RADIO
Jonathon Brooks Sees ADP Skyrocket
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks hasn't been much of a thought to fantasy managers over the last few seasons. In fact, Brooks hasn't played in a game since making three appearances during the 2024 season. The former second-round pick has been sidelined since then due to two knee injuries. The hope is that Brooks can put the knee injuries behind him and return to form in 2026. If healthy, there is a clear path for Brooks to become the No. 1 back in Carolina. Rico Dowdle is no longer with the team, and Chuba Hubbard is looking to bounce back after a lackluster 2025 season. The expectation is that Brooks will get a real chance to prove he's capable of being the top back in Carolina. He's only 23 years old and was an unstoppable force during his college days at Texas. Given the Panthers lack of depth at the position, it's not surprising to see Brooks ADP skyrocketing this offseason.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Trey Murphy III's Trade Market Hangs on a Big Domino
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III remains on the trade block, but the market has quieted. The Athletic's John Hollinger reports that the chatter has cooled and may not pick back up until LeBron James chooses a team and the rest of the dominoes fall. New Orleans, coming off a 26-56 season, is reportedly asking for around three first-round picks. That steep price has kept Detroit, Golden State, and Cleveland interested without getting a deal done. Murphy holds fantasy value wherever he ends up. He posted career highs last season with 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 37.9 percent from deep and 88.6 percent from the line. A move into a clear-usage role, such as next to Cade Cunningham in Detroit, could raise his ceiling, while staying in New Orleans keeps him the team's top option. The one caveat is durability, since he has played just 57, 53, and 66 games over the past three seasons. Draft him as a mid-round building block and watch where he lands.
Source: John Hollinger
Source: John Hollinger
Mavericks Cut Two-Way Forward Tyler Smith
Dallas is cutting loose two-way forward Tyler Smith, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the latest stop in a well-traveled season for the 33rd pick in the 2024 draft. Smith managed just 4.7 points in 13.8 minutes across 12 games with the Mavericks, though he kept producing in the G League, averaging 15.9 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. At 21, he still flashes stretch-four upside, but Dallas's crowded frontcourt of P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Santi Aldama, and Morez Johnson Jr. left no runway. He holds no standard-league value, and the constant roster churn keeps him a distant deep-dynasty name at most.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
DK Metcalf Likely to See Decreased Role
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf might be trending in the wrong direction in 2026. Metcalf was a two-time Pro Bowler in Seattle before getting traded to the Steelers ahead of the 2025 campaign. Metcalf was underutilized in Pittsburgh with 59 receptions, which was his lowest since his rookie season. He also finished with a career-low 850 receiving yards across 15 games with the Steelers. Metcalf was the top option in Pittsburgh and saw a team-high 99 targets last season. It doesn't help his case that 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is under center again this season. The Steelers have also added Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted Germie Bernard in the second round of this year's draft. Metcalf has more competition for targets and the same quarterback as the season before. This is a recipe for Metcalf's stats to decline again in 2026.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Pacers Waive Two-Way Guard Taelon Peter
The Indiana Pacers are waiving two-way guard Taelon Peter, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, opening one of their three two-way slots. The 54th pick in the 2025 draft averaged 4.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 12.9 minutes over 38 games as a rookie, production that came largely because Indiana leaned on backcourt depth during Tyrese Haliburton's season-long absence. Peter carries no standard-league fantasy value, and this is a procedural depth move rather than a needle-mover. The open two-way spot is worth a passing glance for dynasty managers tracking Indiana's G League pipeline, but the Pacers' real backcourt story remains Haliburton ramping back up for 2026-27.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Jonathan Kuminga's Lakers Pursuit Stalls as Market Stays Cold
Free-agent forward Jonathan Kuminga remains stuck in a slow-moving market. The Athletic reported that the Lakers and Kuminga's camp are still far apart on terms, while Los Angeles is reluctant to attach significant draft capital in a sign-and-trade. Even so, the 23-year-old is still the biggest upside swing left on the board and could re-emerge as a Lakers target if his market stays cold, with Cleveland the team most often tied to him otherwise. Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season, and the Lakers have reportedly pitched him on a high-minutes role next to Luka Doncic. That remains the crux of his fantasy case: a starting job in Los Angeles would give the former No. 7 pick clear mid-round appeal, while an uncertain landing spot and his uneven scoring profile keep the floor shaky.
