Aug 7, 2026, 12:32 AM ET

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that wide receiver Xavier Legette (neck) "feels great" and is "back," according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. The Panthers held Legette out of the Hall of Fame preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night as a precaution, but it sounds like he could be ready to return to practice soon after being carted off due to a neck stinger earlier this week. The health of Legette is pretty important now after rookie wideout Chris Brazzell II (knee) was already ruled out for the entire 2026 season. The 25-year-old former 32nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft from South Carolina is now considered the favorite to hold WR3 duties behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, although that role probably won't afford Legette enough volume to be taken seriously by fantasy managers in standard-sized 12-team leagues. Legette has been a disappointment in his first two years in the league, and he caught only 35 passes on 64 targets for 363 yards and three touchdowns in 15 regular-season games in his sophomore campaign.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye

Aug 6, 2026, 11:50 PM ET

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Thursday that he doesn't have an update on wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) after he had offseason ankle surgery, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. "His rehab's going great, I'll say that. I don't have the timetable on his return, but he's doing a hell of a job in his rehab process," Steichen said. Pierce still has time to get ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, but it's a bit ominous that there have been very few details on Pierce's recovery from ankle surgery. The 26-year-old is expected to take over WR1 duties in Indy in 2026 with Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh, but so far in training camp, it has been Josh Downs impressing as the team's top pass-catcher while working with quarterback Daniel Jones, who looks fully recovered from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in 2025. Pierce led the NFL with 21.3 yards per catch for the second straight season while posting a 47-1,003-6 line in 15 games in a breakout campaign. The longer Pierce stays on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the more of a risk he'll be for fantasy managers as a big-play threat in the Colts' offense. He's currently ranked as the No. 39 fantasy WR for the upcoming season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd

Aug 6, 2026, 11:42 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said he still views veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield as the team's franchise signal-caller, even though the two sides were unable to agree on a contract extension before the start of training camp this summer, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. Tampa offered Mayfield a two-year deal, but he turned it down and felt disrespected by the organization. "We love Baker. Baker's in a great place right now. We're in a very good place," Licht said. The GM also acknowledged that using the franchise tag on Mayfield is an option for 2027. Mayfield gave the team a deadline of the start of training camp to get a deal done, but Licht said the Bucs have left the door open if Mayfield and his agent, Tom Mills, decide they want to resume negotiations. Whether the two sides eventually agree on an extension might come down to how Mayfield plays in 2026 after taking a step back in 2025 after back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2023 and 2024 in his first two years with the team. For fantasy purposes, Mayfield's arrow is pointing down after an injury-plagued year as he heads into his ninth year in the league in a new offense that won't feature Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans. He'll go undrafted in single-QB, 12-team fantasy leagues, and he's merely a low-end QB2 in superflex formats without a ton of upside in his age-31 season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jenna Laine

Aug 6, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Brock Rechsteiner was suspended by the NFL on Thursday for the first six games of the 2026 regular season, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. No reason was given for the suspension. In the meantime, the 23-year-old will be allowed to practice during training camp and participate in preseason games. His suspension will begin after the Saints' roster is reduced to 53 players on Aug. 30. Rechsteiner was signed by New Orleans as an undrafted rookie after rookie minicamp in May. He spent three collegiate seasons at Jacksonville State, recording a total of 53 receptions for 629 yards and seven touchdowns in 37 games in Conference USA. His best season came last year, with Rechsteiner catching 36 passes for 383 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games played. He will continue to compete for a spot on the Saints' 53-man roster, but his six-game suspension will not help his cause.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrelle

Aug 6, 2026, 11:24 PM ET

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said he doesn't know yet whether former All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald will come out of retirement for the 2026 season, but he said that Donald "looked outstanding" during his workout with the team on Tuesday, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Donald spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Rams before hanging up his cleats in March of 2024. "He's very deliberate and intentional about what this looks like," McVay said of Donald. "Things are going in the right direction. He's feeling good, but we're not to where we are able to say whether or not he is or isn't ready to do it. But he's doing great, and he looked outstanding, as I think all of us would expect." McVay doesn't want to put a timeline for Donald's decision, but he has said in the past that if he returns, he would be "all-in." The belief is that if the 35-year-old 10-time Pro Bowler and eight-time first-team All-Pro comes back, it would be in more of a rotational pass-rushing role for the Rams' D-line, but Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported on Thursday night that Donald could be ready to take on 30-40 snaps in Week 1 against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers in Australia if he unretires. It's looking more and more like an already stacked Rams' defense is going to get more help this year from a future Hall of Famer.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop

Aug 6, 2026, 9:57 PM ET

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is in line for a solid 2026 season. Andrews had a down 2025 season, with 48 receptions for 470 yards and six touchdowns, finishing as the TE16 in half-PPR formats. That was with Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar still firmly in the mix, and star quarterback Lamar Jackson missing several games. Now, the Ravens hired Declan Doyle as the new offensive coordinator in 2026. Doyle came from the Chicago Bears in 2025 and has been under Broncos head coach Sean Payton for most of his coaching career. Both Payton's and Ben Johnson's offenses favor tight ends, with players like Sam LaPorta, Colston Loveland, and Saints tight end Jimmy Graham when Payton coached in New Orleans. There's a strong chance Andrews is the second option in the receiving game behind Zay Flowers, with a great quarterback supplying him as well. Ranked TE9 and 104 in RotoBaller's rankings, Andrews could be a great value this season.--Nathan Harvey
Source: RotoBaller

Aug 6, 2026, 9:48 PM ET

After a quiet start to training camp for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike, the second-year receiver has begun to stand out. Dike has shown solid zone reading and has been strong after the catch in both the return game and as a receiver. As a rookie, Dike hauled in 48 of 74 targets for 423 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games last season. The team added two new receivers, first-round rookie Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson, who operated mostly in the slot with the New York Giants, and should have veteran Calvin Ridley back as well. Despite Dike practicing well, his role in 2026 will mostly be as a backup slot receiver and a returner, where he shined in 2025. Dike should be undrafted in most fantasy leagues this season unless Robinson is injured.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Easton Freeze - AZ Sports

Aug 6, 2026, 9:35 PM ET

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins is primed for a breakout season in 2026, according to coaches and teammates in the Texans organization. Head coach DeMeco Ryans praised the second-year receiver, saying, "Jayden Higgins came back ready this camp ... he's excelling at every level. Third down, he's winning, making plays for us. The sky is the limit for Jayden Higgins." Star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who has had success against Higgins in practice, said, "He's more in sync with C.J. Stroud. C.J. knows more about how he's going to play or run a route. I feel like their timing is better." As a rookie, Higgins caught 41 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games. While he'll face strong competition for targets, with Nico Collins and Tank Dell in the picture, Higgins could still be a fantasy contributor in 2026.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Jonathan Alexander - Houston Chronicle

Aug 6, 2026, 9:27 PM ET

Future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald could see a heavy workload in Week 1 if he returns from retirement. According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Donald could get between 30 and 40 snaps if he returns in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Donald has been retired since the 2023 season, but rumors have fueled speculation that he could unretire and play for the Rams this year. Donald had a workout with the team on Wednesday, and head coach Sean McVay said it was the best he's ever seen. With the team's acquisitions of reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and star cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Rams defense could be an unbreakable unit if Donald returns and looks like even half the player he was in his prime. UPDATE: McVay said, "We're not to where we are able to say whether or not he is or isn't ready to do it," per ESPN's Sarah Barshop.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Mike Florio - Pro Football Talk

Aug 6, 2026, 9:17 PM ET

New York Jets tight end Jelani Woods was singled out as a standout by starting quarterback Geno Smith during training camp. When asked which player has impressed him most, Smith's first answer was Woods. "I like the way [Woods] has been out there. He's making plays." The 2022 third-round pick had a solid rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts, hauling in 25 of 40 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Since then, he has played in just four games, dealing with hamstring injuries and a significant turf toe surgery that caused him to miss the entire 2024 season. With rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq (hernia) questionable for Week 1, Woods, along with Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert, should each see a boost in production if Sadiq misses time in the regular season.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Connor J Hughes - SNY

Aug 6, 2026, 9:07 PM ET

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (back) did not participate in Thursday's practice and is considered "day-to-day," according to head coach Kellen Moore. After being a limited participant in the previous few sessions, Miller was downgraded due to a back issue. The former third-round pick has dealt with injuries throughout his NFL career, including an ACL tear he suffered in Week 7 of last season. Miller is currently behind running backs Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara and is competing for the RB3 role with second-year back Devin Neal. This back issue, along with recovery from a major knee injury, should keep him off the fantasy radar for the 2026 season unless he is traded to a better situation or injuries occur to the other Saints' backs.--Nathan Harvey
Source: Katherine Terrell - ESPN

Aug 6, 2026, 7:18 PM ET

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) took part in team drills at training camp for the first time this summer, given the "walkthrough" nature of the practice on Thursday, according to Patricia Traina of Sports Illustrated. "That depends. We'll see," head coach John Harbaugh said when asked when Nabers will be back. "But he's preparing himself to have a great season, so I'm excited about that." It wasn't a full-on practice, but it's still positive news for the 23-year-old first-rounder, who is rehabbing from ACL and meniscus tears that he suffered to his right knee in Week 4 of 2025. The former sixth overall pick from LSU proved in his rookie season that he has WR1 upside by catching 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. However, because the Giants should have a more run-based offense under Harbaugh and because we don't know for sure if Nabers will be a full-go for Week 1 against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, Nabers is being treated as more of a risk/reward low-end WR2 in redraft fantasy leagues in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Sports Illustrated - Patricia Traina

Aug 6, 2026, 5:41 PM ET

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.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Aug 6, 2026, 5:05 PM ET

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.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby

Aug 6, 2026, 4:56 PM ET

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.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins