RADIO
Ahmani Marshall, Raheim Sanders Competing for No. 3 RB Spot
Cleveland Browns running backs Ahmani Marshall and Raheim Sanders are competing for the No. 3 role, head coach Todd Monken told Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram. Marshall is an Appalachian State product who spent his rookie season in 2025 on the Browns' practice squad. He didn't get an offensive touch last year, but the Browns are encouraged by his development. Even though he rushed for just four yards on six carries during the Browns' preseason loss on Saturday, he contributed as a receiver with four targets, three catches, and 19 receiving yards. Sanders was also a rookie last year, but he got more game reps with 27 carries, three catches, 113 scrimmage yards, and a touchdown. The 24-year-old South Carolina product had two carries for nine yards in the preseason opener, and he also caught two passes for an additional seven receiving yards. Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson are the clear top two running backs in Cleveland, and it doesn't sound like the Browns want to carry more than three players at the position, so the position battle between Marshall and Sanders will be quite important. Presumably, both backs will have more opportunities to win the roster battle throughout the next two weeks of the preseason.
Source: Scott Petrak
Source: Scott Petrak
Joe Milton III Turns in Strong Showing on Saturday
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III kept himself firmly in the mix for the No. 2 job with a strong second half in Saturday's 17-7 preseason win over the Seattle Seahawks. Milton completed 12 of 15 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown, finishing with a 118.6 passer rating and no interceptions. He came out sharp after halftime, completing five of his first six throws for 62 yards on an 84-yard touchdown drive. That possession ended with Milton finding rookie Camden Brown for a two-yard score in the back corner of the end zone. Sam Howell had a good night too, going 8-for-12 for 94 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said both quarterbacks handled Seattle's pressure well and protected the football. Dallas listed Milton or Howell behind Dak Prescott on its first unofficial depth chart, and Saturday did little to separate them. Milton did what he needed to do to keep the competition going.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft Hopes to Avoid Snap Count in Week 1
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) said he hopes that he won't be on a snap count for Week 1 of the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Kraft is working his way back from an ACL tear, and he has four weeks to progress through the final stages of his recovery so that he can avoid having any limitations in the season opener. It was previously reported that he was on track to be ready for Week 1, but this latest update suggests that he could be able to handle a full workload. Kraft was the overall TE1 in PPR leagues before tearing his ACL in Week 9 last season, so fantasy managers will hope that he can return to that level of productivity in 2026. Even if the injury does hinder him slightly, we're still optimistic that he can be a top-eight fantasy tight end in redraft leagues. As it stands, he ranks as the overall TE5 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
Jaylin Noel Dealing with Hamstring and Pinkie Injuries
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (hamstring, pinkie) is expected to be sidelined for a few more weeks as he recovers from hamstring and pinkie injuries, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. We knew about the finger issue in late July, but the hamstring issue appears to be an additional ailment that previously went unreported. Noel remains on track to be healthy in time for Week 1 of the regular season, but we don't expect to see him on the field for either of the Texans' next two preseason games. Nevertheless, he projects as the Texans' No. 4 receiver behind Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Jayden Higgins. Noel should surpass last season's finish as the WR91 in PPR leagues, but we still don't expect him to have weekly fantasy relevance given the Texans' top-heavy receiver room.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Kaden Davis Busy in Bears Debut, Draws Team High in Targets
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kaden Davis made a strong first impression in Saturday's 34-10 preseason win over the Cleveland Browns. Davis started with most of Chicago's regulars sitting and caught four passes for 88 yards on six targets, tying Maurice Alexander for the team lead in targets. All four of his catches came in the first half, including a 41-yard connection with Tyson Bagent and a pair of 21-yard grabs on the drive that set up Cairo Santos' field goal before halftime. The performance wasn't completely out of nowhere. Davis and Bagent have connected several times during training camp, including on a 70-plus-yard touchdown at Thursday's practice. Chicago signed Davis in June after he spent the spring with the UFL's Houston Gamblers, and he's still fighting for a roster spot in a crowded receiver room. Saturday gave him a real chance to stand out, and 88 yards on six looks certainly helped his case.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
George Kittle Says He's "Pretty Close" in Achilles Rehab
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) gave another positive update on his recovery Sunday. While doing his on-field rehab, Kittle told Matt Barrows that he's "hitting numbers I need to hit" and is "pretty close." Kittle remains on the active/PUP list and hasn't returned to team practice yet after tearing his right Achilles during San Francisco's Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles in January. He has been working off to the side throughout camp as he continues to build toward football activity. Kittle has made Week 1 his goal, although coming back that quickly from a January Achilles tear would be an aggressive timeline. The 32-year-old was still productive when healthy last season, catching 57 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. There is still another step to take before Kittle is practicing with his teammates, but his latest comments suggest the rehab continues to move in the right direction.
