RADIO
Chris Olave Lands Four-Year Extension With Saints
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave has agreed to a four-year extension worth up to $132 million, including $90 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter. His agents, Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, provided the terms to ESPN. The deal follows a career year in which Olave caught 100 of 156 targets for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns over 16 starts, earning second-team All-Pro honors. It was his third 1,000-yard season in four years, with an injury-shortened 2024 as the only exception. New Orleans had already exercised Olave's fifth-year option for 2026, but the extension now keeps him under team control well beyond the end of his rookie contract. The contract does not alter his immediate role, but it gives dynasty managers long-term stability around a receiver who remains the focal point of the Saints' passing game.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Shemar Stewart to Miss Several Weeks With Hyperextended Knee
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart (knee) will miss several weeks after hyperextending his left knee during Wednesday's practice, according to Charlie Goldsmith. Head coach Zac Taylor said Stewart avoided a major injury, welcome news after the 2025 first-round pick was carted off and initially unable to put weight on the leg. Injuries already cost Stewart a large part of his rookie season. He played eight games with five starts, spent five games on injured reserve with a knee injury, and missed four earlier contests because of an ankle issue. Stewart finished with 11 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass deflection. Cincinnati will now be without him for another chunk of valuable development time, although the diagnosis is far better than it first appeared. For fantasy purposes, Stewart remains a wait-and-see option in deeper IDP leagues.
Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Source: Charlie Goldsmith
Treylon Burks Misses Practice With Foot Soreness
Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks (foot) did not practice Thursday because of foot soreness, according to Ben Standig. There was no further update on the severity of the issue. Burks is trying to build on a productive offseason while competing for work behind Terry McLaurin in a receiver room without a settled No. 2. Washington re-signed the former first-round pick in March after he caught 10 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown in eight games last season. Health remains central to his case. Burks has played 35 games through four NFL seasons, with 11 being his career high in any one year. The missed practice is worth tracking, but there is not enough information yet to suggest a longer absence. For now, fantasy managers only need to monitor how quickly he returns and whether he can regain the momentum he built during offseason work.
Source: Ben Standig
Source: Ben Standig
Kalif Raymond Getting Plenty of Early Camp Looks
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond has been getting the ball often early in training camp. Brad Biggs noted that Raymond has been heavily involved and that it is already easy to see head coach Ben Johnson has plans for him as the team's third receiver. That should not come as much of a surprise. Raymond spent four seasons with Johnson in Detroit, and Johnson said in June that the veteran is more than a gadget player and could have a major role in the offense. Raymond caught 24 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown in 15 games for the Lions last season, but Chicago appears interested in using him more creatively. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III are still the top two options in the receiver room, which limits Raymond's path to dependable weekly volume. Even so, his early camp usage is worth following. He is more of a deep-league watch-list player than a standard redraft pick right now.
Source: Brad Biggs
Source: Brad Biggs
Ryan Flournoy's Offseason Work Draws More Praise
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy added muscle this offseason, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer has taken notice. Asked by Nicole Hutchison whether that change came from a conversation about helping Flournoy take the next step, Schottenheimer praised his "incredible" work ethic and called him another offseason award winner. The comments fit Flournoy's rise over the past year. After being waived at the end of training camp and returning on the practice squad, he earned his way back onto the active roster before Week 2. Flournoy went on to catch 40 of 56 targets for 475 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games, highlighted by 114 yards against the Jets and 115 against the Lions. He now enters 2026 as Dallas' third receiver behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. That is a difficult setup for steady weekly volume, but Flournoy has already shown he can produce when called upon. He is best viewed as a deep-league watch-list option rather than a standard redraft target.
