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Marcus Mariota WAS QB
Commanders' Marcus Mariota: Likely headed for backup role again
3h agoMariota will be joined by fellow Heisman winner and No. 2 overall draft pick Jayden Daniels in Washington's QB room.
The incoming rookie was a four-year college starter (five if you count a COVID-shortened season) and is already 23 years old, making him a strong bet to quickly take over as QB1 in Washington. Mariota presumably knew the Commanders were likely to use the No. 2 overall pick on a quarterback when he signed with them in March, but the team at least traded Sam Howell to Seattle, leaving the 30-year-old unchallenged for a backup role. It remains to be seen how the Commanders divide reps between Daniels and Mariota this spring and into summer.
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Michael Mayer LV TE
Raiders' Michael Mayer: Joined by Bowers in TE room
12h agoGM Tom Telesco said Thursday that he excepts Mayer to "take a leap this year" even though the Raiders drafted fellow tight end Brock Bowers at No. 13 overall, Nick Walters of KTNV Las Vegas reports.
The Raiders presumably plan to use a lot of multi-TE formations, but the new competition for snaps and targets is nonetheless terrible news for Mayer's fantasy value. He and Bowers were arguably the most productive tight ends in college football over the past half-decade, with Mayer recording 2,099 yards and 18 TDs in three seasons at Notre Dame and Bowers putting up 2,538 and 26, respectively, over three seasons for Georgia. While Mayer is both taller and heavier, Bowers is faster, more agile and an earlier draft pick (Mayer went 35th in 2023). On the bright side, Telesco said there's "no concern" about the foot injury that brought Mayer's rookie season to an early end after 14 games (12 starts) and a 27-304-2 receiving line, per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com.
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Xavier Legette CAR WR
Panthers' Xavier Legette: Carolina surprises at 32nd pick
12h agoThe Panthers selected Legette in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 32nd overall.
Legette (6-foot-1, 223 pounds) is a uniquely explosive athlete (4.39-second 40, 40-inch vertical) for such a heavy receiver, and in 2023 his production at South Carolina went crazy as he made big play after big play downfield. He's more comfortable running in a straight line than sideways, which limits the number of ways you can get him the ball and makes it easier for defenses to stop him once opponents determine which parts of the field he'll avoid. While he showed great hands and even yards-after-the-catch ability in 2023, Legette might face more jamming troubles from NFL corners, which would threaten to delay his otherwise compelling downfield speed. Indeed, it's a red flag that he was so athletically explosive all along but couldn't produce until his fifth collegiate season. Given Bryce Young's 2023 struggles, it is in any case difficult to see much fantasy opportunity for Legette in 2024 specifically.
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Ricky Pearsall SF WR
49ers' Ricky Pearsall: San Francisco surprise at 31st pick
12h agoThe 49ers selected Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 31st overall.
This pick was very much unexpected and certainly won't do anything to quiet the trade rumors surrounding both Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. The 49ers presumably wouldn't pick Pearsall in the first round to play the function of the WR3 role in San Francisco; they use the fullback position too much to make it worth it. Regardless of what the 49ers' front office might be up to, Pearsall is a very likable prospect out of Florida (and Arizona State before that). Pearsall (6-foot-1, 189 pounds) was an above-baseline producer for Florida and Arizona State on target shares in the low-20 percents, which are generally figures that imply WR2 or WR3 utility at the next level. Even if he's not a WR1, there's reason to think Pearsall can be uniquely explosive with WR2-type usage, especially after he dominated the combine with a 4.41-second 40, 42-inch vertical, 129-inch broad jump and 6.64-second three-cone drill.
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Nate Wiggins BAL CB
Ravens' Nate Wiggins: Baltimore scoops up at 30th overall
13h agoThe Ravens selected Wiggins in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 30th overall.
Wiggins is awfully skinny at 6-foot-1, 173 pounds, and with such a light frame comes reasonable concerns about run defense. He won't turn 21 until Aug. 28, however, and his frame clearly has room to add some weight if necessary. Wiggins can add mass to his frame with time, but the other cornerbacks in this class can't acquire what Wiggins has innately: elite speed (4.28-second 40) and proven coverage ability. He was the top defender on a smothering Clemson pass defense in 2023, and the Ravens have to be one of the best teams in the league for developing defensive talents. Perhaps he's a slight project, but Wiggins should fully arrive for Baltimore at some point in the near future.
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Tyler Guyton DAL OT
Cowboys' Tyler Guyton: Reeled in at 29th overall by Dallas
13h agoThe Cowboys selected Guyton in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 29th overall.
