Player News
Draft Kit
RotoPat
Top 200 Ranks
SNF
Videos
Columns
- AFC East
- AFC North
- AFC South
- AFC West
- NFC East
- NFC North
- NFC South
- NFC West
- AFC East
  
  Buffalo Bills
  
  Miami Dolphins
  
  New England Patriots
  
  New York Jets
- AFC North
  
  Baltimore Ravens
  
  Cincinnati Bengals
  
  Cleveland Browns
  
  Pittsburgh Steelers
- AFC South
  
  Houston Texans
  
  Indianapolis Colts
  
  Jacksonville Jaguars
  
  Tennessee Titans
- AFC West
  
  Denver Broncos
  
  Kansas City Chiefs
  
  Las Vegas Raiders
  
  Los Angeles Chargers
- NFC East
  
  Dallas Cowboys
  
  New York Giants
  
  Philadelphia Eagles
  
  Washington Commanders
- NFC North
  
  Chicago Bears
  
  Detroit Lions
  
  Green Bay Packers
  
  Minnesota Vikings
- NFC South
  
  Atlanta Falcons
  
  Carolina Panthers
  
  New Orleans Saints
  
  Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- NFC West
  
  Arizona Cardinals
  
  Los Angeles Rams
  
  San Francisco 49ers
  
  Seattle Seahawks
- AFC East
- AFC North
- AFC South
- AFC West
- NFC East
- NFC North
- NFC South
- NFC West
- AFC East
  
  Buffalo Bills
  
  Miami Dolphins
  
  New England Patriots
  
  New York Jets
- AFC North
  
  Baltimore Ravens
  
  Cincinnati Bengals
  
  Cleveland Browns
  
  Pittsburgh Steelers
- AFC South
  
  Houston Texans
  
  Indianapolis Colts
  
  Jacksonville Jaguars
  
  Tennessee Titans
- AFC West
  
  Denver Broncos
  
  Kansas City Chiefs
  
  Las Vegas Raiders
  
  Los Angeles Chargers
- NFC East
  
  Dallas Cowboys
  
  New York Giants
  
  Philadelphia Eagles
  
  Washington Commanders
- NFC North
  
  Chicago Bears
  
  Detroit Lions
  
  Green Bay Packers
  
  Minnesota Vikings
- NFC South
  
  Atlanta Falcons
  
  Carolina Panthers
  
  New Orleans Saints
  
  Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- NFC West
  
  Arizona Cardinals
  
  Los Angeles Rams
  
  San Francisco 49ers
  
  Seattle Seahawks

Underhill: Travis Etienne is Saints’ X-factor

travis etienne.jpg

Travis Etienne

NO Running Back #3

Player Stats

New Orleans Football’s Nick Underhill believes RB Travis Etienne is “the X-factor” of the Saints’ 2026 season.

What does this mean for fantasy purposes? In short, it means he thinks the Saints are going to feature Etienne as an offensive focal point. Underhill believes the Saints are entering a “post-Alvin Kamara world,” although he acknowledges that Kamara may stick around for one more season. That said, Underhill thinks Etienne will operate as a “full-volume starter” and describes him as a “three-down player.” If Kamara does play for the Saints this season, Underhill does not think Kamara’s presence “changes the outcome significantly” for Etienne’s touch count. Toward the end of the segment, Underhill projects Etienne for 235 carries, 1,050 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 42 catches, 330 receiving yards and 3-4 receiving touchdowns. Splitting the difference on the receiving touchdowns brings the total to 231.5 PPR points, which would have made him the RB15 last season. Treating him as a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside makes sense.

Source: New Orleans Football

More Travis Etienne News

Preseason stories: LAC contenders? Mendoza's role

Dan Patrick and Co. discuss preseason takeaways from around the NFL.

Up Next

Preseason stories: LAC contenders? Mendoza’s role

Williams and the Bears are worth talking about

Kirk Cousins made his team role ‘pretty clear’

Simms: ‘Set in stone’ Cousins starts over Mendoza

Robinson’s injury should not change fantasy lineup

Who has a case to be best cornerback in the NFL?

Does Simpson have the ability of an elite NFL QB?

Colts wide receiver Pierce activated off PUP list

How will Tua fare in his first game vs. Dolphins?

Expect Washington Jr.'s ADP to rise

Related Player News

Alvin Kamara

NO Running Back #41

Personalize your Rotoworld feed by favoriting players

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Alvin Kamara (MCL) will miss at least one month.

