Fantasy Football News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving was given the most carries during practice on Friday, according to Pewter Report's Adam Slivon. The Bucs had their best day on the ground so far in training camp with Irving leading the way. The 23-year-old provided the biggest run of the day on a delayed handoff through the middle of the field that would have been a "game-changing run." Additionally, Kenny Gainwell was primarily utilized as a receiver out of the backfield during practice. Irving has seen his fantasy stock steadily decline over the summer due to unfavorable reports about his health. If he continues to impress in camp, it will not take long for his ADP to rise back to where it was a year ago.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Carolina Panthers have placed rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (knee) on Injured Reserve, officially ending his season. The 22-year-old suffered a torn LCL in his left knee on a noncontact play during training camp on Wednesday. The Panthers selected Brazzell with the 83rd overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Brazzell offered a rare combination of size and speed to the Carolina offense, which would have allowed for Tetairoa McMillan to be moved around the formation more often. McMillan has spoken publicly about wanting to play from the slot more often to get the ball in his hands and create more mismatches. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until 2027 to see both 6'4 receivers on the field at the same time.

The Athletic's Sam Warren reported that kicker Matt Gay is in the lead for the Las Vegas Raiders' kicking competition. Additionally, Gay was perfect during practice today, while undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa doinked one off the right upright from 40 yards away but made everything else. The two are competing to replace long-time Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson. Gay enters camp as the favorite to win the competition because of his NFL experience. However, Matsuzawa has an opportunity to win the kicking competition if he can perform consistently on deep kicks. Over the last few seasons, Gay has struggled on 50-plus-yard kicks with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders.

ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are unhappy with quarterback Baker Mayfield's comments about the organization recently. This comes a day after Mayfield said he feels "disrespected" by his contract situation after trying to work out an extension with the team before training camp. However, the team has offered him a two-year deal worth slightly above $100 million, according to Schefter. Mayfield is heading into the final year of the three-year, $100 million deal that he signed with the Bucs in 2024. The 31-year-old wanted to get a deal done before training camp and will now focus solely on playing football. This could be Mayfield's final season with the Bucs, and it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out during the 2026 season.

Dallas Cowboys second-year running back Jaydon Blue has been a standout so far in training camp this summer and "continues to burn up the practice field with big runs," according to All City DLLS's Clarence Hill. Blue had two would-be touchdowns on long runs on Thursday and also saw a lot of run with the first-team offense, alternating with RB1 Javonte Williams. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team loves Blue's speed and "want to get him involved in the passing game" to take advantage of opposing defenses that are looking to take away receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens on the outside. "I think what we feel like we have in Jaydon when you're playing defenses that are trying to change the math and cheat to really elite receivers, which we have, there's usually a favorable matchup in that regard," Schottenheimer said. After a disappointing rookie year in 2025, Blue is looking like the favorite for RB2 duties in Dallas behind Williams and ahead of Malik Davis and Phil Mafah. At the very least, Blue is shaping up as the handcuff to roster if you also have Williams.

