August 18, 2025
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Monday that star wide receiver
Justin Jefferson (hamstring) will return to practice and gradually ramp up ahead of Week 1. Jefferson missed time this summer, sparking concern about his readiness, but his return solidifies his status as one of fantasy football's elite first-round picks. The 26-year-old posted 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 and remains the focal point of Minnesota's offense. With Jefferson back on track, fantasy managers can confidently draft him among the top overall selections, expecting WR1 production in the Vikings' high-powered passing attack.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Alec Lewis
August 18, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect
Nolan Hoffman has been called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley for what will be his major league debut whenever he enters a game. The 28-year-old was drafted back in 2018 and was acquired by the Phillies from the Rangers this season. By the numbers, the 6-foot-4 hurler didn't post very good stats with Texas this season, but they were modestly better in 17 appearances with the Philadelphia organization, recording a 3.32 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched. The right-hander was striking batters out at a 31.8 percent clip, but owns a 13.3 percent walk rate during his time at Triple-A over the last two seasons. Regardless, he'll likely fill a middle relief role for the Phillies, and as such, has little fantasy relevance at this time.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
August 18, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman
Willson Contreras (foot) and outfielder
Lars Nootbaar (cramps) are both in the starting lineup for Monday's series opener on the road against the Miami Marlins and right-hander
Eury Perez. Contreras is at first and is batting cleanup, while Nootbaar is in right field and will hit leadoff. Contreras will return after missing the last four games, while Nootbaar sat out of Sunday's series finale against the New York Yankees after being pulled from Saturday's contest due to muscle cramps. Contreras has a hit in just two career at-bats against Perez, while Nootbaar is hitless in his three at-bats. Contreras has gone 7-for-29 (.241) with two home runs, a double and four RBI in 10 games in the month of August, while Nootbaar is hitting .286 (12-for-42) with a homer, three doubles and four RBI in 11 games in August.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
August 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs (knee) is making steady progress in his recovery from July MCL surgery. While Wirfs won't be ready for Week 1, the team is optimistic he could return as early as Week 3, avoiding a stint on the PUP list. A four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Wirfs anchors Tampa Bay's offensive line, and his return would be a major boost for
Baker Mayfield's protection. Fantasy managers invested in Mayfield,
Mike Evans, and running back
Bucky Irving should be encouraged that Wirfs could be back stabilizing the line sooner rather than later.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Scott Reynolds
August 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin (ankle) is still not close to a return from the injury that ended his 2024 season in Week 7. The veteran required another offseason procedure, and the team now expects him to miss at least the first month of the season on the PUP list. That's a major blow for Godwin and
Baker Mayfield investors, but it does open opportunities. Rookie
Emeka Egbuka and veteran
Jalen McMillan should see an expanded target share early in the year, making both intriguing fantasy fliers while Godwin remains sidelined.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Scott Reynolds
August 18, 2025
Miami Marlins infield prospect
Maximo Acosta has been called up from Triple-A Jacksonville for what will be his major league debut. The Marlins' 25th-ranked prospect was hitting just .232 with an elevated 26.3 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A, however, he does possess some power, as evidenced by the 12 home runs in 106 games. He can also provide a speed element, having swiped 28 bags so far this season. The 22-year-old is starting at second base on Monday and will bat eighth in the order. It remains to be seen how much playing time he will receive, as
Xavier Edwards should be back at the keystone on Tuesday, so for now, the Venezuelan is best left on fantasy waiver wires.
--Jarod RuppSource: Miami Marlins
August 18, 2025
The Boston Red Sox announced on Monday that they placed outfielder
Rob Refsnyder (oblique) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Aug. 15) with a left-oblique strain and recalled infielder/outfielder
Nate Eaton from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move. The team also designated catcher
Ali Sanchez for assignment. Given the nature of Refsnyder's injury, it's likely he'll be out beyond 10 days. The 34-year-old veteran typically only plays for Boston against left-handed pitchers, and he hadn't played since last Wednesday. Refsnyder is only outfield depth in AL-only leagues when he's healthy and he's slashed .272/.357/.471 on the year with an .827 OPS, six home runs, 22 RBI, 23 runs scored and three stolen bases in 157 plate appearances over 54 games. His playing time has been even more sparse since
Roman Anthony was called up.
