RADIO
Michael Penix Jr. Cleared for 11-on-11 Work
ESPN's Marc Raimondi reports Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has been cleared for 11-on-11 drills. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said that Penix will practice with the team on Monday. Penix has been recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee that he sustained in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers last season. This marked Penix's third knee surgery in his career after having two ACL reconstruction surgeries on his right knee in college. The 26-year-old was the QB26 through Week 11 while averaging 13.7 points per game. After struggling in his sophomore season, the Falcons chose to bring in veteran quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to compete for the starting quarterback role. Tagovailoa currently has the upper hand in the competition since Penix has not been cleared to participate in full team drills until now. However, Tagovailoa has had shaky performances in joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts and in his preseason debut against the Denver Broncos that could allow Penix to jump back into the race.
Source: ESPN - Marc Raimondi
Source: ESPN - Marc Raimondi
DeMeco Ryans Thinks Woody Marks Will Have Special Year
The Coachspeak Index reported that Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans thinks running back Woody Marks will have a special season in 2026. "I'm seeing a more dynamic, faster, more physical runner," Ryans said. "He's running behind his pads...He just looks faster, looks more decisive. He's looking really special, looking like he's gonna have a special year." Marks was an inconsistent, high-upside waiver-wire pickup in fantasy football as a rookie last season. The 25-year-old surpassed 12 PPR points five times while failing to reach eight fantasy points six times after Week 4. There was interest in Marks in the fantasy community this season until David Montgomery arrived in Houston. However, Marks has reportedly had a strong training camp and consistently received praise from coaches. He is currently RotoBaller's RB46 in PPR formats, and it will be intriguing to see how the team deploys him this season.
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Can Michael Wilson Repeat as a Reliable Fantasy Option in 2026?
Arizona Cardinals wideout Michael Wilson is coming off a career year where he set career-best marks in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. The 26-year-old finished as the WR10 overall in PPR scoring and averaged 13.0 fantasy points per game. Wilson quickly established a connection with Jacoby Brissett and reaped the benefits of Marvin Harrison Jr. missing an extended amount of time due to injuries. However, in the three games Harrison played over 70 percent of the snaps after Week 6, Wilson averaged 7.9 points per game and failed to surpass double-digit fantasy points. In addition, Wilson averaged 4.9 points per game during the first seven weeks of the season when Harrison was on the field. It will be intriguing to see if Harrison and Wilson can coexist in Mike LaFleur's new offense. If not, Wilson could fade to being off fantasy radars in season-long leagues again.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
James Cook III a Safe Pick with Upside in 2026
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III has finished as a top-10 running back in overall scoring in back-to-back seasons. He has rushed for 2,630 yards on 516 carries with 28 touchdowns across 33 games. In addition, Cook won the rushing title last year with 1,621 rushing yards. The 26-year-old has proven he can be a top fantasy producer by relying on his rushing production. However, Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has hinted that the Bills will look to use him more in the passing game this year, according to Alex Brasky of Sports Illustrated. Cook was labeled the best receiving running back in the 2022 NFL Draft coming out of Georgia due to his skillful route running and excellent hands. Conversely, Cook has mainly operated as an early-down runner and a goal-line back near the end zone. If Cook gets more involved in the passing game, it could boost him into a top 3 overall finisher at the position this season.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Alex Brasky
Source: Sports Illustrated - Alex Brasky
Jalen Hurts Looks Ready to Run More in 2026
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts didn't suddenly become a bad fantasy option last year, but one of the biggest parts of his game disappeared. Hurts still threw a career-high 25 touchdowns against six interceptions in 16 games, while his rushing line slipped to 421 yards and eight scores. Both were five-year lows. That's why the camp reports matter. Vic Fangio said Hurts "looks faster," and the tush push is staying in Sean Mannion's new offense. Those goal-line chances aren't going anywhere. There is some risk around the passing game after A.J. Brown was traded to New England, and the Eagles are breaking in several new receivers behind DeVonta Smith. Still, Hurts has looked comfortable enough in the new scheme and hit several deep balls during joint practices with the Patriots. RotoBaller has him at QB6. If even part of last year's lost rushing production comes back, there is room for Hurts to beat that ranking.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
AJ Barner Making a Strong Case for Late-Round Attention