The Athletic's Jesse Newell reports that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is still sitting out live drills in training camp as he recovers from offseason knee surgery. Rice's absence has allowed young players like Cyrus Allen and Andrew Armstrong to get more run with the first-team offense early in camp. When everyone is fully healthy, Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton are the Chiefs' top three receivers, while Allen and recent draft pick Jalen Royals figure to be rotational players for depth at the position. The Chiefs are in no rush to get the 26-year-old Rice back into the fold, but the full expectation is that he'll be a full-go for the start of the 2026 regular season. Injuries and off-the-field issues have made him somewhat of a risk as a fantasy wideout, but when he's been on the field, there's no arguing that he has high-end upside as quarterback Patrick Mahomes' favorite weapon. The former second-rounder in 2023 from SMU had 938 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, but he played in a combined 12 games the last two years. If Rice can put in a full season in 2026, he has clear WR1 upside when it's all said and done.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and the team will meet to discuss load management for certain players, specifically pointing to wide receiver Courtland Sutton, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Sutton is not injured, but the Broncos could limit his workload over the course of the season to keep him fresh for another potential postseason run in January. It comes after the Broncos gave up a first-round pick to acquire speedy receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason. The 30-year-old Sutton had his third 1,000-yard season (and second straight) in 2025, catching 74 passes for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season games as quarterback Bo Nix's go-to target. The former second-rounder in 2018 from SMU and two-time Pro Bowler may struggle for a third straight 1,000-yard season with Waddle in the fold and tight end Evan Engram potentially being more involved. Sutton should continue to be an asset in the red zone, but age-related decline and fewer targets have dropped him into WR3/flex territory in fantasy going into the 2026 campaign.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden is making more noise early in training camp during Friday's practice, according to Ryan Wood of USA Today Sports. Golden skied to catch a pass from quarterback Jordan Love in the middle of the field for an 18-yard gain, which Wood says was the "best catch of camp so far." It didn't take long for Golden to top that with a 20-yard fade down the right sideline from Love. Cornerback Keisean Nixon had great leverage on the sideline, but Golden shielded him with his back and caught the ball over his shoulder in the same motion. It displayed "tremendous body control" and immediately became the new best catch of camp. With Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks no longer in town, the 22-year-old former 23rd overall pick out of the University of Texas has clear Year 2 breakout potential in the Packers' offense as a locked-in starter in three-wide sets next to Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. Golden only had 29 receptions for 361 yards and zero touchdowns in 14 regular-season contests, but he became the team's most consistent wideout late in the year, and he found the end zone for the first time in his career in the playoffs. His fantasy ADP figures to continue rising this summer as one of the more intriguing young pass-catchers in the league.

Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports reports that Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram is having a day in training camp practice on Friday, as he's been targeted multiple times with multiple catches during team drills, including a 50-yard bomb from quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Stevens adds that Davis Webb as the team's new play-caller "seems to be benefiting him a ton." Stevens added that Engram can "definitely" be a big part of the offense this year. The Athletic's Nick Kosmider writes that Engram has been "the standout" during the team's first 11-on-11 period in camp. The 31-year-old veteran TE also had a strong showing during mandatory minicamp last month, perhaps setting himself up to be a sleeper at the position in fantasy football drafts in 2026. Engram was a disappointment last year in his first year in Denver after head coach Sean Payton talked him up all offseason, ultimately finishing with a 50-461-1 line in 16 regular-season games. The Broncos have receiver Jaylen Waddle now, though, which could totally transform their offense and open up space for Engram to operate. RotoBaller has Engram ranked as only the TE34, but if he continues to impress during camp and gain the trust of Webb as a play-caller, his ADP could rise quickly as a TE2.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is taking the first-team reps at QB in training camp practice on Friday, as the alternating practices with second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders continue, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. It means that Sanders will see the first-team reps for the team's first padded practice on Monday. As expected, the two QBs are splitting first-team work early in training camp. There is no clear leader in the quarterback competition this early, although Watson noticeably struggled the other day and threw back-to-back interceptions during 11-on-11 work. Head coach Todd Monken hasn't given a timetable for when he wants to announce the winner of the competition, but he did say he plans to play his starters in the preseason. We should have a better idea of who the leader in the competition is once pads come on. Watson has the experience over Sanders, but he also missed all of 2025 due to a torn Achilles tendon. Whoever wins the Browns' QB job will have a short leash and will be a low-end, low-upside QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues.

Cleveland Browns running backs coach Duce Staley said that RB Quinshon Judkins has "worked his ass off" to come back from his dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16 of his rookie campaign in 2025, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "The sky is the limit ... I think that Q can play all three downs," Staley added. The 22-year-old former second-rounder from Ohio State is an emerging young RB, and although his fantasy ceiling could be limited by Cleveland's offense (especially their QB situation), Judkins is becoming a more attractive RB2 candidate for fantasy managers for what could be lots of volume. In 14 starts in his first NFL season in 2025, Judkins averaged only 3.6 yards per carry to finish with 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries. He added 26 receptions for 171 yards on 36 targets in the passing game. Judkins' fantasy ceiling could be limited with Dylan Sampson serving as the Browns' top pass-catching back, but it's clear Judkins' arrow is pointing up. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 22 RB for 2026.

