NFL Player News

Mellott was described by one NFL general manager as the next Julian Edelman, a quarterback-turned-wideout who served as a key cog in the Patriots’ passing offense under Tom Brady, who now works in the Raiders front office. “I wouldn’t pigeonhole him right now,” Raiders college scouting director Brandon Yeargan said of Mellott, the Montana State product taken with the 213th pick in the 2025 draft. “I would say we view him as a receiver that’s going to have a lot of value in the kicking game, potentially as a returner, as a cover player, maybe play some quarterback, too. We’re looking (at him) really as an athlete/receiver, but he’s a unique guy.” Mellott, who threw for 6,016 yards and ran for 3,517 yards during his collegiate career, could be fantasy relevant in 2025 if he becomes a consistent part of the team’s Geno Smith-led offense.

What exactly does this mean? It probably means that Stribling is a clear-cut starter in three-wide receiver sets, but Barrows did not expand on the matter. Barrows recently reported that WR Deebo Samuel will take over “a portion” of the Z-receiver role, while also contributing as a “wide back.” The remaining portion of the Z-receiver role in two-wide receiver sets could end up going to Stribling. He’s certainly made a strong case with his preseason play, but coach Kyle Shahanah is sometimes hesitant to feature rookies right away. Regardless, Stribling can be viewed as a FLEX starter with easy WR3 upside in the season opener.

Kincaid’s 2024 knee injury impacted his usage and availability through the 2025 season. That injury may finally be behind him. Per Buscaglia, Kincaid has been at practice every day, looks stronger and is “playing with more physicality in the blocking game.” That last part is critical for his overall snap share. Kincaid’s increased training camp usage has notably come even with TE Dawson Knox and TE Jackson Hawes fully healthy. Buscaglia adds that Kincaid might not be “on the precipice of playing 75 percent or more of the team’s offensive snaps,” but the 26-year-old tight end should take on a bigger, more fantasy-friendly role this year if all goes well. He’s a locked-in TE1.

Meyers is not playing in tonight’s preseason game, but he was spotted wearing the brace on the sideline pre-game. Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley chimed in to confirm that Meyers is indeed wearing “something” on his right hand, but we don’t know anything beyond that. For now, just keep an eye on this. There is no reason to panic. One of the beat reporters will likely follow up on this in the coming days. A report from earlier this week indicated that Meyers is one of two wide receivers currently leading the receiving corps in training camp snaps, suggesting he may have secured the No. 2 wide receiver role in what should be a productive offense this year.

He punctuated his point by saying only, “still looking.” Kubiak’s ambiguous phrasing could suggest that the Raiders are seeking a wide receiver via trade, but it can also be read simply as an indictment of players like Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech and Malik Benson. None of the three turned in a great game last night, while Tre Tucker was given the night off. Tucker makes for a boom-bust FLEX option in an underwhelming position group.

Benson had an up-and-down night, with more down than up, unfortunately. On one play, the rookie wide receiver secured a contested, leaping grab downfield. He also dropped a pass near the first-down marker, and later had the ball punched out of his hands by a Texans defender. He was attempting to secure the pass while turning upfield at the same time on both plays, and may have let his focus drift toward the big play and away from sound fundamentals. Still, QB Fernando Mendoza is giving him chances to make plays. Benson can probably be left undrafted in 12-team leagues, but monitor his development over the next week.

This is just Maiocco’s “guess,” so his comments should not be taken as a declaration. Maiocco recently spoke with Kittle. They discussed the 32 hours of in-flight time to and from the 49ers’ Week 1 game in Australia, along with Kittle’s desire to be healthy for the full 2026 season. The 49ers have Super Bowl aspirations, so hurrying a star player back in time for an international season opener might not make sense. Delaying his 2026 debut to Week 2 adds 10 days to Kittle’s rehab schedule. The extra time could be hugely beneficial. The veteran tight end is a TE1, regardless of his Week 1 availability.

Shaffer posted a photo of the charges, which include a misdemeanor battery-family violence (first offense) charge, a reckless conduct charge and a first-degree criminal damage to property charge. A Ravens representative said the team is aware of the situation and has been communicating with him directly. The league office has also been notified, and the team will offer no further comment. Shaffer added details to the story in a piece published shortly after his initial post. Bateman was arrested “for allegedly smashing the windshield of a car while his 3-month-old child and the mother of his child were inside.” A report from earlier today indicated the Texans had looked into trading for Bateman. At this point, a suspension may be more likely.

Evans picked up a quad strain on August 3rd. He resumed practicing on August 11th and continued doing so until the 18th, when he left the 49ers’ joint practice with the Chargers early and was later seen icing his quad. This was just a cautionary move, per Maiocco, and Evans was able to do some pre-game running before the 49ers’ Thursday night preseason game against the Chargers two days later. Maiocco adds that he doesn’t expect Evans “to do much practicing” between now and Week 1, but he seems confident in his position that Evans will be good to go for the season opener. Evans, 33, has a history of soft tissue strains. When healthy, he is a WR2 with WR1 upside.

Jones and former Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard have been brought in to help shore up the Texans’ wide receiver corps. Second-year WR Jayden Higgins (knee) was placed on injured reserve today. The Texans are also still trying to figure out what they have in WR Tank Dell (knee), and WR Jaylin Noel (finger/hamstring) missed time in training camp with a pair of injuries. Jones is coming off a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture. Neither he nor Shepard are worth drafting.

Reynolds, 31, was joined by WR Sterling Shepard, 33, today. Reynolds caught 11 passes for 101 yards with the Jets last year. Shepard caught 39 passes for 371 yards and one touchdown with the Buccaneers last year. Neither player would be on the fantasy radar if they were signed.