Source: Nicole Hutchison
Source: Nicole Hutchison
Mac Jones Healthy for Training Camp
San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Mac Jones (undisclosed) is healthy for the start of training camp after dealing with an undisclosed issue during the offseason, according to Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Jones started slow in Wednesday's practice before improving throughout the session and finishing 11-for-15 passing. The 27-year-old signal-caller kept the Niners' offense afloat last year with Brock Purdy missing extended time with a turf-toe injury, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions on 289 pass attempts in 11 games (eight starts) in his first year in the Bay Area. While Jones was not a standout by any means for fantasy football purposes as more of a game manager, he was a real-life savior for head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, leading to the 49ers rebuffing trade inquiries on Jones in the offseason. That stance could change this summer if a QB-needy team makes the Niners an offer they can't refuse, but for now, Jones is an extremely valuable insurance policy for Purdy under center.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows
Jaydon Blue Named Standout After First Camp Practice
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue was one of the players who stood out during Wednesday's first training camp practice, head coach Brian Schottenheimer said, according to Jon Machota. Blue also mixed in with the first-team offense and broke a 45-yard run that would have resulted in a touchdown during the non-padded session. The 22-year-old appeared in five games as a rookie, finishing with 38 carries for 129 yards and one touchdown while catching one pass for five yards. Javonte Williams remains firmly established as Dallas' lead back after rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025. The competition behind him remains unsettled, with Phil Mafah receiving the initial No. 2 reps Wednesday and Malik Davis returning after recording 250 rushing yards last season. Blue's 4.38 speed gives him an explosive trait that separates him from the other reserve options, but one strong practice does not secure the backup job. He remains a worthwhile late-round watch while competing for a meaningful complementary role.
Source: Jon Machota
Source: Jon Machota
Nick Lodolo to Face Live Hitters on Friday
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) will test out his new breaking-ball grip when he faces live hitters on Friday, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. It will be Lodolo's first time facing hitters since going on the 15-day injured list on July 12 with another blister on his finger. The 28-year-old southpaw teased high-end strikeout upside when he entered the league in 2022 as a former first-round pick out of TCU, but he has failed to live up to expectations and hasn't been able to stay healthy enough to make 30 starts in a single season. In just 12 starts (62 2/3 innings) this year, Lodolo has gone 3-2 with a 4.60 ERA (5.10 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 27 walks. He's had a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate and career-high 9.7% walk rate, which is not what you want to see. Still, he's rostered in 63% of Yahoo leagues with hopes that he can at least be a viable matchup-based streamer to close out the year. The Reds will likely have Lodolo make at least one minor-league rehab start if his simulated game goes off without a hitch on Friday.
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent Rosecrans
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent Rosecrans
Jayden Reed Opens Camp Healthy After Injury-Plagued 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed is healthy for the start of training camp after a foot fracture and broken collarbone limited him to seven games in 2025, according to USA Today's Packers Wire. Reed caught 19 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown last season after leading Green Bay in receiving yards in each of his first two campaigns. The Packers signed the 26-year-old to a reported three-year, $50.25 million extension in April, reinforcing his place alongside Christian Watson and Matthew Golden at the top of the receiver room. Green Bay traded Dontayvion Wicks to Philadelphia and allowed Romeo Doubs to leave in free agency, creating a more streamlined depth chart. Reed's healthy start gives him an opportunity to rebuild his timing with Jordan Love after an injury-disrupted season. His previous production creates a credible rebound case, although Watson and Golden could keep targets distributed across Green Bay's passing attack.
Source: Packers Wire
Source: Packers Wire
"No Target Dates" for Malik Nabers' Return From Torn ACL, Meniscus
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) has "no target dates" for his return following a torn ACL and meniscus suffered last year, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. The plan is for Nabers to continue stacking positive days and see where it goes from there. He is feeling good in training camp, but it remains a mystery as to whether he will be ready to roll for the team's Week 1 Sunday night showdown against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. The good news is that the 23-year-old former first-rounder from LSU managed to sidestep the Physically Unable to Perform list to start camp. However, Nabers will remain limited until further notice. The former sixth overall pick thoroughly impressed as a rookie in 2024, catching 109 of a whopping 170 targets for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games played. However, with a more run-focused offense expected under new head coach John Harbaugh while he comes off major knee surgery, Nabers has plenty of risk in his 2026 fantasy profile, making him more of a low-end WR2 target than a surefire WR1.
