Jun 4, 2026, 5:26 PM ET

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) looked good and was moving around well at OTA practice on Thursday after he sat out of the first open practice last week, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. It's a good sign for LaPorta, who is coming off back surgery to fix a herniated disc that forced him to miss the final eight games of the 2025 season. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Iowa was the No. 1 fantasy TE in his rookie year, catching 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns on 120 targets in 17 regular-season games. LaPorta took a slight step back in 2024 with a 60-726-7 line in 16 starts, before catching just 40 passes for 489 yards and three scores a year ago in nine starts. It won't cost nearly as much to secure LaPorta's services in fantasy as a low-end TE1 after his injury in 2025, and with the situation not much different in Detroit than in his first two years, there is clear bounce-back potential in his fourth year in the NFL if he can stay healthy. LaPorta is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 9 TE for the 2026 campaign.--Keith Hernandez
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman

Jun 4, 2026, 5:25 PM ET

New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans has quickly won over his coaches and teammates in the Bay Area during OTAs, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Not only has Evans, a surefire future Hall of Famer, been humble around his new teammates, but his length and route-running abilities have stood out in practices. "I pinch myself every day," tight end George Kittle said. "This is like the first legit veteran wide receiver I've had on my roster since Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, in my opinion. And nothing against the other veteran receivers I've had, but he's a Hall of Famer. I think he takes ball seriously. That kind of sets the tone for the wide receiver room, especially when we have a bunch of young guys in there." Evans' string of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons ended in 2025 due to a broken clavicle, but he's intent on starting a new streak in 2026 at 32 years old. Joining the Niners gives Evans a clear path back to the 1,000-yard mark and perhaps even double-digit touchdowns, but there's no denying the risk involved with an aging player like Evans, who has a lot of tread on the tires. Fantasy managers would be wise to target him as more of a high-end WR3/low-end WR2 in drafts this fall.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows

Jun 4, 2026, 5:25 PM ET

Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne currently projects to be behind both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks on the team's running back depth chart, per Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Etienne recorded just 107 scrimmage yards on 23 touches across 17 games as a rookie. Hubbard has recorded over 3,200 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns over the past three seasons for Carolina and profiles as the clear RB1. However, Brooks has been limited to just three games by knee injuries since being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Etienne could work his way past Brooks over the course of the summer. Still, it's notable that the Panthers may be thinking of Brooks as the complement to Hubbard at this point. It's too early to give up on Etienne in dynasty formats, but the 21-year-old has some work to do to establish himself after his underwhelming rookie year.--Will Brady
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye

Jun 4, 2026, 4:46 PM ET

Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said running back Jaylen Wright is showing a greater comfort level this season and "has some speed," per David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Wright missed time early in the 2025 season with a knee injury, but finished the year with 332 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 75 touches across 10 games. As long as star Dolphins running back De'Von Achane remains healthy, it will be difficult for Wright to earn enough touches to provide fantasy-relevant production. However, Wright may be on his way to firmly seizing the RB2 role in Miami away from fellow Dolphins back Ollie Gordon II. If Wright emerges as the clear backup to Achane, he would profile as one of the better handcuff running back options for fantasy managers entering 2026.--Will Brady
Source: Sun Sentinel - David Furones

Jun 4, 2026, 4:37 PM ET

Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich said he is developing chemistry with new quarterback Malik Willis during OTAs, per Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. Dulcich currently sits atop the Dolphins' tight end depth chart, with rookie third-rounder Will Kacmarek and rookie fifth-rounder Seydou Traore possibly in the mix for regular playing time as well. Injuries have been a major issue for Dulcich to this point in his career, as he's played in just 31 games across four NFL seasons. However, he finished the 2025 season strong for Miami, recording 11 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets over his final three games of the year. The Dolphins are also entering 2026 without any obvious high-end pass-catchers on the roster outside of running back De'Von Achane. If Dulcich can emerge as a trusted option for Willis, he may currently be undervalued by consensus fantasy boards.--Will Brady
Source: Miami Herald - Omar Kelly

