Fantasy Football News

Jayden Higgins • WR • Texans

Jayden Higgins Suffers Torn ACL

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (knee) suffered a torn ACL during the team's joint practice on Tuesday against the Las Vegas Raiders, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Higgins will now miss the entire 2026 season, a tough blow for Houston's offense, as the second-year wideout was set to operate as the WR2 across from Nico Collins. Before his knee injury, the 23-year-old product of Iowa State was a potential Year 2 breakout candidate after he caught 41 of his 68 targets for 525 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in 2025. Fantasy managers can now obviously avoid Higgins in all redraft leagues. With Higgins now out of the picture this year, Jaylin Noel, Tank Dell (knee), and Xavier Hutchinson will be asked to step up in the Texans' passing game. Noel will become much more interesting as a flex option in fantasy drafts, but his ultimate role will depend on the ongoing recovery of Dell, who missed all of the 2025 season due to a devastating knee injury the year before. Given the uncertainty of Dell's availability to begin the year, Noel should be the biggest beneficiary of Higgins' season-ending injury.

5 hours ago

Kaelon Black • RB • 49ers

Kaelon Black Looks Powerful in Return to Practice

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black "looked powerful" in his return during Tuesday's joint practice against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Black missed the previous two weeks of camp with an inner-thigh injury, but he was the team's top runner on Tuesday with Christian McCaffrey still sitting due to undisclosed tightness. Black, a third-rounder, did not look rusty at all, taking an early carry for 50 yards while showing violence and strength on several runs. He also had a catch at the goal line during a red-zone drill. "I thought he looked good hitting the hole and running hard," quarterback Brock Purdy said. The Niners cut RB Khalil Herbert on Monday, and Jordan James (rib) and Isaac Guerendo (pectoral) are injured. Going into camp, James was the favorite for RB2 duties behind the oft-injured McCaffrey, but if Black continues to impress and James continues to sit out with his injury, it could be Black winning the RB2 role going into Week 1 in Australia against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams.

5 hours ago

Kendre Miller • RB • Saints |

Devin Neal • RB • Saints

Devin Neal, Kendre Miller Back at Practice

New Orleans Saints running backs Devin Neal (hamstring) and Kendre Miller (back) both returned to training camp practice on Tuesday, per Todd Graffagnini of the team's official website. It is good news for a Saints backfield that is already very beat up, with Alvin Kamara (knee) and Audric Estime (ankle) also banged up right now. If Kamara is not ready for Week 1 of the regular season, which is a very real possibility, Neal and Miller could end up competing for the No. 2 job behind starter Travis Etienne Jr. in the rest of camp and the preseason. Miller, a former third-rounder in 2023 from TCU, has only appeared in 21 games in his first three NFL seasons, averaging 3.9 yards per carry with 497 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Neal, a sixth-rounder in 2025 from Kansas, carried the ball 57 times in his rookie campaign for 206 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games (three starts). If Kamara is out to begin the season, Etienne's workload will likely increase more than anything.

5 hours ago

Tony Pollard • RB • Titans

Tony Pollard Back at Practice on Wednesday

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (foot) is back at training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Turron Davenport of ESPN. Pollard missed the last two practices with what ended up being a minor foot injury. In the preseason opener last Thursday against the San Francisco 49ers, Pollard carried the ball four times for 22 yards and a touchdown. It remains to be seen if the Titans will have him out there for the second preseason game this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. The 29-year-old former fourth-rounder by the Dallas Cowboys out of Memphis has been efficient in his career with 4.6 yards per carry and has quietly recorded four straight 1,000-yard seasons (two with Tennessee and two with Dallas). The Titans' offense could be much better this year than the last two years, but the problem is that backup Tyjae Spears could steal valuable pass-game targets in Brian Daboll's offense. For that reason, Pollard should be targeted as more of an RB3/flex than an RB2 in upcoming 2026 fantasy drafts.

5 hours ago

Aaron Rodgers • QB • Steelers

Aaron Rodgers Won't Play in Second Preseason Game

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said that veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and backup Mason Rudolph will not play in the team's preseason contest against the New York Jets on Friday, according to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. McCarthy added that Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar will play. "I saw what I need to see from Mason last week," McCarthy said. Rodgers also sat out the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers last week, with Rudolph getting some run before Howard and Allar entered the game. The 42-year-old Rodgers has had enough reps in his Hall of Fame career and will be ready to go for Week 1 of the regular season without any preseason action. In what is expected to be the 22nd and final year of his career, Rodgers will be a low-end QB2 with limited upside in fantasy in an offense that is expected to remain pretty run-heavy under McCarthy. In his first year in Pittsburgh in 2025, Rodgers led the team to the postseason but finished as the QB19, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 16 regular-season starts.