Source: Dan Woike
Source: Dan Woike
Matisse Thybulle Signs a One-Year Deal With the Lakers
The Lakers have signed free agent guard/forward Matisse Thybulle to a one-year, $3.3 million deal, per Shams Charania of ESPN, adding perimeter defense next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Thybulle averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 16.0 minutes across 30 games with Portland last season while shooting 39.8 percent from deep. His fantasy case is narrow but specific: a two-time All-Defensive wing who ranks among the league's steals leaders and now spaces the floor at a respectable clip. Standard league managers can pass given the low scoring and modest minutes, but deep leaguers chasing steals and threes can stream him if the role holds. He appeared in just 45 games over his last two Portland seasons, though, a durability flag on top of a low-minute role behind a crowded Lakers wing group.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Angels Exected to Make Jose Soriano, Reid Detmers Available at Trade Deadline
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the Los Angeles Angels are expected to make both right-hander Jose Soriano and left-hander Reid Detmers available at this year's trade deadline in early August. Soriano allowed just one earned run in his first six starts of the season, but he's come down to Earth since, posting a 5.15 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 72:40 K:BB in 73 1/3 innings over his last 14 starts. The 27-year-old Dominican is 8-6 overall with a 3.49 ERA (3.97 FIP), 1.29 WHIP, and 115:53 K:BB in 111 innings over 20 starts. Soriano leads the league with 53 walks in his fourth year in the majors in Anaheim. Detmer, meanwhile, has had a solid return to a starting role in 2026 after being demoted to the bullpen last year. The 27-year-old southpaw is 3-6 with a 4.16 ERA (3.21 FIP), 1.12 WHIP, and 130:35 K:BB in 114 2/3 frames across 20 starts. Both hurlers should attract plenty of interest on the trade market as the deadline approaches, and both of them could have a higher fantasy ceiling down the stretch with contenders.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Nick Kurtz Could be Available This Weekend
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) is with the team during their current road trip and has started a hitting progression, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Kurtz also took groundballs on Monday. If he continues to progress, there's a chance that he could come off the 10-day injured list for this weekend's series in Minnesota against the Twins, although manager Mark Kotsay said that might be a bit of an accelerated timeline. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger was still limited to range-of-motion and strengthening exercises over the weekend, but he has progressed in his recovery from a right-thumb capsule sprain and could return for fantasy managers this weekend or early next week, barring a setback. Kurtz has been on the IL since July 11. When active, the former fourth overall pick in 2024 from Wake Forest University is an elite source of power from the left side of the plate, especially in the minor-league band box in Sacramento that the A's currently call home. Through 334 at-bats in his first full big-league season in 2026, Kurtz has hit .266/.405/.497 with a .902 OPS, 20 homers, 66 RBI, 61 runs, and seven stolen bases.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Matt Chapman Could Return on the Next Homestand
San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen) went through his most strenuous day yet while rehabbing an abdominal strain on Monday, according to Evan Webeck of The California Post. Manager Tony Vitello said "it went well" and that Chapman is in "really good spirits." The skipper also said that it's "reasonable to think" that Chapman could return from the 10-day injured list on the team's next homestand, but he wouldn't make any promises. San Francisco will return home this Friday, July 24, and will stay in the Bay Area until Wednesday, July 29. It sounds as though the Giants won't ask the 33-year-old veteran to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before potentially returning this weekend. The former 25th overall pick in 2014 by the Athletics out of Cal State Fullerton has left a lot to be desired from his fantasy managers in 2026, slashing .235/.324/.368 with a career-low .692 OPS, seven home runs, 42 RBI, and 35 runs scored through his first 84 games and 352 plate appearances in his third year with the Gigantes and 10th in the majors.