--Keith HernandezSource: Boston Red Sox
August 18, 2025
The Miami Marlins announced on Monday that they placed infielder
Graham Pauley (oblique) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Aug. 17) with a right-oblique strain and recalled infield prospect
Maximo Acosta from Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move. Pauley suffered an oblique strain over the weekend that will most likely sideline him beyond the 10 days on the IL. In the 24-year-old's absence, the Fish will probably split playing time at the hot corner between
Javier Sanoja and
Eric Wagaman. Sanoja is starting at third and is batting seventh for Monday's series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. Pauley is hitting just .229/.310/.371 with a below-average .682 OPS, four home runs, 11 RBI, 15 runs and two steals in 54 games in his first year in Miami. He was not on the fantasy radar in mixed leagues to begin with.
--Keith HernandezSource: Miami Marlins
August 18, 2025
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect
Noah Schultz (knee) has not pitched in a game at Triple-A Charlotte since July 3 after being scratched due to knee discomfort prior to his start on July 19. Chicago's second-ranked prospect is progressing and could return before the end of the month, however, the team is being cautious with their top pitching prospect. Even if he doesn't return before the end of the season, the left-handed hurler will participate in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The 22-year-old earned a promotion to Triple-A in June, but had a rough three starts in which he allowed 15 earned runs on 18 hits and eight walks while striking out 13 in 11 1/3 innings pitched. Hopefully he can make up for lost time and iron out some things in the AFL, and fantasy managers should expect the southpaw to arrive in the big leagues next year.
--Jarod RuppSource: MLB.com
August 18, 2025
Cincinnati Reds rookie right-hander
Chase Burns (elbow) is scheduled to throw on Monday, and the Reds fully expect him to contribute before the end of the 2025 season. "We think (Chase Burns) can be a weapon for us going down the stretch," manager Terry Francona said. Burns landed on the 15-day injured list last Friday with a Grade 1 flexor strain in his right elbow. The 22-year-old isn't facing an extended absence, but his IL stint actually works as a natural way for the Reds to limit the young hurler's workload in his first big-league season. Burns is a fantastic dynasty/keeper asset for his long-term strikeout upside, but managers in single-year leagues shouldn't expect too much for the rest of the 2025 campaign, especially since it's possible he'll pitch out of the bullpen when he returns. The former second overall pick has gone 0-3 with a 5.24 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 57 K's in his first eight MLB starts.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM
August 18, 2025
New York Mets right-hander
Tylor Megill (elbow) looked good in his minor-league rehab start with Double-A Binghamton on Sunday, throwing 3 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing one hit, walking none and striking out nine. Megill threw 39 of his 55 pitches for strikes in what was his second rehab outing. The 30-year-old is returning from a right-elbow strain that has kept him out since June 14, so he will likely require at least one more start in the minors before the Mets activate him from the injured list. It's unclear what Megill's role will be in New York when he returns, and it will likely depend on how well rookie
Nolan McLean is pitching in the starting rotation. Megill made 14 starts before his elbow injury this year, going 5-5 with a career-best 3.95 ERA (3.41 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP with 89 strikeouts and 33 walks in 68 1/3 innings pitched.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milb.com
August 18, 2025
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan (hamstring) did not practice Monday while resting a "minor" injury, according to team officials. The first-round pick is expected to play a major role right away in Carolina's offense and has already developed a strong connection with quarterback
Bryce Young during camp. McMillan's combination of size and athleticism gives him immediate fantasy appeal as one of the top rookie wideouts in 2025 drafts. While the team doesn't appear overly concerned, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his health status leading into Week 1.
