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49ers take cautious approach with injured players as camp begins originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers will be cautious in training camp with players coming back from injury.
General manager John Lynch opened up the first press conference of training camp by sharing the status of a few injured players and how they have been progressing in their rehab.
Defensive tackle Kalia Davis suffered a season-ending ACL injury in his final season at the University of Central Florida prior to being drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Because Davis' injury occurred while in college, he will start the season on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list.
The club could keep Davis on the NFI as long as necessary without losing a spot on the roster which allows the defensive lineman to recover without undue pressure.
Both veteran cornerback Jason Verrett and tight end Charlie Woerner will start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Verrett is recovering from an ACL injury sustained in Week 1 of the 2021 season. The club signed the veteran to a one-year contract hoping he will once again make a comeback from a major injury.
“[He is] continuing to work his way back from that knee, but he’s making really good progress,” Lynch said.
Woerner had offseason core muscle surgery and will work his way back slowly.
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee), defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (knee) and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (shoulder, knee) have all been cleared to practice but as with the players on the PUP, there is no pressure for them to return immediately. All three players likely will be seen on the practice field but not on a daily basis.
“Mike’s doing really well,” Lynch said. “Again, you know, as we’ve talked about, when you’re coming off a major surgery, there’s always a kind of re-enter process. It’s not like you just throw him out there and say, go practice football, full speed, take every rep. And so we’ve got a really good plan.
One player who did not report to the 49ers facility is Dee Ford. The pass rusher has not appeared in a game for the 49ers since Week 7 of the 2021 season and through three seasons with the club has only suited up for 21 total games, two as a starter.
“He’s not, you know, I can tell you guys the next couple days they’re working through some things, the league PA (Players Association) and all that,” Lynch said. “But you know, I think you guys will see a transaction and, you know, leave it at that.”
The first on-field practice for the 49ers is scheduled for Wednesday, July 27th.
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2022-07-27T02:06:42Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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49ers take cautious approach with injured players to start training camp
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https://sports.yahoo.com/49ers-cautious-approach-injured-players-225711557.html?src=rss
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Adams has been Rodgers’ favorite target for the last four seasons, and the two had quite the connection. Adams became a perennial Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, not to mention arguably the best wide receiver in the league. He left holding the Packers team record for catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in a season. Adams also ranks second in franchise history in receptions and receiving TDs and is fourth in receiving yards.
Had he remained a Packer, Adams would likely be Green Bay’s all-time leading receiver in every category imaginable. He would be a shoo-in for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and perhaps still is if he can continue to dominate with the Raiders. Meanwhile, Rodgers would have a much better chance of winning his third-straight MVP, and the Packers’ Super Bowl odds would be much higher.
Lazard is not a future Hall of Famer. He may even finish his career without a single Pro Bowl. However, Green Bay’s starting quarterback believes he is the guy to lead a receiver room filled with question marks.
“(I’m) excited about Allen Lazard,” Rodgers said in June. “He’s been our dirty work guy for most of his career here. Now he’s getting an opportunity to be a No. 1 receiver. So, I’m not worried at all about him stepping into that role.”
For most of his career, Lazard has been a lunch pail guy. His consistency and willingness to do things like run block or play special teams helped get him on the field early on. Now, Lazard is considered one of the best run-blocking receivers in the game and has seen his special teams snaps dwindle.
But the Packers need a guy who can catch passes and a lot of them. Nobody caught more passes than Adams over the last two seasons – 238 to be exact. Lazard only has 109 catches in his career.
Obviously, replacing Adams’ production is out of the question. But that isn’t the expectation for Lazard if he is to be the Packers’ No. 1 wide receiver.
Lazard already has the trust of Rodgers, which will only grow in importance as the year progresses. There is also the fact that Lazard has also seen steady improvement in his game since entering the NFL. In 2019, he finished as Green Bay’s second-leading receiver in his second season. The following year, Lazard appeared ready to take the next step. He stepped up big time when Adams was sidelined with a hamstring injury, exploding with a career game the following week against the New Orleans Saints as he hauled in six receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve for the next seven weeks after suffering a core muscle injury that required surgery.
Last season wasn’t a revelation, but it was still something to build on as he posted career-highs in every major category for a receiver. Lazard’s 40 receptions, 513 yards, and eight touchdowns were all second to Adams.
This season, Lazard has a chance to lead the Packers in those categories and take on the role of the top dog. Sure, he won’t be Adams, but the Packers aren’t asking him to be. They have a core of veterans consisting of Lazard, Randall Cobb, and a newly signed Sammy Watkins. Second-rounder Christian Watson headlines the three receivers Green Bay selected in this year’s draft. To the naked eye, it’s a group of misfits. To the Packers, it’s a group good enough to win a Super Bowl, and Lazard is the leader.
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2022-07-27T02:06:57Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Allen Lazard enters 2022 as the Packers’ top wide receiver
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But we all know the the landscape here, too. And so does McCarthy. No matter how many words or slogans or optimistic back slaps are delivered by Jones, two things haven't changed in the last six months: The 2021 season ended in a bitter playoff failure, undercutting one of the better recent chances Jones and the Cowboys have had for a deep postseason run. And less than 10 days after that disappointment, he-who-shall-always-be-named when it comes to Jones and Dallas — the rest of us call him Sean Payton — stepped down as head coach of the New Orleans Saints.
It’s worth considering what's happened since that summer four years ago. Jones' close friend and owner of the Houston Texans, Bob McNair, died of cancer during the ensuing season at 81. Confidants said it was a loss that shook Jones up, making him hyper-aware of his mortality. Perhaps it’s no surprise that a few months after McNair’s death, Jones completed his purchase of a $250 million yacht and made plans to spend part of an offseason tooling around Europe.
If head coach Mike McCarthy fails to lead the Cowboys deep into the playoffs once again, there's a Sean Payton-size solution sitting out there for the 79-year-old Jerry Jones. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)
Of course, the sugar high of such things only lasts so long. Much like Jones' previous legacy moments — the entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017; the completion of his multibillion dollar “The Star” complex in Frisco, Texas; nailing down another cornerstone collective bargaining agreement and television deal — things eventually return back to football. And when that happens, expectations set in.
But this will ultimately be a zero-sum season, and all of that will be focused on the playoffs. Jones is hardly bashful about that reality. It might not be Super Bowl-or-nothing, but it's certainly playoff-success-or-nothing.
Trade candidates Ian Happ and Willson Contreras were the last people in the Cubs' dugout after Tuesday's win over the Pirates.
Kyle Schwarber's 31st home run
Kyle Schwarber hits his 31st home run of the season on a deep drive to center field, trimming the Braves' lead to 5-1 in the 6th inning
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2022-07-27T02:07:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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As Cowboys camp starts, Jerry Jones backs Mike McCarthy … right into a playoff-success-or-else corner
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Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner, left, and defensive end Aaron Donald runs a drill during a mini camp on June 8 in Thousand Oaks. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
“Oh man, he's incredible,” Hollins said, adding, “Just to see some of the little things he does day in and day out, the way he works. It's amazing and I feel like when we put these pads on, I'm going to learn a lot.”
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2022-07-27T02:07:41Z
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Newcomer Bobby Wagner signals change in middle of Rams defense
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The Dallas Cowboys 2022 season is officially underway. With the opening press conference in Oxnard, CA, training camp has officially begun. Owner Jerry Jones, CEO Stephen Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy took the stage to make their opening salvos and take questions from the gaggle of media in attendance and it feels like football again.
There were a myriad of topics of conversation broached on Tuesday afternoon, but the fundamental discussion is whether or not the Cowboys are in a better position than they were in 2021. After finishing 12-5 in the regular season, Dallas bowed out rather meekly in the playoffs, losing the wild-card contest to San Francisco. The elder Jones, who is ever the optimist gave an extensive answer in regards to where the team stands after several high-visibility departures during the offseason.
Jones stated emphatically, ‘I think we’re in better shape’ than at this point last year, when he feels he situated the team well for a run to the Super Bowl.
“I thought we had a team put together last year that was healthy enough when we got to the playoffs, which was always my fear, how healthy are we going to be in the playoffs. I thought we had a team put together . . .
. . . We had it teed up pretty good, and in my mind, we made a Hell of a run at it. We got disappointed, but we made a run at it. I think we’re in better shape today to make a run at it than when we were sitting here this time last year. And I say that following what I said right before that. I thought last year we had a chance to make a run at it and have people in place that if we were healthy enough we might get them. And I think we’re in better shape.”
Earlier in the press conference Jones referenced the old adage of availability being the best ability and how the lack thereof was the reason they jettisoned some of their top salaries in wideout Amari Cooper, right tackle La’el Collins and defensive end Randy Gregory.
“We lost three really high profile players. Those players were in the top-10 of our players that make the most money. When you get into that spot, I can tell you, your standards go up. Your bar is higher. Your conduct is higher. Your attention to the team is higher, not just your own performance, but everything. When you have that kind of responsibility, which you do when you have that much of the financial pie. So, what I’m trying to say is those decisions were made more about availability than ability, and they were made as to how you arrived at not being unavailable at times.”
All had various amounts of missed time over the last two seasons, injury caused Collins and Gregory to miss several games and Cooper parts of several. Collins also served a five-game suspension in 2021 and Gregory missed the first six contests of 2020 to be reacclimatized after being suspended numerous times.
“Availability had everything to do with it. I’m not trying to talk in pig Latin. I’m trying to be straight. I don’t mean to demean any player. I love those players personally. But you have to have number one thing is how we win a football game if you’re going to be in the top-10 of paid players in my mind for the team. Check ‘I’ at the door. It’s ‘we’ when you go through.”
Whether or not one believes Jones’ remarks to be his true feelings is up to them. Jones’ comments at the annual state of the union always need to be taken with a grain of salt, but one thing is sure. He loves his football team and loves to be given the court to talk about them. Tuesday didn’t sway any of those assessments.
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2022-07-27T02:08:00Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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‘I think we’re in better shape’ Jerry Jones says Cowboys improved from this time last year
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https://sports.yahoo.com/think-better-shape-jerry-jones-010614565.html?src=rss
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The smallest increase went to offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, head coach Kirk Ferentz‘s son. Brian Ferentz’s salary went from $860,000 to $900,000, according to The Athletic.
Jim Harbaugh‘s return to Michigan after leading the Wolverines to a playoff berth and their first Big Ten title since 2004 was no slam dunk.
Big Ten’s expansion further damages Rose Bowl’s status originally appeared on NBCSports.com
Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren said he supports expanding the College Football Playoff beyond the current four-team format.
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2022-07-27T02:50:06Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Big Ten’s expansion further damages Rose Bowl’s status
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Iowa cornerback Riley Moss recently was named on the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award.
The Jim Thorpe award is one of the most prestigious in all of college football, awarded to the best defensive back in the nation since 1986. It is voted on by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. It is of course named after the great Jim Thorpe.
A little history lesson here for those who don’t know. Jim Thorpe is one of the biggest reasons why football is as popular as it is today. Back in his day, there was not an athlete more famous than Thorpe, certainly not one as great.
Jim Thorpe won the gold medal in pentathlon and decathlon in the 1912 Olympics and was one of the best to ever step foot on the gridiron. He was a two-time NCAA All-American, was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class. He also served as the first president for what would become the NFL. There are few names that hold more weight in football than Jim Thorpe.
There are only a select few awards in college football more prestigious than the Jim Thorpe Award and, for a defensive back, perhaps none that are grander. Some past recipients include Deion Sanders, Charles Woodson, Patrick Peterson, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Former Hawkeye Desmond King won the award back in 2015 and is still the only Iowa player to do so.
Last year, Riley Moss proved he was the best defensive back in the Big Ten, earning the Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year. This year, his goal is to bring home the Thorpe as the best defensive back in the nation. He came close last year, finishing as a semifinalist, but now he has one last chance to earn it in his senior year.
Shohei Ohtani's solo homer
Shohei Ohtani hammers a solo home run to center field, putting the Angels on the board in the top of the 3rd inning
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2022-07-27T02:50:12Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Riley Moss named to 2022 Jim Thorpe Award watch list
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The Michigan football program is still basking in the glow of beating arch-rival Ohio State for the first time in nine years, and apparently the guys they brought to Indianapolis to represent the program at Big Ten media days are still flying high with confidence.
Take Michigan tight end Erick All for instance. During his availability to the media in Indy on Tuesday, he said the result is one that he was expecting. And even though he only has one catch for seven yards against the Buckeyes, the Wolverines completely dominated both sides of the line and physically manhandled an Ohio State team that’s used to being on the giving end of such an effort. He was a beast in the run game as well with his blocking.
“I wasn’t surprised. I watched a lot of film (on Ohio State),” All said to the media on Tuesday. “I watched a lot of film on us too and practiced with the guys that — it’s just we were expecting to do what we did — and we’re gonna be doing the same thing, expecting the same thing this upcoming year.”
Look, we’re not throwing shade at a guy for having confidence in his team to continue to have positive results on the field and build on what Michigan did against OSU last year. We’d expect the same from an Ohio State player. However, breaking an eight-game losing streak and notching just two wins in fifteen years isn’t a turn of the tide.
The Game is in the ‘Shoe this year, and you can bet these quotes and others will make their rounds at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center for the next few months.
Analyst says this UNC target’s recruitment is ‘wide open’
The recruitment for this five-star shooting guard and UNC basketball target Cam Scott is wide open per an analyst.
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2022-07-27T02:50:25Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Michigan tight end Erick All expects same result against Ohio State this year
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We’ve got another college football preseason watch list out, and there are a couple of Ohio State players included.
The Outland Trophy has been around for a very long time. The first one was awarded in 1946 to Notre Dame’s George O’Connor as the best college football interior lineman, and a player has been named annually by the FWAA ever since.
This year’s watch list was released on Monday, and both of the Buckeyes’ book-end offensive tackles, Dawand Jones and Paris Johnson Jr, are among the 89 names to keep an eye on for 2022.
Jones is entering his senior campaign after flirting with leaving early for the NFL draft. He came in as an unheralded prospect in the 2019 class but his combination of size and athleticism has allowed him to develop into a potential early-round NFL draft pick for 2023. He was a second-team All-Big Ten performer in 2021.
Johnson has been patiently awaiting his turn to move to his more natural offensive tackle position. Unlike Jones, he was a five-star prospect in the 2020 class expected to make a contribution immediately as a freshman. He did get on the field that year but has yet to be considered as the anchor of the line. He too was a second-team All-Big Ten performer and will get his shot to be the guy this season.
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2022-07-27T02:50:50Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Two Ohio State football players make preseason 2022 Outland Trophy watch list
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https://sports.yahoo.com/two-ohio-state-football-players-011722626.html?src=rss
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Why Shanahan loves 49ers' roster heading into 2022 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The 49ers' 2022 roster has the potential to be the best since Kyle Shanahan took over as head coach in 2017.
With second-year quarterback Trey Lance set to take over as the starter, San Francisco's offense has a higher ceiling and the defense should be deeper than it was last season.
Tuesday marked the first day of training camp and in speaking to the media, Shanahan revealed what excites him about the current roster.
“I feel as good about our roster as I have," Shanahan told reporters. "You know, I love our team right now, like when I just sit and go through our positions some of the young guys that we’ve added, some of the young guys in the last couple years who have quickly become some of our better players and leaders, I think we got a, I think our team’s in a great spot to turn it over to a quarterback who hasn’t played before. We might have some interior linemen who haven’t, but when you got the guys there just talent-wise that we see at practice every day and I see the people around them, it pumps me up cause sometimes when you start off with that, you know, there’s, it’s going to be a work in progress which everything is.
"And we got to go out there and get to what our potential is just like we did last year and that didn’t come ‘til halfway through the year. We got to do that a lot earlier this year and I believe we got the team to do it. And every year you just, not everyone does have that opportunity, a chance. And, and I, what I see on paper is I see a chance and now, that's all you can ask for as a coach. And I just want to go to work with them.”
The 49ers have made a concerted effort to build up the trenches over the years and continued doing so this offseason. Shanahan discussed how excited he is about a defensive front-seven that will consist of some combination of defensive linemen Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Samson Ebukam and 2022 second-round pick Drake Jackson and linebackers Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw and Azeez Al-Shaair.
“Very enthusiastic," Shanahan explained. "That goes with how we feel about our team, and I think it starts there. I mean, with our D-line, and our linebackers. That's a group that has been around here for a while. I think we've only added stuff to help them with depth. And I think they're healthiest now, as they've been, and when they're healthy we're tough to deal with, and when they haven't been healthy, we've had the depth that's been tough to deal with. So, I think with our team, it starts right there.”
The 49ers' roster has the potential to be among the league's best. If the defense maintains its success from years past and Lance develops into the quarterback Shanahan and the team envisioned when they selected him with the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the sky truly is the limit.
Only time will tell ...
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2022-07-27T03:42:16Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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What enthusiastic Kyle Shanahan 'loves' about 49ers' 2022 roster
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Jimmy Garoppolo on Tuesday passed his physical and won’t begin the 2022 season on any injured list according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco.
Garoppolo reported to the team facility along with the rest of the club for routine pre-camp physicals a day ahead of the first camp practice. His clearance will keep him from going on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to practice with the club. If anything it will expedite the process on the 49ers either trading him or releasing him with all signs pointing to one or the other happening.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Tuesday said the club would need to wait for Garoppolo to be cleared before moving forward with his future.
“He knows we have a team to think about too, and we’ll work together to figure out the best thing for that,” Shanahan said of Garoppolo’s future. “But in the meantime, he’s cleared to practice, but he does have a throwing program like all guys do when they get elbow or shoulder surgery, anything with your arm there’s a protocol in how you build them up, so they don’t re-aggravate that, and he’ll be doing that on the side. We don’t plan on practicing him with the team. We’ll take it day-by-day and constantly talk with him and hopefully can figure out the best for both.”
Garoppolo underwent offseason surgery on his throwing shoulder following an injury he suffered in the 49ers’ wild-card win over the Cowboys in January. The team’s plan was to trade him early in the offseason, but that was derailed by Garoppolo’s eventual need for surgery.
Shanahan made it clear the club was moving forward with Trey Lance as its starting quarterback and shut virtually all doors on a Garoppolo return, even in a backup capacity.
It appears the team will still be trying to trade him, but at some point it might benefit both sides for the 49ers to grant the veteran QB is release.
Garoppolo had a $7.5 million injury guarantee on his contract that might’ve held the 49ers back from doing anything with him earlier in the offseason. Now that he’s cleared the club won’t be on the hook for that guarantee, and instead will take a $1.4 million dead cap hit by letting him go.
The 49ers have time to make that decision since his $24.2 million base salary doesn’t come due until the first week of the regular season. Garoppolo may not want to wait that long though and now that he’s cleared, the 49ers have an open runway to execute whatever their next plan is.
Attention royal fans: It’s time to take a much-needed trip down memory lane. Today, we’re going back and looking at a few throwback pics featuring the late Princess...
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2022-07-27T03:42:28Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jimmy Garoppolo cleared, won’t begin season on injured list
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COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Tony Pedro Oliva Lopez — that's what was on his plaque — stepped to the podium and looked out at a crowd of about 35,000 baseball fans. Then he noticed the rolling fields surrounding the Clark Sports Center and began thinking about home. "I can't believe I'm here," Oliva said. "I'm looking to the left. I'm looking to the right. And it is bringing memories. "This place right ...
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2022-07-27T03:42:41Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Source: QB Jimmy Garoppolo receives medical clearance in 49ers physical
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Bulls players support Sky at Commissioner's Cup Final originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
In the Sky and Las Vegas Aces, the WNBA's top two teams headlined the Commissioner's Cup Final on Tuesday night.
With the matchup taking place in Chicago, several Bulls players took the opportunity to catch some high-level hoops and support the home team.
That Bulls' contingent, via photos shared by the team's Twitter account, included Patrick Williams, Javonte Green, Dalen Terry and Justin Lewis sitting courtside:
Squad out to support the @chicagosky! #SkyTown #CommissionersCup pic.twitter.com/yOBTH1gd9L
Williams and Green were each spotted at Sky games during the team's run to its first ever WNBA title last season. Terry, who was taken 18th in the 2022 draft, and Lewis, who signed to a two-way deal after going unselected on draft night, are new to the city, but clearly embracing it.
The Commissioner's Cup is a relatively new showcase in the WNBA. Introduced in 2021, the in-season tournament is decided by sorting how each team in the WNBA performs in select "Cup Games" throughout the regular season, then pitting the top two against one another in a championship game.
The reward for winning? A $500,000 prize pool (although there is no impact on playoff standing).
Last season, the Seattle Storm won the inaugural Commissioner's Cup by routing the Connecticut Sun 79-57.
This season, the Sky and the Aces are doing battle for the honor. If nothing else, the Sky have the city of Chicago behind them.
When a manager from a short-staffed Chicago-area restaurant skulked into Lucca Osteria in Oak Brook, Illinois. on a recent Friday with a fistful of cash, the brazen poaching of workers seemed straight from the pages of Nelson Algren. “It was late May, the third week we were open, and I get a call from my partner, who was fuming, and he says, ‘You’re not going to believe this, but two of our ...
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2022-07-27T04:12:35Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Bulls players support Chicago Sky at WNBA Commissioner's Cup Final
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https://sports.yahoo.com/bulls-players-support-chicago-sky-015218577.html?src=rss
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Amanda Zahui B
Liz Cambage played 25 games with the Sparks before parting ways with the team. Los Angeles has nine games left in the regular season. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Teammates couldn’t help but acknowledge Cambage’s discontent, and in return out of annoyance, they began force-feeding her the ball regardless of what play was supposed to be run, sources say. After the Sparks' 84-66 embarrassing blowout loss, Cambage rushed to the locker room to get dressed for an early exit out of the arena after finishing with 11 points and five boards in 22 minutes. Prior to departing the locker room, she had a message for her teammates:
Her teammates were shocked at the timing, sources say, but not of the end result.
On Tuesday, the Sparks announced that they agreed to a “contract divorce” with Cambage, ending her lone season after 25 games played with the organization.
Cambage couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.
Cambage had conflict in WNBA long before stop in Los Angeles
The 6-foot-8 star was the franchise’s prized offseason acquisition when she signed as a free agent in February. She personally negotiated her one-year, $170,000 deal after parting ways with her longtime agent Allison Galer.
The Sparks had two cornerstone players exit in recent years in Candace Parker to the Chicago Sky and Chelsea Gray to the Aces. Adding Cambage gave life to a potential championship window with another dominating big leading the way, similar to Lisa Leslie and Parker during the Sparks' glory days.
Cambage came with baggage.
She finagled her way from the Tulsa Shock in 2013, the team that drafted her with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 WNBA draft. Tulsa retained her rights and later became the Dallas Wings. From 2013-2018, she played overseas. Cambage asked for a trade from the Wings in 2019, a year after signing a multiyear contract.
And leading up to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Cambage — an Australian citizen and member of the Australian national team — reportedly called players on the Nigerian national team “monkeys” during training camp. She withdrew weeks prior to the tournament, citing mental health concerns.
The “monkey” remark could not have been easy for Sparks veterans — Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike — who are sisters of Nigerian descent and who are actively appealing FIBA’s denial of their application to play for the Nigerian national team.
Derek Fisher, the head coach and general manager of the Sparks until he was fired in June, brought Cambage to Los Angeles.
Multiple players on the team felt the center could help the Sparks if she was focused and committed, but they expressed concerns that she’s known to be a player others don’t like to play with, sources said.
Despite those reservations, Fisher took the star on.
Sparks players take issue with team's managing of Cambage, and club's other issues
Before kicking off the 2022 WNBA season, things had already gotten off to a rocky start.
This approach ruffled feathers within the locker room, sources say.
In an unrelated move, the Sparks would suspend Zahui B. for the 2022 season. According to a team source, Fisher was of the understanding that her overseas commitment would have forced her to miss up to the first 13 games and the team needed to finalize its roster in advance of the regular season. A suspended player does not receive a salary that season and the team retains the player’s rights.
Over the past few years, Sparks players have complained about a lack of leadership, delegation and accountability from the higher-ups.
One ongoing team grievance is the club's practice location.
The Sparks practice at Jump Beyond Sports complex the majority of the season, and it’s been described as the worst practice facility in the league, sources say. Fisher and staff picked this location prior to the season to the dismay of most of the players, sources say.
“An AAU team wouldn’t want to play there,” one player said.
Fisher didn't respond to text messaged questions from Yahoo Sports.
This month, the Sparks have held some practice sessions at USC and Crypto.com Arena.
Former Los Angeles Sparks center Liz Cambage attends the 2022 ESPYs at Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Cambage was posting her lowest stats since her rookie season, averaging 13 points and 6.4 rebounds. She wasn’t voted to the All-Star game in Chicago. Cambage was spotted in Las Vegas in the height of NBA Summer League and later tested positive for COVID-19. She missed two games before returning to play on July 21 against Atlanta and Saturday against the Aces. Those would be her last games for the Sparks.
There are currently no interested WNBA teams, sources say. Some believe Cambage will use the down time to focus on her modeling career and deejaying, skills that are said to be admirable.
One persistent question from WNBA players from around the league about Cambage: “If she can’t make it in a locker room full of real professional veterans, where can she make it at?”
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2022-07-27T04:12:46Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Liz Cambage's Sparks 'divorce' featured conflict from jersey number choice, to gripes in film room and on the court, sources say
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https://sports.yahoo.com/liz-cambages-sparks-divorce-featured-conflict-from-jersey-number-choice-to-gripes-in-film-sessions-and-on-the-court-sources-say-020037614.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/liz-cambages-sparks-divorce-featured-conflict-from-jersey-number-choice-to-gripes-in-film-sessions-and-on-the-court-sources-say-020037614.html?src=rss
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UNC defensive lineman Myles Murphy took a big step forward in his development with a big 2021 campaign for the Tar Heels. The Greensboro, North Carolina native started in all 13 games for the Tar Heels last season recording four sacks and landing on the All-ACC second team.
Going into this season, Murphy is a key piece to UNC’s defense and if he improves, the Tar Heels could have a stud in the middle of their defense. But ahead of upcoming season, Murphy is earning some preseason honors.
Murphy was named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Outland Trophy on Tuesday.
He was one of 85 players named to the Nagurski Trophy watch list, featuring some of the top defensive talent in college football. It’s awarded to the top defensive talent in college football for each season. Players will be added and dropped from the list as the year goes on.
The Outland Trophy recognizes returning interior defensive linemen as Murphy was one of 89 players named to the list. Like the Nagurski Trophy, players will be added and dropped from the list. The winner will be announced at the end of the season.
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2022-07-27T04:56:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Myles Murphy named to Nagurski Trophy and Outland Trophy watch list
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https://sports.yahoo.com/myles-murphy-named-nagurski-trophy-022624636.html?src=rss
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Notre Dame has two names on Outland Trophy watch list
If Notre Dame’s offense is to have any success this season, much of it will come from the offensive line. While that’s true every year, the Irish especially can call that a strong area this season. That’s because both Jarrett Patterson and Josh Lugg have been named to the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy. This award recognizes the best interior lineman in college football and can go to a player on either offense or defense.
The honor definitely adds to Patterson’s reputation as he also is on the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, given to college football’s best center. He has not allowed a sack in his career yet, and both he and Lugg started every game for the Irish in 2021. Irish quarterbacks would be wise to take advantage of having these two weapons.
The Irish’s history with the Outland Trophy goes back to its beginning in 1946. George Connor and Bill Fischer won in two of the first three years it was presented. Their only other winner was Ross Browner in 1976.
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2022-07-27T04:56:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Notre Dame has two names on Outland Trophy watch list
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https://sports.yahoo.com/notre-dame-two-names-outland-024649736.html?src=rss
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Broncos are looking to bounce back after a down year.
What’s next for Boise State in 2022?
Jeremy and Matt are back to preview the upcoming Boise State football season. The Broncos had a down year in 2021 with a 7-5 record. This 2022 season, the Broncos look to bounce back and compete for a division and conference title.
The big questions are if the offensive line can be cohesive, running back health and who will step up at wide receiver to replace those who moved on. Also, this Broncos staff had a lot of turnover and that is something to watch as well.
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2022-07-27T04:56:05Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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PODCAST: 2022 Boise State Football Preview
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https://sports.yahoo.com/podcast-2022-boise-state-football-032118647.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/podcast-2022-boise-state-football-032118647.html?src=rss
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Former baseball player, Sports commentator
It was a rough night for Carlos Rodón and the equipment in the Giants' dugout against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night at Chase Field.
"Well, look, Rodón's angry but you don't throw things and you don't kick equipment," Giants color commentator Mike Krukow said on the broadcast.
"Thank goodness he's OK, I'm sure Carlos Rodón felt terrible about that," play-by-play announcer Dave Flemming added.
"That's when an apology is unacceptable," Krukow explained. "Because it means nothing when you lose your temper to the point where you kick equipment and hit one of your teammates. It's just a great tip for kids, you don't throw your equipment. You don't want to look into a big league clubhouse or dugout and see that, there's no place for it."
RELATED: Identifying Giants' biggest need as trade deadline nears
Carlos Rodon loses cool twice as freefalling Giants drop sixth straight game
Amidst a frustrating stretch for the Giants, All-Star Carlos Rodn let his emotions get the best of him twice in a loss to the D-backs on Tuesday night.
Christian Walker skies a three-run homer to left field to give the D-backs a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning
The Fan-Favorite Luchador: Rey Mysterio's Wrestling Career Explained
The long and illustrious career of Rey Mysterio has been marked by trials and tribulations, but the ultimate underdog has proven over the past 20 years he is the biggest little guy in wrestling history. This week's "Monday Night Raw" will pay tribute to Rey Mysterio's 20-year career with the WWE, so it only makes sense to look back on what got us to this point. Mysterio made his wrestling debut in Mexico in 1989 at just 14 years old. He was trained by his uncle, Rey Mysterio Sr., and wrestled in
HBO Max Will Begin Streaming 'Game of Thrones' In 4K HDR
With excitement building for House of the Dragon, HBO Max will soon begin streaming the entirety...
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2022-07-27T05:21:43Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Carlos Rodon kicks bat, which hits Thairo Estrada in second dugout blow-up
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https://sports.yahoo.com/carlos-rodon-kicks-bat-hits-033219234.html?src=rss
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Later this week, the LIV Golf tour will play its third event of the season at former President Donald Trump’s Bedminster golf club in New Jersey. Days before the shotgun start, it’s already the most contentious event on a tour that’s known nothing but controversy in its nine months of formal existence.
LIV has enticed many of the biggest names in golf, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau, away from the PGA Tour with the allure of massive signing bonuses and guaranteed payouts at 54-hole, no-cut events. Backed by the vast wealth of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf has drawn accusations of “sportswashing” – that is, using spectacles such as sports to distract from, or normalize, human rights violations committed by the Saudi regime.
After two YouTube-broadcast events, the LIV tour now arrives at a club owned by Trump, who remains in the news more than 18 months after he lost the 2020 presidential election. Trump has sparred with the PGA Tour and other golf governing bodies ever since he first announced his run for president in 2015, and LIV represents an opportunity for him to return his golf business to the public eye at large.
However, the location of his Bedminster club — just 50 miles from New York City — as well as LIV’s foundational ties to the Saudi government have drawn criticism from activist groups who decry the tournament as an insensitive insult to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Protests are taking place all week in New Jersey prior to the tournament’s shotgun start Friday.
It’s a golf tournament where the actual golf ranks well down on the list of most newsworthy items.
A general view of Trump National Golf Club during a practice round prior to the LIV Golf Invitational in Bedminster, New Jersey. (Mike Stobe/LIV Golf/via Getty Images)
Trump’s long history with golf
Trump’s connection to LIV is a direct result of the broken connections with the world of elite professional golf. Decades before he became involved in politics, Trump built a portfolio of golf courses that reached from New Jersey to Los Angeles, Florida to Scotland. He secured, or maintained, multiple PGA Tour and LPGA events at his courses. His ultimate intention was to bring one of the three rotating men’s majors — the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship and the Open Championship — to a Trump-owned course.
“Tournaments attach prestige to the golf course, and also to [Trump’s] name,” said Michael D’Antonio, a CNN contributor and author of "The Truth About Trump." “They generate lots of free publicity. Then it has the imprimatur of whatever tour is hosting the event. It becomes not just Donald Trump bragging about his own golf course, but outside authorities saying ‘this is a really good course.’”
The year 2014 should have marked the point when Trump entered golf’s highest echelons. He purchased Turnberry, one of the courses on the Open Championship rota and site of the famous “Duel in the Sun” between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977. Turnberry – swiftly renamed “Trump Turnberry” – was already slated to host the 2020 Open Championship. Two days after the purchase, Trump was awarded the 2022 PGA Championship at his Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster.
Then Trump decided to run for president, and everything in his golf world changed.
Trump’s aggressive, uncompromising America-first rhetoric won him admirers — and, ultimately, the presidency — but lost him the support of golf’s gatekeepers. The R&A, the organizing body of the Open Championship, was the first to cut ties with Trump. After deeming Trump’s anti-illegal immigrant rhetoric disqualifying, the R&A withdrew the 2020 Open and removed Turnberry from the Open rota.
Six months later, in 2016, the PGA Tour followed, removing its WGC tournament from Doral because of an inability to find sponsors for a Trump-backed event.
"I know everybody's talking about politics, but it's actually not that, in my view," then-PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said at the time. "I think it's more Donald Trump is a brand, a big brand, and when you're asking a company to invest millions of dollars in branding a tournament and they're going to share that brand with the host, it's a difficult conversation.”
The PGA of America — a separate organization from the PGA Tour — remained on track all the way through Trump’s presidency to play the 2022 PGA Championship at Bedminster. But after the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, the PGA, too, cut ties with Trump, removing the major from Bedminster and placing it at Southern Hills in Oklahoma. Justin Thomas won the event earlier this year.
“We find ourselves in a political situation not of our making,” Seth Waugh, the CEO of the PGA of America, said in the wake of the riots. “We’re fiduciaries for our members, for the game, for our mission and for our brand. And how do we best protect that? Our feeling was given the tragic events of [Jan. 6] that we could no longer hold it at Bedminster. The damage could have been irreparable. The only real course of action was to leave.”
There is no indication that any of golf’s organizing entities will have anything to do with Trump or a Trump-owned property in the foreseeable future. An R&A spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo Sports that there are no plans to expand the Open rota, and reiterated the organization’s 2021 statement on Turnberry: “We have no plans to stage any of our championships at Turnberry in the foreseeable future and we will not return until we are convinced that the focus will be on the championship, the players and the course itself.”
“With any potential PGA Tour event, there are a number of ingredients necessary to stage a tournament — among them a title sponsor, a host facility, a host 501(c)3 organization that operates the tournament, an engaged community and an open position in the Tour’s calendar,” a PGA Tour spokesperson told Yahoo Sports. “ At the present time, it’s that last point — an open position on the Tour’s calendar — that is worth noting.”
The Tour indicated that it is currently fully sponsored and scheduled, and will be announcing its 2022-23 schedule in the coming weeks.
Signage for Trump National Golf Club is shown on approach to the entrance in Bedminster, New Jersey. A group of Sept. 11 victims' family members are condemning former President Donald Trump for hosting the Saudi-backed LIV golf tour at his New Jersey course. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
Trump, LIV Golf join forces
Trump’s grievances with the PGA Tour and other golf entities — along with his long-standing business relationships with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia — made him a natural ally for LIV Golf, which has spent the past several months ripping the way the Tour does business, and winning over many well-known players as a result.
LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has locked horns with the PGA Tour for decades over the Tour’s refusal to let players compete on alternate, concurring tours. Earlier this year, their battle exploded into outright hostility when the PGA Tour levied indefinite suspensions on any player competing in a LIV event.
Norman retaliated by accusing the Tour of serving its own interests, not those of the players, even as he criticized figures ranging from Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods to Rory McIlroy for their stances on LIV.
“Why does the PGA Tour have 23 sponsors within the PGA Tour doing 40-plus billion dollars worth of business with Saudi Arabia? Why is it OK for the sponsors?” he said in June. “The hypocrisy in all this, it’s so loud. It’s deafening.”
Enter Trump, who appears to have a different view of LIV’s future than Norman has expressed publicly.
"All of those golfers that remain 'loyal' to the very disloyal PGA, in all of its different forms, will pay a big price when the inevitable MERGER with LIV comes, and you get nothing but a big 'thank you' from PGA officials who are making Millions of Dollars a year," Trump wrote on Truth Social last week. "If you don't take the money now, you will get nothing after the merger takes place, and only say how smart the original signees were."
The concept of a rival sports league merger is not new for Trump. In the early 1980s, he bought into the USFL, purchasing the New Jersey Generals franchise. (The Generals’ marquee attraction was running back, and current Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker, who remains a Trump ally to this day.) Trump spearheaded radical moves with the intention of having the NFL acquire USFL teams, the way the NBA had acquired multiple ABA teams several years prior. The move failed and the USFL dissolved shortly thereafter.
The Trump Organization, which runs Trump’s golf interests, did not respond to multiple requests for comment on LIV Golf. A spokesman for LIV declined to comment on any element of this weekend’s tournament.
“He loves golf, but he loves money more,” D’Antonio said. “There’s no doubt he sees this gambit as a financial win. I also think that he’s not worried about the PGA or the PGA Tour because he believes they’ll come back, that everybody will come back.”
LIV Golf isn’t likely to fade as quickly as the USFL did. LIV’s value proposition has been compelling enough that players have abandoned sponsors, longtime tournament commitments, and even — in the case of Henrik Stenson — a Ryder Cup captaincy. With a reported $2 billion in Saudi funding backing LIV’s ambitious plans for the future, LIV appears committed to remaining a force for the short term. With speculation swirling about future LIV signings following the end of the PGA Tour season in early September, the tour is looking to ensure its viability by picking up familiar names and amateurs looking for a quick, lucrative entrance into the professional ranks.
This weekend’s tournament at Bedminster will test LIV’s viability in a major market. Lacking a television contract, LIV has been forced to stream its events on YouTube and rely on a series of on-property attractions to draw in fans. In addition to the shotgun start, where every player tees off at once, Bedminster will offer fans everything from a Navy SEAL parachuting demonstration to a Chainsmokers concert. (The Chainsmokers have also jumped from the PGA Tour to LIV, having played at the Players Championship back in 2020.)
9/11 protests will accompany golf
The tournament will also be taking place in a state that lost 750 people in the 9/11 attacks. Saudi Arabia was home to 15 of 19 hijackers and had a still-undisclosed role in the planning, financing and execution of the attacks, and so the fact that a Saudi-funded golf league is playing in the state has infuriated the families of victims lost or injured in the attacks.
This week, 9/11 groups will gather at a local public library about 4 miles from the club’s entrance.
“We’re trying to educate the golfers and the public in the dangers of sportswashing,” 9/11 Families United chair Terry Strada said. “It’s evident that MBS [Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman] is trying to improve the kingdom’s image by manipulating U.S. public opinion. What they’re trying to do, mostly, is erase history with the 9/11 community, and whitewash the responsibility they have to victims’ families and survivors.”
"As we have said all along, these families have our deepest sympathy,” LIV Golf said in a statement. “While some may not agree, we believe golf is a force for good around the world."
Trump has put more distance between himself and the protests. “I don’t know much about the 9/11 families, I don’t know what is the relationship to this, and their very strong feelings, and I can understand their feelings,” Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Monday. “I can’t really comment on that because I don’t know exactly what they’re saying, and what they’re saying who did what.”
Strada has criticized all prior presidential administrations for their handling of 9/11 investigations — Bush, Obama and Trump — but indicated that Trump reneged on a 2019 promise to release documents from investigations into the connections between Saudi Arabia and the terrorist attacks. The Biden administration has since declassified some of those documents, but has yet to take a hard line with Saudi Arabia over 9/11, including during his recent visit to the kingdom.
“We’re deeply disappointed in a former president who knows the atrocities the kingdom has committed on U.S. citizens,” Strada said. “He more than anyone should not be supporting any part of the LIV tournament.”
This weekend’s LIV tournament will take place from Friday to Sunday. LIV has five more events on its 2022 schedule, and will conclude the weekend of Oct. 27-30 in Miami at Trump’s Doral course.
'GET YOUR KID': 5-Year-Old Dresses As Chucky, Terrifies Alabama Town Residents
Everyone’s favorite killer doll is all fun and games when he’s on your TV screen, but what if you were driving down the road and saw Chucky just walking down the street? That’s what happened to the residents of a town in Alabama when they spotted a 5-year-old boy casually patrolling the street in his horrifying Chucky costume just for a laugh. One resident named Kendra Walden posted images of the child in his getup on Facebook and the post quickly went viral with people across the Internet askin
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2022-07-27T05:21:55Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Perfect storm: Trump, LIV Golf and 9/11 protests collide
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https://sports.yahoo.com/perfect-storm-trump-liv-golf-and-911-protests-collide-181511864.html?src=rss
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have wrapped up their first two days of training camp under Doug Pederson after taking the field on Monday and Tuesday. Both of these days have been used more as an acclimation period after the team had several weeks off, but they’ve made the most of them and seem like they will be in good shape when the pads go on.
This year there has been a different feel to camp, and it isn’t just because of the Jags’ coaching change. The team has been practicing from a new location just a few miles away from their headquarters at Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Of course, the reason for that is because they are currently having construction done on their practice fields where a whole new football facility is being built. Still, the change hasn’t affected the team much, and it seems like they’ve adapted just fine in Days 1-2.
As for the specifics about how things have gone, here are a few takeaways we’ve gained from the first two days of Jags training camp:
The first-team OL unit featured Luke Fortner
Jaguars (70) faces off against fellow offensive linemen (61) Marcus Tatum and (64) Coy Cronk as (79) Luke Fortner looks on during Friday’s Rookie Minicamp session. The Jacksonville Jaguars held their first Rookie Minicamp on the turf of TIAA Bank Field Friday afternoon, May 13, 2022. Among those in attendance were the team’s 2022 draft picks. [Florida Times-Union]
During organized team activities, the Jags were using a combination of Ben Bartch and Tyler Shatley as their first-team center and guard, respectively. However, on Day 1 and Day 2, it was rookie third-round pick Luke Fortner who was getting reps as a first-team center, while Shatley was at left guard.
Same O-Line as it’s been, btw
(From L to R)
Shatley
Fortner
Scherff
Jawaan #Jaguars
With Trevor Lawrence taking many reps with Shatley dating back to last season, it’s interesting to see the Jags insert Fortner in as the No. 1 center, but not necessarily in a bad way. After all, he was the first player taken in the third round of April’s draft, has a high football IQ, played in the toughest college football division in football, and has good movement skills. All of those positives are signs that he has what it takes to replace Brandon Linder, and it will be interesting to see if he continues to run with the first-team from here on out.
Trevor Lawrence puts together an impressive Day 2
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball as head coach Doug Pederson looks on during day 2 of the Jaguars Training Camp Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at the Knight Sports Complex at Episcopal School of Jacksonville. [Florida Times-Union]
Lawrence was the talk of Day 2’s session as he registered a perfect completion rate in 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s. By the end of both sessions, he was 18-of-18 on the day and many in attendance seem to feel it was his best practice as a Jaguar.
Here are just some of several reactions to how Lawrence looked on Tuesday:
Trevor Lawrence was outstanding in today’s practice. Sticking by my prediction of 4200 yards and 32 TDs
Trevor Lawrence, yall. Whew. I know it's no pads, but today was unreal placement wise.
— Amp Wigg (@ShopTalkingWigg) July 26, 2022
Trevor Lawrence 7-of-7 in 7-on-7 drills right now
No drops
(I repeat)
NO. DROPS.
(Zay Jones and Evan Engram in particular were PUMPED and cheering on teammates for contested, tight catches) #Jaguars
Lawrence’s best pass of the day was a deep pass to receiver Laquon Treadwell, who he had a good connection with last season. That said, it appears they’ve picked up where they left off, and if it continues, he should be able to make the final roster at the end of the preseason.
It’s important to remember that the pads haven’t gone on yet, so the defense is at a little disadvantage. Still, it’s good to see Lawrence come out of the pre-camp break looking sharp, as that momentum can trickle down throughout the preseason.
James Robinson is progressing well from his Achilles injury
Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson (25) was in uniform and doing light drills at Monday morning’s training camp session. The Jacksonville Jaguars held their first day of training camp Monday, July 25, 2022, at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville Knight Campus practice fields on Atlantic Blvd. [Florida Times-Union]
The Jaguars didn’t place a single player on the Physically Unable to Perform list, including running back James Robinson (Achilles). While he hasn’t been participating with the team in practice and the team is taking it slow with him, that’s still a good sign in terms of how close he is to being at 100%.
On Monday, Jags Pederson said he was pleased with where Robinson was with his recovery as he put in a lot of work to avoid going on the PUP list.
“It says a lot,” Pederson said when asked about Robinson’s dedication to his recovery process. “It’s a good sign. I know, and I’ve seen how hard he’s worked to get himself back this spring, this summer. He was here all summer working with the guys. […] He’s done a great job to put himself into a position where we don’t have to do that [put him on the PUP list], but still be cautious with him and make sure he’s ready when he’s ready.”
Pederson said he didn’t want to put a timeframe on Robinson’s return, but added that mid-August feels like it could be an accurate guess. Even if that’s not the case, though, there is plenty of time for Robinson to return, and it looks like he should be ready for the regular season.
Devin Lloyd will miss a little time with a hamstring injury
When the Jags took the field Monday, they did so without one of their first-round rookies in Devin Lloyd. The No. 27 overall pick from April injured his hamstring just before camp and will miss some time, as a result.
Pederson said it wasn’t a significant injury, but with it being in the early stages of camp, there is no need to risk Lloyd further injuring himself.
The Jags took Lloyd after trading up from pick No. 33 to No. 27 in April, so it’s clear they have big plans for him. Luckily, they have good depth at the inside linebacker position after drafting Chad Muma two rounds later and also have veterans like Shaq Quarterman and Chapelle Russell who can step in as the rookie heals.
There is already a night and day feeling from the Urban Meyer era
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball as head coach Doug Pederson looks on during day 2 of the Jaguars Training Camp Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at the Knight Sports Complex at Episcopal School of Jacksonville. [The Florida Times-Union]
Pederson knew there would be a healing process involved with his job when he took it in February as the Jags were coming off one of the most dysfunctional situations in NFL history under Urban Meyer. However, there has been a different feel around the team since Pederson walked through the door and it has translated to training camp.
Many who’ve attended said the setting feels more professional now with the former Philadelphia Eagles coach leading the way. Several players would agree as well, including Josh Allen, who spoke with the media on Tuesday about his new head coach.
“Man, it feels great to be a part of a professional locker room,” Allen said when asked about the Jags’ time under Pederson. “Not only in the locker room, but when you talk to the coaches it’s a professional setting. You got to hone on to the details. If you’re not listening to the details [Pederson and the staff aren’t] getting on you, they’re telling us what’s right and what’s wrong.
This somewhat echoes what other players have said about Pederson, who understands what it’s like to be in their shoes as a former player himself. The same applies to the staff, too, which has several former NFL players on it. This should help the team tremendously because they will be able to focus on football instead of the antics of their coach and a dysfunctional environment. However, it’s in the early stages of camp, which means there is plenty of time for the team to make their bond even stronger than it is now.
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2022-07-27T06:53:26Z
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2022 Jaguars training camp: 5 takeaways from Days 1-2
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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — On a late-November evening, Donovan Edwards was showing off just why he was such a highly-touted recruit. And Mike Locksley is eager to forget it.
Though he wishes to, he cannot.
The Maryland head coach had hoped for a better outcome for his Terps on Nov. 20, 2021, as they hosted a surging Michigan football team. The Wolverines had everything to lose with the Big Ten East on the line and Ohio State looming the following week. Simultaneously, several players and staff followed along with the Buckeyes’ drubbing of fellow rival MSU during pregame warmups, knowing a battle was forthcoming. But for the true freshman running back out of West Bloomfield (Mich.), he wasn’t going to be denied that day in College Park, as he collected 10 catches for 170 yards — a Michigan receiving record from the running back position.
“He made a bunch of plays for them, I do know that,” Locksley said at Big Ten media days on Tuesday. “Across the board, when we played them at that time, obviously the score was indicative that they made a ton of plays all over the field, and they did it in all three phases.
“They were a really good team a year ago. Obviously, No. 7 was one of their guys that was a playmaker and did a tremendous job.”
The next step for Edwards requires extrapolating that one game into a full season while adding his running prowess to the mix. The tailback managed to out-catch his ground production on the year, reeling in 20 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown, while rushing for 174 yards on 35 carries in his first year of college football.