Source: The California Post - Evan Webeck
Source: The California Post - Evan Webeck
Shohei Ohtani Throws on Flat Ground, Could Throw a Bullpen This Weekend
The Los Angeles Dodgers still don't have a pitching timetable for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee), but manager Dave Roberts said that Ohtani could throw a bullpen session this weekend, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Ardaya added that Ohtani was throwing on flat ground on Monday. The four-time MVP has been dealing with a nagging left-knee injury and has not made a start as a pitcher since July 3 against the San Diego Padres as a result. The 32-year-old had his knee drained on the Sunday before last week's All-Star break, but the Dodgers scratched him from his scheduled start this Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies as a precaution after he felt more soreness in his knee while throwing over the weekend. If Ohtani's throwing session goes well on Monday, he could be cleared to throw off a mound this weekend, which would represent progress as he attempts to rejoin L.A.'s starting rotation in the second half. Still, fantasy managers are going to need to stay patient, and the Dodgers have a big enough lead in the National League West that they won't be forced to rush Ohtani back. At the very least, he will not make another start as a pitcher for another couple of weeks.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Jordan Whitehead Fully Cleared to Resume his Career
Veteran free-agent safety Jordan Whitehead (neck) has been fully cleared to resume his football career after having neck surgery by Alex Vaccaro, his surgeon and the Philadelphia Eagles' spine specialist, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Whithead had recent workouts with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans and is expected to meet with other teams soon. The 29-year-old former fourth-rounder by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018 out of the University of Pittsburgh suffered a serious neck injury in a car accident in January of 2025 and was forced to miss all of last season. In 2024 with the Bucs, Whitehead had 79 tackles (49 solo) and three pass breakups in 12 regular-season starts in his seventh year in the NFL. In his seven years in the league, Whitehead has been a strong tackler at the strong safety position, never having fewer than 69 combined tackles in a season while also racking up 11 total interceptions and 45 pass breakups in his 105 games played (101 starts). It remains to be seen if he'll land a starting role with a new team in 2026.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Tucker Kraft Could Open Training Camp on the PUP List
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) could begin on the Physically Unable to Perform list to open training camp in less than 10 days, according to Jason Wilde of Channel 3000. "The guess here is that he won't set foot on Ray Nitschke Field without a new deal in place," writes Wilde. Kraft is entering the final year of his four-year, $5.54 million rookie contract, and the Packers also hope to get an extension done with him early in camp, according to Jordan Schultz. He's slated to earn a $3.624 million base salary in 2026, which makes him the 36th-highest-paid TE in the league. Kraft will most likely be eased into camp, but all expectations are that he will be a full-go for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Before tearing the ACL in his right knee on Nov. 2 against the Carolina Panthers in 2025, Kraft was arguably the best TE in the league, catching 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 44 targets in eight games. We'll be tracking Kraft's progress closely this summer, and if fully healthy, he will have a high ceiling as a high-end TE1 in fantasy.
Source: Channel 3000 - Jason Wilde
Source: Channel 3000 - Jason Wilde
Bucky Irving Says he'll be Ready for Training Camp
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving told Mark Skol Jr. of FOX 13 News on Monday at his annual youth football camp that he will be good to go for the start of training camp. The Bucs could ease Irving into drills early in camp after he had offseason surgery on his shoulder, but barring a setback this summer, he should be a full-go for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September. The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2024 out of the University of Oregon had 1,122 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 207 carries in his rookie campaign, but he played in only 10 games in his sophomore season in 2025 due to injury and finished with a disappointing 588 yards and a touchdown on the ground on 173 rushing attempts, adding 30 receptions for 277 yards and three more TDs. Irving should be healthy, but he should be considered an injury risk as a low-end RB2 in fantasy football drafts going into Year 3, especially since Kenny Gainwell figures to factor in heavily on passing downs in Tampa's new offense in 2026. RotoBaller has Irving ranked as the No. 25 fantasy RB right now.
