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Jaycee Horn CAR CB
Panthers' Jaycee Horn: Fifth-year option to be picked up
44m agoThe Panthers have elected to pick up Horn's fifth-year contract option, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Horn, who the Panthers took eighth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, is thus slated to remain under contract with the team through the 2025 campaign. Injuries have hampered the starting cornerback over his first three years as a pro, but when available the 24-year old has made his mark in Carolina's secondary, while racking up 85 tackles and four picks over the course of 22 regular-season outings.
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Deebo Samuel SF WR
49ers' Deebo Samuel: Drawing interest from Pats, Bills
1h agoThe Patriots and Bills have interest in trading for Samuel, Michael Giardi of Boston Sports Journal reports.
There's been a lot of trade chatter around Samuel's teammate, Brandon Aiyuk, but Giardi reports Samuel is "more likely to be traded" and has a couple interested suitors in Buffalo and New England. Both offenses are in dire need of wideout help, and the Bills (33rd overall) and Patriots (34th) hold picks atop the second round of the NFL Draft Friday night. Samuel has two years left on his contract but has been more prone to injuries throughout his career, missing six regular-season games and parts of several others across the last two seasons. Aiyuk, meanwhile, is coming off a career year and a second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. The Niners used their first-round pick Thursday night on Florida WR Ricky Pearsall, further fueling trade chatter on the team's veteran wideouts.
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Jacoby Brissett NE QB
Patriots' Jacoby Brissett: Set to compete with Maye
3h agoBrissett is in line to compete with newcomer Drake Maye for the Patriots' starting QB job ahead of the upcoming NFL season, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.
Given that New England selected Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it's only a matter of time before the North Carolina product is installed as the team's starter. That said, it's possible that the rookie begins the season as Brissett's understudy, with coach Jerod Mayo noting Thursday of the Patriots' signal-caller situation that "at the end of the day, our philosophy is the best players will play. We will compete and the best player will start." Brissett rejoined the franchise that drafted him in 2016 on a reported one-year, $8 million deal, providing New England with an experienced option, who can either helm the offense until Maye is deemed ready to do so, or alternatively serve as quality backup and mentor to Maye, who doesn't turn 22 until Aug. 30. Meanwhile, 2022 fourth-rounder Bailey Zappe and Nathan Rourke are also on hand to provide the Patriots with QB depth ahead of training camp.
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Marcus Mariota WAS QB
Commanders' Marcus Mariota: Likely headed for backup role again
6h 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
15h 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
15h 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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Jesus Luzardo MIA SP
Marlins' Jesus Luzardo: Moves to injured list
1m agoThe Marlins placed Luzardo on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to April 23, with left elbow tightness.
The left-hander was scratched from Friday's start against Washington due to the injury and will now be sidelined for at least the next couple weeks. According to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com, Luzardo first felt the elbow issue while playing catch Thursday and believes it shouldn't be a lengthy absence, though he's also awaiting test results that should provide more clarity on the injury.
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J.D. Martinez NYM DH
Mets' J.D. Martinez: Batting fifth in Mets debut
5m agoMartinez will start at designated hitter and bat fifth in Friday's game against the Cardinals.
It will be Martinez's Mets and season debut after he was sent to the minors for a while following a late-March signing. The 36-year-old will be given extra days off in the early going as he gets his feet under him, but Martinez will eventually be the team's everyday DH. He slashed .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs for the Dodgers last season.
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Masyn Winn STL SS
Cardinals' Masyn Winn: Receives rest day
17m agoWinn is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.
Winn started the previous nine games but will take a seat Friday after he posted a .208/.394/.292 slash line during that stretch. Brandon Crawford will receive a start at shortstop in the series opener at New York.
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Jarred Kelenic ATL LF
Braves' Jarred Kelenic: On bench versus lefty
19m agoKelenic is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Guardians.
Lefty Logan Allen is pitching for Cleveland, so Kelenic will unsurprisingly start Friday's contest on the bench. Adam Duvall will receive another look in left field while batting ninth.
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Dominic Fletcher CHW CF
White Sox's Dominic Fletcher: Optioned to Triple-A
22m agoThe White Sox Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times Fletcher to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday.
Fletcher has slashed just .203/.277/.271 with a 20:4 K:BB over 66 plate appearances with the White Sox. He had begun seeing his playing time dip lately and now the club has elected to give the 26-year-old a reset back in the minors.
