Diretório

With two joint practices and a preseason game upcoming, the next few days for the Indianapolis Colts will be critical in the evaluation process. These game-like settings are likely to carry more weight in the overall evaluation of each player.So for these seven roster hopefuls, if they hope to continue making a push towards the 53-man, performing well will be a must. Otherwise, there may not be much time left to make up any lost ground.RB Ulysses BentleyWith DJ Giddens sidelined, Bentley has had more opportunities come his way, and he's capitalized, potentially positioning himself to make a real roster push as the third running back. Bentley brings a pass-catching presence to the backfield, something this Colts' offense could benefit from.WR Laquon Treadwell and Nick Westbrook-IkhineThe addition of Keenan Allen is going to take a roster spot away from someone, and it may come down to Treadwell and Westbrook-Ikhine competing for one spot. Treadwell has often been ahead of Westbrook-Ikhine in terms of reps and he does offer special teams experience. Westbrook-Ikhine has flashed more playmaking potential this summer.DT Jerry Tillery and Derrick NnadiIf the Colts keep five defensive tackles, then these two are likely competing for that final spot. That said, neither impressed in the preseason opener, potentially resulting in the Colts rostering just four players at this position.CB Jaylon JonesJones appears to be the seventh cornerback on the depth chart at the moment. Based on playing time in the preseason game and in practices, he is behind Cam Taylor-Britt, Mekhi Blackmon, and Johnathan Edwards on the depth chart. It's not common for teams to keep seven cornerbacks.K Spencer ShraderShrader had a strong showing in the preseason game, but overall in the kicking competition, Blake Grupe seems to hold the advantage.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 7 Colts players on roster bubble entering joint practices with Falcons

CLEVELAND — Sometimes, all you need is to hear the crack of the bat to know a ball is long, long gone. The sound spoils the ending. The moment Jo Adell sent a thunderous sound wave around Progressive Field in the Guardians’ 8-1 win over the San Francisco Giants on Aug. 18, the result of the play was clear the moment he made some high-decibel contact.After the game, catcher Austin Hedges joked in the clubhouse that his ears were still hurting, and he was heading for a doctor’s appointment in the morning. Giants left fielder Drew Gilbert didn’t even run to the wall, he just turned around to see how far it flew. The answer was 455 feet, the longest home run by a Cleveland hitter this season. The ball landed only a few rows short of the scoreboard, which is rare territory — officially, only Mark McGwire in 1997 has actually cleared the bleachers entirely. “That was one of the louder cracks of the bat I’ve heard,” said Guardians starter Foster Griffin, who allowed one run in six innings in the win. “I don’t know how many balls have been put up there in that section here, but that was quite impressive.” Jo Adell's stats in career nightAdell’s no-doubter was a three-run home run that gave the Guardians an early lead. An inning later, with two runners in scoring position, Adell lined a single back up the middle to score two more runs. And in the fourth, he added another RBI single, giving him a career-high six RBIs. When asked for his reaction to the home run that sounded like it might be headed for orbit, manager Stephen Vogt said all he could do was “just watch it.” Jo Adell CRUSHES a 455-foot homer high into the bleachers😳 pic.twitter.com/dfGpAla0PL— MLB (@MLB) August 18, 2026“We haven’t seen many balls fly that far to left field since I’ve been here, and his power’s real,” Vogt said. “But my favorite at-bat was the second one, two outs, second and third, right back up the middle with a two-run single. He’s just been having great at-bats since he’s been here.” The potential for a night like that is exactly the reason Adell was acquired at that trade deadline, a right-handed hitter with a track record of demolishing left-handed pitching. He fit into the lineup like a glove. While the Guardians haven’t played their best baseball since the aggressive trade deadline that also brought in Griffin, Nathaniel Lowe and Craig Yoho, Adell’s six-RBI night allowed Cleveland to cruise to a series-opening win. Jo Adell injury updateAdell wasn’t made available to media after the game because moments before his mammoth home run, he fouled a ball off his left knee and had to be checked on by trainers. He remained in the game, but as the night wore on, he was in pain, and the team eventually decided to pull him out of the lineup. When media members were able to be in the clubhouse, Adell was receiving treatment for the injury. After the game, he was officially diagnosed with a bruised left knee and is considered day-to-day. One might call it even, considering he might have bruised an unsuspecting bleacher seat a few rows shy of the scoreboard in left field a few hours earlier. Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Jo Adell hits 455-foot home run. Guardians marvel at sight and sound

Nick Kyrgios, one of the “bad boys” of tennis, has been suspended after testing positive during an in-competition drug test for cocaine. The positive drug test came aat an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca back in June.According to tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg, Kyrgios’ provisional suspension began on August 4, and Kyrgios has yet to appeal.After a lengthy statement posted to social media, it appears unlikely that Kyrgios will choose to do so. Kyrgios apologized to his family and fans while taking ownership for his mistake, but also acknowledged some mental health struggles and said he will be stepping away from “public life” in order to get himself better. MORE: Amanda Anisimova confused announcers with mystery drink during comeback winNick Kyrgios Issues ApologyMar 6, 2025; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Nick Kyrgios (AUS) retires due to a wrist injury in his match against Botic van de Zandschulp (NED) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Well Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)“I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors, and everyone close to me,” Kyrgios wrote. “Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself. “I’m not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I’ve been. The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of career has been harder than I ever imagined.”Kyrgios then acknowledged he will be stepping away for nearly a month to focus on his well-being, and hopes people are mindful of his privacy during that time.Aug 29, 2022; Flushing, NY, USA; Nick Kyrgios of Australia enters to play Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia on day one of the 2022 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports (Reuters)“I’ve always said I didn’t choose tennis, tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face. At times I’ve felt helpless and alone. None of that excuses what I did. However, the good news is that this has given me a wake up call. For the next 28 days, I’ll be stepping away from social media and public life while I focus on getting myself right.“I’d ask that people respect my privacy during that time, and most importantly the privacy of my family. I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better.”It is great to see Kyrgios taking accountability for his mistake, and hopefully he is truly able to get the help he is seeking. If you or someone you know is struggling, SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)) is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for those facing mental and/or substance use disorders.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

The WNBA is back with a new collective bargaining agreement and million dollar players. The Las Vegas Aces will be looking to run it back as defending champs with the reigning MVP, A'ja Wilson, leading the way. Lots of other contenders hope to have something to say about that including the Atlanta Dream, New York Liberty and Indiana Fever. The Fever, who were without floor leader Caitlin Clark for much of last season, are fully healthy. The Liberty, who were also bitten by the injury bug last season, already have Sabrina Ionesco on the sidelines after she rolled her ankle in a preseason game against the Connecticut Sun. The Atlanta Dream also made the trade of the offseason, getting Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky to add to a roster which won 30 games last season. Here is the full WNBA schedule for Aug. 19 and how to watch all the games. Or see our sortable basketball schedule to filter by team or conference. USA TODAY Studio IX : Check out our women's sports hub for in-depth analysis, commentary and more all season WNBA schedule today All times Eastern and accurate as of Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at 6:09 a.m. Toronto Tempo at Washington Mystics, 7:30 p.m. , Monumental Sports Network, The Sports Network Minnesota Lynx at Golden State Valkyries, 10 p.m. , USA Network, KMAX 31, KPIX+, Victory + Minnesota Watch WNBA games all season long with Fubo WNBA scores and results See scores, results for all the games listed above See WNBA scores, results from Aug. 18 This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA games today: Schedule, times, how to watch for Aug. 19

LONDON - APRIL 05: Phil Bardsley of Sunderland celebrates the goal scored by Michael Chopra of Sunderland during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Sunderland at Craven Cottage on April 5, 2008 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) | Getty Images This article is brought to you in association with betTOM.Former Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has backed the Black Cats to survive their return to the Premier League – but believes the combination of top-flight and European football could make for a gruelling 2026/27 campaign.There is plenty of optimism around Wearside ahead of Sunderland’s first Premier League season in almost a decade, with Régis Le Bris’ side also preparing for their first European campaign since 1973.That optimism is not necessarily shared by the wider football world, with a number of pundits predicting Sunderland to struggle.Bardsley, though, believes survival is within Sunderland’s grasp – while warning supporters that the demands of the season should not be underestimated.“I’d probably say 11th or 12th would be a very good season,” Bardsley said when asked what would constitute a successful Premier League campaign.“Where I think they might actually finish? Maybe around 16th – but, crucially, still avoiding relegation.“It’s going to be a demanding campaign. The Premier League is difficult enough as it is, and adding European football into the mix makes it tougher. I think Sunderland will survive, but I do think it could be a bit of a grueller.”Bardsley knows from experience just how difficult it can be for a relatively small squad to deal with the demands of European football alongside domestic competition.According to the former right-back, it is not necessarily the travelling itself that presents the biggest problem.“I’ve been there and I know how difficult it can be,” he explained.“We had it at Burnley with a relatively small squad. It’s the away games, travelling, coming back and then playing again a few days later.“People might look at it and think, ‘You’re travelling in luxury, what’s the issue?’ But it’s the mental fatigue. Knowing you’re travelling again, spending time sitting around and constantly having to recover does take its toll.”Despite his prediction, Bardsley stressed that he would be delighted to be proven wrong.“I hope I’m wrong,” he said. “I’d love nothing more than to see them comfortably flying high in the league, doing well in Europe and enjoying a strong domestic campaign.”‘A chance of getting into the knockout stages’While Bardsley expects Sunderland to face a significant challenge domestically, he is much more enthusiastic about their prospects in Europe.He believes simply being competitive during the league phase and giving themselves an opportunity to progress would represent an excellent campaign.“If they can have a competitive league phase and give themselves a chance of getting into the play-offs, that would be brilliant,” he said.“A lot will depend on the draw. If it’s kind to you in these competitions, you can see a route through into the knockout stages.”Bardsley also believes Sunderland’s home form could be crucial, both in the Premier League and in Europe.“The home form will be especially important, both in the league and in Europe,” he said.“Not many teams will enjoy coming to the Stadium of Light.”That could be particularly significant given the transformation in atmosphere around the club over the past couple of seasons.‘There are not many places better than the Stadium of Light’Bardsley experienced both sides of the Stadium of Light during his Sunderland career.There were difficult periods when results were poor and supporters turned on the team, but he also experienced some of the best atmospheres the ground has produced.“It makes a massive difference,” he said.“I experienced both ends of the scale at Sunderland – some brilliant times and some very difficult ones.”The former defender understands why supporters can become frustrated when performances are not good enough, but believes the Stadium of Light becomes a very different place when Sunderland are winning.“It is certainly not a nice place to play when things are not going well. But when things are going well, there are not many places better than the Stadium of Light.”And for Bardsley, there are certain elements of the Sunderland matchday experience that make it particularly special.“The anthem, the Elvis music, winning a game and hearing Wise Men Say – it is pretty special,” he said.“Sunderland supporters should be proud of themselves because not many clubs or grounds around the country can generate that level of noise.”With Sunderland now preparing for European nights as well as Premier League football, Bardsley believes supporters have plenty to look forward to.“They should keep backing the team,” he said.“What the players are giving them at the moment is outstanding, and I’m sure there are plenty of good days ahead – particularly with this European campaign.“I’m sure the fans will enjoy themselves wherever they go.”Listen to the full interviewBardsley’s comments were taken from an exclusive interview with Haway The Podcast, with the audio featured in last week’s episode of the podcast.The episode also covers Sunderland’s new third kit, transfer business and the latest issues surrounding match tickets.You can listen to the full episode of Haway The Podcast here:Haway The Podcast on SpotifyGamble responsibly. 18+.

An Amazon company logo marks the facade of a building, March 18, 2022, in Schoenefeld near Berlin. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)2026-08-19T10:00:49Z Millions more people may be able to get smaller, lightweight Amazon packages delivered by drones by the end of the year under a plan the company announced Thursday to expand the airborne shipping to suburban areas in nearly 500 U.S. cities.Customers could receive the drone deliveries in as fast as 30 minutes, Amazon said in a news release. The drones can carry packages up to 5 pounds. The plan will intensify the battle between Amazon and Walmart to provide consumers with the fastest delivery times. Both giants rely on a mix of drones and drivers to deliver everything consumers have ordered.Amazon’s plan would expand its drone delivery operation more than sixfold nationwide into hundreds of new communities, including the Chicago, Atlanta, Cleveland and Boise metro areas. The drones will primarily fly in the suburbs well away from skyscrapers and major airports that could cause problems. Drone delivery is growing fast but remains a small factorHundreds of thousands of packages have already been delivered by Amazon drones this year, but even after this expansion drones will still only handle a fraction of the hundreds of millions of package deliveries each year. In addition to only being able to carry 5 pounds, the drones Amazon builds face countless challenges from tree cover to landscaping and inflatable pools that can make it hard to find a good drop zone. There are also regulatory hurdles to overcome in every community where Amazon wants to set up operations. Noise concerns also pose a potential challenge. “It’s still an experiment. It’s still in test and learn mode,” said Sucharita Kodali, who is a retail analyst with Forrester. Read More The novelty of drone delivery may attract orders at firstInitially, consumers might order something delivered by drone because they are curious about it, but it’s not clear how often they will continue to use the service, and Amazon is still working out the economics, Kodali said.The service will be free for Amazon Prime members who are ordering more than $50 worth of goods, but smaller orders will cost members $2.99. Non-members will pay $4.99 for drone delivery. Prime members get free deliveries while non-members pay a flat fee if the shipment is under $35 for standard delivery or up to $12.99 for same‑day shipments when available.Kodali said drones could prove more useful for certain light-weight deliveries that are needed urgently like prescription medications. DoorDash and other delivery companies also are experimenting with using drones to deliver foods and other goods. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Amazon CEO believes drone delivery will be part of the mixAmazon’s CEO Andy Jassy told shareholders in his annual letter in April that the company has learned a great deal by flying drones in 11 sites across Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, and Texas. In each location, the drones launch from an Amazon warehouse and cover about 175 square miles, so it takes multiple drone launching locations to serve a large metro area.“Prime Air now has a design that’ll scale, plans to serve communities with 30 million customers by year-end, and expects to deliver half a billion packages by the end of this decade (with an aim to deliver inside 30 minutes),” Jassy wrote. Amazon is also continuing to invest in its warehouses, smaller fulfillment centers closer to customers and its fleet of trucks as the company competes to deliver packages within minutes or hours instead of just days.Amazon is already certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and the company has been awarded waivers to fly drones beyond the line of sight of the pilots. Amazon has invested in safety measures to help drones avoid collisions with anything else in the sky while they are making deliveries.The federal government has proposed a rule that would allow more drone operators to fly beyond the horizon, but that hasn’t been finalized yet. JOSH FUNK Funk covers transportation including aviation safety, trucking and airlines along with the major freight railroads. Funk also covers Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, drones, the effort to break China’s stranglehold on rare earth elements and agriculture. twitter mailto

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02516-2Many researchers are unaware of an upcoming law that will require them to register with a regulatory body, as is the case for engineers and healthcare professonals.

We look at the aftermath of Hurricane Lala.

The Emirates has long been a major trading hub for Iran, and analysts say it has been key to Iranian efforts to evade international sanctions, which the country denies.

