RADIO
Bud Cauley Hoping Last Week's Win Can Aid Him at Shinnecock
It was a long and painful journey for Bud Cauley before capturing his first career PGA Tour victory last week in Canada. It was likely the 36-year-old's best putting performance of his life, averaging 1.69 strokes gained on the greens of TPC Toronto. The vibes couldn't be higher heading into the year's third major, as his ball striking has been great even before last week. Over his last seven starts, Cauley is averaging 0.634 strokes gained on approach and 0.502 off the tee. If the putting and chipping continue to cooperate, he could surprise us. It's not uncommon to see someone as patient as the former Crimson Tide golfer has been go on to win a few more times once the lid is taken off. It may be far-fetched to think he's ready to win a U.S. Open, but believing in his ability to be a DFS asset this week is not.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Corey Seager Lands on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
The Texas Rangers placed shortstop Corey Seager (concussion) on the seven-day concussion injured list on Monday and reinstated super-utility man Josh Smith (abdomen) from the IL in a corresponding move, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. With Seager out for Monday's series opener against the visiting Minnesota Twins and Ezequiel Duran getting a day off, Nicky Lopez will make the start at the 6 and bat eighth for the Rangers against right-hander Mike Paredes. Seager collided with Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen at the plate last Thursday night and could not recover in time to begin Week 13 of the 2026 season. The Rangers described Seager's concussion symptoms as mild, so hopefully he'll be ready to come off the IL when he's eligible. Duran will most likely see most of the playing time at shortstop in Texas until Seager is back. Seager, a five-time All-Star and two-time World Series MVP, has struggled to stay healthy as he ages, and although he does have nine homers in 177 at-bats in 2026, he's also sporting a .186 average, .284 on-base percentage, and a career-high 26.5% strikeout rate. Despite the disappointing season to this point, Seager is still rostered in 90% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Seiya Suzuki Returns to the Lineup Following Knee Injury
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (knee) is serving as the team's designated hitter and will bat cleanup for Monday's series opener at Wrigley Field against the visiting Colorado Rockies and right-hander Michael Lorenzen, according to MLB.com. Suzuki banged his knee up in Saturday's win against the San Francisco Giants and was then scratched from the lineup for Sunday's series finale in San Fran as a precaution. After a day of rest, the 31-year-old Japanese native is back in action as the DH for the Cubbies. In his fifth year in the big leagues, Suzuki is batting .255/.339/.433 with a .772 OPS, 10 home runs, 28 RBI, and 31 runs scored in 57 games across 236 plate appearances. Suzuki is hitless in just two career at-bats against Lorenze, but he's gone 11-for-36 (.306) with three home runs, two doubles, nine RBI, and six runs scored in 11 games so far in June. Fantasy managers will want to get Suzuki back in their starting lineups against Colorado in traditional leagues to begin Week 13.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Corey Seager Remains Out With Concussion Symptoms
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (concussion) remains sidelined for Monday's series opener at Globe Life Field against the visiting Minnesota Twins, per MLB.com. Nicky Lopez will get a start at shortstop for the Rangers and will bat eighth against Twins right-hander Mike Paredes. Seager collided with Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen at home plate on Thursday and hasn't played since. He remains day-to-day, but if Seager cannot rejoin Texas' starting lineup in the next couple of days, he could land on the seven-day concussion injured list. The good news is that Seager did some hitting, throwing, and weightlifting on Sunday. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday to see if he's back in there for Game 2 of the series against Minnesota. The 32-year-old former 18th overall pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 has nine home runs in 177 at-bats this year, but otherwise it's been rough, as he's currently sporting a .186/.284/.373 slash line with 24 RBI, 25 runs scored, one stolen base, and a career-high 26.5% strikeout rate in 47 games played in his 12th year in the majors.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Padres Put Mason Miller on the Bereavement List
The San Diego Padres announced on Monday that they placed right-handed closer Mason Miller on the bereavement/family medical leave list and recalled left-hander Kyle Hart from Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move. Miller could be away from the Padres for the next three to seven days as he tends to a personal family matter. If any save situations come up with Miller away, they will likely go to right-hander Jason Adam, who has pitched well in a setup role for the Friars again in 2026. The 27-year-old Miller continues to make hitters look silly with a triple-digit fastball and an extremely nasty slider, and he's currently sporting a 0.90 ERA (0.37 FIP), 0.80 WHIP, a National League-leading 19 saves, 59 strikeouts, and 12 walks in 30 innings pitched in his first full year in San Diego. Miller ranks second in all of baseball in saves and has not blown a save opportunity all year. After being acquired from the A's midway through last season, Miller had a 0.77 ERA (1.12 FIP), 0.73 WHIP, two saves, 45 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 23 1/3 innings pitched. He's one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball, regardless of role.
Source: San Diego Padres
Source: San Diego Padres
Drake Baldwin Reinstated From the Injured List on Monday
The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they have reinstated catcher Drake Baldwin (oblique) from the 10-day injured list and outrighted catcher Austin Wynns to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. The Braves have a scheduled day off on Monday, so Baldwin will return for his first game in Tuesday's series opener against the visiting San Francisco Giants at Truist Park. The second-year backstop will be returning to Atlanta after missing a month with an oblique strain. The 25-year-old former third-round pick in the 2022 MLB draft out of Missouri State University has quickly become one of the best offensive-minded catchers in fantasy baseball after he was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2025. Baldwin hit .274/.341/.469 with an .810 OPS, 19 homers, and 80 RBI in 124 games last year, and he'll return to a .303/.389/.543 slash line with 13 homers and 38 RBI in 48 games in his second season in the Show. Get ready to plug him back into all starting lineups in traditional fantasy leagues this week.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Jorge Polanco Moved to 60-Day Injured List
The New York Mets announced on Monday that they transferred infielder Jorge Polanco (Achilles, ankle) to the 60-day injured list. It's merely a procedural move and won't affect Polanco's timetable for a return to the Mets. He has been battling Achilles tendinitis and recently suffered a setback with his ankle, forcing the Mets to pull him off his minor-league rehab assignment. The 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican received a favorable recent MRI exam on his ankle, though, and he's scheduled to resume a rehab assignment later this week. If Polanco can avoid another setback, he might have a shot to be reinstated from the IL to rejoin the Mets' major-league roster next week. The 13-year-old MLB veteran got off to a bad start in his first year in Queens before his injuries, going 10-for-56 (.179) with a homer, two RBI, five walks, and 11 strikeouts in 14 games and only 61 plate appearances. Polanco can provide decent pop with eligibility at second and third base in Yahoo leagues, but durability concerns obviously make him less attractive in fantasy. He's currently rostered in 21% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Christian Scott Placed on Injured List With Hip Impingement
The New York Mets announced on Monday that they placed right-hander Christian Scott (hip) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 12) with a right-hip impingement. For now, right-hander Tobias Myers will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse and will make the start on Monday at the Cincinnati Reds for New York's banged-up starting rotation. The good news for the Mets is that Scott's hip injury isn't serious, so he'll have a chance to return from the IL when he's eligible on June 27. With Scott out for at least the next two weeks, left-hander David Peterson, who has struggled in multiple roles this year, could see more starting opportunities, as could rookies Jonah Tong, Zach Thornton, and Jack Wenninger. In his return from Tommy John surgery this year, the 27-year-old Scott has looked good, going 2-0 with a 3.10 ERA (3.84 FIP) and 1.35 WHIP with 47 strikeouts and 19 walks in 40 2/3 frames across his nine starts. Scott has pitched well enough to have a rotation spot waiting for him when he's ready to return from his hip impingement. He's currently rostered in only 21% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Spencer Strider to be Shut Down From Throwing for Four Weeks
After his consultation with Dr. Keith Meister on Monday, Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) will be shut down from throwing for four weeks and then undergo a follow-up MRI exam, the team announced. If his follow-up MRI is clear, Strider will begin a throwing progression. Strider was pulled from his most recent start on Friday against the division-rival New York Mets with inflammation in his right elbow, and he was placed on the 15-day injured list the following day. The Braves and fantasy managers were very concerned, considering the 27-year-old only made two starts in 2024 before needing an internal-brace procedure. Strider also previously has had Tommy John surgery, so any signs of elbow trouble for him are a major red flag. He isn't dealing with any ligament damage, so he'll try to build back up for a second-half return if his elbow heals well over the next month. In a best-case scenario, he could rejoin the Braves' starting rotation at some point in August. The former fourth-rounder in 2020 out of Clemson University has struggled to a 5.31 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 46:20 K:BB in 39 innings across eight starts in 2026, and he'll be a huge question mark if he can return in the second half.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Elly De La Cruz Could Start Rehab Assignment This Week
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) will run the bases on Monday and Tuesday, and if all goes well, he will start a minor-league rehab assignment later this week, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. De La Cruz is recovering from a strained hamstring, but if he avoids a setback this week and once he starts a rehab assignment, he could be back in Cincy's starting lineup early next week. Until then, middle infielder Matt McLain will continue to hold down the fort at the 6 for the Reds, with Edwin Arroyo and Spencer Steer splitting time at the keystone. While he rehabs, the 24-year-old Dominican switch-hitter should be stashed in an injured list spot in all fantasy formats as one of the most dynamic all-around players in the game when he's healthy. Before going on the 10-day IL, De La Cruz was hitting .280/.346/.509 with an .855 OPS, 12 home runs, 37 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 40 runs scored across 58 games and 257 plate appearances. The two-time All-Star has one of the highest ceilings in baseball with 30-homer potential. He stole a league-leading 67 bases in 2024 in his first full season in the big leagues.
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent Rosecrans
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent Rosecrans
Jake McCarthy Returns From Illness on Monday
Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy (knee) is making the start in left field and will bat seventh for the Rockies in Monday's series opener at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs and left-hander Shota Imanaga, according to MLB.com. McCarthy missed the last five games while being under the weather, but he's feeling better now and is back in the starting nine to begin the week. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has looked good so far in his first year with the Rockies, slashing .282/.326/.448, but fantasy managers setting DFS lineups will want to avoid him against a tough lefty. McCarthy doesn't have much pop (just four homers in 174 at-bats), but he has plenty of speed (11) for those in need of the stat in deeper mixed leagues. McCarthy has also produced 27 RBI and 22 runs scored in 2026. He has gone 12-for-37 (.324) with none of his four homers against lefties on the year, and he's hitless in just six career at-bats against Imanaga.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nationals Prospect Robert Cranz Moving to Triple-A, Approaching Stash Territory?
The Washington Nationals are promoting right-handed pitching prospect Robert Cranz to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, according to Chase Ford of Milb Central. The 23-year-old former seventh-round pick in the 2024 MLB draft out of Oklahoma State University will move up to the highest level of the minors after combining to go 2-1 with a 2.73 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 50:15 K:BB, and four saves in 29 2/3 innings pitched in 22 relief appearances between High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg. Cranz is currently unranked as one of the Nationals' top prospects, but if he keeps pitching like he has so far in 2026, he should sneak into the team's top-30 rankings at MLB Pipeline. He has worked almost exclusively in high-leverage situations out of the bullpen on the farm, displaying plenty of swing-and-miss stuff. Cranz could continue to be a fast riser in the Nationals' system, but it remains to be seen if he's a realistic candidate to debut in the big leagues in 2026. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues looking for improvements from their relief corps will want to keep a close eye on Cranz.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Justin Gaethje Is The New Lightweight Champion
Justin Gaethje became the new lightweight champion by defeating previously undefeated Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday. Throughout the bout, both fighters had success, but it was Gaethje who did more damage. After the fourth round ended and Topuria went to his corner, one of his coaches decided to stop the fight to prevent him from any further harm. In 20 minutes of action, Gaethje landed 91 significant strikes. With the win, Gaethje got two championship belts, including a custom UFC Freedom 250 championship, and the Unified Lightweight Championship.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Ilia Topuria Undefeated No More
