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Eli Raridon Taking Advantage of Thin Depth Chart
New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon has been pointed to as a player who stood out during the team's first practice of training camp on Saturday, with ESPN's Mike Reiss noting how an injury-thinned depth chart has allowed him to take reps behind 11th-year veteran Hunter Henry. Free agent acquisition Julian Hill was placed on season-ending injured reserve after tearing his ACL during OTAs, while 2025 undrafted free agent CJ Dippre opened training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list and was spotted with a brace on his left wrist. Taking advantage of the increased opportunity, Raridon made a deep highlight catch on a pass thrown by backup Tommy DeVito and earned the praise of Henry, who told reporters after practice, "The ceiling is high for him." Raridon is RotoBaller's rookie TE5, and has been pegged as a player to target in the middle rounds of dynasty rookie drafts, with a clear path to fantasy success both long-term and as an immediate contributor.
Source: Mike Reiss
Source: Mike Reiss
Kayshon Boutte Makes the Play of the Day in Patriots Training Camp Opener
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was the subject of trade rumors throughout much of the offseason, but having reported for training camp and taking part as a full participant in the team's first public practice, he has reportedly made quick work of reminding everyone of his value to this offense. ESPN's Mike Reiss credited him with the play of the day, a diving 35-yard catch that had quarterback Drake Maye commenting, "It's nothing new. All year last year and the year before, he just keeps doing things right." Boutte's six touchdown catches in 2025 led all Patriots wide receivers and were second on the team behind tight end Hunter Henry. Still, with the additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, he will need to continue maximizing his training camp reps, either to keep a meaningful role on this team or to garner enough attention to make him a buzz-worthy trade candidate.
Source: Mike Reiss
Source: Mike Reiss
Improved Offensive Efficiency Could Hurt Ka'imi Fairbairn's Fantasy Prospects
Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn led the NFL with 44 made field goals in 2025 despite missing two games with a quad injury, and his 12.9 standard fantasy points per game led the position, but changes to the Texans offense could hurt his value in 2026. The Texans scored touchdowns on only 45.9% of their red zone trips last season, better than only the Saints, Jets, and Chargers, but in trading for running back David Montgomery, they have acquired one of the league's most efficient red zone runners of the past three seasons. Since 2023, Montgomery has scored 29 rushing touchdowns from inside the 20-yard line, and his presence could drastically cut down on Fairbairn's scoring opportunities. With a field goal conversion percentage above 91% in three of the past four seasons, Fairbairn is still as reliable as they come, but with fewer projected chip shots, he could struggle to deliver upon his current ADP of K2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nathaniel Hackett Not Naming a Starting Running Back in Arizona
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett met with reporters on Saturday, and when asked whether he sees the team's new-look running back room as having a starter, he was quick to praise the room as a whole before briefly singling out incumbent veteran James Conner. He told the gathered media, "It's a great room... I'm really excited about it. I'm excited for [Conner] to get out there and show what he's got, I mean all the guys." After touching on the early nature of the offensive installation, he was asked specifically about third overall pick Jeremiyah Love, to which he responded, "He's definitely a rookie... And he'll keep growing every single day. I'm very excited for him. All those guys, not just him." The Cardinals added free agent Tyler Allgeier at the start of the new league year, while 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson will attempt to carve out his own role in a crowded room after two disappointing, injury-marred seasons. Still, expectations around Love are understandably high, and he enters his rookie season as RotoBaller's RB13.
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Blake Corum to Be a "Big Factor" in Rams Offense
When asked about his expectations for running back Blake Corum ahead of the team's first week of training camp, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay was effusive in his praise of the third-year runner. He spoke of Corum's steady nature, which allowed him to overcome some adverse injury situations as a rookie before breaking out as a sophomore. Projecting forward, McVay told the gathered media, "The way that he approaches it, I'd be surprised if doesn't do anything other than get better and impact the team in a positive way," before putting a point on the topic by saying, "He's a stud, and he's gonna be a big factor in what we're gonna do this year." Corum displayed balance and explosiveness in 2025 as part of one of the league's best offenses, and he ran particularly hot in the touchdown department to end the year, scoring five times over the final six games of the season to pace as the RB17 over that stretch. Heading into his third year, he is RotoBaller's RB33 on standalone value alone, but has league-winning upside as a direct handcuff to Kyren Williams.