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Travis Kelce Looks Sharp in First Full-Squad Practice
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce looked sharp during Wednesday's first full-squad training camp practice, making a fingertip catch from Patrick Mahomes between two linebackers during seven-on-seven work, according to The Athletic. Head coach Andy Reid said Kelce looked good physically, remained in shape, and continued setting an example through his willingness to take practice repetitions. The 36-year-old is entering his 14th NFL season after catching 76 passes for 851 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games in 2025. Although his reception total declined from 97 in 2024, his average increased from 8.5 to 11.2 yards per catch. Kelce has not announced whether he plans to play beyond the 2026 season, but he remains a central part of Kansas City's passing game and an important leader for the roster. One seven-on-seven highlight does not resolve the age-related concerns surrounding his fantasy outlook, though his full participation and early movement are encouraging signs.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
Jordan Whittington's Versatility Giving Him Leg Up for WR3 Role
Cameron DaSilva of the Rams Wire writes that Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington is the leader of the WR3 competition early in training camp because of how experienced and versatile he is. Whittington is competing with Xavier Smith, Konata Mumpfield, and rookie CJ Daniels, with DaSilva also noting that Daniels has made some noise in practice and is drawing attention from fans and coaches. The No. 3 WR spot in head coach Sean McVay's offense will be an important one, but it also isn't expected to come with a lot of weekly volume as long as the top two receivers, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, are healthy. The 25-year-old Whittington took a slight step back in 2025 in his sophomore season, catching only 18 of 25 targets for 171 yards and zero touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. The former sixth-rounder in 2024 from the University of Texas has yet to find the end zone in 32 regular-season games (nine starts) and will remain off the fantasy radar in the majority of redraft leagues going into the start of the upcoming campaign.
Source: Rams Wire - Cameron DaSilva
Source: Rams Wire - Cameron DaSilva
Rhamondre Stevenson Active in Low Red-Zone Work
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson had a positive low-red-zone rep during Thursday's training camp practice, bouncing a run outside and appearing to turn the corner, according to Evan Lazar. TreVeyon Henderson also scored on an inside run through a large opening during the same period. Stevenson played 14 games in 2025, rushing 130 times for 603 yards and seven touchdowns while catching 32 passes for 345 yards and two more scores. Henderson led New England with 215 touches, 1,132 scrimmage yards, and 10 total touchdowns as a rookie. The Patriots enter 2026 with Stevenson and Henderson established as their top two backs, and Thursday's work shows that both are receiving opportunities in scoring territory. However, one practice period does not establish how the regular-season workload or goal-line carries will be divided. Stevenson remains firmly involved near the end zone, but Henderson's production and explosiveness make this a backfield fantasy managers should continue evaluating throughout camp.
Source: Evan Lazar
Source: Evan Lazar
Kayshon Boutte Wants to Stay in New England
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason after the additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, but he wants to stay with the Patriots, according to Zack Cox of the Boston Herald. For what it's worth, head coach Mike Vrabel said Boutte's approach has been "exactly the same as last year," when the 24-year-old wideout caught 33 passes for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns while starting 10 games. Vrabel had nothing but positive things to say about the former sixth-rounder from LSU, but the head coach also acknowledged that the team is open to trading a receiver while they pare down the roster. Early in training camp, the WR position is one of New England's deepest positions, as they have Brown, Doubs, Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism all on the 90-man roster. The Patriots have also been expanding Douglas' route tree early on, potentially signaling that Boutte is the odd-man out going into 2026. As long as Boutte remains with the Pats, he'll have a difficult path to fantasy relevance in his fourth year in the league.
Source: Boston Herald - Zack Cox
Source: Boston Herald - Zack Cox
DeMeco Ryans Sees Year 2 Jump From Woody Marks
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks is showing second-year growth during training camp, head coach DeMeco Ryans said, according to DJ Bien-Aime. Marks played 16 games with eight starts as a rookie, leading Houston with 196 carries for 703 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He also caught 24 of 36 targets for 208 yards and three scores, giving him five total touchdowns despite averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Houston added David Montgomery during the offseason after struggling to run the ball consistently in 2025, and the coaching staff has described the veteran as a three-down back. Marks has also been learning a broader route tree as the Texans explore ways to feature his receiving ability. Ryans' assessment is an encouraging sign that Marks is progressing after handling significant responsibility as a rookie. Montgomery's arrival limits his path to another lead-back workload, but continued development in the passing game could help Marks retain a meaningful complementary role in Houston's backfield.
Source: DJ Bien-Aime
Source: DJ Bien-Aime
Calvin Ridley Returns From Illness on Thursday
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (illness) practiced in full on Thursday after he was held out on Wednesday due to a stomach bug, according to Ben Arthur of FOX Sports. Ridley's fantasy value is in full decline after he played in just seven games due to a broken fibula in 2025 in his second year in Tennessee. In those seven games, the 31-year-old veteran caught only 17 of his 36 targets for 303 yards and zero touchdowns. The Titans are expecting the former first-rounder in 2018 from the University of Alabama to be involved in new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's scheme in 2026, but he's going to be more of a secondary option instead of the primary one after the team drafted Carnell Tate in the first round and added target hog Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency. Ridley could also be battling for targets with second-year receivers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike after they both had standout moments as rookies in 2025. First and foremost, he'll try to prove himself to Daboll in training camp and the preseason, but most likely, Ridley is going to struggle for consistent targets in his eighth year in the league. RotoBaller has dropped him all the way down to No. 62 at the WR position.