Jaipur: With a packed domestic season fast approaching, Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) finds itself in a race against time to assemble its squads. A quick succession of four major BCCI domestic tournaments starting in October has pushed selection matters to the forefront.The action begins on Oct 8 with the Boys Under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy, followed closely by the Women’s Under-19 T2o Trophy starting on Oct 9. The marquee Ranji Trophy gets underway on Oct 11, and the Under-23 CK Nayudu Trophy rounds out the lineup when it begins on October 12.Insiders share that Bhaskar A Sawant, appointed by the high court as the sole administrator to manage the state cricket affairs, is sticking with the selection panel formed by the last ad hoc committee. Forming new committees would require an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be convened, which is deemed too demanding a task given that preparations for the upcoming elections must also be attended to.“The five-member panel formed by the last ad hoc committee will be the sole authority to pick the squad. The selectors are scheduled to meet on Thursday to finalise the Ranji Trophy probable list,” a source informed.The senior men’s selection committee formed in June is led by chairperson Vijendra Yadav and includes panel members Zakir Hussain, Shamsher Singh, Pranay Sharma and Afroz Khan.Another source added, “Some players are concerned about how the selection process will unfold because this committee wasn’t formed when the league matches of the Colvin Shield Trophy were going on. Will the five observers from that time be consulted?”Oversight during the Colvin Shield was managed by observers Siddharth Joshi, Ankit Lamba, Abhijeet Sharma, Rajiv Rathore, Pranay Sharma, Kishan Choudhary and Sumit Mathur.Meanwhile, Under-19 Dungarpur Shield will begin on Aug 22.

The New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys didn't have any trouble bringing physicality and intensity to Tuesday's joint practice. Tempers flared throughout the session, with several fights and scuffles interrupting the action as both teams battled through a physical day. Saints head coach Kellen Moore acknowledged afterward that the confrontations weren't exactly what he wanted to see, even if New Orleans still accomplished most of its goals for the practice."Obviously, you guys saw all the chippiness of it," Moore said. "Not the ideal flow of the joint practice, but we got the work that we needed."Moore said he communicated with the Cowboys' coaching staff as things heated up. The two sides eventually settled down enough to finish practice: "I think the guys got a little more settled in towards the end. I felt like the two red zone groups just put more work towards the end."Despite the interruptions, which numbered around five or six in total, Moore said the Saints got "pretty much what we were looking for" out of the joint session. He said that the emotional practice is something his players can learn from, adding, "For our guys, there's some edginess in football and we get to learn from how this one navigated."Moore said the team is ready to move on from it. They'll take some time to review the tape "without all the rah" and take some good lessons from the practice. Sure, the fights made the practice messier than Moore would've preferred. However, the Saints still got meaningful work against another team and will now gear up for another joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams on August 20.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Kellen Moore comments on fights at Saints-Cowboys joint practice

Wednesday brings us down to 25 days until the New Orleans Saints take the field for their 2026 season opener. This year, the Saints will be on the road to start the year when they play at the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Sept. 13. Reserve cornerback Rezjohn Wright is currently wearing No. 25 for New Orleans in training camp.Wright will be among the competition to round out a deep depth chart at corner. He bounced around a few practice squads before becoming the 18th player to put on a 25 uniform for the franchise. We take a look at each of them in our ongoing countdown to kickoff series.Saints History of No. 25WR Jerry Simmons (1967)WR Al Dodd (1969-71)S Jerry Moore (1973-74)RB Leon McQuay (1976)S Wade Bosarge (1977)CB Johnnie Poe (1981-87)RB Fred McAfee (1991-93, 2001-2005)RB Brad Muster (1994)CB Alex Molden (1996-2000)RB Reggie Bush (2006-10)S Rafael Bush (2012-15, 2017)CB P.J. Williams (2016)RB Mike Gillislee (2018)CB Eli Apple (2018-19)CB Ken Crawley (2020-21)S Daniel Sorensen (2022-23)RB Kendre Miller (2023-24)CB Rezjohn Wright (2025-current)Jerry Simmons was the first to wear No. 25 for the franchise, but only suited up in two games in the team's inaugural campaign and had 2 receptions. Al Dodd followed in 1969, playing 38 games over three years with New Orleans. Dodd was a fairly productive receiver for the Saints, catching 80 passes for 1,382 yards. Jerry Moore was the first defensive player to wear No. 25 as a Saint, playing two years. However, it took six players over a 15-year stretch before a New Orleans draft choice would wear a No. 25 jersey.Johnnie Poe was a sixth-round choice in an outstanding 1981 draft for New Orleans. Poe had an underrated seven-year career as a Saint through the early and middle portion of the 1980s as the defense formed into the fearsome Dome Patrol unit that dominated the league. Poe's 100 games with the Saints are the most for any player to wear No. 25 for the franchise. Over that span he had 17 interceptions, returning 2 for touchdowns. His 7 picks and 146 return yards in 1983 were second in the NFL. Poe also had 6 fumble recoveries and a sack in his New Orleans career.Brad Muster was a disappointment as a 1988 first round choice with the Chicago Bears. In 1993, the Bears swapped Muster with Craig Heyward, the Saints own disappointing first round draft choice in 1988. Muster wore No. 22 in 1993 with New Orleans before switching to No. 25 the next year. He rushed the ball only once that season before retiring at year's end. Of the 17 players that wore No. 25 for New Orleans, Muster is one of 12 that did it for two years or less.Alex Molden is one of two Round 1 draft picks made by the Saints to wear No. 25. The 11th overall choice in the 1996 NFL draft from the Oregon Ducks, Molden was the first cornerback selected that year. The Saints also selected him before such future stars like Eddie George, John Mobley, Marvin Harrison, Jeff Hartings, Eric Moulds, and Ray Lewis. That fact angers New Orleans fans to this day and has Molden, perhaps unfairly, labeled as a draft bust. Molden had a solid career with the Saints, even if it didn't live up to his draft expectations. He played five seasons with the team, with his 74 games the third most of any Saints player to wear No. 25. With New Orleans, Molden had 8 interceptions with 15 passes broken up and forced 5 fumbles along with recording 6 sacks.Fred McAfee had two separate stints with the Saints that would culminate with a place in the franchise's Hall of Fame. A Round 6 choice in the 1991 draft, McAfee was originally with New Orleans from 1991 to 1993. After stops with the Cardinals, Steelers, and Buccaneers, McAfee was back with the Saints in 2000. He wore three different numbers during his New Orleans tenure but is best-known in a No. 25 jersey. McAfee only had 924 yards from scrimmage and 5 touchdowns in 10 total seasons with the Saints. Where he forged his career was on special teams, where he was elite. It was those contributions that caused his 2022 induction into the Saints Hall of Fame.New Orleans has drafted first or second overall three times in their 59-year history. George Rogers was the first overall choice in the 1981 NFL draft. Archie Manning was the second overall pick in 1971. Manning shares that distinction with Reggie Bush, the Heisman Trophy winning running back with the USC Trojans, who was taken second overall by the Saints in the 2006 NFL draft. He would be with the Saints for five seasons and 60 games, the second-most behind Fred McAfee for any New Orleans offensive player to wear No. 25.Bush was never a featured back for the Saints, but he still made some colossal plays during his time with the franchise. In those five seasons, he rushed for 2,090 yards while catching 294 passes for 2,142 yards and scored 29 offensive touchdowns while adding 4 more scores on punt returns. Bush was also explosive in the postseason, accounting for 5 touchdowns and 639 total yards in six playoff appearances. He left as the franchise's all-time leader in punt return touchdowns and third in receptions by a running back. In 2019, Bush was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame.One year after moving on from Bush in free agency, the Saints put another Bush in the No. 25 jersey. Safety Rafael Bush was a free-agent pickup in 2012 and would play 54 games for the team over five seasons. Rafael wouldn't have nearly the same impact as Reggie, but was solid as a backup defensive back and special teams contributor. Six different players have worn the No. 25 since Rafael Bush over the last nine years. Four of them, P.J. Williams, Ken Crawley, and Kendre Miller, ended up switching to different numbers. Miller now wears No. 5 after two injury-plagued years in No. 25. His injury fortune changed little after his jersey switch. Rezjohn Wright now gets his chance. After breaking off the practice squad for a few games on the active roster in 2025, Wright hopes to grab a spot in the cornerback room for the Saints this coming season.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 25 days until Saints opener: Every player to wear the No. 25 jersey

Rochester erased a three-run deficit and held off a ninth-inning rally to beat Omaha 8-7 on Tuesday night in the opener of a six-game series at Werner Park.Rochester struck first on Maxwell Romero Jr.'s RBI single in the second inning and extended the lead to 2-0 in the third on Seaver King's 10th home run of the season. Omaha answered immediately, however, scoring four runs in the bottom of the third to take a 4-2 lead on an Abraham Toro two-run double, Jack Pineda RBI double and Matthew Lugo sacrifice fly.The Red Wings chipped away at the deficit over the next three innings. Romero hit a solo homer in the fourth, and after Omaha added two runs in the fifth on RBI singles by Carson Roccaforte and Drew Waters, Cayden Wallace answered with a solo shot in the sixth to make it 6-4.Rochester pulled even in the seventh when Trey Lipscomb doubled and Riley Adams blasted a game-tying two-run homer to right field, his 13th of the season.The Red Wings seized control in the eighth. Romero led off the inning with his second homer of the night, and Liover Peguero later scored after doubling when Phillip Glasser delivered an RBI single for an 8-6 advantage.Romero finished 3-for-3 with two home runs, three RBIs and two walks. Adams went 2-for-5 with a double, homer and two RBIs, while King and Wallace also homered. Peguero added a double and scored a run in his third game with Rochester.Matt Krook tossed two scoreless innings in his start before Omaha's four-run third inning against reliever Cole Henry. Relievers Carson Palmquist and Andry Lara helped keep Rochester within striking distance, and Justin Lawrence struck out all three batters he faced in the seventh to earn his first win as a Red Wing. Omaha made things interesting in the ninth. Three Storm Chasers reached base and they scored once on Brett Squires' RBI single, but Gus Varland retired Roccaforte to secure his fourth save. Omaha out-hit Rochester 14-11, led by three-hit performances from Toro and Squires, but stranded seven runners.Information gathered from milb.com.This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Five homers power Red Wings past Omaha in wild opener

Spanish paper hails Fábio after Flu go through: 45-year-old heroFluminense’s heroic qualification for the Conmebol Libertadores quarter-finals made headlines in the international press.Spanish newspaper As praised goalkeeper Fábio’s decisive performance in the win over Independiente Rivadavia in Argentina, calling the Tricolor shot-stopper a “45-year-old hero.”In the match played last Tuesday (18) at the Malvinas Argentinas stadium in Mendoza, Fluminense drew 1-1 in normal time.The place had to be decided on penalties, and that was when Fábio’s experience made the difference to secure a 5-4 victory.Penalty shootout highlights:Resilience: After Lucho missed Fluminense’s second penalty, Fábio put the team back in the contest by saving Florentín’s effort.Composure: Guga took responsibility for Fluminense’s final penalty and converted it with precision.The final save: Next, Atencio needed to score to keep the Argentine side alive, but Fábio stepped up again, saved the penalty, and sealed Fluminense’s qualification.Next stepsWith their place in the Libertadores quarter-finals secured, Fluminense now await the identity of their next opponent, who will come from the tie between Coquimbo Unido (Chile) and Platense (Argentina).This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

A shopper enters a Target store, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Woodbury, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)2026-08-19T10:39:08Z NEW YORK (AP) — Target reported its second straight quarter of comparable sales gains on Wednesday, saying a merchandising overhaul under the retailer’s new CEO is attracting more customers and boosting sales throughout its stores.Comparable sales — those coming from stores and digital channels operating for at least 12 months —rose 3.8% in the second quarter. The company also upgraded its annual profit and sales outlook, citing the solid performance during the first half of the year.Target is emerging from more than a year of weak or declining comparable sales. A 5.6% jump in the first quarter reversed a 3.8% decline in 2025. The second-quarter bump followed 1.9% drop a year ago.Target CEO Michael Fiddelke, a 20-year company veteran who became chief executive in February, said the latest quarter was “an important step forward in the plan we laid out earlier this year to open a new chapter of growth for Target.” Target also reported an increase in the number of customers going to its stores and shopping on its website from May through July.“We’re encouraged by the progress made so far, and we’re also clear-eyed about the important work still ahead,” Fiddelke said. In March, Fiddelke unveiled a $6 billion plan to reverse Target’s sales slump and to reclaim the retailer’s reputation as a place to go for affordable yet stylish apparel and home goods. More than half of Target’s back-to-school merchandise is new, the company said. That includes a limited-time collection of teen and tween clothes, school supplies and accessories in pastel colors and floral prints from the women’s lifestyle brand LoveShack Fancy. Target also collaborated with Hollister on a dorm decor collection. Read More Target recruited fashion designer and TV personality Isaac Mizrahi this summer to fill the newly created role of creative director at large. Mizrahi has been brought in to mentor Target designers, advise on product design and innovation, and forge new partnerships.It is Mizrahi second partnership with Target. He became the first major fashion designer to collaborate with the retailer in 2002 for a successful run. Fiddelke is also remodeling Target stores and improving staffing. The company has more than 100 full-scale remodels underway, with a goal of reaching 130 this year, Fiddelke said Tuesday. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. During the second quarter, comparable store sales increased 2.7%, while increasing same-day deliveries pushed digital comparable sales to grow by 8.7%, Target reported. Target is one of the first big retailers to report second-quarter financial results, which could give industry analysts and economists another read on whether ongoing price pressures from the conflict in Iran impacted consumer behavior.The Commerce Department released a report Friday showing weak retail sales in July. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, also released Friday, showed greater pessimism about the economy this month, likely driven by stubbornly high prices.Retail analysts also are waiting to hear if tariff refunds from the U.S. government are boosting retailers’ quarterly results and whether companies are using the refunds to lower prices for shoppers. Asked about Target’s tariff refunds Tuesday, Chief Financial Officer Jim Lee told reporters that the company continues to invest in lowering prices. Lee said Target reduced the prices of more than 10,000 items over the past year and “there’s more to come even as we’re facing headwinds overall.” Target said net sales increased in all six of its main merchandising categories, led by double-digit growth in what the company calls Fun 101 — a division that includes consumer electronics, toys, trading cards, sports paraphernalia, books and gaming items. Target reported earnings of $1.87 billion, or $4.11 per share, for the three months ended Aug. 1, compared with $935 million, or $2.05 per share, in the year-ago period. The quarter included a benefit from the tariff refunds of $994 million, which contributed $1.65 in earning per share, Target said.Net sales rose 5.3% to $26.54 billion for the period. Analysts were expecting $2.34 per share on sales of $26.15 million for the quarter, according to FactSet.Target now expects sales to increase 5%, up from its earlier predictions for a 4% gain. It also expects per share results for the full year to be up in the range of $9.90 to $10.90. Analysts expect $8.52 per share for the year, according to FactSet. In May, Target reiterated its guidance from March for earnings per share to be near the high end of $7.50 to $8.50. ANNE D’INNOCENZIO D’Innocenzio writes about retail, trends, the consumer economy and hourly workers for The Associated Press. twitter mailto

This photo provided by Toyota shows the 2023 Prius, whose redesign that year brought headturning looks and improved performance to accompany its longstanding fuel efficiency. (Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. via AP)2026-08-19T11:08:43Z Buying a used car can be a smart money move. During a typical ownership cycle, the cost of a used vehicle is usually significantly lower than buying or leasing a new car. Choose one that’s only a few years old, and it will likely have relatively low miles and plenty of reliable years ahead at a nicer price than getting a new vehicle. You can save even more by selecting a fuel-efficient hybrid model known for reliability. To create this list of the best used 3-year-old hybrids, Edmunds examined fuel economy ratings, brand-level reliability, crash test scores, and overall appeal as a daily driver. Any one of these five hybrids from the 2023 model year will likely serve you well while saving you money. The prices listed below are what you can expect to pay at nationwide dealerships such as CarMax or Carvana.Small car: 2023 Toyota PriusToyota redesigned the Prius for the 2023 model year, keeping its traditional aerodynamic hatchback shape while adding rakishly attractive styling. For the first time, the new design made the Prius a car you might want for its looks as much as for its fuel efficiency. Toyota also dramatically improved the car’s performance without reducing fuel economy. Open the rear hatch, and the Prius has a roomy trunk that expands with the back seat folded down. The downsides to this version of the Prius include a cramped interior and poor outward visibility, but you might decide those are small prices to pay for one of the most fuel-efficient hybrids that money can buy. 2023 Prius average price: approximately $30,000EPA-estimated fuel economy: up to 57 mpg combined Midsize car: 2023 Honda AccordThe Honda Accord is about as roomy as you can get for a midsize sedan. There’s plenty of rear legroom for adults, and there is an abundance of room in the trunk for all of your things. For the redesigned 2023 Accord, Honda installed its latest hybrid powertrain, which delivers satisfying acceleration and impressive fuel economy. It also made the hybrid powertrain standard on most of the Accord’s available trim levels. The main issue with the Accord is that you must buy the top Touring trim to get the hybrid powertrain and the most desirable technology features. Also, make sure to choose one equipped with blind-spot warning, an important safety feature. Read More 2023 Accord Hybrid average price: approximately $28,500EPA-estimated fuel economy: up to 48 mpg combined Small SUV: 2023 Honda CR-VThe Honda CR-V is a longtime favorite for small SUV shoppers, and there are plenty of reasons why. The CR-V offers roomy seating, a smooth ride over bumps, and plenty of cargo space. As with the Accord, Honda redesigned the CR-V for the 2023 model year and equipped it with its latest hybrid powertrain. The Sport and Sport Touring trims come with the hybrid as standard. As with the Accord, the CR-V’s best infotainment tech features are available only on the top trim level. Blind-spot warning is not standard, so select accordingly. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. 2023 CR-V Hybrid average price: approximately $33,000EPA-estimated fuel economy: up to 40 mpg combinedMidsize SUV: 2023 Toyota Highlander HybridIt wasn’t long ago that the idea of an eight-passenger, three-row midsize SUV offering fuel economy estimates in the mid-30s would have been considered an impossibility, but the Highlander Hybrid makes it a reality. This is a sensible SUV that’s easy to drive and can seat up to eight people with its third-row seat raised. That third-row seat is pretty small, though, so it’s best to think of it for occasional use only. The 2023 Highlander Hybrid received some tech upgrades, so look for one with the big 12.3-inch center touchscreen. 2023 Highlander Hybrid average price: approximately $44,000EPA-estimated fuel economy: up to 36 mpg combinedLuxury vehicle: 2023 Lexus RXWhen Americans decide to upgrade to a luxury car, they often pick this luxury SUV: the Lexus RX. It received a complete redesign for the 2023 model year and came in two hybrid flavors. The RX 350h is the more efficient and affordable one, while the RX 500h emphasizes power and performance over fuel economy. The RX is a midsize SUV seating five people, and both hybrid versions include standard all-wheel drive. For trim level and equipment variety, choose the RX 350h since the RX 500h is only available with the F Sport Performance trim. 2023 RX average price: approximately $49,000EPA-estimated fuel economy: 36 mpg combinedEdmunds saysAffordability is a concern for most car buyers. If saving money is important to you, buying a used vehicle instead of a new one can save you thousands. Make it a fuel-efficient hybrid, and the savings will continue for years after the purchase. ____________This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.Christian Wardlaw is a contributor at Edmunds.

This photo provided by Toyota shows the 2023 Prius, whose redesign that year brought headturning looks and improved performance to accompany its longstanding fuel efficiency. (Courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. via AP)2026-08-19T11:04:47Z JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s military said Wednesday it would launch criminal investigations into two high-profile attacks on Palestinians during the war in Gaza, including the killings of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and her family and of 15 Palestinian paramedics.The military said it would not launch criminal investigations into three other attacks that killed aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders.It released the news in a statement Wednesday that said it had completed reviews of 150 incidents of troop conduct in Gaza and had made decisions on five cases.

Oil residue lines the shore near fishing boats on Qeshm Island, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, amid ongoing wartime attacks on vessels and infrastructure in and around the Strait of Hormuz, though the spill's source has not been independently determined.(Amirhosein Khorgooi/ISNA via AP)2026-08-19T10:56:38Z DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates suspended all trade with Iran on Wednesday after it said it had come under renewed fire from the country — a move that will further isolate the Islamic Republic, which is suffering under American sanctions and a blockade.Incoming ballistic missile fire triggered nationwide warnings Tuesday night for UAE residents to seek shelter, the first time in weeks such an alarm had sounded.Early in the conflict, the UAE regularly came under intense fire from Iran, and most trade between the countries, which had once been important trading partners, ground to a halt. In late June, as hostilities eased, at least some maritime trade resumed, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported. But it was not clear how much trade there was more recently. The UAE accuses Iran of firing missiles. Tehran denies thatFollowing the news that two ballistic missiles had been fired toward the UAE, both of which splashed down in the Persian Gulf late Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said that while it remained committed to “dialogue, cooperation and regional integration,” it had decided to impose the punitive measures. “In light of regional escalations that undermine regional and international peace and security, all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran have been halted until further notice,” the ministry said in a statement. The UAE’s Defense Ministry said assessments showed that the missiles targeted maritime traffic. It was not clear whether they directly targeted Emirati ships or the country’s territorial waters. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied that Iran had launched any missiles toward the UAE. Read More As part of Iran’s efforts to maintain a stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz, it has regularly attacked ships attempting to use the waterway, including four tankers owned by Abu Dhabi’s state-owned ADNOC oil and gas company over the past two weeks. None of the attacks caused any injuries, but they brought harsh condemnation from the UAE and others in the region, including Kuwait and Bahrain. Since the beginning of the conflict nearly 20 ADNOC vessels have been attacked by missiles and drones in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one person and wounding another 20. Iran’s ability to control traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of traded oil and natural gas passed during peacetime, has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war. While the U.S. and Israel — which launched the war on Feb. 28 — have given various aims, including toppling Tehran’s government and ending its nuclear program, the conflict has devolved into a fight over the strait. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. During the war, Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of drones in strikes that Tehran said were targeting American assets but hit buildings in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s commercial airport, ports and energy infrastructure. Iran has accused the UAE and other U.S. allies in the Gulf of facilitating American military attacks on Iran, and Iran’s Chief of Staff Gen. Ali Abdollahi on Wednesday issued a new warning to “countries on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf.”“Any assistance or facilitation provided to the aggressor U.S. military amounts to participation alongside U.S. military forces,” he said in a statement distributed by Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency. The UAE embargo could put new pressure on IranBefore the war, the UAE was one of Iran’s biggest trade partners, providing more than 30% of its imports valued at some $21 billion, according to the World Trade Organization’s latest figures from 2024. It was the destination for nearly 13% of its exports worth some $7 billion. The Emirati announcement comes as the U.S. prepares to apply new economic pressure on Iran. Speaking last week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures would be a combination of economic isolation and the continued American blockade of Iranian ports. The economic pressure follows the intense bombing campaign that targeted industrial and civilian infrastructure in addition to military targets. Already the International Monetary Fund forecasts inflation of nearly 70% this year in Iran and an economic contraction of 5.4%. Meanwhile, its rial currency has hit record lows. DAVID RISING Rising covers regional Asia-Pacific stories for The Associated Press. He has worked around the world, including covering the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and was based for nearly 20 years in Berlin before moving to Bangkok. twitter mailto 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Oil residue lines the shore near fishing boats on Qeshm Island, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, amid ongoing wartime attacks on vessels and infrastructure in and around the Strait of Hormuz, though the spill's source has not been independently determined.(Amirhosein Khorgooi/ISNA via AP)2026-08-19T10:54:48Z NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A helicopter carrying an unknown number of passengers crashed Wednesday morning in a remote part of northern Kenya, the country’s aviation agency said.The helicopter crashed at 9:13 a.m. while flying from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area in Samburu County, according to the Kenya Aviation Authority, which said in a statement that an investigation was underway. The helicopter, operated by local safari company Tropic Air, crashed in a ragged area in the foothills of Mount Ololokwe, local media reported. It was not immediately clear if the helicopter was carrying tourists or others. The aviation authority didn’t say how many people were on board. Helicopter crashes have happened with increasing regularity in Kenya, which has a vibrant industry that depends on domestic carriers to ferry visitors to distant places.In February, a legislator was among six people who died after a helicopter crash in a hilly area of western Kenya,

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf addresses attendees at the site near Baghdad International Airport where Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike, in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.(AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)2026-08-19T10:51:40Z Iran rejected the United Arab Emirates’ accusation that it fired two ballistic missiles that landed in the Persian Gulf, as Tehran’s parliament speaker and chief negotiator landed in neighboring Iraq for a three day visit. Meanwhile, France announced that it will expel two Iranian diplomats in response to the expulsion of French diplomats from the Islamic Republic earlier this week.The souring of ties between the UAE and Iran comes amid fears of renewed escalation in the region, with no apparent renewed talks between Iran and the United States on the horizon.Here’s a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Wednesday. Full coverage can be found here.Iran denies UAE accusation of launching ballistic missiles Tehran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wednesday criticized the United Arab Emirates for accusing Iran of launching two ballistic missiles “targeting maritime navigation” but fell into the Persian Gulf. In the weeks after the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28, the UAE was frequently targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, but Tuesday’s reported attack was the first in weeks. “This behavior is contrary to the principle of good neighborliness and disrupts ongoing efforts to strengthen trust between regional countries and prevent escalation in the region,” Esmail Baghaei said in his weekly news conference. Not long after the incident Tuesday, the UAE Foreign Ministry said it suspended trade with Iran “in light of regional escalations that undermine regional and international peace and security.” It comes less than a week after Abu Dhabi accused Iran of firing drones at two tankers operated by a state-owned oil company as they sailed through the Strait of Hormuz. Read More Iran’s Parliament Speaker and top negotiator visits IraqMohammad Bagher Qalibaf arrived in neighboring Iraq Wednesday for a three-day visit where he will meet with Iraqi officials and leaders of an Iran-backed political coalition. Iran-backed Iraqi militias have launched and claim drone attacks targeting U.S. bases and diplomatic presence both within the country and abroad, piling the pressure on Baghdad which for years has delicately tried to maintain strong ties between both Washington and Tehran. President Donald Trump last month welcomed his Iraqi counterpart Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the White House, showering him with praise.Qalibaf on Wednesday praised the country’s Tehran-backed militias — which he called the “resistance in Iraq” — describing them as a “key component of the country’s national power.” “After years of experience in Iraq, the resistance has gone beyond the borders of the two countries and has become an influential force at the regional and global levels,” Qalibaf said. Iran has long relied on its top allies and proxies, notably the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon and the Yemeni Houthi rebels, in years of Mideast conflict. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. France and Iran expel diplomats France announced Wednesday that it will expel two staff members of the Iranian Embassy in France, in response to what the French Foreign Ministry described as an assault by Iranian security forces against two French diplomatic staff in the Islamic Republic last month.Iran accused the French pair of taking part in a secret meeting with “suspects in a major case involving foreign infiltration and interference,” Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported. The French diplomats were expelled on Monday. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot slammed the Iranian authorities for not investigating what he called a “premeditated and deliberate attack.” He said the two Iranians will leave Paris in the coming days.“Iranian authorities chose to make entirely false accusations against French personnel and fabricate a case of foreign interference to justify their actions,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.—Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut, Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contribute to this report.

The New Orleans Saints received some encouraging news on Alvin Kamara after the veteran NFL running back abruptly left Tuesday’s joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys.Kamara suffered a knee injury, but he avoided a major setback and is expected to miss only a few weeks, according to Nick Underhill.MORE: 5 most improved NFL offenses entering 2026-2027 seasonAlvin Kamara avoids major knee injuryAug 02, 2026; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) looks on during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesKamara was unable to finish Tuesday’s practice after suffering the knee injury and was evaluated by the Saints’ medical staff.The initial concern was understandable given how quickly Kamara left the field, but the latest update is much more positive. Kamara did not suffer a tear, and the injury is not considered major.That is obviously good news for New Orleans, but missing several weeks is still a significant setback. Kamara needs valuable practice time to prepare for the regular season, and the Saints will now have to manage his workload carefully as he works his way back.MORE: Predicting the AFC playoff teams ahead of the 2026-2027 NFL seasonTravis Etienne could see increased workAug 08, 2026; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr. (3) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesThe injury also puts more attention on Travis Etienne, who joined the Saints during the offseason. Etienne is coming off a 1,107-yard rushing season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was already expected to have a major role in New Orleans’ backfield.If Kamara is unavailable for an extended stretch, Etienne could see even more work. That makes this injury particularly relevant for fantasy football managers as well, especially with Kamara already expected to have a different role this season.MORE: 4 NFL players with most pressure entering 2026-2027 seasonSaints have reason to be relievedSep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesThe Saints obviously would have preferred for Kamara to avoid an injury altogether, but this could have been much worse. Multiple reports have indicated that he avoided a serious knee injury and will miss a few weeks rather than facing a season-ending problem.For now, New Orleans’ priority is getting Kamara healthy while making sure Etienne and the rest of the running back room are prepared to handle additional work. The Saints avoided the worst-case scenario, but Kamara’s recovery will be worth watching closely over the next few weeks.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

The playoff field is set. Of course, all attention will be on winning the whole thing. But for players and coaches alike, there’s also massive implications for next season. Who will raise their stock this postseason, like Gavin Adlerdid last year? What players might need a change of scenery if things go south in the playoffs? And could this be the last time we see all four Tewaaraton Award winners on the Denver Outlaws suit up together? These postseason questions will carry into the offseason as players’ contracts expire and the player movement period opens. Here are my five most intriguing players on expiring contracts as we enter the playoffs: No. 5: Jake Piseno, Denver OutlawsPiseno is my pick to be the surprise departure of the offseason. Last year, Adler signing with the Philadelphia Waterdogs was a move that shocked many. The Outlaws’ standout long-stick midfielder could follow a similar path. It will come down to who Denver prioritizes. If Pat Kavanaghand Jared Bernhardt(more on them below) return to the Outlaws, money might be tight to also bring back Piseno. The 2025 LSM of the Year would have no shortage of options if he wanted to test the market as a game-changing pole who can make an impact on both sides of the ball every single game. No. 4: TD Ierlan, California RedwoodsWith multiple starters on expiring contracts, the faceoff position might be the most unpredictable this offseason. Ierlan, Mike Sisselberger, Luke Wierman, Alec Stathakis, Petey LaSalla, Joe Nardella and Justin Inacioare all poised to hit the market, creating the potential for significant movement at the position. There’s a chance that every starter returns to their same team next season. In fact, that’s the most likely scenario. But all it takes is one domino to fall to create a chain reaction, and Ierlan’s decision could be that domino. If he tests the market, one team in particular feels like it could have a chance to win the services of last season’s Faceoff Specialist of the Year: the Carolina Chaos. While Inacio has been solid for Carolina, general manager Spencer Ford may be interested in adding a top-flight faceoff man to propel his team into the playoff picture next season, especially after seeing what rookie Andrew McMeekin has done to ignite Boston’s offense. Ierlan feels like the player the Chaos would target with former Albany teammates Troy Reh and Blaze Riorden on the squad. No. 3: Kieran McArdle, Philadelphia WaterdogsAfter Philadelphia drafted CJ Kirstwith the top pick in the 2025 draft, there was a thought that McArdle would eventually be phased out of the Philadelphia offense. That hasn’t happened yet as McArdle continues to bring value to this unit as a veteran leader, but I think it could happen after this season. A balanced feeder and scorer, the lefty is as consistent as they come, registering 20-plus points in each of his last six seasons with Philadelphia.Michael Sowers and Kieran McArdle pull off a "one more" clinic 🔥😮‍💨(via @PremierLacrosse, ESPN) pic.twitter.com/uVhdTN55UO— TLN 🥍 (@LacrosseNetwork) August 15, 2026The Atlas, with whom McArdle started his PLL career, could be an intriguing option for the 34-year-old if he wants to extend his playing career. New York should have Jeff Teatback from injury next season, but McArdle could still provide production out of the box and, more importantly, keep this offense afloat at lefty attack if Teat misses any more time, something that derailed his team this season. No. 2: Jared Bernhardt, Denver OutlawsBernhardt’s decision to join the PLL early in the 2025 season ignited the biggest free agent frenzy in league history. Everyone was after this guy; how could you not be? The 2021 Tewaaraton winner might be the best athlete in the whole league and is one of the toughest covers when he has the ball in his stick. He glides on the field, making it look like everyone else is slogging through mud.No split, no pick, no assist needed...Jared Bernhardt just burns you with pure speed 🔥😮‍💨(via @PremierLacrosse, ABC) pic.twitter.com/SuTmpVG6VD— TLN 🥍 (@LacrosseNetwork) July 18, 2026And with his Outlaws contract up after this season, there’s a chance many of the teams that missed out on him initially will be clamoring for him again. The Carolina Chaos strike me as a team that could make a serious run at Bernhardt with their need for more dodging firepower behind the cage. And if Rob Pannellcalls it quits after this season, the Maryland Whipsnakes could also be in the market for another attackman. No. 1: Pat Kavanagh, Denver OutlawsTrue quarterbacks like Kavanagh are scarce in this league. The righty has all the prerequisites to lead an offense at a high level: shooting ability, dodging ability, two-handedness, competitiveness and, most importantly, vision and IQ to make everyone around him better. But what makes Kavanagh the most intriguing player on this list isn’t just that he’s an All-Pro-caliber talent; it’s that his brother, Chris, plays for a different team. It’s no secret that Pat and Chris might jump at the chance to play together again. The brothers led Notre Dame to back-to-back national championships, and their play styles suit each other like a freshly concocted Irish coffee. Pat is the quarterback who can beat defenses with his dodging and feeding, and Chris is the creative goal-scorer who is effective both on-ball and off-ball. That combination led to a lot of goals for the Fighting Irish.FLYING GOAL‼️ The Kavanagh brothers have Notre Dame up 3-1 in the NCAA Lacrosse Final Four 👀 pic.twitter.com/bddTGYb9HE— ESPN (@espn) May 25, 2024And perhaps the most crucial piece of the whole situation is that California is the market for an X attackman. Dylan Molloy’s contract is also up after this season, and while he’s been an elite goal-scorer for the Redwoods, he might not be exactly what the Redwoods need behind the cage. After all, California only re-signed Molloy to a one-year deal after last season and made a massive push to get Joey Spallina in this year’s draft – a player who has a lot of similarities to Pat behind the net. Denver is likely to do all it can to retain the engine of its offense, but reuniting with his brother might be too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham at the American Express Stadium. (is associated with: «Manchester United step up pursuit of Brighton midfielder Baleba») Gareth Fuller/PA Wire/dpaManchester United are progressing in talks with Brighton over a deal to sign long-standing midfield target Carlos Baleba, the Press Association understands.The Red Devils have been slow to shape Michael Carrick’s squad this close-season, with no first-team signings made since the mid-July acquisitions of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow.Santos and Tielemans helped bolster a midfield that still looks light given Casemiro’s exit and a serious knee injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte, with work now under way to bring in Baleba.United spoke to Brighton about a potential move for the Cameroon international last year, only to cool their interest due to Albion’s determination to keep him.The 22-year-old had a topsy-turvy 2025/26 campaign but the Red Devils are understood to have made a renewed push to sign the midfielder, who is currently dealing with an ankle issue.Talks are under way between the clubs, with United reported to have offered in the region of £60 million ($81 million) plus £5 million in add-ons.Baleba moved to the Amex from Lille in 2023 for £23.2 million and signed a contract until 2028 following Moises Caicedo’s big-money move to Chelsea.Earlier this pre-season, United had agreed with Atalanta to sign Ederson, but backed out of the deal. The Brazil international subsequently signed fresh terms with the Serie A side.Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid and Elliot Anderson, who last month joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, were also of interest.United open their Premier League campaign at promoted Hull on Saturday lunchtime, with Brighton hosting Aston Villa the following day.

HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY - AUGUST 18: Jamal Musiala of FC Bayern München leaves the pitch after medical treatment during the preseason friendly match between 1. FC Heidenheim and FC Bayern München at Voith-Arena on August 18, 2026 in Heidenheim, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images) | Getty Images After his second consecutive collapse on the field during this preseason, Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala revealed that he is dealing with “neurological absences”, which has left the fanbase stunned. In two scary moments on the pitch, Musiala looked prone and helpless, but he did issue a statement saying that he has full approval to play and that competing will not put himself at greater risk. That seems assuring on the surface and Bayern Munich is backing Musiala as he attempts to work through this condition (via @iMiaSanMia): The German Press Agency (@dpa), citing information from within the club, says Bayern fully expect Jamal Musiala to be able to continue playing at the top level. There’s currently nothing that indicates otherwise. According to the club, Musiala’s participation in both games against Leipzig and Heidenheim was completely safe and had been thoroughly discussed with the doctors.Surely, Musiala will get the best possible medical care as he continues to work through this and the club will provide all of the support that he needs moving forward.Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:New, improved notifications system!Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community posts

Auston Trusty backs Kasper Høgh to ‘come alive’ in Champions League for CelticAuston Trusty believes Kasper Høgh can make a major difference to Celtic in the Champions League – and not only because of his goals.9th August 2026; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Kasper Hogh of Celtic collects the match ball from referee Ryan Lee after his hat trickThe Danish striker has already demonstrated his finishing ability with a hat-trick against Kilmarnock, but Trusty has highlighted another aspect of his game that could prove particularly important in Europe.From his position in Celtic’s defence, Trusty has seen how Høgh’s ability to hold up the ball provides another option when Martin O’Neill’s side are building from the back.He told the Daily Record:“Holding the ball up is pretty crucial to the way we play, building up from the back.“We have an outlet pass and as a defender that gives you more options.“He’ll be good in the Champions League.”That could become particularly useful against LASK on Wednesday night, when Celtic are unlikely to be able to play through pressure as comfortably as they can in many domestic matches.Høgh gives Trusty and the Celtic defence the option of going longer without necessarily surrendering possession.And Trusty expects Celtic supporters to see Høgh thrive on the European stage.Asked whether the striker could come alive in the competition, Trusty said: “Is Kasper going to come alive in the Champions League? Yeah, I think so. Last year you saw him make a name for himself there.“He has come in and done really well.“Off the pitch he’s a good character, so he’s seamlessly come into the group.“He’s a good vibe and a good guy.“Obviously on the pitch too he’s done really well, he scored three goals in the previous game and that was good for his confidence.“Getting goals and the Celtic fans all hyping him up, it’s good especially for a forward because you kind of need that ego boost no matter what.”Høgh scored eight Champions League goals for Bodø/Glimt last season before Celtic broke their transfer record to bring him to Glasgow.His Kilmarnock hat-trick offered an early glimpse of the finishing ability Celtic paid for.Now, against LASK, comes the first European test of his Celtic career – and Trusty believes Høgh can offer much more than goals.HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…Celtic Shorts is the new home for the team from The Celtic StarNEW BOOK LAUNCH FROM CELTIC STAR BOOKS…Celtic in the Fifties in two volumes, available to pre-order now…Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, both published on 4th September 2026 by Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.Quick Tip –Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!Click to join Celtic Pools

The Chicago Bears were back at Halas Hall for their 14th practice of training camp on Tuesday, which ramped up the intensity ahead of Thursday's joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals.The Bears held a practice that lasted roughly two hours, where things got a bit chippy as a couple of scuffles broke out. Quarterback Caleb Williams had a solid day, where he connected often with receiver Jahdae Walker and tight end Colston Loveland, including in the two-minute drill at the end of practice. There were some encouraging injury updates, which featured the return of key players, and tackle Kiran Amegadjie was the only player who exited practice with an injury.Let's recap Day 14 of Bears training camp:TakeawaysCouple of scuffles broke out: The Bears ramped up the intensity during Tuesday's practice ahead of a joint practice against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. Things got chippy to the point where a couple of scuffles broke out during practice. According to Nicholas Moreano, rookies Jayden Loving and Logan Jones got into it after a one-on-one rep. Loving beat Jones on back-to-back reps, and there was some pushing and shoving, but nothing serious. Elsewhere, tight end Cole Kmet was involved in another scuffle. According to Greg Braggs, Kmet and defensive end Austin Booker had to be separated after a physical run during an 11-on-11 drill. Josh Buckhalter noted that Kmet emerged from the middle of the scuffle without his helmet.Caleb Williams led offense to successful 2-minute situation: The Bears offense wrapped practice on a high note with both the first- and second-team offenses ending Tuesday's workout with successful two-minute drills. For quarterback Caleb Williams, he had some nice throws against the second-team defense, including a dime to receiver Kalif Raymond, per Brad Biggs, down the sideline. "Devin Bush & Dillion Thieneman were in the area but the ball was where only Raymond could make the play. 28 yd gain." Williams also had a nice pass to receiver Rome Odunze, but it was dropped. Per Nicholas Moreano: "Williams threw a bullet on the previous play to Rome Odunze and the ball hit him in the middle of the chest. Looked like Odunze didn't get his head around fast enough, but that was a missed opportunity." But the play of the day was Williams' 21-yard touchdown to receiver Jahdae Walker to wrap practice.Left tackle competition takes a turn: Before Tuesday's practice, head coach Ben Johnson shared a big update at left tackle with Braxton Jones, returning to practice, would be working with the first-team offense while Kiran Amegadjie and Jedrick Wills Jr. worked at right tackle. When everything is said and done, per Adam Jahns, it was Theo Benedet who worked primarily with the starters at left tackle with Jones ramping up as he returns to action while Wills worked with the second-team offense. As for Ozzy Trapilo, who was activated off the PUP list this week, he "has his own timeline" but should factor into the competition when he returns.Case Keenum stepped up with Tyson Bagent sidelined: Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent didn't participate in practice after suffering a hamstring injury against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. That gave veteran Case Keenum plenty of action with the second-team offense, where he took advantage with a pretty nice afternoon. Outside of one interception by new defensive back Deantre Prince, per Josh Bulkhalter, Keenum had some nice throws. Keenum wrapped practice with an impressive two-minute drill, according to Greg Braggs, where he connected with receiver Kaden Davis on back-to-back completions before hitting receiver JP Richardson for a touchdown.Latest on defensive back battles: With the Bears dealing with injuries in the secondary, the battles at cornerback and safety continued during Tuesday's practice. According to Matt Zahn, it was Josh Blackwell working at outside cornerback with Tyrique Stevenson sidelined for the last week, which left rookie Malik Muhammad to work with the starters at nickel cornerback. Meanwhile, Cam Lewis and Xavier Woods split reps at safety opposite rookie Dillon Thieneman.Cairo Santos finds success beyond 50 yards: It's no secret that Cairo Santos doesn't have the biggest leg, which has led to some struggles booting field goals beyond 50 yards. In fact, he missed a 50-yarder in Saturday's preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns (although he did bounce back by connecting from 51 and 49 yards later in the game). During Tuesday's practice, Santos made a string of field goals beyond 50 yards, according to Adam Hoge, hitting from 52 and 55 yards. -- Alyssa BarbieriStudsOT Theo Benedet: The seemingly neverending competition at left tackle took a serious turn on Tuesday when Johnson announced Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet would be taking the majority of the snaps as Jedrick Wills and Kiran Amegadje moved to the right side. We knew Jones would remain at the top of the competition for the time being, but Benedet initially wasn't viewed as a serious candidate. He showed out, though, with CHGO's Mark Carman noting he looked capable when working with the first-team offense. CHSN's Clay Harbor observed some great individual reps against the defensive line as well and said he had a good day overall. It still seems like a long shot for Benedet but he's continuing to prove his value for the offensive line.WR J.P. Richardson: Wide receiver J.P. Richardson, the camp darling from 2025, isn't having the same Cinderella run he did a year ago. But that doesn't mean he still isn't showing up with big plays from time to time and on Tuesday, he got some help from this year's camp darling. Richardson caught the final touchdown pass of the day on a strike from Case Keenum. CHGO's Greg Braggs described Richardson coming free in the middle and was able to jet into the end zone thanks to a block from wide receiver Kaden Davis. Richardson had a solid outing in Saturday's preseason win over the Browns and is keeping up the momentum heading into Week 2.WR Jahdae Walker: On Tuesday, Jahdae Walker was doing it all. The second-year wide receiver showed up in multiple ways, the first of which was on special teams. CHGO's Mark Carman saw Walker bury rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad during special teams one-on-one drills. Later on, CHGO's Greg Braggs witnessed Walker make the catch of the day when he snatched a deep ball from quarterback Caleb Williams out of the sky in the end zone to come down with a score during 11-on-11 team drills. Walker has had an excellent camp so far and has put in the work to build chemistry with Williams, which should translate to success in the regular season. -- Brendan SugrueInjury updatesBelieve it or not, there was some good news on the injury front from Tuesday's practice. There was only one player who was injured -- tackle Kiran Amegadjie -- but quarterback Tyson Bagent had been injured during Saturday's preseason opener. There were some notable returns to the practice field, including safety Xavier Woods, who exited Saturday's game. Rookie receiver Zavion Thomas was back at practice after missing roughly a week and tackles Braxton Jones and Ozzy Trapilo were ramping up. But there were still some noticeable absences, including defensive end Montez Sweat, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, receiver Luther Burden III and running back Kyle Monangai. -- Alyssa BarbieriPress conferences (Ben Johnson, Rome Odunze, Montez Sweat)What's nextThe Bears are back on the practice field on Wednesday for a lighter workout ahead of Thursday's joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals. Stay tuned for updates here on Bears Wire.Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and InstagramThis article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Recapping Day 14 of Chicago Bears training camp

MUNICH, GERMANY - AUGUST 15: Jamal Musiala of Bayern Muenchen looks on prior to during the Telekom Cup match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on August 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) | Getty Images Bild spoke to Dr. Christoph Kleinschnitz, the head of neurology at the Essen University Hospital, about the scary “neurological absences” being experienced by Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala.While Kleinschnitz admitted that he did need to know all of the data and information surrounding Musiala’s condition, he did state that the Germany international’s condition could be a form of absence epilepsy (via @iMiaSanMia):Prof. Christoph Kleinschnitz (head of neurology at the University Hospital Essen) speaks to @BILDabout Jamal Musiala’s condition: “From a neurological perspective, this could potentially be an epileptic seizure. It could be a form of absence epilepsy, as symptoms such as brief periods of unresponsiveness are consistent with it. However, we would need to know all the findings from the neurological examinations to make that assessment. It is highly treatable, but would require long-term therapy. Musiala can continue playing football.”With the condition out in the open, Musiala and Bayern Munich can work together to get the possible treatment. While all reports to this point indicate that Musiala can continue to play, each news story also notes that this will require further treatment. Bayern Munich fans will be following closely in hopes of Musiala working through this and continuing onward with his promising career. Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:New, improved notifications system!Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community posts

