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Terrion Arnold Plans to Sign With Seahawks
Former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold plans to sign with the Seattle Seahawks, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Arnold has also visited with the Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants. The NFL must next decide whether to put Arnold on the commissioner's exempt list after he was arrested on felony charges in connection with a robbery and kidnapping in February, which is why the Lions released him earlier this year. The 23-year-old was originally taken with the 24th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft from the University of Alabama, and he recorded 91 tackles (70 solo), an interception, 18 pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in 24 games (22 starts) in his first two years in the league with the Lions. Arnold only played in eight games for Detroit last season. If he's allowed to play in 2026, Arnold will give the defending Super Bowl-champion Seahawks more depth in their defensive backfield.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Mike McDaniel to Ride the Hot Hand With Chargers' Backfield?
When asked to give more clarity on the division of touches in his backfield going into the 2026 season between running backs Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel told Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue that "if a player is playing really well, I'm not going to take them out." McDaniel also said earlier this week that he plans to "use all three" of Hampton, Mitchell, and Vidal every week. The Chargers will no doubt have different game plans from week to week based on their opponent, but when all is said and done, Hampton, a first-rounder in 2025, should lead this backfield in opportunities. The North Carolina product only played in nine regular-season games a year ago due to injuries, and he finished with 545 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 124 carries, adding 32 receptions for 192 yards and another score. Still, the presence of both Mitchell and Vidal will give fantasy managers pause if they have the chance to select the 23-year-old Hampton in the early rounds. Ideally, fantasy managers can get Hampton as a high-end RB2.
Source: NFL Daily Podcast - Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue
Source: NFL Daily Podcast - Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue
Michael Pittman Jr. to Sit Out of Preseason Opener on Thursday
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (leg) is in street clothes and will not play in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, according to Brian Batko of Steelers.com. Pittman has missed some practice time this week in training camp with what appears to be a minor leg injury. Both he and DK Metcalf (undisclosed) are being held out of the first preseason game, although they could be back for next week's preseason tilt against the New York Jets on Friday, Aug. 21. The 28-year-old former second-rounder by the Indianapolis Colts in 2020 from USC had only 784 receiving yards on 80 receptions in 2025, but he did manage to find the end zone a career-high seven times in 17 games played in his final year in Indy. Although Pittman has a limited fantasy ceiling, he could rebound with his move to Pittsburgh if he's peppered with short targets from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Target him as a WR4/flex at a value in PPR fantasy drafts.
Source: Steelers.com - Brian Batko
Source: Steelers.com - Brian Batko
Micah Parsons Hopes to Return in Week 6 Against Dallas
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Green Bay Packers All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee) is targeting Week 6 against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, for his 2026 debut after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus last December. The Packers have a very strict nine-month rule for players returning from ACL injuries, and it's not realistic for Parsons to return until around Week 5 or 6, especially since he's also recovering from a torn meniscus in his knee. The 27-year-old five-time Pro Bowler will open the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which will require him to miss at least the first four games of the year. When healthy, Parsons is a game-wrecker against opposing offenses. After Green Bay acquired him from the Cowboys before the start of the 2025 season, he went on to record 41 tackles (19 solo), 12.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 27 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 14 games before his season-ending knee injury. Even with the possibility of missing the first five games in 2026, Parsons will have plenty of stash appeal in IDP fantasy leagues.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Tucker Kraft Tracking to be Ready for Week 1
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) is tracking to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener. The biggest question now before the start of the regular season is whether the Packers will give Kraft a contract extension that will make him the highest-paid tight end in the league. It remains to be seen if Kraft will play in the preseason at all, but even if he doesn't, it looks like fantasy managers will have him available to begin the 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in 2023 from South Dakota State was in the midst of a breakout year before tearing his ACL, as he caught 32 of 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns in just eight starts. There isn't going to be any real discount on Kraft in fantasy football drafts because of his serious knee issue from a year ago, with many pundits predicting his breakout to come in 2026 if he can stay healthy all year. RotoBaller currently has Kraft ranked as the No. 5 fantasy TE, behind Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, Colston Loveland, and Tyler Warren.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
DK Metcalf Not Playing in Preseason Opener
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers DK Metcalf (undisclosed) and Michael Pittman Jr. (leg) are both in street clothes on Thursday night and will not play in the team's preseason opener versus the Green Bay Packers, according to Brian Batko of Steelers.com. Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers will also be inactive. The Steelers are playing it safe with Metcalf and Pittman, their top two receivers while they deal with minor injuries early in the preseason. Both players should be fine for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September, and they could be cleared to play in the team's second preseason game on Aug. 21 against the New York Jets. The 28-year-old Metcalf is still a physical freak, but he failed to return to the 1,000-yard mark for a second straight season and his first in Pittsburgh in 2025, and he could fall short of that mark again in 2026 after the addition of Pittman with Rodgers leading the offense for one more season. Metcalf has a safe touchdown floor -- he's never scored fewer than five touchdowns in his seven NFL seasons -- but fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a return to Metcalf's glory days from his time in Seattle.
