RADIO
Ty Simpson Lives Up to the Hype in Preseason Debut
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Ty Simpson completed 21 of his 25 pass attempts for 190 yards, two passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Saturday's preseason contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Rams shocked the world when they selected Simpson in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and while the keys to the offense still belong to Matthew Stafford for now, the rookie showed that he can play pro football at a high level. Throwing for two touchdowns is impressive, but we're even more encouraged by his stellar 84% completion rate in a game where neither Puka Nacua nor Davante Adams played. Dynasty managers should feel reassured that Simpson has high-end QB2 or low-end QB1 potential once Stafford's playing days are over. That may require some patience, but the upside is indisputable.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Isaiah Likely Sees Prominent Role on Third Down in Preseason Opener
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely caught both of his targets for 11 yards in the team's 13-10 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Likely caught both of his passes on third down, converting both to move the chains. While his receiving role appears to be a major factor (especially on third down) in offensive coordinator Matt Nagy's offense, his snap share was notable. In 16 snaps that the first-team played during their first preseason matchup, Likely played just six snaps, while Theo Johnson played seven and blocking tight end Chris Manhertz played five. Likely played all six of his snaps in 11 personnel, while Johnson and Manhertz operated primarily in heavy personnel. We've seen highly valued tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Evan Engram struggle to produce last season due to their low snap counts, so this could be something to watch for Likely during the course of the 2026 season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Malachi Fields a Lone Bright Spot in Preseason Loss to Vikings
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields hauled in all three targets for 34 yards and a touchdown in the team's 13-10 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Fields was a factor on the first-team offense and earned more trust from quarterback Jaxson Dart, who threw him a 50/50 ball in the back of the end zone, which Fields came down with. The third-round pick played nine of 16 snaps with the first-team offense, while veterans Darnell Mooney (12) and Darius Slayton (12) each played more snaps. With star receiver Malik Nabers (knee) inactive for their preseason opener, all three receivers likely played more than they would have if Nabers had been on the field. However, Fields' production and highlight-reel touchdown from Dart were a bright spot amid the Giants' ugly offensive output.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike Vrabel Impressed By Eli Raridon's Improvement as a Blocker
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is impressed with rookie tight end Eli Raridon's improvement as a blocker, according to Patriots beat reporter Taylor Kyles. Raridon continues to have an impressive training camp and was taking snaps with the first-team offense. The Patriots selected Raridon in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft and is set to be New England's No. 2 tight end behind Hunter Henry. The 22-year-old has shown flashes in camp and could be a key contributor this season. Henry did sign a two-year extension with the Patriots this offseason, so dynasty managers might have to wait a few years before they see Raridon as the team's starting tight end. Raridon could force his way onto the field, and his stock in dynasty and redraft is rising as he continues to have an impressive training camp.
Source: Taylor Kyles
Source: Taylor Kyles
Cam Skattebo Not on Field on Obvious Passing Situations on Saturday
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo carried the ball four times for 19 yards and went without a target in the team's 13-10 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Skattebo saw his first game action since suffering a compound fracture of his right leg in Week 8 of the 2025 season. Despite the quick turnaround to the 2026 season, the second-year back looked strong, breaking multiple tackles less than a year after the gruesome injury. However, a split was evident among running backs Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, and Skattebo. On the first two first-team drives, Tracy played seven of 16 plays, Skattebo played five, and Singletary played four. Skattebo also did not play in obvious passing-down situations, with Tracy handling most of the third-down work on Saturday. While the team is likely easing Skattebo back into football shape after a significant injury, fantasy managers should temper expectations, especially in the receiving game and early in the season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
DeVonta Smith Sits Out Preseason Opener
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) will not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, per Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer. However, Smith did go through pregame warm-ups despite the injury. The 27-year-old missed seven straight practices at one point with his hamstring injury, but did do some work on the side. Smith would have played if it were a regular-season game, as the injury doesn't appear to be serious. He caught 77 passes for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns over 17 games last season. Smith is set to be Philadelphia's No. 1 wide receiver after the Eagles dealt A.J. Brown to the Patriots during the offseason. Smith is the Eagles' top wide receiver weapon and could be set for a career year as long as his hamstring injury doesn't linger into the regular season.
Source: Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer
Source: Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer
Trevor Etienne Flashes Receiving Ability in the Preseason
Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne rushed for seven yards on six attempts while catching all four targets for 18 yards in Saturday's 29-14 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. Etienne led the team in receptions and tied Feleipe Franks and Eliah Cooks with four targets. The 22-year-old has natural hands and has shown flashes in the passing game. However, he started in the Hall of Fame game against Arizona and was limited to 11 total yards. With Jonathon Brooks' injury history and Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) being week-to-week with a hamstring injury, Etienne could have an expanded role if either were to miss any time. The former fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is battling AJ Dillon for Carolina's RB3 spot behind Hubbard and Brooks. Etienne is a dynasty stash for now, but a name to watch in deep-league PPR formats if Hubbard continues to be sidelined with his hamstring issue into the regular season.
Source: Pro Football Focus
Source: Pro Football Focus
Ja'Seem Reed Makes Case For More Targets After Strong Preseason Showing
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ja'Seem Reed caught all three targets for 17 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 29-14 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. Kenny Pickett found Reed for a six-yard touchdown strike in the second quarter to put the Panthers on the scoreboard. The 23-year-old has run 35 routes, while catching five of six targets for 47 yards and two touchdowns over Carolina's first two preseason games. Carolina's quarterbacks have a 138.9 passing rating when targeting Reed. With Chris Brazzell III (knee) out for the season, Reed has had a strong preseason and is making a case to be Carolina's WR4 behind Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette. He is currently battling John Metchie III and Jimmy Horn Jr. for that spot. Reed is not on the fantasy radar but could be worth stashing in deep dynasty leagues if he continues his strong preseason showing thus far.
