Player News

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.

Jarred Kelenic Doesn't Make White Sox's Opening Day Roster

Chicago White Sox outfielder Jarred Kelenic was informed on Friday that he will not make the team's Opening Day roster, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. It's a new low point for the former top prospect after hitting .200 (7-for-35) with two home runs, five RBI, six runs scored, three walks, and 10 strikeouts in 38 plate appearances over 12 Cactus League games this spring. The 26-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder was taken sixth overall by the New York Mets in the 2018 draft. He spent his first three years with the Seattle Mariners before playing for the Atlanta Braves for the last two seasons. Kelenic sports a .211 average with 49 homers, 156 RBI, 161 runs, and 31 steals in 407 total games in his five seasons. Last year, he only played in 24 games for the Braves and hit .167 with two homers. It's getting late for Kelenic to rebound in dynasty/keeper leagues, and you can ignore him entirely in single-year formats.

Marcelo Mayer Expected to Open Season as Starting Second Baseman

MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo reports that "all signs continue to point to" infielder Marcelo Mayer starting the year as the team's "primary second baseman," but manager Alex Cora "won't cop to it." Mayer has played better recently in spring training, and the Red Sox have already announced Caled Durbin as their starting third baseman. Mayer's "inclusion seems like a formality" on the Opening Day roster, and he is the clear favorite for most of the at-bats at the keystone in 2026 as long as he's healthy. The 23-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2021 has hit 6-for-24 (.250) with a homer, two RBI, four runs, six walks, and seven strikeouts in nine Grapefruit League games. Staying healthy has been an issue for Mayer early in his career, and he struggled in his big-league debut in 2025, hitting .228/.272/.402 with four homers, 10 RBI, eight walks, and 41 strikeouts in 136 plate appearances over 44 games. Fantasy managers in deep-mixed leagues should think of him as an upside bench option as a late-round flier that can contribute decent volume with middling power and speed. Mayer carries more intrigue in dynasty/keeper leagues as a developing power/speed threat on the middle infield.

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.

Rowdy Tellez Signs Minors Deal With Braves

Free-agent first baseman/designated hitter Rowdy Tellez signed a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves on Friday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Tellez is a big lefty bat at first base and designated hitter that can provide some pop, but he'll operate as depth if he makes the Braves' major-league roster this year behind stud first baseman Matt Olson. The 31-year-old Tellez played in 112 games with the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers in 2025, slashing .228/.276/.443 with a .719 OPS, 17 home runs, 49 RBI, and 34 runs scored in 312 plate appearances. Tellez has 122 long balls and 368 RBI in eight major-league seasons with five different teams, but he has also hit a lowly .234 for his career. He saw action with Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, going 1-for-9 with two walks and two strikeouts in four games. There's no guarantee that Tellez will earn significant at-bats in Atlanta this year, so he can be ignored in mixed fantasy leagues for now.

Tanner Bibee to Take the Ball on Opening Day

The Cleveland Guardians named right-hander Tanner Bibee as their starter for Opening Day next Thursday, March 26, against the Seattle Mariners, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic. Bibee will be opposed by Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert. The 27-year-old will make his first career Opening Day start in 2026 after going 12-11 last year with a career-high 4.24 ERA (4.34 FIP), 1.23 WHIP, and 162:54 K:BB in 182 1/3 innings over his 31 starts in his third year in the majors. After two strong campaigns to begin his career, Bibee was a disappointment for his fantasy managers, posting his lowest strikeout rate and lowest K-BB percentage while also giving up the most home runs in his young career. Bibee's underlying metrics in 2025 were encouraging, though, and he did finish strong with a 1.30 ERA in the final month of the season. Fantasy managers should target him as a strong No. 3 or 4 starter with safe volume at the top of Cleveland's rotation. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 48 overall starting pitcher.

Logan Webb to Start on Opening Day for Giants

San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb will start on Opening Day next Wednesday night at home against the visiting New York Yankees, according to Jessica Kleinschmidt. He'll be opposed by Yankees left-hander Max Fried at Oracle Park. Webb is a pretty safe high-floor fantasy starter as a low-end No. 1 and a high-end No. 2 target in drafts this weekend. The 29-year-old has made the All-Star team in each of the last two seasons and led the league in games started (34), innings pitched (207), hits allowed (210), strikeouts (224), and batters faced (856) in 2025 while going 15-11 with a 3.22 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. Webb has been effective and reliable for his fantasy managers, throwing 200-plus innings for three straight seasons. The matchup on Opening Day won't be an easy one against Atlanta, but you'll be starting Webb if you draft him in the early rounds. Webb is ranked at RotoBaller as the No. 14 fantasy starting pitcher in 2026.

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.

Cristopher Sanchez to Start on Opening Day for Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez will start on Opening Day for the Phillies on Thursday, March 26, against the Texas Rangers and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, according to Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Sanchez will get the nod with right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) opening the season on the injured list. The 29-year-old Dominican left-hander earned the Opening Day nod by leading the league with an 8.0 WAR while going 13-5 with a 2.50 ERA (2.55 FIP), 1.06 WHIP, and 212:44 K:BB in 202 innings over 32 starts in his fifth year in the big leagues. Sanchez was a first-time All-Star in 2024, too, as he began to establish himself as a high-end fantasy starting pitcher on one of the better teams in baseball. He was one of just three starters in 2025 to work at least 200 innings. Sanchez has taken the leap and is now a top-five fantasy starting pitcher going into the 2026 campaign. Fantasy managers will start him with confidence in his first outing of the year against Texas.

Braves Name Chris Sale as Their Opening Day Starter

The Atlanta Braves officially named left-hander Chris Sale as their Opening Day starter for next week against the Kansas City Royals, according to Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It will be Sale's second straight Opening Day start with Atlanta and the seventh of his career. The 36-year-old veteran southpaw has plenty of experience leading a starting staff and will do so again to open the 16th year of his MLB career. The nine-time All-Star and former National League Cy Young winner is a high-risk, high-reward No. 1 fantasy baseball starter with a career 30.7% strikeout rate and 5.8% walk rate. Sale is no stranger to injuries, which makes him a high-risk starter, but he's been lights-out the last two years in Atlanta, going 25-8 with a 2.46 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 390 strikeouts and 71 walks in 303 1/3 innings over 50 outings (49 starts). If you draft Sale early in upcoming fantasy drafts this weekend, you'll want to make sure you have plenty of starting pitching depth.

Tyler Soderstrom Back in Cactus League Lineup

Athletics first baseman/outfielder Tyler Soderstrom (knee) is starting in left field and will bat cleanup for the A's in Friday's Cactus League game against the Chicago Cubs. Soderstrom was hit by a pitch on the knee on Thursday in a spring training game, but he'll be right back in the lineup on Friday and should be just fine for Opening Day next week. The 24-year-old left-handed slugger is one of the A's interesting young hitters in a hitter-friendly ballpark in Sacramento. The former 26th overall pick in 2020 broke out in 2025 with a .276/.346/.474 slash line, .820 OPS, 25 home runs, 93 RBI, 75 runs scored, and even eight stolen bases in 624 plate appearances and 158 games played in his third season in the major leagues. Adding to his fantasy intrigue is the fact that he'll have first base and outfield eligibility in 2026. Soderstrom is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 23 fantasy outfielder and as the No. 11 fantasy first baseman. His power from the left side plays in all formats as a regular middle-of-the-order hitter for the A's.

Lawrence Butler Returns to the Outfield on Friday

Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (knees) is making the start in right field and will bat leadoff in Friday night's Cactus League game against the Chicago Cubs. Butler made his spring training debut on Tuesday as the designated hitter but will now return to the outfield after having surgery on his left knee in the offseason. The 25-year-old has also battled tendinitis in his right knee. Butler broke out in 2024 with 22 homers and 18 RBI in 125 games in his first full season in the major leagues before slashing .234/.306/.404 with a .710 OPS, 21 home runs, 63 RBI, 22 stolen bases, and 83 runs scored in 152 games played in 2025. He obviously has the potential to put up another 20-20 season in the bandbox in Sacramento, but ultimately, his 2026 value will depend on how his knees hold up over the course of the season. RotoBaller has Butler ranked as the No. 41 fantasy outfielder because of his power/speed upside, but plenty of swing and miss and injury concerns make him more volatile than others around the same price.