Source: Steelers.com - Brian Batko
Source: Steelers.com - Brian Batko
Aaron Rodgers in Street Clothes for Thursday's Preseason Opener
Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in street clothes and will not play in Thursday night's preseason opener against his former team, the Green Bay Packers, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. With Rodgers sitting out, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar will get the work under center for the Steelers. The Steelers have indicated that they want to get Rodgers some preseason action, but it's unclear if it will come in their next exhibition game on Friday, Aug. 21, against another one of his former teams, the New York Jets. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer has returned to the Steel City for a second season in what he says will be the final year of his storied NFL career. Rodgers could have more opportunities to throw the football in new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense, although reports out of training camp suggest the Steelers' offense could stick with a pretty heavy ground approach again in 2026. Even with additional receiver help in Michael Pittman Jr., Rodgers will be an unintriguing low-end QB2 option in two-QB superflex leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Freddie Freeman Ready to Go for Series Opener Against Brewers
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (soreness) is starting at first base and will bat cleanup for the Blue in Thursday's series opener against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers and left-hander Shane Drohan, per MLB.com. Freeman had a scary moment in Wednesday's win over the Kansas City Royals when he fell into the dugout at Dodger Stadium while chasing a pop-up in foul ground, and he was dealing with soreness in his hand, knee, and shoulder after the game. However, it was not enough to keep the former MVP and 10-time All-Star out of the lineup for the opener of a big series against the Brewers. Despite facing a left-hander on Thursday, Freeman should be in all starting fantasy lineups in traditional formats as he brings a .306/.380/.472 slash line into the contest with an .852 OPS, 15 home runs, 57 RBI, 58 runs scored, and five stolen bases. Freeman has hit .272 (40-for-147) with four of his 15 homers on the year against lefties, and he's gone hitless in just two career at-bats against Drohan.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
C.J. Stroud, Other Texans Starters Won't Play on Thursday
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and other key offensive starters like running backs David Montgomery and Woody Marks and wide receiver Nico Collins will not play in the team's preseason opener on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, league sources told Aaron Wilson of Sports Talk 790 AM. With Stroud sitting, Davis Mills and Graham Mertz will take the snaps under center. The Texans will be short-handed at the RB position with Jawhar Jordan (hip) and British Brooks (hand) also out with injuries, meaning Noah Whittington, Josh Pitsenberger, and Owen Wright should handle the backfield duties against the Bolts. The 24-year-old Stroud took another step back in 2025 in his third year in the NFL after an impressive rookie season. The former second overall pick from Ohio State completed a career-high 64.5% of his pass attempts last year, but he threw for a career-low 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 regular-season starts. Stroud will certainly be motivated to deliver if he wants the Texans to seriously consider giving him a long-term extension in the future. Fantasy managers should treat him as a low-end QB2 with bounce-back potential.
Source: Sports Talk 790 AM - Aaron Wilson
Source: Sports Talk 790 AM - Aaron Wilson
Terrance Ferguson Consistently Showing Up in All Phases
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Thursday that second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson has consistently shown up in all phases -- in pass protection, in the running game, and as a receiver. McVay also said that Ferguson can play all over the formation and that he has become more comfortable in the offense going into his second year in the league. The 23-year-old former second-rounder from the University of Oregon stood out during a joint practice early this week against the Dallas Cowboys, connecting on several big pass plays with quarterback Matthew Stafford. McVay said that Ferguson "has been awesome" and that he has loved what he's done so far. L.A.'s tight end room is crowded with Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen, and rookie Max Klare, but Ferguson might have the most pure pass-catching upside of the group as he heads into Year 2. Most of the pass-game targets in L.A. will continue to go through receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but in this explosive offense, Ferguson has intrigue as a low-end TE2 target with upside after averaging a hefty 21 yards per catch on 11 receptions as a rookie in 2025.