Source: FOX Sports - Ben Arthur
Source: FOX Sports - Ben Arthur
A.J. Brown Shows More Chemistry With New QB on Thursday
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown and quarterback Drake Maye struggled to get their connection going in the early days of training camp, with Maye going 4-for-9 with an interception when targeting Brown. However, in a padded practice on Thursday, the two started to turn things around, with Maye matching that production and hitting Brown four of five times, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. One of Brown's catches came against star cornerback Christian Gonzalez, with another one coming against Charles Woods for a touchdown. Thursday's practice could be a sign of things to come for Brown and Maye as they begin to build their chemistry for the 2026 regular season. The Patriots suddenly have a pretty crowded WR room with Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism, but after the Pats sent the Philadelphia Eagles a first-rounder, Brown should be the unquestioned alpha WR1 in New England. Brown showed signs of decline in 2025 in Philly's stagnant offense, averaging a career-low 12.9 yards per catch, but he also had his sixth 1,000-yard campaign. In what should be a more explosive Patriots' passing game, Brown should be considered a low-end WR1, at worst.
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Puka Nacua Stands Out Early at Rams Camp
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been the offense's standout through four training camp practices, leading the team in catches and explosive plays, according to The Athletic. He highlighted Wednesday's session by separating from cornerback Jaylen Watson down the left sideline for a deep touchdown from Matthew Stafford and has looked quicker in his vertical routes. Nacua already led the NFL with 129 receptions in 2025, totaling 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games, with 27 catches of at least 20 yards. He also added 105 rushing yards and a score. The 25-year-old is entering the final season of his rookie contract and has continued practicing fully while seeking a long-term extension. The early work has come before full pads, so the camp results should not be overvalued, but Nacua's combination of established volume and improved downfield movement is encouraging. He remains the centerpiece of Los Angeles' passing game and one of fantasy football's elite wide receivers.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
Jahmyr Gibbs Dealing With a Back Issue
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he's "not even sweating it" when discussing running back Jahmyr Gibbs' hold-in as he seeks a contract extension early in training camp, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Gibbs completed a conditioning test on Wednesday, in which Campbell said he "had a little bit of a back" issue, so it's unclear if the star RB will start practicing with the team right away once he inks a new deal. The 24-year-old's back injury might not be all that serious, but it's definitely something that we will keep a close eye on as camp rolls on. Fantasy managers probably have nothing to worry about right now with Gibbs' back injury and his hold-in, but the longer it lasts, the more concerning it will become for a player who is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 1 overall fantasy RB. He has been a Pro Bowler in each of his three NFL seasons after Detroit took him 12th overall from the University of Alabama in 2023. Gibbs' production speaks for itself, as he's racked up an incredible 3,580 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns while adding 181 receptions for 1,449 yards and another 10 scores as a receiver in 49 regular-season games. He's in his prime in an up-tempo, high-scoring offense as the best dual-threat back in the league.
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Merrill Kelly's July Turnaround Makes Him a 12-Team Add
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has rebuilt his mixed-league value with five strong July starts. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 1.95 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts across 27 2/3 innings this month. He capped that stretch Monday by holding the Pittsburgh Pirates to one unearned run on four hits and one walk while striking out six over 5 2/3 innings. Kelly still carries a 4.86 ERA and 1.45 WHIP through 109 1/3 innings, and his 71 strikeouts leave little margin for error when the ratios slip. That makes him more matchup-dependent than the typical must-start arm. Still, Kelly was rostered in only 38% of Yahoo leagues when RotoBaller's Week 18 rankings were published. He ranks 55th overall with an add recommendation for leagues of 12 teams or deeper and has pitched well enough to earn a roster spot at that depth.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian McCaffrey Could See Even Larger Target Share
With the news that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) is facing season-ending surgery for a PCL injury, it means that San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey could see an even larger target share in the passing game in 2026. McCaffrey, who has a lengthy injury history of his own, was the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2025 after he played in just four games due to injury in 2024. The four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro was the top fantasy RB after running for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns on 311 carries while adding a whopping 102 receptions for 924 yards and another seven TDs on 129 targets across 17 starts. At this point in CMC's career as he heads into his 10th NFL season, it seems likely that the Niners would be looking for ways to reduce his workload, especially when considering his injury history and coming off a career-high 413 touches last year. But the 49ers might not have that luxury, with their players already dropping like flies due to injury early in training camp. As long as he's healthy, McCaffrey should continue to be the engine of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, cementing him as a no-doubt top-five fantasy RB.
