RADIO
Emeka Egbuka Back at Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is back in action on Thursday after being held out of Tuesday night's indoor practice session with lower body soreness. With a scheduled off day on Wednesday, the team was able to exercise an abundance of caution, holding the second-year receiver out along with Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan. While Egbuka and Godwin have returned to practice, McMillan remains out after banging his knee, as does Tez Johnson, who exited Tuesday's session with a groin strain. Egbuka's play trailed off in his rookie season, following a historically strong start, but an improving connection with quarterback Baker Mayfield has expectations high for his second season, and he is being drafted as the WR18.
Source: Scott Smith
Source: Scott Smith
Ted Hurst Taking Advantage of Receiver Absences
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially eyeing a big-bodied long-term replacement for franchise legend Mike Evans. In recent days, the Buccaneers' receiver depth chart has been thinned by injury, and Hurst has taken advantage of the opportunity to build chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. With Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan all absent from the team's last practice, and Tez Johnson exiting early with a groin strain, Hurst became Mayfield's go-to target according to team staff writer Brianna Dix, and head coach Todd Bowles spoke on their growing rapport. "Baker trusts him," he said of the rookie. "He knows he goes where he needs to go with the football. Ted was open at the right time, so we know he's got a good vertical, and he's got very good hands." The crowded depth chart in Tampa could still make consistent fantasy viability difficult to come by, but at RotoBaller's dynasty WR72, Hurst is a player well worth stashing with a future that will only be made brighter if he can continue to stack productive days in his first training camp.
Source: Brianna Dix
Source: Brianna Dix
Carnell Tate Looking to Build Upon his First Standout Moment of Training Camp
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate has had a relatively quiet start to his first training camp, but on Tuesday he provided a reminder of why he was the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. After a slow start to practice that included a drop and an apparent miscommunication with quarterback Cam Ward, he delivered the play of the summer on a 70-yard touchdown pass from Ward over starting cornerback Alontae Taylor. The play was Tate's only catch of the session, as credited by Titans senior writer Jim Wyatt, and with the team now preparing for Friday's annual blue vs white scrimmage, the 21-year-old receiver will need to continue developing consistency. As the Titans' most explosive playmaker, Tate should command an early role and only see his value rise throughout the season, making him a player to target in the middle rounds of 2026 drafts as RotoBaller's WR30.
Source: Jim Wyatt
Source: Jim Wyatt
Omar Cooper Jr. Coming Alive in Padded Practices
New York Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. had a slow start to his first training camp, visibly thinking his way through some of the team's early practices while Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell were routinely making plays, but Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo reports that he has come alive since the pads came on at Florham Park. Cooper is a well-put-together and rugged receiver who excelled at Indiana in some of the most high-traffic areas of the field, so it's no surprise he's finding his game as practices become more physical, and Melo believes he may have turned a corner. Cooper is RotoBaller's rookie WR5 and has obvious appeal in dynasty leagues, but he could also see some fantasy usability in year one if he's able to earn a steady role out of the slot in a Frank Reich offense that has historically leaned on three-receiver sets well above league average.
Source: Justin Melo
Source: Justin Melo
Romeo Doubs Misses Walkthrough Practice
New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs appeared slightly hobbled in recent days, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss, and he was not present for the team's Wednesday walkthrough practice. After a slow start to camp, Doubs has begun to build momentum, seemingly gaining comfort in a Josh McDaniels offense that asks more of its wide receivers than any system he'd been a part of in Green Bay. Doubs is projected to serve as the team's second receiver opposite A.J. Brown, and while Reiss doesn't believe he is dealing with anything overly serious, his status will need to be monitored, as receiver represents the Patriots' deepest position group of camp and any prolonged absence could create pathways for others to climb the depth chart. Doubs is RotoBaller's WR52 and should provide steady production in a modified version of the role that saw Stefon Diggs accumulate 1,013 yards a season ago.
