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Risk is ever present. That’s why balance is so essential. But, sometimes, heartfelt hunches and gut feels push us past the red flags and straight into the arms of adventure. Whether you’re sniffing a bounceback or hopeful for redemption, some players are worthy of a second (or third, or fourth) shot. Here are the players I’d consider staying toxic for in 2026.

Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
Daniels’ entrance into the league was accompanied by a plethoric compliment of unfurled green flags. The emerald-colored banners quickly became threadbare, however, shortly into the QB’s sophomore campaign as a litany of compounding physical maladies (wrist, knee, hamstring and elbow) limited the electric signal caller to just four full games.

A regression in passing and rushing efficiency additionally cratered Daniels’ stock. But it’s worth noting that the injury imp also wreaked havoc on Daniels’ supporting cast with Terry McLaurin (quad), Austin Ekeler (Achilles) and Zach Ertz (ACL) all missing significant time. Those absences, quite clearly, contributed to Daniels’ statistical dip. Despite the obstacles, the former No. 2 overall pick in 2024 averaged 16.3 fantasy points per game, closely behind Joe Burrow (16.8 FPTS/gm) and Lamar Jackson (16.5 FPTS/gm).

The dichotomy between 2024 and 2025 reminds us that each year brings a new set of circumstances. Things are different heading into 2026. Most importantly, Daniels and McLaurin are both back to being 100%. Furthermore, Rachaad White and Chig Okonkwo have been brought in to replace Eckler and Ertz. And Washington drafted Clemson standout Antonio Williams to buoy the slot.

Included in the changes is David Blough’s internal promotion from QBs coach to offensive coordinator. Blough’s position-friendly scheme aims to keep the 25-year-old healthy, placing him under center more frequently while increasing the number of play-action attempts and, ultimately, reducing a reliance on perilously planned designed runs. A conscious dip in rushing production may sound like a negative, but Daniels doesn’t need to clear 800 rushing yards to remain a top-tier fantasy option. He can halve his rookie season rushing numbers and still stay inside of the top-five mobile options at the position, particularly if the tweak allows him to stay on the field while evolving as a passer.

Daniels has proven to be a quick learner as well as an elite talent. His ball placement as a passer in tandem with game-breaking speed as a runner provide him with a sky high ceiling. The QB5 in fantasy points per game (21.5) as a rookie, Daniels is currently coming off boards in the sixth-round. That’s a dip worth buying, especially when noting the potential upside as well as the glut of suitable backups available late in drafts. The injury risk is real. But nobody wins their league playing it safe.

Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets

Exiled to an offensive wasteland since being drafted No. 10 overall in 2022, Wilson has failed to make good on his first-round pedigree. Despite being hamstrung by subpar coaching and QB play, however, the former Buckeye has maintained fantasy relevance, finishing inside the top-30 FF players at the position in three of his last four campaigns. But that’s little comfort to managers who repeatedly invested early-round capital, banking on a well-deserved (and overdue) breakout.

Coming off an(other) underwhelming season in which a knee sprain limited the Jets’ No. 1 WR to just seven games, Wilson’s ADP has continued to sag. Yet, it’s worth noting that prior to sustaining the injury, he averaged 16.6 fantasy points per game (WR10), was on track to clear 1,100 receiving yards, and collect upwards of 10 TDs. With Justin Fields under center, that production largely came via volume, as Wilson commanded a target share of over 31 percent from Weeks 1 through 6. Similar results won’t be achieved by the exact same methods this year, but that doesn’t mean the talented wideout can’t register top-15 positional success in 2026.

In what’s become commonplace, Jets’ brass had decided to retool the offense by hiring Frank Reich, trading for Geno Smith, and adding Omar Cooper Jr. as well as Kenyon Sadiq via the NFL draft. Incorporating two new pass-catchers will likely take away from Wilson’s opportunities, but the 25-year-old remains New York’s undisputed alpha. Given Reich’s “receiver-empowering” scheme and Wilson’s versatility, the 25-year-old figures to line up all over the field. His conversion rate should also improve with Smith providing stability under center. This doesn’t figure to materialize into a lights out offense, but it should be efficient enough to provide Wilson with low-end WR1/high-end W2 fantasy value, making his late fourth-round APD entirely palatable.

Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Rice played more games as a rookie (16) than he has over his past two campaigns combined. A significant knee injury sidelined him for the bulk of his sophomore effort while a suspension as well as a concussion limited him to just four games last year. Unfortunately, both the physical and legal issues have lingered into the present. Mere days after undergoing cleanup surgery on the same knee he injured in 2024, Rice was jailed for violating the terms of his probation. He was released from prison on June 16, after serving a 30-day sentence. Current reports suggest that the 26-year-old will be ready for training camp and that further discipline stemming from off-field issues is unlikely.

Rice has clearly struggled to stay available, but when he’s laced up, he’s been money. Not only has he thrived as Patrick Mahomes’ primary target (earning a target share near 28%) but he’s also produced, averaging at least 18.8 fantasy points per game when active during the last two seasons. To further contextualize, Rice posted five top-12 fantasy finishes over eight starts last year, with three of those efforts ending in a top-six or better positional result. The reward is evident. Unfortunately, so is the risk.

Still, given his discounted ADP (28.8), I’m willing to bite. Mahomes’ return from an ACL repair theoretically complicates Rice’s value. But were Mahomes to, in fact, be hampered, the QB’s reliance on the slot — where Rice dominates — becomes all the more necessary. Noting then that Rice is healthy, his target share is secure, and his upside is elite, there’s little reason to avoid scooping him in the third round. Be sure, however, to pair the explosive receiver with a higher-floor option like DeVonta Smith or Ladd McConkey.

Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Playing against type, Tuten, who is in possession of 4.32 speed, worked as a short yardage complement to Travis Etienne Jr. in 2025. Utilizing every bit of his 5-foot-9 and 206-pound frame, Tuten displayed impressive power, registering seven TDs on 93 total touches. Etienne’s absence now provides the second-year back with a sizable opportunity. But how many of Etienne’s vacated touches (296) will Tuten? And how many might he fumble away?

Given that Jacksonville largely ignored the position — adding only Chris Rodriguez Jr. during free agency — the Jaguars appear confident in Tuten’s abilities. Rodriguez, who excels as a between-the-tackles grinder, figures to take on the role that Tuten manned last year while LeQuint Allen Jr. continues to sub in on passing downs. Tuten probably won’t handle the ball as frequently as Etienne did (17.4 touches per game in 2025), but even 15 touches per contest places the sophomore back firmly on the RB2/RB3 radar.

Current ADP (73.1) aligns with that assessment, as Tuten is presently the 25th running back coming off draft boards. That’s solid value for the primary ball carrier in a Liam Coen designed offense. Coen’s scheme revitalized Etienne, who recorded a career-best 13 TDs and finished as fantasy’s RB10 overall last season. The Sean McVay acolyte also famously called the offensive plays during Bucky Irving’s top-13 positional finish in 2024. Tuten’s big-play profile is an ideal fit for Coen’s system, which adds to his upside and subsequent appeal. Earning extra reps at OTAs while Rodriguez rehabs a foot issue, the 24-year-old appears on track for a second-year breakout.

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers

Brooks’ red flags are big and bright. He tore the ACL in his right knee twice over a span of 13 months. Now, however, he’s participating in offseason workouts and on track to make a healthy 2026 debut. Dave Canales has been transparent about easing the 23-year-old into team drills and managing his workload. He’s also lauded Brooks’ progress, stating: “JB’s looked great, in the run game certainly, but also in the pass game. He has a great ability to catch the ball, track it, and transition once he catches it.”

That could be coach speak or it could be genuine excitement about a capable young player with a well-rounded skill set. Prior to suffering the initial tear (in Nov. 2023), Brooks flashed as the Texas Longhorns’ primary ball carrier, captivating scouts with his explosive running style and tackle-breaking ability. For context, the Texas native was the RB8 in Scrimmage Yards per game (129.5) and the RB6 in Forced Missed Tackles (63) in 2023. Carolina was clearly sold on Brooks’ traits, making him the first RB selected in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Panthers’ intrigue does not appear to have waned, as the team let Rico Dowdle’s contract expire at the close of 2025 and eschewed the position during the 2026 NFL draft. With Chuba Hubbard as his main competition, Brooks is on the precipice of authoring a bust-to-boom comeback story for himself and fantasy managers. His injury history is an obvious and legitimate concern, but the risk is baked into his 13th round ADP, resulting in a perfect storm of value and growth potential.

George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers

Kittle’s unmatched energy and intensity has delighted fans for nearly a decade. Equal parts pancake king and YAC monster, his playing style is a unique blend of vintage grit and balletic athleticism. A tough-as-nails talent who has shined as one of the 49ers most effective and heavily utilized stars, Kittle’s ultra-physical approach to the game has resulted in plenty of trips to the medical tent. In fact, he’s missed at least one game due to injury in seven of his nine seasons.

