RADIO
Ja'Seem Reed Leads Panthers Receivers in Final Push for a Roster Spot
An undrafted free agent in 2025, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ja'Seem Reed spent his rookie year on the practice squad, but after a solid training camp and another productive preseason outing, he has made a strong push for a spot on the team's initial 53-man roster. With the Panthers giving Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette the night off, the top of the depth chart appears settled, but an early training camp injury to third-round rookie Chris Brazzell II has left Reed among a handful of players battling to round out the room. Three or potentially four roster spots will come down to Reed, John Metchie III, David Moore, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Brycen Tremayne, and by leading all Panthers pass-catchers with 37 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Texans, Reed continues to strengthen his case, now totaling 11 catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns through three preseason appearances. While there is likely little fantasy value to be found near the bottom of the Panthers' roster in a run-heavy offense, if Reed can make the team, he could eventually find himself an injury or two away from DFS relevance.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Max Brosmer's Future In Doubt After Preseason Finale
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer turned in a lackluster performance in the Vikings' final preseason game at Denver on Friday, which leaves the second-year quarterback on shaky ground as cutdown day approaches. Brosmer played the majority of snaps after J.J. McCarthy (ankle) was ruled out, finishing 20-for-35 for 165 yards and rushing once for one yard, but the Vikings failed to find the end zone in a 34-6 loss. Minnesota already named Kyler Murray the starter, and as it stands, also rosters Carson Wentz in addition to McCarthy. If the Vikings keep all three, Brosmer likely would be the odd man out. Even if the Vikings keep him on the 53-man roster, however, Brosmer is unlikely to have any fantasy relevance in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Audric Estime Looks Sharp While Battling for Important Depth Role
New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime is battling with Kendre Miller for a depth spot behind Travis Etienne Jr., a role made all the more important by the questions surrounding Alvin Kamara's (knee) early-season availability after the 10th-year veteran suffered an MCL injury early in training camp. In Friday night's preseason matchup with the Cowboys, both backs saw action, and it was Estime who led the team with 46 rushing yards on only four carries, setting up a first-half touchdown by bouncing off contact for an impressive 33-yard run to the Cowboys' 8-yard-line. He added 22 yards on three catches, and has now racked up 90 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown across his two pre-season appearances. After putting up nearly identical rushing stat lines a season ago, neither Estime nor Miller has truly separated, and should Kamara miss extended time, they could split carries behind Etienne. While neither is a particularly palatable fantasy option, Estime's involvement in the passing game at least has the potential to provide a usable floor in a worst-case scenario.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Hassan Haskins Could Power His Way into Patriots' RB3 Role
Veteran running back Hassan Haskins was a late training camp addition of the New England Patriots, but he has made an impression in his limited time with the team. In Thursday's preseason loss to the Browns, Haskins converted two short-yardage situations through hard running, and Patriots staff writer Evan Lazar believes the team's decision on the third running back spot behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) will come down to style of play. At 6'2" and 228 pounds, Haskins stands out as a physical complement to the two roster locks, but Lazar notes that if the Patriots value versatility and upside, the edge could still go to second-year player Lan Larison. The NFL's roster cutdown deadline is Sunday, and although Henderson's recent ankle injury has been downplayed, there's a chance that whoever earns the team's third running back spot could see more involvement early in the year.
Source: Evan Lazar
Source: Evan Lazar
Emeka Egbuka "Hopefully" Available for Week 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles met with the media on Saturday, and while he expressed hope that second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (toe) will be ready for Week 1, further context suggests he could still be dealing with something significant. Team reporter Greg Auman points out the difference in language after Bowles told the media in the same session that he expects Jalen McMillan (knee) to be ready for the season opener while adding a "hopefully" to Egbuka's update. Bowles did say that he does not anticipate adding any additional receivers to offset the short-term injuries, but with the Buccaneers' first game of the season just over two weeks away, Egbuka's status will need to be monitored, particularly when the team is required to provide its first practice report the Wednesday before kickoff.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Jalen Milroe Delivers Solid Outing on Friday
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe had the opportunity to play a full game in Week 3 of the preseason against the Kansas City Chiefs. He delivered 223 passing yards and a touchdown, along with 20 rushing yards on seven carries. This performance came after a fair amount of average play from Milroe throughout the preseason. As a developmental prospect, it is great to see that Milroe is making progress. It does not mean much for fantasy at the moment. At best, Milroe will be the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart. It remains to be seen if Milroe will receive any playing time in rushing packages this season, a concept the Seahawks abandoned in 2025. Either way, he will not have any fantasy value for the foreseeable future.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jacardia Wright Inefficient in Preseason Finale
Seattle Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright led the team in rushing in the preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. Wright recorded 33 rushing yards on 15 carries, and he added one reception for 11 yards. Wright's presence in the game suggests that he is relatively low on the depth chart. Seattle did not even really play its No. 2 offense on Friday. Wright is not currently listed in the top four on the depth chart, suggesting that he is a cut candidate for the team. However, Wright was effective in preseason Week 2 with 81 rushing yards on eight carries. He is likely competing with Emanuel Wilson for a roster spot. Should Wright make the team, he could be a name to watch as the Seahawks sort out their running back hierarchy before Zach Charbonnet (knee) returns.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Emmanuel Henderson Jr. Impresses in Preseason Finale
