Player News

Shedeur Sanders Set to Face Competition Ahead of 2026

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders finished the 2025 season as the team's starter, but that doesn't mean his job is guaranteed for 2026. Sanders is expected to face competition at the quarterback position as Deshaun Watson (Achilles) rejoins the offense. Watson hasn't played since Week 7 of the 2024 season, but he's expected to compete with Sanders for the starting role during training camp. On one hand, the Browns' lofty investment of multiple first-round picks in Watson would presumably give him an advantage in the competition. On the other hand, he's coming off an injury, hasn't played in a season and a half, and didn't play particularly well even when he was healthy. Sanders didn't have a great rookie season by any means, either, posting a measly 56.6% completion rate with just seven passing touchdowns and 11 turnovers. This will be a very interesting position battle to monitor, and Sanders will have to deliver a strong summer to win the job over Watson.

Braxton Ashcraft Has Late-Round Sleeper Appeal Heading into 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Braxton Ashcraft put up quality numbers across 26 games (eight starts) in his first taste of the big leagues in 2025, posting a 4-4 record with a 2.71 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 71 strikeouts across 69 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old appears to be locked into a full-time rotation role heading into 2026, and he could be on the verge of a breakout campaign. Across 13 1/3 innings this spring, Ashcraft has recorded 16 strikeouts while allowing just one walk. He also did a nice job limiting hard contact in his MLB appearances in 2025, allowing just a 38.5% hard-hit rate and posting a 0.39 HR/9. For fantasy managers searching the late rounds of drafts for starting pitchers with upside, Ashcraft could be a name to target.

Tyreek Hill Remains a Free Agent

Free agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) remains unsigned as the end of March approaches. Hill was cut loose by the Miami Dolphins as the organization underwent a major restructuring. Hill and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa were both released, and the team also fired head coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier. Although the move was less about Hill's performance and more about his fit within the organization's vision for the future (plus his salary), it's worth noting that his productivity has declined, and he is past his peak. He dropped to WR18 with 959 yards in 2024, and he totaled just 21 catches, 265 yards, and one touchdown through four games before tearing his ACL last year. On a positive note, Hill's agent recently said that the receiver will be ready for Week 1 iin 2026, so he should be ready to contribute as a play-making perimeter receiver right away. Depending on where he signs, he could still be a valuable fantasy option as a low-end WR2.

Is Didier Fuentes Worth Stashing Through the Early Portion of 2026?

Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Didier Fuentes has made the team's Opening Day roster as a member of the bullpen. The 21-year-old was dominant in Grapefruit League action, recording nine shutout innings with 17 strikeouts, zero walks, and zero hits. While Fuentes will open the year in the bullpen, all 13 of his minor league appearances in 2025 came as a starter. The Braves are already thin in the rotation as they deal with injuries to key starters such as Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) and Hurston Waldrep (elbow). If Atlanta faces further injury or underperformance from any of its current starters, it would not be a surprise to see Fuentes stretched out for a return to the rotation. Depending on league size and format, fantasy managers may want to consider stashing Fuentes through the early portion of the season in case he earns a quick promotion from middle relief to the starting rotation.

Dean Kremer Optioned to Minor-League Camp on Saturday

The Baltimore Orioles optioned starting pitcher Dean Kremer to minor league camp on Saturday, per Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com. Kremer's demotion comes as a bit of a surprise, as the 30-year-old has made 106 starts over the past four seasons for Baltimore and was expected to open 2026 at the back end of the team's rotation. However, veteran right-hander Zach Eflin has turned heads with his performance in Spring Training and may have bumped Kremer off the roster. Across 171 2/3 innings (29 starts) in 2025, Kremer recorded an 11-10 record with a 4.19 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 142 strikeouts. Given his experience and track record of reasonable effectiveness, Kremer will almost certainly get another shot in the big leagues at some point this season. However, his fantasy value is built on his ability to eat innings, so his stock is obviously following this news.

Brock Bowers Set for a Major Quarterback Upgrade?

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is expected to receive a major quarterback upgrade this offseason. The Raiders traded away quarterback Geno Smith, opening the door for them to draft projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. While Mendoza's success in the NFL is far from guaranteed, he offers more upside than any quarterback Bowers has played with before. A potent passer could be exactly what Bowers needs to reclaim the top spot in the dynasty fantasy football rankings. Trey McBride closed the gap on Bowers last year, but Vegas' tight end is still an elite fantasy threat. He had 64 catches, 680 yards, and seven touchdowns across just 12 games last year, averaging 14.7 fantasy points per game in PPR formats. If he can put up those numbers with Smith as his quarterback, he can easily jump to a tier of his own with Mendoza at quarterback and offensive-minded head coach Klint Kubiak running the show. Given that he's due for improvement in 2026, Bowers might be worth buying in dynasty leagues. However, make no mistake about it — he's not going to come cheap.

Konnor Griffin Survives Latest Round of Pirates' Roster Cuts

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin survived the team's latest round of cuts from its MLB roster, per Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. With less than a week remaining before the team's opener on Thursday against the New York Mets, Griffin breaking camp with the big-league club is starting to look more and more likely. The 19-year-old is widely considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball, and he dominated minor league pitching to a .333/.415/.527 slash line with 21 home runs, 94 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 65 stolen bases across 563 plate appearances in 2025. However, Griffin did not reach Triple-A and has just 98 Double-A plate appearances to his name. If he opens 2026 as the starting shortstop in Pittsburgh, he'll likely experience some early-season growing pains as he adjusts to big-league pitching. Still, Griffin carries sky-high upside with the potential to deliver five-category production for fantasy managers as soon as this season.

Mack Hollins Still Trending Up in New England?

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins had a strong 2025 season, and he remains a key piece of the passing attack ahead of 2026. Hollins has quietly put together back-to-back impressive campaigns. Between 2024 with the Bills and 2025 with the Patriots, he tallied 77 catches, 928 yards, and seven touchdowns. He was the overall WR58 last year, despite missing the final two games of the regular season due to injury. The veteran receiver fended off any sort of rookie breakout for Kyle Williams, and he also leapfrogged DeMario Douglas on the depth chart. Pretty early into the season, Hollins had already established himself as the Patriots' No. 3 receiver behind Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte. He remains in a similar role going forward, as the Patriots' only offseason move at the position was releasing Diggs and replacing him with Romeo Doubs. We expect Williams to see more targets next year, but Hollins should still be the clear No. 3 receiver, especially after earning the trust of head coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye. He's an intriguing buy-low option in dynasty leagues because he only costs a late-round pick in trades, yet offers potential WR3/flex value on a weekly basis, especially in deeper leagues.

Logan Allen Optioned to Triple-A Columbus

Cleveland Guardians left-hander Logan Allen was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, per Zack Meisel of The Athletic. Allen lost out on a job battle for the final spot in the Cleveland rotation to Guardians prospect Parker Messick. The 27-year-old Allen threw 156 2/3 innings (29 starts) for the Guardians in 2025, posting an 8-11 record with a 4.25 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 122 strikeouts. Allen has made 73 starts over the past three seasons for Cleveland, so he represents trusted pitching depth who will likely be the first option to rejoin the rotation if one of the Guardians current starters goes down with an injury. However, Allen owns an uninspiring 19.5% strikeout rate and an inflated 1.44 WHIP across 379 1/3 career big-league innings. Even if he eventually makes it back to Cleveland this season, his fantasy appeal is limited.

Parker Messick Will Open 2026 in the Guardians' Rotation

Cleveland Guardians pitching prospect Parker Messick will open the season with the big-league club and in the starting rotation, per Zack Meisel of The Athletic. Messick made his MLB debut in 2025 and pitched well in a seven-start sample, recording a 3-1 record with a 2.72 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts across 39 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old lefty logged just a 23% strikeout rate in his first taste of the big leagues, but he logged a significantly more impressive 29.1% strikeout rate across 98 2/3 innings at Triple-A in 2025. Now that he officially has a rotation spot in Cleveland locked down, Messick has late-round sleeper appeal and could shoot up draft boards in the final few days before the start of the 2026 season.

Is Grant Holmes an Undervalued Source of Strikeouts Heading into 2026?