5 hours ago

Tyquan Thornton • WR • Chiefs

Tyquan Thornton Returns From Hamstring Injury

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (hamstring) is back out at training camp practice on Wednesday in pads after leaving Tuesday's practice early with a hamstring injury, according to Matt McMullen of the team's official website. Thornton was carted to the locker room with a left-hamstring injury, but it turned out to be nothing serious, and he could be available to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If fully healthy for the start of the 2026 regular season, the 26-year-old figures to be KC's WR3 behind Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, although rookie Cyrus Allen has been pushing for a bigger role with a strong training camp this summer. Even with both Rice and Worthy missing time last year, Thornton only caught 19 passes for 438 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games in his first year with the team. The former second-rounder in 2022 from Baylor can stretch the field and produce big plays, but he is too inconsistent and won't have enough weekly targets to be worth targeting in 12-team fantasy leagues.

6 hours ago

Tank Bigsby • RB • Eagles

Tank Bigsby Returns to Practice on Wednesday

Olivia Reiner of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby (toe) is practicing at training camp on Wednesday in some capacity. Bigsby missed some practice time recently with a minor toe injury, but he is back now and should not be in any danger of missing the start of the 2026 regular season. The 24-year-old former third-rounder by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 from Auburn played in just one game last year with Jacksonville before being acquired by the Eagles. He had 58 carries for 344 yards and two touchdowns as a rusher in Philly, adding only three catches for 32 yards in 16 regular-season games. Bigsby has averaged 4.5 yards per carry in his three NFL seasons and will be one of the best handcuff options in fantasy football going into his first full year with the Eagles behind starter Saquon Barkley. RotoBaller has Bigsby ranked as the No. 44 fantasy RB in 2026.

6 hours ago

DeVonta Smith • WR • Eagles

DeVonta Smith Listed as Limited on Wednesday

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was listed as a limited practice participant at training camp on Wednesday, according to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports. Rookie first-round receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring) was also limited as the two wideouts slowly work their way back from hamstring injuries. Smith was in full uniform on Monday to start the week and is making progress, although the Eagles could still decide to hold him out of their final two preseason games as a precaution. They will be even more cautious with Smith now that he is their unquestioned WR1 in 2026 with A.J. Brown now in New England. As things currently stand, fantasy managers should not be worried at all that Smith will not be ready for the start of the regular season in early September. With a bigger target share and higher potential fantasy ceiling than he has ever had before, the former first-rounder is now a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 target in upcoming drafts.

6 hours ago

Jonathan Greenard • OLB • Eagles

Jonathan Greenard Could Miss Week 1

The Philadelphia Eagles traded for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard (pectoral) during the 2026 NFL Draft, and they promptly extended him with a four-year, $100 million deal, but he began training camp on the physically unable to perform list after suffering a pectoral strain while lifting weights, and his Week 1 availability is now in doubt. When asked on Wednesday if there was any concern Greenard could miss the start of the season, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio kept his answer short, simply saying, "Yeah." A Pro Bowler in 2024, Greenard disappointed in his final season with the Vikings, totaling only three sacks while missing five games with a shoulder injury, but he was viewed as an important piece in replacing Jaelan Phillips, whom the team could not retain after trading for him in 2025. Should Greenard miss time to begin the year, Philadelphia will go into 2026 with a top pass-rushing tandem of Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt.

6 hours ago

Fernando Mendoza • QB • Raiders

Raiders Want Fernando Mendoza to Improve His Timing and Anticipation

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza put up solid numbers in his preseason debut against the Cardinals, and on Tuesday he was given first-team reps against the Houston Texans defense during joint practice. Still, he acknowledges that he has plenty of room for growth. In a SportsCenter segment following practice, ESPN's Ryan McFadden points to Mendoza's timing and anticipation as areas that the coaching staff is looking for improvement, noting head coach Klint Kubiak's attention to detail on a play-to-play basis. The coaching staff has reportedly been impressed by the work ethic of the first overall pick, and there is confidence that Mendoza will make the necessary strides as he gets more time on task, with extended reps expected for him in Thursday night's preseason matchup with the Texans.

