RADIO
Fernando Mendoza Makes Leaps and Bounds with First-Team Offense
With Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins held out of Saturday's practice as discipline for his scuffle with Maxx Crosby the previous day, first overall pick Fernando Mendoza saw his most extensive work with the first-team offense, and the rookie impressed with his mobility from under center, according to team reporter Levi Edwards. Mendoza has made an early impression on those in the building, with quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan telling reporters, "He's a very diligent, tireless worker... Everything that has been said, that's been portrayed about him as far as the type of young man he is, is true and then some." Given his first real chance to run the offense, Mendoza had the ups and downs typical of a first-year player, but he displayed NFL arm talent and demonstrated a level of comfort in the pocket that resulted in a handful of positive plays. As RotoBaller's QB29, Mendoza is worth a dart throw as a third quarterback in redraft superflex leagues, and his dynasty appeal is obvious with what looks to be a bright future ahead of him.
Source: Levi Edwards
Source: Levi Edwards
Elijah Arroyo Primed to "Blow the Roof Off"
Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo dealt with injuries as a rookie that prevented him from building any true consistency, but now fully healthy in his second professional training camp, the 2025 second-round pick has put his playmaking abilities on full display. After Arroyo made a contested touchdown grab in the team's annual Football Fest scrimmage, head coach Mike Macdonald spoke on his upside, telling reporters, "When Elijah's been out there, he's been productive for us... It's not a fault of his own that sometimes he's gotten nicked up, but if he can continue this trend of having a routine, attacking the details, making those marginal gains every day, then this is the type of stuff that he's capable of, and he can take it even further." While cautioning against drawing too much from two weeks of practice, Macdonald himself then raised the bar by saying, "Let's blow the roof off of the expectations for what you can do, and let's go get it." Arroyo is RotoBaller's dynasty TE30 and a player to pay attention to as a potential breakout candidate.
Source: John Boyle
Source: John Boyle
Expectations Rising Even Higher for Colston Loveland
On a day where a potential injury dominated most of the headlines out of Chicago Bears training camp, tight end Colston Loveland kept the momentum of what has been a strong summer, finding the end zone twice during red zone work. Wide receiver Luther Burden III (lower body) exited practice early, limping off the field after getting tangled with cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, and should he miss any time, even more could be asked of Loveland with his year two expectations already sky high. Loveland is RotoBaller's TE3, and following the departure of veteran DJ Moore, there's an assumption that targets will be funneled primarily through Loveland, Burden, and Rome Odunze. While further news is awaited, Burden's early exit from practice serves as a reminder that if one of the three should miss any time throughout the year, the others would boast week-winning potential.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sean Tucker's Solid Training Camp Continues
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker has flashed standout moments throughout training camp, and a practice update from Pewter Report credits him with a number of catches out of the backfield during Sunday's session. The Buccaneers boast one of the best pass-catching running back tandems in the league in Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell, so how much Tucker is actually used in that capacity in the regular season remains a question, but the fourth-year back is adding to a profile that could see him serve as an important piece of Tampa's goal-line offense. Tucker converted on four of his nine carries from within the five-yard line in 2025, and if he can hold the role in 2026, he could play his way into the weekly streaming conversation as RotoBaller's RB53.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Optimism That Malik Nabers Will Play in Week 1
Following an offseason of uncertainty after a season-ending knee injury in 2025, New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) avoided the PUP list to begin training camp and has participated in nine of the team's 10 practices to date, with ESPN's Jordan Raanan reporting that he has looked better as the summer has progressed. Head coach John Harbaugh told Raanan that Nabers would continue to see more work in team drills, and the expectation is that he could be ready to play in Week 1 when the Giants face the Dallas Cowboys. Nabers is RotoBaller's WR12 and a player who could work his way into the overall WR1 conversation on a week-to-week basis by season's end.
Source: Jordan Raanan
Source: Jordan Raanan
Ty Johnson Sustains Knee Injury During Saturday Night Practice
NYup.com's Matt Parrino reported Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson went down to the ground and immediately grabbed his right knee during a 1-on-1 drill during Saturday night's practice. The Bills' training staff helped Johnson to the sideline, then back to the locker room. There is currently no immediate official update, but the 28-year-old will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Johnson is currently listed as the No. 3 running back on the depth chart behind James Cook and Ray Davis, and primarily was used as the team's third-down back in passing situations. If Johnson has to miss an extended amount of time, Cook could see a big uptick in work on passing downs. Cook was viewed as an elite receiving back prospect coming out of Georgia, but he has mainly been deployed as an early-down runner in the NFL.
Source: NYup.com - Matt Parrino
Source: NYup.com - Matt Parrino
Devin Neal Dealing with Hamstring Injury
LouisianaSports.net's Ross Jackson reported that New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal (hamstring) was not seen at practice on Saturday. Neal is still recovering from a hamstring injury that he sustained during practice on Thursday. The 23-year-old is hoping to return to the field in time to play in the Saints' preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Neal will need to have a strong preseason to earn an offensive role in the Saints' backfield. The team signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $52 million contract in free agency, and recently signed Alvin Kamara to a restructured one-year contract to keep him with the team. Neal will have to see an injury to one of the backs ahead of him on the depth chart to be fantasy relevant in 2026.