There has been plenty of hype surrounding Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks so far in training camp now that he looks fully healthy, but Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer also reports that "it's Chuba Hubbard's world he's living in." With that said, Kaye also thinks Brooks has "looked sharp." "He's cutting well, showing impressive hands, and I think he's gaining a rhythm out there." Brooks could be a thorn in Hubbard's side in 2026 if he stays healthy, but Rico Dowdle is gone, and the Panthers will open the regular season with Hubbard as the clear leader of their backfield. However, the 27-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2021 from Oklahoma State has work to do after a disappointing 2025 season in which he had 134 carries for 511 yards and one rushing touchdown in 15 regular-season games. It was a massive disappointment after Hubbard reached the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career in 2024. Most of Hubbard's 2026 fantasy value derives from the fact that he's Carolina's RB1, but without a ton of pass-catching upside, he's vulnerable to Brooks and should be considered a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex target going into upcoming drafts.

New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon has been flashing early on during training camp and made another catch in team drills on Friday from quarterback Tommy DeVito on a corner/stop route, according to Evan Lazar of the team's official website. Raridon once again found the soft spot between defenders and finished strong at the catch point. The 22-year-old third-rounder from Notre Dame said that things are slowing down for him already this summer compared to back in the spring, and he's doing all the right things so far to become a contributor in the Pats' ascending offense in his first year in the NFL. Hunter Henry is still New England's unquestioned No. 1 pass-catching tight end who has strong chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye, though, which will undoubtedly limit Raridon's fantasy football upside in Year 1. But there's no denying that Raridon has the size (6-foot-6, 245 pounds) and physicality to be a strong downfield, pass-catching presence for fantasy managers in the future. Raridon's draft stock in both single-year and dynasty/keeper leagues is on the rise this summer.

Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch received praise from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during training camp on Friday, according to Tori McElhaney of the team's official website. "You see him, he's usually open," Tagovailoa said. The 22-year-old third-rounder out of the University of Georgia was also a standout during organized team activities in the spring, with Tagovailoa saying back then that the young pass-catcher reminded him of former Dolphins teammate Jaylen Waddle. That's pretty high praise. Branch could also have a path to immediate fantasy relevance in 2026 in his first year in the NFL, as none of Atlanta's WR spots are locked up besides Drake London as the unquestioned WR1. Branch will primarily be competing with former first-rounder Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus for the WR2 role this summer. The small slot receiver could face durability concerns in the NFL, but his speed could make up for it. Branch will most likely go undrafted in most single-year fantasy formats, but he has the skills and opportunity to quickly emerge as a waiver-wire priority in Atlanta. RotoBaller has Branch ranked as the WR80 going into 2026.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield said that rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst is "one of those guys where you can throw the ball up to him and he's probably going to come down with it," according to Pewter Report. The 22-year-old third-rounder from Georgia State has a big opportunity to serve as the team's true X receiver under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson now that future Hall of Famer Mike Evans is out of town. He has the size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and the speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash) to be a legitimate downfield weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield in Tampa sooner rather than later. With that said, the Bucs could ease Hurst into the fold behind Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan in 2026. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues should be stoked if Hurst is on your roster after drawing some comparisons to Texans WR1 Nico Collins. RotoBaller has Hurst ranked just inside the top 100 at the WR position in 2026, but he has the skills and opportunity to rise quickly if an injury strikes Tampa's receiving corps early on.