Jun 4, 2026, 4:27 PM ET

Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said that rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas (undisclosed) "tweaked something" during OTAs on Wednesday, per David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Furones reports that Hafley also said Douglas' injury is not something the team is concerned about in the long haul. Miami used the 75th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Douglas after he recorded 54 catches for 846 yards and seven touchdowns across 14 games at Texas Tech in 2025. The Dolphins have one of the weakest wide receiver depth charts in the NFL entering the upcoming season, with the veteran trio of Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington, and Tutu Atwell currently occupying starting roles. Douglas should have a chance to contribute immediately as a rookie, but fantasy managers should monitor this current injury to make sure it doesn't snowball into a more serious issue.--Will Brady
Source: Sun Sentinel - David Furones

Jun 4, 2026, 4:27 PM ET

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot/ankle) has been working off to the side with team trainers during OTAs, per Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. Conner is working his way back from the gruesome foot/ankle injury that ended his 2025 season in Week 3. The 31-year-old was a highly productive player in his last fully healthy season with Arizona in 2024, recording 1,508 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games. However, Conner's role with the Cardinals entering 2026 is in question after the team signed running back Tyler Allgeier in free agency and used the number three overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jeremiyah Love. Even if he's able to return in time for the start of the upcoming season, Conner may be limited to RB3 duties in Arizona and would likely need either an injury above him on the depth chart or a change in scenery to provide fantasy-relevant production.--Will Brady
Source: The Arizona Republic - Theo Mackie

Jun 4, 2026, 4:27 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) said he is "on track" to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Kittle tore his Achilles tendon on January 11 during San Francisco's NFC Wild Card round win over the Philadelphia Eagles. However, it appears as though the 32-year-old has a chance to get back on the field roughly eight months after the injury. Kittle battled through an injury-marred 2025 regular season even before the Achilles tear, missing six games due to ankle and hamstring injuries. However, the veteran tight end remained highly productive when healthy, recording 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns on 69 targets. With Kittle coming off a serious injury and entering his age-33 campaign, it's fair to project a bit of decline in his production. Still, he profiles as a top-12 fantasy tight end if he can truly make it back for the start of 2026.--Will Brady
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner

Jun 4, 2026, 3:25 PM ET

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said that quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) has been throwing, and he's expected to have more of a role in practice later in June during mandatory minicamp, according to Luca Evans of The Denver Post. Evans observed Nix moving around before practice on Thursday and didn't see any kind of bulky-looking brace on his surgically-repaired right ankle. The Broncos aren't rushing the 26-year-old signal-caller along this offseason after he needed surgery to fix a fractured ankle that he suffered in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills. He might not be a full-go in minicamp, but there's no reason to believe that Nix will be limited once training camp rolls around in late July. The former 12th overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Oregon finished as the QB7 in fantasy in 2025 in his second year in the NFL, throwing for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on a league-high 612 pass attempts over 17 regular-season starts. Nix added 356 rushing yards and another five scores as a rusher. He has helped turn the Broncos franchise around, but with average arm strength and while coming off ankle surgery, fantasy managers have every right to be skeptical about him as a legitimate QB1 in Year 3. RotoBaller has Nix ranked as the No. 15 quarterback in redraft leagues in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans

Jun 4, 2026, 3:25 PM ET

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said there is a "crystal clear" vision for the role of new wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who can play all over, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Waddle had 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins before falling back down to Earth a bit alongside a struggling Miami offense the last two seasons. The 27-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Alabama had a 64-910-6 line in 16 starts in 2025, though, and his fantasy stock is back on the rise after the Broncos gave up a first-round pick for him this offseason. Denver has plenty of options at the position in Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims Jr., and Troy Franklin, but because of his ability to play all over the field with a bright offensive mind in Payton designing plays for him, Waddle could easily lead the Broncos in targets and catches in his first year in the Mile High City in 2026. Fantasy managers will want to target the sixth-year receiver as a low-end WR2 with upside this fall as he finally gets out of the shadow of Tyreek Hill.--Keith Hernandez
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens

Jun 4, 2026, 2:41 PM ET

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara surprised everyone by showing up to OTAs on Wednesday since he has a history of skipping voluntary workouts in the offseason. Even head coach Kellen Moore was caught off guard. "Obviously a little bit unexpected," Moore said. New Orleans added RB Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency, leading to offseason speculation that Kamara could hang up his cleats or be traded. His status for the 2026 season is far from settled. The Saints have indicated they would like to address Kamara's contract, but the team's all-time leading rusher said he hasn't talked with general manager Mickey Loomis about taking a pay cut. The 30-year-old five-time Pro Bowler is entering the final year of his contract and holds a salary cap hit of around $10.5 million, which was already reduced earlier this offseason. Kamara said he has no beef with the Saints after they added Etienne, and is "going to be ready" to play in the Big Easy for a 10th season. If Kamara stays with the Saints this year, he's going to be the clear No. 2 behind Etienne, which will cause a drastic drop in his fantasy value after being the Saints' lead back for the last nine years.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NOLA.com - Matthew Paras

Jun 4, 2026, 2:34 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirms that wide receiver George Pickens hasn't been in the building this week for OTAs, but he continues to be in communication with him and expects Pickens to be present when mandatory minicamp starts on June 16, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The 25-year-old will make $27.3 million in 2026 on the franchise tag, and the Cowboys have already ruled out the two sides agreeing on a long-term contract extension before the deadline to get a deal done in July. The former second-rounder by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 out of the University of Georgia broke out for a career year after the Steelers traded him to Dallas in 2025, catching 93 of his 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 starts. The Cowboys want to see him do it again, though, before getting serious about an extension beyond this year. It won't be easy to do with CeeDee Lamb demanding heavy volume, but Dallas has the pass-happy offense under Schottenheimer for Pickens to have a very high ceiling in his fifth year in the league. Fantasy managers should target him as a low-end WR1 in upcoming 2026 drafts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris

Jun 4, 2026, 2:24 PM ET

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that rookie fifth-round wide receiver Kendrick Law (knee) tore his ACL during practice on Tuesday, according to Tim Twentyman of the team's official website. It's a rough way for the 22-year-old to begin his career in the NFL after he was selected with the 168th overall pick in the NFL draft back in April. The former University of Kentucky pass-catcher wasn't going to be on the fantasy football radar in single-year leagues while providing depth in the WR room behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, James Williams, and second-year wideout Isaac TeSlaa. Law will almost certainly be placed on Injured Reserve and miss his entire rookie season. Behind St. Brown, Williams, and TeSlaa, Detroit will have Greg Dortch, Cedrick Wilson, Tom Kennedy, and Dominic Lovett competing for the WR4 role. In 12 games in his final collegiate season in 2025 at Kentucky, Law had a career-best 53 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns for the Wildcats. There is long-term yards-after-the-catch potential with Law, but his development will be put on hold for another year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman

Jun 4, 2026, 2:24 PM ET

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that the expectation is that running back Jahmyr Gibbs will be the team's "bellcow" in 2026, according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. "We're gonna hang our hat on him," Campbell said. It's not unexpected, especially after the team traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans early in the offseason. The 24-year-old Gibbs, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of the University of Alabama, has been one of the best all-around RBs since he set foot in the NFL, being named a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons. The Georgia native has a whopping 3,580 rushing yards and 39 rushing touchdowns, to go along with 181 catches (228 targets) for 1,449 receiving yards and 10 receiving TDs in 49 regular-season games for Detroit. Gibbs hasn't dipped under 5.0 yards per carry in any of his three seasons, and is an elite three-down fantasy RB. With even more usage coming in 2026, fantasy managers sitting in the No. 2 draft spot this year will be ecstatic if he doesn't come off the board at No. 1 overall.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Detroit News - Nolan Bianchi

Jun 4, 2026, 1:23 PM ET

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott remains the No. 2 option on the depth chart, which hurts his fantasy outlook in dynasty leagues. Sinnott had patiently waited for an opportunity to handle more volume while he was behind Zach Ertz, catching just 16 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns over his first two NFL seasons. Just as it seemed like he was trending up with Ertz hitting free agency this offseason, the Commanders brought in new competition in the form of Chig Okonkwo. Given that Okonkwo is pretty safely penciled into the No. 1 tight end role, Sinnott will remain the backup option. That doesn't bode well for his fantasy value, especially since the Commanders ranked right near the league median in terms of 12 personnel usage last year. Sinnott has fallen to TE55 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings, which means he can be dropped in most leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller