Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is signing a three-year contract extension on Tuesday that is worth up to $71 million in new money that puts him amongst the league's top-five highest-paid receivers, according to sources. The Commanders said all along that McLaurin wasn't a trade candidate after he held out of offseason workouts, including minicamp, and the 26-year-old will stick around for at least three more seasons in D.C. The former third-rounder has produced back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in Washington with sub-par quarterback play, and he's scored 16 times in his three NFL seasons. McLaurin will have Carson Wentz throwing him passes in 2022, and he'll be a solid WR2 target going into his fourth season.

Jun 28 · Source via

Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (knee), who tore the ACL in his left knee in the final preseason game last fall, is highly unlikely to play in the preseason this year. There have been reports that Dobbins also sustained LCL damage to his knee, although the Ravens have only confirmed the torn ACL. The 23-year-old was mostly a bystander during organized team activities, although he did catch some balls from the Jugs machine. There has been outside pessimism about Dobbins' availability and effectiveness in 2022, but the Ravens say he's on track and expect him to be a factor. The most logical expectation is for him to start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Dobbins will be an extremely risky RB2/3 selection for fantasy managers coming off his serious knee injury.

Jul 1 · Source via

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota was signed in free agency to be the team's new starter, replacing their long-time leader Matt Ryan. Mariota steps in after backing up Derek Carr for the Raiders the past two seasons, and he's hoping to regain his role as a starter in the NFL. Although his passing statistics were mediocre, he averaged 300-plus yards and three rushing touchdowns over his three seasons as a starter. While there has been concern about newly drafted quarterback Desmond Ridder, who the Falcons selected 74th overall, competing for the starting job, a recent report says Mariota is "far ahead" of Ridder and "injury would be the only way Ridder finds himself under center." This confirms the veteran's stranglehold on the role, which would make him an intriguing option as a streamer or second quarterback in two-quarterback/superflex leagues, given his rushing upside.

Jun 30 · Source via

Sue L. Robinson, the NFL/Players Association disciplinary officer, has told each side in Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's case to submit a brief due the week of July 11, according to a source. Robinson will make her ruling on Watson after that. Watson's disciplinary hearing concluded on Thursday after three days. He has been accused in civil lawsuits by 25 women of actions ranging from sexual assault to inappropriate behavior during massage sessions. The NFL has been pushing for a suspension of at least a year, but both sides have engaged in multiple attempts to reach a settlement while the hearing was taking place, which was unsuccessful. If you have Watson rostered in a keeper/dynasty league or have already drafted for the 2022 season, hopefully you have an insurance policy in place in case Watson is hit with a year-long suspension.

Jul 1 · Source via

The Chicago White Sox reinstated closer Liam Hendriks (forearm) and outfielder Adam Engel (hamstring) from the injured list on Monday and optioned outfielder Adam Haseley and right-hander Jimmy Lambert to Triple-A Charlotte in corresponding moves. Hendriks has a 2.81 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 16 saves and 37 strikeouts in 25 2/3 relief innings this year, and he should immediately reclaim the closing role for the White Sox, so fantasy managers need to get him back into their lineups right away. Kendall Graveman recorded two saves for the team over the weekend, and he'll move back to a high-leverage setup role. Engel is likely to fill a reserve role in Chicago's outfield. He's starting the game on Monday against the Minnesota Twins on the bench.

Jul 4 · Source via

Updating a previous report, Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto (hamstring) was removed from Sunday's game against the Miami Marlins due to a hamstring injury. Soto was reportedly feeling pain in his left hamstring, which led to his removal prior to the fifth inning of the game. Nationals beat writer Jesse Dougherty stated that it sounds as if Soto's removal was precautionary, but indicated that we should know more about the injury after manager Dave Martinez's post-game presser.

Jul 3 · Source via

As expected, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts (ribs) has been activated from the 10-day injured list. He is back in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres. He will be hitting leadoff and covering right field in the game. Betts wound up missing about two weeks due to a rib injury. The 29-year-old is in the midst of a stellar season. He has a .273/.349/.535 slash line to go along with 17 home runs, six stolen bases, 40 RBI and 53 runs over 60 games.

Jul 3 · Source via

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (ribs) is inching closer and closer to making his 2022 debut. According to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, the southpaw is expected to make at least one more rehab start. His next rehab outing is expected to be at Triple-A Worcester next week. Sale made his first two rehab starts at the Florida Complex League, then pitched at Double-A Portland this past Thursday. In his Double-A start, he threw four innings and allowed four hits, no walks and one earned run while striking out seven. Assuming he has no setbacks, he should be in the majors by mid-July. Make sure he isn't still floating around on the waiver wire in any of your leagues.

Jul 1 · Source via