RADIO
Ty Simpson Efficient Once Again in Preseason Action
Los Angeles Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson completed 8 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 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
Jordan James Returns to 49ers Practice on Saturday
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James (ribs) was back on the practice field on Saturday, per David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. James suffered fractured ribs early in training camp, but it appears he is getting closer to full health and should be ready to go for the start of the regular season. A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Oregon, James appeared in just three games and did not record a carry during his rookie season. Entering 2026, superstar 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey remains firmly atop the team's depth chart at the position. However, James looks to be competing with 2026 third-rounder Kaelon Black and veteran Zamir White for the RB2 role in San Francisco. If James can establish himself as the primary backup to McCaffrey, he would immediately become one of the more valuable handcuff running back options for fantasy managers.
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Devin Singletary Starts Ahead of Tyrone Tracy Against Dolphins
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary carried the ball eight times for 40 yards and added four yards on one reception in the 26-3 preseason victory over the Miami Dolphins. Singletary played every snap on the team's opening drive, while projected backup running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. spent time on special teams and rotated after the first drive. The Giants signed veteran running back Najee Harris to a one-year contract, forming a committee led by Cam Skattebo. With Tracy fumbling in scoring position, his standing with the team could be at risk, which could be good news for Singletary. While Harris will need time to get back into football shape, Singletary could have a prominent role alongside Skattebo early in the season. Fantasy managers should monitor this backfield, as the Giants' offense is projected to be among the NFL's most run-heavy this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike Evans Returns to 49ers Practice on Saturday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (quadriceps, ankle) returned to practice on Saturday, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Evans has been dealing with both an ankle injury and quad tightness, but it appears both injuries are minor and his status for the start of the regular season is not in any doubt. Wagoner reports that Evans "went on to have a nice practice" after returning to the field on Saturday. The 33-year-old is in his first season with the 49ers after spending the first 12 years of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Evans is looking for a bounce-back season after missing nine games in 2025 due to hamstring and collarbone injuries. With 49ers wideout Ricky Pearsall (knee) already out for the year, Evans profiles as the undisputed WR1 in San Francisco. Fantasy managers should view Evans as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3 option entering 2026.
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s Roster Spot in New York Could Be in Jeopardy
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. "could be a trade candidate ahead of final cuts," according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. A fourth-round pick of the Giants in 2024, Tracy Jr. has topped 1,000 scrimmage yards in each of his first two NFL seasons. However, New York has a new coaching staff in place under John Harbaugh heading into 2026, and the team has a trio of capable running back options outside of Tracy Jr. in Cam Skattebo, Najee Harris, and Devin Singletary. Tracy Jr. has also had a rough preseason so far. He whiffed on a block that led to a big hit on Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in the team's first game and fumbled in New York's second game against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday. Given the backfield depth in New York, Tracy Jr.'s fantasy value would likely be improved by a move elsewhere.
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Christian McCaffrey Did Not Participate in Practice Saturday
The Athletic's Vic Tafur reports San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) did not participate in Saturday's practice. The star running back has been held out of practices and preseason action due to undisclosed "tightness." However, head coach Kyle Shanahan said earlier in the week that if it were the regular season, McCaffrey would be practicing and playing. With his injury history, the team has understandably opted to be cautious. In the two seasons following a 330-plus-touch season, he has played a combined seven games (three games in 2020 and four games in 2024). McCaffrey saw over 400 touches last season that produced 2,126 total scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns. The 30-year-old will be a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option for managers heading into drafts in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
De'Zhaun Stribling Day-to-Day With Shoulder Injury
NBC Sports Bay Area & California's Matt Maiocco reports San Francisco 49ers rookie wideout De'Zhaun Stribling (shoulder) is considered day-to-day with a shoulder injury. Stribling reportedly sustained his shoulder injury during Thursday's 41-17 preseason win against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 23-year-old had four catches for 46 yards on five targets in his second preseason outing. Stribling has become a trendy late-round target for fantasy managers after teammate Ricky Pearsall (knee) underwent season-ending knee surgery in early August and Mike Evans has missed time due to a quadriceps strain. Since then, Stribling has turned heads in training camp and produced strong outings in preseason action. However, he has not been able to fully maximize his opportunity to carve out a role in the 49ers' offense since this is the second injury he has had in August. Stribling should still be viewed as a later-round target in fantasy football drafts with high upside.
Source: NBCS - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBCS - Matt Maiocco
Michael Penix Jr. Cleared for 11-on-11 Work
ESPN's Marc Raimondi reports Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared for 11-on-11 drills. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said that Penix will practice with the team on Monday. Penix has been recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee that he sustained in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers last season. This marked Penix's third knee surgery in his career after having two ACL reconstruction surgeries on his right knee in college. The 26-year-old was the QB26 through Week 11 while averaging 13.7 points per game. After struggling in his sophomore season, the Falcons chose to bring in veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to compete for the starting quarterback role. Tagovailoa currently has the upper hand in the competition since Penix has not been cleared to participate in full team drills until now. However, Tagovailoa has had shaky performances in joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts and in his preseason debut against the Denver Broncos that could allow Penix to jump back into the race.
Source: ESPN - Marc Raimondi
Source: ESPN - Marc Raimondi
DeMeco Ryans Thinks Woody Marks Will Have Special Year
The Coachspeak Index reported that Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans thinks running back Woody Marks will have a special season in 2026. "I'm seeing a more dynamic, faster, more physical runner," Ryans said. "He's running behind his pads...He just looks faster, looks more decisive. He's looking really special, looking like he's gonna have a special year." Marks was an inconsistent, high-upside waiver-wire pickup in fantasy football as a rookie last season. The 25-year-old surpassed 12 PPR points five times while failing to reach eight fantasy points six times after Week 4. There was interest in Marks in the fantasy community this season until David Montgomery arrived in Houston. However, Marks has reportedly had a strong training camp and consistently received praise from coaches. He is currently RotoBaller's RB46 in PPR formats, and it will be intriguing to see how the team deploys him this season.
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Source: The Coachspeak Index