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: RB Daniel Hill #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by DB Devan Boykin #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the Alabama Crimson Tide versus Indiana Hoosiers College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2026, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images This time a year ago, I had questions: “Are running backs a concern?” and “should we be talking more about this position group?”The answers then were yes and yes, and they still are now. The new questions to add are “how did we get to this point” and “how can this be fixed?”The 2025 Alabama running back group was about as bad as have been seen at Bryant-Denny Stadium in a generation. The Crimson Tide finished 125th in the nation in rushing yards per game with a 104.13 average. It is an amazing state of affairs from a program that has recently produced the likes of Derrick Henry, Jahmyr Gibbs, Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris, and Brian Robinson Jr. among others.From the glass half full side, the Bama did score 21 times on the ground attack which tied for 63rd in FBS. Tide running backs had only two fumbles (by Jam Miller, Daniel Hill), but both were recovered by Alabama. After turning the page., there was reason for optimism coming into Alabama’s fall camp, but a rash of injuries have stained the good feels.COACHSPEAKFollowing Alabama’s 10th preseason practice on Monday morning, Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb spoke with the media. One discussion led to the Crimson Tide running backs. He did not single anyone out, but was asked to comment on a few freshmen.Grubb’s comments on Trae’shawn Brown:“Man, really, really good empty cut vision, meaning when he gets into a hole, blind cut defenders, he can see and feel that next guy. Very good anticipatory skills. Great out of the backfield. Much better pass protector than people would think. They think because he’s short, but he plays down the middle of defenders. He’s got good feet and he’s a smart kid. So, impressive young player.”Grubb on EJ Crowell’s injury status:“EJ is doing great. Sooner than later, he’ll be back. Definitely not season-ending. Fully expecting to be ready for the first football game.”On how Crowell’s missed time could impact him:“We don’t know. I mean, to be honest, we don’t know. I mean, I know he’s a really tough kid. That’s all I’ve seen from him, and he absolutely loves football. He’s been an all-in kind of guy. Just super impressed with him. So I’m very optimistic that we’re going to be able to play and have him out there.”What is Grubb’s message to Brown with other RBs injured?“Coach G’s (Robert Gillespie) the best, man. He’s a stud. His vision and his coaching style is very consistent. And so, that, I think, just breeds consistency in the room where nothing changes. The standard’s the standard. He keeps guys moving forward. The expectation is next man up. So it just doesn’t turn into this; you don’t give life to the problem. The guys just keep preparing and getting ready. So a lot of credit to Coach G on that one.” Thoughts on Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley:“Daniel Hill is, if I was picking guys that have had a lot of growth on this football team, Daniel would be one of the biggest ones. Just not only physically how he’s transformed his body, but just also his maturity, understanding preparation, schematically, his knowledge. I mean, you just hear him lining guys up and intelligent football players. So I just, I think the world of him. He’s put a lot of work into being one of our workhorses. And then Kev, same thing; maturity, knowledge of the offense. He’s a bright kid, consistently trying to work on keeping his weight up. He’s got good twitch, just trying to be a little more heavy-handed in the run game, which I know he’s working on.”DEPARTEDFormer Alabama RB Jam Miller made his NFL debut for the New England Patriots last night – 14 carries for 55 yards pic.twitter.com/eQ6LnOD5LD— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) August 14, 2026Jam Miller – A disappointing season saw him rushing for a team-leading 504 yards. That total represents the lowest single season leading number by an Alabama running back since Chris Anderson tallied 492 over 12 games in 1990. Even so, Miller was selected by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. There is good reason to believe that he will make the Pats’ roster in some form.Richard Young – After picking up only 234 yards over three seasons, Young transferred to Colorado.Dre Washington – Former ULL transfer netted 59 yards and played on special teams, but nothing meaningful. He is out of eligibility.RETURNINGCOACHNow in his sixth season, running backs coach Robert Gillespie is the most tenured Crimson Tide assistants after DL coach Freddie Roach who is in year 7. It’s a little surprising Gillespie survived the axe in the off-season. The non-Jalen Milroe running game has been historically awful the last two seasons. There is only so much blame that can be put on the offensive line woes. His recruiting prowess is probably what keeps him hanging on. However, he needs a bounce-back performance from his unit this year or his seat could heat up.RETURNING “STARTERS”#4 Daniel Hill (Jr. 6’ 1’’/234 – down 10 lbs.) – Started the last three games of the season (UGA – SECCG, Oklahoma – CFP, Indiana – CFP), however, he had limited carries in those games and did not perform so well. His best game came in the regular season loss to Oklahoma in which he carried the ball 15 times and gained 60 yards with two scores. He also caught 5 passes for 37 yards in that match-up, but did have a fumble that was fortunately recovered by teammate Lottie Brooks. He is the most experienced back on the team.View Link#6 Kevin Riley (RS-So. 5’ 11’’/198 – up 7 lbs.) – The Northport resident has shown flashes at time but has not done so consistently enough. On 59 rush attempts last fall, he picked up 224 yards and a pair of tuddies. Once again, if you remove the stats from the cupcake games, his stats drop to 40 for 119 – a 2.975 ypc average – with no rushing trips to the end zone. Against non-cupcakes, he pulled in 10 passes for 94 yards (9.4 ypr) including a vital TD grab vs Mizzou (above) across the middle in which he bulled his way across the end zone line. Due to an injury to Jam Miller, he started the ULM and Wisconsin games.RETURNING RESERVES#0 AK Dear (RS-Fr. 6′ 1”/216) – This Mississippi native was a highly-ranked recruit from the 2025 class and many fans hoped he would be able to help out the ailing running back corps last season. Yet, he had only 19 carries for 140 yards with 3 TDs. Subtract the ULM and Eastern Illinois games and his numbers were 5 rushes for 19 yards with no scores and one six yard reception. It would have to be assumed that the reason for his lack of playing time was based on other aspects of his game such as pass blocking which may have not been as honed as of yet. This year, the young hopeful was cursed by the touch of Loki – the god of mischief, trickery, deception, and untimely football injuries. In last Thursday’s preseason scrimmage of 100-plus plays, Dear was looking fantastic with several good runs and scoring a touchdown in the game-like practice. But then he came up lame and had to be helped off the field with the dreaded “lower-leg injury”. Reports have it that the current timetable for Dear is roughly six weeks. “It was unfortunate because he was having a real nice scrimmage there with the touches he got,” Kalen DeBoer told reporters. That timetable would roughly have him back in time for the Georgia game, 🤞 though nothing is guaranteed.NEWBIESTRANSFER#20 Khalifa Keith (Sr. 6′ 1”/232 Tennessee > Appalachian State) – The Birmingham-native (Parker HS) has 129 yards over three seasons. He is basically a depth piece and maybe work on special teams.FRESHMANEJ CrowellJackson HSAlabama commit350 yard rushing yards four touchdowns in road playoff win at Handley. https://t.co/CLXxwCggeOpic.twitter.com/W6NNCQALZC— Andrew Bone (@AndrewJBone) November 15, 2025#13 Ezavier“EJ” Crowell (5′ 11” 224, Jackson, AL) – The 2025 Alabama Mr. Football winner rushed for 2,632 yards and 35 touchdowns this past high school season. As a 5-star prospect, he graduated early in order to reclassify and join the Crimson Tide in January. Unlike his teammate Ryan “He’s Only 17” Williams, Crowell has surpassed his 18th birthday. Unfortunately, he has already battled a slew of nagging injuries. He was sidelined for the majority of spring practices and missed all spring scrimmages—including the A-Day. Grubb downplayed the situation att he time as a “soft tissue” injury and added that the move was precautionary. Fast forward to fall camp and here we are again with the freshman on the shelf. This time, Grubb stated that Crowell is “doing great” and that his injury is “definitely not season-ending.” It’s fine that the staff wants him to heal up before the season starts, but this kid needs reps before staring down FBS defenders. The last time he was in an official game was eight months ago against Division 4A high schoolers. He is expected to be available for Alabama’s season opener against East Carolina.Back in the Crib 🏟️BTS at Bama Fall Camp: Presented by @TMobile. Best network in the game. Best network in America. pic.twitter.com/gkHGRWHhND— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) August 14, 2026Watch #17 in the above video. ↑#17 Trae’shawn Brown (5′ 10”/206, Huntsville, TX) – This story is starting to have some real Josh Jacobs vibes – and not just because they are roughly the same size. Brown was pretty much an unknown prospect who did not even have a ranking by 247sports at the time of his December commitment. He had a fine senior season, rushing for 1,362 yards and 17 TDs on 8.3 yards per carry, but could not get eyeballs on him. He was not able to attend any high school camps outside of the Houston area and thus did not get a lot of notice. College Station is less than an hour’s drive away from his hometown and he received no attention from Texas A&M. Brown had offers from Arkansas State, Navy, New Mexico State, Texas State, UTEP, North Texas, and Boise. He was planning on signing with the Broncos, who offered him in late November, when Alabama came swooping in just before Signing Day. He is a tough runner who does not go down easily. This guy could be a breakout star. Gillespie was the primary recruiter but most of the credit should probably go to GM Courtney Morgan and Director of Recruiting Jatavis Sanders.THE WHIFFDuring the 2026 Transfer Portal season, it appeared that the Crimson Tide had found the answer to their prayers at running back when NC State’s Hollywood Smothers committed to transfer to Alabama. But then the oil money of the Texas Longhorns swept him off to Austin. Smothers had 939 rushing yards and 6 TDs for the Wolfpack last season. More importantly, he did it on 5.9 yards per carry which blows away any average of Tide running backs over the last three campaigns.So… on to the next best guy. Right? Wrong. In a baffling move, the Tide staff decided it was Smothers or nobody. As if he was a luxury and not a need? Bama clearly had money budgeted for him. It is confusing why they could not go after someone else. [No, Khalifa Keith does not count. That is a guy who just wanted to come home for his senior season and he probably is not getting much NIL if any at all. Last year, the Tide staff made a similar move, picking up Dre Washington who was the third choice for ULL. The lack of shoring up the running back corps the last two years through the transfer portal is a bit baffling.]PREFERRED WALK-ONS#25 J’Alan Terry (6′ 0”/190, Gadsden, AL) – 3-star#36 TC Washington (5′ 11”/220, Kennesaw, GA) – unrankedPREDICTED DEPTH CHARTAgain, here we may have the strong possibility of auditions spilling over into the regular season. It probably does not matter who starts against East Carolina on Sept 5. Several of the Tide backs should get touches in that Game 1 and perhaps in Game 2 against Kentucky as well. By then, someone should emerge.At Monday morning’s practice, the running back line consisted of Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, Trae’shawn Brown, Khalifa Keith and J’Alan Terry. Leaving Dear out of the discussion for now, it seems like Hill will be the starter heading into Game 1 versus the Pirates with Riley being the second back to enter the game. This is probably due to experience more than anything else. It feels like Brown has earned the number three spot over Crowell.

The Philadelphia Eagles are beginning to get healthier at an important point in training camp. DeVonta Smith, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean returned to practice Monday after missing time with injuries, giving Philadelphia a chance to have three of its most important players available for joint practices against the New England Patriots.Not every report on Monday and Tuesday was as encouraging. First-round receiver Makai Lemon remained out of team drills with a hamstring injury, although he increased his rehabilitation work on a side field. Veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones also remained sidelined with the shoulder injury that has kept him out for approximately a week.All five players were held out of Philadelphia’s 24-7 preseason-opening loss to Baltimore. The Eagles would never expose injured starters to unnecessary preseason snaps, but the two practices in New England will provide more useful and controlled work than Saturday’s game. Philadelphia can manage snaps and rep counts, avoid tackling established players to the ground and still evaluate how each player responds against a high-level AFC opponent.Here are the five injury situations to monitor before the Eagles begin joint work with the Patriots.DeVonta SmithSmith took the most significant step Monday when he returned as a limited participant after missing seven consecutive practices with a hamstring injury. Philadelphia does not need him to handle a full workload immediately. Simply participating in individual drills and selected team periods gives Smith an opportunity to rebuild his timing with Jalen Hurts before the regular season.The next question is how much Smith will be asked to do over two days in New England. Joint practices create repeated one-on-one, third-down and red-zone opportunities that can place more strain on a receiver’s hamstring than a controlled return at the Jefferson Health Training Complex. The Eagles should remain cautious, but Smith needs some competitive work in Sean Mannion’s new offense after missing nearly two weeks.Smith’s availability also changes the structure of the receiver rotation. Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, Elijah Moore and Darius Cooper have received additional opportunities during his absence. Getting Smith back allows Hurts to work with his unquestioned No. 1 receiver while the Eagles continue sorting out the roles behind him.Makai LemonLemon remains the greatest concern of the five because his hamstring injury has cost him another important portion of his first NFL summer. The first-round pick did not return to team drills Monday, but he ran routes during a side-field workout and joined the post-practice catch circuit. Those are encouraging signs even if they do not guarantee that he will participate against New England.Philadelphia drafted Lemon to become part of its immediate receiver rotation, making every missed practice more costly for him than it would be for an established veteran. He is learning a new offense, developing timing with Hurts and competing with several experienced receivers for snaps. Joint work against the Patriots would allow the Eagles to see how his route running responds to unfamiliar coverage and greater physicality.The Eagles cannot allow the value of those repetitions to dictate the medical decision. Hamstring injuries can quickly become longer-term problems when a receiver returns before he can accelerate and decelerate without restriction. If Lemon remains limited or unavailable, Wicks, Brown, Moore and Cooper will receive another opportunity to widen the gap in the competition behind Smith.Quinyon MitchellMitchell was a full participant Monday after missing Philadelphia’s final practice before the Ravens game with a glute injury. His quick return suggests the Eagles were exercising caution rather than managing a significant concern, but his response to consecutive high-intensity practices will still be worth tracking.The Patriots present an ideal test because former Eagles receiver A.J. Brown can challenge Mitchell with size, strength and familiarity. Mitchell has already developed into one of the NFL’s best young cornerbacks, but joint practices can recreate the physical demands of a regular-season matchup without requiring him to play deep into a preseason game.Philadelphia should have the freedom to manage Mitchell’s workload without losing the value of the matchup. If he participates without limitation Wednesday and responds well enough to work Thursday again, the glute injury can likely become a closed training-camp storyline. Any reduction in his second-day workload would suggest the Eagles are still taking a measured approach.Cooper DeJeanDeJean also returned as a full participant Monday after being listed with a groin injury. His availability is especially important because Vic Fangio has used him in several roles, including the slot and at safety. Every missed practice affects more than one position group and can alter how Philadelphia assembles its best secondary combinations.The groin will be tested by New England’s use of motion, option routes and condensed formations. DeJean may be asked to carry receivers across the formation, close quickly against underneath passes and contribute near the line of scrimmage. Those movements require the sudden change of direction that can reveal whether a defensive back is completely comfortable after a lower-body injury.The Eagles do not need to push DeJean through every competitive period, especially after he missed the preseason opener. They do need enough work to determine whether he can move between responsibilities without hesitation. A healthy two-day stretch would allow Fangio to continue building the versatile secondary packages expected to become a central part of Philadelphia’s defense.Jonathan JonesJones remained out Monday with a shoulder injury and appears less likely than Mitchell or DeJean to participate fully against the Patriots. The veteran has missed about a week, and Fangio previously acknowledged that the injury would cost him some time. Even if the absence does not extend much longer, the timing works against a player competing for a role in a crowded secondary.The trip would have given Jones the opportunity to play against his former team. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with New England before playing for Washington in 2025 and signing with Philadelphia during the offseason. That familiarity could help the Eagles prepare for the Patriots’ receivers and offensive tendencies, even if Jones is limited to observing and contributing in meetings.His absence also matters because Philadelphia has dealt with injuries throughout the cornerback room. Jones was signed to provide experience, inside-outside flexibility and insurance behind the team’s younger defensive backs. Every practice he misses gives players such as Kelee Ringo and other reserve corners a greater opportunity to establish their place in Fangio’s rotation.The practices matter more than Saturday’s gameSmith, Mitchell and DeJean appear to be trending toward participation in New England, while Lemon and Jones remain more uncertain. The Eagles can adjust each player’s workload across the two practices, emphasizing individual or situational periods without asking anyone to complete an entire session.Philadelphia needs to enter the regular season with its core healthy and comfortable in new roles. Still, the Patriots' practices represent one of the last opportunities for meaningful work against another team. Progress from Lemon and Jones, combined with another healthy practice from Smith, Mitchell and DeJean, would make the trip far more valuable than any preseason result.This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Five injured Eagles to monitor before joint practice with Patriots