Now that lead back Hassan Haskins is off to the NFL, Edwards — along with junior star Blake Corum — will carry the load.
His head coach, Jim Harbaugh, has often noted that a player makes their biggest leap from the first week of the season to the next, but what about from their first year to their second? As a five-star (according to 247Sports’ proprietary rankings), Edwards has serious potential, but the difference between potential and production takes a lot of will and determination — attributes Edwards has in spades.
“Yeah, I totally agree,” Harbaugh said of the freshman to sophomore leap. “I mean, freshman year to sophomore year there’s a real — it’s a real opportunity for a huge jump, right? Because you’re just doing everything one more time, again. You’re doing everything again for a second time, unless you get into one of those sophomore (slumps), where you take a step back and start reading your own press clippings or get a big head. I don’t know.
“Donovan Edwards, he’s one of those outliers, one of those — just keep doing you, Donovan. That’s all I can say to Donovan Edwards. I mean, just everything he does, every way he does it, every way he attacks things, just his personality, just being around him, I mean, can’t have any more favorite player than Donovan Edwards. He’s one of those that comes along every so often, every generation, so to speak. But he’s super special.
“He’ll do something, I don’t know what he’s gonna do. You don’t know what he’s gonna do. He may tell you what he’s gonna do, but I mean, it could be rolling out throwing some pass 50 yards downfield on a dime. Making some cut, making some catch — he can literally do it all. Incredible balance, speed, vision, toughness. And he’s just one of those guys — we got a bunch of guys like this. They’re my favorite guys. They’re the dreamers, they just dream big. And they’re the ones that usually make it in this business.”
One notable personality envisions heaps of production, and then some, for Edwards this coming season.
We spoke to Joel Klatt — the FOX Sports premier college football color analyst — at Big Ten media days, who expounded on something he told WolverinesWire before Michigan’s Week 5 contest against Wisconsin in 2021. As Edwards was warming up, Klatt pointed to him and exclaimed, ‘He’s going to be a stud!’ For a player who had only seen sparing minutes across three of Michigan’s four games, it was quite the sentiment, one based on projection and potential. But, for Klatt, he had seen enough already to indicate that the freshman phenom had quite the future in front of him.
And with that in mind, Klatt insists that Edwards could be offensive player of the year in the conference — and then some.
“OK, so probably good for Michigan in the sense that I don’t think Donovan’s getting nearly the love or hype in the preseason — maybe until now — that he should,” Klatt told WolverinesWire. “I think that he’s a dark horse Heisman contender. I think he’s a dark horse offensive player of the year in the Big Ten. And primarily because I think he’s about as complete as they come for a young player in particular.
“Even last year, as just a baby, when it comes to experience, he caught it really well out of the backfield. You saw that come to fruition in particular against Maryland in that game, the screen passes that became more prevalent after Blake left with his injury, in particular in the Big Ten Championship game. He’s really good at that. But he’s also great running the football. I felt like he showed signs outside of the tackle box, inside of the tackle box. So while missing Hassan Haskins is hard, I think that Donovan could be a more complete player. Maybe not quite as powerful of a straight-ahead runner, but close because of his size. And yet he gives you the element of explosiveness of the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
“And that one-two punch with him and Blake, as a combination, I think is as good as any out there.”
If Michigan has any chance to repeat as Big Ten champions in 2022, it will, of course, require balance between offense and defense — which Klatt also acknowledged. But it’ll also require offensive balance.
And with Edwards’ ability in both the run and pass game, if he makes good on the promise of his potential, the sky’s the limit for the Wolverines as the season begins anew come September.
A new MPS mask policy and Trump is coming to Waukesha for Michels
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2022-07-27T06:53:32Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Donovan Edwards ‘a dark horse Heisman contender?’ Joel Klatt thinks so
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Phillies officials held Aaron Nola back until the fifth game after the All-Star break to get him some extra rest. Maybe it will pay off down the road because it certainly didn’t Tuesday night. Pitching on eight days’ rest, double the regular allotment, Nola was hit hard by the Braves. He gave up seven hits, five of which were for extra bases, over six innings and took the loss.
“I was just out of whack,” Nola said. “A lot of my fastballs were just running over the middle of the plate. Just not great pitches.”
The Braves selected Riley 41st overall in the 2015 draft, 31 picks after the Phillies selected outfielder Cornelius Randolph, who is now playing independent ball. Riley, 25, finished seventh in the NL MVP race last year.
Alec Bohm had two of the hits against Strider.
“I kept it simple and hit balls somewhere people weren’t standing,” Bohm said. “He’s got one of those fastballs that’s different. It’s a combination of velocity and -- it’s just not like a normal fastball. People are probably watching and thinking, ‘Oh, he’s just throwing fastballs, just hit it.’ It’s not that simple. It comes out different.
“You can watch all the video you want but until you see it … It’s got a lot of vertical break and all those fancy words. It’s definitely a good one. It just plays.”
Meanwhile, the Phillies are 50-47. They remain a half-game behind St. Louis for the third and final NL wild-card spot. St. Louis lost at Toronto.
Kyle Schwarber’s 31st homer accounted for the Phillies' only run for the first eight innings Tuesday night. J.T. Realmuto clubbed a two-run homer in the ninth to make it a three-run game, but the Phils got no closer.
The Phils are averaging just 3.2 runs in their five games back from the break. After the game, manager Rob Thomson said he and his staff were considering making some more tweaks to the batting order. Bohm has hit in 11 straight games at .486. Bryson Stott’s at-bats have also improved. Maybe one of those guys will be closer to the top of the order when the Phillies face Charlie Morton in the series finale Wednesday. Kyle Gibson will pitch for the Phillies.
Luis Urías hit a walk-off sacrifice fly with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning to help the Milwaukee Brewers edge the Minnesota Twins, 7-6, Tuesday night at American Family Field.
Austin Riley's RBI double
Austin Riley drills an RBI double to left-center field, scoring Dansby Swanson to give the Braves a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning
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2022-07-27T09:54:02Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Braves’ win over Aaron Nola and Phillies is a tribute to scouting and player development
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https://sports.yahoo.com/braves-win-over-aaron-nola-023000317.html?src=rss
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Ben Shelton already has received a wildcard entry to the U.S. Open, the season's final Grand Slam.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ben Shelton may be the next big thing in American men's tennis
We've scoured the internet for the cutest, coolest, and most unique gifts for tennis fans (because you can do better than a boring can of tennis balls.
Kate Moss is detailing her involvement in the highly-publicized defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. The British supermodel, who dated Depp between 1994 and 1998, testified on the stand in support of her ex during the weeks-long trial. Now, Kate is explaining why she felt compelled to participate in a new interview with BBC radio’s ‘Desert Island Discs.’
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2022-07-27T11:24:54Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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NCAA champion Ben Shelton could be the next big thing in American men's tennis | Opinion
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa-champion-ben-shelton-could-100101858.html?src=rss
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But as the years go on, the Packers' story is set on repeat: They're great in the regular season, then lose a playoff game in a crushing way and hear all about their failures as an organization for winning only one title with Rodgers.
The loss to the San Francisco 49ers in last season's divisional round, after Green Bay had the No. 1 seed and a bye, was a stunning blow. The offense was MIA. The special teams were awful, and a blocked punt in the fourth quarter was the biggest play in the game. Aaron Rodgers walked off Lambeau Field on a cold, dark night in Green Bay and nobody knew if that was the end of an era. It felt like a funeral.
"We truly had a Super Bowl-caliber team," Rodgers said after the game, according to Packers.com. "In other years, it feels like sometimes you need things to go your way, but that didn't feel like this season."
Rodgers will after another round of offseason drama, but the Packers aren't the same. It doesn't mean they're worse, but it will look different without receiver Davante Adams. Rodgers signed a new deal to come back on March 8, ending a couple months of speculation. Then 10 days later, the Packers shocked the NFL by trading Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders. It seemed to catch Rodgers off guard too.
"It was a little surprising with Davante — obviously when I made my decision, I was still thinking he was going to come back," Rodgers said on "The Pat McAfee Show," via ESPN.
That leaves the 2022 Packers in an interesting spot. They have a quarterback who has won NFL MVP two years in a row, surrounded by a roster that is built to grind it out with the running game and play great defense. It's not how most teams draw it up, but Green Bay seemingly wanted that roster build.
The Packers' strategy at receiver has been debated for years, and this season's receiver group is much worse without Adams. The Packers had two first-round picks this year and passed on receivers to draft defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt and linebacker Quay Walker, both from Georgia's national title team. They did take receiver Christian Watson in the second round and Romeo Doubs in the fourth, and perhaps one or both fills a big void right away.
But it is a huge void for a team that desperately wants to get back to a Super Bowl. But maybe it doesn't matter.
The optimistic view of the Packers is this: Rodgers will lift up any receiver that he's throwing to, and the passing game will be fine because the quarterback is that good. Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon might be the best running back tandem in the NFL. The defense could be fantastic. Plenty of teams have made deep playoff runs, and even won championships, running it well and playing good defense. In some ways, the Packers could follow the model of the 1997-98 Denver Broncos, a run-first team that had John Elway in their back pocket when a big play was needed.
Aaron Rodgers hasn't been to a Super Bowl since the end of the 2010 season. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Even if the formula is fine, it doesn't mean the Packers will make a Super Bowl. Random variance stinks in a league that has relatively short careers and a one-game elimination tournament. It was easy for social media to pile on Rodgers after the Packers lost to the 49ers, but anyone who thinks about football rationally knows Rodgers isn't the problem. Yes, the offense failed through the 49ers loss. Rodgers had 4:41 left in a tie game and the Packers went three-and-out. That's disappointing. It doesn't mean Rodgers can't win it all anymore. It just hasn't happened.
It might never happen again. Losing Adams, one of the best players in the NFL, is a really big deal. Maybe the defense won't be as good as it looks on paper. Or, everything comes together and the Packers still lose a close playoff game like they have multiple times before. That's football.
The Packers convinced their quarterback to return, and that's the biggest piece. Maybe before Rodgers is done, all those regular-season wins will finally pay off with another championship.
You get a feeling that a cap-denying team like the Los Angeles Rams or New Orleans Saints would have figured out the Davante Adams situation and he'd still be on the roster, chasing a Super Bowl. The Packers got a first-round pick (No. 22 overall) and a second-round pick (No. 53 overall) for Adams, but it's hard to be too excited about a Super Bowl hopeful moving on from a player who now has the NFL's fourth-largest annual salary among non-quarterbacks. Adams was tremendously valuable and the Packers' plan to replace him was questionable. Receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, pass rusher Za'Darius Smith and guard Lucas Patrick left too. The Packers signed Aaron Rodgers to a three-year, $150.8 million extension, and afterward didn't sign an outside free agent worth more than $2 million per year. And the biggest deal went to punter Pat O'Donnell. Receiver Sammy Watkins was a low-cost signing but he's unreliable. The Packers' draft brought first-round picks Quay Walker, a linebacker, and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. Receiver Christian Watson, taken in the second round, is a big, fast and intriguing prospect. The offseason will be defined by the Adams trade and the fallout from it.
Aaron Rodgers said he's retiring as a Packer. We'll see, but for now that should end the interminable speculation about his future. Everyone, except maybe Rodgers and Pat McAfee, was sick of it.
However, retirement can't be that far away. Rodgers said after winning his fourth MVP award in February that he isn't scared of the end of his football career. Maybe he ends up playing well into his 40s like Tom Brady, but he isn't giving off that vibe.
“I think about (retirement) all the time,” Rodgers said in June, via A to Z Sports. “When you commit, you’re 100 percent. But the older you get, the interests change, and the grind, I think, wears on you a little more.”
Rodgers will turn 39 this season, and not many quarterbacks other than Brady have had great success at age 39 and beyond. Rodgers is an outlier in many ways, but we could see a significant decline soon. That's what has happened with practically every other quarterback who played into his late 30s. It's probably an issue for further down the road, unless Rodgers walks away before that decline happens.
The Packers went 13-4 but they weren't a favorite in the analytics crowd. Their Football Outsiders' DVOA ranked them No. 8 in the NFL. The Packers profiled as about a 10.5-win team according to point differential and DVOA. A 5-1 record in games decided by three points or less accounts for the difference. That's why the Packers, coming off a 13-win season, have a win total of 10.5 at BetMGM. The over seems like the right play, but beware of regression. The Packers are a -165 favorite to win the NFC North and while I'll be picking them to win the division, I don't like them at those odds. I'll be steering clear of any Packers future bets this season.
From Yahoo's Scott Pianowski: "I understand A.J. Dillon is talented and he saw plenty of work in the second half of the year. But consider how the Packers handled their playoff game — Aaron Jones received 21 touches for 170 total yards, while Dillon saw seven carries for 25 yards. Jones is still the primary option here, and a terrific pass catcher. I'll boil this down to simplest terms — Jones is a perfect second round pick in most fantasy drafts. He's one of my favorite proactive picks."
Allen Lazard has been in the NFL four seasons. His career highs for a season are 40 catches and 513 yards. Aaron Rodgers has signed off on Lazard being the team's No. 1 receiver, but it's a big step up. The problem is there's nobody else to fill that role, unless you believe Sammy Watkins finally moves past the inconsistency and injuries that have held him back. Or perhaps rookie Christian Watson makes a huge jump from North Dakota State to the NFL and is a star right away. He'll have to earn Rodgers' trust first. Rodgers leaned heavily on Davante Adams, and whoever fills the No. 1 receiver role is very unlikely to match Adams' production. More passes will go to Aaron Jones or tight end Robert Tonyan, who is coming back from a torn ACL. But it's a curious experiment, seeing if Rodgers can win a third straight MVP with one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL.
Who is the most important player on defense?
The Packers have a lot of talented players on defense. Jaire Alexander is a top cornerback. Rasul Douglas played like a top cornerback last season and the Packers resigned him, though there should be some concern if he can repeat his surprising career year. Edge rusher Preston Smith has been a good addition, and is coming off a nine-sack season. Linebacker De'Vondre Campbell had a fantastic 2021 season. Others like defensive lineman Kenny Clark and safety Adrian Amos are very good. But the most important player could be Rashan Gary. Gary was a 2019 first-round pick but he got off to a slow start, rarely starting and getting just seven sacks through two seasons. Then last season he looked like a different player and posted 9.5 sacks. Gary could become a Pro Bowl player and one of the best edge defenders in the NFL if he builds on last season's breakout. If he ascends to that level, the Packers could be a top-five defense. He's a big key to the Packers' season.
This can work. Aaron Rodgers can make any receiver better so maybe the Davante Adams loss won't be a big deal. Having a pair of stud running backs helps. The Packers are an easy NFC North favorite for a reason. Perhaps a run-heavy offense/strong defense combination is a better formula for January anyway. Rodgers could absolutely follow the John Elway path and ride a really good team to another Super Bowl. If you keep giving yourself an opportunity as a high seed in the playoffs, eventually you'll break through.
A few factors should be scary for the Packers. They're due for some regression. Aaron Rodgers is at an age in which his play can fall off a cliff without much warning. The Packers also might not be able to replace Davante Adams, who has been putting up Hall of Fame-level numbers. The NFL is a passing league and maybe the Packers' passing game won't be as good as you'd hope with a quarterback like Rodgers. The Packers defense wasn't great last season and the special teams might have been the worst in the league (new special teams coach Rich Bisaccia, off a great run as Las Vegas Raiders' interim coach, was hired to fix that). For a team ranked this high, there's a realistic scenario in which Green Bay falls pretty hard. That's not great for a franchise that will be unhappy with anything less than a Super Bowl appearance.
I don't think Aaron Rodgers will win another MVP, but he'll be fine. The Packers will win another NFC North title. Matt LaFleur has become an underrated coach — seriously, quit acting like the Packers' success is entirely about Rodgers and has nothing to do with the coach — and he'll have the Packers back in contention. However, it feels like the Packers' best chances to make it back to the Super Bowl passed when they failed as a No. 1 seed the past two seasons. Those opportunities are hard to come by. So it'll be a similar story, with the Packers making the playoffs and being hopeful this is the year they hit all the green lights on the way to a Super Bowl, but falling short and wondering if their window with Rodgers is closed.
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2022-07-27T13:03:01Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2022 NFL Preview: Packers still trying to get back to a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers
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On Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins are set to hit the field for their first training camp session under the tutelage of new head coach Mike McDaniel, and we’ll be providing plenty of updates as the sessions continue.
Training camp is all about assessing the play of the guys vying to make the roster and get more opportunities when the regular season starts. While Dolphins players are trying to prove their worth to their coaching staff, fans and media are still comparing players to their peers around the league.
This week, Touchdown Wire released their top 101 NFL players heading into 2022 in two parts, and Miami had three representatives – Terron Armstead, Xavien Howard and Tyreek Hill.
These three Dolphins have a chance to bring the team to the postseason for the first time since 2016.
Here’s where they ranked and what they said about them:
No. 76. LT Terron Armstead
In an effort to solve their left tackle problem, the Dolphins signed Armstead, the former Saints star, to a five-year, $75 million contract in March. It’s a contract that could reach $87.5 million with incentives, and given Armstead’s excellence through his NFL career, we wouldn’t be surprised if he reaches those lofty goals. Elbow, knee, and shoulder injuries limited Armstead to just eight games in his final season with the Saints, but even with all that going on, he gave up just one sack, two quarterback hits, and nine quarterback hurries on 263 pass-blocking snaps. Armstead, selected in the third round of the 2013 draft out of Arkansas Pine-Bluff (HBCU!) has never allowed more than five sacks in a season, and has given up seven total sacks since 2018.
No. 49 CB Xavien Howard
Over the past few seasons, Xavien Howard has been among the top man coverage cornerbacks in the entire NFL. His 2020 campaign put him in contention for Defensive Player of the Year honors, as he finished third behind Aaron Donald and T.J. Watt. The reason? Howard posted a league-leading ten interceptions.
No. 28 WR Tyreek Hill
(AP Photo/Mary Holt)
This year, Hill ranked fourth on our list of the NFL’s best outside receivers, and second on our list of the NFL’s best slot targets. So, he’s got that going for him, which is nice.
Since joining the league in 2016, Hill has been one of the NFL’s most explosive downfield weapons. For example, during the 2018 campaign he averaged a whopping 17 yards per reception, doing so with an Average Depth of Target (ADOT) of 14.8 yards.
But last season showcased another side of Hill. During the 2021 campaign, Hill caught a career-high 111 passes for 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns, all while averaging 11.2 yards per reception — his lowest number since his rookie season — and an ADOT of 10.4 yards.
Again, the lowest number of his career.
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2022-07-27T13:03:07Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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3 Dolphins crack Touchdown Wire’s Top 101 players entering 2022
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Mike Strachan could miss the majority of training camp after undergoing a procedure on his knee this offseason.
Strachan missed the spring practices due to the injury and had a procedure done before they broke for summer, and now he could miss a large chunk of training camp as well.
The second-year wide receiver was placed on the PUP list to begin camp, and general manager Chris Ballard gave a small update on the outlook of Strachan’s timeline.
“Mike Strachan, he had a knee procedure before he left. He’s going to be a little bit of time, we think before the end of camp he’ll be back but we’ll see,” Ballard said Tuesday. “He’s still rehabbing and making progress.”
A seventh-round pick during the 2021 NFL draft, Strachan lit up the preseason to begin his rookie campaign. It didn’t amount to much of anything during the regular season, though, as he appeared in six games while recording two receptions for 26 yards.
Seventh-round picks aren’t expected to contribute much—if at all—during their rookie seasons. Now entering his second year, there’s a chance for Strachan to capture a role on the active roster.
However, the outlook gets a bit more cloudy now that he’s expected to miss a portion of camp at a minimum while he recovers from surgery.
We’ll see what happens when Strachan returns as he’ll have a lot of time to make up before the season starts.
The Indianapolis Colts begin training camp without a lot of injury worries. Three players who start camp on the PUP list are optimistic.
Feminine Hygiene Products Market 2022 - 2030 - Vendor Assessment (Company Profiles, Market Positioning, Strategies, Recent Developments, Capabilities & Product Offerings / Mapping), Technology Assessment (Developments & Economic Impact), Partner & Customer Ecosystem (Product Services, Proposition & Key Features) Competitive Index & Regional FootPrint by MDC ResearchPune, July 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Feminine Hygiene Products Market by Vendor Assessment, Technology Assessment, Partner & Cust
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2022-07-27T13:03:26Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Colts’ Mike Strachan had offseason knee surgery
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After an offseason of several moves, the Indianapolis Colts roll into training camp with high expectations to compete for the top spot in the AFC South during the 2022 regular season.
The Colts haven’t won the division in almost a decade. They haven’t held the top spot in the AFC South since the 2014 season when Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton were entering their third seasons in the league.
In the eyes of Nate Davis of USA TODAY, that will change in 2022. He predicts the Colts will win the AFC South with a 9-8 record, one game above the Tennessee Titans.
Indianapolis Colts (9-8): They shape up as the best team in a subpar division, and no way new QB Matt Ryan is going to cough up a playoff spot if all he has to do is engineer a win at Jacksonville in Week 18. The ongoing question at left tackle and LB Darius Leonard’s various injuries are reasons for concern, but now-healthy CB Stephon Gilmore and unsung rookie WR Alec Pierce should provide nifty returns … as should a fairly friendly early season schedule.
Despite finishing the 2021 season with the same record and missing out on the playoffs, the Colts are predicted to win the division, which would give them a top-four seed in the playoffs.
The first half of the schedule will determine nearly everything for the Colts. Their first seven games are all against AFC opponents, five of which come against division-mates. On top of that, nine of the first 10 games on the schedule come against teams within the conference.
It won’t be an easy battle to win the division, but the Colts seem to have the best chances to do so entering training camp.
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2022-07-27T13:03:33Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Colts predicted to win AFC South for first time since 2014
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https://sports.yahoo.com/colts-predicted-win-afc-south-122552201.html?src=rss
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Westbrook loves Miles Sanders’ ability but wants to see more originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
At one point during his interview with Brian Westbrook on Tuesday morning, WIP morning show host Angelo Cataldi tried to get Westbrook to back him up on the idea of the Eagles’ re-signing Jordan Howard.
“I didn’t have a problem with Jordan Howard. I don’t know if he helps you go to where you want to go,” the former Eagles running back said. “I think for us to get to the place where we want to go with this football team, Miles Sanders has to be the guy and he has to be able to carry us in a lot of different ways.”
Westbrook is still a believer in Miles Sanders.
He just wants to see more from the Eagles’ starting running back as Sanders enters his fourth NFL season.
Westbrook, who joined the show on Tuesday to promote his new children’s book, “The Mouse Who Played Football,” talked about the importance of Sanders’ staying healthy in 2022, which happens to be a contract season for him. Sanders has missed nine games over the past two seasons.
But when healthy, Sanders has been a pretty good running back. In fact, he averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season. That was tied for second in the NFL among running backs with at least 100 carries last season.
“I love Miles Sanders’ skillset. I love what he’s been able to do over the course of his time there in Philadelphia,” Westbrook said. “I just want more from Miles. I see so much skill and talent and things he’s able to do. I just want more. I want to see more of that. Because I think he has exceptional speed. We’ve seen the game-breaking speed. We have seen his ability to run inside and outside over the last couple of years. We have seen his ability to catch the ball in certain situations.
“What we have to see more is, of course, I want to see more of that catching ability. Every time I speak to Miles, it’s about, ‘Hey, man, you’ve got to be that multidimensional running back that can catch the ball and run the ball,’ especially in today’s NFL.”
The strange thing about Sanders is that he showed that ability to catch the football as a rookie. In 2019, he caught 50 passes for 509 yards and 3 touchdowns. In the last two seasons combined, he has 54 catches for 355 yards and 0 touchdowns.
Westbrook believes Sanders can be a do-it-all back for the Eagles. He thinks he can slash, catch the ball out of the backfield, block and even push the pile in short yardage situations.
Getting back to Howard, that’s why Westbrook doesn’t think the Eagles need to re-sign him.
“I believe that Miles Sanders can be the running back that can handle those (short-yardage) responsibilities,” Westbrook said. “That means that Miles Sanders has to step up and take that leap as a running back. And if he does, then it can be Kenny Gainwell and Miles Sanders and Boston Scott as the three amigos in the backfield and they can be successful there.”
