RADIO
Zay Flowers has Bulked Up
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers said he added eight pounds of muscle this offseason because he heard the grief about running sideways and wants to break more tackles this year, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. The Ravens just gave Flowers a four-year, $140 million contract extension on Tuesday after his second straight 1,000-yard season in 2025 in his third year in the league. The 25-year-old is still on the smaller side after bulking up, and he's listed at 5-foot-9, 183 pounds. The two-time Pro Bowler is the Ravens' unquestioned WR1, and he could have a higher ceiling in 2026 in new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's scheme as Baltimore looks to get back to the postseason. Flowers had career highs in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,211) while catching five touchdown passes in 17 starts. He's had at least 74 catches, 858 yards, and four touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons, giving him a solid floor as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in fantasy football leagues. An even higher target share could be coming Flowers' way this year.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Brian Wacker
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Brian Wacker
DeVonta Smith Still Resting his Hamstring
Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Makai Lemon (hamstring) are both sitting out of training camp practice on Wednesday with hamstring issues, according to EJ Smith of PHLY Sports. It's the second straight day that both receivers have been held out, but they are both expected to be dealing with minor injuries and should return to the field sooner rather than later. With both Smith and Lemon out, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and Britain Covey have been working with the first-team offense, with Wicks particularly standing out, making him the current favorite to win WR2 duties behind Smith to open the 2026 regular season. Pro Bowler A.J. Smith is now in New England, which means Smith will have an even bigger role as quarterback Jalen Hurts' top aerial target. The former 10th overall pick in 2021 from the University of Alabama had his third 1,000-yard season in 2025 and will now have an even higher ceiling. Fantasy managers should treat Smith as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 going into his sixth NFL campaign.
Source: PHLY Sports - EJ Smith
Source: PHLY Sports - EJ Smith
Xavier Worthy Remains Sidelined at Practice
Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers Xavier Worthy (shoulder) and Cyrus Allen (shin) remain sidelined at Wednesday's training camp practice, according to Matt Derrick of Chiefs Digest. Worthy is dealing with a sprained shoulder, but head coach Andy Reid expects the speedy wideout to return to the field later this week. The same can be said for Allen, who was standing out in his first training camp before getting injured. Fantasy managers were a bit worried when Worthy was initially listed with a shoulder injury since he separated the same shoulder in Week 1 of last year and was never the same the rest of the way. The Chiefs don't appear to be very worried about Worthy's latest injury, and he should be ready to play in the preseason opener on Aug. 15. The 23-year-old former first-rounder from the University of Texas could be a nice value pick later in fantasy drafts with bounce-back potential if he's fully healthy in 2026. Worthy scored six touchdowns and had 638 receiving yards as a rookie, but he fell to a 42-532-1 line in 14 games a year ago while playing most of the season at less than full health.
Source: Chiefs Digest - Matt Derrick
Source: Chiefs Digest - Matt Derrick
Rashee Rice Taking Part in 11-on-11 Drills
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is taking part in 11-on-11 team drills at training camp practice on Wednesday for the first time in camp, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. The Chiefs have eased Rice back into practice this summer following an offseason knee procedure. That will likely continue for the 26-year-old, but barring a setback, it seems likely that he'll be ready for the team's Week 1 regular-season opener on Monday night against the division-rival Denver Broncos. The Chiefs have even more reason to play it safe with Rice because of injuries sustained to fellow wideouts Xavier Worthy (shoulder) and rookie Cyrus Allen (shin) last week. When healthy, Rice will be quarterback Patrick Mahomes' top target, giving him clear WR1 upside. Rice's history of injuries and off-the-field issues make him more of a risky high-end WR2 wideout, though. He caught 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, but the former second-rounder from SMU has played in just 12 games in the last two seasons due to injuries and suspension.
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Ja'Kobi Lane Rising in Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane had another highlight play in training camp practice on Wednesday, leaping to catch a pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson in the back of the end zone during red-zone drills, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. The third-rounder from USC made a fantastic one-handed catch in practice on Tuesday with the starters, and the 6-foot-4 wideout continues to impress the coaching staff this summer. It's definitely notable for fantasy purposes, as the Ravens have a pretty wide-open WR depth chart behind WR1 Zay Flowers. Lane is competing primarily with Devontez Walker and fellow rookie Elijah Sarratt for the WR3 role behind Flowers and veteran Rashod Bateman, but it would not be surprising to see Lane surpass Bateman sooner rather than later as one of the Ravens' top aerial weapons if he continues to look like he has early in camp. Durability could be Lane's biggest hurdle because of his thin build, and he also isn't a big yards-after-the-catch guy. Lane will most likely go undrafted in most standard-sized fantasy leagues, but he could be an intriguing red-zone weapon for the Ravens to begin his NFL career.
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
The Jaylen Waddle Hype Continues in Broncos Camp
New Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been a hit early on in training camp, and it "has become clear to see how the Broncos believe Waddle's electric skills can fit into their offense," according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. Waddle has shown his ability to win inside on quick-hit plays and then gobble up yards after the catch. Quarterback Bo Nix said the team's new offensive weapon gives them an explosive element that "we've lacked for a couple of years." The 27-year-old Waddle has helped unlock new areas of the field for Nix after Nix averaged only 6.8 yards per pass attempt in 2025. "Middle of the field, outside, vertically, behind the line of scrimmage -- anywhere," Nix said of Waddle's impact. "We're going to utilize him, and whatever the defense is giving us, we're going to attack." The Broncos gave up first- and third-round picks to acquire Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, and head coach Sean Payton clearly has many ways in mind to use the speedy wideout to give the Broncos offense more explosive plays. Waddle could easily lead Denver in targets and yardage in 2026 in his first year with the team, making him a popular WR2 target in upcoming fantasy drafts.
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
Dontayvion Wicks Emerging as the WR2 in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks has been one of the team's most consistent offensive performers through the opening weeks of training camp, and with Makai Lemon now sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Philly Voice's Jimmy Kempski has Wicks penciled in for the WR2 spot across from DeVonta Smith, noting that the offseason trade acquisition has clearly looked like the second-best receiver in camp. The departure of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown left an obvious need on the outside, and at 6'1" and 206 pounds, Wicks looked like the best fit on paper, but his performance through the first five practices of camp suggests the role should be his to start the season. With his production declining year over year in Green Bay, a change of scenery could remind fantasy managers of the traits that made him a popular sleeper candidate early in his career, and as RotoBaller's WR80, Wicks has the potential to greatly exceed ADP expectation in 2026.
Source: Jimmy Kempski
Source: Jimmy Kempski
Tank Dell Practicing in Pads
The Houston Texans will practice in pads for the third straight day on Wednesday, and wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) is expected to take part without obvious limitation. Dell suffered a career-threatening knee injury in December 2024 that would cost him the entirety of the 2025 season. After undergoing multiple surgeries, Wednesday's practice marks his first time donning pads in an NFL setting since the injury. The 2023 third-round pick developed a clear connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud, catching 98 passes for 1,376 yards and 10 scores across his first two seasons, and he will look to pick up where he left off in a receiver room still populated by two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins along with second-year players Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Dell's place in the pecking order remains unclear, but as one of the easiest players to root for in 2026, he could play his way back into fantasy viability as RotoBaller's WR75.
Source: Jane Slater
Source: Jane Slater
Tez Johnson Sustains a Groin Strain
Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year wide receiver Tez Johnson sustained a groin strain, as reported by senior team writer Scott Smith. Head coach Todd Bowles shared the injury news on Wednesday, also noting that receiver Jalen McMillan banged his knee a couple of days ago and that the team would be careful with him. While neither injury sounds like a long-term concern, the absences could create more opportunity for rookie Ted Hurst to work with the first-team offense after drawing positive reviews in recent practices. Johnson made 28 catches as a rookie for 322 yards, but in a deep receiver room, he's unlikely to hold more than a rotational role in 2026 and is RotoBaller's WR108.
Source: Scott Smith
Source: Scott Smith
Jalen McMillan Dealing with a Knee Issue
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has been a regular standout in his third training camp with the team, but he could miss some time as he tends to a knee issue. Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Wednesday that McMillan banged the knee a couple days ago, and that they're being careful with him. While the injury does not sound to be overly serious, his status will need to be monitored over the coming days. Second-year receiver Tez Johnson also sustained a groin strain, which could open a path for rookie Ted Hurst to see more work with the first team offense. McMillan suffered a serious neck injury during the 2025 preseason, which caused him to miss 13 games, and with an expanded role potentially on tap following the departure of six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans, a cautious approach from the team would be understandable.