Angels Reassign George Klassen to Minor-League Camp

The Los Angeles Angels announced on Friday that they optioned right-handed pitching prospect George Klassen to minor-league camp. Klassen, the team's No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, allowed five earned runs on nine hits (three homers) while walking five and striking out 10 in 11 2/3 innings over his four Cactus League appearances. At Double-A Rocket City and Triple-A Salt Lake in 2025, Klassen had a 5.22 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with 134 strikeouts and 47 walks in 108 2/3 innings over 25 starts. The 24-year-old right-hander has some intriguing stuff with a dominant fastball and a couple of nasty breaking pitches, but the Angels want to see him have some more success on the farm before they bring him up to the big-league starting rotation. It was encouraging to see Klassen cut his walk rate last year as well. He's a power pitcher with a heater that reaches triple digits. Klassen should make his major-league debut in 2026, but for now, he's a high-upside pitching stash in AL-only and keeper leagues.

Alek Manoah Dealing With Fingernail Issue

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Alek Manoah (finger) is dealing with a fingernail issue in camp, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. It's unclear if Manoah will be ready for Opening Day next week, but the 28-year-old hasn't really done enough to win a starting rotation spot with the big-league club after allowing 16 earned runs on 23 hits (five homers) while walking 14 and striking out 13 in 15 1/3 innings pitched over his five Cactus League starts in spring training. Whether Manoah makes the Angels' Opening Day starting rotation will probably depend on the health of Grayson Rodriguez's right arm. Manoah, a former first-rounder by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019 out of West Virginia, was an All-Star in 2022 and was third in the American League Cy Young voting before completely falling apart in 2023. He also dealt with arm issues and only made five major-league starts with Toronto in 2024 before not pitching at all in the big leagues last year. Manoah is a major dice roll in deeper leagues who needs to show more consistency and that he belongs back in the big leagues before managers in mixed leagues take him seriously again.

Kyle Stowers Leaves Friday's Game With Hamstring Tightness

Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers (hamstring) was pulled from Friday's Grapefruit League game early with right-hamstring tightness, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. Stowers missed one to two weeks earlier this spring with a strained hamstring, so it looks like he's suffered a setback with less than a week until Opening Day. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger injured his hamstring in late February and finally made his return to the outfield in spring training last weekend. It's unclear exactly how serious his injury is, but at this point, it would be a surprise if he doesn't start the 2026 season on the injured list. It puts a damper on Stowers' 2026 fantasy value after he broke out in 2025 to the tune of a .288/.368/.544 slash line with a .912 OPS, 25 home runs, 73 RBI, 61 runs, and five stolen bases in 117 games. He was Miami's lone All-Star representative and has a bright future ahead of him with intriguing batted-ball metrics. Stowers deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats, but injury concerns aren't going away.

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).

George Valera Expected to Start Season on the Injured List

Cleveland Guardians outfielder George Valera (calf) is "highly likely" to start the 2026 regular season on the injured list, per MLB.com's Zack Meisel. Valera suffered a strained left calf earlier this month and will not be ready for Opening Day next week. The 25-year-old was competing for a spot on the team's Opening Day roster in spring training and went 7-for-24 (.292) with a homer, four RBI, four runs scored, two walks, and seven strikeouts in his 10 Cactus League games this spring. Valera earned his first call to the big leagues in 2025 and went 9-for-41 (.220) with two home runs, five RBI, seven runs scored, seven walks, and 13 strikeouts in just 16 games played in the final month of the regular season. When healthy, Valera could be back at Triple-A Columbus early in the 2026 season. He has plenty of competition for playing time at the big-league level between outfield and designated hitter, making him merely a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues right now.

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.

Chase Brown Profiles as a High-End Dynasty Running Back Heading into 2026

After a slow start to the 2025 season, Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown heated up in the second half and posted another year of quality production. Across 17 games, the 25-year-old recorded 1,456 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns on 301 touches. Like the rest of the Bengals' offense, some of Brown's success is tied to the health of Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow. After Burrow's Week 13 return from the toe injury that cost him nine games, Brown hauled in 25 receptions on 26 targets, including three touchdown grabs. Heading into 2026, Brown appears poised to dominate backfield touches in Cincinnati again, and Burrow should be entering the year fully healthy. Brown's combination of age, role in an elite offense, and ability to rack up fantasy points as both a rusher and receiver makes him a high-end running back option in dynasty formats.

Will C.J. Stroud Ever Rediscover his Rookie-Season Magic?

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was taken second overall out of Ohio State in 2023 and immediately delivered for Houston, throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions in 15 games in his first year in the NFL to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Stroud has regressed the last two seasons, though, and he had only 3,041 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 regular-season starts in 2025. The good news was that the 24-year-old took only 23 sacks after being sacked 52 times in 2024. Everything fell apart in two games in the playoffs for Stroud, as he turned the ball over seven times in games against the Steelers and Patriots. The Texans are adamant that Stroud is their QB despite trade rumors this offseason, and he'll be in his second season with offensive coordinator Nick Caley. Stroud has enough weapons around him to recover from the last two disappointing seasons, but fantasy managers will want to keep him in the QB2 tier with upside when drafting this fall.

Bijan Robinson Finally Has the Falcons' Backfield All to Himself

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was already an undisputed high-end RB1, but his tremendous fantasy value is growing even larger following the team's offseason moves. The Falcons' new regime, led by head coach Kevin Stefanski and president of football Matt Ryan, allowed Tyler Allgeier to depart for Arizona in free agency, leaving Robinson as the only relevant name in Atlanta's backfield. That's an unfamiliar sight for Robinson, who had spent the first three years of his NFL career losing some touches to Allgeier. We can't rule out Atlanta bringing in another running back via free agency or the draft, but for now, Robinson has the backfield all to himself. That bodes well for the 24-year-old's chances to build upon an incredible 2025 in which he tallied 1,478 rushing yards, 820 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. If he can recoup even half of the eight touchdowns that Allgeier vultured from him, Robinson could be the favorite to finish 2026 as the overall RB1 in all fantasy formats.

Najee Harris Remains on the Open Market

Free agent running back Najee Harris (Achilles) remains unsigned as of March 20. The veteran running back spent most of his one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers on injured reserve, and it's possible that teams are being cautious with Harris' free agency due to the injury (or, at least, they don't feel any need to rush a signing). The former first-round pick had a spotless injury history through four years in Pittsburgh, but a fluke preseason fireworks incident involving his eye, followed by a Week 3 Achilles tear, really derailed his fantasy value in 2025. He finished the year with 61 rushing yards and 25 receiving yards across three games, snapping his four-year streak of 1,000-plus rushing yards. Given his age (27) and injury history, Harris is no longer in the mix for a starting running back job. Instead, he'll likely sign somewhere that offers him meaningful snaps in a No. 2 running back role. If he's available to pick up in dynasty leagues and you have a roster spot, it wouldn't hurt to take a chance on Harris. He could end up being a valuable handcuff in 2026, and there's even a slim chance that he could have standalone value as a low-end RB3/flex depending on his landing spot.

George Kittle's Injury Complicates Price Tag

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is working his way back from injury, and his medical status has started to impact his price tag in both dynasty and redraft leagues. Kittle isn't expected to miss too much time in 2026; he'll likely be sidelined for the first four weeks or so. Still, that short-term absence is already lowering his ADP in redraft leagues, and the overall recovery process is slightly reducing his price in dynasty leagues. Dynasty managers want to trade for Kittle knowing that they're getting a healthy top-tier TE1, and while Kittle fit that description before his injury, there's always a little risk and concern associated with a player coming back from an Achilles tear. Factors baked into a slightly reduced price tag include potential injury setbacks, Kittle being less than 100% when healthy, and the risk of re-injury. While Kittle is a borderline top-three tight end when healthy, his injury is already starting to influence his pricing this offseason. He's a typical "hold" in most dynasty leagues for now.

Jameson Williams Flashes WR1 Upside Ahead of 2026

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has finally started to deliver high-end results in fantasy football, and it's happening somewhat consistently. One of the biggest flaws with Williams early in his career (outside of a pair of suspensions) was that he had upside but couldn't be trusted on any given Sunday. In other words, he was a boom-or-bust receiver with no way to predict when he would break out. That started to change in 2024, as he flashed more reliability, and he truly took his consistency to the next level in 2025. In 10 games following the Lions' Week 8 bye, Williams scored 12+ fantasy points on eight occasions. He had just two games with fewer than four catches during that span, and he finished the season as the overall WR12 in PPR leagues. Ranking among the top 12 is impressive in itself, but it's even more fascinating when you consider that Williams had been a little streaky to start the year. If he can replicate the back half of his 2025 season over the entire 2026 season, we're looking at a potential top-five fantasy receiver. With that in mind, we wouldn't fault dynasty managers for sending out trade offers for Williams. His price is pretty high already, but there might still be an opportunity to get him for cheaper than what he'll be worth after the 2026 season. And for what it's worth, we're not concerned about his role alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown. The two have repeatedly shown that they can co-exist. They both played 17 games in 2025, and they still both managed to finish as top-12 fantasy receivers. There are more than enough targets to go around in Detroit to support big years from the Lions' two primary pass-catchers.