UPDATE: McMillan might not play in the preseason finale on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.--Shaun AlbinSource: David Newton
August 18, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Brian Robinson Jr. will not play in Monday night's preseason game against the Bengals. The decision was reportedly mutual between Robinson and the team as trade discussions heat up ahead of 53-man roster cuts. Robinson has been Washington's lead back, but uncertainty surrounding his future clouds his fantasy outlook. If he remains with the Commanders, Robinson should retain the bulk of the carries, making him a potential RB2. However, the risk of a trade or role change makes him a volatile option in drafts, likely pushing him down draft boards until his situation stabilizes.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Mike Garafolo
August 18, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver
Jalen Royals (knee) will not practice Monday due to knee tendinitis. The fourth-round pick is expected to begin the season in a reserve role but could earn more opportunities as the year progresses. With
Marquise Brown also battling injuries this preseason, Royals may be positioned for an increased role if he can stay healthy. The Chiefs' offense ranked just 16th in total yards last season and is searching for playmakers to complement
Travis Kelce and
Xavier Worthy. Royals is best left on waivers in redraft but is worth a mid-round dynasty stash.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Nate Taylor
August 18, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie running back
Quinshon Judkins will not face legal charges following his recent incident, but the NFL's ongoing investigation has delayed contract negotiations. The second-round pick remains unsigned as camp nears its close, raising concerns about his Week 1 availability. With Judkins sidelined,
Jerome Ford and rookie
Dylan Sampson could see expanded opportunities in the backfield. Judkins flashed explosive playmaking ability in college and still carries late-round fantasy appeal, but his uncertain status makes him a risky stash. Managers should monitor developments closely before investing in drafts.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Adam Schefter
August 18, 2025
Free-agent wide receiver
Gabe Davis is set to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday as he looks for a new home ahead of the 2025 season. The former Bills and Jaguars wideout caught just 20 of 42 targets for 239 yards and two touchdowns in Jacksonville last year, but he previously flashed big-play ability in Buffalo's explosive offense. Pittsburgh remains thin at receiver beyond
DK Metcalf, and Davis could bring size and vertical speed to stretch defenses. Fantasy managers should view Davis as a late-round flier with boom-or-bust upside if he signs with the Steelers.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Adam Schefter
August 18, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Marquise Brown (foot/ankle) returned to practice Sunday after missing Friday's preseason game against Seattle. The veteran is expected to start opposite rookie
Xavier Worthy in the Chiefs' high-powered offense. Brown has struggled with durability in recent seasons, playing only two games last year and recording nine catches for 91 yards. If he can stay on the field, Brown should have plenty of opportunities with
Patrick Mahomes distributing the ball. Fantasy managers can consider Brown a late-round flier with upside in deeper formats, though his injury history makes him a risky investment.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Matt McMullen
August 18, 2025
The Cleveland Browns are naming veteran
Joe Flacco as their Week 1 starting quarterback against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. This doesn't come as much of a surprise, as this was always expected to be the case, especially after
Kenny Pickett suffered a hamstring injury early in training camp. The 40-year-old veteran has been taking most of the first-team reps in practices this summer, although he has not played in either of the team's two preseason games with the rest of the Browns' QB room banged up. Flacco led the Browns to the playoffs two seasons ago, but he's going to be on a short leash in 2025 and will most likely continue to put the football in harm's way often down the field. The Bengals defense was a great matchup last year, so Flacco could have some sleeper appeal in DFS in Week 1 of the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
August 18, 2025
Shams Charania of ESPN reports that the New Orleans Pelicans and free agent forward
Jalen McDaniels have agreed to a deal on Monday. McDaniels has posted averages of 3.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.7 steals while shooting 44.9 percent from the field. He's recorded 252 career regular-season outings during six NBA seasons spent with Charlotte, Philadelphia, Toronto, and, most recently, with Washington last season. The 27-year-old is not a player that should be on fantasy managers' radar going into the upcoming campaign.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
August 18, 2025
Boston Red Sox outfielder
Wilyer Abreu (calf) is likely to miss the team's two-game series against the Baltimore Orioles as he deals with tightness in his right calf. It doesn't appear Abreu will land on the 10-day injured list, though, as he plans to return to the lineup on Thursday to start a four-game set against the New York Yankees. Abreu suffered the injury on Sunday and had to leave early in a 5-3 loss to the Miami Marlins. After going 2-for-3 with a homer in that game, the 26-year-old is slashing .253/.325/.486 with 22 HRs, 69 RBI, 52 runs scored, and six stolen bases over 395 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
August 18, 2025
Michael Scotto of USA Today reports that restricted free-agent center
N'Faly Dante and the Atlanta Hawks agreed to a two-way deal worth $4.5 million for two seasons. The 23-year-old made four appearances last season for the Rockets, posting averages of 6.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest. He also shot 76.9 percent from the field during 12.8 minutes. Dante spent the majority of the 2024-25 campaign in the G League with Rio Grande Valley, leading the team with 2.2 blocks per contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Michael Scotto
August
18,
2025
Los
Angeles
Rams
quarterback
Matthew
Stafford
(back)
has
returned
to
practice
on
Monday
at
training
camp,
according
to
Ari
Meirov
of
The
33rd
Team.
The
Rams
never
provided
an
update
on
Stafford's
scheduled
workout
on
Saturday
before
read more...
August 18, 2025
The Chicago Cubs have optioned right-hander
Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa and recalled lefty
Luke Little, according to Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network. Assad missed the first four-plus months of the season with an oblique strain and finally returned Aug. 12 to make two starts. The 28-year-old combined for eight frames in those outings and went 0-1 with a 5.63 ERA, 13 hits allowed, and five strikeouts against two walks. After Assad threw four innings of one-run ball in a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, the Cubs are sending him down as
Jameson Taillon (calf) prepares to come off the 15-day injured list and rejoin the rotation.