Source: Matt Barrows
Source: Matt Barrows
Dont'e Thornton Jr. Still "Banged Up," Expected to Return in Preseason
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (undisclosed) was working off to the side without pads during Sunday's training camp practice, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. Thornton missed the team's preseason opener on Thursday against the Arizona Cardinals and several practices before that with an undisclosed injury. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Thornton has been "banged up" but expects him to return in the preseason. The 23-year-old second-year wideout has missed valuable reps as rookie Malik Benson currently looks like the favorite for WR3 duties behind starters Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor. After being taken with the 108th overall pick in the fourth round in 2025 from the University of Tennessee, Thornton caught only 10 of his 30 targets for 135 yards and zero touchdowns in 15 games (eight starts) in his first year in the NFL. When he returns to practice, he'll be competing with Benson and fellow second-year pass-catcher Jack Bech for playing time in 2026. Thornton's combination of size (6-foot-5, 205 pounds) and speed makes him an interesting offensive weapon in what should be a better Raiders offense, but he's not currently on the redraft radar in 12-team leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Commanders Head Coach Dismisses Recent Jayden Daniels Controversy
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn downplayed the recent controversy involving quarterback Jayden Daniels and LSU when he spoke with reporters Sunday. Asked whether he and Daniels had discussed the matter, Quinn said he "hasn't followed it a lot," according to Ben Standig. He didn't offer an opinion on the dispute itself, instead pointing to the strong camp Daniels has put together and the leadership he's shown. Daniels' representatives recently sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter regarding the school's use of his name, image and likeness after his former No. 5 was given to cornerback DJ Pickett. Daniels addressed the situation Thursday, saying his "sole personal focus" is Commanders football and that he hopes the issues with LSU can be resolved privately. Quinn's answer Sunday stayed in that same football-first lane. Daniels has looked comfortable in Washington's new offense throughout camp, and Quinn previously said the quarterback was ahead of where he expected him to be in taking command of the system.
Source: Ben Standig
Source: Ben Standig
Bub Means Leads Saints in Receiving in Preseason Opener
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Bub Means turned in a strong showing in Saturday's 24-20 preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, catching four passes for a game-high 77 yards. Means came close to scoring in the second quarter when Zach Wilson found him down the field and he was stopped at the 1-yard line. Rookie tight end Oscar Delp scored on the next play. Means also hauled in a 37-yard pass later in the quarter, giving him two of New Orleans' biggest gains of the night. The performance was especially encouraging after Means missed all of the 2025 regular season because of ankle injuries. He is currently listed fourth on one receiver line of the Saints' unofficial depth chart, behind Chris Olave, Barion Brown and Trey Palmer, so there is still plenty of work to do. Still, 77 yards in his first preseason action of 2026 gives Means something to build on as he fights for a spot in the receiver rotation.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
C.J. Williams Sees Large Role in Jaguars Offense on Saturday
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver C.J. Williams got an extended look in Saturday's 24-20 preseason win over the New Orleans Saints. With most of Jacksonville's starters held out, the rookie started and drew five targets, catching two passes for 28 yards. His longest gain came midway through the second quarter, when Carter Bradley found him for 17 yards. Head coach Liam Coen called Williams and fellow rookie Josh Cameron "solid" afterward while noting how many young players were getting their first NFL game action. Williams was a sixth-round pick out of Stanford after catching 59 passes for 749 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. He's currently listed behind Jakobi Meyers on the Jaguars' first unofficial depth chart, so Saturday's workload shouldn't be confused with a regular-season starting role. Still, five targets in his first preseason game gave Jacksonville a long look at Williams, and he should have more chances to separate himself in the receiver competition.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jeremy McNichols to Miss a Few Weeks With Quad Injury
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols (quad) will miss a few weeks, according to Ben Standig. Head coach Dan Quinn provided the timeline Sunday after McNichols had already missed Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. The 30-year-old appeared in all 17 games for Washington last season, finishing with 44 carries for 221 yards and a touchdown while catching 25 passes for another 196 yards. McNichols is currently listed alongside rookie Kaytron Allen on the third line of the Commanders' unofficial depth chart, behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White. His absence leaves more camp and preseason work available for Allen and undrafted rookie Robert Henry Jr. Both got chances against Miami, with Henry breaking a 22-yard touchdown run and Allen scoring from four yards out. McNichols was already fighting for a depth role in a crowded backfield, so missing multiple weeks at this stage of camp could make that battle tougher for him when he returns.