Source: FOX 13 News - Mark Skol Jr.
Source: FOX 13 News - Mark Skol Jr.
Edwin Diaz Could Return to Dodgers Bullpen This Weekend
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn't rule out right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) being activated from the 60-day injured list for the upcoming weekend series against the New York Mets, according to David Vassegh of 570 LA Sports. Diaz has been away from the big-league team since having surgery in late April to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. The 32-year-old veteran and three-time All-Star is nearing a return from the IL, though, and has struck out seven and walked one in four shutout innings in his four minor-league rehab appearances. The Dodgers most likely want to see the Puerto Rican hurler pitch on back-to-back days before they have him rejoin their big-league bullpen. Left-hander Tanner Scott has done a commendable job filling in as L.A.'s primary ninth-inning option for Roberts with Diaz out for most of the first half of the season, but he will most likely go back to a late-inning setup role when Diaz returns. Diaz allowed seven earned runs in his first six innings with the Blue before going under the knife, but he deserves to be rostered in all fantasy leagues as the primary closer for the best team in baseball.
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Corbin Carroll Out on Monday With Hyperextended Elbow
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (elbow) is absent from the team's starting lineup for Monday's series opener at Chase Field against the visiting Athletics, according to MLB.com. Jorge Barrosa is starting in right field and will bat out of the nine-hole against A's left-hander Jeffrey Springs. Carroll is considered day-to-day after suffering a hyperextended elbow in Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, but he'll miss at least one game to begin the new week. Fantasy managers will want to check back on the 25-year-old three-time All-Star's availability for Game 2 of the series in the desert on Tuesday. The former 16th overall pick in 2019 is a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he's healthy. He's currently slashing .250/.344/.480 with an .824 OPS, 14 home runs, 47 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across his 356 at-bats this year. Corbin could use a day or two off, though, as he's gone 6-for-51 (.118) with a homer, three doubles, four RBI, seven runs, one stolen base, nine walks, and 18 strikeouts in 14 games (60 plate appearances) so far in July.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Christian Walker Missing Second Straight Game With Hip Tightness
Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (hip) is missing his second straight game due to hip tightness in Monday's series opener at Daikin Park versus the visiting Miami Marlins, per MLB.com. LaMonte Wade Jr. will make a second straight start at first base and will bat fifth against Marlins right-hander Janson Junk. Walker initially injured his hip on a swing in Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. The good news is that manager Joe Espada said that the 35-year-old veteran has been doing baseball activities and is feeling better, so he should be considered day-to-day with a chance to return as early as Game 2 of the series against the Fish on Tuesday. Walker is still good for plenty of power -- he's already reached the 20-homer mark for the fifth straight season -- but he's not providing much else for fantasy managers with a .234/.310/.456 slash line in 364 at-bats. He could probably use a couple of days off, too, as he's gone 7-for-40 (.175) with a homer, three doubles, two RBI, five runs scored, three walks, and 15 strikeouts in 12 games so far in July.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jeremy Pena Back in Astros Lineup for Series Opener
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) is starting at the 6 and batting in his usual leadoff spot for Monday's series opener at home against the visiting Miami Marlins and right-hander Janson Junk, according to MLB.com. Pena was pulled as a precaution in Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles due to cramps in his right hamstring, and he was given the day off in Sunday's series finale. Now that the 28-year-old is back in action to begin the new week, fantasy managers should return him to their starting lineups in traditional formats. Pena has gone 5-for-17 (.294) with an RBI and three runs scored in five games since returning from the injured list, and the Dominican shortstop is slashing .295/.359/.430 with a .789 OPS, six home runs, 22 RBI, 37 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across an even 200 at-bats in 2026. Since the start of June, he's hitting .315 (34-for-108) with an .835 OPS, three homers, five doubles, 14 RBI, 22 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 30 games and 123 plate appearances. Pena has never faced Junk.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Otto Lopez Not Ready to Return on Monday Against Astros