Parker Washington a Solidified Fantasy Option Despite Crowded Offense?

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington finds himself in a very crowded position group. However, he has likely done enough to defray any concerns about his volume going forward. Washington opened 2025 as the clear-cut No. 3 receiver behind Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr., and he continued to face heavy competition when Hunter tore his ACL and the Jaguars brought in Jakobi Meyers. Still, Washington ended up breaking out with a career-high 58 catches, 847 yards, and five touchdowns. Not only did he lead the Jaguars in receiving yards and touchdowns, but at WR27 overall, he was also the team's highest-scoring fantasy receiver. Given his consistency over the back half of the season in a crowded position group, we can confidently say that Washington's third-year breakout was not a fluke. He should remain one of Lawrence's favorite targets even with Hunter, Meyers, and Thomas all present next year. That may result in an occasional dud game from Washington, but for the most part, we expect him to be a reliable fantasy contributor in a Jacksonville offense with plenty of targets to go around. We would advise against selling high on Washington in dynasty leagues, because his fantasy relevance is just getting started. He remains a high-end WR3/flex option for 2026 fantasy football.

Nico Collins Has Yet to Reach His Full Potential

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has emerged as a low-end WR1 in fantasy football, but he still continues to fall a little short of his true ceiling. Collins has played five NFL seasons so far, and he has yet to play all 17 games in a single campaign. Injuries limited him to 15 contests in 2025, resulting in a final stat line of 71 catches, 1,117 yards, and six touchdowns. These numbers were good enough to rank as the overall WR8, giving him a top-12 receiver finish for the second time in three years. Collins has missed an average of 3.8 games per season, which is valuable playing time that could have otherwise been used to accumulate fantasy points. His fantasy output itself is impressive given the inconsistency we saw from quarterback C.J. Stroud in 2025, but managers would now like to see Collins stay healthy for a full season so that he doesn't force them to find a replacement option at random points throughout the season.

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.

Rome Odunze Steps Into a Larger Role for 2026

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze will be tasked with handling more volume in 2026 after the team traded away DJ Moore this offseason. Odunze got off to an incredibly hot start last year, ranking as the overall WR3 through the first four weeks. However, the Bears then had their bye week, and he averaged just three catches per game the rest of the way. Things got worse for the former first-round pick as he suffered a stress fracture in his foot prior to Week 14 and missed the final five regular-season contests. He was one of the few skill players who didn't make a major leap under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, finishing the year with a modest 44 catches, 661 yards, and six touchdowns. He was the WR41 overall, finishing outside the top 40 fantasy receivers for the second year in a row. While Odunze's 2025 season was forgettable, fantasy managers should feel optimistic about his future outlook. First of all, he's healthy; it's always a good sign for players to get a clean bill of health entering the offseason. Furthermore, he's expected to fetch even more volume as the Bears look to replace Moore and his 85 vacated targets. Some of that volume will go to rookie breakouts Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland, but a significant amount should head Odunze's way, too. The 23-year-old should be drafted as a top-36 fantasy receiver in 2026 redraft leagues. In dynasty formats, he has quickly become an intriguing buy-low candidate given his subpar results in 2025 and the likelihood that he'll bounce back in 2026.

Baker Mayfield Loses Top Receiver After Subpar Season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield already delivered subpar results during the 2025 season, and moving forward, he'll also be without one of his favorite targets. Mike Evans departed for the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, causing Mayfield to lose a perennial 1,000-yard threat with major touchdown upside. The veteran quarterback was the overall QB10 in 2023 and QB4 in 2024, but he fell to QB12 with 27 total touchdowns, 14 turnovers, and 36 sacks last year. We could still see Mayfield rank as a top-12 quarterback in 2026, especially with Zac Robinson replacing Josh Grizzard as the Bucs' offensive coordinator. However, it's going to be tougher for him to routinely carve up defenses without Evans at his disposal. Fortunately for Mayfield, the Bucs have other key pass-catching weapons. Chris Godwin Jr. remains a productive veteran, and Emeka Egbuka flashed glimpses of being a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2025. If Godwin can stay healthy for a full season and Egbuka can take a substantial second-year leap, Tampa Bay may be able to counteract the effect of Evans' departure, vaulting Mayfield back into the top-10 range. There's a wide range of possible outcomes for the former first-round pick, and depending on the asking price, he could be an appealing buy-low target in dynasty leagues this offseason.

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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