Source: Mike Kaye of ESPN
Source: Mike Kaye of ESPN
Bills Not Worried About DJ Moore's Injury
Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady indicated that wide receiver DJ Moore (lower leg) is "good" following his injury scare during Saturday's preseason win over the Carolina Panthers, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Moore sustained a lower leg injury during his last catch in the first quarter of Saturday's preseason opener. According to Buscaglia, Moore will be further evaluated, but the Bills don't seem to be too worried. The 29-year-old looked impressive, finishing with three catches on four targets for 61 yards, averaging 20.3 yards per reception. Keon Coleman also picked up an injury on Saturday but is expected to be fine. Moore is set to be Buffalo's WR1 and star quarterback Josh Allen's No. 1 target after Buffalo acquired him from the Bears during the offseason. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the situation, but it appears Moore avoided a severe injury.
Source: Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic
Source: Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic
Josh Downs Exits Saturday's Practice Early After Landing Hard on his Back
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (back) exited Saturday's practice early after landing hard on his back, according to Andrew Moore of Sports Illustrated. According to Moore, Downs tried to walk it off but appeared to still be in pain. The 25-year-old is day-to-day for now, as the Colts should provide an update soon. Before the injury, Downs was having a strong training camp but did miss practice earlier in the week with a groin injury. The Colts are already down Alec Pierce (ankle) and can't afford to lose Downs on top of it. Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine would see an uptick in snaps if Downs were to miss any time. With Michael Pittman Jr. on the Steelers, Downs is set for a breakout year and should see an uptick in targets. Barring injury news, Downs is currently RotoBaller's WR40 and could be relied on right out of the gate with Pierce still sidelined.
Source: Andrew Moore
Source: Andrew Moore
Jaxson Dart "Puzzled" Everytime he Finds Himself in the Blue Tent
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is "puzzled" about how he finds his way into the blue tent every time he takes a hit, according to Giants beat writer Pat Leonard. The Giants quarterback respects the NFL players' safety efforts, but "still trying to wrap my head around," said Dart. He went to the medical tent during Saturday's game against the Vikings after taking a big hit from safety Jay Ward. According to Dart, a miscommunication in protection led to the big hit. The 23-year-old stayed in the game after a brief exit to the medical tent and led the Giants to their first score of the game by connecting with wide receiver Malachi Fields for a 15-yard touchdown. Dart finished the game with 26 passing yards on four passing attempts and a touchdown before being pulled. The 2025 first-round pick made several trips to the medical tent in his rookie season as he dealt with concussions. Dart appears to have avoided any injury and should be fine to play in the Giants' second preseason game against the Dolphins.
Source: Pat Leonard
Source: Pat Leonard
Jonathon Brooks Runs with Starting Lineup on Saturday
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks started in Saturday's 29-14 preseason loss against the Buffalo Bills and struggled to find any running room. Brooks rushed for five yards on three attempts while catching one pass for nine yards on Saturday. He logged seven of nine snaps with the first-team offense and was targeted once on three routes run. The 23-year-old had trouble finding running room as the offensive line struggled to open any lanes for him, as he averaged a measly 1.7 yards per carry. While the Panthers offense looked sluggish on Saturday, the good news is that Brooks looked healthy, as it was his first NFL snap he played since December 8, 2024. Brooks could see a heavy workload early on as Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) is week-to-week and likely questionable for Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. Brooks has been a trendy name whose fantasy stock has risen with a strong training camp. He is steadily becoming a running back to target in the middle rounds at his current Yahoo Fantasy ADP of 77 and is ranked 91st overall in the latest RotoBaller rankings.
Source: Pro Football Focus
Source: Pro Football Focus
Shedeur Sanders Will Start in Browns' Second Preseason Game
ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi reports that Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start in Thursday's preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Todd Monken announced that Deshaun Watson and Sanders will split first-team reps during joint practices with the Bills. Additionally, Monken plans to let Sanders play the first half with Watson playing the third quarter, and Dillon Gabriel playing the fourth quarter. Watson looked sharp in his preseason start by completing 11 of 15 passes for 126 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. In Sanders' limited action, he completed six of 11 passes for 79 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. The two remain in a close competition for the starting job that has a chance to be decided after the second preseason game.
Source: ESPN - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN - Daniel Oyefusi
Aaron Donald's Target for Decision to Return Shifts
ProFootballTalk reported that retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald's target date for a decision to return to the Los Angeles Rams continues to shift. Speculation about Donald's return first spread across the league after the blockbuster trade that sent the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett, to the Rams. In early August, Donald was spotted at the team's facility for an official training camp workout. Even as Donald pushes his decision timeline back, the Rams do not seem inclined to set any deadlines. If he decides to return, the Rams would have one of the best defenses in history on paper as they attempt to win another Super Bowl in 2026.
Source: ProFootballTalk
Source: ProFootballTalk
Texans Starters Will Play in Next Preseason Game on Thursday
ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime reported that the Houston Texans will play their starters in next Thursday's preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Head coach DeMeco Ryans told Bien-Aime that everyone healthy will play in the game. The team decided to rest almost all of their primary starters, including C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, and Dalton Schultz, during their 27-7 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Ryans has not officially announced a plan or official playing times for their second game yet. However, he will likely make his decision public closer to Thursday's day game.
Source: ESPN - DJ Bien-Aime
Source: ESPN - DJ Bien-Aime