--Connor ByrneSource: Andy Martinez - Marquee Sports Network
August 18, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kendrick Bourne (leg) will not practice this week or play in the preseason finale on Thursday against the New York Giants, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. Bourne had his leg rolled up on during practice back on Aug. 1 and has not practiced or played since. The 30-year-old's spot on the 53-man roster is now no longer guaranteed because of the fact that he might not be ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener. Bourne had a career-high 800 receiving yards in 2021 in his first year with New England, but he has disappointed ever since and played in 20 combined games due to injuries the last two seasons. In 2024, he had only 28 catches on 38 targets for 305 yards and one touchdown in 12 games (nine starts). Bourne hasn't been the same since tearing his ACL back in 2023.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
August 18, 2025
The Milwaukee Brewers announced that they have reinstated outfielder
Isaac Collins (personal) from the paternity list and optioned infielder
Tyler Black to Triple-A Nashville. Collins is back after missing the Brewers' weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds, but he is not in the lineup for Game 1 of a doubleheader versus the Chicago Cubs on Monday.
Christian Yelich is in left field, Collins' typical spot, and hitting cleanup in a meeting with right-hander
Cade Horton. The 28-year-old Collins has emerged as one of many standouts for a Milwaukee team that owns the majors' best record (78-45). He has slashed .288/.384/.448 with eight homers, 41 RBI, 48 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases in 331 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: Milwaukee Brewers
August 18, 2025
According to Michael Scotto of USA Today, point guard
Dru Smith (Achilles) agreed to a three-year, $7.9 million deal with the Miami Heat. Smith has played in 28 regular-season games across three NBA campaigns, mostly with Miami. In 2023-24, his season was cut short due to a torn ACL after just nine outings. His injury woes continued into last season as he had surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon. The 27-year-old played in 14 games, averaging 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.5 steals during 19.1 minutes per contest before suffering the injury. Once available to suit up, Smith will likely make a minimal impact on fantasy as he will have to battle for minutes with
Davion Mitchell,
Terry Rozier, and rookie
Kasparas Jakucionis.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Michael Scotto
August 18, 2025
Colorado Rockies right-handed reliever
Zach Agnos (elbow) hopes to begin playing catch on Monday, but there's still no clear timetable for his return from the 15-day injured list. Agnos went on the IL on July 27 with a flexor strain, and with time running out on the Rockies' season, he may not pitch again this year. The 25-year-old got off to a superb start through May, boasting a 1.13 ERA over 16 innings, but his season went haywire after that. Agnos allowed at least one earned run in 12 of 14 appearances between June 1 and his placement on the IL. Thanks to that awful stretch, his ERA skyrocketed to 6.98 with a 1.58 WHIP and 17:16 K:BB in 29 2/3 innings.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
August 18, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Romeo Doubs (back) returned to training camp practice on Monday, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Doubs injured his back in practice last Tuesday but will finally return to the field for the final week of the preseason. The Packers also got quarterback
Jordan Love (thumb) back, although it's unclear if either Doubs or Love will play in the preseason finale this Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks. Barring setbacks, both players should be available for the Week 1 regular-season opener. The 25-year-old Doubs caught 46 of his 72 targets for 601 yards and four touchdowns in 13 regular-season games (12 starts) in 2024 in his third year in the league. Doubs did have career-highs in yards per catch (13.1), yards per target (8.3) and yards per game (46.2), but he remains a mediocre WR target in a crowded receivers room.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
August
18,
2025
New
Orleans
Saints
head
coach
Kellen
Moore
said
that
tight
ends
Taysom
Hill
(knee)
and
Foster
Moreau
(knee)
are
not
close
to
a
return
to
the
field.
Until
one
or
both
read more...
August 18, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals second baseman/outfielder
Brendan Donovan (foot/groin) will sit out Monday's series opener against the Miami Marlins, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Donovan hasn't played since last Wednesday as he continues to deal with pain in his left foot that has caused soreness in his groin. The Cardinals do not intend to place Donovan on the 10-day injured list, though, and are holding out hope that he'll return to the lineup on Tuesday. In nine games this month, Donovan has gone just 7-for-34 with one extra-base hit (a double), three RBI, five strikeouts, and a walk. The first-time All-Star has taken 476 trips to the plate this season and slashed an above-average .279/.348/.402 with nine homers, 45 RBI, and 57 runs scored.
--Connor ByrneSource: Derrick Goold - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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