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Grant Holmes had his 2025 season cut short after he suffered a partially torn UCL in his elbow in late July. However, the 29-year-old opted against surgery and is reportedly fully healthy and ready to go heading into 2026. Before getting injured last season, Holmes pitched to a 4-9 record with a 3.99 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 123 strikeouts across 115 innings (21 starts). Command was an issue for the right-hander, as he logged an inflated 11% walk rate. However, Holmes showed an ability to miss bats with a 25% strikeout rate, and he's logged 16 strikeouts across 12 1/3 innings so far this spring. With Braves starters Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) and Hurston Waldrep (elbow) both going down in Spring Training with elbow injuries, Holmes should be locked into a spot in the Atlanta rotation. Holmes carries significant injury risk himself, but he could be a quality late-round source of strikeouts for fantasy managers to target in drafts heading into 2026.

Malik Washington a Breakout Candidate Going into Year 3?

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has a real opportunity in 2026 to be a sleeper breakout receiver for fantasy managers in both single-year and keeper leagues as part of the Dolphins' offensive rebuild. Miami has a new front office and coaching staff, and they have gutted their previous offensive regime this offseason by cutting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) and trading Jaylen Waddle. They signed for Dallas Cowboys wideout Jalen Tolbert, but as of now, Washington projects as the team's WR2 as he heads into his third year in the NFL. Some fantasy managers were hoping the former sixth-rounder would step up in Hill's absence last year, but he only managed 46 catches on 65 targets for 317 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games played. Washington's fantasy arrow is definitely pointing up in dynasty/keeper leagues right now due to the increased volume he's likely to see in 2026, but it remains to be seen if he can take advantage of it and develop solid chemistry with new quarterback Malik Willis.

Jeremy Pena Will Swing a Bat for the Second Straight Day on Saturday

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that shortstop Jeremy Pena (finger) will swing a bat for the second straight day on Saturday, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Pena's status for Opening Day remains up in the air as he works his way back from a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger. However, it appears as though the 28-year-old is progressing well and may not be far off from returning to game action, even if he is not on the field for Houston's opener against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. Pena is coming off an excellent 2025 season in which he hit .304/.363/.477 with 17 home runs, 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases across 543 plate appearances. Once healthy, he will be locked into an everyday role at the top of the Astros' lineup. Should Pena miss time, Houston would likely shift third baseman Carlos Correa over to his natural position at short and insert veteran infielder Issac Paredes into an everyday role at third base.

Mike Gesicki a Bounce-Back Candidate in Third Year in Cincy

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had a solid showing in 2024 in his first year in Cincinnati, catching 65 of his 83 targets for 665 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games played. The 30-year-old wasn't able to produce at that level in 2025, though, as he finished with 28 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns on 42 targets in just 13 games played. Gesicki missed time with a pectoral injury and was also hurt by quarterback Joe Burrow missing eight games with a turf-toe injury. Gesicki finished as the TE40 in half-PPR scoring. In dynasty/keeper leagues, Gesicki wouldn't be a bad buy-low candidate after a down year in 2025. Burrow typically focuses primarily on his two stud wideouts in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but if healthy, Gesicki could approach his numbers from 2024 in Cincy's pass-happy offense. In redraft fantasy football leagues, Gesicki will be more of a touchdown-dependent TE2 with upside, carrying more appeal in TE-premium formats.

Kodai Senga Has Sleeper Potential After His Healthy and Productive Spring

New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga burst onto the scene in his first MLB season in 2023, recording a 2.98 ERA with 202 strikeouts across 166 1/3 innings pitched. However, the 33-year-old has pitched just 118 2/3 innings in the two seasons since then, missing time with shoulder, calf, and hamstring injuries. Senga was still reasonably effective when on the mound in 2025, recording a 7-6 record with a 3.02, 1.31 WHIP, and 109 strikeouts across 22 starts. Still, he struggled with command (11.2% walk rate), and his strikeout rate dipped to 22.6%, a far cry from the 29.1% mark he posted in 2023. This spring, Senga has avoided health issues and may be showing signs of a return to his peak form. The right-hander reportedly touched 99 mph with his fastball and finished the spring with a seven-inning scoreless streak. If Senga can stay on the mound, he may be an undervalued source of late-round strikeouts for fantasy managers heading into 2026.

Xavier Legette the Panthers' WR3 Heading into 2026?

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette totaled 35 receptions for 363 yards and three touchdowns on 64 targets in 15 regular-season games (12 starts) in his second year in the NFL in 2025. It was a disappointing line for the 25-year-old former 32nd overall pick in 2024 out of South Carolina after he had 49 catches (84 targets) for 497 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games in his rookie campaign in Carolina. We knew that things could be difficult for Legette in his sophomore year as soon as the Panthers drafted Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of last year's NFL draft. He finished as the third leading receiver in 2025 in Carolina behind McMillan and Jalen Coker, who is really emerging as one of quarterback Bryce Young's favorite targets in the passing game. Between McMillan and Coker, there doesn't figure to be a ton of targets left over for Legette going into the 2026 season this fall. Legette is a buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues, but he might need an injury to McMillan or Coker to become more consistently involved like he was in his rookie year.

Zach Eflin Has "Checked Every Box" in Spring Training

Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said that starting pitcher Zach Eflin has "checked every box" with his performance in Spring Training to this point, per Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Eflin dominated the New York Yankees in his most recent Spring Training start on Friday, striking out seven batters over 5 1/3 scoreless innings. The 31-year-old battled injuries and ineffectiveness in 2025, posting a 5.93 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 50 strikeouts across 71 1/3 innings (14 starts) for Baltimore. Still, the Orioles re-signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract, and Eflin looks to have assured himself a spot in the starting rotation with his performance this Spring. With a career strikeout rate of 20.5%, Eflin is unlikely to be a reliable source of whiffs for fantasy managers. However, he's very good at limiting walks and posted three consecutive seasons with a WHIP of 1.15 or lower from 2022 through 2024. If he can stay healthy in 2026, Eflin could emerge as a solid innings-eater who is currently undervalued in fantasy drafts.

Rashod Bateman's Dynasty Stock is on Life Support

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman had a career year in 2024 in his fourth year in the league, catching 45 of his 72 targets for 756 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. The Ravens were saying last offseason that they were hoping to get Bateman more involved. It didn't happen, as the 26-year-old former 27th overall pick in 2021 out of Minnesota caught just 19 passes on 38 targets for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. Bateman didn't have much of a chance with quarterback Lamar Jackson struggling with efficiency and multiple lower-body injuries throughout the year. As he looks to bounce back in 2026, Bateman and the rest of Baltimore's offensive skill players will be learning a new offense under a new coaching staff and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. The Ravens haven't made any additions to their WR room this offseason, but they could look to add some pass-catchers in the upcoming NFL draft. Even without much added competition, Bateman is a tough sell as a buy-low candidate in dynasty leagues, and it's looking like his 2024 campaign will be an outlier.

Gleyber Torres Scratched From Lineup on Saturday With Lower-Back Tightness

Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (back) has been scratched from the team's lineup for its Saturday matchup against the New York Yankees due to lower-back tightness, per Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. While the team could just be playing it safe, it's not a great sign that Torres is dealing with an ailment this close to Opening Day. The 29-year-old logged 628 plate appearances with the Tigers in 2025, hitting .256/.358/.387 with 16 home runs, 74 RBI, 79 runs scored, and four stolen bases. However, Torres' production dropped off in the second half of the year, as he logged a .659 OPS in the second half while playing through an injury that required sports hernia surgery after Detroit was eliminated from the postseason. Even if Torres can avoid missing time with this back issue, his performance could be something for fantasy managers to closely monitor early in 2026. Should Torres require a stint on the Injured List, Javier Baez and Zach McKinstry could be the favorites to cover second base, and top infield prospect Kevin McGonigle could be assured of an Opening Day roster spot.

Is Paul Sewald a Late-Round Sleeper Saves Candidate in Arizona?

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed right-handed reliever Paul Sewald to a low-cost, one-year deal this past winter. The 35-year-old posted middling results across 19 2/3 innings split between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers in 2025, pitching to a 4.58 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 20 strikeouts. However, Sewald has a history with the Diamondbacks, recording 29 saves across 62 appearances with the team in 2023 and 2024. With top Arizona relievers Justin Martinez (elbow) and A.J. Puk (elbow) both set to open 2026 on the Injured List, Sewald may be the favorite to begin the season as the team's primary closer. While Diamondbacks right-handers Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel have also been mentioned as options to work the ninth inning, neither has as much closer experience as Sewald. If Sewald can pitch well enough to hold on to the job, he could be a sleeper saves candidate that is currently undervalued in fantasy drafts.