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner played through a lot last season and still put together a useful second year. He caught 52 of 68 targets for 519 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games, with five of those receiving scores coming from inside the 20. Barner needed two surgeries after the season, but he was back for the first practice of training camp and has looked good since. His August 7 practice stood out. Barner broke loose for a long catch-and-run touchdown off play action and added several more intermediate and deep catches from Sam Darnold. Seattle also has a new offensive coordinator in Brian Fleury, who came over after coaching tight ends and coordinating the run game in San Francisco. The tricky part is Elijah Arroyo. Seattle's 2025 second-round pick has had a strong summer himself and should get more chances after catching only 15 passes as a rookie. That could make Barner tough to trust every week. Still, he's healthy, coming off six receiving touchdowns, and has kept making plays in camp. RotoBaller ranks Barner TE29 and 218th overall in PPR, which leaves him worth considering late if you're waiting at tight end.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ashton Jeanty's Redraft Case Looks Stronger in Year 2
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty didn't need a huge preseason workload to help his case. He ran three times for 16 yards on the opening drive against Arizona, then did not play Thursday in Houston. The bigger reason his redraft outlook is up is what Las Vegas changed around him. Jeanty finished his rookie year with 975 rushing yards, 55 catches, 346 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns despite a line that cycled through 11 starters. The Raiders added three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum and Spencer Burford, and Jeanty has stayed the lead back throughout camp. Klint Kubiak has also made it clear he wants his best players on the field, even with rookie Mike Washington Jr. showing enough to earn praise this summer. Jeanty has already shown he can handle 321 touches and contribute as a receiver, so the improved blocking is the part that matters most. RotoBaller has him RB11 and 18th overall in PPR. He was already a strong pick, but the setup looks better now than it did after last season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bobo Placed on Season-Ending Injured Reserve
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (knee) will miss the entire 2026 season. The Seahawks placed him on injured reserve Saturday, one day after he suffered a significant knee injury during a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans, according to Adam Schefter. Seattle's official site also confirmed that the roster move ends Bobo's season. He was injured while trying to make a leaping catch Friday and had to leave practice on a cart. The Seahawks signed Julian Hicks to fill the open roster spot. Bobo wasn't a fantasy factor after catching just two passes for 20 yards in 12 regular-season games last year, but he had become a valuable role player for Seattle through his work as a blocker and on special teams. His season ending this way is a real loss for the Seahawks, even if it doesn't create a major fantasy opening in the passing game.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Greg Dulcich Worth Another Look in Redraft Leagues
Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich has enough going his way to be worth another look in redraft leagues. He was quiet for most of 2025, then finally found something late. Over Miami's last five games, Dulcich caught 16 of 18 targets for 222 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins brought him back in March, and he entered camp leading a rebuilt tight end room. There is more room for targets now, too. Tyreek Hill was released in February and Jaylen Waddle was traded to Denver a month later, leaving Miami without either of its top veteran wideouts from last season. Dulcich has stayed involved with Malik Willis, including a 30-yard completion during practice on August 17. It is not a completely clean setup. Miami used a third-round pick on Will Kacmarek, and Dulcich has never played more than 10 games in an NFL season. Still, the late-2025 production was real and the path to touches is better than it was a year ago. RotoBaller has Dulcich at TE26 and 211th overall in its latest PPR rankings. If you wait on tight end, he is at least worth a swing that late.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
De'Zhaun Stribling Could Have Major Week 1 Role
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling may have already played his way into a big role for Week 1. Matt Maiocco said on "The Rich Eisen Show" that he views Stribling, Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel as San Francisco's top three receivers heading into the season. That's another big endorsement for the 33rd overall pick, who has been one of the stories of 49ers camp. Stribling caught seven passes for 63 yards in his preseason debut against Tennessee and came back with four catches for 46 yards against the Chargers. He's now sitting at 11 grabs for 109 yards through two preseason games. San Francisco hasn't officially named Stribling a starter, but that distinction might not matter much if he's regularly on the field with Evans and Samuel. The rookie has gone from an interesting summer story to somebody fantasy managers need to have on the redraft radar.