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. caught three passes for 58 yards in Seattle's preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. Henderson has been relatively quiet throughout the preseason, but the rookie took a nice step forward on Friday. Seattle has a deep stable of wide receivers behind Jaxson Smith-Njigba. As a sixth-round draft pick in 2026, Henderson will hope to be a part of the equation for Seattle this season. With uncertainty surrounding Tory Horton's undisclosed injury and Jake Bobo (knee) done for the season, Seattle will be looking for other players to step up. Henderson should not be on the fantasy radar yet, but he is a talented prospect to keep an eye on.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cody White Leads Seahawks in Receiving on Friday
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cody White hauled in three passes for 69 yards on Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs. White has been with Seattle since 2023, primarily in a special teams capacity. His services will likely be necessary with Jake Bobo (knee) done for the season. His performance on Friday was encouraging for his chances to make the team. Given his role on special teams, he should be a part of the Seahawks' equation for the coming season. He should be nowhere near fantasy rosters, but White's potential presence on the roster will be interesting to see how it affects the ability of talented young players such as Emmanuel Henderson Jr. and Montorie Foster Jr. to make the active roster.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Makai Lemon Struggles to Shake Off the Rust in Preseason Debut
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon missed the team's first two preseason games while dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for much of training camp, and in Friday night's loss to the Bengals, he struggled to shake off the rust despite a concerted effort to get him involved early. Lemon was targeted five times in his first professional game, ending his night with three yards on three receptions, but he also muffed a punt and had a drop that led to an interception. "I'm glad it happened in the preseason, so come around September, those things won't happen," he said after the game. Expectations were high after the team traded up to select Lemon with the 20th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but his prolonged absence allowed Dontayvion Wicks to emerge as the team's second receiver alongside DeVonta Smith, and the rookie will need to spend the early weeks of the season playing catch-up as he looks to carve out a primary slot role. At RotoBaller's WR46, he is still a player to take a swing on in 2026 drafts with the understanding that his best production is likely to come later in the year.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dohnte Meyers has Another Team-Leading Performance
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers has been one of the best stories out of training camp, and in Friday's preseason win over the Eagles, he turned in another strong performance in his push to earn a role behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Playing on only the first drive of the night, Meyers caught three passes for 51 yards, with head coach Zac Taylor saying after the game, "He's trying to take advantage of the opportunity. He's done a great job of that." An undrafted free agent out of Division II Delta State, Meyers played the last two seasons in the Canadian Football League, but he finishes the 2026 preseason with a team-leading 121 receiving yards on 11 receptions, and he has a realistic chance not only to make the team but to find early-season involvement in what has long been a top-heavy receiver room.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Packers "Fully Anticipate" Josh Jacobs Will Remain on Roster
One day after Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was formally charged with two misdemeanors stemming from an alleged incident that led to his arrest in May, head coach Matt LaFleur addressed his standing with the team. "Well, I fully anticipate him being a member of our team," LaFleur told the media on Friday. "You've got to let everything play out," he continued. "But I anticipate him being a member of our football team." Jacobs was charged with battery and criminal damage to property, and the NFL does not need to wait for the legal process to play out before deciding whether to suspend him, with a league spokesperson saying on Wednesday that his case "remains under review." When healthy and available, Jacobs is one of the biggest fantasy difference-makers at the position, but uncertainty around his situation has pushed him to RB16 by current ADP.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
Emari Demercado Entrenched In Crowded Chiefs Backfield
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emari Demercado rushed nine times for 37 yards and caught his only target for 15 yards in the 9-9 tie with the Seattle Seahawks. Demercado finished second on the team in carries, behind Brashard Smith, and third on the team in rushing yards. Demercado's 4.1 yards per carry in the contest was the lowest among the RB trio of Demercado, Brashard Smith, and Emmett Johnson. Demercado is currently listed as the Chiefs RB2 behind Kenneth Walker, but that may be a formality as rookie Johnson operated as the starter in this contest. Johnson started the first two drives of the game before Demercado saw his first opportunity. Despite being listed as the Kansas City RB2, Demercado is likely to operate as a passing-downs specialist to spell Kenneth Walker but is not likely to carry the load if Walker gets hurt. Demercado may hold some PPR value in the deepest of leagues, but the expectations are not high for the Kansas City running back heading into 2026.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Emmett Johnson Appears To Be The Chiefs Backup To Roster
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson handled seven carries for 39 yards (5.6 ypc) and caught two passes for 15 yards in the 9-9 tie with the Seattle Seahawks. Johnson earned nine total opportunities in the content, including all five of the first running back opportunities. Johnson's 5.6 yards per carry were highest the highest mark for any rusher in this game. The 22-year-old out of Nebraska appears to be establishing himself as the running back to roster behind Chiefs workhorse Kenneth Walker. Johnson is officially listed third in the Chiefs running back depth chart, but that could just be a formality. Emari Demercado is currently listed as the Chiefs RB2, but is likely to operate as more of a third-down or passing-down specialist kind of back in the Kansas City offense. Johnson has the build, tackle-breaking ability, and pass-catching chops to step into a large role should anything happen to the Chiefs starter. Johnson should be viewed as a potential handcuff to roster for the 2026 season.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Brashard Smith Leads Chiefs Backfield In Final Preseason Game
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith led all players with 16 carries for 72 yards in the 9-9 tie with the Seattle Seahawks. No other back on the Chiefs received double-digit carries or eclipsed 50 yards on the ground in the contest. Smith also caught his only target of the night for a loss of five yards. Although Smith ended the game with the most touches, all five of the first running back opportunities went to rookie Emmett Johnson. Smith is currently ranked fourth on the Kansas City running back depth chart, so this game may be the only time we see him get double-digit opportunities this season. Fantasy managers may be better off looking elsewhere for running back depth in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