Dallas might have preferred a tackle target like Troy Fautanu or Amarius Mims, but both were off the board when Dallas originally went on the clock at the 24th pick. There's likely a drop-off from those two to Guyton, so Dallas did well to get some compensation for said drop-off. Guyton (6-foot-8, 322 pounds) is super toolsey (34.5-inch vertical) and has good reach (34 and 1/8-inch arms), so in terms of physical traits he checks all the boxes for a starting left tackle. What's less clear is whether Guyton has the skill element necessary to emerge as a standout starting tackle. Guyton transferred to Oklahoma from TCU and did not earn consistent playing time until late in his career, and even then only at right tackle. Dallas has little choice but to throw Guyton into the fire at left tackle, in any case, as they've otherwise done nothing to replace former left tackle Tyron Smith.
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Tyler Wade SD 3B
Padres' Tyler Wade: Makes start in left field
10m agoWade was the Padres' starting left fielder in Thursday's loss against Colorado and went 1-for-3 with a walk, a run and a stolen base.
Wade got his first look in the outfield this season -- previously, all of his defensive work came at either third or second base. The veteran has played in the outfield plenty throughout his career, logging at least a handful of games there in every campaign except 2020. Wade's versatility could help him continue to start semi-regularly even as Eguy Rosario gets more reps at third base. Rosario has started at the hot corner in three of San Diego's past four contests, with Thursday's game being particularly notable since the Rockies started a right-handed pitcher.
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Carson Kelly DET C
Tigers' Carson Kelly: Scratched with sore ribcage
14m agoKelly was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the Royals due to left ribcage soreness.
The Tigers are saying Kelly will be available off the bench, so while the injury was enough to knock him out of the lineup, it doesn't sound like it's a long-term concern. Jake Rogers will now do the catching for Reese Olson.
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Alika Williams PIT 2B
Pirates' Alika Williams: Working as reserve infielder
1h agoWilliams went 1-for-4 with a stolen base Thursday against the Brewers.
The 25-year-old was in the lineup for the 10th time this season, as he stepped in at second base while Jared Triolo shifted to third in place of a resting Ke'Bryan Hayes. Williams has at least one hit in all but one of his starts this season, but he remains a bench option for Pittsburgh despite hitting .323 (10-for-31).
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Jack Suwinski PIT LF
Pirates' Jack Suwinski: Yet to get on track
2h agoSuwinski went 1-for-4 with a double, a walk, an RBI and a run scored Thursday against the Brewers.
Suwinski delivered an RBI double in the fifth inning and came around to score to give the Pirates the lead. It was his second consecutive start with a double, but he had only five hits in 24 at-bats across a seven-game homestand. Suwinski has cut his strikeout rate to 17.2 percent -- down from 32.2 percent in 2023 -- but that has yet to lead to positive results, as he's batting .183 with two home runs across 93 plate appearances.
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Anthony Maldonado MIA RP
Marlins' Anthony Maldonado: Serving as opener Friday
2h agoMaldonado will be recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville to serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher for Friday's game against the Nationals.
Maldonado will be making his major-league debut after posting a 2.31 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB over 11.2 innings with Jacksonville this season. Since Maldonado hasn't covered more than two innings in any of his eight appearances this season, he's unlikely to stay in the game long. Kyle Tyler could be a candidate for the bulk role behind Maldonado.
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Romy Gonzalez BOS SS
Red Sox's Romy Gonzalez: Return not imminent
2h agoRed Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday that Gonzalez (wrist) isn't progressing as hoped and isn't considered close to a return from the 10-day injured list, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.
Gonzalez was placed on the IL on April 13 with a left wrist sprain, and after an MRI revealed no structural damage, the expectation was that the infielder would be ready rejoin the Red Sox after a minimum-length stay on the shelf. However, with Gonzalez still experiencing stiffness in his wrist and having yet to resume baseball activities, he looks poised to remain out until some time in May.
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Kawhi Leonard LAC SF
Clippers' Kawhi Leonard: Present at shootaround
14m agoLeonard (knee), who is questionable for Friday's Game 3 against the Mavericks, was present for the Clippers' morning shootaround, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.
Leonard returned from a nine-game absence during Tuesday's matchup against Dallas and continues to deal with knee inflammation ahead of Friday's game. However, his presence at shootaround is encouraging, and he appears to be trending in the right direction in the hours leading up to tipoff.
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Daniel Gafford DAL C
Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Present at shootaround
16m agoGafford (back) was on the court and walking around during shootaround ahead of Friday's Game 3 versus the Clippers, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Gafford is officially listed as questionable Friday due to back spasms. The 24-year-old big man's availability will likely be determined shortly before tipoff at 8 pm ET.
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Chris Livingston MIL SF
Bucks' Chris Livingston: Officially ruled out
1h agoLivingston (illness) won't play in Friday's Game 3 against Indiana.
