RADIO
Cam Ward Thinks he has Improved Going into Year 2
Tennessee Titans second-year quarterback Cam Ward thinks he has improved as he heads into his second year in the NFL in 2026, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. "I am the same person," Ward said. "But I think I have become a better football player. I think that has been the biggest thing that I have changed. But I am the same person, keep the same routine. A lot of stuff has helped me get to this point, so there is no big thing to change." After the Titans used the first overall pick on Ward last year, he threw for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his rookie campaign, with a passer rating of 80.3. It was definitely an up-and-down year with plenty of growing pains, but Ward showed improvements in the final few weeks, and he's expected to take the next step under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll in 2026. The 24-year-old is showing more situational awareness and confidence, and he'll have more receiving weapons in rookie first-rounder Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson. Ward is a low-end QB2 with upside, but he'll have to prove himself in Year 2 to land on the fantasy radar of those in single-QB, 12-team formats.
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Deshaun Watson Takes All the First-Team Reps on Wednesday
The Cleveland Browns opened training camp on Wednesday, and it was quarterback Deshaun Watson who took all the first-team reps, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it, though, as head coach Todd Monken said he will continue to split first-team QB reps in practice between Watson and second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. Watson struggled on Day 1, throwing interceptions on back-to-back throws in 11-on-11 drills. Monken didn't disclose a timetable for naming a starting QB this summer, but he did say he plans to play his starters in the preseason. It will likely be Sanders' turn with the first-team offense on Thursday. There were conflicting reports this offseason speculating on which way Monken might be leaning for the starting QB role, but the bottom line is both Watson's and Sanders' play will determine the winner in camp and the preseason. Whoever wins the starting gig will likely be on a short leash and will be no more than a volatile, low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Jaydon Blue Flashing Early in Camp, Remains in Competition for No. 2 Role
Dallas Cowboys second-year running back Jaydon Blue has flashed early in training camp this summer and had one of the highlights of the first day of practice on Wednesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. "My speed is what I'm best at. Once I get in the open field and it's one-on-one, I don't think anyone in this league can stand a chance," Blue said. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said back in June that the 22-year-old Blue has been "night and day" in terms of his performance this year compared to last year. Javonte Williams is Dallas' clear RB1 after a career year in his first year with the Cowboys in 2025, but the RB2 job is up for grabs, and based on Blue's strong work so far, he may very well be the favorite. The former fifth-rounder from the University of Texas could never get his legs under him in a trying rookie campaign, as he had only 38 rushing attempts for 129 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch for five yards in five games played. Blue is battling with Malik Davis and Phil Mafah for the RB2 role this summer, with his elite speed giving him a leg up. The time is now for Blue to make his move.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Kyler Murray Leads Vikings in QB Snaps on Wednesday
ESPN's Kevin Seifert reports that the Minnesota Vikings had a relatively even split of snaps between quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy in the first training camp practice on Wednesday, but Murray had the slight edge in first-team snaps with 16 to McCarthy's 12. Will Ragatz reported that it was a solid first day for both Murray and McCarthy in their QB1 battle. Murray had some impressive throws, but also some misses. McCarthy has plenty of arm strength, but the Vikings are going to need to see more accuracy to all parts of the field after a pretty disastrous first full season as the starter in 2025. Whoever wins this QB battle will be no more than a QB2 in superflex leagues, but Murray has more NFL experience and fantasy upside as a dual-threat signal-caller with an upgraded receiving corps in his new home. Murray has felt like the favorite going into training camp, but head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't tipping his hand. If Murray wins the starting job, as expected, he'll have QB1 upside, based on matchups, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as his top-two receivers.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Jordan Addison Impresses in First Training Camp Practice
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was "everywhere" during the team's first training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Will Ragatz. This comes after a recent report that Addison and new quarterback Kyler Murray worked with each other for two months leading up to training camp. The 24-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2023 out of USC is motivated going into the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 after a career-worst season that saw him catch 42 of his 79 targets for 610 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games after combining for 19 touchdown receptions in his first two seasons. Minnesota's lackluster quarterback play in 2025 didn't help matters. Addison will continue to be in the shadow of All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, but a bounce-back campaign could be in the cards if Murray seizes the QB1 gig and elevates the Vikings' passing attack from what it was a year ago. His case for being a WR3/4 sleeper in fantasy drafts this year is dependent on Murray winning the job in training camp and clicking with Addison in 2026. So far, so good.
