RADIO
Malik Davis Emerging as the RB2 Favorite in Dallas
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis "seems to be the player with whom the Cowboys are most comfortable" in the RB2 role behind starting back Javonte Williams, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. Davis played in 10 games for Dallas in 2025, recording 250 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 52 carries. The 27-year-old has been competing for the Cowboys' RB2 role in training camp with 2025 draftees Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah. While Machota acknowledges that Blue specifically has the higher upside, he predicts that Davis will open the year as Dallas' primary backup. As long as Williams remains healthy, neither Davis nor Blue is likely to see a fantasy-relevant workload. Still, fantasy managers searching for a handcuff option for Williams may want to target Davis with a late-round draft pick.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Carson Steele Making an Impression in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Eagles running back Carson Steele was one of the standout performers from his team's second preseason game against the New England Patriots on Saturday, recording 117 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 18 touches. Philadelphia has three running backs who currently appear to be ahead of Steele on the depth chart in Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley. However, The Athletic's Brooks Kubena reports that Steele's stock is trending up and the Eagles could be looking for a way to sneak him onto the 53-man roster. Steele recorded 56 carries for 183 yards across 17 games (three starts) with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024, but did not appear in an NFL game in 2025. In the case of an injury in the Eagles' backfield, Steele could be a name to monitor in deeper league formats.
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
Mike Washington Jr. Emerging as a Priority Stash Following Massive Injury Scare in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. could be in for a much larger role in his team's offense than initially expected. Star Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (knee) had to be helped off the practice field on Sunday after suffering a potentially serious knee injury. While the exact nature of Jeanty's injury is currently unclear, any missed time for Jeanty would open a window for Washington Jr. to take over as the Raiders RB1. A fourth-round pick out of Arkansas, Washington Jr. recorded 1,296 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns on 195 touches across 12 games for the Razorbacks last season. The 23-year-old has been impressive in preseason action so far, recording 119 rushing yards on 15 carries across two games. Las Vegas also has little in the way of proven competition for Washington Jr. in the backfield, although the team could look to bring in a veteran or two if Jeanty is indeed facing an extended absence. Still, Washington Jr.'s fantasy value is rising and could be set to explode.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ja'Mori Maclin Making a Case to Stick in Buffalo
Buffalo Bills undrafted rookie wide receiver Ja'Mori Maclin has been a standout performer this summer and "has a chance to stick with the Bills past this summer," per Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. The 24-year-old also flashed in Buffalo's second preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, recording two catches for 108 yards and a touchdown on three targets. Maclin was not particularly productive as a college player, recording 13 catches for 189 yards and zero touchdowns across 10 games at the University of Kentucky in 2025. However, he appears to have done enough this summer to have a chance to make Buffalo's 53-man roster. The Bills are also currently managing injuries to wide receivers Khalil Shakir (ankle), Keon Coleman (foot/toe), and Skyler Bell (groin). It's too early for fantasy managers to prioritize Maclin, but he could be a name to monitor in deeper leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Lan Larison Solidifying Case for a Roster Spot?
New England Patriots running back Lan Larison tallied nine carries, 33 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown during Saturday's preseason win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He also caught three of his four targets for an additional 41 receiving yards. A 2025 undrafted free agent out of UC Davis, Larison now has 113 scrimmage yards and one touchdown through two preseason games. Numbers like that will help the 24-year-old in his pursuit of a roster spot, and the fact that he spent last season with the team (albeit on injured reserve) could also work in his favor. Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson have a firm grasp on the top two spots in the backfield, but the No. 3 running back role is up for grabs, with Larison and Jam Miller looking like the strongest candidates. Larison possesses the dual-threat skill set that head coach Mike Vrabel values in a running back, so he could carve out a role if he makes the 53-man roster. It's too early to pursue him in redraft leagues, but he's absolutely worth stashing in deeper dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dae'Quan Wright Waived by Browns, Eyeing Return to College
The Cleveland Browns are waiving tight end Dae'Quan Wright, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter reports that if Wright clears waivers, he has an agreement in place to play the 2026 season at LSU, which would make him the first player to play for an NFL team before returning to college. An undrafted free agent signee of the Browns, Wright recorded 39 catches for 635 yards and one touchdown across 15 games at Ole Miss in 2025. He had been competing for a back-end roster spot in Cleveland, but it appears Wright's focus is now on returning to the SEC. The Browns have a clear TE1 in Harold Fannin Jr., leaving rookies Joe Royer and Carsen Ryan to compete with veteran Blake Whiteheart for the team's TE2 role.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Ashton Jeanty Suffers Potentially Serious Knee Injury in Practice
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (knee) left practice early on Sunday after suffering an apparent knee injury, per Ryan McFadden of ESPN. McFadden reports that Jeanty landed awkwardly while attempting to make a diving catch and "couldn't put any pressure on his right leg" while being helped off the field by trainers. While the exact nature of the injury is not entirely clear, a serious knee injury for Jeanty would obviously be a massive blow for both the Raiders and fantasy managers. The sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jeanty recorded 1,321 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns on 321 touches across 17 games as a rookie. Before the injury, the 22-year-old appeared to be in line to shoulder a high-volume, three-down workload for Las Vegas. If he misses time, Raiders backs Mike Washington Jr. and Dylan Laube would likely be in line for significantly increased roles in the team's offense.