Ilia Topuria is no longer the lightweight champion nor undefeated as he suffered a fourth-round TKO loss to Justin Gaethje by corner stoppage in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday. Topuria stunned Gathje a few times and hurt him badly with a body shot, but Gathje's striking proved to be too much for Topuria, who likely suffered an orbital fracture and was bloodied up. Topuria's coaches saw enough to stop the fight and prevent him from any further harm. The former champ added that he lost vision in both his eyes during the fight. In 20 minutes of action, Topuria landed a takedown and 97 significant strikes.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Alex Pereira Unsuccessful In His Heavyweight Debut
Former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira suffered a second-round TKO loss to Ciryl Gane in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday. Pereira had a chance to become the first fighter ever to win three belts in the UFC, but Gane's movement was on point; he controlled distance beautifully and landed cleaner strikes. The ending sequence came in the second round when Gane dropped Pereira with a jab. He then followed up with a barrage of punches, forcing the referee to stop the fight. In 6:27 of action, Pereira landed 12 significant strikes. With the loss, Pereira dropped to 13-4 as a pro and is now 10-3 in the UFC.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Ciryl Gane Finishes Alex Pereira In The Second Round
Ciryl Gane became the new interim heavyweight champion by beating former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira via second-round TKO in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday. Gane's movement and striking were on point as he kept on switching stances, tagging Pereira with jabs and overhand rights. He rocked Pereira in the second round and methodically pressed the advantage, punishing Pereira with a barrage of punches until the referee decided to stop the fight. In 6:27 of action, Gane landed 54 significant strikes. With the win, Gane became the second fighter ever to capture two interim UFC titles.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Reid Detmers a Top Option for Strikeouts on the Waiver Wire?
Los Angeles Angels left-handed pitcher Reid Detmers has become a strong waiver-wire option for fantasy managers seeking strikeouts. The 26-year-old enters the week with a 2-5 record, 4.00 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts over 81 innings. While his win-loss record and season-long ERA don't fully reflect his recent work, Detmers has posted a 1.73 ERA, 0.54 WHIP, and 36:5 K:BB across his last four starts. That stretch includes 14 strikeouts over eight innings against the Texas Rangers, six scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and seven innings of one-run ball with nine strikeouts against the Houston Astros. The Angels may limit his win upside, but the strikeout volume and recent ratio improvements are strong enough to matter in most formats. With his roster rate already up to 64% on Yahoo, Detmers may not be sitting on every waiver wire, but fantasy managers should move quickly in any league where he remains available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sean O'Malley Scores Second-Round TKO Win
Former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley won his second fight in a row by beating Aiemann Zahabi via second-round TKO on the UFC Freedom 250 card on Sunday. Neither fighter did much in the first round, but O'Malley took it on the scorecards. In the second round, O'Malley dropped Zahabi with a straight left and then landed another punch on Zahabi when he tried to get up, prompting the referee to stop the fight. In 9:02 of action, O'Malley landed 41 significant strikes. With the win, O'Malley improved to 20-3 with one NC and is now 12-3 with one NC in the UFC.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Jack Wenninger Nearing Promotion to MLB Roster?
New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jack Wenninger could be moving closer to his first major-league opportunity as the Mets search for rotation help, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The 24-year-old is the club's No. 5 prospect (according to MLB.com) and has posted a 2.93 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 54 strikeouts over 55 1/3 innings at Triple-A Syracuse. Wenninger had a dominant start to the season, and although his ratios have backed up from his early run, he remains one of the most logical internal options for New York. The Mets' rotation depth has taken several hits, with Clay Holmes (fibula) and Kodai Senga (arm) already sidelined and Christian Scott (hip) slated to join them on the injured list. Wenninger's command remains the key caveat, as he has walked 30 batters over 55 1/3 innings. Still, with a 1% Yahoo roster rate, he is worth stashing in deeper 15+ team redraft leagues as he appears to have a clear path to join the MLB roster.