Russian forces fail to advance on the Sloviansk front, fighting continues on the Bakhmut front General Staff report
UKRAINSKA PRAVDA - TUESDAY, 26 JULY 2022, 19:25 The Armed Forces of Ukraine repelled Russian attacks on the Sloviansk front. On the Kramatorsk front, Ukrainian troops forced the Russian forces in the area of Ivano-Darivka to retreat.
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2022-07-27T13:04:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Eagles great Brian Westbrook says Miles Sanders ‘has to be the guy’
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https://sports.yahoo.com/eagles-great-brian-westbrook-says-110000709.html?src=rss
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard underwent back surgery this offseason and while he told reporters Tuesday he’s feeling much better, there’s still no timeline for his return.
The Colts maintained during the spring workouts that Leonard was likely to miss some training camp time but that the expectation was he would be ready for Week 1.
As he reported to training camp Tuesday, Leonard wouldn’t put a timeline on his return from surgery.
Leonard, who goes by his middle name Shaquille now, missed the spring practices because of a lingering ankle injury. It turns out two discs were impinging a nerve in his back, and it was causing pain to shoot down his leg.
General manager Chris Ballard echoed the same sentiments that Leonard did and didn’t put a timeline on the star’s return either.
“Doing much better. Feels a lot of relief and I think that’s a good sign. When he’s back? He’s back when he’s back,” Ballard said Tuesday. “He’s got strength and he’s ready, he’s back. So, no timeline on him.”
Leonard is one of those players who could wind up missing a chunk of training camp and still be the highly productive player he’s always been as soon as he steps on the field. The team would like to get him into practices as much as possible before that, though.
Colts fans know more than most how to proceed with caution given a player’s injury outlook, but this situation will certainly be monitored over the next month.
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2022-07-27T13:04:30Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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No timeline for Shaquille Leonard’s return from back surgery
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https://sports.yahoo.com/no-timeline-shaquille-leonard-return-111015473.html?src=rss
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According to Tomlin, Heyward was assigned to Roethlisberger’s old room and where Roethlisberger did his best to make it as plush and comfortable as possible, Heyward prefers a more minimalist approach.
Tomlin said, “it’s less comfortable now” with Heyward in the rooom and said Heyward is “something of a caveman” when it comes to how he lives.
I think it was comedienne Rita Rudner who said man are just “bears with furniture” and it sounds like Heyward has embraced that spirit.
Mike Tomlin said Ben Roethlisberger's old dorm room was given to Cam Heyward. He said, "Ben shared no expense" and "brought all the comforts of home" when he was in the room.
He walked past it today.
"It's less comfortable now. Cam is something of a caveman.'
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2022-07-27T13:04:49Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Steelers HC Mike Tomlin calls Cam Heyward caveman for his dorm
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https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-hc-mike-tomlin-calls-111928106.html?src=rss
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Kevin Warren looking at the big picture
More realignment?
Ever since the Big Ten came in the middle of the night to steal USC and UCLA from the Pac-12, every conference has been on high alert about the next domino to fall.
There have been many rumors that have been true and not true ranging from the Pac-12 and Big 12 combining, or Pac-12 schools bolting to the Big 12, and even a merger of sort or an agreement with the ACC and the Pac-12.
San Diego State has gotten a lot of publicity about joining the Pac-12, so everything is in flux and athletic directors have to be on edge.
Big Ten media days are currently underway and commissioner Kevin Warren is currently the most dangerous and feared man in college athletics.
He addressed adding USC and UCLA during his state of the conference address at Lucas Oil Field. Warren discusses what makes a good addition to his league.
“When I say add value: value is important, but I just look at the fit,” Warren said at Big Ten Media Days via the Action Network. “A fit has to be there academically, has to be there athletically. All those things are really important. There are a handful of schools that potentially could add value to us, but I’m so focused right now that we welcome USC and UCLA to our conference in 2024 with open arms.”
Value is important and that translates to money in the pockets of the league members.
While Warren did not mention any specific teams there is a report of the Big Ten looking at a number of teams that include some combination of Notre Dame, Cal, Stanford, Washington, Miami, FSU, or Oregon
“Regarding expansion, I get asked every single day, ‘What’s next?’” Warren said. “It may include future expansion, but it will be done for the right reasons at the right time with our student-athletes, academic and athletic empowerment at the center of any and all decisions that we will make regarding any further expansions.
“We will not expand just to expand. It will be strategic. It will add additional value to our conference, and it will provide a platform to even have our student-athletes be put on a larger platform so they can build their careers but also that they have an opportunity to grow and learn from an education and from an athletic standpoint.”
All of those teams would add value to the conference and in reality, it all starts with Notre Dame and if they want to join the Big Ten or if they can strongarm NBC to get a mega deal that is reportedly worth $75 million per year.
The Big Ten, if they expand, will likely take two teams and if any come from the Pac-12 then that will really impact the Mountain West. If the Pac-12 were to survive by losing only a Stanford — the Cardinal would make a good fit academically and with rivals Notre Dame and USC. Then the other West Coast league could go after at least one Mountain West school to stay at 10.
However, if the Pac-12 is slowly dying on the vine, then maybe the rumors of the Arizona schools, Utah and Colorado could just go to the Big 12. If that happens then the Mountain West could be in a prime position to go after the leftovers of Washington State, Oregon State, and maybe even Cal.
The next move all depends on the Big Ten and also Notre Dame if there is going to be another domino to fall.
In the meantime, the Mountain West is in a solid position but they will just sit back and watch and hope for the best.
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2022-07-27T14:28:43Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Big Ten Looking At Many Schools As Expansion Options, Per Report
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https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-looking-many-schools-122720716.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-looking-many-schools-122720716.html?src=rss
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England's Alessia Russo celebrates her stunning goal against Sweden during the 2022 EURO semifinal.REUTERS/Carl Recine
Increasing tourism in Northern Michigan is a huge benefit for the economy, but can negatively impact the region's lakes.
In late June, Carson Kelly was the worst hitter in baseball. Since then, he's been one of the best.
Follow all the latest updates and analysis as the Lionesses battle for a place in the Euro 2022 final
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2022-07-27T14:28:56Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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England forward Alessia Russo secured a spot in the Euro 2022 final by nutmegging the goalkeeper with a surprise backheel shot
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https://sports.yahoo.com/england-forward-alessia-russo-secured-210753317.html?src=rss
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The Notre Dame football team has unveiled its 2022 Shamrock Series jerseys with an amusing video for this year’s game in the Entertainment Capital of the World.In a spoof of the movie “The Hangover,” head coach Marcus Freeman, tight end Michael Mayer and defensive end Isaiah Foskey revealed Notre Dame’s all-white uniforms.
Quarterback Kyler Murray has a new contract with the Arizona Cardinals. But he evidently still has a lot to prove on the football field.
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2022-07-27T14:29:09Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Notre Dame unveils Shamrock Series uniforms in hilarious “Hangover” spoof
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https://sports.yahoo.com/notre-dame-unveils-shamrock-series-123259260.html?src=rss
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Game highlights of the versatile wing headed to Kentucky, Justin Edwards.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced its programming plans for this year’s journalism conferences for the Asian Americans Journalism Association (AAJA), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and the Association of LGBTQ Journalists (NLGJA). The company has set a series of panels, screenings and workshops via WBD brands including […]
Breaking down what FSU Football's depth chart on defense could look like when preseason practice begins today.
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2022-07-27T14:43:09Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Kentucky commit Justin Edwards Peach Jam Highlights
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https://sports.yahoo.com/kentucky-commit-justin-edwards-peach-115119607.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/kentucky-commit-justin-edwards-peach-115119607.html?src=rss
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The former conference freshman of the year is the first Rebel on this year’s countdown of Mountain West football’s best.
Don’t forget about him.
The UNLV Rebels are hoping to defy the skeptics and make a run to bowl eligibility (and perhaps more) this season, which means that few players are more critical to opening that path than the next player on our list, wide receiver Kyle Williams.
Williams first came onto the scene with a strong close to the 2020 season, grabbing 35 catches for 426 yards and two touchdowns to be named the Mountain West’s freshman of the year. While he was slowed by injuries in his sophomore campaign, UNLV’s quarterback rotation didn’t shy away from relying him when he was on the field and he led the Rebels on a per-game basis in catches and yards, finishing with 42 receptions, 601 yards, and two touchdowns.
With a clean bill of health, Williams can be as good as any pass catcher in the conference. Rebels fans waiting for that elusive postseason appearance are counting upon it this fall.
Blessings pic.twitter.com/J5b4dScRlF
— Kyle Williams (@k_mmoneyyyy) December 30, 2021
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2022-07-27T15:00:32Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2022 Mountain West Football Top 50: #46, UNLV WR Kyle Williams
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The Mountain West lands five kickers on the preseason watch list of college football’s top players at the position.
Lots of quality specialists.
Watch list season continued today with the unveiling of the Lou Groza Award roll call. The award honoring the nation’s best kicker features five players from the Mountain West.
Boise State’s Jonah Dalmas leads the contingent after posting one of the best seasons by a Broncos kicker in recent memory and earning a bid as a Groza semifinalist in 2021. He led the nation with 26 field goals and finished seventh overall with a 92.9% conversion rate, but neither of those were flukes because he was 6-of-7 on attempts of 40 or more yards, the lone miss coming on his longest attempt (50 yards) of the season.
Colorado State’s Cayden Camper earned a bid, as well, after being one of the country’s busiest kickers last year. His 32 attempts were the most in college football and his 25 successes were second only to Dalmas, and he also set a single-game school record with six field goals in the team’s victory over San Jose State last October.
UNLV’s Daniel Gutierrez also bolstered his reputation as a reliable option for the Rebels, connecting on 16-of-18 field goal tries last season. For the moment, he also holds the program record as its most accurate kicker ever, succeeding on 82.2% of his attempts over the past five years.
Nevada’s Brandon Talton wasn’t quite as sharp as he had been in years past, finishing 22-of-30 on field goals, but he was a semifinalist for the award for the third straight season and he did lead all Mountain West players with 118 total points.
Hawaii’s Matthew Shipley had a quietly effective season of his own and finished third in the conference with a 85.7% success rate on field goals (18-of-21). He also finished seventh overall with 96 points.
Last year’s Lou Groza Award winner was Michigan’s Jake Moody.
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2022-07-27T15:00:39Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Mountain West Football: Five Named To Lou Groza Award Watch List
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How far can one star carry an NCAA football program? After an offseason highlighted by prolific quarterbacks bolting to the transfer portal, two-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year Grayson McCall returned to Coastal Carolina for his junior season. McCall, PFF's sixth-ranked QB in the country, has led the Chanticleers to consecutive 11-win seasons behind one of the most creative offenses in college football. His blend of athleticism, arm talent and efficiency make him a perfect fit for head coach Jamey Chadwell's spread option offense. His first two seasons were better than anybody could have anticipated, increasing the chances this is his final run before heading to the NFL.
The McCall-Chadwell tandem is coming off a 2021 campaign in which the team ranked in the top five nationally in both scoring (40.9 points per game) and total offense (494.7 yards per game). Coach and quarterback continuity is one of the most impactful dynamics of a football team. But now more than ever, rosters change quickly, and this team is a prime example. McCall returned to Coastal Carolina, but a lot of the players who helped him win 20 of 22 starts the last two years are no longer there. That leaves bettors to decide if the market has downgraded the Chants enough for this upcoming season.
Coastal Carolina's Grayson McCall (10) runs past Texas State's Nico Ezidore (95) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in San Marcos, Texas, on Nov. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Coastal Carolina 7.5 Wins: Over (-155), Under (+130)
After consecutive 11-win seasons, it's shocking to see the win total set 3.5 games below that mark. But diving deeper into the returning production, you can see why the expectations have shifted despite McCall's return. For all the public notoriety Chadwell's offense receives, the "Black Swarm" defense played a massive role during the team's success in that memorable 2020 season. In the program's biggest win over BYU, the defense bottled up current Jets QB Zach Wilson while McCall was held to 85 yards passing. When Coastal's defense took a step back the following year, the team followed suit, finishing 6-2 in conference.
The defense gets a complete overhaul in 2022 with only three starters returning. Two of those starters, DE Josiah Stewart and CB D'Jordan Strong, are dynamic playmakers, but the days of the "Black Swarm" defense have long passed. In last year's two losses, Coastal Carolina allowed an average of 36 points and 474 yards per game. The more high-scoring games a team engages in, the higher the variance. I can easily see this defense giving away a few games as favorites, as it did in both losses last season.
The good news is the foundation of the offense is back. The Chanticleers' running game averaged 5.84 yards per rush and ranked sixth nationally. Sophomore running back Braydon Bennett is set up for a monster season after showing flashes in a limited role last year. Bennett ran for a career-high 128 yards on only 10 carries against Georgia State, giving us a glimpse of his potential in Chadwell's offense.
The Chants had to fill some holes on the offensive line and lost McCall's favorite weapon, TE Isaiah Likely, to the NFL. That's where the concern starts to set in for the superstar quarterback. McCall will be throwing to all new receivers in a year in which he missed spring practice due to shoulder surgery. Regardless of the talent, they will only gain chemistry through reps. So it's fair to anticipate the passing game getting off to a slow start.
Even a great QB can only take you so far
Coastal Carolina has been one of the most entertaining teams to watch, and this season will be no different. But they are asking a lot from McCall to carry this team to an eight-win season, especially coming off shoulder surgery. The roster turnover impacts the entire team around McCall except for the running back room. If the line takes time to jell, it can easily disrupt both facets of the offense in the first few weeks, and I am not confident the team will be able to rely on its defense to bail it out.
There are too many uncertainties at multiple position groups for me to sweep under the rug solely because McCall is returning. That's why under 7.5 wins at +130 is a bet for me. The Chanticleers have three tough games in the first four weeks, starting with Army in the opener, where they are -3.5 point favorites at home. They also travel to Marshall and come home to face Appalachian State on a short week in early November. I'm confident they will struggle out of the gate, and without a fast start, it won't be easy to finish 8-4. As hard as it was for McCall and Chadwell to take Coastal Carolina to new heights, I am betting it's even harder for them to keep the Chanticleers there.
The play: Coastal Carolina Under 7.5 wins (+130)
*Stats provided by athlonsports, cfbstats, philsteele, and teamrankings.com.
Can one of XX from the Mountain West make it two years in a row that the conference can claim college football's top punter?
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2022-07-27T15:00:45Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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NCAA football betting, odds: What do we do with Coastal Carolina this season?
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa-football-betting-odds-what-do-we-do-with-coastal-carolina-this-season-141850257.html?src=rss
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The elephant on the field will be hard to stop.
After opening the season at home against UConn, the Utah State Aggies better be prepared for a hard case of whiplash when they hit the road to face the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Since coming up short in last year’s national title game against Georgia, you can almost guarantee the Tide have stewed on their shortcomings ever since, have put in the work to overcome them, and will give the defending Mountain West champions every bit of their attention. The players and the fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be ready to unleash hell, but will Utah State be ready for it?
Conference: SEC
Series History: Alabama leads the all-time series, 2-0.
Head Coach: Nick Saban (16th year at Alabama; 178-25 with Crimson Tide, 269-67-1 overall). What needs to be said, really, about a coach who is going to finish his career, whenever that may be, with an argument as the best to ever do it?
Last year wasn’t without its challenges, but after stumbling in a three-point road loss to Texas A&M, Saban’s Tide steamrolled opponents for the rest of the season before finally being stymied by SEC rival Georgia in the national championship game. Then he had seven players selected in the NFL Draft this past spring, but Alabama is still the odds-on favorite in many places to claim another national title. Put simply, they are the gold standard for college football in America.
Anderson has a very convincing case as the best defensive player in college football (if not the best player, full stop). Last season, the 6-foot-4, 243-pound terror was a unanimous All-American pick and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and led the country with 17.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss. That goes a long way toward explaining why he’s already being talked about as the potential number-one selection in next year’s NFL Draft, so he might be the single-best player any Mountain West team faces this season.
Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr.!
– Fast first step, great closing speed
– Can convert from speed to power
– Generates tremendous power
– Sound with leverage
– Exceptional athlete, lateral quickness
– Incredible run defender
– Plays with a non-stop motor pic.twitter.com/SD1EAfN3vs
— Ryan Moran (@_Ryan_Moran_) July 21, 2022
If Anderson isn’t the best player in the country, it might be Young instead. Not just anyone wins a Heisman Trophy, after all, and he earned that honor after having to replace a first-round NFL Draft pick, Mac Jones, and then completing 366-of-547 pass attempts for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns with a 1.3% interception rate. While he’ll have to navigate his junior year with new playmakers around him, his cool under pressure will keep the Tide in the Playoff picture until further notice.
What a throw!
Bryce Young launches it 55 yards to start the second half with a TD 💣
(via @CBSSports) pic.twitter.com/TsJPlVvJJW
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 4, 2021
Henry To’oTo’o, LB
Anderson is so good that it’s easy to forget Alabama actually has two really good linebackers in its projected starting lineup for this year. The Sacramento native paced the Crimson Tide defense with 112 total tackles last year and also chipped in four sacks and eight tackles for loss, building off of a strong two-year stint at Tennessee and cementing his own standing as a future pro prospect.
Jahmyr Gibbs, RB
Quarterbacks get the glory, but running backs are typically just as important to Alabama’s successes and Gibbs could be no different from predecessors like Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry in that regard. Unlike those two, however, the Georgia Tech transfer earned his three all-ACC honors in 2021 by doing a little bit of everything: He racked up 1,805 all-purpose yards, which tied for ninth among all FBS players, and scored seven total touchdowns as a runner, pass catcher, and kick returner. If you don’t know the name, get familiar with him.
Jahmyr Gibbs is about to set the college football world on fire. His short area burst, vision & long speed are very impressive.
pic.twitter.com/ZsDhE6gDDe
— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) July 20, 2022
Jordan Battle, S
Not to be outdone by his peers in the Alabama front seven, Battle might be in the conversation as the nation’s top safety if he can build off of his 2021 campaign. Last year, he had 87 total tackles and three interceptions, including two he took to the end zone, meaning the pass rush isn’t the only thing Logan Bonner will need to mind.
Despite losing major stars like Jameson Williams and John Metchie to the NFL this spring, Saban and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien will still have one of the nation’s most powerful attacks at their disposal in 2022. With Young and Gibbs in the backfield and a wealth of young talents like JoJo Earle and Louisville transfer Tyler Harrell ready to step in to larger roles alongside junior tight end Cameron Latu (26 catches, 410 yards, eight touchdowns), it seems crazy to suggest the Tide could beat a SP+ projection that pins them as… second-best overall.
If there’s one potential hindrance, it’s an offensive line that, despite returning three starters, was merely okay by a lot of measures in 2021. Alabama allowed a sack rate of 6.4%, which ranked 68th nationally, and just barely finished in the top 50 with a 50.7% opportunity rate (43rd) and 72.7% power success rate (46th). The interior could be a punishing one, however, with center Darrian Dalcourt and guards Emil Ekiyor and Javion Cohen flanked by a legion of highly-touted recruits and transfers like Tyler Steen, who started 32 games at Vanderbilt.
This is a unit that, front to back, is why you tune into the game on Saturdays. Anderson, To’oTo’o, and Battle are the headliners, but they have plenty of support across the board from the likes of safety DeMarcco Hellams (88 tackles, three INTs), linebacker Dallas Turner (30 tackles, ten TFLs, 8.5 sacks), and defensive end Byron Young (40 tackles, 9.5 TFLs).
Oh, and there’s sophomore cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry and nose guard DJ Dale and many others, too. Long story short, this unit is absolutely stacked and will be no fun for anyone to face.
It’s going to be a long day for the Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium, but that won’t mean too much in the grand scheme of things because non-conference opponents often have long days in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama 48, Utah State 14
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2022-07-27T15:00:57Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Utah State Football: First Look At The Alabama Crimson Tide
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Can the Aggies punter make it two years in a row that the conference can claim college football’s best at the position?
Is the next “guy” in this group?
After San Diego State’s Matt Araiza rewrote the single-season record book and won the Ray Guy Award last year as the nation’s top punter, just one specialist from the Mountain West appeared on this year’s watch list.
Utah State’s Stephen Kotsanlee showed plenty of improvement in his sophomore year last season, averaging 42.47 yards on 53 punts and helping the Aggies finish 42nd nationally with 40.96 net yards per punt, the best figure of any punter in the team’s brief tenure within the Mountain West. He also launched nine punts of 50-plus yards and saw 19 punts downed within the opponents’ 20-yard line while kicking just two attempts for a touchback.
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2022-07-27T15:01:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Utah State Football: Stephen Kotsanlee Named To Ray Guy Award Watch List
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https://sports.yahoo.com/utah-state-football-stephen-kotsanlee-141948394.html?src=rss
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Bears create cap-friendly contract for Riley Reiff originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Bears' front office struck gold with the offensive line this week.
First, they signed guard Michael Schofield to a veteran's minimum deal, despite ranking 20th overall in PFF grades last season amongst all offensive lineman. His base salary and cap hit are around $1.2 million and none of his money is guaranteed.
Then, the team signed Riley Reiff, an offensive tackle from the Cincinnati Bengals to a lucrative one-year, $12.5 million deal.
The contract turned some heads. Reiff is 33 years old and was one of the lower-graded lineman on the Bengals' offensive line last season. The value of his deal seemed counterintuitive to the Bears' strategy of signing short-term, minimum value deals until they bridge the gap to next offseason.
While on the surface, the deal seemed contradictory to Ryan Poles' plan -- it's not. Reiff's base salary is just $3 million. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, he will receive another $4.5 million if he is on field for 10 percent of offensive snaps and if the team improves in any of six offensive categories (categories unknown). Another $2.5 million is tied to playing time and there is a $2M playoff bonus.
From a larger perspective, the Bears signed two bonafide starters on the offensive line for just $4 million. These moves will prove key to the Bears' this season and the development of Justin Fields.
Fields was sacked 36 times last season. With Andy Dalton, the Bears' quarterbacks were sacked the most in the NFL last season at a whopping 58 times.
Hoda Kotb recently gave out her number to a stranger on a train after the person told her she was friends with Jenna’s husband Henry. While trying to figure out who the person could be, Jenna joked, “Who is texting my man and not texting me?”
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2022-07-27T15:04:53Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Bears create cap-friendly contract for Riley Reiff
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https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-create-cap-friendly-contract-140116570.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-create-cap-friendly-contract-140116570.html?src=rss
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Bobby Wagner wasn’t just a great defensive player for the Seattle Seahawks the last 10 years. He was a leader on that side of the ball and was their signal caller, too. That’s an important role, relaying the play calls from the defensive coordinator to the rest of his teammates on the field.
On Tuesday, Wagner confirmed that he’ll be the Rams’ signal caller this year, which is no surprise. He’ll take that role from Jordan Fuller, and it’s a natural fit for Wagner as the middle linebacker.
“Yeah, for sure. I mean, it’s the Mike linebacker. That’s all I know,” he said when asked if he’ll wear the green dot.
So far in training camp, it’s been a slightly different process. Rather than having a speaker in his helmet, Wagner and Raheem Morris have been using walkie-talkies. Morris likes to talk trash in practice, something several defensive players have said before, which seems like something Wagner has had fun with.
“The walkie-talkie’s kinda been funny,” he said. “Normally it’s in our helmet but because we’re doing a little walk-through, we do it through a walkie-talkie. It’s funny because Rah talks a lot of trash in the walkie-talkie, but it’s been cool. The adjustment’s been really easy.”
Unfortunately, the Rams appear to have given Wagner a one-way radio, which only allows him to hear Morris’ trash talk and doesn’t let him fire back.
“I tried,” Wagner said about talking trash back to Morris. “They cut that portion off. They must’ve knew I was going to say something back, so I tried to hold the button and I didn’t get no static back. We’ll work on that.”
It sounds like things are going smoothly for Wagner so far as he transitions from the Seahawks to the Rams, and we’re just at the start of training camp.
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2022-07-27T15:05:33Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Bobby Wagner will be Rams’ signal caller, and he’s having fun with it so far
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https://sports.yahoo.com/bobby-wagner-rams-signal-caller-130141263.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/bobby-wagner-rams-signal-caller-130141263.html?src=rss
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made it official Wednesday, announcing the signing of free agent wide receiver Julio Jones to a one-year contract.
A seven-time Pro Bowler, Jones joins the Bucs after spending 10 of his 11 NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, having put up big numbers as a division rival. He spent the 2021 season with the Tennessee Titans.