Source: ESPN - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN - Ryan McFadden
Jordan James' Fantasy Value Rising Following Return from Injury
A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James played in just three games and did not earn a single carry as a rookie. The 22-year-old also suffered a setback early in training camp this season when he suffered multiple fractured ribs while absorbing a hit from star 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. However, James was able to return to the practice field on Saturday, putting him back in the mix for a role in the San Francisco backfield. As long as superstar 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey remains healthy, James is unlikely to see fantasy-relevant playing time. Still, McCaffrey is entering his age-30 season and recorded an NFL-high 413 touches in 2025. If James can beat out rookie Kaelon Black and veteran Zamir White for the 49ers RB2 role, he would immediately be one of the more valuable handcuff running back options for fantasy managers. Now that James is back at practice, his stock is on the rise.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Kelce's Fantasy Stock Improved By Positive Health Outlook for His Quarterback
Across 17 games in 2025, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce recorded 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns on 108 targets. Now entering his age-37 campaign and his 14th NFL season, Kelce is no longer the same player he once was at his superstar peak. The Chiefs could also look to be more conservative with his snap counts in order to preserve his legs throughout the regular season. Still, Kelce has logged over 100 targets in 11 consecutive seasons. It also looks like he will get a full season playing alongside Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee), with whom he clearly has a high level of established chemistry. While Kansas City could get more out of top wide receiver Rashee Rice this season, Rice's history of both injury and off-field issues is always liable to force him off the field. Kelce's ceiling is limited, but he still has value as a low-end TE1 option for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Harold Fannin Jr. Could Be on the Verge of a Superstar Breakout
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. had an impressive season as a rookie in 2025, recording 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets across 16 games (13 starts). Entering 2026, Fannin Jr. now looks like the undisputed top tight end in Cleveland following the offseason departure of longtime Browns tight end David Njoku. Cleveland did use a pair of top-40 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft on wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, adding some increased target competition for Fannin Jr. The 22-year-old's fantasy value is also clouded by the Browns quarterback situation, which features a pair of underwhelming options in Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. Still, Fannin Jr. has proven that he can be a high-volume safety blanket in the short and intermediate areas of the field. Entering his second NFL campaign, Fannin Jr. should be viewed as a steady TE1 option for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet Falling Behind in Seahawks' Backfield Competition?
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he works his way back from a torn ACL. The 25-year-old underwent knee surgery in late February, making it likely that he will not be ready for the start of the season. Across 16 games in 2025, Charbonnet recorded 874 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns on 204 touches while splitting carries with former Seahawks back Kenneth Walker III. Walker III departed Seattle for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, which could open up an expanded role for Charbonnet once he makes it back to the field. However, the Seahawks used the 32nd pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jadarian Price, who has turned heads in training camp and appears to be establishing himself as the team's clear RB1 heading into the year. Given Charbonnet's uncertain return timeline and the backfield competition in Seattle, his fantasy value is questionable.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pat Bryant Could Be Working His Way into an Expanded Role in Denver
A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant recorded 31 catches for 378 yards and a touchdown on 49 targets across 15 games (seven starts) as a rookie. Entering 2026, Denver has one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the NFL between Bryant, Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and Troy Franklin. Still, Bryant has consistently drawn positive reviews for his work in training camp so far this summer. The word out of Denver is also that the team wants to be conservative with the 30-year-old Sutton's workload, which could put Bryant in position to see regular playing time. While fantasy managers should not expect Bryant to put up big stats early in the year, the talented second-year wideout could still be worth targeting as a late-round stash candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ladd McConkey Well-Positioned for a 2026 Resurgence
After an impressive rookie season in 2024, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey put together a relatively underwhelming sophomore campaign in 2025. Across 16 games, McConkey recorded 66 catches for 789 yards and six touchdowns on 106 targets. However, the 24-year-old looks to be well-positioned for a bounce-back year in 2026. Former Chargers wideout Keenan Allen is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts, which should allow McConkey to play a higher-volume role from the slot. Los Angeles also has a new offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, who has a proven track record of getting highly productive seasons out of his top wide receivers. Entering 2026, fantasy managers should view McConkey as a high-end WR2 option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hunter Henry Looking More Like a Matchup Play in 2026
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is coming off one of his best seasons, but the setup is tougher this time around. Henry caught 60 of 87 targets for a career-high 768 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, finishing as a top-seven fantasy tight end. The role itself is safe. New England agreed to a two-year extension with him this month, Julian Hill is out for the season, and third-round rookie Eli Raridon is still behind him. The issue is everything the Patriots added outside. A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs joined a receiver room that also has DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, so another 87 targets are harder to bank on. Henry has still been involved in camp and was the offensive standout at the August 3 practice. RotoBaller ranks him TE18 and 150th overall in PPR. He can absolutely have useful weeks with Drake Maye, especially near the goal line, but the weekly volume looks shakier than it did a year ago. He's more of a late TE2 or matchup option than someone to count on every week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joshua Palmer Pushing Hard for a Top-Three Role
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer looks a lot different now that last year's knee and ankle problems are behind him. Palmer managed only 22 catches for 303 yards in 12 games during his first season in Buffalo, then missed the playoffs after never really getting healthy again. This summer has gone much better. He caught two deep balls from Josh Allen on August 11, made a tough back-shoulder grab during the August 18 open practice and stayed hot against Cleveland two days later. Palmer came down with a covered touchdown in the red zone during the joint practice and connected with Allen again in seven-on-seven work. Buffalo has said his camp has put him in good position to earn a top-three receiver role, though there is still competition for those snaps. Palmer hasn't won anything yet. He has at least looked like the healthy downfield threat the Bills thought they were getting a year ago. RotoBaller has him 258th overall in PPR, which leaves him firmly in late-round territory if he carries this momentum into September.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