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Ramon Urias BAL 3B
Orioles' Ramon Urias: Starting Friday
24m agoUrias is starting at third base and batting ninth Friday against the Athletics, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
The 29-year-old has just two starts in Baltimore's past 14 games, but he's back in the lineup Friday and should have a more regular role after top prospect Jackson Holliday was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Urias had a .703 OPS in 116 games last season but is off to a slow start in 2024 with a .194/.216/.222 slash line in 37 plate appearances.
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Kawhi Leonard LAC SF
Clippers' Kawhi Leonard: Present at shootaround
3h 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
3h 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
4h 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
4h agoAntetokounmpo (calf) has been ruled out for Friday'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: Exits early Thursday
5h agoJackson (ankle) didn't return Thursday to the Nuggets' 112-105 win over the Lakers in Game 3 of the series. He finished the game with five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt) and one 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 period. Head 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
6h 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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Nicolas Hague LV D
Golden Knights' Nicolas Hague: Unavailable for Saturday
26m agoHague (lower body) will miss Game 3 on Saturday, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.
Hague had two goals, 12 points, 43 PIM, 154 hits and 111 blocks in 73 appearances in 2023-24. He also missed Wednesday's 3-1 win over Dallas due to the injury. Alec Martinez is likely to remain in the lineup due to Hague's continued absence.
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Cam Talbot LA G
Kings' Cam Talbot: Set to start Friday
1h agoTalbot is expected to start at home against Edmonton on Friday, per Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period.
Talbot has struggled against the Oilers, allowing 10 goals on 75 shots (.867 save percentage) over two playoff contests. Edmonton ranked fourth offensively with 3.56 goals per game in the regular season, so the squad is likely to continue to give the veteran goaltender trouble, especially because Talbot's been floundering for a while now. He has a 2.92 GAA and an .897 save percentage over his past 17 outings dating back to March 7.
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Igor Shesterkin NYR G
Rangers' Igor Shesterkin: Slated to face Capitals
1h agoShesterkin is slated to start on the road against Washington on Friday, according to Seth Orlemann of USA Today.
Shesterkin won the first two games of the series while stopping 42 of 46 shots (.913 save percentage). The Capitals ranked 28th offensively with just 2.63 goals per game in the regular season, so it's not surprising that they haven't given Shesterkin much trouble in the first round. That said, the series moving to Washington might help the Capitals, who were 22-12-7 at home compared to 18-19-4 on the road during the 2023-24 campaign.
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Ilya Lyubushkin TOR D
Maple Leafs' Ilya Lyubushkin: Misses practice Friday
2h agoPer Terry Koshan of The Toronto Sun, Lyubushkin (personal) missed practice Friday, but is an option to play Saturday, according to coach Sheldon Keefe.
Lyubushkin left the team for the birth of his third child after Wednesday's loss to Boston. The 30-year-old rearguard is expected to return ahead of Game 4 versus Boston on Saturday. Lyubushkin had four assists, 64 hits and 30 blocked shots in 19 games with the Maple Leafs after he was dealt from Anaheim on Feb. 29. Look for Timothy Liljegren to remain in the lineup, should Lyubushkin be unavailable Saturday.
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Connor Hellebuyck WPG G
Jets' Connor Hellebuyck: Between pipes Friday
2h agoHellebuyck will defend the road crease in Colorado on Friday, Mitchell Clinton of the Jets' official site reports.
Hellebuyck has struggled in the opening two games of the series, despite going 1-1, as he has allowed 10 goals on 77 shots. Tuesday's 5-2 loss to Colorado snapped Hellebuyck's six-game winning streak. He was 37-19-4 with a 2.39 GAA and a .921 save percentage in 60 regular-season appearances. The Avalanche have had no problem finding the back of the net thus far, and will hope to continue the trend as the series shifts to Colorado for Games 3 and 4.
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Justus Annunen COL G
Avalanche's Justus Annunen: Returning in backup role
2h agoAnnunen (illness) will back up Alexandar Georgiev on Friday versus Winnipeg, per Kyle Fredrickson of The Denver Gazette.
Annunen missed the first two games of the series with an illness, but he is well enough to sit on the bench as Georgiev's backup netminder. Annunen was 8-4-1 with a 2.25 GAA and a .928 save percentage in 14 regular-season appearances.