Source: Mike Reiss
Source: Mike Reiss
Marvin Mims Jr. Could Be Unlocked by New Offensive Coordinator
Denver Broncos fourth-year wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. has made plays almost any time he's been given the chance, but his sporadic usage has led to little fantasy relevance outside of deep best ball formats. In 2025, he saw a 53% offensive snap share in Week 1 but then topped 50% participation only once more in the regular season. Through his first three seasons, he has never reached a season-long snap share of 40%, but The Denver Post's Parker Gabriel believes that the promotion of Davis Webb to offensive coordinator and play caller could serve to unlock the speedy playmaker. Gabriel points out that Mims has moved with confidence and made a number of standout plays through the opening week of training camp. Mims could see increased involvement and become a more useful piece of the Broncos' offense, but in a receiver room that added Jaylen Waddle to a returning group of Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, and Troy Franklin, consistency will still be difficult to find, and he does not need to factor into 2026 fantasy plans as RotoBaller's WR94.
Source: Parker Gabriel
Source: Parker Gabriel
Jahmyr Gibbs Working with Trainer on Side Field
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs took part in a walk-through and team stretch on Thursday morning before moving to a side field to work with a trainer. One week into Lions training camp, the three-time Pro Bowler has yet to take part in practice as he awaits a long-term contract extension. High-profile running backs Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Taylor both agreed to new extensions this week, so it's possible a new deal for Gibbs could be close, but until he puts ink to paper, it's unlikely he'll take part in any drills. After sharing a backfield with David Montgomery for his first three seasons, the veteran's trade to the Texans has presented Gibbs with the opportunity to handle close to a bell cow role, and he is RotoBaller's RB1 for 2026. With training camp approaching its halfway point, fantasy managers will want to see him on the field as soon as possible to avoid carrying any rust or added injury risk into the Lions' regular season opener on September 13.
Source: Dave Birkett
Source: Dave Birkett
Jonathan Taylor Signs Two-Year Extension with Colts
All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts have agreed to a two-year extension that will pay the three-time Pro Bowler up to $47 million and keep him on the team through the 2028 season. The deal includes $39 million in guarantees and makes Taylor the second-highest-paid running back in the league after the Falcons' Bijan Robinson signed a historic deal on Tuesday. Taylor has dealt with injuries for much of his career, playing in 17 games only once over the past four seasons, but when healthy and right, he is one of the most impactful offensive players in the league. He was the fantasy RB1 through the first 13 weeks of 2025 before Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles injury derailed the offense as a whole. Jones has made remarkable progress and is expected to be the team's Week 1 starter, and should the injury limit his mobility, Taylor could benefit from an increase in checkdowns, only adding to his value and putting him among a handful of backs with overall RB1 upside for 2026.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Jacob Cowing Dealing with Hip-Flexor Strain
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing (hip) did not practice on Wednesday due to a hip flexor strain. Cowing has missed time so far this offseason, dealing with a hamstring injury during OTAs and most of the 2025 season, and now a hip flexor strain that may cost him additional practice time. The 2024 fourth-round pick has caught just four passes for 80 yards in his NFL career, largely because of injury-related absences. With most players taking 1-3 weeks to recover from a hip flexor strain, Cowing will need to perform at a high level upon his return to make the 49ers' final roster.
Source: Nick Wagoner - ESPN
Source: Nick Wagoner - ESPN
Darius Cooper Receives Praise From Eagles QB
In an interview with NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Brian Baldinger, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts named second-year receiver Darius Cooper as a player who has emerged in camp. Hurts said, "I think Darius Cooper has done a really good job. He's always been a big-bodied, physical, strong-hands guy. But just to see how he's transitioned going into Year 2, I'm definitely excited for him." Cooper hauled in just nine of 11 targets for 92 yards in 13 games as a rookie, which ranked fourth among Eagles receivers last season, despite being an undrafted rookie. Now with two of the top three receivers from last season gone (A.J. Brown and Jahan Dotson), Cooper has a chance to translate his solid practice play to the field in 2026. While he's off the fantasy radar for now, a strong preseason or additional injuries to the Eagles' wide receiver room could make Cooper a player to watch in 2026.
Source: Mike Garafolo - NFL Network
Source: Mike Garafolo - NFL Network
Myles Garrett Returns to Practice on Wednesday
After missing the previous four practices due to "lower-body soreness," Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Myles Garrett (lower body) returned to practice on Wednesday. Rams head coach Sean McVay previously said the issue was "nothing to worry about," and with Garrett back at practice, he should be a full go for the remainder of camp and the regular season. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year was traded to Los Angeles from the Cleveland Browns, marking one of the biggest trades in league history. The possibility of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald unretiring and returning to the Rams, alongside Garrett, could catapult the Rams' defense into one of the NFL's strongest units.
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
JuJu Smith-Schuster Returns to Practice on Wednesday
After missing Tuesday's practice due to knee swelling, New York Giants wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) returned and participated on Wednesday. Smith-Schuster reportedly made the catch of the day in practice, hauling in a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Jameis Winston in tight coverage at the back of the end zone. The veteran receiver was signed by the team after trying out in June and has worked with the second team for most of camp. He has had recent stints with the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, though he didn't contribute in fantasy leagues in any of those seasons. With him fighting for a roster spot in camp, Smith-Schuster is off the radar in fantasy formats this season.
Source: Jordan Ranaan - ESPN
Source: Jordan Ranaan - ESPN
Kendre Miller Dealing with Back Issue
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (back) has been limited in the last two practices due to a back issue. Head coach Kellen Moore said the problem was "something to keep an eye on" and not a major concern at this time. The former third-round pick has been plagued by injuries throughout his NFL career, with his most recent being a torn ACL in his left knee. Despite not being on the PUP list before camp, Miller is still dealing with issues, even if they are not a concern. Miller is behind Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara on the depth chart and is battling second-year back Devin Neal for the third-string spot. Miller is not on the fantasy radar this season, though he has shown the ability to make a difference when healthy and given touches.
Source: Katherine Terrell - ESPN
Source: Katherine Terrell - ESPN
Derrick Henry Wants to Finish his Career With Ravens
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry said Wednesday he would prefer to finish his career with the Ravens. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Henry wrote, "I would like to finish my career with the Ravens. I never said anything about retiring lol. I'm enjoying being a Raven. I'll worry about that retirement s**t later." The 32-year-old veteran is coming off another strong season, totaling 1,745 scrimmage yards and 16 touchdowns while playing all 17 games for the third consecutive season. With superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson in the fold and still showing no signs of slowing down, the future Hall-of-Famer will look to continue his legendary run in 2026.
Source: Derrick Henry
Source: Derrick Henry
Rico Dowdle to be "Unquestioned RB1" to Begin the Season
Although the Pittsburgh Steelers listed incumbent running back Jaylen Warren as the RB1 on their first preseason depth chart on Wednesday, Steelers correspondent Mark Kaboly writes that Rico Dowdle "will be the unquestioned RB1 when the season starts." Kaboly adds that Dowdle is much more than a big, bruising RB. The 28-year-old former undrafted free agent from South Carolina also shows quickness, speed, vision, and power, which make him "more than a platoon back." There is some uncertainty as to how the backfield touches will shake out between Dowdle and Warren in new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense in 2026. McCarthy has been mum on naming a starter, and it feels like he's seeking more of a balanced approach with the two backs, which isn't what fantasy managers want to hear. Right now, RotoBaller has Dowdle and Warren ranked at No. 30 and 31, respectively, at the RB position. Dowdle is probably the safer bet after signing a two-year, $12.25 million deal in free agency with Pittsburgh, at least in standard-scoring leagues as the favorite to lead the Steelers in early-down carries. Dowdle also has plenty of momentum, reaching the 1,000-yard rushing mark in each of the last two years with the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers.
Source: Mark Kaboly
Source: Mark Kaboly