Miami Marlins middle infielder Otto Lopez (finger) is missing a second straight start for Monday's series opener against the hosting Houston Astros at Daikin Park, per MLB.com. Javier Sanoja will make another start at the 6 and will bat ninth for Miami against Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco, who is making his first start off the injured list. Lopez took a groundball off his right ring finger in Saturday's game against the Brewers. The 27-year-old stayed in for the rest of the game but was held out in Sunday's series finale, and now he'll miss a second straight contest. Fantasy managers should continue to consider Lopez day-to-day and check back on Tuesday to see if he's ready to return for Game 2 of the series in Houston. The Dominican middle infielder has turned into a must-start player in 2026 in his third year in Miami, as he's currently hitting a league-high .335 (130-for-388) with a league-leading 27 doubles, nine homers, 46 RBI, 18 stolen bases, and 61 runs scored across his 97 games and 419 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Marlins Place Max Meyer on Injured List With Neck Strain
The Miami Marlins announced on Monday that they placed right-hander Max Meyer (neck) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to July 19) with a neck strain and recalled right-hander Zach Brzykcy from Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move. Meyer was given extra rest going into last week's All-Star Game after he initially reported some neck pain during his last start on July 7 against the Seattle Mariners. In his first outing of the second half of the season on Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers, he lasted only three innings and allowed two earned runs with three walks and five strikeouts in a no-decision. It's unclear yet if Meyer will be ready to return to Miami's starting rotation when he's eligible to return on Aug. 4, but regardless, he deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats in what has been a breakout 2026. The 27-year-old former third overall pick in 2020 out of the University of Minnesota is 9-1 on the season with a 2.68 ERA (3.51 FIP) and 1.13 WHIP with a career-high 121 strikeouts and 41 walks in 111 innings across 20 starts. Left-hander Braxton Garrett could come up from Triple-A to take Meyer's rotation spot.
Source: Miami Marlins
Source: Miami Marlins
Deebo Samuel Sr. Is a Hold Until His Landing Spot Is Clear
Free-agent wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. remains unsigned after a useful season that also showed how much his fantasy profile has changed. He caught 72 of 99 targets for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games with Washington, adding 75 yards and another score on 17 carries. The 72 receptions were the second-most of his career. The 10.1 yards per catch were his lowest. Injuries elsewhere in the Commanders receiving corps pushed Samuel into more work than originally planned, and he handled it without recapturing his old ceiling. He has not reached 900 receiving yards since 2021, while the rushing workload that once separated him has continued to shrink. Samuel is now 30, and his next offense matters more than his name. A team could still make good use of him on underneath targets and designed touches, but there is no weekly role to project until he signs. Rebuilders should not give him away while his value is depressed. Contenders should not buy on reputation alone. Hold for now, then reassess once his team and role become clear.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elic Ayomanor Faces a Tougher Path to a Second-Year Breakout
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor earned real playing time as a rookie, which is why he should not be written off after one offseason. He started 14 games, played 787 offensive snaps, and drew 89 targets. The result was 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns. That is a useful foundation for a fourth-round pick, even if a 46.1% catch rate and 5.8 yards per target show how little of the volume became dependable production. Tennessee then made the room much harder to climb. Carnell Tate arrived as the fourth overall pick, Wan'Dale Robinson signed in free agency, and Calvin Ridley and Chimere Dike remain in the picture. Ayomanor flashed during spring work, but Robinson and Dike finished with more momentum, while Xavier Restrepo led the open practices in catches. Ayomanor is only 23 and already has a full season of NFL routes behind him. That keeps him rosterable. It does not make him a buy. Contenders cannot count on a weekly role, and rebuilders should wait through camp rather than pay for a breakout that now requires several things to break right.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Allgeier Retains Useful Dynasty Value in a Secondary Role
Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier did not sign in March expecting to remain in the same type of role he had in Atlanta. The third overall pick changed that quickly. Jeremiyah Love is expected to lead the backfield, with Allgeier and James Conner behind him as the other likely game-day options. That leaves a crowded path, but Allgeier still has a role worth tracking. He rushed for 514 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns on 143 carries last season, even though his 3.6 yards per attempt was the lowest mark of his career. The larger sample is steadier. Allgeier has averaged 4.3 yards per carry across four seasons, topped 1,000 yards as a rookie, and missed only one game since entering the league. Arizona also gave him a two-year contract rather than a short-term camp deal. Love owns the greater ceiling, while Conner overlaps with Allgeier as a physical runner. Even so, short-yardage work and injuries could pull Allgeier into useful weeks. Rebuilders do not need to chase a 26-year-old reserve. Contenders can hold him as a proven back who does not need a full workload to score.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenny Gainwell Can Establish a Meaningful Role in the Early Days of Training Camp
Veteran running back Kenny Gainwell led the Pittsburgh Steelers with 73 receptions in 2025 on his way to an RB20 finish, and in signing a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, he inherits a role that saw Rachaad White average nearly 56 targets per year over the past four seasons. After splitting the Steelers' backfield with do-it-all back Jaylen Warren, he will now form a tandem with third-year pro Bucky Irving, another player capable of contributing both on the ground and through the air. Irving struggled through an injury-marred sophomore campaign and was not present for minicamp as he recovered from offseason shoulder surgery. The expectation is that he will return at some point during training camp, but with his timeline still not fully clear, Gainwell could have the opportunity to build an early chemistry with the first-team offense when padded practices commence at the end of the month. At RotoBaller's RB36, Gainwell's standalone receiving work will keep him in the weekly flex conversation, but if at any point he's tasked with handling a larger role, he could prove to be a steal in 2026 drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Carnell Tate Has a Path to Early Dynasty Production
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate may not need the usual rookie waiting period. Tennessee selected him fourth overall after he caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games at Ohio State. The spring did nothing to cool expectations. Tate made 17 catches across seven practices open to reporters, flashed on contested balls, and impressed offensive coordinator Brian Daboll with how quickly he absorbed the playbook. There is competition for targets. Wan'Dale Robinson finished the offseason program with momentum, Calvin Ridley remains in the room, and second-year receivers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor are still part of the plan. Tate will not be handed a massive role immediately. He should not need one to show why Tennessee invested the fourth pick in him. At 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, he gives Cam Ward a polished outside target with strong ball skills and room to grow alongside the second-year quarterback. RotoBaller ranks Tate second among 2026 rookies. Rebuilders can wait on the ceiling, while contenders may get usable weeks much sooner than they would from most 21-year-old receivers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenny McIntosh Begins Training Camp on PUP List
Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh was placed on the physically unable to perform list to open training camp, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Safety Nick Emmanwori received the same designation. The second-year safety was a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist after recording 81 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 11 passes defensed, 2.5 sacks, and one interception in 14 games. Both players can be activated at any point during camp once medically cleared. McIntosh is returning from the torn ACL he suffered last summer, an injury that cost him the entire 2025 season. His absence leaves him behind in a backfield that added first-round pick Jadarian Price and veteran Emanuel Wilson, while George Holani also returns. Zach Charbonnet is recovering from his own torn ACL. McIntosh remains outside the redraft picture and is only a deep dynasty hold until he returns to practice and shows where he fits in Seattle's crowded backfield.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Dylan Sampson Has Quiet Buy-Low Appeal for Dynasty Rebuilders
