-3 loss to the G-Men, Jaylen Wright led Miami with six carries, but he gained just nine yards on the ground, while Ollie Gordon II had four carries for only eight yards. Cam Miller led the team in rushing with 18 yards on his two carries. The 24-year-old Achane was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2025 in his third year in the NFL, and he also recorded his first 1,000-yard rushing season. Achane had 1,350 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 238 carries while adding 67 receptions (85 targets) for 488 yards and another four TDs as a pass-catcher in 16 starts to finish as the RB6 in half-PPR scoring. He led the league with 5.7 yards per carry, and although volume should not be a problem in 2026, his efficiency could be in an offense expected to struggle with little aerial help for Willis. RotoBaller has Achane ranked as the No. 12 overall fantasy RB as he enters his fourth year in the NFL.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Zachariah Branch Appears Headed for Reserve Role in 2026
Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch hauled in two of three targets for 15 yards in the Falcons' 34-6 preseason win over the Indianapolis Colts. Branch played a limited role on Saturday, taking eight of 11 snaps with quarterback Cooper Rush, and saw less playing time than Dylan Drummond (11) and Chris Blair (10). The third-round pick played just one snap with the first-team offense last week against the Denver Broncos. With receivers Drake London, Jahan Dotson, and Olamide Zaccheaus all sitting out against the Colts, Branch could be in a reserve role this season. Currently ranked WR82 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Branch is unlikely to produce early this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Puka Nacua Has Civil Trial Moved to March of 2028
Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua had his civil trial date moved to March 2028. Nacua faces a possible suspension for allegedly biting a woman and making antisemitic statements, allegations he has denied. While the NFL will conduct its own independent investigations, Nacua's suspension could be delayed until 2027 or 2028. In 2024, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice had his trial pushed back to the following season, suited up in Week 1, and was suspended before the 2025 season. Nacua has missed time during training camp due to groin soreness, and with the regular season just 19 days away from the Rams' game against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, he will need to get on the field soon to be ready to go.
Source: Blaine Grisak
Source: Blaine Grisak
Caleb Douglas Sits Against Giants, Further Cementing his Role
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas did not see any game action in the Dolphins' 26-3 preseason loss to the New York Giants. With no reported injuries or soreness, Douglas likely sat due to his standing in the Dolphins' starting offense. The third-round pick has spent most of training camp and the preseason with the first-team offense, was listed as a starter on the unofficial depth chart, and is now too important to risk in a preseason game. Miami's receiver room remains lackluster, with Malik Washington and third-round pick Chris Bell expected to operate alongside Douglas. However, it appears the former Texas Tech receiver is an integral piece of this offense and should be considered in the late rounds of fantasy drafts.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jaylen Wright Emerging as Dolphins' Backup RB
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright is emerging as the team's handcuff after starting over Ollie Gordon II in the 26-3 preseason loss to the New York Giants. Despite an inefficient outing, Wright played on all the snaps during the team's opening drive and on 12 of the first 16, while Gordon played afterward. Gordon also suffered an injury late in the game, holding his midsection after a hard hit on a short carry. While both backs are expected to operate behind star running back De'Von Achane, Wright appears to be in line for the backup role behind Achane. Currently ranked RB76 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Wright could be a late-round dart throw as a handcuff running back this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ty Simpson Efficient Once Again in Preseason Action
Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson completed eight of 12 passes for 73 yards in the Rams' 34-0 preseason blowout of the New Orleans Saints. Simpson has been mistake-free in both preseason games, completing 29 of 37 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Sean McVay said, "I thought Ty did a good job being efficient in the second half." The 13th overall pick is expected to sit behind former MVP Matthew Stafford in 2026 and develop before becoming the quarterback of the future after Stafford retires. Currently ranked QB38 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Simpson is unlikely to be a key fantasy contributor unless Stafford is injured this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Barion Brown's Absence Could Hint at Potential Role
New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Barion Brown did not play in the 34-0 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Brown had a standout training camp and spent time with the first-team offense this summer. While an injury to the sixth-round pick is possible, the team may also have been unwilling to risk him given their injuries in the receiver room. With first-round pick Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) expected to miss time during the regular season and Mason Tipton still on the PUP list, Brown may have a role this season. The rookie receiver caught all four targets for 53 yards in last week's preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, while playing the most snaps among active receivers. While Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele should be the lead receivers early in the season, Brown could carve out a full-time workload if he has a strong start.
