RADIO
Alec Pierce Out for Colts' Preseason Finale
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) participated in warmups but won't play in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, Mike Chappell reported on Saturday. The fourth-year wideout came off the Physically Unable to Perform list last week and practiced with the team for the first time on Thursday since having offseason ankle surgery. Pierce is reportedly shooting for a Week 1 return as he looks to repeat his 2025 success, having set career highs with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. The 26-year-old has the opportunity to capitalize on those numbers by inheriting a larger workload now that Michael Pittman Jr. has departed for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, fantasy managers should temper their expectations early in the season since it is unclear how long it will take Pierce to get up to speed after missing training camp. Pierce's fantasy stock is on the rise, but he should be considered a W4/flex option until he's fully healthy.
Source: Mike Chappell
Source: Mike Chappell
J.J. McCarthy Projected to be Left Off 53-Man Roster
The Athletic's Alec Lewis is projecting Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) to lose out on the QB2 job to veteran Carson Wentz and to be left off the initial 53-man roster to begin the 2026 season. McCarthy struggled in last week's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, came out of it with a minor ankle injury, and was held out of the preseason finale on Friday against the Denver Broncos. Wentz made the start on Friday and appears to be in line to be the Vikings' backup behind starter Kyler Murray. McCarthy's "comfort (or lack thereof) with being the QB3 could dictate his future in Minnesota," Lewis writes. Max Brosmer's future with the organization is also in doubt after a poor preseason performance. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick from Michigan in 2024, missed his entire rookie campaign after having surgery to fix the meniscus in his knee. In his first go as a starter in the NFL last year, McCarthy flopped, playing in only 10 games due to injuries and throwing for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. A trade out of town at this point might be the best thing for McCarthy's long-term fantasy value in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Jahan Dotson With a Solid Showing in Final Preseason Game
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jahan Dotson caught all three of his targets for 27 yards in Friday's 17-12 victory over the Dolphins. The former first-round draft pick played in just the first quarter with the other starters and appears to be locked in as the team's No. 2 wide receiver to begin the season behind Drake London, who did not play in the contest. We'll see how significant a role that will be under the new coaching staff in Atlanta, as last season that role was filled by Darnell Mooney, who fell well behind London, Kyle Pitts Sr., and Bijan Robinson in the receiving pecking order. The 26-year-old's current RotoBaller ranking as the 87th overall wide receiver indicates he should be an afterthought in most fantasy drafts, with Atlanta's rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch actually ranked higher at RotoBaller despite likely starting the season as the team's WR3/4.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kendre Miller Handles 10 Touches in Preseason Finale
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller was tied for the team lead in carries with nine and gained 42 yards (4.7 yards per tote) in the 27-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Friday night's preseason finale. Miller also caught his lone target as a receiver for a gain of 15 yards. The 24-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 from TCU should be a good bet to make the Saints' final 53-man roster with veteran Alvin Kamara (knee) banged up, and he could be the direct backup to starter Travis Etienne Jr. Miller has had trouble staying on the field in his first three NFL seasons, though, playing in just 21 games while rushing for 497 yards and three touchdowns on 127 carries (3.9 yards per carry), adding 20 receptions on 24 targets for 180 yards through the air. There is some potential for fantasy value if Kamara struggles to return from his knee injury, but in standard 12-team fantasy leagues, Miller should be going undrafted. Audric Estime, who had 46 rushing yards on only four carries on Friday, could cut into Miller's workload if Kamara continues to miss time.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Phil Mafah Busy in Preseason Finale But Could be Odd-Man Out
Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah was busy in the team's preseason finale on Friday night versus the visiting New Orleans Saints, which typically means a player is on the roster bubble. That is exactly the case with Mafah, who saw a team-high 12 carries for 46 yards (3.8 yards per carry) in the 27-24 loss, with Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, and Malik Davis all watching on the sidelines in street clothes. He was not targeted as a receiver. While the 23-year-old has not had a bad training camp, he looks to be the RB4 and on the outside looking in for a spot on the 53-man roster spot heading into Week 1 against the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday Night Football on Sept. 13. The former seventh-rounder in last year's draft from Clemson only appeared in one game for Dallas, carrying the ball five times for 18 yards and a touchdown and catching both of his targets for 11 yards in the passing game. Mafah is probably going to need an injury to one of the RBs above him on the depth chart to get a shot on game days in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Joe Milton III Throws for 92 Yards as QB2 Battle Continues in Dallas
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III started the team's preseason finale on Friday night against the New Orleans Saints and played the first half, going 8-for-15 passing for 92 yards without a touchdown or an interception in the 27-24 loss. Milton carried the ball twice for two yards. Sam Howell, who is competing with Milton for the backup job to starter Dak Prescott, went 12-for-18 for 155 yards and two touchdown passes, potentially earning himself the QB2 job over Milton going into the start of the 2026 regular season early next month. The 26-year-old Milton, a former sixth-rounder by the New England Patriots in 2024 from Tennessee, played in four games for the Cowboys last year, going 15-for-24 passing for 183 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. He has yet to make a start in his two NFL seasons and looks primed to open his third year in the league as the QB3 in Dallas behind Prescott and Howell.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Buccaneers Expect Jalen McMillan to be Ready for Week 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Saturday that he expects wide receiver Jalen McMillan (knee) to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 13, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. The team is hoping that fellow wideout Emeka Egbuka (toe) will also be ready, and they do not plan on carrying an extra receiver on the 53-man roster to offset their short-term injuries at the position. The 24-year-old McMillan sustained a knee injury earlier this month and was held out of all three preseason games. It sounds like his injury is not very serious, but McMillan could be facing snap-count limitations in the regular-season opener against Cincy. If Egbuka is out or limited as well, it could mean a lot of work for veteran Chris Godwin Jr. and tight end Cade Otton. McMillan is in line for a bigger role in a new offense in 2026 with Mike Evans gone, but the former third-rounder from Washington must stay healthy to capitalize. He played in only four games in 2025 due to a serious neck injury he suffered in the preseason. A 37-461-8 line in his rookie campaign shows the kind of upside McMillan has. He is a late-round dart throw for fantasy managers that will gain a boost if Egbuka misses the start of the season.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Sam Howell Shines in Preseason Finale, Still in the Running for QB2 Job
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Sam Howell put together a strong performance in his team's preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints on Friday, completing 12 of 18 pass attempts for 155 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Howell is competing with Joe Milton III for the backup quarterback job in Dallas behind star signal-caller Dak Prescott. Milton III played the entire first half against New Orleans, which could indicate that he has the leg up in the competition. However, Howell was certainly the better of the two quarterbacks on Friday, albeit against defenders even further down the Saints depth chart. Howell started 17 games for the Washington Commanders in 2023, throwing for 3,946 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 263 yards and five scores. He also led the league in interceptions (21) and sacks (65) that season, and has bounced around the league ever since. With his gunslinger style of play, Howell could have some fantasy appeal if he ever gets a chance to start in Dallas.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Carson Steele Continues to Impress as a Receiver in Preseason Action
Philadelphia Eagles running back Carson Steele put together another highly productive all-purpose game in his team's preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday, recording eight carries for 24 yards and eight catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on nine targets. Steele has been heavily involved as a pass-catcher out of the backfield of late, recording 11 catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns across Philadelphia's last two exhibition contests. With Eagles running backs Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley all seemingly ahead of him on the depth chart, Steele could still be a long shot to make the 53-man roster in Philadelphia. However, his receiving production could be noteworthy enough for him to either force his way onto the Eagles or be picked up by another team. The 23-year-old is not roster-worthy for fantasy managers just yet, but he's a name to monitor as NFL rosters are finalized in the coming days.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Kyle Pitts Sr. Flashes YAC Ability in Final Preseason Tune-up
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. had another good showing in Atlanta's 17-12 preseason win over the Dolphins on Friday. The 6-foot-6 tight end played the first quarter and hauled in all three of his targets for 59 yards, including a nice 37-yard catch-and-run down the sideline that got the team into the red zone to set up their first score of the game. The former fourth-overall draft pick sat out last week's preseason contest, but secured three of four targets for 22 yards in the team's first preseason game and is coming off his most productive season in the NFL. The product out of the University of Florida set career highs in targets (118), receptions (88), and touchdowns (five) while totaling 928 receiving yards last season. The 25-year-old finished as the TE2 last year, but is currently ranked as the seventh tight end overall at RotoBaller, which is probably fair given the underwhelming options at quarterback in Atlanta, whether Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. ends up being under center. For what it is worth, Pitts averaged over six targets per game in the eight full games he played with Penix as the signal caller in 2025.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cyrus Allen Plays into the Second Half in Chiefs' Preseason Finale