Source: LouisianaSports.net - Ross Jackson
Source: LouisianaSports.net - Ross Jackson
Kaleb Johnson Still Seeing Special Teams Usage
PennLive.com's Nick Farabaugh reported that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson is still getting kick return work in practice. Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Crossman said he has been pleased with Johnson's special teams play, including as a returner. Johnson will likely need to stand out on special teams to earn carries on offense. The Steelers drafted the 23-year-old in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft as a potential replacement for Najee Harris, and he quickly became a trendy sleeper in fantasy football leagues. However, Johnson was phased out of the offense and finished with 69 rushing yards on 28 carries in 10 games. There was optimism he could become a main back in his second season, but that faded after the team signed Rico Dowdle early in the offseason. Johnson will remain a dynasty stash for the foreseeable future but can be dropped if managers need extra roster space.
Source: PennLive.com - Nick Farabaugh
Source: PennLive.com - Nick Farabaugh
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Not Naming Starting Running Back
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio has not named the Steelers RB1 between Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren, according to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com. Angelichio rides the fence on the running back battle as the two continue to compete for the top spot heading into the Steelers' preseason opener Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers. "They're both going to play," Angelichio said. "They're both going to be part of our success, and they can both carry the load." Warren is a holdover from the previous regime, while Dowdle signed a two-year, $12.15 million contract in free agency to reunite with head coach Mike McCarthy. Both running backs had fantasy success a season ago, but it has yet to be seen if they can coexist in the same offensive ecosystem. On paper, Dowdle profiles as the physical early-down grinder while Warren fills the pass-catching role. However, both backs have shown they can cross over into each other's roles in the past. Dowdle and Warren are both going at a discounted price in drafts currently, and it is worth taking a chance on one of the backs in 2026.
Source: PennLive.com - Nick Farabaugh
Source: PennLive.com - Nick Farabaugh
Caleb Douglas is Separating Himself in Camp
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas might be ready to make an impact right away. According to C. Isaiah Smalls II, both Douglas and Malik Washington are separating themselves from the pack in Miami. Douglas has a great chance of rising on the depth chart given the lack of viable options in this receiving room. The Dolphins selected Douglas in the third-round of this year's draft out of Texas Tech. The 23-year-old landed in a great spot without much competition, so he might be a Day 1 contributor in Miami. Douglas could be an interesting late-round option, especially in deep leagues.
Source: C. Isaiah Smalls II
Source: C. Isaiah Smalls II
Tre' Harris Viewed as a Top Contributor
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris could be headed towards a breakout campaign. According to Alex Insdorf, head coach John Harbaugh said on Saturday that Harris is viewed as one of their top guys, along with Ladd McConkey. If this is accurate, Harris could be in for a huge season in 2026. Last year, Harris finished with 30 receptions, 324 yards, and one touchdown during his rookie year with the Chargers. Right now, Harris should be slotted in as the third wideout behind McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Those two should be the favorites for targets, but it sounds like Harris isn't far behind them.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Chargers Won't Name Oronde Gadsden the Starter
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden was expected to be the starter heading into this season. According to Alex Insdorf, Gadsden might not have an easy path to the starting gig. On Saturday, Chargers head coach John Harbaugh said the team has four capable options at tight end, and refused to name a starter. The Chargers did bring in Charlie Kolar and David Njoku as competition for Gadsden. His role will likely be reduced with more capable bodies at the tight end spot now. Gadsden posted a strong rookie campaign and should remain an important part of the offense. Although it appears Harbaugh isn't ready to name anyone the starter quite yet.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Jadarian Price's Injury is Not Considered Serious
Seattle Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price (lower body) missed practice for the second straight day on Saturday with a lower-body injury. According to Jeremy Fowler, the injury is not considered serious, and Price should return to practice in a few days. This is a huge relief for Seahawks fans who are already without Zach Charbonnet (knee) right now. Price is expected to take over the lead backfield duties until Charbonnet is healthy enough to play. The Seahawks selected Price in the first round of this year's draft. He has a chance to be an immediate impact player in Seattle, with the Seahawks lacking viable options in the running game. Fantasy managers should not expect this leg soreness to keep Price sidelined for too much longer.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Mike Evans is Nearing Full Strength
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (quad) has missed some training camp time this week with a quadriceps injury, but he is close to 100 percent, according to Nick Wagoner. Evans was able to work out on the side on Saturday while he continues to recover from a quad injury. Evans has been sidelined all week from this quad injury, but he should be back at practice soon. There is still over a month before the regular season begins, so Evans has plenty of time to get ready. The 13-year veteran should be a top option right away with his new team, especially with some of the injuries the 49ers have been dealing with early in camp.
Source: Nick Wagoner
Source: Nick Wagoner
Laremy Tunsil Suffers Torn Triceps, Will Miss Significant Portion Of Season
Washington Commanders offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (triceps) suffered a torn triceps during training camp drills on Saturday. He will likely need surgery and will miss a significant portion of the regular season, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Tunsil signed a two-year, $60 million extension with the Commanders this offseason to become the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. It's a huge blow to the Commanders' offense as Tunsil is one of the best tackles in the league and did an incredible job defending the blindside of quarterback Jayden Daniels. The recovery time for this type of injury is anywhere from four to six months. Washington could move Brandon Coleman to the outside at left tackle, or Andrew Wylie could take over for the injured Tunsil.
Source: Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network
Source: Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network
