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Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions Agree on Three-Year, $67.5 Million Deal
Three-time Pro Bowl running back Jahmyr Gibbs and the Detroit Lions agreed on Thursday on a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal makes Gibbs the league's highest-paid running back after the Atlanta Falcons just signed star RB Bijan Robinson to a three-year extension worth $66.75 million on Tuesday. The 24-year-old former 12th overall pick in 2023 from the University of Alabama is well-deserving of the massive contract, having produced a whopping 3,580 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns on 675 carries for the Lions in his first three years in the NFL. Gibbs has also lit up box scores as a receiver, catching 181 of 228 targets for 1,449 receiving yards and another 10 touchdowns as a pass-catcher. In an offense in Detroit that hasn't changed all that much under head coach Dan Campbell, Gibbs will continue to be the focal point on the ground and through the air, which makes him the most obvious choice as the No. 1 overall fantasy football pick in 2026.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Joe Ryan Likely to Go on Injured List With Glute Strain
An MRI exam showed that Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (glute) is dealing with a mild left-glute strain, and he's considered likely to land on the injured list, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Ryan has had trouble replicating his delivery while pitching at less than 100% health, and it has shown in the results, as he has allowed 17 runs (16 earned) on 25 hits (seven home runs) while walking two and striking out 10 in 15 1/3 innings pitched in his three starts since the All-Star break. The Twins initially said Ryan was dealing with arm fatigue, but now we know that he has a glute strain. The 30-year-old should remain rostered in all fantasy leagues if/when he goes on the IL. Hopefully, it will be a short stay before Ryan can bounce back as a fantasy ace down the stretch. He's currently 6-8 with a 3.65 ERA (3.42 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 138 strikeouts and only 27 walks in 125 2/3 frames across 23 starts in 2026 in his sixth year with the Twins. The two-time All-Star's strikeout rate has dropped to 26.4% this year, but he's only walking 5.2% of the batters he faces as well.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Commanders Pushing Jacory Croskey-Merritt to Take the Lead Role
Commanders.com's Zach Selby believes that the Washington Commanders "have been pushing" second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt to show that he's the team's true lead back. Croskey-Merritt definitely has the burst and ability to make explosive plays out of the backfield, and there's definitely a chance for him to seize the true RB1 job in D.C. if he continues to show improvement this summer. Early on in camp, JCM has looked the part, but Washington has a strong pass-catching back in newcomer Rachaad White and a physical battering ram in rookie Kaytron Allen. Veteran Jeremy McNichols can do a little bit of everything. At least for now, Selby doesn't think that the Commanders are ready to anoint Croskey-Merritt as any kind of bell-cow back right now, but if he "shows he can handle more in the passing game with blocking and catching, he could be the guy moving forward." The 25-year-old former seventh-rounder from Arizona had 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries as a rookie, adding just nine catches for 68 yards as a receiver in 17 games. White is going before JCM in some fantasy drafts, which makes the second-year back a potential amazing value pick if he can prove himself in third-down situations over the next month or so.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Blake Corum's Intense Offseason Workouts Go Viral
Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum pushed his body "in ways he never had before" this offseason, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. The third-year back will still be sharing the backfield with Kyren Williams, but the Rams are pretty excited about how he can continue to help their offense in 2026. "I did see a couple of those videos," head coach Sean McVay said, "and they look cool as s--. It's impressive. I want to see him make people miss like that in the hole." Williams has already noticed that Corum looks "a lot leaner" and "a lot more explosive." The 25-year-old former third-rounder from Michigan is looking to take the next step after breaking out for 746 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry in 2025 for the league's top-scoring offense. With added explosion in addition to his elite straight-line speed and sharp vision, Corum could become one of the best No. 2 backs in the NFL. Even with Williams seeing most of the early-down work in L.A., Corum will continue to have a key role in an explosive offense, which will make him a weekly RB3/flex with upside if anything were to happen to Williams.
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Phil Mafah Gaining Steam in Cowboys Backfield
Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah had another good run in training camp practice on Thursday, according to The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins, and he appears to be gaining some steam in the backfield this summer for a depth role behind starter Javonte Williams. The 23-year-old entered camp this summer competing with second-year RB Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis for the No. 2 role in the Cowboys' backfield after he saw only five rushing attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown while catching both of his targets for 11 yards in one game as a rookie in 2025 after Dallas took him in the seventh round (239th overall) out of Clemson. Although Mafah has reportedly looked good so far in camp, so has Blue, a fifth-rounder out of the University of Texas last year. Blue is also the much more complete back with more explosiveness, so he figures to be given the first shot at RB2 duties over Mafah in 2026, at least early on. At best, Mafah will most likely serve as a short-yardage weapon for Dallas because of his battering-ram style out of the backfield. Until further notice, he can be ignored in redraft fantasy leagues.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
George Pickens Seen Practicing on Thursday
Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver George Pickens was seen practicing at training camp on Thursday and made a nice catch in close coverage down the sideline, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Although the Cowboys didn't really make much of an attempt to sign Pickens to a long-term extension this offseason, he showed up to training camp and has been on the field after signing his one-year, $23.7 million franchise tag for the 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 from the University of Georgia hit a new level in his first year in Dallas in the Cowboys' pass-happy offense, even while sharing targets with CeeDee Lamb. Pickens led the Cowboys with 93 receptions on 137 targets for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in a career year to become a Pro Bowler for the first time in his fourth NFL season. He and Lamb will continue to torment defenses in 2026, with Pickens coming at a high price in fantasy drafts as a surefire WR1 after his breakout 2025 campaign.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
River Ryan Remains Shelved with Hamstring Injury
Detroit Tigers pitching prospect River Ryan (hamstring) has yet to pitch for his new team after being dealt from the Dodgers in the Tarik Skubal trade as he recovers from a hamstring injury. The right-hander was placed on the injured list on June 26 and hasn't pitched since June 17. The former 11th-rounder was seemingly headed toward a recall to the majors (he debuted in 2024), sporting a 2.81 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and a 24.6 percent K-BB% in seven starts before he melted down for eight earned runs on 10 hits, a walk, and a hit batter in his final start before the injury. Without a clear timeline for return, a late-season return to the majors seems like the best-case scenario, but 2027 might be more realistic at this point. Either way, there is little reason to stash him in redraft leagues at this point.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Can Still Matter in Giants Backfield
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is no longer the favorite to lead the backfield, but he should not disappear behind Cam Skattebo. Tracy topped 1,000 scrimmage yards for the second straight season in 2025, rushing 176 times for 740 yards and adding 36 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns. The receiving work is what keeps the door open. He has 74 catches through two NFL seasons and spent spring practices showing the new staff what he can do while Skattebo continued working back from his ankle injury. Skattebo is now back in camp and fits the physical identity John Harbaugh wants to build with Patrick Ricard and Greg Roman involved in the offense. He still looks like the stronger bet for early-down and goal-line work. That leaves room for Tracy, especially on passing downs and in a Giants offense that ranked among the league's top five in rushing last year. RotoBaller ranks Tracy RB43 in PPR, RB46 in half-PPR, and RB45 in dynasty. He is not a weekly starter while Skattebo is healthy, but he offers more than injury-only value in PPR leagues and becomes a much stronger play if the backfield opens up.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jett Williams Remains Out with Wrist Injury, 2026 Debut in Jeopardy
Milwaukee Brewers infield/outfield prospect Jett Williams (wrist) was placed on the 7-day injured list on July 22 with a wrist injury. Initially, the team deemed it a minor injury, but finally, after not having played in a game since July 7, he was finally placed on the IL. Before going down with the injury, the Brewers' fifth-ranked prospect rode a nine-game hit streak and appeared to be making the case for an MLB debut, but that may have to wait until 2027 now with no timetable for his return. Through 80 games for the Sounds, the former first-rounder slashed .234/.341/.385 with nine home runs and 21 steals while logging time at shortstop, third base, and center field this year. The 22-year-old is eligible at 2B, SS, and OF in Yahoo! leagues, and his versatility, well-rounded bat, and speed should eventually help him get to the majors, but for now, he's off the redraft stash radar.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Josh Allen Is Still the First Quarterback Worth Drafting
