RADIO
Seth McGowan Quiet in First Opportunity as a Preseason Starter
Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Seth McGowan started in Thursday's 13-13 preseason opening tie against the New England Patriots. With lead running back Jonathan Taylor held out, McGowan only racked up 17 yards on his five carries and lost a fumble. McGowan was unable to capitalize on this early opportunity to solidify himself as the team's RB2, as fellow running back DJ Giddens (hamstring) was held out of the game due to injury. Deep Dynasty managers should continue to hold out hope for McGowan as the young rookie develops and gains more experience next week against the Atlanta Falcons. If McGowan can earn that RB2 role, he could also be a valuable handcuff for Taylor managers in redraft leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Terry McLaurin Not Playing on Friday Night
Washington Commanders wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs will be on the sideline for Friday night's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, per The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala. The Commanders are also resting quarterback Jayden Daniels and most of their other key offensive starters. It remains to be seen if McLaurin and Diggs will be allowed to suit up for the team's second preseason game next Saturday against the Detroit Lions. The 30-year-old veteran had the worst season of his career in 2025, catching 38 passes on 60 targets for 582 yards and only three touchdowns in 10 starts. It wasn't all his fault, though, as he missed time with injury and was mostly working with backup QB Marcus Mariota when he was healthy. The former third-rounder in 2019 from Ohio State should benefit from the recent addition of Diggs as a prime bounce-back candidate with WR2 upside if both he and Daniels can stay on the field together. Before last year, the two-time Pro Bowler had five straight 1,000-yard seasons and a career-high 13 touchdown receptions in 2024.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Jayden Daniels Not Playing in Friday's Preseason Opener
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday night against the Miami Dolphins, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. The Commanders will hold out their key starters on Friday, which also includes receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, running backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White, and tight end Chig Okonkwo. It remains to be seen if Washington will roll Daniels and the starting unit out there for their second preseason tilt next Saturday against the Detroit Lions. The 25-year-old has recently been in the headlines over a dispute with his alma mater at LSU, but that shouldn't distract fantasy managers from the fact that Daniels has top-five fantasy upside at the QB position in 2026 if he can stay healthy. The former second overall pick was unable to do that last year, starting just seven games and throwing for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. Daniels became a bit more interesting as a high-end bounce-back candidate when the Commanders added Diggs to the fold to give McLaurin help in the passing game.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Riley Leonard Stumbles in Preseason Opener
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard started the second half of the Colts' preseason opener against the New England Patriots and completed 10 of 21 passes for 89 yards. Leonard also managed to eke out 12 yards on the ground from two rushing attempts. The sophomore quarterback out of Notre Dame threw one interception early in the third quarter while under pressure from a collapsing pocket, but eventually found his rhythm. Leonard seems to be playing for the third position on the Colts' quarterback depth chart behind Anthony Richardson Sr. and ahead of Easton Stick. He has another chance next week against the Atlanta Falcons to demonstrate progress and improve his efficiency in the air.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bills Defensive Tackle Phidarian Mathis Suspended Three Games
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis has been suspended for the first three games of the 2026 season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. The suspension stems from an alcohol-related incident that occurred in the spring of last year. Mathis, a former second-round pick in 2022 by the Washington Commanders from the University of Alabama, was with the New York Jets at the time of the incident. It will not help the 28-year-old's cause as he competes with DeWayne Carter for one of the final spots on the roster on the Bills' defensive line this summer. Mathis will be eligible to play in the preseason and will be eligible for reinstatement on Sept. 28. He played in six regular-season games in Buffalo last year and one of their playoff contests.
Source: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
Source: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
Anthony Richardson Sr. The Early Favorite for Backup Spot?
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. had moderate success in the air and on the ground during Thursday's preseason opener 13-13 tie to the New England Patriots. As the Colts' starter with Daniel Jones (Achilles) on the mend, Richardson Sr. completed 11 of his 14 attempts for 145 yards. He also reminded fans of his dual-threat abilities and tallied 53 yards on the ground off his six carries, scoring one rushing touchdown from the goal line. However, in Richardson Sr.'s first and only half of play, he threw one interception and lost a fumble. The Colts' 2023 first-round pick will have another opportunity next week against the Atlanta Falcons to improve his ball security and try to earn the backup role behind veteran quarterback Daniel Jones.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kayshon Boutte Plays With Backups, Not Targeted in Preseason Opener
The New England Patriots held out their offensive starters in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts, but wide receiver Kayshon Boutte played 16 snaps on offense. Boutte wasn't targeted at all by quarterback Tommy DeVito in the 13-13 tie against Indy. Quarterback Drake Maye and starting receivers A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and DeMario Douglas were in street clothes, with Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism getting reps with the backup offense. The 24-year-old Boutte, who was a sixth-round pick in 2023 from LSU, had a career-high six touchdowns in 14 regular-season games last year, but otherwise he failed to stand out for fantasy purposes, catching 33 of 46 targets for 551 yards in his third year in the league. The offseason additions of Brown and Doubs officially put Boutte off the fantasy football radar in all single-year leagues and make him a potential trade candidate before Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Boutte likely needs an injury or two in New England to become interesting again or a trade out of town.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Dorance Armstrong Suspended One Game