Source: Matt Maiocco
Source: Matt Maiocco
Jordan Addison's Redraft Outlook Is Looking Better
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is starting to look a little more interesting for redraft after a frustrating 2025. He caught 42 of 79 targets for 610 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games, all career lows. The biggest change is at quarterback. Minnesota named Kyler Murray the starter on August 11, and Addison was involved right away, catching back-to-back corner routes during Murray's first practice running exclusively with the first-team offense. He then caught an eight-yard first down from Murray in the preseason opener. Addison's thumb injury earlier in camp did not linger long, either. He was back heavily involved by August 11. There are still a lot of mouths to feed. Justin Jefferson is the clear No. 1, Jauan Jennings joined the room after scoring nine touchdowns last season, and T.J. Hockenson remains in the mix. That keeps Addison's ceiling from getting too carried away. Still, the quarterback job is settled, he's healthy, and the role hasn't gone anywhere. RotoBaller has Addison 84th overall in its latest PPR rankings. He's back in the WR3 conversation with some room to beat that if the offense clicks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
RJ Harvey's Receiving Role Gives His Redraft Stock a Bump
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey did not need much work Friday night to help his redraft case. Harvey played only the opening drive against Green Bay, taking one carry for five yards and catching both of his targets for 25 yards. The bigger play was a 21-yard touchdown from Bo Nix on a wheel route. That is the part of Harvey's game that keeps getting harder to ignore. He caught 47 passes for 356 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie, and Denver is still finding ways to use him through the air with the first-team offense. The backfield itself is crowded. J.K. Dobbins is back on a two-year deal, while fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman has already made a good impression on Sean Payton. Harvey may not get enough carries to separate from that group every week. The receiving work gives him another path. RotoBaller currently ranks Harvey as the RB34, and Friday's brief appearance was another point in his favor. He looks increasingly usable as an RB3/flex in PPR leagues even if Denver never gives him a true lead-back workload.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DeMario Douglas Working His Way Back Into the Redraft Mix
Wide receiver DeMario Douglas was barely involved for the New England Patriots last season, but his summer has put him back on the redraft radar. He finished 2025 with 31 catches for 447 yards and three touchdowns, playing only 26% of the offensive snaps after that number sat at 62% the year before. Douglas has been running as New England's primary slot receiver in camp and was held out of the preseason opener along with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. The production has shown up, too. He caught two touchdowns in the team's August 7 Blue-White scrimmage and continued finding room underneath during joint practices with Philadelphia. Brown and Doubs are still going to lead this passing game, so Douglas suddenly becoming a major target hog is a stretch. That's not really what fantasy managers need from him at this price. RotoBaller currently has Douglas 294th overall in its PPR rankings. If the slot job sticks and Drake Maye keeps looking his way over the middle, Douglas has a much better chance of mattering in deeper leagues than he did a year ago.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Jacobs Sits Out Friday's Preseason Action
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (groin) did not play in Friday's second preseason game against the Denver Broncos, according to Mike Spofford of the team's official website. Jacobs was back at training camp practice on Tuesday after missing some time this summer with a groin injury, so the Packers' decision to hold their RB1 out on Friday in Denver was likely out of an abundance of caution. Barring a setback in practice, Jacobs should be ready to roll for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September as the team's primary back. The 28-year-old missed two regular-season games last year due to injuries and finished with 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 234 carries while adding 36 receptions for 282 yards and a score through the air. Jacobs has had a nose for the end zone in his career, but especially in his first two seasons with Green Bay, scoring 28 times on the ground in 32 starts. He is a workhorse with a grinding style, which makes him a bit more susceptible to injuries. Treat him as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in upcoming fantasy drafts as the Packers' starting RB.
Source: Packers.com - Mike Spofford
Source: Packers.com - Mike Spofford
Kimani Vidal Operates as the Chargers RB3 in Their Second Preseason Game
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal had four carries for six yards in his team's 41-17 preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night. Vidal also had two catches for 10 yards on two targets. The 24-year-old entered the game with the second-team unit and played the rest of the first half. Vidal operated as the third back in the rotation and didn't get playing time until after Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell were pulled. McDaniels' plan for his running back rotation becomes a little clearer with how much the three backs have played and, more specifically, when they played during the game. Vidal looks to be utilized as the No. 3 back in the three-man rotation. With fantasy drafts ramping up, he should be viewed as a handcuff back in the later rounds.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