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesJackie Young didn’t hold back after Becky Hammon’s explosive ejection, claiming that the NBA officials were in the wrong.The Las Vegas Aces hit a rough patch on the floor, dropping a 97-82 matchup to the Atlanta Dream. Even in the loss, A’ja Wilson was absolute money with 27 points, 14 boards, and 4 blocks. Jackie Young carried her weight too, sinking four triples on her way to 24 points to keep Las Vegas hanging around.But the real fireworks went off late in the second quarter when head coach Becky Hammon blew a gasket over a missed call. After getting slapped with a lightning-fast double technical, Hammon was tossed, leaving her squad to fight out the second half without their leader.After the game, many supporters online were confused as to why she was so mad about the call, which resulted in an explanation from Jackie Young, who was seen holding her back.Jackie Young explains the Becky Hammon ejectionLeft to do the postgame press conference with A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young set the record straight on exactly why Becky Hammon was so mad about her ejection on the Las Vegas Aces YouTube channel.She said: “I mean Becky rightfully so was upset with the no call that we had down on the other end, and then there was another, I don’t know what happened on the other side. But just the inconsistency that we see sometimes, it’s frustrating. It gets to you. We tried to hold her back. Becky’s strong as hell. Tried to hold her back, but I mean, I guess it was just, I don’t know what the hell they saw, but unfortunate.”Officiating across the WNBA has reached a breaking point, and players are visibly exhausted by the lack of consistency. Night after night, the whistle changes depending on who’s on the floor, physical defense gets rewarded one game, while touch fouls ruin the flow in the next.Even WNBA fans have spotted the harsh treatment on players like Caitlin Clark, rather than treating each player as an individual.Read more:‘They had no idea’ – Sophie Cunningham shares funny culture shock moment in CanadaCaitlin Clark not a fan of ketchup chips that Sophie Cunningham made her try in Canada‘She’s incredible’ – Caitlin Clark names rival WNBA star she wants to ‘steal’ for the Fever

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan gives a press conference at his home, in Lahore, Pakistan, on May 18, 2023. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)2026-08-19T11:33:11Z ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani authorities on Wednesday asked the Supreme Court to review or withdraw an order requiring imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to receive a medical exam at a private hospital of his choice.The government’s legal challenge could fuel anger among his supporters over his treatment in custody. It also may deepen tensions with Khan’s opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and his family, who have pressed for prompt access to medical care at facilities of Khan’s choice and more frequent prison visits.The petition came a day after the court ordered authorities to take Khan to Shifa International Hospital in the capital Islamabad, where he would be examined by a medical board that would include his personal physician.The government has said Khan will be taken to government hospitals whenever he needs medical care that is not available in prison. Khan has been taken to a government hospital several times for treatment of an eye condition. In the petition, Islamabad’s chief commissioner argued the court issued the order without giving him prior notice and said Pakistan’s constitution guarantees equal treatment. “The Constitution abhors discrimination and favoritism,” the petition said, arguing that allowing a convicted person to receive treatment at a private hospital when his medical report did not indicate a condition requiring immediate treatment could disrupt the criminal justice system. Implementing the order could prompt other inmates to seek similar treatment outside prison, contrary to prison rules, the petition said. Read More The petition described Tuesday’s order as “discriminatory” and, unless it was recalled, could “open a flood gate” of prisoners seeking similar relief that cannot be granted under existing law.Tuesday’s order came months after Khan petitioned the court for a transfer from a high-security prison to a hospital and access to his personal physicians, family and lawyers.Also Wednesday, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government had no objection to providing Khan with medical care and that he would continue receiving treatment in accordance with prison rules. But the government was challenging the part of the Supreme Court order requiring Khan to be taken to a private hospital, Tarar said. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. “There is no ambiguity” about Khan receiving medical treatment, Tarar said, adding that health issues should be kept separate from politics.Concerns about Khan’s health intensified in late January after his family said he had lost about 85% of the vision in his right eye, an assertion disputed by the government. Authorities later said Khan had regained about 70% of his vision in the eye and that his condition was improving.The former cricket star turned politician was removed from office in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022 and has been imprisoned since 2023 following convictions in multiple cases. Khan’s supporters have staged repeated rallies across the country demanding his release in recent years, some of which have turned violent.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan gives a press conference at his home, in Lahore, Pakistan, on May 18, 2023. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File)2026-08-19T11:32:52Z WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — Police investigating the death of an off-duty police officer in Massachusetts in what they called a domestic matter are searching for a woman who co-founded a group that focuses on suicide and mental health issues among first responders.The officer, a 31-year veteran, was found dead at a home in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Tuesday. Police and Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. said the 58-year woman was at the house. Police were passing out flyers with her photo to drivers in the area Wednesday morning.Local, state and federal agencies were involved in searching for the woman, who may be armed, Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier and Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early said at a news conference.“I can’t get into too much of it with regards to our domestic violence rules and regulations,” Early said. An email seeking comment on the investigation was sent to a spokesperson for Early’s office Wednesday.Police identified the woman as Karen Solomon and did not name the officer. Thomas Duffy, the president of the local police union, identified the officer as Kurt Solomon. Police did not describe the relationship between the two.“When you serve 31 years with an individual, you become more than co-workers. You become family, and today we lost a member of our family,” Duffy told reporters Tuesday. “Just a tremendous human being. Extremely committed. Always reliable. Always dedicated to the job and to the citizens.” He added, “It’s a very difficult time. His loss is deeply being felt by the men and women of this department right now.” Read More Karen Solomon is a co-founder of an organization called First H.E.L.P., the organization said in a statement Tuesday night.The group “is dedicated to honoring the service of first responders who have died by suicide, supporting their families, reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental-health assistance, and increasing awareness of mental-health challenges within the law-enforcement and first-responder communities,” it said.“Our first concern is for the officer who lost his life, his family, his colleagues, and the Worcester law-enforcement community,” the group said in its statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.” First H.E.L.P. said the circumstances surrounding the Worcester investigation “are an active matter for law enforcement” and the group will have no further comment on it.

Decommissioned Syrian air force planes are seen at the Abu Duhur military air base east of Idlib, following the takeover of the area by Syrian opposition fighters on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Omar Albam, File)2026-08-19T11:27:45Z DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — A Turkish delegation had visited an air base in northern Syria the day before it was hit by Israeli airstrikes, Syrian officials said.The Israeli strikes hit the Abu Duhur base early Tuesday, hours after the delegation had left, causing damage but no casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that Israel had attacked the base because Syria was “on the verge of breaching” an agreed-upon “status quo in security matters” by allowing Turkish troops to deploy there.Two Syrian officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly said the Turkish delegation had visited the air base in the northwestern province of Idlib on Monday to review rehabilitation work underway at the facility.It was the first confirmation of a Turkish presence at the Abu Duhur base. Turkish and Syrian officials have not publicly commented on Turkey’s role there but have condemned the attack, as did Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey who also serves as special envoy to Syria, and a number of Arab countries.Turkish officials on Wednesday did not comment on the reported presence of a Turkish military delegation. But Turkey’s communications directorate accused Netanyahu of making “untenable allegations ... intended to legitimize Israel’s unlawful airstrikes targeting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” It alleged that Netanyahu aimed “to pursue expansionist and destabilizing policies in the region ahead of the elections in Israel.” Turkey “will resolutely continue to cooperate with the Syrian Government on a legitimate basis for the establishment of peace, stability, and prosperity in Syria, and will never allow the destabilization of Syria,” it said. Read More The Abu Duhur air base lies at a strategic location near the borders between Idlib, Aleppo and Hama provinces. During the time of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, who was ousted by a rebel offensive in December 2024, MiG-23 and MiG-21 fighter jets and L-39 aircraft operated out of the base.Turkey has been supporting Syria’s effort to rebuild its armed forces by training Syrian personnel at Turkish military schools and bases, and by supplying equipment and logistical support. Officials have not disclosed the types of equipment involved. The two countries signed an agreement last year that formalized their military cooperation. Earlier this year, Syrian troops also took part in military exercises held in Turkey. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Turkish officials have repeatedly stated that Ankara does not consider Syria’s security separate from its own.Israel, meanwhile, has remained suspicious of the new authorities in Damascus, led by former Islamist insurgents. Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has said repeatedly that he does not want a conflict with Israel.Israel carried out hundreds of airstrikes around Syria after Assad’s fall, mainly destroying assets of the Syrian army to keep them out of the hands of his successors. The Israeli military also seized control of a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria, which it continues to occupy.Turkey, a NATO member that also recently signed a defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, gave no indication that it would respond militarily to the Israeli strikes in Syria, but the incident added further strain to already tense Turkish-Israeli relations. Turkey and Israel once were close allies, but the relationship has been marked by deep frictions under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s more than two-decade rule, despite brief periods of reconciliation. Erdogan is an outspoken critic of Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians, while Israel has been angered by Erdogan’s support for the Hamas militant group.The fall of Assad’s government further strained their relations as the two rivals sought to curb each other’s influence in the neighboring country, with some analysts fearing that they could be headed toward a proxy war.——Fraser reported from Ankara.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02037-yScientists share help and advice on how they got their research discussions flowing.

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Former Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan believes the "minimum" for the club should be qualifying for the Champions League every year.But have they done enough in the transfer market to make it past play-off opponents LASK?The signing deadline for this tie came and went on Tuesday night with no further additions, leaving the number of new recruits at four before tonight's first leg at Celtic Park."This is going to be a really tough task, LASK are a formidable proposition," says Stephen McGowan, football writer for The Herald."Celtic have made decent efforts to try to strengthen the squad in the past week or two. The question you've got in your mind is have they done enough?"Because I think ideally they would like to have signed a goalkeeper. They'd like to have a back-up left-back. Nothing they can do about Alistair Johnson's injury, but you're just worrying, with Arne Engels having gone, are they a wee bit undercooked?"If you're a Celtic supporter tonight, there will be a bit of trepidation because the club's record in these play-offs is not good recently."Celtic have failed in their past five Champions League qualifying attempts - last making it via this route with victory over Astana in 2017 - and Sheridan says the pressure on Martin O'Neill's side is sizeable."Celtic would have been doing some some job to be less prepared than than they went into the [Kairat Almaty] game last season," he said."I don't think the bar was too high in that regards but they've definitely had a a much better start to the season, a few big signings."But if Celtic fail to qualify, straight away it's all going to be the recruitment issues raised again. Engels' replacement, why wasn't that done before he's been sold?"So much rides on this play-off tie, there's huge pressure on it for everyone at Celtic."Celtic should expect to be Champions League every season. I definitely think the minimum should be qualifying for it every year. "But it's one thing thinking that you should be there and then actually being there every year, which I think has been the issue for for a lot of Celtic fans."Listen to the full episode of Celtic analysis on the BBC's Scottish football podcast

Bengaluru: The Duleep Trophy final is expected to move from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), on the outskirts of the city here, to either the M Chinnaswamy Stadium or MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with spectators likely to be allowed.The inter-zonal tournament begins on Aug 23 with six teams, and the quarterfinals and semifinals will be held at the CoE.The final, slated for Sep 6-10, was originally scheduled at the CoE, a venue where matches are played behind closed doors. However, the BCCI is reportedly exploring other options to allow spectators.When BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was asked during his recent visit to CoE about the match being held behind closed doors, he said, “We will definitely look into the aspect of hosting the match with spectators; we still have time.”It is understood that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) were sounded out earlier this week and agreed to host the finale, but a deterrent could be that, following last year’s stampede outside the stadium, a court ruling binds the state association to extensive protocols if spectators exceed 5000.That may be why, on Tuesday, the cricket board also sounded out the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) as it continues to explore holding the final with spectators.

Preseason Week 2 rolls on with five more NFL games across Thursday and Friday. Each matchup breakdown below covers what matters, who is playing, where the odds stand and picks for the spread, over/under and moneyline.MORE: College football Week 0 betting picks for all eight gamesLas Vegas Raiders vs. Houston Texans(LV +5, o/u 40.5, +205/-250)Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak during preseason minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak wouldn’t commit to a plan for his starters when he addressed reporters after Tuesday’s joint practice. “We’ll see,” Kubiak told reporters on Tuesday after joint practice with the Texans. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has taken the bulk of the first-team reps in camp, while first overall pick Fernando Mendoza has worked mainly with the second unit. Both quarterbacks played in the Week 1 loss to Arizona. Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed a change in approach after sitting almost all of his starters in Week 1. Ryans said he anticipates everyone healthy and cleared to play will start in the final preseason game at home. That means quarterback C.J. Stroud, edge rusher Will Anderson, and wide receiver Nico Collins are all in line for their first live snaps of the summer. Houston has an offensive line injury bug of its own to monitor after the group played just one series behind center Keylan Rutledge in the opener.Picks: HOU -5, o40.5, HOU -250San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers(LAC -1.5, o/u 41.5, -125/+105)49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan leaves the field after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed several starters will see the field, including a possible appearance from quarterback Brock Purdy. When asked if the 49ers’ starting quarterback would play, Shanahan replied, “Haven’t told him yet, but there’s a good chance.” Running back Christian McCaffrey remains out with lower-body tightness that Shanahan called unrelated to any past injury or contract dispute. Tight end George Kittle and edge rusher Nick Bosa are both trending in the right direction but remain sidelined, and receiver Mike Evans left Tuesday’s joint practice early with leg soreness.Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh laid out a clear plan for quarterback Justin Herbert and the rest of the starting offense. “Starters are going to play a series, then they’re going to come out. The backups will play the rest of the game,” Harbaugh said. Herbert didn’t play in the Week 1 win over Houston, so this marks his preseason debut running new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s system with targets Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.Picks: LAC -1.5, u41.5, LAC -125MORE: NFL offensive line rankings ahead of the 2026 seasonNew York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers(PIT -3, o/u 37.5, -155/+130)Jets head coach Aaron Glenn looks on before the game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium.New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith has been dealing with a sore left ankle since a joint practice with Tampa Bay last week and sat out the preseason opener as a precaution. Head coach Aaron Glenn declined to say whether Smith will play Friday. “So if it’s playing in this game because he feels up to it and he’s ready to go and he wants to be with the other guys. Let’s go,” Glenn said. “If it’s not playing because we want to continue to be cautious in that situation, we’ll do that.” Rookie fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik started in Smith’s place in Week 1 and led two scoring drives.Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to play against his former team for the first time this preseason. New head coach Mike McCarthy asked Rodgers to play in the first two exhibition games, both against clubs Rodgers used to play for. “He (wants me out there for) 30 or 40 plays,” Rodgers said. “I said, ‘Mike, if you want me to play, I’ll play.'” Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and third-round rookie Drew Allar are competing behind him.Picks: PIT -3, u37.5, PIT -155Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars(JAX -2.5, o/u 40.5, -142/+120)Panthers head coach Dave Canales looks on against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn ImagesCarolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and the starting offense are expected to play multiple series for the second straight week under head coach Dave Canales. After playing the majority of the starters last week for a couple of drives, the plan seems to be the same going into this matchup. Wide receiver Xavier Legette has been working back into the mix after a stinger earlier in camp.Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen reversed course this week and will play his starters. This is a shift from his original plan to hold them out of every preseason game. Coen said he expects quarterback Trevor Lawrence and others to get “a couple drives, potentially” against the Panthers. The Jaguars are dealing with an offensive line injury crunch. Tackle Walker Little, guard Patrick Mekari, and tackle Chuma Edoga are all banged up. “Unfortunately, we have that bug at the moment,” Coen said. “We just have to get through it.”Picks: JAX -2.5, o40.5, JAX -142Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos(DEN -3, o/u 40.5, -152/+126)Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is shown during the first day of preseason training camp. It is the first of three consecutive public practices.Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is set to play for the second straight week. However, head coach Matt LaFleur hasn’t detailed how long he will stay in the game. “You’re just going to have to watch to find out. So I, I think it’s pretty fluid,” LaFleur said. Love played only the opening series in the Week 1 loss to Pittsburgh.Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix will make his preseason debut after sitting out Week 1 while returning from a fractured right ankle. “Bo won’t play in this game. He’ll play next week,” head coach Sean Payton said before the Falcons game in Week 1. He added that Nix “wants to play” and “he’ll play the next two weeks.” Nix will work behind new play caller Davis Webb for the first time in a live setting.Picks: DEN -3, o40.5, DEN -152MORE: AFC power rankings for all 16 teams as the 2026 preseason rolls on— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