Jones, 33, joins an already star-studded wide receiver room that features another pair of Pro Bowlers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, as well as one of Jones’ former Falcons teammates in Russell Gage.
Now that his signing is official, Jones is expected to take part in Tampa Bay’s training camp practice Thursday.
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2022-07-27T15:05:46Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Bucs make it official, announce signing of WR Julio Jones
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https://sports.yahoo.com/bucs-official-announce-signing-wr-141929225.html?src=rss
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The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing in a USFL standout for a tryout at training camp.
On Wednesday, the Chiefs are scheduled to host former Houston Gamblers DE Chris Odom for a tryout, a source confirmed to Chiefs Wire. Odom (6-4, 260 pounds) was named USFL Defensive Player of the Year after leading the league with 12.5 sacks and six forced fumbles over 10 games this spring. He was the only player in the USFL to record a double-digit sack total during its inaugural season.
The 27-year-old journeyman has played in the AAF, CFL and NFL as well. The Chiefs actually showed interest in Odom back in 2019 after his stint with the Salt Lake Stallions. His experience in the NFL is a bit of a mixed bag, spending time with the Falcons, Packers, Dolphins and Commanders. In total, he has appeared in 11 NFL games, 7 with Green Bay and 4 with Washington. During that span, he recorded 16 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble.
Odom played at Arkansas State in college, where he posted 17.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks as a senior in 2016. He also played with Browns EDGE Myles Garrett at Martin High School in Arlington, Texas.
Kansas City has a clear need at the edge rusher position, even after the reported signing of former Cowboys DE Azur Kamara. Bringing in a player like Odom shows that they’re doing their homework in order to create the most competitive roster possible.
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2022-07-27T15:05:52Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Chiefs to host USFL Defensive Player of the Year Chris Odom for tryout
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Chiefs, Travis Kelce agree to terms on adjusted contract originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
P.E.I. solar installation company says demand is through the roof
The ability to combine both a federal and provincial rebate on residential solar energy systems in P.E.I. has led to a boom in the industry, according to one solar panel installation company in Charlottetown.
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2022-07-27T15:05:58Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Chiefs, Travis Kelce agree to terms on adjusted contract
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https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-travis-kelce-agree-terms-135844149.html?src=rss
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Chris Carson saw numerous specialists but still couldn’t pass physical
The Seattle Seahawks released running back Chris Carson on Tuesday with a failed physical designation due to a neck injury he sustained last year. The team had waited patiently all offseason with the hopes that Carson would eventually recover.
“It’s a big disappointment,” general manager John Schneider said via the team’s press release. “We took it as long as we possibly could with him, he saw a number of specialists, but unfortunately he wasn’t able to pass our physical.”
Carson was sidelined early last season after the injury and was not able to return to finish the year. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Carson will hold off making an official retirement statement for now in the hopes of a dramatic improvement in the future.
“He’s been an incredible pro, a guy who brings an amazing energy about him,” Schneider continued. “His running style is what we’ve always wanted here in Seattle. He’s the type of runner that the whole team feeds off of. The type of player defensive players get off the bench to watch him run—they can feel his energy.
“He’s the type of runner whose style affects the whole team, not just the offense.”
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2022-07-27T15:06:05Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Chris Carson saw numerous specialists but still couldn’t pass physical
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While the Miami Dolphins have done a great job this offseason of adding players to compete for roster spots and opportunities during training camp, they don’t appear to be done.
According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, the Dolphins are signing cornerback Tino Ellis, who most recently played for the Michigan Panthers of the USFL. He recorded 26 total tackles and one interception with the Panthers.
Ellis was originally undrafted out of Maryland in 2020 and signed with the New Orleans Saints. He actually signed with the Dolphins back in 2020 and spent a week on the practice squad in 2021, so this is his second stint with the team.
The former Terrapin has an uphill battle to climb against some tough competition for a depth spot at cornerback or on special teams with guys like Trill Williams, Elijah Cambell, Quincy Wilson and Kader Kohou vying for an opportunity to make the roster and practice squad.
With the Lakers in desperate need of a win in late December, Russell Westbrook put up a triple-double to push them past the Rockets.
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2022-07-27T15:06:36Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Dolphins signing CB Tino Ellis after USFL season
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The Eagles’ first practice of the 2022 preseason just got underway, and the team announced a handful of roster moves, including placing three players on the physically unable to perform list.
Philadelphia placed tight end Richard Rodgers, offensive tackle Brett Toth, and tight end Tyree Jackson on the PUP list.
All three players are eligible to come off at any point before the regular season gets underway.
The veteran tight end will return once he’s able to practice.
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2022-07-27T15:06:55Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Eagles place 3 players on the PUP list as training camp opens
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The Philadelphia Eagles added three more players to the roster as training camp gets underway on Wednesday morning.
Before the first practice, the Birds announced the signing of tight end Jaden Graham, wide receiver Lance Lenoir, and center Cameron Tom.
Philadelphia also placed three players on the PUP list, as well as releasing rookie offensive tackle Jarrid Williams.
A 6-foot-4, 250-pound tight end who played college football at Yale, Graham began his NFL career in Atlanta, signing with the Falcons following the 2018 draft.
During his time with Atlanta, Graham recorded 12 receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown on 15 total targets. He played all 32 games during the Falcons’ 2019 and 2020 campaigns. He suffered a torn ACL last August, sidelining him for the entire 2021 season.
Graham will wear No. 46.
Tom began his NFL career in 2017 in New Orleans, spending most of the 2017 and 2018 seasons on the Saints’ practice squad before suffering an injury in 2019. Cameron signed with Miami in 2021, splitting time between the practice squad and the active roster. Tom will wear number 66.
A journeyman wide receiver, the 27-year-old, 6-foot, 201-pound wide receiver began his NFL career in Dallas, spending most of the 2017 and 2018 seasons on the Cowboys’ practice squad. Lenoir suffered a knee injury in August 2019 and spent the following season on Injured Reserve.
In 2020, Lenoir spent part of the season with Seattle’s practice squad, and in 2021, he signed with Buffalo through Training Camp.
Most recently, he played spring football with the USFL Michigan Panthers, leading the team with 52 receptions and 484 receiving yards. Lenoir will wear number 34.
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2022-07-27T15:07:01Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Eagles sign 3 players as training camp opens
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Eagles place 3 players on PUP list ahead of training camp originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Eagles are kicking off training camp practice this morning but they’ll be without some of their players.
Tight end Tyree Jackson, offensive tackle Brett Toth and tight end Richard Rodgers have been placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list as they recover from torn ACLs.
The PUP list is for players with football injuries that pre-date training camp. These players are unable to practice until they’re removed from the PUP list but the Eagles have until Aug. 30 (the day of final cuts) to do so. While they are unable to practice, they still count toward the Eagles’ 90-man roster.
An important distinction is that the Active/PUP list is different than the Reserve/PUP list. But players must be on the Active/PUP list to be put on the Reserve/PUP at final cuts.
The reserve list rules were changed this offseason. Players used to have to wait six weeks before they could return; that has been shortened to four weeks in 2022.
Jackson, 24, tore his ACL in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys, which means he’s less than seven months from his injury. The big 6-foot-7 tight end became the Eagles’ No. 3 tight end last season after he was activated off IR from a back fracture in training camp. The Zach Ertz trade bumped him up the depth chart.
Jackson is a former quarterback but he impressed the Eagles with his play last summer. He played a total of 171 snaps last season and had 3 catches for 22 yards and a touchdown in the regular season finale before his injury. He had just two targets outside that game.
Toth, 25, also tore his ACL in that Week 18 game against the Cowboys. The former Army offensive lineman played in 11 games with the Eagles last year. Over the last two years, he’s played in 17 games with 1 start.
Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crow and Chris Stapleton are also on the bill for the full day music festival celebrating American family farmers.
Sheryl Crow, Margo Price, and more will also perform in Raleigh this September. Farm Aid 2022: Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews Return to Benefit Festival Abby Jones
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2022-07-27T15:07:14Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Eagles training camp 2022: Tyree Jackson, Brett Toth, Richard Rodgers placed on PUP
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Since moving on from Brent Musburger this offseason, the Raiders have been in search of a new radio play-by-play voice. On Tuesday, they announced they have their man.
His name is Jason Horowitz and you may know him if you caught any Army Football games for CBS Sports Network or heard any of Westwood One’s NCAA Football and Basketball coverage over the past 13 years.
Said Horowitz in a statement to the Raiders website:
“As a kid, I used to pretend I was the voice for a team calling an epic interception, or the game-winning touchdown I want to thank Mark Davis and the Raiders organization for making that dream become a reality. I am humbled to join an historic franchise, following in the footsteps of the legends who have called games for the Silver and Black to the sport’s greatest fanbase.”
Horowitz’s additional work with Westwood One includes NCAA tournaments and Final Four games since 2014 and various shows on SiriusXM NFL Radio and ESPNU over the past 12 years.
Returning to the booth will be Raiders legend Lincoln Kennedy as the studio analyst — a role has held over the past four seasons.
All Raiders preseason, regular season and postseason game broadcasts originate via Compass Media Network on the Silver and Black’s flagship radio stations in Las Vegas, Lotus Broadcasting Corp’s Raider Nation Radio 920AM, the “Home of the Las Vegas Raiders” and KOMP 92.3 The Rock Station.
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2022-07-27T15:07:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jason Horowitz named Raiders new radio play-by-play voice
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Former Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty’s career on “Good Morning Football” is off and running, and he was already tasked with evaluating his old team.
The panel recently discussed teams in the National Football League they view as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. McCourty noted that the Titans were getting superstar running back Derrick Henry back this year but kept Tennessee out of his list of contenders because of the A.J. Brown trade.
“I don’t see the Titans as a contender,” McCourty proclaimed. “You’re getting Derrick Henry back and your thought process is, ‘Alright, here we go. We’re going to win this thing.’ And then you trade away A.J. Brown. For me, for a younger team where you’re still building, you can get the young guy in, bring him along, and he’ll grow with the team.
“But for a team, when you’re ready to win right now, your team is built for that — the No. 1 seed last year — and we get rid of our most productive offensive player… that makes it tough for me to really believe they’re going to be the team that takes it over the top.”
"I don't see the #Titans as a contender."
Do you agree with @McCourtyTwins? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/T5PkHrJttC
While McCourty’s points have merit, the Titans secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC despite having to field a record number of players due to injury all over the roster, including at the wide receiver position with Brown.
Despite going half a season without Henry, and with Julio Jones and Brown in and out of the lineup all year long, Tennessee went 12-5 on the season.
Having said that, the Titans go into the 2022 campaign with several question marks on the roster. Wide receiver is atop the list and is largely dependent on the health of Robert Woods and the conditioning of Treylon Burks.
If both have productive seasons, and Henry picks up where he left off before the injury, the Titans should be in a favorable spot at the end of the year. The defense figures to once again be their bread and butter, but quarterback Ryan Tannehill needs to be more consistent this year after a lackluster 2021.
Of course, anything can happen in the postseason (see: 2019), but should the Titans make the playoffs again, they’ll need both sides of the ball to be firing on all cylinders if they want to make a deep postseason run.
Jordan Westerkamp, one of the most productive receivers in Nebraska history, joins the Inside Nebraska Podcast.
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2022-07-27T15:07:26Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jason McCourty: ‘I don’t see the Titans as a contender’ in 2022
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The Raiders have a new man in charge of the organization and that is Josh McDaniels. He has not been a head coach in the NFL for over a decade, but the Raiders are confident he is the right man for the job.
But make no mistake about it; he is under a ton of pressure this year. After trading their top two picks for All-Pro receiver Davante Adams and signing Chandler Jones to a monster contract, the expectation is that this team is a Super Bowl contender. Now.
In a recent article by Bill Barnwell of ESPN, he named 20 players and coaches under the most pressure heading into the 2022 season. That list included McDaniels, who will try to get the Raiders back into the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Here is a snippet of Barnwell’s thoughts on the new head coach for the Raiders:
“What McDaniels does with the Raiders will define his legacy. Win and he could become the next (Mike) Shanahan or Bill Belichick as the young star coordinator who matured and built a dynasty in his second job. If he flounders or flames out, he’ll forever be the coach who couldn’t do it without Belichick leading the way.
Las Vegas hasn’t been quite as prone to drastic moves after Al Davis’ death, but Mark Davis once fired Jack del Rio one year after a 12-4 season. Everything is always on the table for the Raiders.”
The Raiders aren’t going to fire McDaniels after one season. That’s just not going to happen, no matter how poorly the year goes for the team. However, there is a sense of urgency here as the Raiders are in a Super Bowl window. If it doesn’t happen this year or in 2023, McDaniels could be out of the AFC West sooner rather than later.
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2022-07-27T15:07:51Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Josh McDaniels under pressure during first season as head coach of Raiders
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“Failure pushes me to go even harder,” Fields said, via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “So, you know, that’s really all I’ve got to say. I want to do everything I can to win that trophy and get that ring. . . . I’m a big believer in, ‘Everything happens for a reason,’ ’’ Fields said. ‘‘Who knows how I would have taken it if I had a great game every game? Maybe I wouldn’t have that hunger still.”
Justin Fields: Failure pushes me to go even harder originally appeared on Pro Football Talk
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2022-07-27T15:07:58Z
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Justin Fields: Failure pushes me to go even harder
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Schrock: Fields' hunger for greatness shows he's built to lead rebuild originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
LAKE FOREST – NFL history is littered with the failed careers of quarterbacks with the same eye-popping skills as Justin Fields. Rocket-armed, elite-athlete quarterbacks who, for any number of reasons, didn't reach their potential.
But while the host of career bodies in the graveyard of NFL potential lost might have what Fields has, he has the thing they did not.
The Bears' second-year quarterback has the tick that drives other great players to reach and exceed the potential afforded by their generational gifts. The desire and will to never settle.
Fields is driven not by his greatest victories. Instead, like the true elites, Fields is fueled by any form of failure.
"I'm a big believer in everything happens for a reason," Fields said Tuesday when the Bears reported to training camp when asked how he dealt with a tough rookie season. "Who knows how I would have taken it if I had a great game every game. Maybe I wouldn't have that hunger still. I'm going to work, like Lucas [Patrick] said, until we get that Super Bowl trophy, as long as I'm here, I think everybody in this building knows is that I'm going to work. I'm going to do whatever I can to help us win games and to help us get better each and every day. So. Just failure pushes me to go even harder. So, you know. That's really all I've got to say. I want to do everything I can to win that trophy and get that ring."
From the moment he could grip a football, Fields has been the best player on every field he graced. He shredded defenses in Georgia en route to being one of the top recruits in the country. He committed to Georgia only to transfer to Ohio State.
He ripped apart Big 10 defenses in Year 1, leading the Buckeyes to a berth in the College Football Playoff Semifinals. A last-second interception against Clemson sent the Buckeyes home that year, but it only fueled Fields to come back with a vengeance during his final collegiate season.
The Bears and the No. 11 pick were Fields' destiny next. What Fields openly admits was not an ideal rookie season followed. While Fields flashed his star potential, the Bears' shoddy offensive line and uninventive scheme hampered his Year 1 development.
That would frustrate and beat down many elite players who aren't used to failure. But football isn't just Fields' job, it's something he has to do. Something he must conquer. He feels the need in his bones. He knows the unquenchable desire for greatness will come with setbacks. He welcomes them, knowing they'll help him get to the next level.
"Just the love of the game. I just want to be great. You know?" Fields said. "At the end of the day, this is my life. This is what I want to do for as long as I can. So. It's my job. It's my life. I don't know anything else. I've been doing this since I was, what, six years old. And it's just … When you've been doing something so long, you start to love it more and more.
"And I love the failure that comes with it. I love everything that comes with it because I know that at the end of the day that as long as I give my best and I know what I can do, and I know that once we reach our full potential what we'll be able to do. So, my love for the game, of course. The failures. The wins. Everything. I just love it."
Fields was quick to admit he doesn't like failing. Who does? But he does welcome its lessons and what comes next.
The Bears have spent decades searching for a true franchise quarterback. Fields' selection brought a wave of joy followed by the dread that the Bears might mess up a quarterback with superstar potential.
Matt Nagy's hatchet job during Fields' rookie season did nothing to assuage those concerns. But new head coach Matt Eberflus and the addition of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy should bring some optimism for Fields' future and the Bears' rebuild.
A rebuild can only be successful if the quarterback position is filled with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 signal-caller. A win games "because of" quarterback.
But truly elite quarterbacks are about more than arm strength or reading defenses. The Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, the franchise-legend, statue-worthy guys are never satisfied. Their journey to the top is never complete because there's always something to improve, some failure to build off, some wrong to right.
What Fields described Tuesday could be the catalyst for this Bears rebuild. It's a desire only a select few feel, and even fewer can harness to fuel their rise.
After a rookie season spent jockeying with Andy Dalton, this training camp will be all about Fields' development for the Bears.
There's no guarantee the building of Justin Fields will go according to plan or be successful.
But Fields showed Tuesday that he's a rare breed. The type successful rebuilds and eventual championship runs can be built around.
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2022-07-27T15:08:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Justin Fields' hunger for greatness shows he's built to lead Bears back to top
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The Indianapolis Colts are set to officially begin training camp Wednesday at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.
After roughly a month and a half off following the conclusion of the spring practices, the Colts are gearing up to compete for the top spot in the AFC South.
As training camp commences, there are several injuries to keep an eye on. Some are significant while others aren’t expected to keep players out for a long time.
Here’s a look at the key injury updates as the Colts enter training camp.
LB Shaquille Leonard (back)
Leonard underwent back surgery this offseason after finding out that two discs were impinging on a nerve that was causing pain to shoot down his leg. The Colts placed Leonard on the PUP list to begin camp—he can come off at any time—but there is no timetable for his return.
Leonard told reporters Tuesday that he’s already feeling better and he’s optimistic that it won’t be long before he returns. But it still remains to be seen when that return date will be.
S Rodney McLeod (knee)
UPDATE: The Colts removed McLeod from the PUP list on Wednesday. You can read the original post below.
McLeod also is starting training camp on the PUP list after undergoing what was described as a small knee procedure. The veteran safety was signed form free agency this offseason.
General manager Chris Ballard doesn’t expect McLeod to be out very long and admitted they are taking the precautionary route with his recovery.
“McLeod had a little procedure on a knee. He’s close. This is probably more us than him right now. We expect him back pretty quickly without any setbacks,” Ballard said Tuesday.
The Colts are extremely thin at the safety position following the retirement of Khari Willis so they’ll need McLeod to be 100% when he returns.
DL Tyquan Lewis (knee)
UPDATE: The Colts removed Lewis from the PUP list on Wednesday. You can read the original post below.
Lewis suffered a brutal injury to his patellar tendon during the Week 8 loss to the Tennessee Titans so it’s no surprise that he’s starting training camp on the PUP list.
While coming back from that injury is no walk in the park, Ballard expressed optimism that Lewis will be returning soon after signing a one-year deal this offseason.
“He’s getting close. We expect him back soon. I won’t put a timeline on it but we think he’ll be back soon,” Ballard said.
Lewis will be competing for a versatile role along the defensive line working both on the edge and the interior.
WR Mike Strachan (knee)
It has been reported that Strachan is going to miss a chunk of training camp after he underwent a procedure on his knee during the offseason. He didn’t participate in the spring practices that were open to the media and is in danger of losing out on a roster spot.
Ballard hopes Strachan will be able to return before camp ends, but that remains to be seen.
“Mike Strachan, he had a knee procedure before he left. He’s going to be a little bit of time, we think before the end of camp he’ll be back but we’ll see. He’s still rehabbing and making progress,” said Ballard.
Strachan is battling for a roster spot as he goes into his second season and will have a lot of catching up to do when he eventually does return.
DT Eric Johnson (back)
Johnson, a fifth-round pick by the Colts in the 2022 NFL draft, was a surprise addition to the injury list before the start of camp. However, he was placed on the Non-Football Injury list (NFI), which differs from the PUP list.
Johnson is dealing with some back spasms that arose while he was training on his own, and Ballard doesn’t seem to be too concerned that the rookie will miss much time.
“We put Eric Johnson II on NFI. He tweaked his back training. We don’t think that’ll be a long issue. Should be back fairly quickly,” Ballard said.
Johnson goes on the NFI list instead because he was injured while training on his own and not with the team. He’s competing for one of the final spots in the defensive line room.
S Julian Blackmon (Achilles)
This update is a positive one. Blackmon returned to the practice field for the first time this spring since tearing his Achilles tendon during the 2021 regular season. The hope then was that he would be ready for the start of training camp.
That seems to be the case as Blackmon wasn’t among the players placed on the PUP list and even though they may limit him on some reps, the Colts feel the third-year safety is ready to go.
“Julian (Blackmon) is good to go. I mean, we’ll take care of him. We’ll take care of him but Julian’s good to go,” Ballard said.
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2022-07-27T15:08:16Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Key injury updates entering Colts’ training camp
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The Detroit Lions announced a few health-related roster moves at the start of training camp.
Most notable is the addition of fullback Jason Cabinda to the physically unable to perform list, or PUP. Cabinda was an active participant in all the prior offseason workouts.
Safety C.J. Moore was placed on the NFI, or non-football injury list. That’s an indication he suffered some sort of limitation between minicamp and training camp. Moore took some first-team reps at safety during June’s minicamp.
Reserve offensive tackle Dan Skipper was placed on the non-football illness list. His malady was not disclosed.
All are designated with active status, which means they can be activated to full duty at any time.
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2022-07-27T15:08:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Lions place Jason Cabinda on PUP among roster moves
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The Raiders are a very top-heavy team going into the 2022 season. They are very reliant on their stars to help them win games. But as we know in the NFL, it’s the role players that end up making the difference.
So what non-star could make a leap this season and be the difference for the Raiders?
In a recent article by Sam Monson at Pro Football Focus, he wrote about every team’s secret superstar heading into the 2022 season. For the Raiders, that was none other than slot cornerback Nate Hobbs. Here is what Monson had to say about the second-year cornerback from Illinois:
“Hobbs finished his rookie year with a top-10 PFF grade among cornerbacks, grading well in both run defense and coverage. The Raiders’ defensive scheme may have asked a little less of him than some other players, but he allowed only one touchdown all season and 8.5 yards per reception. Hobbs dramatically outperformed his fifth-round draft status and was one of the best rookies in the league last year.”
Hobbs won the starting slot cornerback job early in training camp and never looked back. This year, he is walking into training camp as one of their best young defenders. Now, the only question is if he will play any more on the outside as the Raiders lost Casey Hayward in free agency.
Otherwise, this is one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL and he should only be better in Year 2. If he can repeat his rookie performance, he’ll be a great candidate to make the Pro Bowl this season.
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2022-07-27T15:08:35Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Nate Hobbs named ‘secret superstar’ by Pro Football Focus
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Green Bay Packers rookie receiver Christian Watson won’t be on the field for the start of training camp while he recovers from an injury situation.
General manager Brian Gutekunst said the Packers decided to get ahead of the undisclosed injury instead of waiting to deal with the issue after Watson’s rookie season, but he also said he isn’t expecting Watson to miss much time during training camp.
“Christian was one of those, we came out of OTAs, there was a thought process, do we want to try and push through the season and finish this after the 2022 season, or should we go ahead and do it now? We just did it now,” Gutekunst said. “He’ll miss a little bit of time here in camp, but nothing long term.”
The Packers used the 34th overall pick in the 2022 draft on Watson, the team’s highest-drafted receiver since Javon Walker in 2002. He will start training camp on the PUP list, and Gutekusnt wasn’t comfortable putting on an exact timeline for his return to the field.
“We’re not going to put any timelines on it,” Gutekunst said. “He’s a young player, when we invest what we invested in Christian, we’re obviously looking out for the long term. We always do. He’s a young player with a big career ahead of him, so we want to make sure we protect that. It’ll be about how he responds through the rehab. As soon as he’s ready, we’ll get him out there.”
The Packers traded a pair of second-round picks to move up to get Watson, one of the best athletes in the entire 2022 draft.
While missing time with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense during training camp isn’t a promising development for a rookie receiver, Watson getting healthy now instead of laboring through his first season with a lingering injury is preferable.
The Packers are hoping Watson, who is 6-4 and runs under 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, can add a dangerous vertical element to the offense while also providing a versatile playmaker with the ball in his hands.