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Kyler Gordon, T.J. Edwards Not Ready for Start of Training Camp
The Chicago Bears placed cornerback Kyler Gordon (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list and linebacker T.J. Edwards (leg) on the Non-Football Injury list on Saturday, per Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. It was announced in late May that the 26-year-old Gordon was battling a soft-tissue injury, but the exact nature of his injury is unknown. It's bad news after the former second-rounder in 2022 from the University of Washington played in only three games in 2025 due to multiple soft-tissue injuries. Without knowing the severity of his latest injury, Gordon's availability for the start of the 2026 regular season could be in question. The 29-year-old Edwards is recovering from a broken fibula that he suffered in the team's wild-card playoff win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers, but he was a full participant during mandatory minicamp in early June, making it likely that he'll be ready for the start of the regular season in the fall. The former undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin only played in 10 regular-season games last year, but he had four straight seasons of 100-plus combined tackles before that from 2021 to 2024 with the Bears and Philadelphia Eagles.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
Jets Place Receiver Tim Patrick on PUP List
The New York Jets placed wide receiver Tim Patrick (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday due to an undisclosed injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The good news for Patrick, who suffered a torn ACL and Achilles in back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023 while with the Denver Broncos, is that his injury isn't considered serious, and he could be ready to play in the Jets' preseason opener on Aug. 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 32-year-old veteran wideout will probably open the 2026 campaign as the Jets' WR4, at best, behind Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and rookie Omar Cooper Jr., leaving him little room for fantasy value in all leagues. Patrick had 15 receptions on just 24 targets for 187 yards and three touchdowns in 16 regular-season games (three starts) in a crowded Jacksonville Jaguars' receiving room last year. He had back-to-back 700-yard seasons with a combined 11 touchdowns in Denver in 2020 and 2021 before injuries struck, and Patrick is now a veteran depth option for the Jets heading into his seventh NFL campaign.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Dawson Knox Can Still Help Deep Dynasty Contenders
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox still has a place on deep contending rosters, but there is not much mystery left in his dynasty value. He caught 36 passes for 417 yards and four touchdowns last season, his best receiving line since 2022, and Buffalo followed by extending his contract through 2028. The Bills use the position enough to keep Knox involved. Their tight ends combined for 1,210 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, and Knox played all 17 games. The problem is that Dalton Kincaid remains the better fantasy bet after posting 571 yards and five scores in only 12 games. Jackson Hawes also played 487 offensive snaps as a rookie and scored three times, giving Buffalo another reason to spread the work around. Knox can still catch a touchdown or step into a larger role when Kincaid is unavailable. That is useful insurance in tight end-premium leagues, especially for contenders already carrying Kincaid. Rebuilders do not need to wait on a 29-year-old secondary option, and Knox is unlikely to offer a comfortable weekly floor while the entire room is healthy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kalif Raymond Has a Role, But Limited Redraft Appeal
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond is going to play. The harder part is figuring out how often that matters for fantasy. Chicago brought him in on a one-year deal, and Ben Johnson knows exactly what Raymond can do after four years together in Detroit. Johnson said the veteran will be a "huge part" of the Bears' plans. Raymond still caught only 24 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown across 15 games last season. His biggest impact came on special teams, where he returned a punt 65 yards for a score. The Bears can manufacture touches for him, send him vertically, and use him in several spots. Steady targets are tougher to find. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III headline the receiver room, Colston Loveland is coming off a 713-yard season, and third-round rookie Zavion Thomas adds another speed element. Raymond also turns 32 in August. RotoBaller ranks him WR101, leaving him in the watch-list range for deeper leagues. He can help Chicago without becoming someone fantasy managers need to draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, De'Zhaun Stribling Competing to Start
San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, and De'Zhaun Stribling are among the players competing for significant snaps alongside Mike Evans, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Pearsall is the most established holdover after catching 36 passes for 528 yards in nine games last season, an average of 58.7 receiving yards that led the team's wideouts. Staying healthy is the concern after a knee injury limited him to nine appearances and 20 games across his first two seasons. Kirk joined San Francisco on a one-year deal after recording 28 catches for 239 yards and one touchdown with Houston in 2025. Stribling, the 33rd overall pick in April, flashed during the offseason program and brings size, speed, and blocking ability. Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing are also in the mix, with Cowing viewed as the front-runner for punt-return duties. Evans has one starting spot locked down, but the rest of the rotation will be settled during camp.