Source: Ben Standig
Source: Ben Standig
Garrett Nussmeier Handles QB1 Duties In First Preseason Game
Kansas City Chiefs rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed 13 of his 19 pass attempts for 98 yards in the 20-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the preseason opener on Saturday. Nussmeier averaged 5.2 yards per completion and took two sacks in the contest. With superstar Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs starters sitting out for the first preseason game, Nussmeier and the other Kansas City rookies had the opportunity to take the reins. Nussmeier was selected 249th overall in the seventh round and appears to be the QB behind Mahomes in the pecking order. Nussmeier may get the opportunity to start again next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if Mahomes remains sidelined, but he should not be viewed as a player to draft for the 2026 season.
Source: Yahoo Sports - Twitter
Source: Yahoo Sports - Twitter
Quinn Ewers Week-to-Week With Groin Injury
Miami Dolphins second-year quarterback Quinn Ewers (groin) suffered a groin injury early in his action in Friday's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders and is now considered week-to-week, a source told David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. As a result, the Dolphins are bringing back QB Mark Gronowski for more depth at the position behind starter Malik Willis and Cam Miller. Ewers, a seventh-rounder in 2025 from the University of Texas, appeared in four games (three starts) as a rookie last year, going 55-for-83 passing for 622 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. The 23-year-old will not be available for the team's next preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 22, versus the New York Giants, but he could be ready to return for the final preseason tilt on Friday, Aug. 28, against the Atlanta Falcons. If healthy for the start of the 2026 regular season, Ewers is primed to open up his second year in the NFL as the backup to Willis.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Brenen Thompson Making Noise With More Big Plays
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Brenen Thompson connected with Justin Herbert for another deep completion at Sunday's practice, according to Alex Insdorf. It's becoming a theme for the rookie. The Chargers had already highlighted a pair of long catches from Herbert early in camp, including a deep cross that went for a big gain. Thompson has the speed for that kind of work after running a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also led the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards at Mississippi State last season while averaging 18.5 yards per catch and scoring six touchdowns. Los Angeles currently lists Thompson behind Quentin Johnston on its unofficial depth chart, with Ladd McConkey and Johnston in the starting spots and Tre' Harris also pushing for work. There is still plenty of competition for targets, but Thompson keeps making himself difficult to ignore. His downfield chemistry with Herbert has been one of the more consistent stories of Chargers camp.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Colbie Young Keeps Making Big Plays at Bengals Camp
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Colbie Young continues to make noise in training camp. Dan Hoard noted Sunday that the rookie seems to come down with at least one catch of 20-plus yards in every practice, and wide receivers coach Troy Walters pointed to Young's size, strength, speed and hands as the reason. More importantly, Walters said Cincinnati's quarterbacks are starting to trust him enough to give him chances downfield. Young, a fourth-round pick out of Georgia, showed some of that in Thursday's preseason opener with two catches for 28 yards, including a 20-yard grab on third-and-16. He has even mixed in for a rep with Joe Burrow, though Andrei Iosivas still has a major experience edge in the No. 3 receiver battle. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins aren't going anywhere at the top of the depth chart, but Young keeps giving the Bengals reasons to get him on the field. He's turning into one of the more interesting rookie receivers to watch in Cincinnati.
Source: Dan Hoard
Source: Dan Hoard
