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Byron Buxton Remains Sidelined With Hip Injury on Sunday
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) remains out of the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale at Target Field against the division-rival Chicago White Sox, per MLB.com. Rookie Walker Jenkins is making another start in center field for the Twins and will bat ninth against White Sox right-hander Jordan Hicks. Right-hip discomfort will keep Buxton out of Minnesota's lineup for the fourth straight game, and when considering that it is an injury that has already sent him to the injured list twice in the second half of the season, things are not looking great for the veteran outfielder heading into the final month of the regular season. The 32-year-old three-time All-Star picked up where he left off in 2025, hitting .271 (83-for-306) with 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 75 games in the first half this year. But that is where the good news has ended for Buxton in 2026, as he has played in only 18 games in the second half with a .172/.274/.203 slash line, zero homers, one RBI, seven walks, and 17 strikeouts. If Buxton lands on the IL a third time, it is possible that he will be shut down for the rest of the season if the Twins fall further out of the American League wild-card race.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Trevor Story Reinstated From Injured List, Starting Against Yankees
The Boston Red Sox reinstated shortstop Trevor Story (hernia) from the 60-day injured list on Sunday, according to The Boston Globe's Tim Healey. Story is immediately back in the team's starting lineup, starting at shortstop and batting eighth versus the division-rival New York Yankees and right-hander Will Warren in the series finale. The 33-year-old veteran is returning to the major-league roster for the first time since mid-May after having surgery to fix a sports hernia. Before his injury, the two-time All-Star was struggling with a .206/.244/.303 slash line, a .547 OPS, three home runs, 19 RBI, 16 runs scored, four stolen bases, eight walks, and 57 strikeouts across 41 games and 176 plate appearances. The 11-year veteran had a resurgent 2025 campaign in Beantown with 25 home runs, 96 RBI, and 31 stolen bases in 157 regular-season games, so fantasy managers should not be completely ignoring him because of his rough start to 2026. The BoSox will likely give him every chance to return as their starting shortstop, but he did go just 6-for-35 (.171) with 11 strikeouts in 10 games on his minor-league rehab assignment. Story is currently rostered in 37% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Samuel Singleton Jr. Worth a Roster Spot After Strong Season Opener?
Florida State running back Samuel Singleton Jr. rushed nine times for 42 yards and one touchdown and caught four passes for 54 yards and another touchdown in the team's Week 0 win over New Mexico State. After leading the Noles in touchdowns, receptions, and receiving yards, he is worth a watch for college fantasy football leagues. Ousmane Kromah was FSU's most effective rusher, finishing with 14 carries for 115 yards and 1 touchdown. However, he is already 66%-rostered in Yahoo leagues, while Singleton is available in 98% of leagues. Former Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner handled just five touches on Saturday after spending most of fall camp dealing with an injury. Florida State has no shortage of challenging matchups ahead, with SMU, Alabama, Virginia, Louisville, and Miami all on the schedule in five of their next six games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Roman Anthony Activated and Starting on Sunday
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (finger) has been activated from the 60-day injured list and is serving as the designated hitter and batting leadoff for Sunday's series finale in the Bronx against the division-rival New York Yankees and right-hander Will Warren, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Anthony, who was the team's top outfield prospect a year ago, is returning to the big leagues for the first time since early May after suffering a partially torn tendon in his right ring finger. The Red Sox could ease Anthony back into the fold as the DH after his long layoff, although he looked good at the plate in eight minor-league rehab games, posting a .967 OPS. The 22-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 was only hitting .229 (15-for-109) with a homer, five RBI, 12 runs scored, and two steals in 30 games earlier this year before injuring his finger, but he has high-end power/speed upside and could be a difference-maker in the final month of the regular season for both fantasy managers and the BoSox as they seek a playoff spot. Anthony had a .292/.396/.463 slash line with an .859 OPS, eight homers, 32 RBI, 48 runs, and four stolen bases in his first 71 major-league games in 2025.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Bucky Irving Could Lose Goal-Line Touches