DJ Giddens an Intriguing Handcuff Despite Minimal Standalone Value

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens was a popular selection in rookie drafts last year because of his role behind Jonathan Taylor. Managers saw that Taylor had missed 16 games over the last three seasons and believed that Giddens could end up starting some games if the star running back missed time. The logic was sound, but Taylor ended up having one of the healthiest and most successful seasons of his career, logging 1,963 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns without missing any games. Giddens had 12 carries for 41 yards in Week 1, but he was limited to just six touches over the next six weeks as Taylor played the vast majority of the snaps. The rookie ended up being a healthy scratch for roughly half the season, as Indianapolis rotated him, Tyler Goodson, and Ameer Abdullah in depth roles. Giddens got back into action in Week 18, rushing for 30 carries on eight yards. In games where he played at least one-quarter of the snaps, Giddens averaged 10 touches and 3.55 yards per carry. He wasn't amazing by any means, but he flashed enough upside to suggest that the Colts could turn to him as Taylor's primary backup in 2026. Now, we're back in a familiar situation, with Giddens' fantasy value hinging on Taylor's availability. The Kansas State product should be viewed as an encouraging buy-low option in dynasty leagues this offseason, especially for managers who roster Taylor and want to also add his handcuff.

Heston Kjerstad Dealing With Hamstring Strain

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad (hamstring) is dealing with a right-hamstring strain, manager Craig Albernaz told Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Kjerstad injured his hamstring on Thursday and will receive imaging in Baltimore on Sunday. With outfield prospect Dylan Beavers (quadriceps) also dealing with an injury, Baltimore's deep group of outfielders is quickly thinning out ahead of Opening Day next week. Even if the 27-year-old Kjerstad's hamstring injury isn't serious, he may be forced to open the 2026 campaign on the injured list. He hit just .195 (8-for-41) with two home runs, four RBI, four runs scored, one walk, and 11 strikeouts in 13 Grapefruit League games and might not have made the team's Opening Day roster, even if he was healthy. The former second overall pick in 2020 out of Arkansas has been a first-round bust so far, hitting .218/.284/.365 with 10 homers, 36 RBI, and an 88:18 K:BB in 106 games over his three seasons in Baltimore. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues may be starting to lose patience.

Hunter Henry Set to Collect Some Vacated Targets?

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has consistently produced as a low-end TE1 in fantasy football, and he's due for another strong season in 2026 given his prominent role on offense. Henry showcased a strong rapport with quarterback Drake Maye last year, as the two connected for 60 completions, 768 yards, and seven touchdowns. Henry has now been the overall TE12 and TE9 over the last two years, largely thanks to his role as one of the top targets in New England. He could be headed for even more volume in 2026 after the Patriots released Stefon Diggs. Some of Diggs' 102 vacated targets will go to new signing Romeo Doubs, but the rest will be distributed to some of Maye's most trusted pass-catchers, including Henry. We would not be surprised to see him catch another six-plus touchdowns while turning in a top-10 finish next year. His 2026 outlook is too encouraging to sell high, but he's also a little too old to buy in dynasty leagues. At this point, dynasty managers should view him as a firm "hold."

Lars Nootbaar Will Open Regular Season on the Injured List

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (heel) has started his running progression this weekend as the team prepares to leave their spring training headquarters in Florida in preparation for the start of the regular season next week. Nootbaar will officially open the season on the injured list, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The 28-year-old had offseason surgery on deformities in both of his heels, and there's no timetable for when he'll be ready to make his 2026 season debut. His injury has opened the door for Nathan Church to win a spot on the Opening Day roster in St. Louis' outfield. Nootbaar, an eighth-round pick in 2018 out of USC, has teased fantasy managers with his potential, but he just has never been able to put together a full season and continues to suffer setback after injury setback. In a career-high 135 games in 2025, he disappointed with a .234/.325/.361 slash line, a career-low .686 OPS, 13 homers, 48 RBI, 68 runs, and four steals. Fantasy managers in 12-team leagues should take their chances on someone else as a bench stash.

AJ Barner Firmly Positioned Atop Depth Chart

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner took a major step forward in 2025, and he remains atop the depth chart heading into 2026. During his second pro season, Barner caught 52 passes for 519 yards and six touchdowns. Not only did he post new career-highs in all three categories, but he also held off any sort of rookie breakout effort from fellow tight end Elijah Arroyo. Coming into the season, it seemed like Arroyo was destined to ascend into the No. 1 role eventually, but that never came to fruition. From a fantasy perspective, Barner emerged as the overall TE14 in PPR leagues. Still just 23 years old, he's trending up in dynasty leagues and could push for a top-12 finish in 2026. The opportunity to buy low on him is running out, but you might still be able to acquire him at a discount if his current manager expects Arroyo to steal some of his volume going forward.

Didier Fuentes Makes Braves' Opening Day Bullpen

Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes has made the team's Opening Day roster at 20 years old and will be part of their bullpen, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Fuentes earned the spot by throwing nine shutout innings with no hits allowed, no walks, and 17 strikeouts in three outings in the Grapefruit League. The Colombian hurler will open in Atlanta's bullpen, but don't be surprised if he eventually makes starts for the Braves in 2026, given all the injuries to the likes of Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow), Hurston Waldrep (elbow), AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow), and Joey Wentz (knee). Per MLB Pipeline, Fuentes is the team's No. 3 prospect. He struggled in his big-league debut in 2025, allowing 20 earned runs on 23 hits (six homers) while walking six and striking out 12 in 13 innings over four starts. Fuentes has a high-90s fastball with deception, giving him plenty of swing-and-miss potential. His secondary pitches are a work in progress. Fuentes is an arm to keep an eye on in mixed leagues going into the 2026 season.

Dylan Beavers Dealing With Quad Tightness, Hopes to be Ready for Opening Day

Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Dylan Beavers (quadriceps) has had some tightness in his right quadriceps muscle, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. The issue has caused soreness in his knee. Beavers is feeling better on Saturday and hopes to be ready for Opening Day next week. It's the first time he has experienced this, so he's not 100% sure he'll be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. As a precaution, the Orioles scratched the 24-year-old from the Grapefruit League lineup on Friday. If anything, the O's will exercise caution with their young outfielder, so don't be surprised if he starts on the injured list or in the minors. The former 33rd overall pick in 2022 out of Cal Berkeley made his major-league debut in 2025 and went 25-for-110 (.227) with four home runs, 14 RBI, and 16 runs scored in 137 plate appearances. Beavers has clear 20-20 potential at the next level as a regular, but the Orioles have a crowded outfield picture, and Beavers will most likely be in some sort of platoon initially.

Cedric Tillman's Dynasty Managers Losing Patience?

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman has been an appealing long-term dynasty option ever since being drafted in 2023, but given that he still hasn't broken out, managers are starting to lose patience. Tillman had plenty of opportunities to produce when healthy last year, filling the undisputed No. 2 role behind Jerry Jeudy. The quarterback play admittedly wasn't great, but Tillman's overall volume and production were still disappointing, all things considered. He ultimately played in 13 games last year, catching 21 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns. Across three years in the league, he has ranked as the WR118, WR90, and WR98. Tillman is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and could be worth dropping in dynasty leagues, especially as managers are forced to make tough roster crunch decisions with rookie drafts approaching.

Sean Manaea Doesn't Make Opening Day Starting Rotation

New York Mets veteran left-hander Sean Manaea has not been included on the team's Opening Day starting rotation, according to Anthony DiComo. The Mets will roll with Freddy Peralta, David Peterson, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Kodai Senga as their starting five to kick things off in 2026. Manaea will piggyback off one of the starters the first time through the rotation. The 34-year-old southpaw has displayed diminished velocity this spring, although Manaea has downplayed it. In his three Grapefruit League starts, Manaea has allowed four earned runs on seven hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out nine in 9 2/3 innings of work. He had a late-career resurgence in 2024 in his first year in New York with a 3.47 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 184:63 K:BB in 32 starts, but injuries and inconsistency returned last year, when he went 2-4 with a career-worst 5.64 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 75:12 K:BB in only 60 2/3 frames. Without a rotation spot to begin the year, Manaea becomes more of a high-risk, low-reward late-round flier for rotation depth in fantasy drafts.