Kamara, 31, exited the Saints’ Tuesday scrimmage with a knee injury. The one-month recovery timeline — at best — means Kamara will likely miss the team’s regular season opener, and perhaps their Week 2 game. Travis Etienne, meanwhile, should function as something close to a workhorse while Kamara is sidelined. Etienne’s PPR upside gets a boost if Kamara is sidelined for the first couple regular season contests.
Alvin Kamara

NO Running Back #41

Alvin Kamara exited Tuesday’s scrimmage against the Cowboys with a knee injury.

The Saints are obviously going to take every necessary precaution, but it’s still a situation to monitor. The 31-year-old tailback is likely to have a reduced role after the club brought in Travis Etienne in free agency, but because of his ability as a pass-catcher, still has a chance to be a productive fantasy player. There should be further updates on Kamara’s knee soon.
Alvin Kamara

NO Running Back #41

NOLA.com’s Jeff Duncan reports Alvin Kamara is getting “first call” on third downs and in passing situations so far in training camp.

Travis Etienne is getting “the bulk” of the first-team reps on early downs, and Duncan notes “he’ll be surprised if it’s a Kamara-Mark Ingram-like 50-50 split when all is said and done.” It feels like Kamara is settling in for a lower situational role, but perhaps not situational enough for the comfort of Etienne-reliant fantasy managers, as the Saints’ new signing carries an ADP in the late 30s or early 40s on most sites.
Alvin Kamara

NO Running Back #41

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Alvin Kamara’s base salary was reduced to $6 million for 2026.

Kamara can earn up to another $2.5 million via incentives. He was initially set to make up to $11.5 million before his deal was restructured on Wednesday. The Saints were pushing for him to take a pay cut this offseason, but it initially looked like Kamara wasn’t going to budge. Instead, he gives some money back and gets to stay in New Orleans, where he has been adamant about wanting to finish his career. Kamara will serve as Travis Etienne’s backup, likely seeing most of his work on passing downs. He could have some FLEX value in PPR leagues, but Etienne should see most of the carries and still some targets.
Alvin Kamara

NO Running Back #41

NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reports that Alvin Kamara and the Saints are finalizing a “new deal.”

It’s almost certainly a pay cut for Kamara, but the Saints could also be throwing him a bone with incentives or extra years on his deal. The Saints spent much of the offseason trying to get Kamara to agree to a new deal but had little leverage to make it happen. Kamara has talked about wanting to finish his career in New Orleans, so he may have decided to concede financially in order to stay put. He will likely pitch in on passing downs to take some work of Travis Etienne’s plate. Etienne, however, still figures to see the bulk of the carries and some designed targets.
Alvin Kamara

NO Running Back #41

New Orleans Football reporters unanimously listed Saints RB Alvin Kamara as the team’s RB2 in their first 53-player roster projection.

The participants include Nick Underhill, Mike Triplett, John Hendrix and Adam Guttuso. Kamara’s status with the team is still up in the air, and Underhill notes that all four reporters “have Kamara on the roster for now, but none of us really understands the endgame there.” The Saints have reportedly been lining up RB Ty Chandler in the backfield, out wide and in the slot, theoretically foreshadowing Kamara’s role, if he indeed remains a Saint. If Kamara leaves, RB Travis Etienne can be expected to handle a high-end workload. If Kamara remains, his touch count could keep Etienne stuck in the fantasy RB2 tier.
Alvin Kamara

NO Running Back #41

Saints coach Kellen Moore said he is excited to get Alvin Kamara “in the fold.”

Moore didn’t outright confirm that Kamara would be with the team this year. When asked whether Kamara would be on the team, Moore only said, “I think that’s how you always prepare.” Kamara and the Saints are in a bit of a standoff, with the Saints seemingly wanting him to take a pay cut while having no leverage to force the issue. The veteran runner made a surprise appearance at OTAs last week to make his presence known, though he was only with the team for a single day. Moore said he expects Kamara to be present at minicamp next week. For now, it looks like Kamara will be a Saint this year. He will likely play a change-of-pace role behind Travis Etienne.
Alvin Kamara

NO Running Back #41

New Orleans Football’s Nick Underhill believes Saints RB Alvin Kamara “no longer has to be the early-down identity, the passing-game answer and the emergency button,” if he stays on the team.