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen spent the start of the offseason in a walking boot after having a procedure on the broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot. By April, Buffalo expected him to be full go, and Allen was back for the offseason program before training camp. There has been no reported setback. The injury matters because so much of his fantasy value comes from his legs. Allen ran for 579 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, making up for a passing line that fell to 3,668 yards and 25 scores. He still finished as fantasy's QB1. Buffalo also upgraded the receiver room with DJ Moore, who joins Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Keon Coleman, and James Cook. Joe Brady's promotion to head coach should keep the offense familiar, with Pete Carmichael taking over as coordinator. RotoBaller ranks Allen QB1 in redraft and dynasty. There is always some risk in paying an early-round price for a quarterback, especially one who absorbs as much contact as Allen. His foot recovery has not given managers a reason to move him off the top line. He remains the first quarterback worth drafting.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Willson Contreras Still Out Sick on Thursday
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (illness) remains out sick for Thursday's series finale at Fenway Park against the visiting Chicago White Sox, per MLB.com. Nick Sogard will make the start at first base for the BoSox and will hit leadoff against White Sox right-hander Luis Castillo. Contreras was feeling under the weather on Wednesday and left the contest early, and now he'll take a seat the following day as he tries to rest up. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to see if the right-handed slugger is feeling good enough to return for the series opener at home against the visiting Athletics. The 34-year-old Venezuelan veteran has been a must-start in all fantasy formats in 2026 in his best season as a pro in his first year in Boston. The four-time All-Star and 11-year veteran is currently slashing .288/.395/.540 with a .936 OPS, 23 home runs, 70 RBI, 57 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 105 games and 430 plate appearances. Contreras had one of his best months in July, hitting .323 (20-for-62) with a 1.117 OPS, five homers, four doubles, 14 RBI, 14 runs, and a stolen base in 20 games played.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nico Collins Is Still Worth a WR1 Price
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has more help around him now. He is still the receiver this passing game runs through. Collins caught 71 of 120 targets for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games last season, giving him three straight 1,000-yard campaigns. Jayden Higgins is pushing for more after a 41-catch, 525-yard rookie year, and Tank Dell took part in padded practice this week for the first time since his major knee injury. That makes Houston deeper. It does not erase what Collins has already done with C.J. Stroud. He set a career high in targets last season and averaged 15.7 yards per catch. The bigger concern is whether he can stay on the field. Collins has never played more than 15 games, missed one regular-season contest after a concussion last year, then suffered another head injury in the playoffs and sat out the Divisional Round. RotoBaller ranks him WR9 in PPR. The price is not cheap, but it is supported by three years of WR1 production. Higgins and Dell may take some work, but Collins remains the clear first option and should be drafted as a low-end WR1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Denzel Boston Eager to Attack Press Coverage
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston is eager to see press coverage as he prepares for his rookie season. "When I see press coverage, I think of it as it's a time for me to eat because you're singled up," Boston told BrownsNation.com, adding that go routes and fades are his favorite routes. The confidence fits a 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver Cleveland selected 39th overall after he caught 62 passes for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns at Washington last season. Boston scored 14 of his 20 college touchdowns in the red zone, showing the size and ball skills that could earn him early work near the goal line. Jerry Jeudy and first-round rookie KC Concepcion will command targets, and Boston still has to prove he can consistently separate from NFL corners. His performance against press coverage during the preseason should tell us more about how quickly he can carve out an outside role and become relevant in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: BrownsNation
Source: BrownsNation
Michael Arroyo a Higher-End Stash Amid Triple-A Surge
Seattle Mariners infield/outfield prospect Michael Arroyo continues to impress at Triple-A Tacoma, producing four multi-hit performances in his last six games for the Rainiers and drawing more walks and hit-by-pitches (five) than strikeouts (four) during that time. In all, the 5-foot-10 Colombian is hitting .337 with a .921 OPS through 22 games since his promotion to Triple-A. The Mariners' fourth-ranked prospect began the season at Double-A, and his ability to compete at the minors' highest level along with his positional versatility (2B, OF) could earn him a late-season debut in the majors, too. With solid contact and power along with an ability to steal bases, the 21-year-old has the makings of a potential multi-category contributor for fantasy, so the right-handed hitter should be considered a high-end stash option in deeper 12+ team leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Josh Downs Standing Out Ahead of Expanded Role