Source: Will Ragatz
Source: Will Ragatz
Rico Dowdle Offers Mid-Round Redraft Value
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle offers reasonable mid-round redraft value after signing a two-year, $12.25 million contract following consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. The 28-year-old handled 236 carries for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns with Carolina in 2025 while adding 39 receptions for 297 yards and another score, giving him 1,373 scrimmage yards on 275 touches. Dowdle also rushed for 1,079 yards with Dallas in 2024, proving last season was not an isolated breakout. The concern is workload. Jaylen Warren produced 958 rushing yards, 40 receptions, 333 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns last year, and Pittsburgh's coaching staff has described the pair as a one-two punch whose usage could change by scheme and weekly game plan. Both have been evaluated as three-down options, so neither is guaranteed the more valuable rushing, receiving, or scoring role. RotoBaller currently ranks Dowdle 87th overall and RB33, which appropriately reflects the committee risk. He is a worthwhile third running back with weekly flex potential and greater upside if Warren misses time, but fantasy managers should not draft him expecting a workhorse role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor Has Late-Round Redraft Sleeper Appeal
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor has a real path to the largest role of his career, but he is better viewed as a late-round redraft swing than a guaranteed breakout. Las Vegas signed the 27-year-old to a three-year, $35.03 million contract with $18 million fully guaranteed at signing after he totaled 57 receptions for 858 yards and 10 touchdowns over his final two seasons in Minnesota. Nailor set career highs with 29 catches and 444 yards in 2025, averaged 15.3 yards per reception, and flashed his ceiling with five catches for 124 yards and a touchdown against Baltimore. The opportunity is legitimate, but Nailor has never exceeded 29 receptions or 444 yards in a season. Tre Tucker led the Raiders with 696 receiving yards last year, while Brock Bowers recorded a team-high 64 catches and seven touchdowns despite playing only 12 games. Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. also remain in the competition for wide receiver snaps. RotoBaller's WR66 ranking keeps the price manageable. Nailor has late-round and best-ball appeal, but dynasty managers should wait for evidence of sustained target volume before treating him as a meaningful buy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Xavier Worthy May Be Overvalued at Current Redraft ADP
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy still offers game-breaking speed and a valuable connection with Patrick Mahomes, but his current redraft cost requires fantasy managers to project a breakout that has not yet arrived. Worthy followed a promising rookie season of 59 receptions, 638 yards, and six receiving touchdowns with 42 catches for 532 yards and one score on 73 targets across 14 games in 2025. A dislocated right shoulder suffered on the third offensive snap of the season cost him two games, and the Chiefs reported that he was among their most productive players during the 2026 offseason program. Still, Worthy averaged only 5.2 targets per game even though Rashee Rice appeared in eight contests, producing 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns. Worthy's career mark of 1.25 yards per route run also leaves questions about whether he can earn enough consistent volume to support his ceiling. Current redraft ADP places him at WR48, which already prices in meaningful improvement. Worthy remains a worthwhile upside pick, but he is better treated as a volatile depth receiver than a priority breakout target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Jones Sr. Is a Low-Cost Buy for Dynasty Contenders
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. remains a sensible low-cost dynasty target for contenders, while rebuilding managers should look to move him before his short-term value declines further. The 31-year-old produced 1,546 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 before a hamstring injury helped limit him to 12 games last season. Jones finished 2025 with 132 carries for 548 yards and two touchdowns, plus 28 receptions for 199 yards and another score. Jordan Mason was the more productive runner, totaling 758 yards and six touchdowns on 159 carries, but Jones doubled Mason's reception total and should remain the more established passing-down option. Minnesota retained Jones on a revised contract that lowered his 2026 base salary to $5.5 million, and he is entering the final year of the deal. Sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne adds another change-of-pace option, but Jones still has a path to useful receiving work. RotoBaller ranks Jones 171st overall in its latest dynasty update, placing him firmly in the low-cost range. Contenders can justify acquiring him as PPR depth, while rebuilders should sell rather than risk another age-related drop in value after the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dak Prescott Opens 11th Cowboys Camp on 33rd Birthday
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott opened his 11th training camp with the organization Wednesday, the same day he turned 33, according to Tommy Yarrish. Prescott has spent his entire career in Dallas since the Cowboys selected him 135th overall in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He enters the 2026 season after starting all 17 games and completing 404 of 600 passes for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with a 99.5 passer rating in 2025. His passing-yardage total ranked third in the NFL and was the second highest of his career, trailing only the 4,902 yards he recorded in 2019. Prescott also rushed 53 times for 177 yards and two scores last season. The veteran remains Dallas' unquestioned starter and continues to offer fantasy value through his passing volume and touchdown production.
Source: Tommy Yarrish
Source: Tommy Yarrish
Jaylin Noel Expected Back in a Few Weeks
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (finger) is expected to return in a few weeks after injuring his finger, according to Aaron Wilson. Noel was placed on the active/non-football injury list before training camp and cannot practice until he passes his physical. No additional information has been provided regarding which finger is affected, how the injury occurred, or whether he required a procedure. The 23-year-old caught 26 of 35 targets for 292 yards and two touchdowns across 17 games as a rookie while also handling most of Houston's return work. Noel returned 31 punts for 335 yards and 29 kickoffs for 799 yards. He entered camp positioned to compete for a larger second-year role from the slot in addition to his special-teams responsibilities. The reported timeline suggests the injury is relatively short term, but Noel will lose valuable practice repetitions while sidelined. His eventual activation and participation level will determine how much time he has to prepare for an expanded offensive role.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
DeMario Douglas Seeing Expanded Route Tree
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas is seeing his usage and route tree expanded during training camp compared with recent seasons, according to the Boston Herald. Douglas caught 31 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns across 17 games in 2025, averaging a career-high 14.4 yards per reception. New England already pushed him farther downfield last season, when he averaged a career-high 9.7 air yards per target and tied his career best with four deep receptions. The latest camp usage suggests the Patriots are continuing to explore ways to deploy Douglas beyond a traditional underneath slot role. A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs project as the top two receivers, while Douglas is competing with Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams for snaps in three-receiver sets. The broader route tree improves Douglas' path to staying involved, but his fantasy value will still depend on whether the expanded responsibilities lead to consistent playing time and targets.
Source: The Boston Herald
Source: The Boston Herald
Luke Musgrave Could be Dealing With Long-Term Neck Injury
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that tight end Luke Musgrave (neck) is dealing with a neck injury, and the team is proceeding cautiously while trying to determine if it's a long-term injury, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Packers tend to be extra cautious with neck injuries, meaning it's unlikely that the 25-year-old will come off the Physically Unable to Perform list during training camp anytime soon. Fellow TE Tucker Kraft (knee) is also on the PUP list to start camp after tearing his ACL in Week 9 of last year, but all indications are that he should be ready to practice sooner rather than later. Musgrave failed to take advantage of Kraft's knee injury in 2025, catching 24 of his 31 targets for 252 yards and zero touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (10 starts), and the former second-rounder in 2023 from Oregon State has found the end zone just once in his three NFL seasons. Even if Musgrave is ready for the 2026 regular-season opener in early September, he'll be off the fantasy radar in all redraft formats as long as Kraft is active as well.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Packers "Gradually" Ramping MarShawn Lloyd Up
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that running back MarShawn Lloyd doesn't necessarily have a rep count in training camp, but learning from the past and Lloyd's lengthy injury history, the plan is to "gradually" ramp him up for the 2026 season, according to USA Today Sports Network's Ryan Wood. Lloyd has looked very explosive early on this summer, but the Packers are going to make sure not to overwork a player who has appeared in just one game since being drafted in the third round in 2024 out of USC due to injuries. With Emanuel Wilson now in Seattle and with Chris Brooks unavailable for the start of camp, Lloyd has a prime opportunity to cement himself as the Packers' No. 2 back behind starter Josh Jacobs going into the 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old's speed and athleticism should make him the favorite for backup duties in his third NFL season if he can just stay healthy for once, and his physical attributes still make him an intriguing handcuff pick for those who take the plunge on Jacobs, who is still facing legal issues this offseason.
Source: USA Today Sports Network - Ryan Wood
Source: USA Today Sports Network - Ryan Wood
Calvin Ridley Limited by Illness in First Camp Practice
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley was limited during Wednesday's first training camp practice after being sick, according to Paul Kuharsky. No additional details were provided about the illness, and the team has not indicated that Ridley will miss further time. The veteran is also returning from a broken fibula and high ankle sprain that ended his 2025 season after seven games. He caught 17 passes for 303 yards without a touchdown last year after recording 64 receptions for 1,017 yards and four scores in 2024. Tennessee limited Ridley's offseason work while he completed his recovery, with the veteran participating primarily in individual drills before becoming more involved later in the spring. Ridley's limitation appears minor for now, with no indication that he is expected to miss additional time. His participation in Tennessee's next practice should provide a clearer indication of whether the illness is already behind him.
Source: Paul Kuharsky
Source: Paul Kuharsky