Source: Los Angeles Rams
Source: Los Angeles Rams
AK Dear Injured During Alabama's Fall Scrimmage
Alabama running back AK Dear (undisclosed), who has reportedly been rising on the depth chart during camp, suffered an injury shortly after a touchdown during Thursday's fall scrimmage in Bryant-Denny Stadium, according to On3's Pete Nakos. It's unclear what injury he is dealing with or if it will keep him out of practice moving forward. The sophomore from Mississippi has flashed this preseason, setting himself up for an enhanced role after rushing just 19 times for 140 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. The Crimson Tide running back room is loaded with talent, so missing practice time could be a significant setback in his bid for touches. Hopefully, an update will be provided in the near future.
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
EJ Crowell Misses Thursday's Scrimmage with Injury
Alabama freshman running back EJ Crowell (lower body) missed Thursday morning's scrimmage in Bryant-Denny Stadium with a lower-body injury, according to On3's Pete Nakos. Head coach Kalen DeBoer said the ailment will keep him out of a few practices. Crowell is expected to contribute right away for the Tide, and the program is unlikely to take many risks with his health in fall camp. It was also reported that AK Dear (undisclosed) suffered an injury in the scrimmage, meaning Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and freshman Tre'shawn Brown could be the team's primary healthy backs for a bit. The extent of Dear's injury is not yet known.
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
"Everything Points" to Malik Nabers Being Ready for Start of the Season
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) took part in team drills in training camp on Thursday while wearing a red, non-contact jersey, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. It was just a walkthrough/install period, but Nabers was out there against the defense and caught a couple of passes. Hughes adds that "everything points towards him being back for the start of the season." Although most of Nabers' work so far this summer has come during individual drills as he returns from a torn ACL and meniscus in his knee in Week 4 of 2025, the 23-year-old has missed just one practice. Nabers should continue to slowly be ramped up by the Giants, and as long as he doesn't suffer a setback, the former first-rounder from LSU looks to be on track to play on Sunday Night Football in Week 1 versus the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. There's still risk involved in taking a high-end WR coming off an ACL tear, but at least now fantasy managers should feel a little more comfortable targeting Nabers as a low-end WR1 in the early rounds of drafts.
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
River Ryan Not on Stash Radar Without Clear Return Timeline
Detroit Tigers pitching prospect River Ryan (hamstring) was injured during his time in the Dodgers' organization and was placed on the injured list back on June 26 with an ailing hamstring. Since then, there has been little update on his progress other than that he was throwing off a mound before being traded away in the Tarik Skubal deal. Assuming the Tigers' newly anointed top pitching prospect will need to face some live hitters and make a rehab start or two before being assigned to Triple-A Toledo (or perhaps Detroit), it makes a September return the most optimistic of scenarios. The 6-foot-2 hurler was showing well outside of one blowup start before going down with injury, and had an impressive debut with the Dodgers back in 2024, so there is a lot to like in his profile, but without a clear timeline for return, there is little reason to stash the 27-year-old in most redraft leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Getting Plenty of First-Team Work
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is getting plenty of work with the first-team offense. John Oehser noted Thursday that Rodriguez was seeing a lot of reps with the starters and described him as a hard, physical runner. That's another encouraging sign in a backfield that still looks unsettled. Jacksonville's first unofficial depth chart lists Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten as co-starters, and the two have been sharing first-team work throughout camp. Rodriguez rushed for 500 yards and six touchdowns on 112 carries for Washington last season, with all six scores coming in the red zone. He's also worked his way back from offseason left foot surgery, making his current workload worth noting. Tuten isn't going away, and LeQuint Allen Jr. remains part of the mix, particularly on passing downs. Still, Rodriguez keeps getting meaningful reps with Trevor Lawrence and the starters. At this point, he's looking like more than just a short-yardage specialist.
Source: John Oehser
Source: John Oehser