Livingston has been downgraded from doubtful to out Friday due to a non-COVID illness. His next chance to suit up will be Game 4 on Sunday.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo MIL PF
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Officially ruled out
1h agoAntetokounmpo (calf) has been ruled out for Thursday's Game 3 against the Pacers.
Antetokounmpo was doubtful on Milwaukee's initial injury report, and he'll officially miss a sixth consecutive game as the team attempts to regain a lead in the first-round series. His next chance to suit up will be in Game 4 on Sunday.
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Reggie Jackson DEN PG
Nuggets' Reggie Jackson: Doesn't return to Thursday's game
2h agoJackson (ankle) didn't return to Thursday's Game 3 against the Lakers. He finished the game with five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt) and an assist in seven minutes.
Jackson appeared to be dealing with an ankle injury when heading to the locker room in the third quarter, and he didn't see the court during the final frame. Coach Michael Malone said after the game that Jackson was close to not playing in Game 3, so the coaching staff has had conversations about what to do in case he can't suit up for Saturday's Game 4. Since the Nuggets claimed a 3-0 lead in the series following Thursday's win, it wouldn't be surprising to see the team be cautious with Jackson's health.
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Austin Reaves LAL SG
Lakers' Austin Reaves: Puts up 22 points in Game 3 loss
3h agoReaves ended with 22 points (8-17 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, three assists and four steals across 41 minutes during Thursday's 112-105 loss to the Nuggets in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Reaves had two subpar showings in the first two games of the series, and even though he bounced back in Game 3, his efforts were not enough to lift the Lakers to victory. Reaves will aim to replicate these numbers in Game 4 on Saturday, as the Lakers need to win to avoid a first-round exit. Reaves is averaging 14.7 points per game in the series while shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from deep.
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Semyon Varlamov NYI G
Islanders' Semyon Varlamov: In goal for Saturday
1m agoVarlamov will get the starting nod at home for Game 4 against the Hurricanes on Saturday, Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports.
Varlamov was initially benched for Game 3 but came on in relief of Ilya Sorokin in the second period, stopping all eight shots he faced. Overall, the veteran backstop is sporting a 2.41 GAA and .915 save percentage through three playoff appearances, losing both of his starts. At this point, if Varlamov puts together a good enough performance to earn a victory in Game 4, thereby staving off elimination, he would almost certainly hold onto the starting gig heading into Game 5 on Tuesday.
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Vincent Iorio WAS D
Capitals' Vincent Iorio: Not playing Friday
24m agoIorio (upper body) will remain out of the lineup for Game 3 against the Rangers on Friday, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports.
Iorio has not returned to practice since he was injured Sunday during Game 1 in New York. The 21-year-old blueliner was pointless in six NHL games during the regular season.
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Alex Wennberg NYR C
Rangers' Alexander Wennberg: Ready to rock
32m agoWennberg (undisclosed) will be in the lineup for Game 3 versus Washington on Friday, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.
Wennberg took a maintenance day off Thursday, and was back on the ice for morning skate Friday. The 29--year-old will center the third line, between Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko, as well as seeing second-unit power-play time. Wennberg had only one goal and four assists in 19 games with the Rangers, since his trade from Seattle on March 6.
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Ryan Lomberg FLA LW
Panthers' Ryan Lomberg: Out of action Saturday
1h agoLomberg (illness) will not be in the lineup Saturday for Game 4 versus Tampa Bay, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports.
Lomberg has missed the last two games and coach Paul Maurice said Friday that there will be no lineup changes. Lomberg was pointless in Game 1, but had four hits in only 6:32 of ice time. He managed five goals, two assists, 80 PIM and 179 hits in 75 games during the regular season.
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Alex Wennberg NYR C
Rangers' Alexander Wennberg: Status uncertain
1h agoWennberg is questionable to face the Capitals for Game 3 on Friday with an undisclosed injury, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.
Wennerg's absence from Thursday's practice was deemed maintenance and he was on the ice for an optional game-day skate Friday, so coach Peter Laviolette may just be playing it coy about Wennberg's availability. Still, it's a situation that fantasy players will have to monitor prior to puck drop. If Wennberg can't go Friday, Jonny Brodzinski would figure to have the inside track for a spot in the lineup.
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Rasmus Sandin WAS D
Capitals' Rasmus Sandin: Could play Friday
1h agoSandin (upper body) will be a game-time decision Friday versus the Rangers, according to Tom Gulitti of NHL.com.
Sandin has missed the last seven games, and finally was in a regular jersey at morning practice Friday. The blueliner had three goals and 23 points in 68 regular-season appearances. Look for Dylan McIlrath to come out of the lineup, should Sandin play in Game 3.