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been one of the stars of training camp as the team prepares to feature him more heavily in 2026, according to ESPN. Downs caught 58 passes for a career-low 566 yards and four touchdowns last season after averaging 103 targets and 787 receiving yards over his first two years. Michael Pittman Jr.'s departure has opened a much larger opportunity, and the Colts are also giving Downs more work outside after using him primarily in the slot throughout his career. Head coach Shane Steichen said Downs can now play both spots and expects his role to grow this season. Tyler Warren and Alec Pierce will still command plenty of attention, but Indianapolis appears determined to get Downs back to being a central part of the passing game. If the expanded usage carries into the regular season, he has a strong chance to climb back toward the 100-target range and regain consistent value in PPR leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Luke Adams Slumping, Falling Off Stash Radar
Milwaukee Brewers corner infield prospect Luke Adams is in the midst of a prolonged slump at the plate, going 5-for-34 (.147) over his last 11 games, and has now also gone 16 games without a home run. On the bright side, the Brewers' 11th-ranked prospect has still managed to get on base thanks to his keen eye, drawing seven walks compared to just five strikeouts during his 11-game slump, and has even been hit by pitches five times during that stretch. The 6-foot-4 slugger missed a month and a half earlier this season due to injury, and through 58 games at Nashville, he's slashing .249/.400/.497 with 12 home runs and seven steals. A low 14.8 percent strikeout rate may point to brighter days ahead, but at this point, a 2026 debut feels like a long shot unless perhaps Jake Bauers' (abdomen) recent injury ends up requiring a stint on the injured list, although Adams is not currently on the 40-man roster. Until the 22-year-old's bat shows signs of life again, he's likely not worth the roster spot needed to stash him, and there may be better options to fill an NA slot if available.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
David Montgomery Still Has the Upper Hand in Houston's Backfield
Houston Texans running back David Montgomery is not taking over an empty backfield, but he still has the better path to fantasy points. The 29-year-old was squeezed down to a career-low 158 carries in Detroit last season and still produced 716 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt. Houston traded for him in March, then reworked his contract into a two-year, $16.5 million deal with $10 million guaranteed. Woody Marks is not disappearing. He led the Texans with 196 carries for 703 yards as a rookie, caught 24 passes for 208 yards and three scores, and has been preparing for a larger receiving role. Current camp reporting suggests the split will change with the situation. That still leaves Montgomery as the stronger bet for the physical early-down work, with Marks mixing in on passing downs and elsewhere. RotoBaller ranks Montgomery RB21 in PPR and RB26 in dynasty. That is a fair price for a back who has scored at least eight touchdowns in three straight seasons. He remains a solid redraft RB2 and a useful win-now piece. Rebuilding teams should be willing to shop him before the age discount gets any steeper.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Waddle Should be Back in "4-5 Days"
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) has missed the last two days of training camp practice due to undisclosed muscle tightness, but he's expected back soon, according to Aric DiLalla of the team's official website. "I think we'll see him back in the next 4-5 days," Payton said. The Broncos are also resting veteran wideout Courtland Sutton, which will give Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant more opportunities with the first-team offense over the next few days. The Denver Post's Parker Gabriel is reporting that Waddle is dealing with a strain, but to what part of his body is unclear. Waddle was seen walking around with a limp during Thursday's training camp practice without his helmet. It's something to keep an eye on, but it shouldn't affect the speedy pass-catcher's availability for the Week 1 Monday night showdown against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Denver gave up a lot to acquire Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason, so he should be peppered with targets as one of quarterback Bo Nix's go-to targets in 2026. Waddle will be a strong WR2 to target in upcoming fantasy drafts.
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla
A.J. Brown, Christian Gonzalez Separated at Patriots Practice
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown and cornerback Christian Gonzalez were separated after a heated exchange during Thursday's practice, according to Mark Daniels. The moment came after Gonzalez broke up a pass intended for Brown during a two-on-two red-zone drill and celebrated the play. The two exchanged words as the team moved to the next period before Kayshon Boutte stepped in and pulled Brown away. Boutte said he heard Brown tell Gonzalez, "You a grown man," and wanted to intervene before the situation went any further. Gonzalez later called the matchup "good on good" and said there was no disrespect between them. The two have battled throughout camp, and this appeared to be another competitive moment between two of New England's top players.