Underhill outlined his thoughts on the run game in a lengthy piece, exploring how run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti plans to build the run game around his players’ strengths. With RB Travis Etienne set to operate as the lead back, the team can use Kamara selectively in space, running routes, on screens and by exploiting matchups. It remains to be seen whether Kamara, 30, will remain in New Orleans, but it sounds like he could end up with a PPR-friendly FLEX role if he does.
Travis Etienne

NO Running Back #3

New Orleans Football’s Nick Underhill reports that Saints run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti plans to make the run game “fit the players.”

Underhill believes RB Travis Etienne’s skillset “is exactly what the Saints need if inside zone and outside zone are going to remain the base.” That said, the Saints are also excited about Etienne’s versatility. Paganetti praised his intelligence, pass protection, route running ability and added that Etienne is more than just a one-cut runner. If RB Alvin Kamara, 30, remains with the team, Underhill believes Etienne’s presence allows the team to use Kamara selectively, rather than relying on him all game long. Underhill adds that the Saints’ play-action passing game was very efficient in 13 personnel, albeit via a small sample size. The front office added multiple tight ends this offseason and the coaching staff wants the running game “to feed the passing game,” which could mean more runs out of three-tight end sets. Etienne is looking like an RB2 with RB1 upside in an ascending offense.
Alvin Kamara

NO Running Back #41

Alvin Kamara was present Wednesday for OTAs.

Kamara showed up for practice while his 2026 contract situation is very much in flux. Several reports over the past couple weeks have suggested Kamara, entering his age-31 season, won’t return to the Saints for the 2026 season after the team signed Travis Etienne during free agency. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in mid-May that he’s “trying to see” how Kamara might fit on the team’s roster. Kamara carries a $10.4 million cap hit coming into the 2026 season if the Saints keep him on the team in the coming weeks. Kamara, who had 471 rushing yards over 11 games last season, ranked 32nd out of 75 qualifying running backs in missed tackles forced per carry. He ranked 70th in yards after contact per carry.

Rotoworld

Corey Kiner

NE Running Back #37
Player Stats

Personalize your Rotoworld feed by favoriting players

Link copied to clipboard!
Patriots acquired RB Corey Kiner from the Cardinals in exchange for a seventh-round pick.

The trade was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The draft pick going to the Cardinals is a seventh-round pick in 2028. Kiner was buried on the depth in Arizona, but should immediately step in as the RB3 behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson with the Patriots. A former UDFA who appeared in four games with the Cardinals last year, Kiner is only worth a stash in deeper formats and has no standalone fantasy value.
- Nick Shlain

Source: Adam Schefter
Arizona Cardinals
More Corey Kiner News
J.J. McCarthy

MIN Quarterback #9
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

The Athletic’s Alec Lewis believes Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy won’t make the 53-man roster.

McCarthy left preseason Week 2 with an ankle injury and returned to practice before ultimately missing preseason Week 3 altogether. According to Lewis, that only added to the murkiness about McCarthy’s 2026 status. All signs point to Carson Wentz as the QB2 after he started Friday’s game against the Broncos. Lewis adds that “McCarthy’s comfort (or lack thereof) with being QB3 could dictate his future in Minnesota” and projects that the Vikings won’t carry him on the 53-man roster to begin the regular season. The 10th overall pick in the draft only two years ago, McCarthy’s path to being a reclamation project for another organization could arrive sooner than anyone thought. Stay tuned.
- Nick Shlain

Source: Alec Lewis

More J.J. McCarthy News
Mecole Hardman

FA Wide Receiver #1
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!
Bills released WR Mecole Hardman.

Hardman’s release was first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. A seven-year NFL veteran, Hardman spent most of his career with the Chiefs, where he helped Kansas City win three Super Bowls. Last year he appeared in only two games with the Bills and dropped passes were an issue in training camp and preseason this year. Hardman will head to the open market where he could be a fit for another team looking for wide receiver depth.
- Nick Shlain

Source: Jeremy Fowler
Buffalo Bills
More Mecole Hardman News
Emeka Egbuka

TB Wide Receiver #2
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles told reporters “hopefully” WR Emeka Egbuka (toe) is ready for Week 1.

Egbuka continues to deal with a minor toe injury. Bowles said in recent weeks that he was optimistic about Egbuka’s status, but also wasn’t sure if he’d be available for Week 1. Now he’s hopeful that the 23-year-old wide receiver will be available. The Buccaneers don’t seem too concerned about the injury at this point, making Egbuka a solid WR2 in fantasy drafts.
- Nick Shlain

Source: Greg Auman

More Emeka Egbuka News
C.J. Okoye

NYG Defensive Lineman #97
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!
Giants acquired DL C.J. Okoye from the Ravens in exchange for a seventh-round pick.