Gutekunst did provide a promising update on veteran receiver Sammy Watkins, who is dealing with a minor injury and should be back on the field soon.
“Very short term thing,” Gutekunst said.
Watkins is currently on the non-football injury list but can come off the list and return to practice at any time.
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2022-07-27T15:09:00Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Packers rookie Christian Watson to miss time during training camp
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https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-rookie-christian-watson-miss-144005052.html?src=rss
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When the Raiders selected Zamir White in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, there was a lot of hype around the pick. And with the news of the Raiders declining the fifth-year option on Josh Jacobs, that led many to assume that White could be in for a lot of work as a rookie.
However, it’s awfully hard to earn snaps as a rookie when you are not on the field. And that’s been an issue so far for White.
According to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, White has now missed the last three practices for the Raiders. Here is what Reed had to say about White along with the other players who missed practice on Tuesday:
“Running back Zamir White didn’t practice Tuesday, which marks the third straight session he’s missed. Safety Roderic Teamer also missed practice Tuesday after colliding with fellow safety Johnathan Abram during Sunday’s practice. (Abram did participate Tuesday.)
And with the Raiders just over a week away from their first preseason game, it doesn’t appear that he will be ready to go for that game either. But if he manages to practice on Wednesday when the Raiders finally put on the pads, that would be a step in the right direction.
However, with the Raiders having so much depth at the running back position, this is certainly a missed opportunity for White. With every practice he misses, his odds of contributing early in the season drop.
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2022-07-27T15:09:19Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Raiders RB Zamir White missed third straight practice on Tuesday
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When training camp officially opens on Wednesday, the Tennessee Titans expect defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to be among those participating.
The 24-year-old was not present at voluntary OTAs, which is not unusual for veteran players. Simmons did attend mandatory minicamp last month but did not participate, leading to speculation about him possibly holding out or not fully participating in practice until he gets a new deal.
The Mississippi State spoke at minicamp, noting that his plan was not to hold out and that he would attend training camp. He also indicated that he was leaving contract negotiations to his agent.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel says he expects to see Simmons out on the practice field but did note he may have a different plan than other players.
“We expect Jeff to practice. We’ll see how he feels and see how it looks and figure out what’s best for him,” Vrabel said via Paul Kuharsky. “He may be one of those guys that would have a somewhat different plan potentially. But I imagine everyone that’s healthy will be out there ready to go tomorrow.”
The Titans exercised Simmons’ fifth-year option for the 2023 season, which will pay him $10.75 million. Whether or not he plays under the fifth-year option money without a new contract beforehand remains to be seen.
After Vrabel spoke, general manager Jon Robinson was asked about Simmons’ contract extension but wouldn’t go into detail.
“We’ve got an understanding of where we’re at and he’s excited to be back and ready to rock and roll,” Robinson said.
#Titans GM Jon Robinson wouldn't comment on Jeffery Simmons contract negotiations. Said those conversations would stay between the team and the agent.
According to Spotrac, Simmons is projected to a receive a four-year, $84.1 million contract ($21 million annually), which would make him the second highest-paid defensive lineman in the NFL based on annual average.
And that’s the floor. If the Titans wait longer to extend Simmons, the price will only go up.
KidsVenture is an area of EAA's AirVenture that offers kids plenty of hands-on fun and learning.
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2022-07-27T15:09:32Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Titans mum on Jeffery Simmons contract but expect him to practice
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When the Tennessee Titans hit the practice field for the first time in training camp on Wednesday, the team will be cautious with two key players leading up to the start of the regular season.
Wide receiver Robert Woods and cornerback Caleb Farley, both coming off torn ACLs, have been limited in their offseason workouts, and they will continue to be limited at the start of training camp.
“They’re probably participating in 90 percent of the stuff that we did the first couple of days,” Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said via AllTitans at SI.com. “There’s some things that we’re holding them out of. But the nice thing is that, when we’re doing those drills, they go (off to the side) and find ways to work for a few minutes with each other, which kind of makes it nice. They’re both going through the same process in their mirrored positions.”
Rookies and injured players reported to camp over the weekend. Woods and Farley have a head start on their teammates, and neither was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which is a good sign.
Vrabel specifically praised Farley for his work since reporting, noting that the second-year corner had two interceptions during practice on Monday and reminded the team how long he is.
Mike Vrabel mentioned that Caleb Farley had two INTs yesterday. Said neither he nor the QBs realized how long he is. Commended Farley for making plays on the ball. #Titans
Vrabel noted that neither Woods nor Farley are taking part in the team’s open field tackle drill. At this stage of the offseason, it’s simply not worth the risk, given how vital each player is to their respective side of the ball.
So, what are they doing instead? According to Vrabel, it’s a strategic mix of individual training and what the team has identified.
“They can go over and they can work releases or they’ll work something else,” Vrabel added. “We’ve asked them to come to us with a plan that they would like — we’ve given them a couple of things — and also ask them to kind of think of some things that they can do to work with each other.”
When healthy, Woods was one of the most productive wide receivers for the Los Angeles Rams over the last five seasons. The Titans will be counting on him to be their No. 1 wide receiver in place of the departed A.J. Brown.
Tennessee hasn’t seen much of Farley to this point. The former first-round pick was limited to just three games (one start) last year. He also sat out the COVID-19-impacted 2020 season at Virginia Tech before undergoing back surgery prior to the NFL draft that year.
Having both players healthy and ready to go for the regular season would be a massive win for a Titans team needing some positive vibes.
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2022-07-27T15:09:38Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Titans provide updates on WR Robert Woods, CB Caleb Farley
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https://sports.yahoo.com/titans-updates-wr-robert-woods-132608829.html?src=rss
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This past week, Pro Football Focus released a list ranking the top 50 players in the NFL right now.
The University of Wisconsin was one of just eight programs that featured more than one player in PFF’s top 50. T.J. Watt and Jonathan Taylor, two of the league’s brightest stars, represented UW, who came in at No. 7 and No. 21, respectively.
Watt, a former first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, won the NFL’s AP Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021 after tying Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record (22.5).
Taylor, who now plays for the Indianapolis Colts, was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Year at the 101 awards this past season after totaling 2,171 yards from scrimmage and finding paydirt 20 times. He also posted a league-leading 23 runs of 15 or more yards.
50. Maxx Crosby
32. Justin Herbert
17. Justin Jefferson
Ranking the 50 best players in the NFL https://t.co/UYWIgKYQUW
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2022-07-27T15:09:57Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Two Badgers Ranked in PFF’s 50 Best Players in the NFL
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STORY: The 31-year-old, a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) star, played in Russia during the league's offseason.
She was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport in February 17 with vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage.
The case against her, heard at the Khimki District Court outside Moscow, has highlighted the strained relations between Russia and the United States which have plunged to a new post-Cold War low over Russia's military intervention in Ukraine.
Griner's defence has argued that she was prescribed medical cannabis to alleviate the symptoms of a chronic injury, a treatment not uncommon among elite athletes in countries where the substance is allowed.
It is, however, illegal in Russia.
Griner, a two-time Olympic champion, has pleaded guilty but denied she intended to break Russian law.
Take hair growth into your own hands with these tricks.
Bruce Springsteen Tickets Go On Sale Tuesday For March Concert In Philly Causing Website Issues
The tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. and some are still available as of 11:18 a.m.
Ticketmaster, Bruce Springsteen’s Manager Defend “Dynamic Pricing” Tickets [Updated]
Some Springsteen tickets have gone for as much as $5,000, but Ticketmaster claims that's the exception. Ticketmaster, Bruce Springsteen’s Manager Defend “Dynamic Pricing” Tickets [Updated] Wren Graves
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2022-07-27T15:26:56Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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U.S. basketball star Griner arrives in court
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It was obvious early on that Matt Hirschman was going to be a race car driver.
“That‘s what I always said I was going to do when they asked you in elementary school, ‘What are you going to be when you grow up?‘ I always said I was going to be a race car driver,” Hirschman said.
The 39-year-old from Northampton, Pennsylvania, grew up in and around the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. His father Tony Hirschman Jr. is widely considered one of the best Modified drivers of his generation.
The elder Hirschman won five NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championships during a career that stretched from the mid-1980s through 2007. During that time, he won 35 races with a variety of race teams at tracks like Oswego Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park and Stafford Motor Speedway.
For the younger Hirschman, whose brother Tony Hirschman III works as a spotter in the NASCAR Cup Series for Kyle Busch, Modified racing is practically all he‘s ever known.
RELATED: Despite tragedy, Jimmy Blewett carries on family tradition of Modified racing
Some of Matt Hirschman’s earliest memories are of his father racing and winning at many of the aforementioned race tracks.
“My dad could name the year and I was probably only 2 or 3 years,” Hirschman said. “Some of that was just when he was just starting to venture out and race some of the NASCAR races.
“I‘d say Stafford, Thompson, Oswego, Martinsville, I remember going to places like that. That was before he was full time, because that didn‘t come until the late 80s when he started running the Tour full-time. That was when he was just going to some of those places in the earlier part of his career for the first time.”
His father won his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race in 1989 and claimed his first of five championships in 1995. He added his second a year later, followed by a third title in 1999. He collected his final two championships in 2004 and 2005. His last race win came in 2006.
Thompson Oct 30 050
It was during the later part of his father‘s career that Hirschman began to find his own place in Modified racing. It started with the father-son pairing working together, with dad driving the car and son serving as crew chief.
The pairing was incredibly successful, with Hirschman guiding his father to his final two NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championships for the Kehley family.
“His two championships, again back-to-back in 2004 and 2005, I was actually playing the role of the crew chief,” Hirschman said. “I was setting up the cars for him and calling the races when I was there, because at that time I had already started racing, so I didn‘t attend every race. The Kehley‘s, they‘re like family, that team that he finished his career with.
“I really learned a lot working with my dad and working with their car. That‘s stuff that still applies to what I‘m doing today.”
At the same time, Hirschman began his own driving career that would eventually make him one of the top Modified competitors in the United States.
While he‘s rarely raced the full NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule during his career, Hirschman has still earned Tour victories at Oswego Speedway, New Smyrna Speedway, the Chemung Speedrome and Spencer Speedway.
Away from the Tour, Hirschman is known for showing up when a lot of money is on the line. He‘s one of the best to ever race a Modified during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway, where he has claimed three championships and countless victories.
He‘s also won big races like the Race of Champions, the Spring Sizzler and the North-South Shootout, just to name a few.
There‘s a reason fans call him ‘Big Money Matt,‘ a nickname from which Hirschman admits he initially shied away.
“I‘ve always been confident in myself. To say that I knew I could achieve this or do this is hard to really answer or say yes to,” Hirschman said. “I‘ve always had the confidence, but it‘s a lot of hard work and a group effort to make it happen.
“In the beginning I think I shied away a little bit from the nickname, not trying to put added pressure to myself. But I believe I‘ve lived up to it and kind of now I‘ve more embraced it. I think I‘ve earned it and I continue to prove that.”
Matt Hirschman, driver of the #60 PeeDee Motorsports car during the Duel at the Dog 200 for the Whelen Modified Tour at Monadnock Speedway on June 19, 2022 in Winchester, New Hampshire. (Nick Grace/NASCAR)
When you look around the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour garage at any given race, the odds are high that you‘ll see crew members, team owners or drivers whose father, mother, or grandparents were also involved in Modified racing.
It takes a certain amount of dedication, according to Hirschman, to live and breathe Modified racing for nearly his entire life.
“Modified racing is deep roots. If you look at the generations of the same names and families and things and crew members in the pit areas, it‘s something that once it‘s in your blood, it‘s like a disease,” Hirschman said. “It‘s really hard to get away from it.
“From a very early age, this is all I‘ve known and all we‘ve ever done. I‘ve spent my entire life, except for a very short time when my dad went racing in the Busch North Series, Modified racing has been our life. That same thing can be said for many families.”
RELATED: Tommy Baldwin Jr. continues family love affair with NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
So will there be a third generation of Hirschman‘s racing Modifieds? It‘s possible, but Hirschman says he won‘t force any of his children to get involved in racing.
He wants it to be their choice.
“I do have two children of my own. I have a son who is 7, Matthew, and a nine-month-old daughter, Violet,” Hirschman said. “Being that I‘ve lived it and realized it, I know how tough it is. I‘m not going to put that pressure on or push for that to happen. I didn‘t start myself until I was 17, but what I learned by going racing and being involved first as nothing more than just watching, and then being more involved as I got older, those lessons learned were very valuable.
“Right now, my son goes to a majority of my races, and we‘re into racing big time. We watch racing all the time on TV and the streaming that is now available to us. That‘ll be his choice. I won‘t make that choice for him.”
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2022-07-27T15:35:26Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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How racing a Modified became a way of life for Matt Hirschman and family
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https://sports.yahoo.com/racing-modified-became-way-life-082525967.html?src=rss
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Green, the boisterous big man who just claimed his fourth NBA Finals championship trophy with the Warriors since their dynasty began in 2014 is eligible for a new contract as soon August 3, and sources told The Athletic's Anthony Slater and Marcus Thompson II that Green believes he deserves a maximum contract that would lock him in for $164.2 million over the next five seasons.
That is, without question, a lot of money for Green – a player who hasn't averaged more than eight points per game since 2017 and at times looked like a shell of himself during this past season. Slater and Thompson II added that "the Warriors have no plans to offer Green a maximum extension, and there isn’t any current traction on any type of extension."
The Warriors' hesitation with extending Green this offseason appears less to be about the team's perception of Green's value and more about the timetable Golden State typically takes with extensions – Slater and Thompson II noted the Warriors usually wait until a player has one year left on his current contract before signing him to a maximum extension.
While Green technically has two years remaining on the four-year extension he signed before the 2019 season, he can opt-out of that contract before the final year of that deal prior to this upcoming season.
That impending possibility could force the Warriors' hand one way or the other.
If the Warriors aren't willing to offer the max to Green, there's a chance he could explore other options to get the contract he believes he deserves. It should be noted that Green also has a 15 percent trade kicker in his current deal if the Warriors move him, too. Golden State also runs the risk of angering Steph Curry if they decide not to keep Green, per Slater and Thompson II:
Curry sees the Big Three as a package deal.
Steph Curry wants to keep the Warriors' dynasty together. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Whether or not the Warriors extend Green seems to be all about money. If the Warriors found a way to pay Green, Thompson, Wiggins and Poole, the team could spend upwards of $200 million in luxury taxes by 2024 and $400-500 million in total. Those numbers appear untenable for Warriors owner Joe Lacob.
“I’m going to tell you your numbers are kind of messed up,” Lacob told The Athletic's Tim Kawakami when presented with that possiblity earlier in July. “... those numbers are not even remotely possible.
“You know, we kind of blew a hole in the system, and it’s not a good look from the league’s perspective," Lacob added. "They don’t want to see it happen. And there are limits. I’m not going to say what they are, but there are limits to what you can do.”
The NBA fined Lacob $500,000 for calling the luxury tax "very unfair" last week after the Warriors paid more than $170 million in luxury tax (an NBA record) and $346 million in total payroll last season.
So it sounds like even Warriors wanted to keep all their extension-eligible players, they wouldn't want to do it given the nature of the NBA salary cap structure. It's simply a matter of dollars and centers. And if an aging veteran like Green wants max-level money, he might be the odd-man out of the Warriors' original Big Three of Green, Curry and Thompson.
Draymond Green wants to be a max contract player. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Tatum played with Durant in the Tokyo Olympics, but he's not pushing for a deal.
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2022-07-27T15:59:24Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Draymond Green reportedly wants max contract from Golden State Warriors
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Soto is just 23 years old, which is so young that 12 players in the recent MLB futures game were older than him. In five MLB seasons, he is a .292/.427/.540 hitter, which is basically unheard of among players his age since the days of Ted Williams. He already has a World Series ring, a batting title, two All-Star nods, two Silver Sluggers and, most recently, a Home Run Derby championship.
That's the kind of player you want on your team until he's nearing his 40s, which the Nationals tried to do by offering him a 15-year, $440 million deal, which would have been the biggest contract by total value in MLB history. When Soto and his agent Scott Boras rejected it, the Nationals were apparently pessimistic enough about their chances to retain him that they sounded the trade siren.
Soto hits free agency after the 2024 season, so any team that acquires him is getting at least 2 1/2 seasons of him. We've since heard the Nationals are looking for four or five "youngsters" (read: prospects or major leaguers with low service time), but are willing to wait if no team meets their price.
If Soto isn't re-signing, the Nationals have little, if any, interest in a player that can't offer them much beyond 2023 and 2024, unless that player can be flipped in turn. Those seasons will be about building up talent for the future.
So don't think a player like Gleyber Torres is going to be much help. The Nationals don't want players who will be hitting free agency around the same time as Soto. They want players that will be part of the next good Nationals team, which will likely be more than two years away. The only reason why they would take a player with fewer than three seasons of team control is the opportunity to flip him for even more prospects.
The Nationals' philosophy when it comes to prospects is also important here. Simply put, they are "go big or go home." They want the most-talented player available, which is theoretically what every team wants, but the Nationals are willing to ignore red flags if the player has light-tower power or a 99-mph fastball.
That's reflected in their draft history under Mike Rizzo. They pretty much always go for the loudest talent available, no matter the injury, personality, swing-and-miss or command concerns. Sometimes it works out and you get Anthony Rendon (who fell to sixth overall in 2011 due to injuries) and sometimes you get Seth Romero (drafted 25th in 2017 despite some major character issues and who has been a general disaster).
That philosophy is also how the Nationals got this bad, as they've missed a lot more than they've hit in recent years. Have you heard much about Jackson Rutledge, Mason Denaburg, Romero or Carter Kieboom lately? Those are the Nationals top draft picks from 2016 to 2019.
The big question when teams think about which prospects they're putting on the table is whether they're going to get 2 1/2 years of Juan Soto or 15 years of Juan Soto
The former is obviously going to bring back less in a trade than the latter, and there aren't going to be a lot of teams with the financial resources to accomplish the latter. We already know Soto wants to get paid. He just turned down $440 million, and it seems reasonable to think he will eventually land at least $500 million, be it an extension or free agency.
Fortunately for the Nationals, Soto is hitting the trade market at a time when MLB's richest teams all have fairly well-stocked farm systems, so those are the teams to watch here. If a team can get it communicated that Soto will accept their, say, 15-year, $555 million extension offer (that's Mike Trout's salary every year until Soto reaches the age when Trout next hits free agency), that team will theoretically be willing to offer more in a trade.
There's also the matter of Patrick Corbin, who has the worst ERA in MLB among qualified pitchers this season and is owed a total of $59.8 million for 2023 and 2024. The Nationals probably want to get his contract off the books, and the best way to do that is to do what the Boston Red Sox did with David Price: attach him to their outgoing superstar for a slightly smaller return.
To summarize, the big-market clubs could be a little more willing to overpay for Soto's 2 1/2 seasons and any team willing to take Corbin can make their offer a little smaller.
Nationals get: C Diego Cartaya (Dodgers' No. 1 prospect, No. 13 overall), RHP Bobby Miller (No. 2, No. 26 overall), OF Andy Pages (No. 4, No. 47 overall), INF Eddys Leonard (No. 8), LHP Maddux Bruns (No. 12)
Given the Dodgers' record in trading for big-time players (Betts, Max Scherzer, Trea Turner, Manny Machado, Yu Darvish), it's hard to not see them as the favorite to employ Soto next week, if the Nationals go through with this.
The most awkward part is Cartaya's position, as the Nationals already have a catcher of the future in Keibert Ruiz, acquired from the Dodgers in the Scherzer/Turner trade. But here's the thing: It is basically impossible to have too many good catchers in your system. It is a position with a regular dearth of quality starters in MLB, so if the Nats get lucky and hit on both Cartaya and Ruiz, they can just trade one and get even more prospects back.
Nationals get: SS Anthony Volpe (Yankees' No. 1 prospect, No. 8 overall), OF Jasson Dominguez (No. 3, No. 39 overall), LHP Ken Waldichuk (No. 5, No. 72 overall), RHP Yoendrys Gomez (No. 8), INF Oswaldo Cabrera (No. 13)
This package strongly resembles the Dodgers' offer, and not by accident. Both teams are currently atop their respective leagues, have enormous financial resources and have at least five players in MLB Pipeline's top 100.
Volpe is one of the handful of players who works as a headliner, while Dominguez's speed and power combination is exactly what the Nationals look for when it comes to talent (see: 2022 first-round pick Elijah Green). The rest of the players have similarly loud tools.
Nationals get: C Francisco Alvarez (Mets' No. 1 prospect, No. 2 overall), 3B/OF Brett Baty (No. 2, No. 20 overall), SS Ronny Mauricio (No. 3, No. 52 overall), RHP Matt Allan (No. 6), RHP Joel Diaz (No. 10)
If this sounds steep, you shouldn't be surprised.
Do you remember when the Red Sox traded a burgeoning star to a division rival? Of course, you don't, the Babe Ruth trade was in 1920. That may be a tad hyperbolic, but it illustrates something important: the Nationals aren't going to sign up their fans for potentially a decade-plus of Soto in a rival team's uniforms unless they get a monster offer.
Which the Mets could do. New owner Steve Cohen has been doing his best Steinbrenner impression since taking over the team and this would be the ultimate power move.
The drawback is Alvarez holds the same positional concern as Cartaya, with even more urgency given that he's currently at Triple-A (Cartaya is at High-A). The Nationals could massage that a bit thanks to the designated hitter, but it's undeniably a complicating factor.
Cardinals get: Juan Soto
Nationals get: OF Tyler O'Neill, INF Nolan Gorman (No. 33 overall entering this season), 3B Jordan Walker (Cardinals No. 1 prospect, No. 7 overall), LHP Matthew Liberatore (No. 2 prospect, No. 45 overall), RHP Alec Willis (No. 13)
Well, that's one way to solve the Cardinals' problem of having two top-tier third-base prospects (Gorman and Walker) blocked behind Nolan Arenado. Gorman can at least play second, though, so it wouldn't actually be a problem for the Nationals if this happened.
Here's our first team not going the Corbin route, and the Cardinals are paying for it with three big-time talents. Gorman and Liberatore have both already made their MLB debuts, while Walker is waiting in the wings at Double-A. The latter player would be a big get for the Nats thanks to his enormous power.
O'Neill is the rare established major leaguer who might actually work in a Soto trade, as a) Soto figures to be his direct replacement on the Cardinals and b) he offers a good reclamation opportunity for the Nationals. After finishing eighth in NL MVP voting last year, O'Neill is struggling at .239/.302/.362.
If the Nationals can help him find his form, O'Neill would be perfect for flipping this offseason or next year.
Nationals get: SS CJ Abrams (No. 9 overall entering this season), LHP Mackenzie Gore (No. 86 entering this season), OF Robert Hassell III (Padres No. 1 prospect, No. 23 overall), OF James Wood (No. 4, No. 90 overall), RHP Reiss Knehr (No. 6)
If there is a general manager in baseball willing to do whatever it takes to land Juan Soto, it is A.J. Preller, and that's why the Padres are here.
However, the Padres, not exactly MLB's richest club, already have those two infielders under contract with a little more than $500 million remaining. Would they actually commit the financial resources to a Soto contract potentially bigger than their commitments to those two combined? And if not, are they really going to give up so much future value when they should be working under a long-term plan?
What's also tough is the top-10 sheen has worn off Abrams, as he's hit a less-than-robust .231/.280/.322 this season. A trade to the Nationals would certainly give him time to figure things out.
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2022-07-27T15:59:38Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Who could trade for Juan Soto? Here are 5 deals we could see the Nationals doing
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https://sports.yahoo.com/juan-soto-trade-packages-nationals-dodgers-yankees-mets-mlb-145719600.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/juan-soto-trade-packages-nationals-dodgers-yankees-mets-mlb-145719600.html?src=rss
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Baltimore has signed most of their 2022 draft class to their rookie contracts. However, there’s one player that the team still has to put pen to paper with in outside linebacker David Ojabo, who was the No. 45 overall selection out of the University of Michigan. The second-rounder is also the only NFL rookie yet to sign his first deal. On Wednesday Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the reason why a holdup seems to be occurring between the two sides, with a gap in Ojabo’s third-year guarantee being the factor.
Ojabo was widely regarded as a first round pick coming out of college, but a torn achilles suffered at his Pro Days him fall into the second round, where Baltimore was fortunate enough to be able to land him. The rookie is extremely talented, and hopefully an agreement is figured out soon for the sake of both sides.
