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Player News
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Jaycee Horn CAR CB
Panthers' Jaycee Horn: Fifth-year option to be picked up
13m 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
41m 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
2h 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
5h 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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Masataka Yoshida BOS DH
Red Sox's Masataka Yoshida: Remains out of lineup
3m agoYoshida is absent from the lineup for Friday's contest against the Cubs.
It marks the fourth straight game that Yoshida is absent from the lineup. Devers is getting another start at designated hitter Friday and the Red Sox don't seem to trust Yoshida in the outfield, leading to him receiving just one plate appearance so far this week. The plan is for Devers to return to third base Saturday, with Yoshida being used at DH that day.
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Wilyer Abreu BOS RF
Red Sox's Wilyer Abreu: Sitting out Friday
6m agoAbreu is not in the lineup for Friday's game versus the Cubs.
Southpaw Shota Imanaga is toeing the rubber for the Cubs, so the left-handed hitting Abreu is receiving a day off. Tyler O'Neill will cover right field and Rob Refsnyder will get a start in left for the Red Sox.
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John Means BAL SP
Orioles' John Means: Getting another rehab start
10m agoMeans (forearm) will make another rehab start with Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.
The Orioles previously hadn't ruled out the possibility that Means' next start could come in the majors, but ultimately they've decided to give him at least one more tune-up. It's not a surprise, as the southpaw has really struggled on his rehab assignment to this point, collecting a 13.89 ERA, 2.41 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB in 11.2 innings. Means did get his pitch count up to 79 in his last outing, so he should be fully built up after Sunday's start. He could make his season debut with the Orioles as soon as May 3 in Cincinnati.
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Zack Short NYM 3B
Mets' Zack Short: Removed from 40-man roster
21m agoShort was designated for assignment by the Mets on Friday.
Short is clearing out as J.D. Martinez is added to the Mets' active roster. The 28-year-old utility player had received just 12 plate appearances this month with the big club, picking up one hit. It's possible he'll draw some interest from a team seeking defensive versatility.
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J.D. Martinez NYM DH
Mets' J.D. Martinez: Officially added to roster
23m agoThe Mets recalled Martinez from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.
Martinez had his Mets debut delayed a bit by a minor back issue, but he's ready to go now following five tune-up games in the minors. The 36-year-old went 6-for-19 with two doubles and a 2:2 K:BB in those contests. Manager Carlos Mendoza has said Martinez will not play every day right away, as the club plans to ease him into things as he faces major-league pitching for the first time since last October. Eventually, he will be the team's everyday designated hitter.
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Jackson Holliday BAL SS
Orioles' Jackson Holliday: Sent back to Triple-A
2h agoThe Orioles optioned Holliday to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.
The top prospect made his big-league debut April 10 in Boston to much fanfare, but he looked entirely overmatched at the plate in his first couple weeks of MLB action. Holliday went 2-for-34 with two walks, five runs and 18 strikeouts in 10 games, so the Orioles opted to return him to Norfolk. The 20-year-old could rejoin Baltimore for another look later in the season, but for now he'll head back to Triple-A, where he posted a 1.077 OPS in 56 plate appearances to start the year.
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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
3h 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
3h 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
4h 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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Cam Talbot LA G
Kings' Cam Talbot: Set to start Friday
21m 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
1h 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
1h 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.
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Alexandar Georgiev COL G
Avalanche's Alexandar Georgiev: Gets starting nod Friday
2h agoGeorgiev will be between the pipes at home for Game 3 versus Winnipeg on Friday, Kyle Fredrickson of The Denver Gazette reports.
Georgiev was downright bad in Game 1, giving up seven goals on 23 shots (.696 save percentage), but bounced back in Game 2 to even up the best-of-seven series. With Justus Annunen (illness) ready to serve as the backup Friday, a bad performance Friday could see Georgiev relegated to the No. 2 role in the future.