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving could be in danger of losing touches with the news on Sunday. The Bucs have decided to cut Josh Williams and keep Sean Tucker on their 53-man roster. Tucker figures to serve as the third back behind Kenneth Gainwell, with Irving being the starter. Normally, Tucker's presence doesn't mean much outside of his one monster game per season. However, the Bucs tend to trust Tucker the most out of their backs in goal-line situations. His work in the red zone could be why the Bucs decided to keep him around. His presence will likely be a thorn in the side of Irving, but the 24-year-old should still offer RB2 value as the lead back in Tampa Bay.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Cardinals Place JJ Wetherholt on Injured List With Wrist Tendinitis
The St. Louis Cardinals announced on Sunday that they placed rookie infielder JJ Wetherholt (wrist) on the 10-day injured list with right-wrist tendinitis and recalled infielder Cesar Prieto from Triple-A Memphis in a corresponding move. It is the first time that Wetherholt will head to the IL while battling wrist issues of late. In his first year in the big leagues in 2026 with the Cards, Wetherholt has slashed .242/.343/.370 with a .713 OPS, 17 home runs, 48 RBI, 14 stolen bases, and 88 runs scored across 130 games and 586 plate appearances. His wrist might have been bothering him for a while, though, as he has hit just .200 (19-for-95) with a .595 OPS, one homer, four doubles, seven RBI, 19 runs scored, two stolen bases, 15 walks, and 19 strikeouts in 25 games in August. Wetherholt has also hit just over the Mendoza Line (.201) with just four homers, four doubles, 12 RBI, five steals, 30 runs scored, 23 walks, and 31 strikeouts in 40 games in the second half. Perhaps a little break is what is needed so that he can finish his first MLB season strong in September. It is unclear if Wetherholt will be ready to return when his 10 days on the IL are up. He is currently rostered in over 90% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: St. Louis Cardinals
Source: St. Louis Cardinals
Sean Tucker Makes 53-Man Roster
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker has made the 53-man roster, according to Jenna Laine. Tucker was on the roster bubble, but the Bucs decided to keep him and his $3.5 million salary for the upcoming season. Instead, the Bucs have cut running back Josh Williams, which leaves Tucker as the third back in Tampa Bay. The 24-year-old is unlikely to have a huge role behind Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell. It seems that Tucker is good for one epic game per season to get fantasy managers hyped, but then he fails to capitalize on it. He remains a stash in dynasty formats, as he could be one injury away from getting consistent touches in the backfield. UPDATE: Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Tucker agreed to a new one-year deal with the Bucs on Sunday that includes $2.5 million guaranteed.
Source: Jenna Laine
Source: Jenna Laine
George Kittle Expected to Practice This Week
According to Adam Schefter, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is expected to practice this week. Despite recent reports suggesting that he might have had a setback in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, he has not had any setbacks and has a legitimate chance to play in Week 1. Kittle is still working his way back from an Achilles tendon injury that happened on January 11. The veteran tight end has been working hard and is pushing to be available for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. He was activated from the active/PUP list last Sunday and is trending towards getting on the practice field this week. His status for Week 1 is still cloudy, but it sounds like Kittle won't miss much time to begin the season. Fantasy managers should continue to check for updates throughout the week on Kittle's status.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Jake Browning Gets Released by Buccaneers
According to Adam Schefter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jake Browning was released by the team on Sunday. Browning signed with the Bucs in March with the expectation that he'll be the backup to Baker Mayfield. The 30-year-old had a quiet preseason, completing 10-of-15 passing attempts for 86 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions. He was outperformed by rookie Jalon Daniels, who snags the No. 2 job behind Mayfield. Browning made a handful of appearances during his time in Cincinnati whenever Joe Burrow was injured. It wouldn't be shocking to see Browning land elsewhere as a backup, but Daniels is the biggest winner here. There's some stash value for Daniels in deeper dynasty leagues.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Jacob Fields Charged with Aggravated Assault of Former Teammate
Former TCU safety Jacob Fields has been formally charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, according to his agent. Fields was dismissed from the team on August 18 after a locker room altercation with wide receiver Dozie Ezukanma on August 13. Ezukanma says Fields "sucker punched" him, leaving him unconscious when his head hit the floor. Ezukanma was hospitalized and did not make the trip to Dublin, Ireland, for the team's Week 0 loss to North Carolina. Fields turned himself in to police at the Tarrant County Jail in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be released on bond on Sunday. Fields was expected to be a starter for the Horned Frogs, replacing Seattle Seahawks second-round pick Bud Clark.