6 hours ago

Malik Nabers • WR • Giants

Malik Nabers Needs to Take Contact Before Being Cleared for Week 1

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) has taken part in team periods over the past two practices as he works his way back from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 season, but until he sheds the red non-contact jersey he's worn since his return, he will not be cleared to play in the team's season opener against the Cowboys. Speaking with the media on Tuesday, head coach John Harbaugh said, "He won't go through the rest of the summer in a red jersey... He's going to have to get bumped around and hit and fronted up. You just have to feel that and know how to deal with it to protect yourself." Harbaugh added, "I've always been hopeful that he would play in [Week 1 of] the regular season... Still don't know for sure, so we just have to see where we go day to day." Nabers' progress has been encouraging, but with one more significant hurdle to clear before the regular season, his status will need to be monitored throughout the end of camp.

6 hours ago

Omarion Hampton • RB • Chargers

Omarion Hampton Sets the Tone in Joint Practice

The Los Angeles Chargers hosted the San Francisco 49ers for a joint practice on Tuesday, and the loudest ovation of the day came on a tone-setting run from second-year running back Omarion Hampton. Reportedly welcoming contact all day, Hampton drew the attention of onlookers and teammates alike by plowing through 49ers safety Ji'Ayir Brown during a full-team drill, later earning the praise of quarterback Justin Herbert. "He's incredibly tough. He leads by example and doesn't say much, but what he does on the field is so loud," Herbert told reporters after practice. "Guys respect him and it's so cool to hand him the ball and see what he's able to do. He's an incredible athlete, incredible competitor and I'm glad he's on my side of the ball." Hampton missed eight games as a rookie with an ankle injury, but a popular breakout candidate in a revamped Chargers offense, he is RotoBaller's RB11 in 2026.

7 hours ago

D'Ernest Johnson • RB • Titans

Titans Sign Veteran Running Back D'Ernest Johnson

Veteran running back D'Ernest Johnson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. Tony Pollard (foot), Nicholas Singleton (undisclosed/foot), and Kalel Mullings (hip) all missed Monday's practice, so Johnson brings much-needed training camp depth to a position stretched thin of late, providing the added bonus of extensive special teams experience throughout his seven-year career. While unlikely to find a long-term role in Tennessee's running back room, Johnson's presence could help to lighten the load on fourth-year player Tyjae Spears, who saw the bulk of Monday's work as one of the remaining healthy backs on the roster, and from whom big things are expected in the passing game if he can stay healthy in 2026.

7 hours ago

Tyler Biadasz • C • Chargers

Tyler Biadasz Suffers Significant Knee Injury

Los Angeles Chargers center Tyler Biadasz (knee) was carted off the field during Tuesday's joint practice with the 49ers, and NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reports that while the team is still gathering medical information, there is a belief that the former Pro Bowler will miss significant time after damaging several ligaments in his knee. The Chargers signed Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal this offseason in an attempt to bring stability to an offensive line that was struck hard by injuries in 2025. More testing will need to be done to determine the exact severity of the injury, but Garafolo does not rule out the possibility that it could end Biadasz's first season with the Chargers. UPDATE: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Biadasz is out indefinitely after suffering damage to his ACL and other injuries to his left knee on Tuesday.

7 hours ago

Mike Washington Jr. • RB • Raiders

Mike Washington Jr. Making the Most of His Reps

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. impressed in the team's preseason opener, breaking a long run and racking up 63 yards on six attempts, and he carried that momentum into Tuesday's joint practice with the Texans. Raiders reporter Levi Edwards credited Washington with running with finish and physicality and making the most of his reps, and head coach Klint Kubiak spoke after practice about the fourth-rounder's growth path. "I think you saw today what you see in practice [every day]. Very few guys just rise to the occasion and become gamers," Kubiak told the media. "They have to show it to you in practice first. Mike has done it in practice. He's done it in the game, and we've just got to keep challenging him and putting more on his shoulders." After touching the ball 321 times as a rookie, 2025 first-round pick Ashton Jeanty is expected to handle close to an every-down role in his second season, capping Washington's standalone value. Still, as an insurance back, the first-year player has already shown an ability to take advantage of the opportunities presented.