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
JJ Bleday Belongs on More 12-Team Rosters
Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday is batting .231/.339/.470 with 18 home runs, 45 RBI, 40 runs, and six stolen bases through 331 plate appearances. The average is still a weakness, but a .260 expected mark suggests he has deserved better. More importantly, Bleday's 10.8% barrel rate, 42.1% hard-hit rate, and .468 expected slugging percentage support the power that has kept him in the heart of Cincinnati's lineup. Bleday has started regularly in the corner outfield and offers enough walks and occasional speed to contribute beyond home runs. Yahoo managers have left him unclaimed in 74% of leagues, even though he ranks 49th in RotoBaller's Week 18 waiver rankings with an add recommendation for 12-team formats. He is not a batting-average asset, but managers seeking power and run production should not leave him available at that league depth.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
49ers Don't Expect Ricky Pearsall to Make Any Contributions in 2026
It looks like the San Francisco 49ers are expecting wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) to miss the entire 2026 season, according to NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco. "This doesn't look good... I think it's reasonable, rational, logical, for the 49ers to NOT expect Ricky Pearsall to make any contribution in 2026," Maiocco said. The 25-year-old former first-rounder from the University of Florida played in only nine regular-season games in 2025 in his second year in the league due to a PCL injury in his knee. The 49ers were hoping that the PCL issue would heal itself in the offseason, but that doesn't appear to be the case after Pearsall experienced swelling in the same knee after running all the routes in the first few days of training camp. It now appears that Pearsall is headed for season-ending surgery, which will obviously make him undraftable in all single-year fantasy leagues in 2026. The oft-injured pass-catcher's dynasty/keeper-league stock also takes a big hit. With Pearsall likely done for the year, it gives rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling a real opportunity to lock down the WR3 role in San Fran behind veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk.
Source: NBC Sports - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBC Sports - Matt Maiocco
Jake Burger's Power Is Worth the Batting-Average Risk
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger is batting .236/.297/.426 with 19 home runs, 66 RBI, 45 runs, and two stolen bases across 385 at-bats. The average remains a drag, but the power is legitimate. Burger owns a 90.0 mph average exit velocity, 46.2% hard-hit rate, and 11.1% barrel rate, and he has already surpassed the 16 homers he hit during an injury-plagued 2025 season. Managers still need to accept the volatility. Burger's .231 expected average and 26.6% strikeout rate leave him vulnerable to prolonged cold stretches, and his value is concentrated in home runs and RBI. That tradeoff remains worthwhile when a regular first baseman with this kind of power is available in 78% of Yahoo leagues. Burger ranks 54th in RotoBaller's Week 18 waiver rankings and carries an add recommendation for 12-team formats. He belongs on rosters at that league depth wherever power is the priority.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
LeQuint Allen Jr. Continues to Make Noise in Jaguars Backfield
Jacksonville Jaguars second-year running back LeQuint Allen Jr. has been a name to watch early in the team's training camp practices, and he had another explosive run on Thursday while stiff-arming a defender, according to Jaguars beat writer Travis Holmes. Keep in mind that Chris Rodriguez Jr. (foot) is being limited to individual drills early in camp after having foot surgery and missing the entire offseason program. Still, the 21-year-old Allen's work so far this summer is noteworthy as he works to be the team's primary pass-catching option on third downs in Year 2. After he was selected in the seventh round from Syracuse last year, Allen found little work behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten, carrying the ball 23 times for 94 yards and zero touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (one start). He added 10 receptions for 54 yards. Allen is unlikely to do much as a pure runner as the RB3, but he could offer some deep-league PPR appeal in a larger role in an ascending Jaguars offense. Fantasy managers in standard-sized 12-team leagues can likely leave Allen to the waiver wire to begin the 2026 season.