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen had a quiet game in his team's preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, recording one catch for 12 yards on two targets. A fifth-round pick out of Cincinnati, Allen recorded 51 catches for 674 yards and 13 touchdowns across 13 games for the Bearcats in 2025. The 23-year-old has also consistently drawn positive reviews for his work in training camp so far this summer, and he entered Friday night as Kansas City's leading target-earner in the preseason. However, Allen's usage against Seattle suggests that he may not be in line for a significant role in the Chiefs' offense early in his rookie season. Between Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton, Kansas City likely has its starting wide receiver trio set to begin the year. Allen could still be worth targeting as a late-round stash candidate in deep leagues, but fantasy managers may not want to expect high-end production early on.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Justin Joly Scores 88-Yard Touchdown in Preseason Finale
Denver Broncos rookie tight end Justin Joly had a big game in his team's 34-6 preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, hauling in both of his targets for 95 yards and a touchdown. Joly showed off his ability to make plays down the field late in the game, scoring an 88-yard touchdown on a broken play. A fifth-round pick out of North Carolina State, Joly recorded 49 catches for 489 yards and seven touchdowns across 12 games in his final collegiate season. Entering 2026, the 22-year-old will likely begin the year behind veterans Evan Engram and Adam Trautman on Denver's tight end depth chart. However, Trautman profiles more as a blocking tight end, and Engram is entering his age-32 season while coming off a down year. As a stash candidate in dynasty formats, Joly could be worth a look for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Kaytron Allen Struggles in Limited Usage in Preseason Finale
Washington Commanders rookie running back Kaytron Allen played a limited role in his team's preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, logging three carries for four yards and losing a fumble. Allen's day was done after the first quarter, with veteran back Craig Reynolds and undrafted free agent Robert Henry Jr. handling Washington's backfield work the rest of the way. Allen's usage could be considered a positive sign for fantasy managers, as it could indicate that the team plans to rely on him for a heavy workload early in the year. Commanders backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) and Rachaad White (hamstring) are both currently dealing with injuries, although neither is expected to be sidelined long-term. However, Allen has not been particularly efficient in the preseason, averaging just 3.31 yards per attempt on 36 carries. Allen could be worth targeting as a late-round stash in deeper league formats, but fantasy managers may want to temper their expectations.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Chris Bell Leads Dolphins in Targets on Friday, Set for Key Role in Miami?
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Chris Bell saw his first preseason action on Friday, recording two catches for 22 yards on five targets in his team's 17-12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. A third-round pick out of Louisville, Bell missed all of the spring and the beginning of training camp while working his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered last November. However, the Dolphins activated him in mid-August, and it now appears he should be ready for the start of the regular season. Bell was a highly productive player in college, hauling in 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns across 11 games before getting hurt last season. Miami also traded away veteran wideout Tutu Atwell to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, which could clear the way for Bell to play a starting role early in his rookie year. As a late-round sleeper, Bell could be a worthy target for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Adam Randall Looks to Bulldoze His Way onto the Roster
Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Adam Randall gained a team-high 70 scrimmage yards in the Ravens' dominating 41-3 preseason finale victory over the Washington Commanders Friday night. While his 25 yards from five carries were efficient, managers in PPR dynasty leagues should be particularly excited by his 45 receiving yards off three catches and four targets. Randall is a physical and versatile back, as evidenced by his highlight reel-worthy stiff arm during a 24-yard screen pass against the Commanders in the second quarter. Third-year running back Rasheen Ali, who left the game early to be present for the birth of his child, according to Head Coach Jesse Minter, is still in the mix and actually led the team in touches. Nonetheless, Randall and others are clearly behind Derrick Henry on the Ravens' depth chart. However, with his pass-catching chops, Randall threatens to overtake veteran Justice Hill as the team's passing-down back. Dynasty managers should keep an eye on Randall, and he may warrant a bench stash or even a spot on a taxi squad in deep leagues. As the season progresses and Randall develops, Henry managers in redraft leagues may also look at him as a potential handcuff.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
