RADIO
J.J. McCarthy Splitting Second-Team Reps
In a relatively short Minnesota Vikings training camp practice on Tuesday, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and veteran Carson Wentz split second-team reps, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. McCarthy's dynasty/keeper stock continues to plummet after the Vikings recently announced what most of us already expected: that Kyler Murray had won the starting QB job entering the 2026 season. The 23-year-old former 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft from Michigan missed his entire rookie campaign due to a meniscus injury in his knee that required surgery, and when he finally got his chance last year, he flopped due to injuries, accuracy issues, and questionable decision-making. McCarthy completed 57.6% of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in his first 10 starts for the Vikings. If he loses out on the QB2 competition to Wentz, McCarthy could become a trade candidate before the start of the 2026 campaign. If he stays with the Vikes, it might take another injury to Murray for McCarthy to get another shot at starting this year.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Travis Hunter Continues to be Deployed as Starting Defender
On Day 19 of Jacksonville Jaguars training camp on Tuesday, cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter took all 25 of his snaps on the day on the defensive side of the football in 11-on-11 team drills, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Hunter has played 274 snaps total so far, with 208 coming on defense, 65 on offense, and one on special teams, which does not count the team's joint practice with the New Orleans Saints. It's looking more and more likely that last year's second overall pick from Colorado is going to spend the vast majority of his playing time in 2026 as a defensive back while being sprinkled in on offense, potentially as a gadget player in a crowded receiving corps that also includes Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., and Jakobi Meyers. The 23-year-old two-way star is an elite athlete, but he played in only seven games as a rookie in 2025 due to a knee injury and finished with a disappointing 28 catches for 298 yards and one touchdown, and his fantasy football stock has fallen far going into Year 2. At RotoBaller, Hunter is ranked at No. 73 among WRs after he was being targeted as a WR2 in drafts last fall.
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
Lane Johnson Walks Off With Injury on Tuesday
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (undisclosed) walked off the practice field gingerly on Tuesday and was seen talking to trainers, according to EJ Smith of PHLY Sports. After Johnson left training camp practice, Fred Johnson jumped in at right tackle to work with the starting offense. The 36-year-old Johnson is slated to once again serve as the team's starting right tackle in 2026, but durability was going to be a question. It's unclear what his injury is or if it is significant enough to make him questionable to play for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season in early September against the division-rival Washington Commanders, but we should have an update on the veteran offensive lineman's status soon. Johnson missed the final eight games of last year, including the playoffs, with a Lisfranc injury, but he returned to minicamp practice in June and had been a full-go in training camp until Tuesday. His status is important as the Eagles' offense looks to bounce back in 2026.
Source: PHLY Sports - EJ Smith
Source: PHLY Sports - EJ Smith
Brandon Aiyuk Remains Estranged from 49ers
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains away from the team, and he is not currently part of the team's 90-man roster. The relationship appears to be severed beyond repair. Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury and missed ensuing rehab sessions, voiding nearly $30 million in guarantees. The 49ers moved Aiyuk to the reserve/left squad list in December of 2025, and that is where he remains. In January, San Francisco's general manager, John Lynch, said that Aiyuk most likely "played his last snap" for the 49ers. Aiyuk must formally apply for reinstatement to be released or traded, but he has publicly said he won't. In his last taste of NFL action (back in 2024), Aiyuk caught just 25 passes for 374 yards over seven games. Things remain at a standstill, and as a result, Aiyuk has no value in redraft leagues right now. At best, he is a dynasty stash in deeper formats.
Source: USA TODAY
Source: USA TODAY
Kenneth Walker Walking Around Fine at Practice
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker (foot), who missed training camp practice on Tuesday with a foot injury, did not have any brace or boot on his foot and was seen walking around "just fine," according to Matt Foster. It doesn't sound like Walker is dealing with a serious injury, but he almost certainly will be held out of the team's preseason finale this Friday against the Seattle Seahawks as the team looks to have him back to 100% for the Week 1 season opener against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Monday, Sept. 14. If the 25-year-old Super Bowl MVP misses any more time this week with his foot injury, it will allow backups Emari Demercado and rookie Emmett Johnson to get more backfield work in training camp. With an expected workhorse role in his first season in KC, Walker has clear RB1 upside in 2026 if he can avoid the lower-body injuries that have plagued him in the past. The former second-rounder in 2022 from Michigan State had his second 1,000-yard season and five rushing touchdowns in 17 starts last year in his final season in Seattle, adding 31 receptions for 282 yards as a receiver on 36 targets.