The news was first reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. The draft pick going to the Ravens is a 2028 seventh-round pick. Okoye reunites with Giants HC John Harbaugh after playing under him in Baltimore in 2025. A former UDFA from Nigeria, Okoye figures to bolster the Giants interior defensive line depth as a rotational player.
- Nick Shlain

Source: Ian Rapoport
Baltimore Ravens
More C.J. Okoye News
Cyrus Allen

KC Wide Receiver #13
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

Cyrus Allen caught 1-of-2 targets for 12 yards in the Chiefs’ preseason game against the Seahawks.

The Chiefs let most of their starters take the field in this game and Allen wasn’t among them. He didn’t see a snap until after Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton had all left the contest. His first target didn’t come until the third quarter, and it was a drop on a high throw. The rookie rebounded with a 12-yard gain for a first down on the very next play. After playing well into the second half of the team’s final preseason game, Allen is, at best, the Chiefs’ WR4 entering the season. Despite the strong training camp, he shouldn’t be in starting fantasy lineups for Week 1.
- Kyle Dvorchak

More Cyrus Allen News
Odell Beckham

NYG Wide Receiver #3
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!

Odell Beckham caught 3-of-6 targets for 53 yards in the Giants’ preseason game against the Jets.

Darnell Mooney and Malachi Fields rested. Malik Nabers, still recovering from his 2025 ACL tear, was held out. Beckham drew the start along with the rest of the second-string offense. His stat line was impressive and it nearly went stratospheric when he burned the Jets’ secondary for a would-be 70-yard touchdown. Jameis Winston overthrew the pass and Beckham was unable to haul it in despite laying out for the catch. Per the eye test, Beckham still has something in the tank, even if that something is likely just good enough for a depth role. He isn’t a lock to make the Giants’ roster, but this preseason showing certainly helped.
- Kyle Dvorchak

More Odell Beckham News
Sean Tucker

TB Running Back #44
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!
Buccaneers RB Sean Tucker rushed five times for 15 yards in Friday’s preseason game against the Jaguars.

Tucker and RB Josh Williams competed for the Buccaneers’ No. 3 running back job all night. Tucker got the start, touching the ball on three of the first four plays. Unfortunately, the drive ultimately ended in a punt, as did almost all of the others. It was an unproductive night for the Buccaneers’ offense. Williams entered the game on the second drive, and the two players continued to rotate in and out thereafter. Williams rushed eight times for 21 yards. Tucker caught one pass for minus-one yard as well. Neither player really separated from the other in the box score. The team must now choose between the trusted, higher-priced veteran, Tucker, and the more affordable second-year player, Williams. If Tucker is released, it could allow “1A” RB Bucky Irving to hoard short-yardage and goal-line work, which would significantly boost his fantasy-scoring outlook.
- Nic Bodiford
Josh Williams
More Sean Tucker News
Emmett Johnson

KC Running Back #10
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!
Emmet Johnson rushed seven times for 39 yards in the Chiefs’ preseason game against the Seahawks.

Johnson added two catches for 15 yards and had another chunk gain through the air called back because of a penalty. Kenneth Walker didn’t play in this contest, allowing Johnson to draw the start with some of KC’s first-team offense on the field. Johnson split reps with Emari Demercado over the team’s first three drives, then left the game for good. He looks like the team’s No. 2 back, though all three backs have been the next man up behind Walker at some point during the preseason. Johnson isn’t guaranteed the backup job, but he’s now the favorite, putting him in the mix as a late-round flyer in deeper fantasy leagues.
- Kyle Dvorchak
Emari Demercado

Brashard Smith
More Emmett Johnson News
Bryce Lance

NO Wide Receiver #18
Player Stats

Link copied to clipboard!
Saints WR Bryce Lance caught 2-of-4 targets for 28 yards in Friday’s preseason game against the Cowboys.

Lance could have the inside track for the Saints’ short-term No. 3 wide receiver job with WR Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) sidelined, though WR Barion Brown will almost assuredly make the roster as a receiver and returner. Lance nearly added a decent, leaping downfield gain to his box score, but QB Spencer Rattler’s pass grazed off his fingertips along the sideline. Brown was not involved as a receiver today, but rushed twice for 19 yards and one touchdown, including an eight-yard jet sweep that got him into the end zone. He also returned one punt for four yards.
- Nic Bodiford
Barion Brown

Jordyn Tyson
More Bryce Lance News