Source: Mark Daniels
Source: Mark Daniels
Trey Yesavage has Meniscus Injury, Surgery Could be an Option
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that right-hander Trey Yesavage (knee) is dealing with a meniscus injury in his left knee and will visit with a specialist on Monday to determine his next steps, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Surgery "is always a possibility" when a player sees a specialist, per Schneider, but "we're obviously hoping to avoid that." Going under the knife would almost certainly cut the 23-year-old's first full season in the big leagues in 2026 short. The Blue Jays pulled the East Carolina product from his start early on Tuesday against the Houston Astros and then placed him on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday. Even if Yesavage avoids surgery, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him back in two weeks. The former 20th overall pick in 2024 continues to struggle to refine his command with an 11.9% walk rate while going 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA (4.08 FIP), 1.14 WHIP, and 91:46 K:BB in 93 2/3 frames across his 18 starts. Keep Yesavage stashed unless we find out that he needs season-ending knee surgery.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
"Slim Chance" That Hunter Greene Pitches Again This Year
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that the team is holding out hope, but there's "probably a slim chance" that right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) will pitch again this season, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. The Reds will have more information on Thursday night after Greene receives a second opinion on his right elbow. Cincy placed the hard-throwing right-hander on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday after he felt discomfort in his elbow during a bullpen session on Tuesday. Greene already got a late start in 2026 while recovering from right-elbow surgery, so this obviously is not a good sign for the former second overall pick. The former All-Star has ace potential, but injuries have hampered him the last two years, and he's likely to end the 2026 campaign with a 2-2 record, 6.83 ERA (3.56 FIP), 1.37 WHIP, and 33:9 K:BB in just 27 2/3 innings pitched across five starts. Another elbow surgery could cause him to miss the entire 2027 campaign, which would be a worst-case scenario for Greene and the Reds. In single-year fantasy baseball leagues, it's probably safe to dump Greene at this point.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Malik Willis Makes More Sense in Superflex Leagues
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is finally getting a real shot to start after two years behind Jordan Love. He completed 30 of 35 passes for 422 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in four appearances last season, then added 123 yards and two scores on the ground. The useful part for fantasy is not the 85.7% completion rate. It is the rushing. In his final two appearances, Willis ran 19 times for 104 yards and two touchdowns while also throwing for 409 yards and two scores. That gives him a way to survive weeks when Miami's passing game stalls, and there could be a few of those. Tyreek Hill is gone, Jaylen Waddle was traded, and the receiver room is now built around Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, and three rookies. That is a lot to ask of a quarterback with six career starts. RotoBaller has Willis at QB21, which is a fair place for the gamble. His legs make him a useful QB2 in Superflex leagues. In ordinary one-quarterback formats, he is better viewed as a matchup option than a draft-day plan.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Karson Milbrandt Trending in the Wrong Direction, Falls From Stash Radar
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has fallen on hard times after a strong start to the season. The Marlins' fourth-ranked prospect began the year with a 1.31 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 23.6 percent K-BB% over his first 12 starts, which included three starts at Triple-A, but since then he owns an 11.95 ERA, 2.31 WHIP, and a shocking -2.8 percent K-BB% (he's walking more batters than he is striking out) over his last five starts. The right-hander was seemingly on the precipice of a major league debut in June, but after his latest outing in which he yielded seven earned runs on seven hits (three home runs), two walks, and one hit batsman, it looks like hopes of a 2026 debut are fading fast. If he can right the ship and string together a couple of good outings, starting with his next start this Saturday, perhaps a 2026 debut will be back in play, but it will likely be too late to help fantasy managers. The talented 22-year-old is worth monitoring, but for now, he's off the stash radar.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Stefon Diggs Reportedly Drew Interest From Several Teams
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs reportedly drew interest from the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins before signing with Washington, according to NFL Rumors. Diggs landed a one-year deal worth up to $12 million after catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games with New England last season. It was the seventh 1,000-yard campaign of his career and showed that the 32-year-old can still handle a significant role. Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Miami each entered the offseason with questions at wide receiver, but Diggs ultimately joins Terry McLaurin in a Washington offense led by Jayden Daniels. His arrival gives the Commanders another proven target while making it more difficult for Antonio Williams, Luke McCaffrey, and the rest of the receiver room to earn consistent opportunities.