Source: Nick Underhill
Source: Nick Underhill
Patrick Mahomes Extremely Confident He Will Play in Week 1
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) said he is extremely confident he will be ready to go in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes tore his ACL in Week 15 last season, but the future Hall of Fame quarterback has had a smooth recovery by all accounts. During a sideline interview in their preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mahomes said he wanted to play in Saturday's game. "I'll try to play next week, but that's up to Coach Reid." Mahomes also said that as long as there are no setbacks, "I'm ready to be on that field." Mahomes completed 315 of 512 passes for a career-low 3,587 yards and 22 touchdowns during the 2025 season. With his former offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, back, Mahomes is looking to rekindle the magic he had early in his career.
Source: Sam McDowell
Source: Sam McDowell
Ja'Kobi Lane Could Be in the WR3 Mix in Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane saw limited action in the team's second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, finishing the contest with one catch for nine yards on two targets. A third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Lane has consistently drawn rave reviews for his work throughout training camp. The 22-year-old played three collegiate seasons at USC, recording 49 catches for 745 yards and four touchdowns across 11 games in 2025. Entering 2026, Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman profile as the top wideouts in Baltimore. However, Lane could be leading a WR3 battle that also includes fellow rookie Elijah Sarratt and 2024 fourth-rounder Devontez Walker. Bateman is also currently dealing with some legal issues regarding an alleged family violence incident. Should he face any sort of league punishment, Lane could move even further up the Ravens' wide receiver depth chart. Entering 2026, Lane profiles as a priority late-round sleeper target for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Shedeur Sanders Throws Touchdown Pass in Preseason Action on Saturday
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders put together a respectable performance in his team's second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, completing nine of 11 pass attempts for 74 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The 24-year-old is currently competing with veteran signal-caller Deshaun Watson to be Cleveland's Week 1 starting quarterback. Sanders was clearly the better of the two quarterbacks on Saturday, as Watson completed just five of 12 pass attempts for 36 yards. A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders completed 56.6% of his pass attempts for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across eight games (seven starts) as a rookie. While Sanders has more talent and offensive stability around him in 2026, he should likely remain off fantasy radars in all but the deepest of leagues even if he is named Cleveland's starter.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Alec Pierce Could Be Available, May Not Be 100% in Week 1
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) "could be available" but is unlikely to "be a super dynamic player" in Week 1, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Pierce is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he works his way back from ankle surgery, which he underwent in April. The 26-year-old had the most productive year of his career in 2025, recording 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 84 targets across 15 games. The Colts handed him a monster four-year contract extension this past spring and traded away former WR1 Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving Pierce in position to step into an expanded role in 2026. When healthy, Pierce is one of the most dynamic deep-ball threats in the NFL. However, his health and fantasy value both appear to be open questions heading into the year.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Malachi Fields' Role Appears Solidified Entering 2026
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields went without a catch in the 26-3 preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins. Although Fields did not record a target in his time on the field, his role appears to be solidified entering the 2026 season. Fields played all eight snaps with the first-team offense and ran the most routes alongside Darius Slayton (5). More good news for the second-round pick: After the first drive, Fields did not play another snap for the rest of the game, while both Slayton, Calvin Austin III, and Odell Beckham Jr. played beyond the opening drive. While receivers Malik Nabers and Darnell Mooney were inactive against the Dolphins, Fields should continue to operate with the first-team offense. Currently ranked as the WR81 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Fields should be considered in the late rounds in drafts this year.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
