RADIO
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
DeMario Douglas "Has Become Nearly Automatic" Against Man Coverage
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas has the type of can't-cover-in-a-phonebooth shiftiness that has allowed him to thrive in each of his four training camps since being selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he has never had the level of surrounding talent he now finds himself with, and Patriots senior reporter Evan Lazar believes his skill set makes a ton of sense for a featured role out of the slot. Douglas has been a mainstay in three-receiver sets throughout camp, and Lazar notes that he has been "nearly automatic" against man coverage. He caught only 31 passes for 447 yards in 2025, but with Stefon Diggs no longer on the roster, the 25-year-old profiles as the team's most prototypical slot receiver, and he could find important chain-moving work in what again projects to be one of the league's highest-scoring offenses. At RotoBaller's WR99, he is not a player likely to be drafted in most 2026 leagues, but with the Patriots opening the NFL season in primetime with a Super Bowl rematch against the Seahawks, a strong start to his season could make Douglas a popular Week 2 waiver wire pickup.
Source: Evan Lazar
Source: Evan Lazar
More RB3 Reps For Demond Claiborne
Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne appears to have a solid hold of the RB3 role after starting Friday's game against the Denver Broncos. The rookie rushed eight times for only 21 yards in a 34-6 loss, but he played alongside a heavily limited Vikings offense that played mostly reserves, including fourth quarterback Max Brosmer for most of the night. Neither Aaron Jones Sr. nor Jordan Mason played, but Claiborne featured first without them, suggesting he'll be the third running back ahead of special teams ace Zavier Scott. Claiborne, who also returned kicks Friday, is mostly a dynasty stash for now, but he could be a waiver wire factor in redraft leagues should either Mason or Jones miss extended time.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tua Tagovailoa May Have Shown Just Enough When Most Needed
Starting against his former team, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had his ups and downs in the team's final outing of the preseason, a 17-12 win over the Miami Dolphins. He looked sharp on an eight-play, 60-yard touchdown drive to open the night, and he finished the game with 95 passing yards and only one incompletion on eight attempts, but he also lost a fumble on an under-center snap on the second drive of the game, his second fumble in as many preseason games. Tagovailoa has struggled with consistency throughout his first training camp with the Falcons, unable to take advantage of the opportunity provided by Michael Penix Jr.'s (knee) prolonged absence. Penix was recently cleared to participate in team drills, and while he did not suit up for the team's final preseason contest, he believes he will be ready for Atlanta's Week 1 matchup with the Steelers. Tagovailoa may have done just enough on Friday night to hold the starting job heading into the regular season, but with Penix in the third year of his rookie deal, the Falcons will soon be faced with a decision on his fifth-year option, all but ensuring he will at some point assume starting duties. Tagovailoa is RotoBaller's QB32 for 2026 and not a player who needs to be drafted.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ja'Seem Reed Leads Panthers Receivers in Final Push for a Roster Spot
An undrafted free agent in 2025, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ja'Seem Reed spent his rookie year on the practice squad, but after a solid training camp and another productive preseason outing, he has made a strong push for a spot on the team's initial 53-man roster. With the Panthers giving Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette the night off, the top of the depth chart appears settled, but an early training camp injury to third-round rookie Chris Brazzell II has left Reed among a handful of players battling to round out the room. Three or potentially four roster spots will come down to Reed, John Metchie III, David Moore, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Brycen Tremayne, and by leading all Panthers pass-catchers with 37 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Texans, Reed continues to strengthen his case, now totaling 11 catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns through three preseason appearances. While there is likely little fantasy value to be found near the bottom of the Panthers' roster in a run-heavy offense, if Reed can make the team, he could eventually find himself an injury or two away from DFS relevance.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Max Brosmer's Future In Doubt After Preseason Finale
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer turned in a lackluster performance in the Vikings' final preseason game at Denver on Friday, which leaves the second-year quarterback on shaky ground as cutdown day approaches. Brosmer played the majority of snaps after J.J. McCarthy (ankle) was ruled out, finishing 20-for-35 for 165 yards and rushing once for one yard, but the Vikings failed to find the end zone in a 34-6 loss. Minnesota already named Kyler Murray the starter, and as it stands, also rosters Carson Wentz in addition to McCarthy. If the Vikings keep all three, Brosmer likely would be the odd man out. Even if the Vikings keep him on the 53-man roster, however, Brosmer is unlikely to have any fantasy relevance in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Audric Estime Looks Sharp While Battling for Important Depth Role
New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime is battling with Kendre Miller for a depth spot behind Travis Etienne Jr., a role made all the more important by the questions surrounding Alvin Kamara's (knee) early-season availability after the 10th-year veteran suffered an MCL injury early in training camp. In Friday night's preseason matchup with the Cowboys, both backs saw action, and it was Estime who led the team with 46 rushing yards on only four carries, setting up a first-half touchdown by bouncing off contact for an impressive 33-yard run to the Cowboys' 8-yard-line. He added 22 yards on three catches, and has now racked up 90 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown across his two pre-season appearances. After putting up nearly identical rushing stat lines a season ago, neither Estime nor Miller has truly separated, and should Kamara miss extended time, they could split carries behind Etienne. While neither is a particularly palatable fantasy option, Estime's involvement in the passing game at least has the potential to provide a usable floor in a worst-case scenario.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Hassan Haskins Could Power His Way into Patriots' RB3 Role
Veteran running back Hassan Haskins was a late training camp addition of the New England Patriots, but he has made an impression in his limited time with the team. In Thursday's preseason loss to the Browns, Haskins converted two short-yardage situations through hard running, and Patriots staff writer Evan Lazar believes the team's decision on the third running back spot behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) will come down to style of play. At 6'2" and 228 pounds, Haskins stands out as a physical complement to the two roster locks, but Lazar notes that if the Patriots value versatility and upside, the edge could still go to second-year player Lan Larison. The NFL's roster cutdown deadline is Sunday, and although Henderson's recent ankle injury has been downplayed, there's a chance that whoever earns the team's third running back spot could see more involvement early in the year.
Source: Evan Lazar
Source: Evan Lazar
Emeka Egbuka "Hopefully" Available for Week 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles met with the media on Saturday, and while he expressed hope that second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (toe) will be ready for Week 1, further context suggests he could still be dealing with something significant. Team reporter Greg Auman points out the difference in language after Bowles told the media in the same session that he expects Jalen McMillan (knee) to be ready for the season opener while adding a "hopefully" to Egbuka's update. Bowles did say that he does not anticipate adding any additional receivers to offset the short-term injuries, but with the Buccaneers' first game of the season just over two weeks away, Egbuka's status will need to be monitored, particularly when the team is required to provide its first practice report the Wednesday before kickoff.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