7 hours ago

Alvin Kamara • RB • Saints

Alvin Kamara Expected to Be Sidelined at Least a Month

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) left Tuesday's joint practice with the Cowboys, and he is now expected to be sidelined for at least a month after being diagnosed with a sprained MCL, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The five-time Pro Bowler dealt with a similar injury last season that kept him out of the final six games, and despite the fact that the Saints signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million contract in free agency, Kamara was expected to have a significant role in Kellen Moore's up-tempo offense. New Orleans opens the regular season against the Detroit Lions on September 13, and Kamara's status is now in doubt not only for that game but, at 31 years old, concerns about any lingering health issues are amplified. Amid what had been reported as a strong training camp, Kamara had risen to RotoBaller's RB53, but Wednesday's injury update will likely see him fall off draft boards entirely.

7 hours ago

Makai Lemon • WR • Eagles

Makai Lemon Could Be Nearing a Return

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring) has missed valuable training camp time with a hamstring injury, but after taking part in on-field rehab work during Monday's practice, Eagles beat reporter EJ Smith believes he is closing in on a return to full participation. Lemon has been sidelined since early August, and Smith cautions that because his role within Sean Mannion's offense appears to be so specific, he could still need significant time to work through the details before cracking the starting lineup. Lemon was the 20th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and his selection was part of a plan to replace the production of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown, but his absence has created an opportunity for Dontayvion Wicks to claim the second spot alongside DeVonta Smith in two-receiver sets. While he could still find fantasy relevance late in the year, Lemon has fallen to RotoBaller's WR47 for 2026 drafts. UPDATE: Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports reports that Lemon was listed as limited on Wednesday but was not in uniform.

8 hours ago

Woody Marks • RB • Texans

Woody Marks Runs the Majority of Routes in Joint Practice

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks was one of the most prolific pass-catching backs in college football history, racking up more than 245 receptions across his time at Mississippi State and USC. As a rookie in 2025, he caught only 24 passes, as injuries at the position forced him into more of a between-the-tackles role. The addition of veteran David Montgomery via trade should allow Marks to slip back into a more natural receiving capacity in 2026, and during Tuesday's joint practice with the Raiders, it was the second-year back who ran the majority of routes out of the backfield. Dating back to his final season with the Bears, Montgomery has topped 35 receptions only once in the past four seasons, leaving ample opportunity for Marks to carve out a well-defined role as the Texans' second back. With the safe floor provided by his receiving work, Marks has the potential to work his way into the weekly flex conversation, while his built-in insurance upside makes him an even more attractive late-round option as RotoBaller's RB47.

8 hours ago

David Montgomery • RB • Texans

Texans Keeping David Montgomery Fresh Through Limited Touches

Throughout much of training camp, Houston Texans running back David Montgomery has had his workload managed, with the coaching staff aiming to keep him fresh for the regular season. During Tuesday's joint practice with the Raiders, however, he provided a reminder of what he can do when unleashed, with Texans analyst John Harris calling him the story of the day. Montgomery impressed with his combination of physicality and burst, taking a number of carries through the teeth of the Raiders' defense. In what was one of Montgomery's most active days of camp, it was still second-year running back Woody Marks who saw the majority of passing work, perhaps offering an indication of how offensive coordinator Nick Caley intends to deploy his backs in the regular season. Montgomery has topped 35 receptions only once in the past four seasons, averaging 27.5 catches per year over that span, but with an expectation to see most of the Texans' high-value red zone carries, he still offers spike week potential from the middle rounds of 2026 drafts, making RotoBaller's RB21 an attractive option as a second running back or flex play.

8 hours ago

Tre Tucker • WR • Raiders

Tre Tucker to Operate as WR1 in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker was heavily utilized in the team's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Tucker caught two passes for 21 yards on the team's opening drive and appears poised for a major role in new head coach Klint Kubiak's offense. Tucker played 9/10 snaps with the first-team offense, while Jalen Nailor (8) and Jack Bech (5) each played a role as well. The former third-round pick had a solid 2025 season, hauling in 57 of 92 targets for 696 yards and five touchdowns, despite the Raiders' struggles on offense. If Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza can find a rhythm in Kubiak's new offense, Tucker could have a breakout season as the clear lead wideout. Ranked WR65 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Tucker can easily outperform his ADP in 2026.

17 hours ago

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