Source: Scott Smith
Source: Scott Smith
Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson to Alternate Preseason Starts
Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson have alternated first-team reps through the install period of training camp, and head coach Todd Monken intends to continue that approach into the preseason. Monken told NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe, "[I'm] going to start one quarterback the first preseason game, the other one will start the second one, and then most likely, the leader of the competition's going to start the third," also saying, "The next week is going to decide who gets each of those games." Monken has stressed that he wants one of his quarterbacks to make it clear that they deserve the starting job, noting that despite his growth over the past four months, Sanders still has room to improve, while Watson needs to cut down on the turnovers after throwing six interceptions through this stage of training camp. The Browns play their first preseason game against the Bears on August 15, and who gets that start could be a telling indication of who could be the team's Week 1 starter.
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Chase Brown Being Used Across the Formation
Through the early stages of training camp, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has already dug into the deepest corners of the team's playbook, and a player seemingly at the center of everything has been running back Chase Brown. The fourth-year back has been moved all across the formation, with The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. pointing out, "Brown lines up in the slot and runs a slant one play, then takes a jet sweep the next. He's part of 20 personnel with two running backs, motions into the backfield, behind a fullback and almost any other spot imaginable." While the inclusion of some lesser-used plays has led to expected inconsistencies from the offense as a whole, Brown's usage has been one of the most encouraging signs to come out of Bengals camp, and he could be in line for a massive workload in 2026.
Source: Paul Dehner Jr. - The Athletic
Source: Paul Dehner Jr. - The Athletic
D'Andre Swift Eyeing More Explosive Runs in 2026
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift set career highs of 1,087 rushing yards and nine rushing scores in his second season with the Bears, but there's one area of his game that he feels he can still improve. 2025 was the first season in his six-year career that he did not break a run for at least 25 yards, something he spoke about with reporters on Tuesday. "The only thing I was missing last year that I need to do a better job of is I need more explosive runs, longer runs," he said. "I need to showcase that. I didn't have a lot of those last year. I think we can go out there and improve that." Detailing where that improvement can come from, Swift shared his goals of "creating more space for myself" and "making the most out of when I do get space." The Bears have been lauded all offseason as an offense on the rise, with expectations high for quarterback Caleb Williams and a young group of pass-catchers in year two under Ben Johnson. Still, at RotoBaller's RB19, Swift has become somewhat of a forgotten piece and could prove to be one of the better values in 2026 drafts.
Source: Larry Mayer
Source: Larry Mayer
DJ Moore Building an "Unreal" Connection with His New Quarterback
Tuesday marked the most extensive 11-on-11 work of Buffalo Bills training camp to this point, and veteran wide receiver DJ Moore continues to make plays while building a connection with quarterback Josh Allen that has stood out to teammates. After the two linked up for a 50-yard touchdown strike during team sessions, receiver Khalil Shakir told reporters, "When you watch stuff like that, it just feels fake, like how beautiful that play was." He also described the connection between Moore and Allen as "unreal" while pointing out, "the stuff they've done every single day and the growth that's come within that is going to help us win games for sure." Moore spent his final season in Chicago in a crowded receiver room, resulting in career-lows of 50 receptions for 682 yards. Now, as the unquestioned primary receiver in an offense that's been in search of such a piece since the departure of Stefon Diggs, Moore has the opportunity to show that last season was more of an outlier than the start of his decline, and at RotoBaller's WR27, he could still prove to be a fantasy difference-maker from the middle rounds of drafts.
Source: Ralph Ventre
Source: Ralph Ventre
Jalen Hurts Still Looking for Consistency in New-Look Offense
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts did not throw a touchdown during competitive portions of the team's first four training camp practices, but after his best session of the summer on Monday, he had a chance to string together positive days, even with several key pieces missing from the Eagles' offense on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the unit turned in another sloppy outing that NBC Sports Philadelphia's Dave Zangaro called "a tough one to watch." The Eagles were without right tackle Lane Johnson and two of their top receivers, DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon, on a day that was marred by pre-snap penalties and never saw the offense capitalize on the momentum established during the first day in pads. Some growing pains are to be expected with Sean Mannion taking over as the fifth offensive coordinator in as many seasons and Hurts working with a revamped group of pass catchers, but drafters will still want to see some positive strides to justify his current ADP of QB6.
Source: Dave Zangaro
Source: Dave Zangaro