Source: Anthony DiComo
Source: Anthony DiComo
Aiemann Zahabi Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Aiemann Zahabi suffered a second-round TKO loss to former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley on the UFC Freedom 250 card on Sunday. Not much damage was done in the first round, but in the second round, after baiting Zahabi into throwing the strike with his feinting, O'Malley landed a straight left to drop Zahabi, and then he landed another punch to seal the deal. In 9:02 of action, Zahabi landed 32 significant strikes. With the loss, Zahabi saw his seven-fight win streak snapped.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Ezequiel Tovar Emerging as Sneaky Waiver-Wire Target With Rising Power
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar is showing signs of life after a rough start and can provide upside for fantasy managers at the middle-infield position. The 24-year-old enters Monday hitting just .218/.265/.340 with five home runs, 24 RBI, 21 runs, and four stolen bases over 238 at-bats. However, he has been better lately, batting .224 with four homers, eight RBI, seven runs, one steal, and a .431 slugging percentage over his last 15 games. Tovar also went 3-for-6 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in Sunday's 23-9 win over the Athletics. The average and on-base percentage remain concerns, but his 26-homer, 78-RBI season in 2024 gives the rebound some credibility. At 39% rostered on Yahoo, Tovar should be picked up in 12-team formats or deeper by fantasy managers looking for shortstop help with some power upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gregory Soto Remains Priority Target for Saves on the Waiver Wire
Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed pitcher Gregory Soto remains a priority waiver-wire target for fantasy managers chasing saves. Soto has emerged as the favorite for ninth-inning work in Pittsburgh and enters Monday with 10 saves, a 3.26 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts over 30 1/3 innings. He has converted three saves in June, including Saturday, June 13's 3-2 win over the Miami Marlins. However, Soto has begun to struggle, allowing five earned runs over 2 2/3 innings this month, including a blown save against the Houston Astros on June 3. Mason Montgomery and Dennis Santana still give Pittsburgh other late-inning options, but Soto has the clearest path to saves given his typical usage. With a 47% Yahoo roster rate, he should be added in most formats where saves are a need, despite his inconsistent start to the month.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Hokit Remains Undefeated
Josh Hokit extended his win streak by beating former title challenger Derrick Lewis via second-round TKO on the UFC Freedom 250 card on Sunday. From the opening bell, Hokit proved that he was too much for Lewis. He kept on tagging him at will and punished him on the mat when he took him down. The finishing sequence came in the second round when Hokit knocked Lewis down with the right hand and then finished him with ground and pound. In 9:09 of action, Hokit landed two takedowns and 86 significant strikes, compared to Lewis, who landed only seven. With the win, Hokit improved to 4-0 in the UFC.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Jets, Guard Joe Tippmann Agree to Four-Year Extension
The New York Jets and right guard Joe Tippmann agreed to a four-year, $62 million contract extension on Monday that includes $31 million in new guarantees, a source told Rich Cimini of ESPN. The extension could be worth a total of $64 million. The 25-year-old gets a new deal as he was set to enter the final year of his rookie contract. But the Jets weren't about to let the talented Tippmann hit the open market next March. The deal makes Tippman the league's 15th-highest-paid guard based on his $15.5 million average per year. The former second-round pick in 2023 out of the University of Wisconsin is now under contract through the 2030 season, and his new deal includes guaranteed money through 2028. Tippmann has only missed one game in his three years in the NFL, and he's extremely valuable to the Jets for his ability to play center and guard. He has 48 starts and has logged more than 800 snaps in each of his three seasons while ranking 42nd in pass-block win rate among guards in 2025. The move to extend Tippmann is a big win for the Jets' offense in the present and the future.
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Derrick Lewis Outclassed At UFC Freedom 250
Former title challenger Derrick Lewis suffered a second-round TKO loss to Josh Hokit on the UFC Freedom 250 card on Sunday. Lewis was outclassed from the start as Hokit was too fast and kept on landing punches at will. Not only that, Lewis struggled to get up when he was taken down plus he got badly beaten up on the ground. The ending sequence came in the second round when Hokit dropped Lewis with the left hand, and then finished the fight with ground and pound. In 9:09 of action, Lewis landed only seven significant strikes.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
JR Ritchie a Waiver-Wire Target With Move to Rotation?
Atlanta Braves rookie right-hander JR Ritchie will make the start on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants at Truist Park, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Ritchie, the team's No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, allowed 15 runs (13 earned) on 21 hits (four homers) while walking 16 and striking out 21 in 25 2/3 innings over five starts earlier in the year for Atlanta before being sent to Triple-A Gwinnett. The 22-year-old former 35th overall pick in 2022 recently returned to the big-league roster in a relief role, and he pitched five scoreless innings of relief with two walks and a strikeout on June 12 against the division-rival New York Mets. Despite Ritchie's rough greeting in MLB as a starter earlier this year, he'll be worth considering for rotation depth in deeper leagues now that he's set to take the starting spot of injured right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow), at least in the short term. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is a ground-ball pitcher with a deep arsenal, but he can also generate plenty of swings and misses while attacking the strike zone. Right now, he's rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Likely to Rejoin the Lineup on Tuesday
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (back) felt better on Sunday, according to manager John Schneider, although he still sat out a second straight game due to back tightness, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Guerrero seems likely to return to the starting lineup for Tuesday's series opener against the division-rival Boston Red Sox after another scheduled day off on Monday. The 27-year-old Canadian was gearing up to pinch hit in the ninth inning on Sunday against the New York Yankees, but he never appeared in the game. The five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner has only three home runs on the year through 68 games and has gone 7-for-38 (.184) with three doubles, three RBI, four runs scored, four walks, and five strikeouts in 10 games so far in June. Despite the recent cold stretch, Vladdy is hitting .280 (69-for-246) on the year with a .372 on-base percentage. Guerrero's buy-low window is firmly open right now, but it could close quickly once he returns from his back injury.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
George Pickens Reports to Cowboys Ahead of Minicamp
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens reported to the team's facilities on Monday to take his physical before mandatory minicamp kicks off on Tuesday, a source told Jon Machota of The Athletic. Pickens did not attend organized team activities, but he is expected to participate in minicamp from Tuesday through Thursday of this week. The 25-year-old will play on the one-year, $27.3 million franchise tag in 2026 after having a career year in 2025 in his first year with the Cowboys, when he caught 93 of his 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games (15 starts). The former second-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 out of the University of Georgia outproduced CeeDee Lamb and is one of the best big-play wideouts in the NFL. Pickens doesn't come without some diva qualities, though, and the Cowboys apparently want to see him run it back this year before seriously considering giving him a long-term contract extension. After his monstrous year as the WR5 in half-PPR scoring, Pickens is a clear top-10 fantasy target at his position going into his fifth year in the NFL.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
LeQuint Allen Jr. Looks Primed for a Pass-Catching Role
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated writes that Jacksonville Jaguars second-year running back LeQuint Allen Jr. looks to be primed for a role on passing downs in 2026. It has been hard to really gauge Jacksonville's new-look backfield this offseason since new RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. (foot) has missed time due to an injury. One thing is clear, though: Bhayshul Tuten looks much-improved, and he appears to be the favorite to lead the Jags in touches now that Travis Etienne Jr. is with the New Orleans Saints. Allen, 21, was selected with the 236th overall pick in 2025 in the seventh round out of the University of Syracuse. In his rookie campaign, he carried the ball only 23 times for 94 yards and caught 10 of his 11 targets for 54 yards in 17 regular-season games (one start). While Allen should have an expanded pass-catching role in 2026, he'll only be worth rostering in really deep PPR formats unless one of Tuten or Rodriguez misses time with an injury during the regular season. RotoBaller currently has Allen ranked as the No. 80 fantasy RB in redraft leagues.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Unclear if Michael Penix Jr. Will be Cleared for Team Drills at Minicamp
When asked if quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will be cleared for 11-on-11 team drills during mandatory minicamp, Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said, "We'll see." Penix is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last November, and the longer he is held out of team drills, the more former Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa will gain a leg up in the QB competition this summer. Stefanski is on record saying that he thinks accuracy is the most important trait for a signal-caller, and for all of his faults, Tagovailoa has historically been great in that area -- he led the league in 2024 with a 72.9% completion percentage. A lot can still happen between now and Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, but it is clear that Tagovailoa has a head start over the injured Penix in a new offensive scheme in Atlanta this year. Whoever wins the QB job for the Falcons to begin the season probably isn't going to have a very long leash, so they should be considered a low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues. Penix, specifically, has seen his dynasty/keeper stock tumble dramatically since last year after yet another torn ACL in his knee.
Source: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
Source: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