A night after throwing out the first pitch for the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, No. 4 seed Daniil Medvedev was ousted and threw several temper tantrums at the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Tennis Center in Mason.Medvedev was defeated by wild card entry Brandon Nakashima 6-7, 7-6, 6-1 in the third round in a match that lasted nearly three hours.daniil medvedev today: 0-3 on MP 1-11 on break points 2 broken screens pic.twitter.com/gIbvmp3UyK— georgekova (@geogekovita) August 18, 2026In doing so, he damaged a pair of advertising boards, knocked over microphones and argued with the umpire, resulting in a code violation. Nakashima was the No. 27 seed.Medvedev is the world's No. 7 player and was gifted a Reds jersey at Wimbledon by Beemok Sports & Entertainment President and Cincinnati Open Tournament Director Bob Moran.In Medvedev’s defense, that advertisement did hit him in the head pic.twitter.com/Nf0aNPmV9z— Barstool Tennis (@StoolTennis) August 18, 2026Outside of the temper, how are Medvedev's baseball skills? The Enquirer's Shelby Dermer asked him earlier in the week."In Russia, we don't (play baseball). I have no idea if I have the coordination, balance and other stuff. I do not think I would be a good pitcher, but who knows? I can run. Maybe I could hit. You never know."This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds fan, No. 4 seed Medvedev ousted with flare up at Cincinnati Open

Bernardo Silva unveiled at Real MadridBernardo Silva was unveiled this Wednesday as a new Real Madrid player.After unveiling José Mourinho on Tuesday, it was Bernardo Silva’s turn, and he will wear the number ‘20’ as a Real Madrid player.The Portuguese player did so at Real Madrid City, where Florentino Pérez welcomed him in the boardroom and he signed until 2028.The unveilings at Real Madrid continue without fans or press, something that, according to 'COPE', is due to a reason that "will be understood later".At first glance, only the club’s top executives, the player, and his family are present at these events.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Models showing their robotic dogs with fancy dressing at a booth during the World Robot Conference at the Beiren Yichuang International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Beijing, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)2026-08-19T11:59:41Z BEIJING (AP) — Do you want to see whether a robot can fold a piece of cloth? Interested in getting a robot dog or even a humanoid robot that could offer some emotional support? Or perhaps you just want to watch robots boxing and dancing? Come to Beijing.China kicked off the 2026 World Robot Conference on Wednesday, with companies showcasing the country’s expanding robotics industry as it looks to move the technology beyond demonstrations and into factories and other real-world applications.Organizers say around 3,000 products will be showcased during the five-day event. Despite the conference’s name, there was no sign of other countries exhibiting.One of the main attractions on Wednesday was the booth of Unitree, one of China’s leading humanoid robot makers, where some of its models boxed and danced. One even played ping pong with a human opponent. The opening of the conference coincided with Unitree’s stock market debut in Shanghai.The conference comes weeks after the U.S. Federal Communications Commission announced a ban on imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks, in a move targeting China. The prohibition also covers new imports of quadruped robots, often referred to as four-legged robot dogs. The agency said advanced robots could pose cybersecurity and other national security risks.UBTECH, another of China’s leading robotics companies, brought several industrial models to the conference. Some demonstrated tasks such as moving components around as they might on a factory floor. But among those drawing the most attention were humanoid robots with lifelike faces, promoted for emotional care. Read More Jiao Jichao, deputy president of UBTECH Robotics, said one of its emotional-care humanoids can talk, make various facial expressions, rotate its neck and move its hands. And it is available to individual buyers. The price: 168,000 yuan (more than $24,000).But despite the increasingly sophisticated displays, experts say many humanoid robots remain more impressive as performers than as practical workers. Several companies showcased helper robots equipped with mechanical arms and hands. At one booth, a robot attempted a seemingly simple household chore: folding a shirt. After several minutes of trying, it couldn’t do it. 获取更多RSS：https://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Former FBI Director James Comey speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 8, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)2026-08-19T11:51:36Z WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is defending its prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, saying “there is no serious dispute” that a social media post of seashells he made last year could be understood as a threat against President Donald Trump.Prosecutors also called into question Comey’s account that he had found the seashells in the numerical arrangement of “86 47” while walking on a beach in North Carolina and suggested that his May 2025 post on Instagram was a thinly veiled attempt to sell copies of a forthcoming novel about a social media personality whose words have inspired his fans to attack his foes. The arguments in motions late Tuesday represent the government’s most detailed explanation of its indictment and were filed in response to wide-ranging defense efforts to dismiss the case on grounds including that it constitutes a vindictive prosecution and that Comey’s post did not amount to a true threat. The U.S. Department of Justice logo is seen on a podium before a news conference, May 4, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File) The U.S. Department of Justice logo is seen on a podium before a news conference, May 4, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Comey’s lawyers contend that investigators in the case misled judges, submitted documents containing false statements, withheld key facts and repeatedly came up empty in their efforts to prove that Comey intended a physical threat or knew that the number 86 could suggest violence.The entry for “86” from Merriam-Webster, the dictionary used by The Associated Press, says its meaning is “to throw out,” “to get rid of” or “to refuse service to.” Trump, a Republican, is the 47th president. The Justice Department maintains the photo of the seashells, which Comey said he found on the beach, constituted a threat against Trump. Comey deleted the post shortly after he put it up, saying he did not know that anyone interpreted the numbers as a call to violence. His lawyers have said that the slogan has long meant to “get rid of” or “eject” and has been featured on thousands of items sold online and regularly displayed at protests. Read More But the Justice Department sought in its filings to place the post against the backdrop of a spate of assassination plots or attempts against Trump in the months before and after Comey’s post. Prosecutors say that two minutes before the post was made, Comey’s wife texted him a screenshot of a definition of “86” that said “to get rid of or refuse service.” “There is no serious dispute that an objective viewer of Comey’s post could read it to mean ‘Kill President Trump,’” prosecutors wrote. A portrait of President Donald Trump is displayed at the Justice Department building in Washington, June 2, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) A portrait of President Donald Trump is displayed at the Justice Department building in Washington, June 2, 2026. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More The photo was posted days before Comey was set to release a novel titled “FDR Drive,” in which a prosecutor pursues a far-right social media personality who has called out his foes by name and inspired violence against them by his fans, the Justice Department said. After the Instagram post provoked an outcry, according to the government’s filings, Comey’s publishing agent observed in a text message to him that he had “gone viral.” Comey responded that that was “not my intention, but I’ll be OK if it sells books.” The agent replied, ”Music to an agent’s ears.”Prosecutors also asserted there was “reason to doubt” Comey’s account of having come upon the seashells while on a walk, saying they were located 4 miles (6 kilometers) “down from the beach from beachfront property where Comey was staying, in an area separated from the ocean by a sand dune.” They said there was “no evidence that anyone else arranged, photographed, or even saw the shells.”Comey’s lawyers have called the indictment, the second in a year against him, part of a Trump retribution campaign targeting one of the president’s vocal critics. Trump fired Comey as head of the FBI in 2017 as Comey was overseeing an investigation into potential ties between the Republican’s 2016 presidential campaign and Russia, and Trump since then has called for him and other perceived adversaries to be jailed. But the Justice Department denied allegations of vindictiveness, saying the decision to indict Comey was made by the U.S. attorney in the area and did not derive from a directive from the president or the attorney general. ERIC TUCKER Tucker covers national security in Washington for The Associated Press, with a focus on the FBI and Justice Department. twitter mailto

There were already several factors rattling investors. A further rise in bond yields is making things more expensive for everyone.

No surprise, but I'm a comic-book enthusiast. Yes, the engineer who enjoys using data to conjure up takes on how the weather impacts football or which QB to draft has an eye for the fantastical. Truthfully, the oversaturation of Marvel-related content has been fatiguing. And I've found myself watching clips from different parts of the Infinity Saga. But none of that mattered when I sat down to watch Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the MCU intro rolled.Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2026 NFL seasonI'm sure a lot of you felt the same way last week when the preseason games started. We've spent months arguing about rookies, vets and expected schematic shifts. And we'll keep doing it until December. Yet, there was a moment at kickoff where it felt good to be back. Plus, we've got even more action headed our way this week.With the market reacting to every piece of news, here are the guys I'll be watching for during Week 2 of the preseason.These Young Guys Can (Maybe?) Play!KC Concepcion, BrownsIf you thought Cleveland's QB situation wasn't going to cause heartache and anxiety for real fans and fantasy managers, I applaud your optimism. But at least there was a bright spot in the passing game.KC Concepcion: 72 All Purpose YDS, 1 TD, 3 REC in his NFL debut27 REC YDS • 14 RUSH YDS • 31 PR YDS pic.twitter.com/t6Gzf41clH— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) August 15, 2026Deshaun Watson, the presumed Week 1 starter, only played in the first half. With Watson under center, KC Concepcion was second in routes with a team-high target share of 26.7%. And he was everywhere. Screens, slants, hitches and intermediate posts highlighted Concepcion's route diversity that stood out in his pre-draft evaluation. But it wasn't just how the Browns got him involved. The "where" is what should have gamers eyeing his ADP over the next few weeks.While Cleveland didn't operate much near Chicago's end zone, Concepcion was the only WR with a target. On top of the screen plays, his speed and ability to muscle through first contact will be hard for HC Todd Monken to ignore. I'd like to see more of Concepcion throughout the preseason. But if he got to rest with the other starters, I wouldn't mind it.Ty Simpson, RamsI had my eyebrow raised like most of you when the Rams announced they wanted Ty Simpson at 13th overall. But after last week, I realized, once again, I'm not in a position to question Sean McVay and Les Snead.Ty Simpson looked very comfortable on that TD drive pic.twitter.com/9fVITHNvCB— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 15, 2026(If you squint [really hard]) The kid looked like the guy he'll eventually replace. Only four passes hit the ground for Simpson. And two TD passes, too! But I'm pumping the brakes on Week 1 of the preseason being a complete success.Pressure Rate: 12.0%Avg. Time to Throw: 3.02Air Yards per Target: 4.7Let's set aside the fact that Simpson was still playing in the fourth quarter against Chiefs' defenders who might not be on the team soon. Kansas City only pressured him three times. Even still, he took over three seconds to throw a pass. And the majority of those required the receiver to do most of the work after the catch.Subscribe to Fantasy Ultra to unlock our Strategy Lab, 150+ page Draft Playbook and more!To be clear, this isn't to take away from Simpson's performance. We'd want to see the same of any passer with the potential to sit in the QB2 role for our team. But still, there are some steps forward we'd like to see him take with more reps in Week 2.Drew Allar, SteelersApparently, Pittsburgh saved the best QB for last against the Packers. Drew Allar SHINES in His Steelers Preseason Debut vs. Green Bay 🔥10/13, 153 PYDS, 2 PTD, 1 Rushing TD pic.twitter.com/j3Zmx8dsUV— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) August 14, 2026Again, we need to apply similar context to Drew Allar's performance as Simpson's. The former Nittany Lion didn't come onto the field until three minutes remained in the third quarter. However, if we want to use the same metrics to compare, Allar comes out on top.Pressure Rate: 7.7%Avg. Time to Throw: 2.36Air Yards per Target: 6.7Sure, the Packers couldn't get to Allar the way the Chiefs left Simpson (mostly) alone. But Allar got the ball out faster and farther. And him being willing to use his 6'5", 228-pound frame to bulldoze into the end zone will have analysts invoking Josh Allen's name sooner than we'd all like. In either case, let's see if he can post similar results in Week 2.Camden Brown, CowboysI was sitting with my brother (a Seahawks fan) when an unknown receiver snagged a TD pass with one hand. We both yelled.CAMDEN BROWN WITH A CRAZY ONE-HANDED TD GRAB 😱DALvsSEA on @nflnetworkStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/sj2vglr6py— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2026I'm sneaking Camden Brown into the rookie section as I'm a fan of the underdogs. UDFAs have the hardest path to a secure job, let alone stardom. But Brown earned our curiosity and attention on Saturday night. Dallas' seventh-round WR, Anthony Smith, led the way with a 67% route rate and five targets between Joe Milton and Sam Howell. But Smith could only haul in two looks. Meanwhile, Brown scored two TDs and had multiple snaps as a run blocker. It'll take more than a couple of highlights to keep his roster spot, but I'll be watching for Brown against the Cardinals.A Few Camp Battles of NoteSo … About Tua being the QB …For the next 10 seconds, I'm not here to provide analysis. I'm just here for the generational memes. michael penix pointing points at tua tagovailoa /// reaction meme pic.twitter.com/xPRo2BvQRC— bbreact reaction videos (@burnerbwoireact) August 15, 2026OK, let's get back to work. Tua Tagovailoa bobbled his first snap and had to dive on it. I think there's an old saying about first impressions, but I'll leave that be for now. Afterward, no pass traveled more than five air yards. Denver pressured Tagovailoa on every single one of his dropbacks.To be fair, Denver can boast that they have one of the best defenses in the league. And as much as I want to blame Tagovailoa, all of Atlanta's QBs finished their rotation with a negative EPA per dropback. Nobody threw for a TD. On the plus side, Kyle Pitts Sr. took four of the five attempts with the starting offense. But if the offensive line, or the guy behind it, is a problem, our hopes for a productive '26 may have to wait for Penix to play.Bowers. Mayer. Why not both?I'll be honest. I'm speculating here. But put your skates on and roll with me down Narrative Street for a bit.Kirk Cousins to Michael Mayer! Raiders score on their opening drive!Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/d0IuH5LYG8— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2026The Raiders drafted Michael Mayer only to mothball him with Brock Bowers joining the roster in '24. But his 6.1 YAC per reception ranked sixth among all TEs in Mayer's rookie year. And I seem to recall some … friction between the players and their playcaller at the time.There's a reason Las Vegas held onto Mayer. Even when other organizations showed interest, nothing materialized. Even with injuries to star TEs around the league. The Raiders stood pat. Klint Kubiak rates with at least two TEs on the field have been third and second over the last two seasons, respectively. Without an alpha WR on the team, Mayer becomes a late-round TE to monitor.Two-RB Rotation in TennesseeI have a blind spot when it comes to drafting late-round RBs. In the event that the starter goes down, if the backup's path to a full workload is slim, I'm looking elsewhere. But I'm willing to be wrong.Tyjae Spears led the NFL in tackles avoided per touch in 2025 pic.twitter.com/6NRmaHunBD— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) August 14, 2026(ACLs sold separately.)Tony Pollard enjoyed a 65-35 split with Tyjae Spears last season. Yes, the Titans brought in Brian Daboll to bring Cam Ward (and the offense) up to speed. But my expectation was the changes would affect the passing game. I'm not so sure anymore.(Week 1 Preseason) Snap Rate: 37.5% (Pollard), 62.5% (Spears)Rush Rate: 57.1%, 42.9%Target Share: 0.0%, 14.3%Granted, Cam Ward only played a few series. And it wasn't particularly encouraging. But Spears turning up not just as the third-down specialist but in short-yardage situations was an interesting wrinkle to Tennessee's backfield. The offensive environment is still a concern, but let's see if Week 2 of the preseason is enough to make us reconsider the multi-round gap in ADP between the two.Buzz Worth Your AttentionThe Dolphins' Offense Might Be OKI bought into last year's hype surrounding Malik Willis. Sure, he had a progressive playcaller and strong supporting cast at his disposal. But HC Matt LaFleur wasn't out there cocking back Willis's arm to throw. At some point, we have to assign some credit to the guy bringing the design to life. Week 1 in Miami was a strong sign we may have fallen short in our praise of the former Packers' backup.Every Malik Willis snap in his first action as a Miami Dolphin pic.twitter.com/RnwxXYXieJ— Ghost of Adam Gase (@GhostOfAdamGase) August 15, 2026We got a drive out of Willis against the Commanders. The series consisted of seven dropbacks, with two of them turning into scrambles. But let's see if the stats point to the same takeaways as the film.Pressure Rate: 14.3% (Willis), 36.4% (Ewers), 27.3% (Miller)Avg. Time to Throw: 2.58, 2.92, 2.45EPA per Dropback: 0.63, -0.76, -1.01The numbers indicate Willis played on time and moved the ball with above-average efficiency. His first rep emphasizes the conclusion. As Willis drops back, he's reading the defense and fires after his third step. There's no wasted beats. And the scrambling is a bonus; not the main attraction to his game. So, as someone who's been eyeing De'Von Achane in the second round, I'm more optimistic about his cost. Ravens Have a WR3Baltimore's wide receiver room has looked like a work in progress for years. Zay Flowers has been the headliner, but the ancillary pieces have only made us hope Mark Andrews would return to form or we'd see more of Isaiah Likely. With the potential for neither to occur, it's good to hear about more than the Ravens' veterans in training camp.In 27 years of covering the Ravens, I’m not sure I’ve seen a rookie have a training camp quite like wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane.Every day, Lane produces a highlight-making catch. And today, he has Derrick Henry leaping in the air in celebration. pic.twitter.com/o86oFdqfmj— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 8, 2026The drumbeat for Ja'Kobi Lane has grown louder after every practice. His QB has taken notice. I can't scroll through my timeline without a clip or reel of a one-handed catch greeting me at some point. And, as I mentioned, the WR2 bar isn't that hard to clear.2025: Rashod Bateman, 63.7% (route rate), 9.3% (target share)2024: Rashod Bateman, 82.1%, 15.8%2023: Nelson Agholor, 56.8%, 9.5% Baltimore's passing game has been Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews and no one else. Even better for Lane, his receiver archetype complements this offense. He can play the X-receiver role, optimizing Flowers' usage off the LOS and in the slot. While we only got one target for Lane in his first preseason game, I'm expecting to see more of him in Week 2 and beyond.A Mixed Bag for the G-MenThe Giants offense is going to be a rollercoaster. You've got the highs of Jaxson Dart spinning away from pressure and creating magic downfield. And then there are the lows of an offense still coming together. But we got a good moment in MetLife Stadium on Saturday.Giants crowd gives big ovation for Odell Beckham Jr. 💙❤️(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/2adXrObvup— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 15, 2026Odell Beckham Jr. might be one of the biggest "what if" players of his generation. But the "what if" for fantasy managers is the scenario where he makes the team and plays alongside the current cast supporting Dart.(2025) Darnell Mooney: 49th (target share rank), 62nd (YPRR rank), 35th (air yard share rank)Darius Slayton: 54th, 51st, 46th Calvin Austin III: 60th, 50th, 50th There were 73 receivers who played a minimum of 10 games last year. The trio behind Malik Nabers couldn't crack the top 30 in any receiving metric. And for all intents and purposes, Beckham still can get open at a moment's notice.Even if it's just my nostalgia talking, I'd be willing to save a bench spot for Beckham if his participation ramps up this week.