Source: Pete Thamel
Source: Pete Thamel
Bhayshul Tuten Offers Intriguing Upside
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten will get a chance to be the full-time lead back this upcoming season. The 23-year-old will get an opportunity to show that he can be the cornerstone option in the backfield. Recent reports have been saying that Tuten is being more active as a pass-catcher lately. A legit dual-threat back is a rarity in football, and fantasy managers shouldn't pass up an opportunity to possibly land one. The Jags have Chris Rodriguez Jr. and LeQuint Allen Jr. as backup options, but neither player has shown the same upside as Tuten. He's ranked as the No. 25 running back in Rotoballer's rankings and has a great chance to rise quickly.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
DJ Moore Could Offer Top-15 Upside
Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore could emerge as one of the best sleepers at this position. The 29-year-old struggled during his final season with the Chicago Bears last season. He finished with 50 receptions, 682 receiving yards, and six touchdowns in 17 games. Certainly a down year for Moore, who is often a 1,000-yard receiver. The Bears had a crowded receiver room, so a move elsewhere was best for Moore's value. He landed in Buffalo that might end up being the best thing for his career. Moore can be the WR1 wideout in Buffalo with Stefon Diggs departing elsewhere. The veteran wideout is underrated with his current ADP of 54.8. If everything goes right for Moore, he could finish with a top-15 season with his new team.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Trevor Lawrence Offers League-Winning Upside at a Low-QB1 Cost
For four and a half seasons, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was viewed as a fantasy disappointment after coming into the league with monumental expectations as the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but halfway through the 2025 season, something clicked for him in Liam Coen's play-action and motion-heavy offense. Over the final 10 weeks of the season, Lawrence was the QB1, scoring 6.7 fantasy points per game with his legs alone while garnering MVP consideration. The team's mid-season trade for Jakobi Meyers helped to retool the wide receiver room following Travis Hunter's season-ending LCL tear, and a connection with Parker Washington turned the third-year veteran into the latest receiver to star out of the slot in Coen's offense. Even with Brian Thomas Jr. facing second-year struggles, the Jaguars' offense proved to be one of the league's most dynamic down the stretch, and with nearly his full complement of pass-catchers returning for 2026, Lawrence is well set up for another big year and could prove to be a league-winner for the second consecutive season, as he's currently being drafted as the QB10.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zavion Thomas Sets the Tone by Going 97 Yards on His First NFL Play
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas did not participate in the team's first two preseason outings as he dealt with minor knee soreness earlier in camp, but he wasted no time making his presence felt on Saturday night. Thomas got behind the defense with a double move on the first play of his NFL career and outraced everyone for a 97-yard touchdown to set the tone in a 24-15 win over the Titans. He would finish the night with five catches on five targets and a team-leading 140 yards to go with his game-opening score, showcasing his value as a potential third or fourth receiver in what projects to be a high-powered Chicago offense. The Bears have no lack of playmakers atop the depth chart with second-year pass-catchers Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland and former ninth overall pick Rome Odunze. Still, Thomas' unique skill set could lead to manufactured touches in a gadget role and a path to fantasy relevance. Landing outside of RotoBaller's top 300 players, he is not a player who needs to be targeted in 2026 drafts, but his early-season involvement should be monitored, with fantasy managers ready to make a waiver claim.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Nicholas Singleton Ends Preseason Without Any Signature Moments
Tennessee Titans rookie running back Nicholas Singleton ran the ball seven times for 26 yards in Saturday's 24-15 loss to the Chicago Bears, adding two receptions for 18 yards and putting a cap on a solid but unspectacular first preseason. Both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears have looked sharp in their limited action, each averaging more than 5.6 yards per carry on 12 combined totes, but with neither suited up for the final game of the 2026 preseason, Singleton got the start and earned a target on an opening drive that went three-and-out. Singleton was selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but with many believing he would have gone earlier if not for a broken foot sustained during Senior Bowl practice, he was a popular sleeper pick to start the summer. After running firmly behind Pollard and Spears for most of camp, the veterans appear to have a lock on any fantasy viability to be found out of the Titans' running backs room, and at RotoBaller's RB75, Singleton is not a player who needs to be considered in 2026 drafts.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