Josh Jacobs Remains a Strong RB1 Option

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs continues to produce impressive results while handling a large workload. He has been the overall RB6 and RB13 in fantasy football through two seasons in Green Bay, and he shows no signs of slowing down in 2026. Last year, Jacobs totaled 929 rushing yards, 282 receiving yards, and 14 total touchdowns across 15 games. Injuries were the biggest concern for the veteran, as a lingering knee injury forced him to miss two games and also limited his efficiency near the end of the year. When healthy, though, he looked like a mid-range RB1, consistently posting higher efficiency numbers and getting multiple goal-line opportunities each game. Moving forward, Jacobs remains in a favorable role to produce. The Packers allowed Emanuel Wilson to walk in free agency, leaving minimal competition in this backfield. Green Bay could still add a ball-carrier via a trade or the draft, but for now, Jacobs has the backfield all to himself.

Marcelo Mayer Officially Named Starting Second Baseman

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora officially announced on Saturday that infielder Marcelo Mayer will break camp as the team's starting second baseman, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. This was the expectation all along after Boston recently named Caleb Durbin as the starting third baseman. Mayer, 23, beat out Nick Sogard for starting duties at the keystone to open the 2026 season. The former fourth overall pick in 2021 is currently hitting .214 (6-for-28) with a homer, two RBI, four runs scored, eight walks, and eight strikeouts in 11 Grapefruit League games this spring. Mayer made his MLB debut in 2025 and appeared in 44 games, slashing .228/.272/.402 with a .674 OPS, four home runs, 10 RBI, and 20 runs scored in 136 plate appearances. The left-handed hitter gets a boost as a late-round upside stash in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues with the news for his middling power and speed at a middle-infield position. As Mayer begins his first full major-league season, his ideal fantasy value comes as a developing dynasty/keeper middle-infield asset.

Pirates Talking Extension With Konnor Griffin

The Pittsburgh Pirates have discussed a possible long-term contract extension with shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin, a source told Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com. Griffin is MLB Pipeline's consensus top prospect in baseball, and even though he hasn't had his 20th birthday yet, he could be the team's Opening Day starting shortstop next week. Talk has been around a deal for as long as nine years and more than $100 million, according to Mayo's source. If Griffin starts on Opening Day, he'd be the first teenager to make his MLB debut on Opening Day since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989. Griffin is hitting just .206 (7-for-34) in 13 Grapefruit League games, but he has an .859 OPS with four homers and nine RBI, and he has impressed his teammates with his raw power and maturity. He made it look easy at three minor-league levels in 2025, slashing .333/.415/.527 with 21 homers and 65 steals. It was just the fifth 20-60 season in minor-league history. Griffin might just be one of those generational talents that don't come around too often. Even if he doesn't start the year in the majors, Griffin is going to produce for fantasy managers in all formats in 2026.

Andrew Kittredge Expects a Short Stint on the Injured List

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (shoulder inflammation) said that he'll open the season on a rehab assignment in Triple-A Norfolk, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. He'll land on the 15-day injured list, but he expects a minimum stay and should be activated as soon as he's eligible. Kittredge noted that he'll be in Baltimore for Opening Day before reporting to Norfolk. An injury-related absence of any sort is not ideal, but fans and fantasy managers should be encouraged that Kittredge's ailment isn't too serious. He'll be back in action very soon, looking to build on a 2025 campaign in which he posted a 3.06 FIP with 10.9 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9. He projects as a high-leverage setup option in Baltimore this year, pitching late in the game before the O's turn to Ryan Helsley.

Gavin Lux Experiencing Shoulder Discomfort, Won't Play Saturday

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Gavin Lux (shoulder) is absent from Saturday's Grapefruit League contest against the Minnesota Twins. Manager Kevin Cash said that Lux's right shoulder is "cranky," but the team is monitoring his status and expects him to return to the lineup on Sunday. The 28-year-old has put together a disappointing spring, slashing just .222/.222/.278 with a 38.9% walk rate and 18 wRC+ across six games. Lux projects as the Rays' starting second baseman on Opening Day, mostly because he posted a respectable 102 wRC+ in the majors with the Reds last year. At this point, it doesn't sound like the shoulder discomfort will sideline Lux beyond the weekend, so we should expect to see him in the lineup when the Rays kick off the regular season against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.

Seiya Suzuki Resumes Light Baseball Activities

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (knee) has resumed light throwing and hitting, according to the team's injury and transaction tracker on MLB.com. Suzuki is working his way back from a PCL sprain that he suffered during the World Baseball Classic. The Cubs have directed Suzuki to begin these light baseball activities to determine whether he should be placed on the injured list. At this point, it seems probable that he'll miss Opening Day, even if he ends up avoiding an IL stint. That's tough news for the Cubs, who were expecting to pencil him into the No. 4 spot in their lineup as the everyday right fielder. Once he returns to action, the 31-year-old will look to build on a 2025 campaign in which he delivered a career-high 32 home runs and 103 RBI. Despite the injury blip, Suzuki still ranks as the #27 outfielder in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.

Justin Crawford Makes the Phillies' Opening Day Roster

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford has been informed that he made the Opening Day roster, according to Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com. Crawford is regarded as one of the premier prospects in the Phillies' farm system, and his promotion to the majors comes after he spent the entire 2025 season in Triple-A. In the minors last year, he slashed a whopping .334/.411/.452 with seven home runs, 46 stolen bases, an 11.5% walk rate, an 18.0% strikeout rate, and 135 wRC+. His stats came back down to earth against MLB-caliber pitching this spring, but he still posted a respectable .277/.320/.383 slash line in spring training. Crawford represents the long-term future of the Phillies' outfield, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him start in center field on Opening Day.

Francisco Alvarez Back in the Lineup on Saturday

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (back) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League contest against the Washington Nationals, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Alvarez exited early on Thursday, and he was kept out of the lineup entirely on Friday. While Mets fans and fantasy managers initially held their breath given Alvarez's injury history, it turns out that the catcher was just dealing with back tightness, and the team wasn't too worried about his status going forward. Indeed, he's already back in action after missing less than two days. Alvarez will look to pick up where he left off last year, when he slashed .256/.339/.447 with 11 home runs and 124 wRC+. He projects as the Mets' everyday catcher, batting ninth.

Red Sox Option Kristian Campbell to Triple-A

Boston Red Sox second baseman Kristian Campbell has been optioned to Triple-A Worcester, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Campbell will require some additional development in the minors before the Boston front office is comfortable recalling him to the majors. The young infielder made his MLB debut last spring after making the Opening Day roster. He got off to a hot start but then quickly settled down, posting a .223/.319/.345 slash line with a 27.4% strikeout rate and 86 wRC+ across 67 games. He spent the rest of the 2025 season in Triple-A, not only working on his swing at the plate, but also improving his defensive versatility by getting reps at first base and in left field. Campbell produced a quiet spring this year (.645 OPS and 67 wRC+), so he didn't do enough to earn an Opening Day roster spot. Instead, he'll head back to Worcester while fellow infielder Marcelo Mayer slots in as the Red Sox' primary second baseman.

Seahawks Pick Up Devon Witherspoon's Fifth-Year Option

The Seattle Seahawks announced on Friday that they exercised cornerback Devon Witherspoon's fifth-year option, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. The Seahawks have tried to work out an extension this offseason with the former first-rounder from 2023. OverTheCap.com projects Witherspoon's fifth-year option for 2027 to come in at around $21.2 million since he's made the Pro Bowl three times. He has a strong case to be the position's highest-paid player if he reaches an extension with Seattle. The 25-year-old has been a Pro Bowler in each of his three seasons after Seattle took him fifth overall in 2023 out of Illinois. Witherspoon has a total of 249 tackles (170 solo), 4.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, nine QB hits, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), seven pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in his 43 games (42 starts) for the Seahawks. He was a big reason Seattle's defense was one of the best in the league in their run to a Super Bowl championship last season.

Aaron Nesmith Could Miss Saturday's Game

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against San Antonio as he continues to deal with right ankle injury management. Indiana could again be thin across the rotation with multiple players carrying questionable tags, which may lead to more minutes for Kobe Brown and Jalen Slawson (G League) if available. Brown finished with eight points, two three-pointers, and one steal in 20 minutes in the last game and could be a deep-league option. Slawson posted 17 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in 37 minutes and would carry streaming appeal if cleared.

Andrew Nembhard Could Miss Fourth Straight Game

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (calf) is questionable for Saturday's game against San Antonio and could miss a fourth straight contest. Indiana's backcourt is dealing with multiple injuries, with T.J. McConnell (hamstring), Ben Sheppard (ankle), and Quenton Jackson (calf) also questionable, which could force rotation adjustments. Kam Jones could see increased usage after posting 14 points, four three-pointers, nine assists, and two steals in 27 minutes in his last start. He could be a deep-league streaming option if more minutes open up. Jarace Walker and Pascal Siakam (knee) may also take on more scoring depending on availability.

Brice Sensabaugh Remains Out Saturday

Utah Jazz guard/forward Brice Sensabaugh (illness) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Philadelphia, marking his second straight absence. Utah remains shorthanded, which should keep Ace Bailey and Cody Williams in prominent offensive roles. Bailey is coming off a 33-point outing with seven three-pointers, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 34 minutes and looks like a strong fantasy play while the Jazz are depleted. Williams added 23 points and five assists in 27 minutes and remains a viable deep-league option. Kyle Filipowski could also see steady usage in the frontcourt.

Grayson Allen Could Miss Third Straight Game

Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against Milwaukee and could miss a third straight contest. His absence would likely keep extra minutes available for Collin Gillespie, who finished with 24 points, six three-pointers, six assists, and two steals in 34 minutes in the last game. Gillespie could be a solid short-term streaming option for points and three-pointers if he remains in the starting lineup. Ryan Dunn could also see steady bench minutes after posting five points and eight rebounds in 20 minutes. Devin Booker should continue handling primary scoring duties.

Royce O'Neale Unlikely to Play Saturday

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale (knee) is doubtful for Saturday's game against Milwaukee and is in danger of missing his second straight contest. That could keep Jordan Goodwin in the starting unit after he finished with five points, eight rebounds, and three steals in 35 minutes in the last game. Goodwin could be worth a look in deeper leagues for rebounds and defensive stats if he sees similar minutes again. Devin Booker and Jalen Green should continue leading the offense.

Kristaps Porzingis Exits Early, Likely Out Saturday

Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (back) is expected to miss Saturday's game against Atlanta after exiting Friday's loss to Detroit early, finishing with five points, three rebounds, and two blocks in 11 minutes. His absence could open short-term streaming value in deeper formats. Omer Yurtseven posted eight points, six rebounds, and two assists in 21 minutes Friday and could see another workload bump. Quinten Post (foot), if cleared, is another deep-league option. Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos may also see added usage.

Landry Shamet Leaves Friday's Game with Knee Issue

New York Knicks guard/forward Landry Shamet (knee) left Friday's 93-92 win over Brooklyn in the third quarter and is questionable for Sunday's game against Washington after logging three points, three rebounds, two steals, one assist, and one block in 22 minutes. His absence could open rotation minutes with fantasy playoffs underway. Jordan Clarkson had nine points in 22 minutes and could be a deep-league option for scoring, while Mohamed Diawara put up eight points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 20 minutes and is more of a streamer in deeper formats.

Jake Allen has Excellent Performance in Defeat

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jake Allen stopped 26 of 27 shots on goal in Friday's 2-1 regulation loss against the Capitals. The only goal that Allen surrendered came midway through the opening frame, when Capitals forward Ryan Leonard scored his 15th goal of the season to give the team an early lead. The Capitals added an empty-net goal with just under two minutes remaining before the Devils responded with a goal of their own with the extra skater on the ice. Allen has been a serviceable goaltender for streaming purposes across standard leagues for a second consecutive season, with a 2.65 goals against average and .906 save percentage through 30 contests.

Logan Thompson Nearly Perfect In Victory

Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson made 30 saves and allowed just one goal in Friday's 2-1 victory against the Devils. Thompson was less than a minute away from earning his third shutout of the season, but Devils forward Jesper Bratt found the back of the net with 41.1 seconds remaining in the third period following the empty-net goal by the Capitals moments earlier. Thompson is an elite option across all fantasy formats with a 2.39 goals against average, a .914 save percentage, and a record of 23-19-5 through 47 appearances.

Pascal Siakam Uncertain for Saturday Against Spurs

Indiana Pacers forward/center Pascal Siakam (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against San Antonio as he looks to return after a six-game absence. His return could lead to fewer available minutes in the frontcourt. Jarace Walker started the last game and posted 10 points, two three-pointers, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 33 minutes. Walker has been playing well and has provided a boost for fantasy managers with the playoffs underway. Siakam's return would likely cut into his workload. Siakam should be back in starting lineups if active.

Stephon Castle Questionable for Saturday Versus Pacers

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (hip) is questionable for Saturday's game against Indiana after missing Thursday's win over Phoenix, a situation that could again open extra minutes on the wing if he remains sidelined. Devin Vassell returned to the starting lineup and finished with 12 points and two three-pointers in 33 minutes, putting him back on the streaming radar for points and threes, though his role can still fluctuate. Dylan Harper chipped in five points, six rebounds, and five assists in 27 minutes off the bench and remains a deeper-league option for assists. Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox should continue carrying most of the offensive workload. Castle remains worth holding if he's able to return.

Donovan Mitchell Questionable as Cavaliers Visit New Orleans

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (eye) is questionable for Saturday's game against New Orleans after missing Thursday's win over Chicago, which could again push more offensive work toward the supporting cast if he remains out. Jaylon Tyson (toe), who is also questionable, drew the start last game and delivered 18 points, two three-pointers, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in 23 minutes, putting him on the radar as a streaming option if he plays. Evan Mobley and James Harden should continue seeing increased usage if Mitchell sits. Mitchell remains a must-start if cleared.

Kevin Porter Jr. Listed as Questionable Against Phoenix

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against Phoenix after missing two of the last three contests with right knee synovitis, which could again open up more work in the backcourt. Ryan Rollins got the start last game and finished with 15 points, three three-pointers, three rebounds, and five assists in 23 minutes. He has put together a strong season and looks like a solid fantasy option down the stretch with the regular season nearing its end and fantasy playoffs underway. Cam Thomas added 14 points with four assists in 23 minutes and could remain a scoring option off the bench, while AJ Green may continue seeing situational minutes for three-point help.

Isaiah Collier to Miss Second Straight Game

Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (hamstring) will miss Saturday's game against the 76ers, marking his second straight absence and leaving Utah thin at point guard. Elijah Harkless should continue seeing significant run after posting 23 points and 10 assists in 35 minutes last game, making him one of the more appealing short-term fantasy adds. Bez Mbeng also saw plenty of minutes and filled the box score, but he looks more like a deep-league option. Newly signed Kennedy Chandler is worth monitoring if he enters the rotation.

Joel Embiid Out Saturday Against Utah

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (oblique) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Jazz and remains without a clear return timeline, putting his fantasy availability in question during the playoffs. Adem Bona should continue starting after posting eight points, 10 rebounds, and two steals in 20 minutes last game, while Andre Drummond added 13 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in 24 minutes off the bench. Both are worth a look as streaming options for rebounds and defensive stats. Quentin Grimes and VJ Edgecombe should continue handling larger offensive roles with Embiid sidelined.

Christian Wilkins "Fully Intends" to Play in 2026

Free-agent defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (foot), who continues to rehab a foot injury, "fully intends" to play in 2026, his agent, David Mulugheta, told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Twenty-six teams have reached out to Wilkins so far and are waiting for him to be ready to play. The 30-year-old interior defensive lineman played in only five games with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 before being released last year after he signed a five-year, $110 million deal in March of '04. Wilkins ended up filing a grievance against the Raiders, who claim that he refused to get surgery on his foot after they recommended it. It was a messy situation, but he's on the open market and likely to sign with a team sooner than later this offseason so that he can begin preparations to return in 2026 this fall. The former 13th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2019 out of Clemson has 22.5 career sacks in six seasons (86 games) and can provide a team in need of interior D-line help some valuable experience. Wilkins had a career-high nine sacks in 17 games with Miami in his final year with the team in 2023.

Jaguars Sign Receiver Jake Bobo to an Offer Sheet

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Seattle Seahawks restricted free-agent wide receiver Jake Bobo to an offer sheet on Friday, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The Seahawks now have five days to decide on whether to match the offer. If they don't match it, Bobo will head to the AFC South. The 27-year-old pass-catcher has 34 catches on 44 targets for 323 yards and three touchdowns in 45 games (three starts) in Seattle in his first three years in the NFL, including a 17-yard touchdown catch in the NFC Championship game win over the Los Angeles Rams. Bobo has also been a key member of the Seahawks' special teams unit and their best blocking receiver. He had a career-low two grabs for 20 yards in 11 regular-season games in 2025 and has yet to be an asset in fantasy football leagues. A move to Jacksonville would not help Bobo's chances of seeing more work on offense in 2026.

49ers Decline to Pick Up Trent Williams' $10 Million Option Bonus

The San Francisco 49ers did not pick up All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams' $10 million option bonus on Friday, which would have prorated over four years against the salary cap, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Instead, the money joins Williams' $22 million base salary for the 2026 season, and his new salary cap hit becomes $46.3 million. It's not tied to any guaranteed money, and his cap hit is expected to be reduced while the two sides continue to work on a new contract. The 37-year-old former fourth overall pick remains one of the league's best left tackles despite his age. Williams is a 12-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro. The 49ers certainly want to retain him to protect quarterback Brock Purdy's blind side, but they are also aware that he's no spring chicken anymore and is nearing the end of his career.

Seahawks Exercise Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Fifth-Year Option

The Seattle Seahawks exercised the fifth-year option for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Friday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. As Schefter mentions, this is a precursor to a much larger contract extension that the Seahawks and Smith-Njigba will be working on after the 24-year-old won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2025 in his second season in the league and helped the Seahawks win Super Bowl LX. The former 20th overall pick in 2023 out of Ohio State made his second straight Pro Bowl and led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards during the regular season while adding 119 receptions and 10 touchdowns. JSN displayed excellent chemistry with quarterback Sam Darnold in 2025 and was nearly impossible to stop by opposing defenses because of his quickness and yards-after-the-catch ability. After his outstanding season, Smith-Njigba will be one of the first receivers off the board in fantasy football drafts later this year.

DJ Chark Hangs Up his Cleats

Wide receiver DJ Chark announced on his social media on Friday that he is retiring from professional football, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Chark was originally drafted in the second round (61st overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2018 NFL draft out of LSU. The 29-year-old spent the first four years of his NFL career in Duvall, catching 147 of his 265 targets for 2,042 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 43 games (30 starts). His lone Pro Bowl season came in 2019 with Jacksonville, when he had a career year with 73 catches, 1,008 yards, and eight touchdowns in 15 games played. After his time with the Jags, Chark spent the final three years of his career with the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Chargers, combining for 69 catches for 1,058 yards and nine touchdowns on 128 targets over 33 total games. Chark signed with Atlanta at the start of training camp last year but was released in August. He finishes his seven-year NFL career with 216 catches, 3,100 yards, and 24 total touchdowns in 76 games (51 starts).

Naz Reid Ruled Out Friday Against Portland

Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking his second straight absence. Kyle Anderson could continue to see extra run after putting up eight points, three rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 22 minutes last game, giving him some deep-league appeal for assists from a forward spot. Rookie big Joan Beringer may also see a limited run after grabbing seven rebounds in nine minutes. Rudy Gobert should continue handling the bulk of the center workload. Reid remains roster-worthy if he can return soon.

GG Jackson II Out Friday Against Boston

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center GG Jackson II (knee) has been ruled out Friday against the Celtics after being downgraded from doubtful due to left knee soreness. His absence should keep Taylor Hendricks and Olivier-Maxence Prosper in larger roles. Hendricks delivered 13 points with six steals and three blocks in 24 minutes off the bench last game, giving him strong category streaming appeal, while Prosper added 19 points and three three-pointers in 23 minutes as a starter. Both are worth a look as fantasy options with Memphis thin in the frontcourt. Jaylen Wells could also take on a bit more offensive responsibility.

Austin Reaves Added to Injury Report Saturday

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves (hip) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Magic due to left hip soreness, his first injury concern since February. If he sits, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard could see increased minutes. LaRavia logged 18 minutes with five points, one three-pointer, six rebounds, one assist, and one block in the last game, making him a possible deep-league streamer. Luka Doncic would likely handle more playmaking duties, while LeBron James could also see a slight usage increase. Reaves remains a must-start if cleared.

Kawhi Leonard Questionable Against Dallas

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Mavericks after missing two of the last three contests due to a left ankle sprain. Jordan Miller could remain in the starting lineup if Leonard sits after posting 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 37 minutes Thursday, giving him deep-league streaming appeal. John Collins, who finished with 18 points and eight rebounds, and Derrick Jones Jr., who added 22 points, may also absorb extra usage. Leonard remains a must-start when active, though managers should monitor his status closely.

Trae Young Still Sidelined Saturday

Washington Wizards guard Trae Young (quadriceps) will miss Saturday's game against the Thunder, marking his third straight absence after suffering a quad contusion earlier this week. Bub Carrington should continue starting at point guard and remains a short-term fantasy add after posting 10 points, one three-pointer, six rebounds, and four assists in 35 minutes last game, though managers should expect some inefficiency and turnovers. Bilal Coulibaly and Will Riley (adductor), if available, could also take on larger offensive roles with Young sidelined.

Terance Mann is Unavailable on Friday

Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. He was a late addition to the injury report due to an illness. It appears to be significant enough to hold him out of Friday's game. Mann has only been playing minutes in the teens lately anyway. His absence won't mean too much for the Nets' overall rotation. Drake Powell, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf should absorb the extra minutes. At this point in the season, the Nets are giving their younger players more looks, so Mann won't be an ideal option.

Tyler Toffoli Won't Play Saturday

San Jose Sharks winger Tyler Toffoli (lower body) won't suit up on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers. He has been ruled out after suffering a lower-body injury in Thursday's loss to Buffalo. Toffoli is a big loss for the Sharks, as he's the team's third-highest scorer. Across 67 games, Toffoli has tallied 18 goals and 26 assists. Toffoli's absence will force Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky to reshuffle his top line and first power-play unit. Philipp Kurashev looks likely to re-enter the lineup after being a healthy scratch for the last two games. On a scoring line, Kurashev could have a fantasy impact, totaling 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 41 outings this term.

Andrew Wiggins Remains Out Saturday

Miami Heat guard/forward Andrew Wiggins (toe) will miss Saturday's game against the Rockets, extending his absence to eight straight contests as he remains without a clear return timeline. His continued absence should keep Pelle Larsson in the starting group after he logged 33 minutes with 11 points, two rebounds, and five assists in his last start, making him a fringe option in deeper leagues. Tyler Herro and Norman Powell should continue carrying the scoring load, while Bam Adebayo maintains his steady all-around role.

Marcus Sasser to Sit Out on Friday

Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Sasser will miss the second leg of this back-to-back set due to right hip soreness. He finished with two points and five assists across 14 minutes during Thursday's game. His absence should mean an uptick in playing time for Daniss Jenkins, Caris LeVert, and Duncan Robinson. Jenkins is expected to play heavy minutes going forward with Cade Cunningham (lung) sidelined indefinitely. He should be able to offer solid streaming value alongside LeVert and Robinson.

Cedric Coward a Late Scratch Friday

Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward (personal) is out Friday against the Celtics after being added late to the injury report. The rookie has been logging steady minutes in a starting role, so his absence opens up wing opportunities. Walter Clayton Jr. could see added run after posting four points, two rebounds, and four assists in 20 minutes off the bench last game. Rayan Rupert could also enter the streaming mix in deeper leagues if he gets the start, while Jaylen Wells may take on a bit more of the scoring load.

Joel Armia Ready to Return From Back Injury

Los Angeles Kings right wing Joel Armia (back) is expected to rejoin the lineup on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. The Finnish forward has missed 10 games due to a back injury. He is projected to link up with Alex Turcotte and Scott Laughton on the third line. With four short-handed goals, Armia is tied for second in the league this season. Overall, he has produced 10 goals and 20 points in 53 appearances. Armia and the Kings face a tough test on Saturday against a team that has lost just three times since February, recording back-to-back shutouts.

Quinten Post is Ruled Out for Friday's Game

Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (foot) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The Warriors have decided to hold out Post during the front end of this back-to-back set. Al Horford (calf) is also sidelined, so the Warriors will rely on Draymond Green and Kristaps Porzingis at the center spot. Possibly, Omer Yurtseven gets involved as well, but he's unlikely to play enough to warrant streaming. Post figures to return for Saturday's game, but fantasy managers will need to check back for another update.

Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek to Remain Out Saturday

Minnesota Wild forwards Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) and Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) won't be available on Saturday against the Dallas Stars. Kaprizov will skip a second consecutive game, while Eriksson Ek will be absent for a third straight contest. Both players are considered day-to-day, so they could be available on Tuesday when Minnesota faces the Tampa Bay Lightning. Marcus Johansson, Danila Yurov, and Matt Boldy are expected to make up the first line against Dallas. Skating with an elite scorer like Boldy elevates both Johansson's and Yurov's fantasy value.

Karl-Anthony Towns Set to Suit Up Against Brooklyn

New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (personal) will play Friday against the Nets after briefly carrying a questionable tag. Towns continues to play at a high level, averaging 24.0 points, 11.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.8 three-pointers across his last five games in 32.4 minutes. He remains a strong source of scoring and rebounding while providing out-of-position assists. Mitchell Robinson should continue handling a smaller supporting role off the bench. Towns remains locked into lineups as a clear must-start during the fantasy playoffs.

Ziaire Williams to Play on Friday

Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (foot) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Williams will shake off the questionable tag and suit up despite dealing with left foot soreness. The Nets are shorthanded right now, so Williams will likely be asked to play an expanded role. Over the last three games, Williams is averaging 7.0 points and 1.3 steals across 20.2 minutes per game. Williams isn't anything more than a low-end streaming option in deep leagues right now.

Ross Colton Still Out Friday

Colorado Avalanche forward Ross Colton (upper body) is not ready to rejoin the lineup on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks. He will be out of action for a fifth consecutive game due to an upper-body injury. Colorado's frontline will also remain without Gabriel Landeskog (lower body) and Artturi Lehkonen (upper body), though Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar expects the injured trio to return during the team's four-game road trip, which begins on Friday night. With several forwards on the shelf, Nicolas Roy will skate on the second line against Chicago, giving him more fantasy value.

Yan Kuznetsov Remains Sidelined Friday

Calgary Flames defenseman Yan Kuznetsov (upper body) will sit out a third consecutive game on Friday night against the Florida Panthers. The Russian rookie is dealing with an upper-body injury. Kuznetsov has made a big impact on defense, ranking fourth on his team with 89 blocks and dishing out 75 hits. Offensively, he has contributed four goals and eight assists in 52 outings. Hunter Brzustewicz will continue to fill in for Kuznetsov, but he has been anonymous since entering the lineup. Over the last two games, Brzustewicz has recorded zero points, one shot, one block, two penalty minutes, and a minus-one rating.

Shayne Gostisbehere Misses Seventh Straight Contest

Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body) will miss a seventh consecutive game on Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 32-year-old has been in excellent form this season, but unfortunately, Carolina has only been able to use Gostisbehere in 45 games due to various health issues. He has recorded 43 points (11 goals, 32 assists), 98 shots, and 50 blocks. Mike Reilly will continue to play until Gostisbehere returns. He has produced two assists in six games since joining the lineup. Alexander Nikishin will remain on the first power-play unit, aiming to take another step closer to 30 points.

Morgan Rielly Cleared to Play Friday

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (illness) will play on Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes. He was initially questionable for the game after being away from the team on Thursday due to illness. Rielly has a chance to post his fifth consecutive 40-point campaign in 2025-26. He has tallied 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) through 66 appearances, firing off 124 shots on goal and blocking 92 shots from opponents. However, Toronto's No. 1 defenseman has been in an offensive slump lately, going scoreless in eight of his last nine games.

Panthers Expect Ja'Tavion Sanders to be Ready for Offseason Program

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan suspects that tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) will be ready for the offseason program, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. Morgan said the third-year tight end is looking good in his rehab. Sanders suffered a broken right fibula in the Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and was placed on Injured Reserve shortly after that. The 22-year-old has made good progress in the offseason, though, so barring a setback, he should be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. Sanders had only 29 catches on 34 targets for 190 yards and one touchdown in his second year in the league for the Panthers. Going into next season, even if fully healthy, Sanders projects as a TE2, at best, in fantasy football. He'll face competition for targets at the TE position with Tommy Tremble, who caught 27 of his 37 targets for 249 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in 2025.

Does Quinshon Judkins Have RB1 Upside in Dynasty Formats?

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle) quickly established himself as a workhorse in his rookie campaign in 2025, racking up 998 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 256 touches across 14 games. Judkins' season came to a premature end after he suffered a gruesome dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16. However, the 22-year-old is already out of his walking boot and is expected to be full-go by training camp. Barring a draft-day addition, Judkins looks like the clear RB1 in Cleveland heading into 2026. The Browns' unsettled quarterback situation means the ecosystem around Judkins in Cleveland will be less than ideal. Still, Judkins profiles as one of the lone playmakers at new head coach Todd Monken's disposal. If he can stay healthy, Judkins could easily surpass the 18.3 touches per game he averaged as a rookie in 2025. Judkins profiles as a borderline dynasty RB1 heading into his second NFL season.

Is Jayden Reed a Buy-Low Candidate After Injury-Marred 2025 Campaign?

After suffering a fractured collarbone in Week 2, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed spent most of the 2025 season on the shelf. The 25-year-old ultimately appeared in just seven games, hauling in 19 receptions for 207 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets. Despite the down year, Reed could be well-positioned for a breakout campaign in 2026. The Packers lost wide receiver Romeo Doubs to the New England Patriots in free agency, and star tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) is making his way back from a torn ACL. While Green Bay wideouts Christian Watson and Matthew Golden will still challenge Reed for targets in 2026, Reed may finally have a clear path to averaging six targets per game for the first time in his NFL career. Reed also brings some potential for fantasy production as a rusher, as he's logged 310 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries across his first three NFL seasons. Coming off an injury-plagued year, Reed could be an interesting buy-low candidate for dynasty managers heading into 2026.

Chris Olave Rehabs his Dynasty Value With Resurgent 2025 Performance

After injuries limited him to just eight games played in 2024, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave rebounded in a big way in 2025. The 25-year-old set career highs across the board by hauling in 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns on 156 targets across 16 contests. Olave also got some much-needed help from the quarterback position in the form of 2025 second-rounder Tyler Shough, who emerged as the clear QB1 in New Orleans over the second half of the year. Olave's durability is a red flag in his dynasty profile, as he has an alarming history of concussions dating back to his college career at Ohio State. Still, he should be entering 2026 healthy and remains the clear number one pass-catcher in a Saints offense that currently has largely unproven wideouts Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton penciled in as its WR2 and WR3. Particularly in PPR formats, Olave profiles as a borderline dynasty WR1 heading into 2026.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in New York

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2024, recording 1,123 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 230 touches across 17 games. On paper, the 26-year-old backed up his rookie showing with a solid sophomore campaign in 2025, racking up 1,028 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 212 touches across 15 contests. However, Tracy Jr. lost his starting role early in the year to fellow Giants back Cam Skattebo (ankle), and only got it back when Skattebo suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 8. Skattebo is expected to be fully recovered in time for the start of 2026, which will likely push Tracy Jr. into a complementary role. Additionally, the Giants have been linked to University of Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at the number five overall pick in the 2026 draft, which would completely change the current backfield dynamic in New York. Even if the Giants don't add a high-end running back talent in the draft, Tracy Jr. may be facing an uphill battle to get back to 200 touches in 2026. Barring a trade or an injury setback for Skattebo, Tracy Jr.'s dynasty value is trending in the wrong direction.