When he’s laced up, though, there’s no denying Kittle’s elite production, averaging 14.8 fantasy points per game over his last eight campaigns. Outside of his rookie effort, Kittle has never posted a season in which he’s averaged fewer than 12.7 fantasy points per game (TE6, 2023). Despite missing 14 regular season contests, he also leads the position in touchdown grabs over the last five seasons, with 38. That is world-class longevity and efficiency.

Kittle’s durability is, once again, the subject of scrutiny heading into 2026. The seven-time Pro Bowler tore his right achilles in the NFC wild-card match against the Eagles on January 11. Fortunately, the tear was clean and located high enough up his calf to allow for an easier surgery and quicker recovery. Having suffered zero set-backs and reportedly ahead of schedule, Kittle is on track for a Week 1 start. It remains to be seen if he’ll make the trip to Australia for the 49ers’ season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Even if Kittle is eased back into action, he’s an incredible value as the virtual game’s TE8.

Furthermore, the position offers a glut of final-round fliers that could band-aid rosters while The People’s Tight End returns to form. Don’t let this latest impediment prevent you from embracing the discounted ADP. Instead, take a note from Kittle himself and ensure your passion remains unflagging.

Kittle’s Career Fantasy Stats

Season	Fantasy PPG	Rank
2025	14.7	3rd
2024	15.8	1st
2023	12.7	6th
2022	13.4	2nd
2021	14.1	4th
2020	15.6	3rd
2019	15.9	2nd
2018	16.2	3rd

Former NFL star Chris Johnson is bringing back the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness of ALS as he fights the fatal nervous system disease.

The Ice Bucket Challenge gained popularity in the summer of 2014 as a way to raise ALS awareness. People took a video or photo as they got a bucket of ice water dumped on them, and they’d challenge friends or relatives to do the same.

According to the ALS Therapy Development Institute, the drive helped raise an estimated $135 million in the United States and $220 million worldwide in the fight against ALS.

Johnson attempted to boost the cause once more in an Instagram post Wednesday, two days after announcing on “Good Morning America” that he’s dealing with ALS.

Johnson said he was inspired after watching former Utah men’s basketball player Hunter Mecum post an Instagram video in which he dumped ice water on his head to honor the 40-year-old former running back.

“The support you’ve shown me over the last few days has meant more than I can put into words,” Johnson said in his post. “Seeing this video reminded me of something powerful. Years ago, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge united millions of people around one cause and helped change the fighting against this disease. Today, I’m asking you to help me do it again.”

Johnson challenged former All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch and former Tennessee Titans teammates LenDale White and Adam “Pacman” Jones to participate. Johnson later added Instagram story posts showing White and others getting doused with water.

In his “Good Morning America” interview, Johnson said he was diagnosed with ALS last year.

The 2008 first-round draft pick from East Carolina rushed for 9,651 yards during a 10-year career that included stints with the Titans (2008-13), New York Jets (2014) and Arizona Cardinals (2015-17). He rushed for 2,006 yards and was the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year in 2009.

Jahan Dotson’s first four years as a pro involved stints with two teams and a well of untapped potential.

After signing with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, the 2022 first-round wide receiver believes NFL home No. 3 will finally afford him a chance to fully showcase what he can do.

“I 100 percent believe in my talent and ability to make plays in this league,” Dotson said, via The Athletic’s Josh Kendall. “It’s just about getting the opportunity to do so. I didn’t really have that opportunity the past couple years. Now I’m looking to really do that, and I can’t wait to make plays for this football team.”

Dotson entered the league with promise, dealing with injuries as a Washington Commanders rookie but exhibiting a nose for the end zone with seven touchdowns and hauling in 35 receptions for 523 yards over 12 contests. The TDs and yards, however, still stand as career highs. He spent just one more year in Washington and never found a groove as the team churned through quarterbacks. Dotson had 518 yards and four scores on 49 catches in 2023, then was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles amid a 2024 preseason in which he fell down the Commanders’ WR pecking order.

Dotson started off buried behind superstar duo A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in Philly and never dug his way out. Over the last two seasons, Brown and Smith combined for 420 targets, 290 catches, 3,923 yards and 26 TDs. Dotson finished third among the the Eagles’ wide receivers in targets both years, but it amounted to 37 receptions for 478 yards and a score on 69 looks.