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson gave dynasty managers almost nothing as a runner during his rookie season. He finished with 175 yards on 65 carries, an average of 2.7 per attempt. The receiving work was harder to dismiss. Sampson caught 33 of 40 targets for 271 yards and two touchdowns, opening the year with eight catches for 64 yards and later taking a screen 66 yards for a score against Las Vegas. Cleveland did not add another back in the draft, leaving the 21-year-old as the leading complement to Quinshon Judkins. There is no lead-role opening right now. Judkins was a full participant by OTAs and minicamp after recovering from the ankle dislocation and fractured fibula that ended his rookie season. Still, Sampson does not need to replace him to matter. A steady passing-down role could be enough in deeper PPR formats, especially if the new staff finds more ways to get him into space. RotoBaller ranks Sampson as the dynasty RB54. Contenders may want a safer weekly option, but rebuilders can reasonably pursue him as a low-cost bet on his receiving ability.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Adley Rutschman Heading to Injured List With Wrist Inflammation
The Baltimore Orioles are placing catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist) on the 10-day injured list on Monday with inflammation in his left wrist, according to Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun. It will be the third time in 2026 that the All-Star catcher will go on the IL. In a corresponding move, the O's selected the contract of catcher Chadwick Tromp from Triple-A Norfolk. Sam Huff is doing the catching for right-hander Shane Baz on Monday and will hit ninth in the series opener against the hosting Boston Red Sox and left-hander Payton Tolle. It's bad timing for Rutschman's injury after Samuel Basallo (shoulder) was forced from Sunday's win over the Houston Astros with discomfort in his right shoulder. If Basallo also requires a stint on the IL, Huff and Tromp would split catching duties in Baltimore. The 28-year-old switch-hitting Rutschman has not been able to get going amid his injuries in 2026, hitting .251/.331/.433 with a .764 OPS, eight home runs, 47 RBI, and 30 runs scored across his 247 at-bats in his fifth year in the majors.
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Nick Pivetta Throws Successful Bullpen Session
San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta (forearm) threw a successful up-and-down bullpen session last Friday, manager Craig Stammen told Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan in San Diego. Pivetta threw around 15 to 20 pitches, took a break, and then threw another 15 to 20 pitches. The 33-year-old veteran had a career year in 2025 in his first season in SD, going 13-5 with a career-low 2.87 ERA (3.49 FIP) and 0.98 WHIP with a career-high 190 strikeouts and 50 walks in 181 2/3 innings across 31 regular-season starts. He made only four starts for the Friars in 2026 before being shut down on April 14 with a right-forearm flexor strain. Pivetta has been throwing off a mound for a few weeks and appears to be getting close to facing hitters, but he still has a ways to go and won't be eligible to return to the Padres' starting rotation until late August. If he cannot return by Aug. 22, the Padres could void the final two years and $32 million left on his deal. Pivetta is definitely motivated to return before late August, and he absolutely can help fantasy managers in all league formats. In his 16 innings this year before his injury, he had a 4.50 ERA (1.23 FIP), 1.12 WHIP, and 24:6 K:BB. UPDATE: Pivetta will throw live batting practice this week, per The San Diego Union-Tribune's Annie Heilbrunn.
Source: 97.3 The Fan San Diego - Sammy Levitt
Source: 97.3 The Fan San Diego - Sammy Levitt
Bobby Witt Jr. Starting for Royals on Monday
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (back) is starting at the 6 and will hit second in Monday's series opener against the visiting San Francisco Giants and right-hander Trevor McDonald, according to MLB.com. The Royals held Witt out of Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres as a precaution due to back tightness that he's experienced of late, but he will end up missing just one game. The 26-year-old former second overall pick in 2019 has not been himself so far in July, but he's still a must-start in traditional fantasy leagues now that he's back in action to start a new week. Overall, the three-time All-Star is hitting .280/.350/.451 with an .801 OPS, 13 home runs, 39 RBI, 30 stolen bases, and 51 runs scored across his 368 at-bats, but he's hitting just .200 (11-for-55) with a .532 OPS, one homer, two doubles, three RBI, seven runs scored, two steals, three walks, and 12 strikeouts in 13 games so far in July. Witt has never faced McDonald in his MLB career.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