Source: Travis Holmes
Source: Travis Holmes
Kevin Gausman Among Blue Jays Veterans Who Could Fit Phillies
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman is among several available veterans who could fit the Philadelphia Phillies' trade-deadline needs, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Philadelphia is looking for rotation depth, a late-inning reliever, and another bat. Starting pitcher Shane Bieber, relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman, designated hitter George Springer, and center fielder Daulton Varsho were also mentioned as possible fits. The clubs share a spring-training complex in Florida, giving Toronto's front office familiarity with Philadelphia's prospects. Morosi did not report that talks involving any individual player were advanced. For now, the trade speculation does not change the fantasy value of any of the five Blue Jays.
Source: Jon Morosi
Source: Jon Morosi
Tyjae Spears Heavily Involved in Passing Game
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has been heavily involved in the team's passing game early in training camp and has made the most of his screens and dump-offs through two days, according to PaulKuharsky.com. Spears is still sharing a backfield with Tony Pollard, and the Titans added more competition in this year's draft with fifth-rounder Nicholas Singleton, but the 25-year-old could be in a position to succeed in 2026 with Brian Daboll now running the Titans' offense. He has been impressive all offseason and should have the RB2 role locked down going into the start of the regular season, and the former third-rounder in 2023 from Tulane could operate as more of the 1B this year to Pollard's 1A. Spears has never had more than 453 rushing yards or four rushing touchdowns in any of his three NFL seasons, but he does have 127 catches on 155 targets in his 42 games played, and he could become an even bigger pass-catching weapon in Tennessee as second-year QB Cam Ward looks to take the next step. Fantasy managers should consider Spears as a sneaky late-round sleeper in point-per-reception leagues.
Source: PaulKuharsky.com
Source: PaulKuharsky.com
Shane McClanahan Exits With Apparent Back Issue
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (back) left Thursday's start against the Texas Rangers after three innings with an apparent lower-back issue, according to Ryan Bass. McClanahan reached toward his lower back and tried to stretch before walking off with head athletic trainer Joe Benge. The left-hander did not allow a hit, but he was charged with one run after issuing two walks and hitting a batter. He struck out three and threw 49 pitches, 29 for strikes. Tampa Bay has not announced a diagnosis or said whether McClanahan will need testing. Fantasy managers should consider his next start uncertain until the Rays provide more information.
Source: Ryan Bass
Source: Ryan Bass
Things are Slowing Down for Rookie Tight End Eli Raridon
New England Patriots rookie third-round tight end Eli Raridon said at training camp on Thursday that things are slowing down for him, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. Raridon said it has been night and day from the spring. Even though the Patriots still have Hunter Henry as their top pass-catching tight end, and after they added receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs in the offseason, Raridon could make an impact as a receiver in 2026 in his first year in the NFL. The 22-year-old should be considered the favorite for TE2 duties with Julian Hill (knee) already ruled out for the season. He needs to refine his blocking skills, but Raridon is certainly a young TE name to keep an eye on for those in deep fantasy leagues in 2026. Raridon has excellent size (6-foot-6, 245 pounds), athleticism, and speed to give New England another weapon to challenge opposing defenses down the field. He doesn't come without durability concerns, though, having already torn his ACL twice. Raridon is a fine TE to stash in dynasty/keeper leagues, but he can be ignored for now in most redraft formats.
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Source: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle Alternating First-Team Reps
DK Pittsburgh Sports reports that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle got reps ahead of Jaylen Warren in training camp practice on Thursday, which was the opposite of Wednesday. However, both RBs took reps with the first-team offense. Warren lost considerable pass-catching work to Kenny Gainwell in 2025, but he still managed a career-high 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries while adding 40 receptions for 333 yards and another two TDs as a receiver in 16 regular-season games in his fourth year in the NFL. Gainwell is gone, with Dowdle taking his place in Pittsburgh's backfield alongside Warren. With Dowdle now in the picture, Warren's rushing workload will likely take a hit, but he could replace that volume with more work as a pass-catcher, and we all know how veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers loves to dump off the football late in his career. This could be a true even split between Warren and Dowdle in 2026, with RotoBaller ranking Dowdle as the No. 30 overall fantasy RB, and Warren at No. 31. Warren should have slightly more upside as an RB3/flex option in PPR formats.
Source: DK Pittsburgh Sports
Source: DK Pittsburgh Sports