The Falcons offer renewed hope for Dotson that he can carve out a crucial role.

Atlanta’s offense will still run heavily through running back Bijan Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London, but the depth chart at wideout behind London is wide open.

Dotson’s most notable competition for targets after the club’s big three is fellow free-agent signee Olamide Zaccheaus and third-round rookie Zachariah Branch, both of whom fit naturally in the slot, which means Dotson could cement himself on the boundary opposite London with a good training camp.

“They brought me here to show people what I can do,” Dotson said of the Falcons brass. “I feel like I have been holding all this in the last couple of years. I’m ready to show the world what I can do. Coach (Kevin) Stefanski is giving me the opportunity, and I can’t wait to take it.”

Just how confident is Dotson that he can reach new heights with Atlanta?

He’s setting his sights at the very top of the NFL’s WR totem pole.

“I want to be one of the greatest,” Dotson said. “I’m not afraid (of saying that). I was talking to Jessie Bates, and he was talking about wanting to be the best who ever played, and I’m comfortable with those sort of things. I want to be one of the best in the league. I want to show my talent.”

Riley Moss enters Year 4 of his NFL career having established himself as a solid cornerback counterpart for Patrick Surtain II in the Denver Broncos’ vaunted defense.

Reaching this stage of his career, heading into the final season on his rookie contract, raises questions regarding Moss’ future — especially considering how packed the Broncos’ secondary is. Whether his path eventually continues running through Denver beyond 2026 or diverts elsewhere, though, Moss is focused on where his feet are now.

“To be honest, no,” Moss told the Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel regarding if he’s been thinking about what’s on the horizon. “It’ll handle itself out like it always has. I trust in God, and I trust in myself, and I’m just going to go out, do my thing, continue to do my thing, and the rest will take care of itself.”

The attitude of que será, será has served Moss well thus far. He saw a league-high 116 targets in coverage last season, per NFL Pro, a byproduct of playing opposite the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and he rose to the occasion. He led the NFL with 19 passes defensed and allowed a 53.4 completion percentage, 11th-lowest among outside cornerbacks with at least 50 targets.

Still, Moss could get pushed for playing time this season despite starting all 17 games last year and performing well. Ja’Quan McMillian has emerged as a playmaker, and 2025 first-rounder Jahdae Barron now has a full season under his belt.

“Naturally, if you’re a competitor and you want to last in this league, you have that regardless of who is behind you,” Moss said. “It’s good for us. It pushes me, it pushes them and overall I think it’s good for our room.”

As part of the looming competition for snaps, Moss has a few things to fine tune.

He was susceptible against the long ball last year, with his 21 downfield receptions allowed ranking sixth-worst among corners. For as close as Moss was to a lot of the action, he also didn’t create turnovers. He collected one interception, just the second of his career, another shortcoming in his game he’d like to rectify.

“It’s me, myself and I,” Moss said. “I only had one pick and I had like (19) passes defended or whatever the heck it was.

“We’re going to start coming down with those a little more often. That’s something you work in practice and we’re going to get some more turnovers for sure.”

However the CB room shakes out will factor significantly into Denver’s long-term plans at the position.

Moss knows that, but he can exert the most control over his future by performing in the present.

Some prognosticators earlier this offseason pitched defensive lineman Arik Armstead as a potential cap casualty due to his $19.4 million cap hit and the $14.5 million the Jacksonville Jaguars would save by cutting him after June 1.

Such a release did not come to pass, but that didn’t prevent the 11-year veteran from seeing the predictions.

“That’s the nature of the business,” Armstead told Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. “It’s impossible to ignore the chatter. Everyone has social media and there is no ignoring anything and even if you’re not on social media, somebody will tell you about it or ask you about it.”

Regardless of the savings, it makes sense Jacksonville has held onto Armstead.

The Jaguars are in win-now mode after going 13-4 to capture the AFC South. Although they used three of their 2026 draft picks to beef up the defensive line and traded for Ruke Orhorhoro in April, Armstead is their surest immediate bet to generate inside pressure on the quarterback.

His contract is weighty heading into his final year on the deal, but Armstead was second on Jacksonville in sacks in 2025. His 5.5 sacks marked the third-best single-season total of his career and his best output since 2021. He reached that number despite suffering a hand injury in late November that caused him to miss a game and his snap count to plummet upon his return.

After averaging 73.8% of the team’s defensive snaps from Weeks 9-12, Armstead missed Week 13, then was on the field for an average of 38.4% of defensive plays over the final five games of the regular season. His last sack came in Week 11, as the injury stymied his production.