ST. LOUIS – Viktor Hovland would find a flaw in the Millennium diamond. Even at his best, when he shot a blistering final-round 61 to win the 2023 BMW Championship before having another dominant performance to capture the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup, Hovland already was thinking of blowing up his swing. “It was always trying to nitpick and trying to find places where I can improve,” Hovland said. The pursuit of perfection continues three years later at the BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club, where Hovland confirmed to EuroSport Norge that he reunited last week with swing coach, Joe Mayo, who helped him reach No. 3 in the world."I already feel we have made great progress."Hovland added: "It feels right... Joe is the main man now." The coaching carousel has become a familiar ride for Hovland, who this year alone parted with Grant Waite in March and reconnected with T.J. Yeaton at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Six weeks after winning a signature event in Hartford, Mayo is now back for another tour of duty. He posted a video on Instagram last week from the FedEx St. Jude Championship, where he worked with Hovland on his bunker game.Hovland did not mention his latest coaching change during a pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday ahead of the second leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs. He did, however, acknowledge that his game was in a special place three years ago at Olympia Fields when his back-nine 28 helped him drive off with the BMW title. Back then, his ballstriking qualified as golf’s version of the ultimate driving machine. “You take a little bit for granted, how good it was before,” Hovland mused. "But I do think, like, without having that mindset of trying to improve, I wouldn't have gotten out here. I wouldn't have had the career that I've had up to this point. I think being really hard on myself is one of the reasons why I'm here.”Hovland has fought a right miss, particularly off the tee, for quite some time and has lacked the consistency that used to be his trademark. He called his swing a work in progress. But he was proud of his third place finish at the RBC Canadian Open and winning the Travelers Championship in June, the first his mother has been there to witness one of his eight Tour titles. “The way that I won, playing with Scottie over 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday and winning in a playoff (on Monday) was really cool. So that kind of has turned, you know, a poor season into, you know, something that I can at least look back on with fond memories,” he said. “But there's still some work to be done and I'm excited to keep working and get better.”That work will be done with Mayo. Hovland hires and fires Mayo like New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner used to can and bring back Billy Martin. When the two are on the same page, Hovland has produced impressive results. That was lacking this year at the majors. He missed the cut at the last three majors of the season, leaving the 28-year-old Norwegian still seeking that elusive first major. In his first week under the tutelage of Mayo, again, Hovland was in contention after 36 holes at the FedEx St. Jude but he struggled on the weekend and tumbled to finish T-19 as the dreaded right miss reared its ugly head. “I know where it comes from, it's just I didn't have a mechanism, right then and there, to deal with it. That's kind of what we're working on. I feel like we had a really positive day yesterday. I'm excited about where things are headed,” Hovland said. “It's just, I've always had that under pressure, if I'm under stress, like I have one shot that I know exactly what it's going to do. I just haven't had that. So, yeah, when things kind of fall off the rails, that's what you see happen on the weekend there.”"I've seen a lot of coaches and heard a lot of different things," Hovland told HBO Max."There are a lot of smart people out there, but there's something about the way he [Mayo] can take in information, and the way he relates it to me. It really resonates with me."Adam Schupak is a senior writer for Golfweek, covering the PGA Tour.This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Viktor Hovland reunites with swing coach Joe Mayo -- again!

Emre Guler made 33 appearances for St George Illawarra Dragons in his two seasons with the club [Getty Images]Wakefield Trinity have brought forward the arrival of prop Emre Guler to enable him to feature in this season's Super League run-in.The Turkish international was due to join Trinity at the start of next season on a three-year contract, but NRL club St George Illawarra Dragons have granted him an early release."Emre has been a valued member of our playing group and has handled himself professionally throughout his time at the Dragons," said Dragons chief operating officer Ben Creagh."We thank Emre for his contribution to the club, and wish him and his family all the best for the next chapter."Guler, 28, could make his debut for fourth-placed Trinity against Wigan Warriors on Friday evening, having been included in Daryl Powell's 21-man squad.The former Canberra Raider has made 126 NRL appearances in all, including 16 appearances for the Dragons this season.

The Jets did some roster shuffling on Wednesday morning. They announced that they have signed wide receiver Junior Bergen. Wide receiver DT Sheffield was waived with an injury designation in a corresponding move. Bergen was a 49ers seventh-round pick in 2025. He did not make the 53-man roster out of camp and spent time on the team's practice squad during the regular season. Sheffield signed with the Jets after going undrafted out of Rutgers this year. He will revert to the Jets' injured reserve list if he does not get claimed. Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, and first-round pick Omar Cooper are at the top of the Jets' receiver depth chart.

Love him or hate him, you're about to see a lot more of him on your television. Pat McAfee is reportedly joining ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown" ahead of the 2026 NFL season, according to The Athletic. McAfee, 39, is expected to serve as one of the new members on the set, which will feature Scott Van Pelt, Jason Kelce, Marcus Spears and Jason McCourty. It marks yet another program at the network that features McAfee, who was reportedly negotiating a deal with ESPN in June that would pay him roughly $60-$65 million per year.In addition to appearing on "Monday Night Countdown," McAfee already appears on his own daily show and on "College GameDay." By making appearances on "Monday Night Countdown," McAfee could be in line to play a prominent role in the network's Super Bowl coverage in February. While McAfee will appear on ESPN ahead of "Monday Night Football" games, there's no indication he will appear on broadcasts just yet. The "Monday Night Football" broadcast booth will continue to feature Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. As for McAfee, his "Monday Night Countdown" debut should come in Week 1, when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos on ESPN.

Nature, Published online: 19 August 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-02410-xCalled to account.

Wyndham Clark Is Winning Back Golf FansStacy Revere - Getty Images"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."Wyndham Clark had a bit of a tough 2025. After missing the cut at the U.S. Open at Oakmont, he damaged a locker in the clubhouse in frustration, resulting in an indefinite ban from the club. The incident—though he apologized and took accountability—damaged his relationship with fans, resulting in them rooting against him at subsequent tournaments.A year later, though, he triumphed at the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock. His second U.S. Open win felt like validation, he said. Winning the major in 2023 was “amazing,” he says, before adding, “but you still think, ‘Man, I haven’t played good in the other majors. Was that luck? Was it just kind of my week and maybe it won’t happen again?’ So [to] win twice, it really shows: The first one was real, and the second one just shows that I can win major championships.”Clark celebrates with the U.S. Open Championship Trophy after winning at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in June.Andrew Redington - Getty ImagesThe other key part of his victory, Clark says, is “overcoming” what happened at the U.S. Open last year. “To come back and win and show the fans that that wasn’t the Wyndham Clark that I want them to know—or see what happened at Oakmont [as] how they view me.” He continues, “As I played and won in Shinnecock, I feel like I’ve kind of switched the narrative a little bit with the fans and people are starting to really root for me again, which is obviously really nice as a player and a person just to be like, ‘okay, people like me, they’re not trying to bring me down.’”It’s tough to play when the crowd is against him, Clark says. “People love chirping at athletes and you give them anything, you give them an inch, they go a mile,” he says. “It is a little difficult. I mean, there’s just not as much momentum. But someone told me, they’re like, ‘Hey, Darth Vader had more fun.’ I’m not Darth Vader, but they’re like, ‘Sometimes that’s fun.’ But now people are rooting for me, and that just makes you feel good and helps you build momentum.”Clark during the the FedEx St. Jude Championship 2026.Andy Lyons - Getty ImagesHe does have momentum heading into the second round of the PGA FedExCup Playoffs, after finishing tied for fifth this past weekend. “Now we’re in St. Louis,” he says, referring to the BMW Championship at Bellerive Golf Course, “hoping for another good finish. It’s a very historic golf course, they played major championships here. The BMW Championship’s usually one of the best events every year, so obviously it’s just always a very good, nice week.”Though he’s from Denver, he feels an affinity with St. Louis fans sports fans. “I grew up a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, so it’s fun to be here. I imagine the crowds will be big and the atmosphere will be fun.” The Cardinals aren’t playing in St. Louis this week (they’re playing in Cincinnati and Philadelphia), but if they were, Clark would absolutely take time out of his schedule to go to a game. “I’m an avid sports fan,” he says. “I watch everything.”He loves tennis, too, and offered a prediction for the forthcoming U.S. Open on the men’s side: he thinks that Jannik Sinner will claim his second U.S. Open title. “He’s just so good, and [Carlos] Alcaraz [hasn’t been] playing. I would love for my boy, Taylor Fritz, as an American to get his first major and breakthrough. But, Sinner’s just in a league of his own right now.”Tennis having very clear top players is fun, Clark says, but he likes the unpredictability of golf. “You want to see other guys break through and win,” he says. “That’s what’s so great about golf: There’s obviously top players that maybe play a little more consistent than other guys, but any week someone can win. And I think that makes golf great and there’s so much parity.”Clark and his caddie David Pelekoudas, known as “Big Wave Dave.”Sean M. Haffey - Getty ImagesClark has also made changes behind the scenes this season, including hiring a new caddie. One of his best friends, John Ellis, had been carrying his bag since 2017. They mutually parted ways earlier this year. “We had tons of success,” says Clark, “but I think caddie-player relationship is like a marriage, and we spent so much time together. We chose our relationship over the job.” (Ellis and Clark met when he was an undergraduate at the University of Oregon, and Ellis was an assistant coach on the men’s golf team.) With David Pelekoudas, known as “Big Wave” on tour, we are “able to separate business and friendship a little bit better.” Clark says the arrangement works “better than I could have imagined—and quicker.”Despite no longer working with his collegiate coach, Clark views his time as an undergraduate as formative. (He went to Oklahoma State before transferring to the University of Oregon.) “I look back and realize how much fun being on a team was,” he says. “You had to go to class for a few hours each day and then we’re playing golf. You’re hanging out with friends, going to sporting events, and really didn’t have too many worries. I would go back in an instant to go play college golf again.”The sport has changed a lot different since he was in college and growing up, he says, namely: golf is now “cool.” “When I was in high school, I played a bunch of other sports and my buddies that played basketball, football always used to make fun of me and being like, ‘Oh man, you play golf, that’s lame.’ Now they’re all asking, ‘What club should I get?’ And they’re now obsessed with golf. And you see rappers and musicians and other athletes like LeBron James are into golf,” Clark says. (His dream celebrity foursome: Kevin Hart, Stephen Curry, and Kat Williams.)He adds, “It’s just been really great for golf—and obviously great for us at the highest part of the game to have more fans, new fans. It’s been a fun ride the last two, three years after COVID where golf is really on the rise.”Clark and his girlfriend Emily Tanner.Tracy Wilcox - Getty ImagesOnce the season winds down, though, Clark is looking forward to stepping away from the game for a bit. He has trips planned later this year to Cabo and South Africa, and says that when he travels, he usually leaves golf behind. “I just want to immerse myself in the culture, see all the sites you want to see, eat all the great food,” he says. “When I’m away from golf, I try to really stay away from golf.”For now, though, his focus is squarely on what’s in front of him. After a season in which the narrative around him often threatened to overshadow his play, Clark is back to chasing the thing he enjoys most: Being in the mix. “I just love being in contention and competing,” he says. “Hopefully come the back nine on Sunday, I have a chance to win.”You Might Also Like25 Watch Brands That Belong in Every CollectionThe 50 Best Animated Films to Watch With Your KidsThe 28 Best Westerns of All Time