Source: Matt Foster
Source: Matt Foster
Lan Larison the Next Man Up in Patriots' Backfield
New England Patriots running back Lan Larison was the next man up in training camp practice on Tuesday with second-year RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) sitting out due to an ankle injury that he suffered on Monday, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. If Henderson is forced to miss the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of last year's Super Bowl, Larison appears to be the favorite to jump into RB2 duties behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson. The 24-year-old sat out Monday's practice due to an undisclosed injury, but he was back on Tuesday in an elevated role. The undrafted RB out of UC Davis has looked good this preseason as he battles for a roster spot alongside rookie Jam Miller. Larison has yet to make his NFL debut after landing on Injured Reserve last August with a broken foot that kept him sidelined for the entire 2025 season. He can be ignored in all redraft formats, as it looks like Henderson's injury is not very significant.
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Josh Downs Misses Practice With Undisclosed Injury
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (undisclosed) did not take part in Tuesday's training camp practice due to an undisclosed injury, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. It is unclear what Downs is dealing with at the moment and how long he might be out, but details on his situation should emerge sooner rather than later. The Colts were also missing tight end Tyler Warren (groin) and receiver Alece Pierce (ankle), who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The 25-year-old Downs has stood out this summer in practices as the team's WR1 without Pierce available, so if his latest injury isn't serious, he will have an opportunity for the biggest role he's had on offense in his short time in the NFL with the Colts. Downs disappointed in Year 3 in 2025 with career lows in catches (58), targets (88), and receiving yards (566) while scoring four times in 16 games played. But with Michael Pittman Jr. out of town and Pierce potentially being eased back early on, Downs could get off to a strong start and never look back. Consider him an under-the-radar WR3/flex target in upcoming fantasy drafts as RotoBaller's No. 39-ranked receiver in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Ty Chandler Expected to Miss 2026 Season
New Orleans Saints running back Ty Chandler (knee) is expected to miss the 2026 season, head coach Kellen Moore said Tuesday, according to Katherine Terrell. Chandler suffered the injury during Saturday's preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams after spending the summer competing for a reserve role in New Orleans' backfield. The 28-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Saints in March following four seasons in Minnesota. His 2025 campaign was also derailed by a knee injury, limiting him to three games, 17 carries for 47 yards and three catches for 11 yards. Chandler had been involved on special teams this summer as well, including an 86-yard kickoff return in the preseason opener. Moore's update removes another option from the Saints' backfield before Week 1.
Source: Katherine Terrell
Source: Katherine Terrell
Najee Harris Gets First-Team Reps in Giants' Backfield
New York Giants running back Najee Harris took some first-team reps during Tuesday's practice, according to Pat Leonard. The Giants rotated their backs, so Harris hasn't suddenly jumped to the top of the depth chart, but his involvement is notable just one week after signing with the team. Cam Skattebo is still listed alone at RB1 on New York's latest unofficial depth chart, with Harris, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary grouped behind him. Jordan Raanan previously reported that Harris was brought in under the premise that he would be a significant contributor, and the veteran is already starting to see work with the starters. Harris is coming back from the Achilles tear that ended his 2025 season after three games. Before that, he topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his four seasons with Pittsburgh. Tuesday's rotation doesn't settle anything behind Skattebo, but Harris is clearly getting an opportunity to earn a piece of the Giants' backfield.