Source: NBC Sports
Source: NBC Sports
Chris Olave Contract Talks Not Expected to Affect Camp Participation
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and the team remain in talks on a contract extension, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. The current expectation is that the negotiations will not affect Olave's participation when training camp opens. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal after catching 100 passes for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games last season, all career highs. Olave also earned second-team All-Pro honors and reached 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in four years. His contract status is separate from the blood clot discovered in his lung before the 2025 finale, an issue that kept him out of team drills during part of the offseason program. The Saints are still working toward a new deal, but there is no indication that the talks themselves will keep Olave off the field at the start of camp.
Source: Nick Underhill
Source: Nick Underhill
Matthew Stafford Healthy, Set for Modified Camp Schedule
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is healthy but will follow a modified practice schedule during training camp, according to Stu Jackson of TheRams.com. Sean McVay said Stafford will sit out Sunday and will not practice on Days 1 and 3 of the team's four-day blocks. The third day is more mental than physical, while the overall plan is designed to keep the 38-year-old fresh and ready for Week 1. The scheduled rest is not tied to a new injury or setback. Stafford is coming off an MVP season in which he started all 17 games, led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, and threw eight interceptions. His planned absences should not change his fantasy outlook as long as he remains healthy and continues working on the Rams' schedule.
Source: Stu Jackson
Source: Stu Jackson
Kendrick Bourne Is a Sell in Dynasty Leagues
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kendrick Bourne had two huge games last season. Almost everything else was empty. He caught 15 passes for 284 yards in Weeks 5 and 6 while San Francisco was missing several of its regular targets, then totaled 22 catches for 267 yards over his other 14 appearances. Arizona still gave him a two-year deal, and his history with Mike LaFleur should help him settle in as the third receiver. That role is better for the Cardinals than it is for fantasy managers. Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Trey McBride already command the attention in this passing game, and the quarterback job remains unsettled. Bourne turns 31 in August, so rebuilders should move him for whatever they can get. Contenders only need to hold in leagues deep enough for an injury-away veteran to matter. He may have a usable week or two if Arizona loses a starter, but the path to steady targets is narrow. There is no long-term value to wait on here.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nick Bosa, Fred Warner Cleared for Start of Training Camp
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) have been cleared for training camp. Bosa tore the ACL in his right knee during Week 3 last season and finished the year with 17 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles in three games. He will not open camp on an injury list, though the 49ers plan to bring him along gradually over the first few practices. Warner is further ahead in his recovery after fracturing and dislocating his right ankle in Week 6. He recorded 50 tackles, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in six games before the injury. General manager John Lynch said Warner is back at full speed. The return of both defensive leaders is a major boost for San Francisco, but Bosa's workload remains the situation to watch as camp begins.
Source: Around The NFL
Source: Around The NFL
Brandon Aiyuk Remains on Left-Squad List
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Saturday that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) remains on the left-squad list, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. "I'm personally, and we as an organization, are going to focus on the players who are here," Lynch said. "We wish him well, we wish his family well," Lynch said. The Niners have been saying for a while now that Aiyuk will not play for the organization again after the two sides publicly exchanged barbs while he rehabbed a serious knee injury from the 2024 season. The 28-year-old former first-rounder in 2020 from Arizona State didn't play at all last year, and his off-the-field antics have essentially scared potentially interested teams like the Washington Commanders away this offseason. After signing a four-year, $120 million deal in August of 2024, Aiyuk played in only seven games before tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee. At some point, the 49ers are expected to outright release Aiyuk, at which point his market could pick up going into the 2026 season.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