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2022-07-27T16:00:03Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Reported reason for rookie contract holdup between Ravens, David Ojabo revealed
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https://sports.yahoo.com/reported-reason-rookie-contract-holdup-143017956.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/reported-reason-rookie-contract-holdup-143017956.html?src=rss
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No one ever took a victory lap after drafting Cousins in fantasy. He's never led the league in passing yardage or touchdowns and his top single-season rushing total is 179 yards. Cousins has never delivered a top-three positional finish in terms of fantasy scoring. He's definitely been the sort of quarterback with whom you can win, as long as your fantasy squad has an overwhelming edge at some other position. He's tolerable, if also somewhat unexciting.
Cousins is ... well, he's fine. Meh.
At Yahoo, early fantasy drafters have made Cousins the QB15 in terms of ADP (120.5), which means our collective excitement is quite low. Almost nonexistent.
But here's the thing: Cousins, at QB15, is now valued at his absolute floor, assuming he remains healthy. This is a player who's finished inside the top-15 players at his fantasy position for seven consecutive years, with three seasons among the top eight. He may not have been elite in our game — however you choose to define that loaded term — but he's been plenty useful. He's passed for 4,200 yards and at least 30 scores in three of his four years in Minnesota. He threw multiple TD passes in 12 of his 16 games in 2021. He's productive and bankable.
Kirk Cousins' boring label is overblown in fantasy. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Of course, you're free to feel any kind of way about Cousins as a real-life QB or a big-moment performer, but he's been an incredible compiler, placing himself statistically in the company of legends. Over the past four years, he's also averaged 8.1 yards per attempt while completing 68.3 percent of his throws. His passer rating with the Vikings is 103.5. We won't try to convince you that he's sneakily and secretly Aaron Rodgers-ish, but, again, this is a quality quarterback.
And here's this other thing: It's not at all crazy to expect a monster season from Cousins in 2022, perhaps his best. Think 5,000 yards and 35 scores. Let's please remember the following facts:
Cousins is no longer playing for a head coach who actively dislikes him
Sorry to lean too hard into intangibles here, but, well ... this has to help, at least a little. Even if you generally agree with Mike Zimmer's various reported concerns regarding Cousins, you have to acknowledge that enmity between a head coach and starting QB is unhelpful. We should also recognize the fact that Minnesota's offense had become situationally predictable, outdated and run-heavy on early downs. Zimmer apparently had issues with Cousins' aggressiveness (or lack thereof), but Kirk has actually been one of the league's best and most frequent deep-ball passers in recent seasons. Last year, he threw 10 touchdown passes and just two interceptions on 71 attempts of 20-plus yards, according to PFF. He went deep more often than Patrick Mahomes (69), Matthew Stafford (67) and Justin Herbert (64) despite fewer total attempts.
The arrival of Kevin O'Connell and his staff is a gift
Minnesota's offense was like an expensive piece of high-end technology that hadn't received a software or security update in years while being operated by someone unfamiliar with its full capabilities. But that's not a worry any longer. Here's third-year star receiver Justin Jefferson discussing the new coaching staff:
"Our offensive style, it's not a run-first offense anymore," Jefferson said. "Just us being able to put different people in different positions and distribute the ball, really. I'm so excited in this offense. ... We're all excited. We're all happy to have (O'Connell). It's definitely a different vibe, a different connection in the building with him there. We're just excited to start it up, really."
So that all seems positive. O'Connell and OC Wes Phillips are both relocating from Sean McVay's staff in Los Angeles, yet both also have familiarity with Cousins from their time together in Washington. This year, we can expect creative designs from the Vikings, greater offensive pace, more pre-snap motion and significantly more sets with three or more receivers. This team used 11-personnel at the fifth lowest rate in the league last season; that clearly won't be the case in 2022. Dalvin Cook should see a jump in targets, too. Cousins is a very good bet to clear 600 pass attempts with ease.
Minnesota's receiving corps remains excellent
The NFL's first 2,000-yard receiver is almost certainly in the league right now and Jefferson is the top candidate to be that dude. He's been an unsolvable problem for defenses in his first two seasons, hauling in 196 balls for 3,016 yards, and he just turned 23 in June. We haven't yet seen his best. If you want to draft him first overall in any sort of PPR format, I've got no quarrel with the pick. He has a real chance to be a game-breaking fantasy weapon.
The supporting receivers in Minnesota's offense aren't too shabby, either. Adam Thielen is a two-time Pro Bowler who's made 24 house calls over the past two years, K.J. Osborn was a revelation last season (50-665-7), Irv Smith Jr. is back to full health and, again, we suspect this team is about to unlock Cook as a receiving threat. This offense is loaded.
Even if you're a longtime Cousins skeptic, you should be able to recognize a spectacular fantasy setup when you see it. All necessary pieces are currently in place for Cousins to deliver a massive windfall profit at his ADP. Don't ignore his considerable upside.
Flight makes emergency landing in Salt Lake City due to unruly passenger
A flight from London to Los Angeles was forced to land in Salt Lake City after a passenger attempted to breach the cockpit.
A Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Los Angeles was diverted to Salt Lake City on Tuesday due to an "unruly passenger" who was detained by fellow
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2022-07-27T17:02:11Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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2022 Fantasy Football Drafts: Kirk Cousins is more underrated than you think
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https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-fantasy-football-drafts-kirk-cousins-is-more-underrated-than-you-think-161526922.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-fantasy-football-drafts-kirk-cousins-is-more-underrated-than-you-think-161526922.html?src=rss
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially signed veteran free agent wide receiver Julio Jones to a one-year deal, adding the seven-time Pro Bowler to an already star-studded group of pass-catchers.
Jones’ deal carries a base salary of $6 million for the 2022 season, with a maximum value of $8 million based on incentives, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
A superstar and future Hall of Famer, Jones joins the Bucs after 10 years with the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, as well as one year with the Tennessee Titans.
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2022-07-27T17:03:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Full details of Julio Jones’ 1-year deal with the Bucs
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https://sports.yahoo.com/full-details-julio-jones-1-145032714.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/full-details-julio-jones-1-145032714.html?src=rss
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The New York Jets are underway at training camp, and they’ve begun removing some key players off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. After activating Mekhi Becton, Carl Lawson and C.J. Uzomah on Tuesday night, they’ve now removed George Fant from the PUP list.
That makes all four of those players eligible to practice on Wednesday.
Fant and Becton will compete for the starting left tackle spot, with the “loser” of that battle in line to start at right tackle. It’s one of the most fascinating battles of camp and it’s critical that both players stay healthy all summer and into the regular season.
OT George Fant removed from PUP list, placed on the active roster. Eligible to practice. #Jets
Fant has started 29 games for the Jets in the last two years, playing both left and right tackle. He helped replace Becton last season when he missed all but one game, but the Jets hope both players can stay available in 2022.
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2022-07-27T17:03:45Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Jets activate George Fant off PUP list
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https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-activate-george-fant-off-145244879.html?src=rss
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Philadelphia has several wrestling fans on the roster and Wednesday’s announcement should be huge for guys like Lane Johnson.
The Eagles announced that Lincoln Financial Field will host WWE’s pop-culture extravaganza, WrestleMania 40, on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, 2024.
A week-long celebration and two-day spectacular, it’ll be the first time Philadelphia has been the host city in 25 years.
Additional information and ticket prices for WrestleMania at Lincoln Financial Field will be announced soon.
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2022-07-27T17:04:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Lincoln Financial Field to host WWE’s WrestleMania 40
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https://sports.yahoo.com/lincoln-financial-field-host-wwe-161509351.html?src=rss
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Heading into 2022, there’s one storyline that every member of the Miami Dolphins fanbase, media and staff will be following this season, and that’s the performance of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The narrative that this season will decide the former Crimson Tide signal-caller’s career is a tired one, but it’s still one that holds true. If Tagovailoa can’t perform up to expectations with a new offensive-minded head coach, an improved offensive line and more weapons, it’s unlikely that he’ll have an opportunity to start for Miami in 2023.
So, with the first training camp under new head coach Mike McDaniel beginning, what is the coach telling and asking of his quarterback?
“It’s deliberate intent on each play,” McDaniel said. “A quarterback’s job is exhausting, in terms of, you’ve gotta know a lot of things. He recognized that in OTAs and put in more time this offseason than I think he has with football in that regard.
“What I really want to see from him is Tua is super hard on himself, which is a good thing. But anything in excess isn’t the best thing, either. He holds himself [to] a high standard. I don’t want that to impede when things don’t go the way he wants. I don’t want that to impede the next play… He has such a natural football presence on the football field. Who cares if there’s one [mistake]. Again, like every quarterback, it’s not if but when. Those short-term memories that’s what I think you can really work on in training camp right now and moving forward as the leader of our team.”
There’s a lot of pressure on Tagovailoa’s shoulders this year, and that’s no secret. McDaniel has been supportive of the Dolphins quarterback as the franchise guy this offseason, so he will have his head coach as a resource to rely on this year, something that might not have been as accessible in the past.
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2022-07-27T17:04:17Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Mike McDaniel’s message for Tua Tagovailoa at Dolphins’ training camp
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https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mcdaniel-message-tua-tagovailoa-150602567.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-mcdaniel-message-tua-tagovailoa-150602567.html?src=rss
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Former Crimson Tide running-back, Najee Harris, got a unique call when he was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was from the franchise’s front office. It was Snoop Dogg.
Najee remembers receiving a call from his agent telling him that Steelers fan, Snoop Dogg, was on the phone and that Snoop wanted to congratulate him. This was all done before Najee even knew the Steelers had selected him. Najee then recalls receiving the phone call from Tomlin but could barely hear him because his family was going so wild.
Watch the full crazy story below.
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2022-07-27T17:04:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Najee Harris: ‘Snoop Dogg called me before Steelers’
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https://sports.yahoo.com/najee-harris-snoop-dogg-called-161008740.html?src=rss
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Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins is making good headway in his recovery from a significant knee injury. According to general manager Brian Gutekunst, Jenkins is “ahead of schedule.”
“Elgton is doing great,” said Gutekunst on Wednesday. “We’re excited. We’d like to get him back out there, hopefully, that will be soon. He’s certainly ahead of schedule.”
Jenkins tore his ACL in Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings. He began the season as the starting left tackle in place of David Bakhtiari, who was still recovering from a knee injury. Jenkins started eight games in 2021, allowing two sacks, 12 pressures, and had a pass-blocking efficiency of 97.5, per Pro Football Focus.
Since his selection in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Jenkins has been a revelation for the Packers’ offensive line, proving he can line up at all five positions. Jenkins is considered one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the NFL and, in 2020, was named to his first Pro Bowl.
“When Elgton gets out there, he’s a unique guy,” Gutekunst stated. “Can line up at five spots, so once we get him out there and kind of get down the road a little bit to see where Dave (Bakhtiari) is at, we’ll start looking at where we can lineup.”
As Gutekunst mentioned, Bakhtiari underwent another procedure on his injured knee this offseason but is “cautiously optimistic” about his recovery. If Bakhtiari does miss an extended period of time, getting Jenkins back would alleviate some concerns upfront.
Luis Urías hit a walk-off sacrifice fly with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning to help the Milwaukee Brewers edge the Minnesota Twins, 7-6.
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2022-07-27T17:04:42Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Packers OL Elgton Jenkins ‘ahead of schedule’ in recovery from ACL injury
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https://sports.yahoo.com/packers-ol-elgton-jenkins-ahead-145607501.html?src=rss
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Carolina Panthers cornerback Rashaan Melvin was not present on Tuesday as players reported to Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. And now, we know why.
As announced by the team prior to their first training camp practice this morning, the 32-year-old veteran has retired. Melvin played in 10 games, including a pair of starts, for the Panthers in 2021.
The Waukegan, Ill. native broke into the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013. He’d go on to rack up a number of different stops during his eight-year professional career—a journey that later crossed with the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Melvin totaled 260 combined tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and 41 passes defensed over 74 games. His best campaign came in 2017 with the Colts—where he notched highs in picks (three) and passes defensed (13).
With Melvin’s departure, Carolina is now down to 89 men on their current roster.
It's the return of the teal.
Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn‘s rookie season was cut short by a foot injury and he’s not quite ready to throw himself into practice at training camp. Horn has been placed on the physically unable to perform list. The team said that he reported soreness after taking part in a conditioning test on Tuesday. Horn is [more]
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2022-07-27T17:04:48Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Panthers CB Rashaan Melvin retires
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Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn may have rolled up to training camp with some firepower in the form of a matte black SRT Hellcat with team-colored trim. But he’s not quite ready to take it full throttle on the football field.
As announced by the team prior to Wednesday’s opening practice, Horn has been placed on the active-physically unable to perform list. This will, obviously, limit the second-year defensive back’s availability, but he can be activated from the designation at any time.
Horn was selected with the eighth overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft out of the University of South Carolina. He’d go on to impress right away, chalking up his first interception while allowing just one catch against five targets over three games.
Unfortunately, he sustained a broken right foot during the team’s Week 3 contest against the Houston Texans. Horn went on to miss the following 14 games of the season.
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2022-07-27T17:04:55Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Panthers place CB Jaycee Horn on active-PUP list
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https://sports.yahoo.com/panthers-place-cb-jaycee-horn-152240917.html?src=rss
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Now, here's a look at 10 players that NFL talent evaluators believe will take big steps forward during the 2022 season.
People expected big things from Akers last season, but a torn Achilles' tendon sidelined him for much of the year. Now healthy again, the third-year pro is poised to have an impactful role for the defending Super Bowl champs, both as a ballcarrier and receiver out of the backfield.
Highsmith displayed steady growth in each of his first two seasons, and now he seems poised to take another step forward and establish himself as a dynamic and versatile defender. Building on last year's 74-tackle, six-sack campaign, Highsmith will pair with T.J. Watt to give the Steelers a truly dominant pass-rushing tandem.
As a first-round pick out of UCLA, Phillips used impressive length, athleticism and a relentless motor to rack up 8.5 sacks for the Dolphins while earning all-rookie honors. Entering Year 2, he aims to crack the double-digit mark for sacks while helping anchor Miami's defense.
Reunited with his former college teammate in quarterback Jalen Hurts, Smith impressed with 64 catches for 916 yards and five touchdowns in 2021. The Eagles acquired A.J. Brown this offseason so Hurts now has another talented option, but that also should help ease pressure on Smith. Brown's presence will make it hard for defenses to zero in on Smith as easily, and that could lead to more game-changing opportunities for Smith.
Surtain wasted no time making an impact as a rookie for the Broncos. He recorded four interceptions and a touchdown, along with 14 pass breakups and 58 tackles. Now, he’s approaching the game as a veteran, having spent the offseason studying the game's best wide receivers while declaring expectations of major growth for himself.
Tryon-Schoyinka spent much of 2021 as a rotational player on Tampa's defense and capped the year with four sacks and 29 tackles. Now, he's poised to distinguish himself as a full-time starter and highly impactful force in Todd Bowles' defense.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is ready to explode. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige unveiled Phase 5 of the MCU at Comic-Con Saturday, including a “Hawkeye” spinoff, a political thriller, a “Daredevil” reboot and Anthony Mackie’s Captain America movie, plus a sneak peek at Phase 6. Here’s everything we learned from Hall H: “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” Aug. 17 Tatiana Maslany stars as ...
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2022-07-27T17:05:01Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ready for a breakout? Here are 10 NFL players poised to take a leap forward in 2022
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https://sports.yahoo.com/ready-breakout-10-nfl-players-163328598.html?src=rss
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Roquan Smith added to the PUP list before first practice originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Roquan Smith was added to the physically unable to perform (PUP) list before the Bears' training camp practice on Wednesday.
Along with Smith, Sam Kamara was added to the PUP list and Tajae Sharpe, Dane Cruikshank and Michael Joseph on the NFL list. Players are not allowed to practice until they are taken off the PUP list.
Smith is undergoing a "hold-in," meaning he is attending training camp but not practicing until his contract is settled. His contract situation is fluid and the fact that he doesn't have an agent makes things difficult.
Ryan Poles on players not having agents: "If a player didn’t have an agent, it would be a different situation than if they did."
Smith is likely looking for $20 million per year, since his counterparts at the position -- Fred Warner and Shaquille Leonard -- each make roughly $19 million per year. A $20 million per year deal would make Smith the highest-paid linebacker in the league.
Details should emerge on Smith's placement on the PUP list during Wednesday's press conference with head coach Matt Eberflus.
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2022-07-27T17:05:07Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Roquan Smith added to the PUP list before first practice
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https://sports.yahoo.com/roquan-smith-added-pup-list-144930354.html?src=rss
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In the aftermath of running back Chris Carson’s retirement from the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks have handed linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven his walking papers after a failed physical designation.
Seattle drafted Burr-Kirven in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of the University of Washington. Throughout his three-year career thus far, he has rarely seen the field on defense but has been used extensively on special teams, where he has thrived.
Burr-Kirven suffered a torn ACL in the preseason last year and missed the entire 2021 season as a result. He would be released by the Seahawks on July 26 after failing his physical.
Jordyn Brooks and Cody Barton are expected to lead the linebacker corps in 2022 with the releases of Bobby Wagner and Burr-Kirven, while Rashaad Penny and rookie Kenneth Walker III will receive significant playing time in replacing Carson at running back.
Why Seahawks RB Chris Carson won't make formal retirement statement
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2022-07-27T17:05:14Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Seahawks release LB Ben Burr-Kirven after failed physical
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson reported to training camp on Tuesday despite his desire to get a contract extension done before the start of the season. Johnson is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and is hoping to cash in on the inflated wide receiver market.
Johnson spoke to the media on Wednesday and gave the impression that some of the decisions about whether or not Johnson participates in workouts will be out of his hands and the decision of his agent.
Last year outside linebacker T.J. Watt did his own hold-in last offseason before becoming the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. Watt showed up to workouts every day but instead of team activities, Watt worked individually on the sidelines each day.
Johnson certainly doesn’t carry the cache Watt did last season and is far from an elite player despite his best season in 2021. With a new quarterback in place, can Johnson really afford to not be on the field with his offense as much as possible?
A decision about whether Pennsylvania’s method of funding public education meets the state constitutional requirement that lawmakers provide “a thorough and efficient system” is in the hands of a state judge.
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2022-07-27T17:05:20Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Steelers WR Diontae Johnson hints a training camp hold-in still an option
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A tidal wave of high school recruits is closing in on Gainesville this weekend for Florida football’s annual Friday Night Lights and team cookout. The bags are packed, the trips are booked and the top prep prospects from around the country have begun to descend upon the Swamp in the days leading up to the big events.
However, there has been a bit of a change in plans for four-star offensive tackle Tyree Adams out of New Orleans (Louisiana) St. Augustine. The 6-foot-5-inch, 285-pound trench warrior was originally scheduled to stop by campus on Wednesday and Thursday of this week for his third visit with the team, but instead, has pushed back his dates to July 30 and 31 to squeeze in a visit with the LSU Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels beforehand.
He will also be back to watch the Gators’ season-opener at home against the Utah Utes on September 3.
Florida and the two aforementioned schools account for three of Adams’ top four preferred destinations, with the Georgia Bulldogs also in the mix. The Orange and Blue have a bit of an edge on the sidelines as running backs coach Jabbar Juluke brings in strong ties from his home in the bayou.
“Coach Juluke actually coached my head coach,” he told 247Sports. “He coached him and a few of my assistant coaches at my school. We have an amazing relationship with coach Juluke. Coming from Louisiana, he understands.”
Adams is currently ranked No. 196 overall and No. 20 in his class nationally according to the 247Sports composite, while the On3 consensus has him at Nos. 209 and 17, respectively. LSU holds the lone crystal ball prediction from 247Sports while dominating the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine’s numbers with a 91.3% chance of signing him; the Gators are second at 2.8%.
The battle between Ben Wooldridge and Chandler Fields as Louisiana football begins fall camp has an expiration date.
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2022-07-27T17:23:56Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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4-star offensive tackle moves Swamp visit date to big weekend
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https://sports.yahoo.com/4-star-offensive-tackle-moves-161456751.html?src=rss
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LSU saw another player crack an award watch list on Tuesday as edge rusher BJ Ojulari was one of 85 players named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is given annually to the top defensive player in college football, regardless of position.
Ojulari enters his junior season with high expectations, and if he can stay healthy, he should be one of the best edge rushers in the SEC, if not the entire country.
After making an immediate impact in the rotation as a true freshman in 2020, Ojulari became a full-time starter last fall. He played in every game, leading the team in sacks with seven and finishing second in tackles for loss with 11.5. He’ll look to become the second LSU player to win the Nagurski Trophy, joining Glenn Dorsey in 2007.
Defensive lineman @Bj_O9 is on the Nagurski Trophy list
Glenn Dorsey won the award, which is given to the most outstanding defensive player in the nation, in 2007. pic.twitter.com/Qpd1cNWNwj
Ojulari enters his third season expected to take his play up a notch, and many see him as a potential first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Playing next to Ali Gaye should give the Tigers one of the best edge-rushing duos in the country as the defense hopes to take a leap forward in 2022 under new defensive coordinator Matt House.
LSU now has three players on preseason watch lists, with Ojulari joining Kayshon Boutte and Micah Baskerville, who are on the lists for the Biletnikoff and Butkus awards, respectively. The full 85-man list for the Nagurski Trophy can be found here.
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2022-07-27T17:23:59Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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BJ Ojulari named to the preseason Nagurski Trophy watch list
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INDIANAPOLIS, IND. — The college football landscape looks completely different today compared to the past, even just a few years ago. The world of college football looks different for numerous reasons, but the main two are arguably the biggest: Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the ever-revolving conference expansion.
During Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday in Indianapolis, Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren noted the joining of USC and UCLA in the year 2024 and the opportunities that arise with their addition to the conference. “We are blessed now, especially with the addition of the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, that we will have a footprint in the three major media markets from New York to Los Angeles to Chicago, which will allow us to be even bolder when it comes to corporate partnership and activation,” said Warren. “So I’ll look forward to building a very successful and robust business in that area.”
He talked about how the Big Ten was finalizing its media rights and an announcement would be coming sooner rather than later — there is a bunch of different networks trying to get their hands on the Big Ten media rights. Of course, when the Big Ten announces this major agreement, money will be flowing in, so the commissioner had some questions to answer about NIL. Warren said he was a big proponent of NIL for student-athletes, so talks will happen in the future.
“Name, image and likeness is another area that we’ve been talking about this last, past year”, said Warren. “I still strongly believe — I’m a big proponent of name, image and likeness. I am so grateful that many of our student-athletes have been blessed with the ability to monetize their name, image and likeness. That said, I am disappointed that we still have to operate with these various patchwork of laws from a state-level standpoint. We need federal legislation to help put in some guardrails to make it even more cleaner, to make sure these name, image and likeness is not used as a recruiting inducement.”
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was at the first day of Big Ten Media Days on Tuesday, and he has an idea for NIL in the Big Ten. He believes that once the Big Ten signs its mega TV deal, it should administer money to the student-athletes for using their Name, Image, and Likeness. He talked about how the television companies use the players’ names, and how they show their image on the screen.
“Yeah, I mean, the Big Ten even,” said Harbaugh. “They use their name image and likeness on the TV broadcasts, they’re the ones signing the mega TV deals. The new ones coming in 2024. Why can’t that be TV deal from the Big Ten. Because that’s who’s negotiating the TV deals and that’s where the big money is.”
Harbaugh was also asked about the reported $13-million NIL deal that Ohio State has for its football players. Harbaugh sure-handily said he believes Michigan could double that, but he didn’t go into much detail on how that would happen.
“My thoughts were I think we can do more,” said Harbaugh. “I think maybe we can even double that at Michigan. I think that’s possible. And I think it’s going in a terrific direction that way. I mean, you know me, I’ve always been for NIL I believe players should have a share in the revenues. And I think that’s something that’s really possible at Michigan, so I think that’s where we’re headed.”
It should be noted that Kevin Warren said that the Big Ten is starting a student-athlete advisory committee that will speak with the current Big Ten athletes to grasp what they may need. He said that anything is on the table including talks about NIL.
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2022-07-27T17:24:16Z
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Jim Harbaugh believes the Big Ten should help out with an NIL plan
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To most of the nation and the casual football-watching public, Reid Bauer is that guy who threw the touchdown pass on Arkansas’ fake field goal last year against Alabama.
And while that’s true, Bauer is getting some recognition for his so-called day job, too.