Source: NFL Rumors
Source: NFL Rumors
Zac Veen a Worthy Stash Consideration Amid Power Surge
Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen has been red-hot again at Triple-A Albuquerque, going 15-for-38 (.395) over his last eight games, with 11 of those 15 hits going for extra bases (five doubles, one triple, five home runs). The Rockies' top prospect, who also authored a 25-game hit streak earlier this year, is now slashing .315/.389/.603 with 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 96 games for the Isotopes. Unfortunately for Veen, Colorado seemingly has a glut of outfield depth at the moment, with a productive big league unit that includes recently-graduated prospect Cole Carrigg, along with fellow prospect Charlie Condon also waiting in the wings for a call-up. Still, Veen may have the edge over Condon the next time the team needs to fill a void in the outfield, as the left-handed hitter has already made his major league debut and is already on the 40-man roster. With the potential to contribute across multiple categories, the former ninth-overall draft pick is a worthy stash consideration who could be in position to help managers in the run-up to and in the fantasy playoffs in deeper 12+ team leagues if he were to get the call.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jack Bech Has Not Separated in the Raiders' Receiver Battle
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech ended his rookie season with a little life, catching 12 passes for 132 yards over the final five games. That does not erase how quiet the year was. The 2025 second-round pick finished with 20 catches for 224 yards and no touchdowns across 16 games, despite five starts and a receiver room that opened up after Jakobi Meyers was traded. Year 2 brings another chance under Klint Kubiak, but Bech has not pulled away from the competition. Tre Tucker led the group last season, Jalen Nailor was added in free agency, and sixth-round rookie Malik Benson has been one of the early camp risers. Dont'e Thornton Jr. remains in the mix as well. RotoBaller ranks Bech WR100 across its main scoring formats. That is low enough for deep dynasty managers to wait, especially given his age and second-round investment. Redraft managers do not need to follow. Bech still has to win regular snaps before Las Vegas can provide enough weekly volume for him to matter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Mayer Returns to Practice Following Nose Injury
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (nose) returned to training camp practice on Thursday, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. Mayer missed a few practices after busting his nose during practice on Monday. The 25-year-old will return to working as the No. 2 tight end in Vegas behind Brock Bowers. The former second-rounder in 2023 from Notre Dame has yet to really make an impact for fantasy managers in his first three seasons in the NFL, and that will likely continue as long as Bowers stays healthy. Bowers dealt with a knee injury last year, which allowed Mayer to have career highs in catches (35), targets (50), and receiving yards (328) while scoring just once in 13 games played. The Raiders figure to use more two-tight-end sets in 2026 under new head coach Klint Kubiak, but that's unlikely to be enough to make Mayer a weekly starting option, even in two-TE fantasy leagues. Mayer opens his fourth NFL season ranked as RotoBaller's No. 35 fantasy TE. If Bowers misses time with an injury again, Mayer would become a priority waiver-wire addition.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Dylan Sampson's Handcuff Case Is Not That Simple
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson has a clear role behind Quinshon Judkins, but fantasy managers should not assume every Judkins touch would fall to him. Sampson was much better as a receiver than a runner during his rookie year, catching 33 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns while managing only 175 yards on 65 carries. Jerome Ford is gone, which leaves Sampson as the leading passing-down option in the backfield. That gives him some standalone value in deeper PPR leagues. The handcuff case is less straightforward. Judkins returned to full work during the offseason after recovering from a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula, and Cleveland still has 6-foot, 230-pound Raheim Sanders for heavier carries. The Browns also added fullback Michael Burton as Todd Monken installs more gap concepts and short-yardage looks. RotoBaller ranks Sampson RB53 in PPR and RB52 in half-PPR. He is worth a late pick in deeper formats, especially for managers looking for catches from the back end of the roster. Just do not draft him expecting a three-down role if Judkins misses time.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Thomas Castellanos Suing NCAA, Seeking to Enter Transfer Portal
Former Boston College and Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos is filing a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking an injunction for a fifth year and to enter the transfer portal. Last week's court ruling in Colorado granted Castellanos another year of eligibility, but he is working to ensure he can enter the transfer portal. With Auburn transfer Ashton Daniels locked in as Florida State's starter, Castellanos is open to returning to another program as a quarterback or all-around athlete. Last season, the Georgia native played in 12 games for the Noles, tallying 2,760 passing yards, 557 rushing yards, and 22 total touchdowns. It will be interesting to see if he can pull this off and where he could end up if he's granted his wish.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Courtland Sutton Given Some Time Off in Training Camp
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton was given his second consecutive day off from training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN. With Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) also sitting out, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant got the bulk of the work with the starters. The Denver Post's Luca Evans reports that Sutton was seen working on a side field on Thursday. The 30-year-old veteran is not believed to be dealing with any sort of injury, so it's likely that head coach Sean Payton is using this time to give Sutton a little rest while evaluating the rest of the receiver group. In his eighth year in the league in 2025, Sutton caught 74 of his 124 targets for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season games for the third 1,000-yard season of his career. The former second-rounder from SMU has 25 touchdown receptions in the last three seasons and has lots of chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix, but his ceiling and floor will come down in 2026 after the addition of speedy wideout Jaylen Waddle in the offseason. Fantasy managers are now better off targeting Sutton as more of a WR3/4 flex than a legitimate No. 2. UPDATE: According to Evans, head coach Sean Payton confirmed that Sutton is not injured.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold