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard got a series with the first-team offense on Friday at training camp, and he was flexed into the backfield and then back out into the slot on one rep, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. It suggests that the 22-year-old former second-rounder from the University of Alabama could be moved around as somewhat of a gadget player in his first year in the NFL in head coach Mike McCarthy's offense in 2026. Bernard will primarily be battling veteran Roman Wilson for the WR3 role in Pittsburgh in his first year in the league, but Wilson could have the advantage due to his experience and strong chemistry with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He never put up elite receiving numbers in college, which could make him a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect for fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues. Bernard has sneaky explosiveness. Pittsburgh's offense should be a bit more fantasy-friendly under McCarthy, but Bernard will most likely struggle for regular snaps in his first year in the NFL as long as all of DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Wilson stay healthy.

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen has been making noise early on in training camp and had an outstanding one-handed catch up the middle of the field on Friday despite double coverage in 11-on-11 team drills, according to Matt McMullen of Chiefs.com. It was a perfect throw by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a great catch by Allen. Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star writes that Allen has "undoubtedly" been Mahomes' favorite target early on. "It feels like he's looking Allen's way every time he's out there," Sweeney writes. The 23-year-old was a fifth-round pick (176th overall) back in April from the University of Cincinnati, and although he's having a strong early showing in camp, it remains to be seen how much of a role Allen will have once the regular season arrives. Allen was a red-zone presence in college last year, but he doesn't have high-end speed or size. He will most likely have to contribute on special teams and work his way up the pecking order, but for now, he's an interesting flier in dynasty/keeper leagues in head coach Andy Reid's offense.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (back) is "getting better every day," according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com. Tagovailoa is not 100% recovered from back tightness, but he has practiced the last two days and appears to be on track to be back to full health soon. The 28-year-old took part in individual drills in Thursday's training camp practice. It doesn't seem to be anything the Falcons are overly concerned about. With Michael Penix Jr. (knee) still rehabbing a torn ACL and unlikely to be cleared for another couple of weeks, Tagovailoa has a clear path to claiming the starting QB job going into the start of the 2026 regular season as long as he can stay healthy himself. The former fifth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2020 from the University of Alabama is looking to bounce back in Atlanta after throwing for under 3,000 yards in each of his final two seasons in Miami due to injury (mainly concussion issues). Tagovailoa will have the weapons in Atlanta to do so if he wins the job over Penix, but fantasy managers will be treating him as a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues. UPDATE: Tagovailoa said he feels "great right now," per ESPN's Marc Raimondi.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said that wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is "showing strong hands" at the point of contact in training camp and has run routes "at a very high level" so far, according to Hays Carlyon of 101 XL. Thomas improved his chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the offseason and looks like a prime bounce-back candidate in 2026 in his third year in the league. The 23-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2024 from LSU burst onto the scene to post 87 catches, 1,282 yards, and 10 touchdowns on 133 targets in 17 games in his first year in the league before falling to a 48-707-2 line in 14 regular-season starts last year. Fellow wideout Parker Washington is getting most of the hype so far, but Thomas has also been impressive and will be a big part of the team's passing attack this year in Coen's second season leading the offense. Thomas will most likely go after Washington in upcoming drafts, making him a potential excellent value buy at the WR position. He's currently ranked as the No. 34 fantasy WR at RotoBaller, with Washington sitting at No. 32.

Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (undisclosed) remains out of training camp practice on Friday for a second straight day, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. With Monangai out for undisclosed reasons, Salvon Ahmed is getting Monangai's reps behind starter D'Andre Swift. The 24-year-old Monangai should be considered day-to-day until we know more about his situation. Hopefully, he'll be able to get back on the practice field at some point this weekend. As a rookie in 2025, Monangai had 169 rushing attempts for 783 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and five touchdowns while adding 18 receptions on 30 targets for 164 yards as a receiver in 17 regular-season games (one start). He's expected to resume his role in 2026 as a complementary option to Swift in Chicago's backfield, limiting his overall fantasy upside. Monangai also isn't a particularly strong receiver, so his only real path to an improvement in Year 2 is to see more goal-line work and vulture touchdowns from Swift. Fantasy managers should consider the second-year back as a TD-dependent RB3/flex and a strong handcuff to Swift.