Washington Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong has been suspended one game for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, according to Adam Schefter. The reason for the discipline was not included in the initial report. Armstrong is coming off a torn ACL suffered against Dallas in Week 7 last season, cutting short what had been a strong year for the veteran pass rusher. He finished with 5.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits in only seven games, and his sack total still led Washington for the season. Armstrong opened training camp on the Active/PUP list but passed his physical and returned to the active roster on Aug. 7. Washington added Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson during the offseason, and Armstrong is currently listed behind Chaisson on the team's first unofficial depth chart. After missing most of last season because of the knee injury, Armstrong will now also have to sit out one regular-season game.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
David Njoku Hard to Trust in Crowded Tight End Room
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku landed with a much better quarterback this offseason, but the fantasy setup around him is a lot less comfortable. Njoku caught 33 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games for Cleveland last season, well below the 81-882-6 line he posted in 2023. Justin Herbert gives him a chance to rebound, especially near the goal line, where 26 of Njoku's 34 career touchdowns have come. The problem is finding enough work between the 20s. Oronde Gadsden II is coming off a 49-catch, 664-yard rookie season, Charlie Kolar was added in free agency, and the Chargers' first unofficial depth chart lists all three with an OR designation at tight end. Njoku has flashed in the red zone during camp, but there still isn't much separation in this group. RotoBaller has him at TE33 in half-PPR. The quarterback upgrade is real, but without a clearer route and target advantage, Njoku looks more like a touchdown-dependent TE3 than someone to trust in standard redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colts Coach Brian Mason Tears Several Knee Ligaments
Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason suffered multiple torn ligaments in his knee after being rolled up on during Thursday night's preseason game against the New England Patriots, according to Joel A. Erickson. The injury happened on the final play of the 13-13 tie, when two players engaged near the sideline ran into Mason. Head coach Shane Steichen said after the game that Mason was being evaluated for a knee injury, and Erickson reported Friday that the damage includes multiple torn ligaments. Mason is entering his fourth season as Indianapolis' special teams coordinator and has been with Shane Steichen's staff since 2023. There has been no reported timetable for Mason's recovery, and the Colts have not announced whether the injury will keep him away from the team once practices resume.
Source: Joel A. Erickson
Source: Joel A. Erickson
Josh Jacobs Could Return to Practice Late Next Week
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (groin) could return to practice late next week. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that Jacobs could "potentially" get back on the field during the upcoming week, according to Rob Demovsky, but added that it would not be until later in the week. Jacobs has been out since Aug. 6 with the groin injury and was already ruled out for this week's practices. He is coming off a 2025 season in which he rushed 234 times for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games, while adding 36 catches for 282 yards and another score. Green Bay has been able to give MarShawn Lloyd extended first-team work while Jacobs is sidelined, but there has been no indication that Jacobs' lead role is in question. LaFleur's latest comments are encouraging, though his wording still leaves some uncertainty. Jacobs does not have a firm return date yet.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
James Pearce Jr. Suspended Eight Games
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the first eight games of the 2026 regular season for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy. The NFL announced Friday that the suspension will begin Aug. 30, and Pearce will be eligible for reinstatement Nov. 2. The discipline follows his February arrest in Florida after a domestic dispute involving his former girlfriend, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson. Pearce later entered a pretrial intervention program that could result in the charges being dismissed if he completes its conditions. Atlanta is already without Jalon Walker, who tore his ACL earlier this month, so the Falcons will open the year missing both of their 2025 first-round edge rushers. Pearce was a huge part of the pass rush as a rookie, leading Atlanta with 10.5 sacks and adding 16 quarterback hits. RotoBaller had him 90th overall in its latest IDP rankings, but an eight-game absence makes him difficult to carry in standard IDP redraft leagues.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Brenen Thompson Garners Six Targets in NFL Debut
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Brenen Thompson had two catches for 30 yards on six targets in Thursday's preseason 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans. Thompson was tied for the most targets last night (6) with wideout Keandre Lambert-Smith. The 23-year-old rookie immediately showed his ability to be a deep threat in the Chargers' offense with his average of 15 yards per catch. Thompson has had a strong training camp up to this point, and he could find his way into a consistent rotational role for the regular season if he continues to stand out. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel made a heavy push for the team to draft him, so it will be worth managers keeping notes on him as the preseason goes on.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Troy Franklin May Struggle to Repeat Last Year's Volume
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin took a big step forward last season, but getting back to 104 targets could be a challenge. Franklin caught 65 passes for 709 yards and six touchdowns in 2025, finishing second to Courtland Sutton in all three categories. Denver then paid a hefty price to bring in Jaylen Waddle, and the Broncos' first unofficial depth chart has Marvin Mims Jr. ahead of Franklin at the third receiver spot. Franklin hasn't disappeared this summer. Bo Nix has continued finding him during first-team work, and Sean Payton recently praised how much more comfortable he looks with Denver's formations and different alignments. There are just more players fighting for touches now. Sutton and Waddle should command plenty of work, Mims is ahead of Franklin for the moment, and Pat Bryant and Evan Engram are part of the passing game as well. RotoBaller has Franklin at WR84 in half-PPR. He still makes sense as a late flier, but another 100-target season is getting difficult to project.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Oronde Gadsden Gets Limited Action in Preseason Opener
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden had two catches for 21 yards on three targets in Thursday's 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans in their preseason opener. Gadsden's lone drop came in the end zone when officials ruled him out of bounds before he completed the catch. The 23-year-old played three offensive drives during the game, but more importantly, he was the only tight end in the potential rotation to play. David Njoku and Charlie Kolar were both held out of the game as the Chargers opted to rest most of their key starters and veterans. This could be the first sign of how the team values the tight end group and how they plan to utilize each of them this season. It will be worth keeping tabs on how much each tight end in that three-man rotation plays during the preseason.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