Chimere Dike Could See a Diminished Role in 2026

Across 17 games as a rookie in 2025, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike recorded 48 receptions for 423 yards and four touchdowns on 74 targets. While Dike's numbers may not jump off the page, he finished first among Titans wideouts in catches, an impressive feat for a fourth-rounder in his first NFL season. However, Dike's role in the Tennessee offense may be in question heading into 2026. The Titans signed former New York Giants wideout Wan'Dale Robinson to a lucrative four-year pact in free agency, pushing Dike down the depth chart in the slot. Tennessee also agreed to a contract restructure to retain veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who played in just seven games due to injury in 2025. Finally, the Titans will be employing a new offensive coaching staff in 2026 that carries no past loyalty to Dike. Dike's encouraging rookie campaign gives him some dynasty upside, but the 24-year-old's long-term outlook is a bit murkier after Tennessee's offseason moves.

Sergei Bobrovsky Shuts Out Oilers with 21 Saves

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was one of the top performers in Thursday's Stanley Cup Finals rematch against the Edmonton Oilers, posting his fourth shutout of the season with 21 saves in a 4-0 win. He became the third goalie with at least 20 shutouts for Florida. This was Bobrovsky's third win in four starts, bringing his record to 25-20-1. While the Russian netminder has a chance to record his third consecutive 30-win campaign, his performance levels have dipped in 2025-26. Bobrovsky has a career-worst save percentage at .879 and holds a 3.00 goals-against average.

Trent Frederic Exits Early Against Panthers

Edmonton Oilers forward Trent Frederic (undisclosed) didn't play in the third period of Thursday's 4-0 loss to the Florida Panthers. He recorded one shot and two hits across 9:03 of action before his early exit. There was no update on him after the game. Frederic ranks second on his team with 170 hits and has tallied six points (four goals, two assists) in 67 appearances. Edmonton will return to action on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning and is likely to insert Roby Jarventie into the lineup if Frederic can't play. Jarventie had 36 points (17 goals, 19 assists) in 52 AHL appearances before being called up by the big club this week.

Mason Appleton Hurt Thursday Night

Detroit Red Wings forward Mason Appleton (undisclosed) left Thursday's 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens late in the second period. He needed to be helped off the ice after being involved in a collision in the corner. Appleton logged 14:30 of ice time and recorded two shots and four hits. The 30-year-old has registered 13 points (five goals, eight assists), 57 shots, and 76 hits in 59 outings for the season. Detroit will mainly miss Appleton's physical presence if he's unavailable Saturday against the Boston Bruins. The team has John Leonard available as an extra forward to replace Appleton in the lineup.

Tyler Toffoli Suffers Lower-Body Injury in Thursday's Loss

San Jose Sharks winger Tyler Toffoli sustained a lower-body injury in Thursday's 5-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, Max Miller of NHL.com reports. He took only five shifts in the game, logging 3:41 of ice time. Toffoli has been ever-present in the Sharks' lineup this season and must shake off his injury by Saturday to avoid missing his first game of the season. The veteran forward is on pace for a second consecutive 50-point season, amassing 18 goals and 26 assists in 67 games. Philipp Kurashev and Ryan Reaves are the options to step in for Toffoli if he has to miss time.

Victor Hedman Makes Early Exit Due to Illness

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (illness) was limited to 4:44 of ice time in Thursday's 6-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. The Lightning captain exited the contest after the first period due to illness. Darren Raddysh once again had to step up on the blue line and produced a goal and an assist. Hedman has made only 33 appearances this season, sitting out a significant portion of the campaign due to elbow surgery. He has recorded 17 points (one goal, 16 assists), 50 shots, and 44 blocks. If Hedman misses additional time, Steven Santini will step into the lineup on Saturday night against the Edmonton Oilers.

Juuse Saros Dealing with Upper-Body Injury

Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean reports. He missed Thursday's matchup with the Seattle Kraken but could be an option over the weekend when Nashville has a back-to-back set. Saros has posted a 24-19-7 record, a 3.14 goals-against average, and a .894 save percentage across 51 starts this season. Justus Annunen was in net on Thursday night and had a good outing with 25 saves in a 3-1 win. The team recalled Matt Murray from the minors to serve as the backup.

Spencer Knight Shuts Down the Wild on Thursday

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight made 28 saves in a tight 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. It was a tough matchup, but the American netminder played very well and made some key saves to hold on to the 2-1 lead. Knight now has a 2.63 goals against average and a .909 save percentage in 46 appearances this year.

Adam Fantilli Scores Two Goals in Victory

Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli scored two goals in a 6-3 victory over the rebuilding New York Rangers on Thursday. He has been playing great lately, with six goals and six assists in the month of March alone. Fantilli now has 21 goals and 30 assists this season and is closing in on his career high of 54 points, which he had last year.

Auston Matthews Ruled Out for 12 Weeks

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (knee) underwent successful MCL surgery and will require 12 weeks of recovery time, the team announced Thursday. Toronto's captain was previously already ruled out for the rest of the 2025-26 regular season. The latest update means that Matthews also won't be available for Team USA for the 2026 IIHF World Championship. For the second consecutive season, Matthews' campaign has been significantly impacted by injury. He played 67 games last season and appeared in 60 games this term, finishing with a career-low 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists). Matthews is expected to be fully healthy in time for training camp in the fall.

Yaroslav Askarov Still Out Thursday

San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (lower body) will remain sidelined on Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres. He continues to deal with a lower-body injury, missing a fifth consecutive game. The 23-year-old has posted a 19-17-3 record in 40 starts this season, allowing 3.57 goals with a .886 save percentage. Eight of his 19 wins came in November. Due to Askarov's absence, Alex Nedeljkovic is poised to make another start on Thursday night. After winning back-to-back games, Nedeljkovic had a tough night on Tuesday against Edmonton, losing 5-3. He faces another difficult matchup on Thursday against a Sabres team that has just posted a new franchise record with an 11-game road point streak, winning 10 times during that stretch.

Kirill Kaprizov Won't Play Against Blackhawks

Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Chicago Blackhawks. He is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Minnesota will head out without Kaprizov for the first time this season. The Russian superstar has totaled a team-high 80 points (38 goals, 42 assists) in 69 appearances. Kaprizov's absence will give Bobby Brink (upper body) a chance to skate on the first line. The former Flyer is back in the lineup after missing four games with an upper-body injury.

Alex Tuch Expected to Return Thursday

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (illness) is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. He sat out Tuesday's win over Vegas due to illness. Tuch is projected to be part of the first line with Zach Benson and Tage Thompson and will see action on the second power-play unit. Buffalo has received solid production from Tuch all season, as the 29-year-old sits just a few points away from registering his second consecutive 60-point season. He has amassed 28 goals and 29 assists in 65 games, failing to make the score sheet just once in his last eight outings.

Noah Laba Unavailable Against Blue Jackets

New York Rangers center Noah Laba (lower body) won't play on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports. He is forced to exit the lineup after sustaining a lower-body injury in Wednesday's loss to the New Jersey Devils. Laba has enjoyed a good debut campaign on a struggling team, collecting 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 65 games. The Rangers will use Jonny Brodzinski as Laba's replacement in the lineup on Thursday. The 32-year-old has posted 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 43 appearances and doesn't have significant fantasy value.

Andrew Copp Returns From Three-Game Absence

Detroit Red Wings forward Andrew Copp (lower body) is ready to rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports. Copp has missed three games due to a lower-body injury and was initially considered a game-time decision. The veteran forward will skate with Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton on the third line, though he could also receive some top-six usage due to Dylan Larkin's (leg) continued absence. Copp has had points in four of his last five appearances, boosting his total to 37 points (eight goals, 29 assists) in 65 games this season.

Josh Anderson Won't Play Thursday

Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (upper body) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Detroit Red Wings. The veteran forward is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Anderson has been Montreal's sixth-best goal-scorer this season, lighting the lamp 13 times in 61 games. He's also contributed nine assists while averaging 14:11 of ice time. Joseph Veleno is expected to replace Anderson as the partner of Phillip Danault and Brendan Gallagher in a top-six role. Anderson will have his first chance to return on Saturday against the New York Islanders.

Jack Hughes Posts Another Three-Point Performance in Victory

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes extended his point streak by scoring a goal and adding two assists in Wednesday's 6-3 road victory against the Rangers. Hughes followed up his three-point performance in the Devils' most recent game against the Bruins with another one on Wednesday, and he has now scored six goals and totaled 15 points through eight games in March. The 24-year-old is producing points at an elite rate on the offensive end at the perfect time for fantasy managers, as the fantasy hockey playoffs are underway in the majority of leagues.

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