“I was playing with one hand for six games,” Armstead said. “Couldn’t play as many snaps because it was hard to play the run with just one hand so I was limited to (pass-rush) situations. As I got more comfortable (with the cast), I was able to be somewhat effective, but couldn’t grab (his blocker) and couldn’t do certain moves.”

Having found his groove early on for a Jags defense that was top 10 in points allowed for the first time in seven years, there’s reason to believe Armstead, healthy again, can do so once more in his age-33 season.

Beyond that, the veteran knows the future is flexible.

“My focus is being my best self and the best player I can be,” Armstead said. “That’s all I can control.”

The Cardinals will require more offensive firepower to keep up in a daunting NFC West.

Tight end Trey McBride believes No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love can provide them with some.

“That dude’s a f—— stud,” McBride said recently on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast. “He’s a stud, man. Just the few practices that we had together, his route running and his ability to f—— making plays is pretty cool. I’m excited to have him on our side for sure.”

Love went so early in the 2026 draft, even to a rebuilding team with needs elsewhere, precisely because of the qualities McBride has already seen in him during the offseason program.

The running back accumulated 3,014 scrimmage yards with 40 touchdowns over his last two years at Notre Dame while averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He’s a danger on both handoffs and dump-offs, and along with free-agent addition Tyler Allgeier and veteran James Conner should vastly improve Arizona’s anemic 31st-ranked running operation from a season ago.

Though Love brings plenty of excitement as the Cardinals look to rebound from a dismal three-win 2025 season, the question marks at quarterback have hung some gloom over Arizona’s offensive prospects overall.

Jacoby Brissett showed up for mandatory minicamp but is still seeking a new contract. Gardner Minshew provides another veteran option in the room, but neither is likely to be a long-term answer in the desert. Third-round rookie Carson Beck will have a season to insert himself into the equation before the Cardinals reevaluate the position ahead of next year’s draft.

For what it’s worth, McBride has been impressed with the young QB, as well.

“He looks like a tight end,” he said. “I’m like s—, bigger than me, you know? But, no, he’s a stud. He throws the ball really well. I think he has a chance to be a really good player in this league.”

McBride added: “I don’t know about [starting] Week 1 unless something crazy happens, but he definitely has a chance to be a guy for sure.”

When it comes to studs, the Cardinals will very much be hoping this is a case of “takes one to know one,” as McBride has been the most studly of tight ends over the past couple years, racking up 237 catches for 2,385 yards and 13 touchdowns while making two Pro Bowls and an All-Pro team since 2024.

His heroics, though unable to lift the Cardinals from the divisional cellar, led to his four-year, $76 million extension with Arizona in April — at the time making him the league’s highest-paid tight end before being surpassed by the 49ers’ George Kittle weeks later.

Heading into his fifth season, McBride has started stacking accolades and achieved financial security. In the next phase of his career, he hopes team success follows, perhaps with the help of promising newcomers such as Love and Beck.

“When the opportunity presented itself to stay with Arizona and sign the record-breaking deal at the time, it was pretty cool to do,” McBride said. “I was all for it. I love Arizona, man, there’s nothing about the place that I hate. I obviously wish we won more games, but it’s a special place. I love being there. S—, hopefully we’ll turn it around.”

Former NFL cornerback LeRoy Irvin, a two-time All-Pro with the Los Angeles Rams, has died at 68, the team announced Thursday.

Irvin was a fixture for the Rams during the 1980s, first making his impact known as a punt returner before emerging as a starting corner. He tallied four touchdowns on punt returns and added six more scores defensively, with 35 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries over his 11-year career.

Eric Dickerson, previously Irvin’s Rams teammate, posted a tribute to him Thursday on Instagram.

“Devastated to hear about the passing of my brother, teammate, and Rams legend Leroy Irvin,” Dickerson’s post read. “Leroy wasn’t just a lockdown corner and a fierce competitor on the field; he was a true friend and a great man who always brought incredible energy. Rest in peace, my brother. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Irvin family and all of Rams Nation.”

A 1980 third-round selection out of Kansas, Irvin was recognized as an All-Pro returner in his second season after posting 615 punt return yards with three scores and a 13.4 yards-per-return average, all of which led the league. He also set a still-standing NFL single-game record in Week 6 of that season with 207 punt return yards against the Atlanta Falcons.

Though the Rams used him sparingly in the return game starting in 1984, Irvin remained a home-run threat at cornerback, robbing opponents of possessions and adding points to the scoreboard with uncanny regularity. From 1984-87, he scored at least once on defense each season, finding the end zone twice in both ’84 and ’86.

During that four-year run, he made two Pro Bowls and again was recognized as an All-Pro, but as a cornerback rather than a returner.

Irvin initially joined the Rams in the final season of an eight-year playoff streak for L.A., and although the next decade wasn’t as successful as the franchise’s last, he helped the team maintain it’s place as a consistent contender. The Rams and Irvin made seven playoff trips together, reaching the NFC Championship Game in both 1985 and 1989.

Irvin added another four picks and two forced fumbles in postseason play, including an interception he returned 94 yards to help the Rams to a 1983 wild-card win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Following 10 years with the Rams, Irvin played for the Detroit Lions in 1990, his final season in the NFL.

Sir Scott Dixon is reportedly on the move in Indycars.

ESPN is reporting that Dixon is heading to Arrow McLaren.

The six-time Indycar series champion has been with Chip Ganassi Racing since 2002.

Reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist is also slated to move to Arrow McLaren.

Dixon won series titles with Ganassi in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2020 and the Indianapolis 500 in 2008.

He has won at least one race in every IndyCar season since 2005, a streak currently in jeopardy this year. He currently sits tenth in the standings after ten rounds with his best result a third in at Long Beach.

Dixon and Rosenqvist will join Pato O’Ward at Arrows McLaren with Christian Lundgaard and Nolan Siegel set to lose their seats.

Warriors rookie Luke Hanson will leave the club at the end of the season to continue his career in Australia.

Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden said Hanson had been offered an opportunity back in Australia.

The 22-year-old joined the Warriors in 2024, playing in the Jersey Flegg Cup and New South Wales Cup pathways teams before making his first-grade debut in their 38-12 victory over the Newcastle Knights in March, where he scored the final try of the match.

“We wish him all the best for the future. We really appreciate his efforts and contribution to the club,” McFadden said.

In 2024 Hanson played six times for the Warriors’ under-21 Jersey Flegg Cup side as well as making 18 appearances in the New South Wales Cup.

A member of the successful NSW Cup side last year, he has so far made 45 appearances in the competition.

Coco Gauff shrugged off her Wimbledon gremlins in the nick of time to avoid another early exit on day three after men’s defending champion Jannik Sinner and women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka eased into the third round.

But fifth seed Mirra Andreeva’s dream of becoming the first female player since Serena Williams in 2015 to win the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back was shattered by former champion Barbora Krejcikova despite saving six match points.

For all her fight and fury, the 19-year-old Andreeva went down 4-6 7-5 6-4 as the understated Krejcikova showed the cool grasscourt craft that took her to the 2024 title.

Novak Djokovic completed the day’s action as he turned his Centre Court clash against Stefanos Tsitsipas – a player he has twice beaten in Grand Slam finals – into an exhibition.

The Serbian veteran, bidding for an eighth Wimbledon crown at the age of 39, was superb in a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win.

Sinner was also imposing on centre court, in front of several European Ryder Cup golfers who were watching from the Royal Box, as he beat Portugal’s Nuno Borges 7-6(4) 7-6(2) 6-4.

“Second match on grass, I was not looking for perfection,” Sinner said. “I tried to improve. Felt like at times I did. Now we’ll see how it goes.”

Others to move through in the men’s draw on an upset free day were Canadian third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime who beat Croatia’s Dino Prizmic 7-6(2) 6-3 7-5, and eighth seed Daniil Medvedev who enjoyed a four-set win over Spain’s Daniel Merida.

French Open runner-up Flavio Cobolli, seeded ninth, beat Mariano Navone and Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca was roared on by his yellow-clad fan club as he blazed past Jesper de Jong.

Sabalenka, bidding for her first Wimbledon title, was cruising against American McCartney Kessler but had to fight back from 5-2 down in the second set to win 6-1 7-6(9).

Kessler had two set points at 5-3 and another two in the tiebreak but four-times Grand Slam champion Sabalenka raised the intensity levels to set up a third-round slugfest against big-hitting Latvian Jelena Ostapenko.

“She played incredible and played super aggressive and it was really tough to handle the second set and I am glad to have powered through,” Sabalenka said.

Four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka swapped her first round Kill Bill kimono for a more toned down outfit for her second-round clash against Russian qualifier Anastasia Gasanova but dazzled with her tennis in a 6-3 6-2 win.