Source: Pat Leonard
Source: Pat Leonard
Quinshon Judkins Returns to Team Drills on Tuesday
Cleveland Browns second-year running back Quinshon Judkins (undisclosed) was back in team drills at training camp on Tuesday, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Judkins was limited to individual drills on Monday in his first day back at practice following an undisclosed injury that he picked up last week. It remains to be seen if Judkins will be cleared to play in the team's preseason finale this Thursday against the New England Patriots, but even if he's not active, the 22-year-old Ohio State product should be just fine for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The biggest thing holding back Judkins' fantasy value going into his second NFL season is the Browns' offense as a whole, which will be led by veteran quarterback Deshaun Watson, at least early on. After he was taken 36th overall in the second round last April, Judkins led the Browns with 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries across 14 games as a rookie, adding 26 catches for 171 yards through the air. With Dylan Sampson stealing valuable pass-game targets, Judkins should be considered a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex in his second season.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Calvin Austin III Reportedly Suffers Serious Knee Injury
New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin III was carted off Tuesday after suffering what one source described as a "serious knee injury," according to Adam Schefter. Austin went down during a 1-on-1 period and needed the cart to leave the field. It's a tough development after the 27-year-old had worked his way into a legitimate role during his first summer with New York. Austin started Saturday's preseason game against Miami, and head coach John Harbaugh praised his ability to line up at all three receiver spots just one day ago. He spent last season in Pittsburgh, catching 31 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns across 14 games. Austin had given the Giants another versatile option behind their top receivers and was making a strong case for regular snaps. If the injury proves as significant as initially feared, New York could be forced to adjust that receiver rotation before Week 1.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Klint Kubiak Says Ashton Jeanty is "on the Mend"
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said on Tuesday that he is "not going to get into injuries," but he also said that running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) is "on the mend," according to Vincent Bonsignore of The California Post. Jeanty caused a stir among the fantasy football community when he injured his right ankle in training camp practice on Sunday and could not put any weight on his leg. Fortunately, the Raiders have reported that the 22-year-old second-year back is dealing with more of a low-ankle sprain than a high-ankle sprain, and they are optimistic that he will be able to suit up for Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins in early September. Jeanty will not be playing in Thursday's preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers, and we will be keeping a close eye on his status as Week 1 approaches. There is still a chance that he might be questionable to play against the Dolphins to kick off the season or be limited if he is active, but we should have a better idea on that in the coming weeks. In a worst-case scenario in which Jeanty does not play in Week 1, rookie Mike Washington Jr. could see most of the backfield touches for the Raiders. Despite Jeanty's ankle injury, the Boise State product should remain a firm RB2 target in upcoming fantasy football drafts.
Source: The California Post - Vincent Bonsignore
Source: The California Post - Vincent Bonsignore
Ja'Marr Chase Says He's Good After Hyperextending his Knee
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase did not return to practice Tuesday after grabbing his left knee following a deep-ball attempt, but the early signs afterward have been reassuring. Kelsey Conway reported that Chase appeared to be in good spirits and was walking more comfortably as practice continued. Chase later said during an ESPN 1530 radio appearance that he's good and described what happened as a little "hyperextension," adding that he could have kept practicing if he needed to. Chase remained around the field after the initial scare but did not resume drills. The 26-year-old caught 125 passes for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns across 16 games last season. His own assessment makes Tuesday's incident sound considerably less concerning than it initially appeared, though Cincinnati ultimately kept its star receiver out for the remainder of practice.
Source: Kelsey Conway
Source: Kelsey Conway
Jets to "Scale Back" Kenyon Sadiq's Role
Because of all the time New York Jets rookie first-round tight end Kenyon Sadiq (hernia) has missed this summer after having hernia surgery, offensive coordinator Frank Reich admitted that the team will scale back the rookie's workload early on in 2026, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. "There's no doubt we'll scale it back. We'll have to work him in slowly," Reich said. The 16th overall pick from Oregon had surgery to fix a hernia in the spring and then suffered a setback that has not allowed him to join the mix in team drills during training camp. Fantasy managers who were expecting Sadiq to be fantasy relevant from Day 1 in redraft leagues this year might want to rethink their position. It is good news for second-year TE Mason Taylor, who should be the Jets' top pass-catching option at the position until Sadiq gets his legs under him and is trusted on offense more. Sadiq's athleticism and pass-catching abilities down the field make him extremely attractive in dynasty/keeper leagues, but fantasy managers who have him rostered may want to temper expectations, at least early on. RotoBaller has Sadiq ranked as the No. 27 fantasy TE for the upcoming season.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Chris Olave Appears Fine After Late-Practice Injury Scare
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave gave the team a scare near the end of Tuesday's practice, but head coach Kellen Moore believes he's "all good." Katherine Terrell reported that Olave was slow to get up after attempting to catch a deep pass, then walked down the sideline under his own power with athletic trainers before leaving the session. Practice ended only a few plays later. Moore's update afterward takes much of the concern out of the initial scene. Olave is coming off the best season of his career, catching 100 passes for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games. Based on Moore's immediate assessment, Tuesday's exit appears to have been a minor scare rather than something that should significantly alter Olave's fantasy outlook.
Source: Katherine Terrell
Source: Katherine Terrell