Arkansas’ senior punter was one of 48 players named to the Ray Guy Award watch list as the nation’s best college punter. Bauer punted 58 times last year for an average of 43.28 yards per kick. The rank was fourth in the SEC, but the key was pinning. Sixteen of Bauer’s punts were fielded or downed inside the opponent’s 20.
Yes, Bauer is most famous for the 33-yard scoring toss to Blake Kern last year, though. The touchdown pulled Arkansas within six points of the Crimson Tide in the fourth quarter before Jameson Williams’ touchdown with 5:38 left provided Alabama’s insurance.
The Ray Guy Award will be given out December 8 as part of the College Football Awards presentation.
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2022-07-27T17:24:35Z
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Reid Bauer known for more than miracle touchdown vs Alabama
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Wide receiver Bredell Richardson and running back Anthony Carrie plan on visiting the University of Florida on Wednesday, according to Gators Online. The two have received interest from the Orange and Blue dating back to Dan Mullen’s tenure, from which they both received offers. However, scholarships have not yet been extended under Napier’s supervision, but there is still plenty of time remaining for that to change.
Richardson, a 6-foot-1-inch, 185-pound pass-catcher, is currently ranked No. 75 overall and No. 11 in his class nationally according to the 247Sports composite, while the On3 consensus has him at Nos. 77 and 12, respectively. On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine has the Gators in front for his talents with a robust 31.6% chance of landing him while the Florida State Seminoles lag behind in second at 9.8% and the Miami Hurricanes third at 8.4%.
Carrie, a 6-foot, 185-pound ball-carrier, is currently ranked No. 94 overall and No. 3 in his class nationally according to the 247Sports composite, while the On3 consensus has him at Nos. 100 and 5, respectively. On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine has the Georgia Bulldogs in the lead for the rising junior with a 37.2% chance of snagging him while Florida is second at 11.6% and the South Carolina Gamecocks making things interesting at 9.9%.
“The View” reportedly has its eyes set on former Trump aide Alyssa Farah Griffin. Farah Griffin is the ABC daytime talk show’s selection to fill the co-hosting gig vacated by Meghan McCain’s departure last year, Variety reported Tuesday. The 33-year-old Farah Griffin is said to be in final discussions to join the show’s panel for the upcoming 26th season. Farah Griffin, who served as the White ...
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2022-07-27T17:25:01Z
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These two 4-star teammates stopping by on Wednesday for visit
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Gabe Carimi
Earlier this week, the Football Writer Association of America released their initial watch list for the Outland Trophy which is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football every year. Fortunately, the Wisconsin Badgers were able to land an interior lineman from offense and defense on the list.
Junior center Joe Tippman and senior nose tackle Keeanu Benton were selected for the award after having breakthrough seasons in 2021. Tippman started 10 out of the 11 games for Wisconsin and helped to create space for the Badgers’ outstanding run game last year.
On defense, Benton disrupted up the middle and is already nominated for several watch lists and preseason awards. The senior nose tackle did it all for Wisconsin in 2021 and finished with 25 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
The Badgers have had two Outland Trophy winners in the past with offensive tackles Gabe Carimi and Joe Thomas in 2010 and 2006.
Got both sides on 🔒@keeanu_benton @JoeTippmann pic.twitter.com/XCdyjc1Mjs
WEST POINT, N.Y. - OL Connor Bishop has been named to the Outland Trophy Watch List.Bishop, who was named a co-captain for the 2022 season, played an integral part in the rushing attack as the starting center last season, which was second in the nation in yards per game (286) and produced the most rushing TDs in the country (46).
If the WVU WR room is going to make leaps in Graham Harrell’s offensive scheme, one area is going to need to improve.
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2022-07-27T17:25:07Z
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Two Wisconsin interior linemen named to Outland Trophy Watch List
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Georgia Hall dreamed of one day playing with Tiger Woods. She lived it out at the R&A’s Celebration of Champions over the Old Course earlier this month, joined by Rory McIlroy and Lee Trevino.
“I’m definitely going to get that picture framed sooner rather than later for sure,” said Hall of their epic group photo with Jack Nicklaus taken at the Swilcan Bridge, “and definitely one of the best moments of my career.”
On the eve of the Trust Golf Scottish Open, Hall talked about a conversation she had with McIlroy during that four-hole loop that led to a change in her putting. Both have gone to Brad Faxon for putting lessons and similarly struggle with left-to-right putts.
“I started using a line on the golf ball last week for the first time in a couple of years,” said Hall, “because we briefly spoke about that, and I putted probably the best I have this year. So I’m going to continue to do that. It’s just nice to get some inside information as well and speak to someone who has done it all.”
Hall, who tied for eighth last week at the Amundi Evian, also spent a good deal of time focusing on Woods’ putting while playing alongside him.
What dreams are made of. pic.twitter.com/R7NZH48E8l
— Georgia Hall ⛳️ (@georgiahall96) July 11, 2022
Hall, 26, called Dundonald Links her favorite venue for the Scottish Open and links her favorite style of golf. The 2018 AIG Women’s British Open champion said she appreciated the fact that McIlroy shows an interest in the LPGA.
“He says that he watches women’s golf and how kind of U.K. players are doing,” said Hall, “and it’s really nice just to meet someone really genuine and interested in our part of the game as well.”
Hall won earlier this year on the LET at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International. Her top-10 finish at the Evian was the first of the year on the LPGA.
P.J. Poulin, former UConn closer, is on his way up the ladder in the Rockies’ organization. After a stellar second season in Hartford he was promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday. Poulin, 26, a lefthander, is one of several former Huskies relievers knocking on the door to the big leagues, including Patrick Ruotolo and John Russell in the Giants’ organization, and Jacob Wallace with the ...
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2022-07-27T17:32:03Z
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A dream day at the Old Course for Georgia Hall included a putting tip from Rory McIlroy that’s paying off
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The New Orleans Saints brain trust weren’t kidding when they said star receiver Michael Thomas would be coming off of the physically unable to perform (PUP) list soon — head coach Dennis Allen echoed comments from general manager Mickey Loomis setting that expectation on Tuesday, and Thomas was busy at work the next day.
The team is activating him from the PUP list. Thomas was seen taking snaps and catching passes in Wednesday’s first training camp practice session, participating in individual drills and running routes against air (doing everything but team drills). It’s a welcome sight after a nearly two-year absence stemming from Thomas’ frustrating ankle injury in the 2020 season-opener, delayed by a setback in an already-postponed surgery last summer.
But he’s been diligent in his recovery and working to get back up to speed, and now that effort is paying off. The Saints are betting on Thomas returning to form as one of the game’s best receivers — envisioning a three-pronged approach featuring rookie first round pick Chris Olave, fan-favorite free agent pickup Jarvis Landry, and Thomas taking the tip of the spear. That’s a strong trio for Jameis Winston to work with, and he’s also got last year’s leading receivers (Marquez Callaway, Deonte Harty, and Tre’Quan Smith) at his disposal.
Still, a lot hinges on Thomas and the health of his ankle. The more reps he’s able to put in during practice, the stronger his trust in the surgically-repaired joint will be, and that allows him to take on a bigger role during the season. Success in the fall starts with hard work in the summer.
Saints coach Dennis Allen cites his own evolution as one of the biggest differences between the last training camp he oversaw in 2014 with the Raiders and his first in charge with New Orleans this summer. While general manager Mickey Loomis emphasized the relative continuity maintained by elevating Allen from defensive coordinator to head coach, he also acknowledged that in pro sports, a change in leadership is always significant, with effects that ripple across the roster. For the past 16 years, Loomis said, "the whole team has taken on personality of Sean Payton and that’s been a good thing."
Tyler Perry's 'A Jazzman's Blues': First Look At Film Released By Netflix
Netflix has dropped the first look images for its upcoming Tyler Perry film, A Jazzman’s Blues, which is a passion project that’s been in the works for almost three decades.
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2022-07-27T17:32:16Z
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Michael Thomas activated from Saints PUP list, already busy in practice
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American football player and coach (1944–2022)
Gradishar anchored the Broncos’ famous “Orange Crush” defense in the 1970s, earning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1978. A seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, Gradishar helped Denver reach the Super Bowl in 1977 and he’s now a member of the team’s Ring of Fame.
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2022-07-27T18:55:15Z
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3 former Broncos named finalists for 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame class
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The Denver Broncos took to the practice field for Day 1 of training camp on Wednesday. Following the arrival of a new coaching staff and a new star quarterback in Russell Wilson, expectations are high in Denver.
“We know expectations are higher than they’ve ever been here,” general manager George Paton said during his pre-camp press conference on Tuesday. “We’re not blind to that. We embrace expectations, but we have a long way to go. We haven’t won here in five, six years.
“We won seven games last year. We’re 0-0 now. The work starts now, [and there’s] a lot of work to be done. I know we’re going to embrace the process, and I look forward to the journey with Coach [Nathaniel] Hackett, with this team, and everyone involved.”
Here are five quick notes on the Broncos following the first day of practice at the team’s UCHealth Training Center in Englewood.
New car smell
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is entering his 11th season in the NFL, but he tweeted Tuesday that there’s still a “new car smell.” Perhaps that’s in part because there’s a lot of new in Denver this year. Wilson himself has a fresh start with a new team, and that new team has a new coaching staff and will soon have new ownership.
Those new arrivals will team up with the team’s incumbent leaders like Justin Simmons with the goal of getting this car – the franchise – back to the postseason.
“It’s good to be back,” general manager George Paton said during his pre-camp press conference Tuesday. “We’re refreshed and energized. There’s a lot of buzz in the building and a lot of optimism. It’s just great being around with the players showing up — the coaches and the entire organization …
“I think we have a good blend of veteran players, young players, and foundational-type players. These guys like to work. They want to win, and they’re obsessed with the process of winning. We feel really good about this team.”
Injuries: 6 players sidelined
Ahead of the start of camp on Tuesday, the Broncos placed outside linebacker Randy Gregory (shoulder), offensive lineman Billy Turner (knee) and wide receiver KJ Hamler (knee) on the active/non football injury list.
Denver also placed outside linebacker Christopher Allen (foot) on the non-football list. All four players are eligible to return to practice any time before the regular season begins, and Paton sounds optimistic that Gregory will be ready to go for the regular season.
“He looks really good, and he’s had a really good summer,” Paton said Tuesday. “Randy has been working really hard. I love seeing him work. I look out my window and I’m seeing him work.
“He’s showing everything here in his rehab that he showed on tape. I think Randy — obviously, there is some work to be done, but we expect him on schedule for Week 1 and we’ll see if we can take him off [PUP] before then. He looks really good.”
After Wednesday’s practice, Hackett said offensive tackle Tom Compton had a back procedure and he will be placed on PUP list.
A sixth player, rookie tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring), avoided the PUP and NFI lists, but he worked on the side of the field at Wednesday’s practice.
Roster moves: OT in, LB out
With Turner and Compton both sidelined, the Broncos brought back Cam Fleming on a one-year deal to provide more depth and competition on the offensive line. At the moment, Calvin Anderson and Fleming are the top two (healthy) options at right tackle.
To make room for Fleming on the 90-man offseason roster, Denver waived undrafted rookie linebacker Kadofi Wright.
Day 1 standouts: QB Brett Rypien and DB P.J. Locke
Rypien had an impressive day, connecting on a 20-yard pass to Courtland Sutton and later hitting Montrell Washington for a touchdown. Rypien’s competing with Josh Johnson for the backup quarterback spot. He’s certainly off to a good start.
On defense, safety P.J. Locke stood out by breaking up a pair of passes. Locke was praised by coaches and teammates in the spring and it looks like he’s carried his momentum from OTAs into training camp.
Hackett easing into things
Hackett is an energetic coach and he’s eager to hit the ground rolling in Denver, but he learned during his time as an assistant coach that it’s possible to do too much too soon. That’s why he’s easing players into action at the start of training camp.
“One of the bigger things is that with coaches, we’re very excited and we want to come out of the gate rolling,” Hackett said Tuesday. “It’s practice, we’re on the field and we want to do every single thing you possibly can. I think being able to sit back and understand it is a marathon. It’s a long camp and long preseason. I think that’s something that I learned over time. You can’t just go crazy in these first couple of days. You have to slowly work them into it. You have to make sure that you’re giving them enough time to recover because the season is different with this 17th game and then the playoffs. It is a long season.
“I love the season, don’t get me wrong, but it’s long. We just have to make sure that everybody is fresh. I think that’s so important. So, to be able to work — there’s that fine balance between working everybody hard enough, but at the same time, letting them recover and letting them be able to get to that highest level they possibly can as we progress throughout the season.”
Once the pads come on, practice will start to heat up, but that’s still a few days away. For now, Denver’s easing back into the swing of things.
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2022-07-27T18:55:27Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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5 notes from Day 1 of Broncos training camp
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Founder and longtime owner of the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans, the late Bud Adams, has missed out on the Pro Football Hall of Fame yet again.
According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Adams, who was one of the semifinalists in the coach/contributor category, was not among the 12 finalists for the honor.
Also missing the cut was longtime Oilers scout C.O. Brocato and wide receiver and returner Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, who was up for nomination in the seniors category.
“If Bud doesn’t go in, now that’s a travesty,” Johnson stated last week, via Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “Here’s a guy who founded the old AFL, which parlayed into the old AFC, which parlayed into one of the better conferences in the NFL. I mean, c’mon, he was one of the guys who really got it started. If he doesn’t go in, there’s something wrong.”
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2022-07-27T18:56:07Z
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Bud Adams, 2 Oilers miss cut for Pro Football Hall of Fame
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Ex-Patriots WR N'Keal Harry has 'real chip' on his shoulder with Bears originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
N'Keal Harry has a fresh start with the Chicago Bears entering the 2022 NFL season, and he's plenty motivated to prove his doubters wrong and revive his struggling career.
"This is a golden opportunity for all of us. It's just, who's going to grab it?"
-N'Keal Harry on the Bears WR room with lots of players who've got something to prove
The 2019 first-round pick was traded to the Bears from the New England Patriots earlier this month after three underwhelming seasons in Foxboro.
Harry tallied just 57 receptions for 598 yards and four touchdowns in 33 games over those three years. Simply put, the Patriots were expecting more from a first-rounder.
Now the 24-year-old wideout has a chance to carve out a larger role in the Bears offense.
Chicago lost veteran wideout Allen Robinson during free agency in March. Darnell Mooney has become the Bears' top wide receiver, but the Bears need someone else to step up and provide second-year quarterback Justin Fields with another reliable target in the passing attack.
Harry could be one of those players, but he has to stay on the field for that to happen. Durability was an issue for him throughout his New England tenure as he missed 16 games in three years due to injuries.
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2022-07-27T18:56:39Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Ex-Patriots WR N'Keal Harry has 'real chip' on his shoulder with Bears
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The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced 24 finalists for the Class of 2023 in the senior and coach/contributor categories on Wednesday, and two former Rams players were among those in contention as senior candidates.
Cornerback Eddie Meador and linebacker Maxie Baughan made it to the next step as finalists, and they’re joined by 10 other players in the senior category. A senior is considered any player who last played in the NFL no later than the 1996 season.
Baughan played five years with the Rams from 1966-1970, making the Pro Bowl four times and a total of nine times in his career. He also had 18 interceptions in 12 NFL seasons.
Meador played 12 seasons with the Rams, making the Pro Bowl six times and being named a first-team All-Pro twice. He finished his career with a whopping 46 interceptions, with 24 of those coming in a three-year span from 1966-1968.
Former Rams head coach Clark Shaughnessy is also a finalist in the coach/contributor category. He coached the Rams for two years from 1948-1949, going 14-7-3 at the helm.
A maximum of three senior finalists will be elected to the Hall of Fame this year, while only one coach/contributor will be in contention for the Class of 2023.
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2022-07-27T18:56:51Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Former Rams CB Eddie Meador, LB Maxie Baughan named Hall of Fame senior finalists
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After weeks of back-and-forth speculation, the New York jets have made up their mind and there will be no offensive tackle position battle during 2022 training camp. We have an answer.
New York head coach Robert Saleh provided the results to that question following the team’s first training camp practice of 2022.
After media spotted George Fant lining up at left tackle and Mekhi Becton on the right side during the first workout session, Saleh said that’s it.
The coach confirmed post practice that Fant will begin training camp on the left side. Becton moves to the right.
Saleh curiously added that Becton’s left-tackle days “aren’t over” but right now he will play on the opposite side of the offensive line. Saleh cited Fant being “more comfortable” on the left as a determining factor is his decision.
Saleh confirming the depth chart at tackle comes after a 2021 season which saw Becton miss most of the year due to a knee injury. Without him in the lineup, Fant moved from right to left tackle and thrived.
During his rehab, reports also surfaced that Becton gained weight. That became a thing of the past on Wednesday as well.
Saleh went on to praise Becton’s abilities, who clearly showed up to training camp with a slimmer frame.
“Credit to him. He’s been out here [working out],” Salah said via video conference. “He–I’m not going to get too much into the weight. He got himself into football shape, really. He’s a gifted athlete, he’s a gifted man. Really excited about the direction he’s going.”
“He definitely took a good step forward,” Saleh added.
What remains to be seen is how Becton feels about that. He was drafted with the Jets’ top selection in 2020 to be their franchise blindside blocker.
Just like with Saleh revealing Wednesday’s news, Becton didn’t wait to express how he felt.
Becton doesn’t mind.
“I mean–don’t really matter to me,” Becton said at his presser. “I just got to change my technique up. As long as I’m on the field, it don’t really matter to me. I just know I’ve got to do it different–different things on the right side than I’ve got to do on the left, I’m still getting used to that, it’s a work in progress.”
Former Jets CB Buster Skrine retires from NFL
The Commanders announced a series of roster moves Tuesday, placing four players on the PUP list and another on the NFI list.
Coca-Cola, Emerson Electric and AbbVie have been highlighted in this Investment Ideas article.
The Jets activated one of their prospective tackles from the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday and the other one came off the list on Wednesday. The team announced that George Fant has been activated. Fant has been dealing with a knee injury. Fant took over at left tackle last season after Mekhi Becton [more]
Mets ace Jacob deGrom pitched four innings Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse, finishing strong after a shaky start in what could be his last minor league rehab outing before rejoining New York's rotation. Sidelined all season by a stress reaction in his right scapula, deGrom gave up four runs on a pair of homers and threw 41 of 67 pitches for strikes. The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner could return to the Mets early next week in Washington.
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2022-07-27T18:57:17Z
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Jets’ Robert Saleh: Mekhi Becton starts at RT, but his LT days ‘are not over’
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The Green Bay Packers had Ashwaubenon native and former New York Jets quarterback James Morgan in town for a workout on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.
It’s clear general manager Brian Gutekunst wants to stay updated on the available quarterback market. As it stands to open training camp, Danny Etling is the team’s No. 3 quarterback.
The Jets drafted Morgan out of FIU in the fourth round of the 2020 draft.
Morgan (6-4, 229) has spent time on the practice squad of the Jets, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts. He was most recently released in late May.
Morgan set the school record at FIU for touchdown passes in a season (26) in 2018.
Morgan, a long-time fan of the Packers, was in Green Bay last year for joint practices as a member of the Jets. He wore No. 12 at FIU to honor Aaron Rodgers and No. 4 with the Jets to honor Brett Favre.
Morgan is the second quarterback with Wisconsin ties to work out for the Packers this week, joining Menomonie’s Nate Stanley, a former draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers also hosted wide receiver Ishmael Hyman for a tryout. He went undrafted out of James Madison in 2018. After brief stints with the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers, Hyman (6-0, 196) played for the Michigan Panthers of the USFL.
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2022-07-27T18:58:07Z
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Packers host tryout for former Jets QB James Morgan
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The Hall of Fame announced Wednesday the 12 finalists in the coach/contributor category for the 2023 class, and Kraft is among them.
"On Aug. 23, the 12-person Coach/Contributor Committee will meet to discuss the Finalists," the Hall of Fame said Wednesday. "The process will mirror the Seniors Committee’s; however, only one Coach/Contributor Finalist will advance to the full Selection Committee for consideration as a member of the Class of 2023."
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2022-07-27T18:58:32Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Patriots owner Robert Kraft named Hall of Fame finalist in coach/contributor category
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https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-owner-robert-kraft-named-183216865.html?src=rss
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Matt Gono
The New York Giants continue to work out free agents in hopes of finding a diamond in the rough. This week, as camp opens, they are concentrating on offensive tackles.
Aaron Wilson reports that the Giants hosted offensive tackle Tyree St. Louis, most recently of the USFL.
New York Giants are working out former @USFLStallions and New England Patriots offensive tackle Tyree St. Louis, per a league source. He played collegiately @MiamiHurricanes
Giants have also worked out veteran offensive tackle Kendall Lamm this week.
Big Blue is confident they have their starting tackles for the foreseeable future in place in Andrew Thomas and rookie Evan Neal. It is the depth that has them concerned.
Matt Gono and rookie Joshua Ezeudu are expected to serve as the primary backups. Devery Henderson is also in the mix. This week, the Giants signed veteran free agent Kamaal Seymour and placed Matt Peart on the PUP list.
St. Louis, an undrafted free agent out of Miami in 2018, has spent time with the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers before playing in the new USFL this spring.
Kendall Lamm, 30, has played for the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans.
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2022-07-27T18:58:45Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Report: Giants working out OL Tyree St. Louis
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https://sports.yahoo.com/report-giants-working-ol-tyree-172004575.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/report-giants-working-ol-tyree-172004575.html?src=rss
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The Seattle Seahawks will be heading into the first practice of their 2022 training camp with three new players. On Wednesday morning, the team announced the signings of guard Keenan Forbes, guard Eric Wilson and tight end Jake Hausmann.
Forbes is a rookie guard out of Florida A&M who worked out for Seattle on Tuesday. Wilson, also a rookie guard, had a tryout on Tuesday at the VMAC as well. Finally, Hausmann – the lone veteran of the three – first signed with the Lions as an undrafted rookie last year before later joining the Giants’ practice squad.
The Seahawks are set to start their first practice of the summer at 1:30 p.m. PT with coach Pete Carroll addressing the media shortly after the public session wraps up.
Where does Chris Carson rank among Seahawks RB's?
The Seattle Seahawks hosted four more players for tryouts at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center Tuesday on the first day of training camp.
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2022-07-27T18:59:04Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Seahawks sign 3 players to roster to start 2022 training camp
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https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-sign-3-players-roster-180340728.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/seahawks-sign-3-players-roster-180340728.html?src=rss
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After saying that the left tackle position "feels like home," Brown explained what it's like working with Matt Patricia, whose official title is Senior Football Advisor/Offensive Line.
"I think it's a cool thing getting to see it from another perspective. He was on the defensive side of the ball for so long," Brown said about Patricia.
Patriots' offensive play-caller emerges on Day 1 of training camp
"It's definitely simplified. It'll allow the play-makers to play faster."
Brown also added to Bill Belichick's praise of quarterback Mac Jones.
"He's definitely more commanding than he was last year. He's not timid at all. I'm excited to see his progress," Brown answered when asked about Jones.
"I think he feels more comfortable. He understand that this is his team and he commands the locker room in such a manner."
While Brown agrees with Belichick's assessment of Jones, he also poked fun at Belichick about his previous comments on Jones.
"Maybe he's getting soft in his old age," Brown joked.
"He's a great young fella. Very athletic. Willing to learn. Willing to do the extra work, put that work in. It's going to be fun working with him."
Sixers' Sam Cassell, Spencer Rivers all in on Tyrese Maxey's growth
Sam Cassell and Spencer Rivers are passionate about their work to continue developing Tyrese Maxey's game. By Noah Levick
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2022-07-27T18:59:23Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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Trent Brown takes playful jab at Bill Belichick after Day 1 of training camp
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https://sports.yahoo.com/trent-brown-takes-playful-jab-173000530.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/trent-brown-takes-playful-jab-173000530.html?src=rss
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The Dallas Cowboys are set to have their first practice of 2022 in the next hour, but first some official business. The business of course is who will be available to hit the practice field in full and the answer is not wide receiver Michael Gallup.
Gallup tore his ACL late in the regular season, an injury that normally takes about eight months before even the speediest to recover make their way back to the field. The club initially claimed he’d be ready for the start of the season but backed off that proclamation a few months later. His exact return is up in the air and there’s technically still a chance he gets some on-field work in during training camp in Oxnard, CA. However Gallup will begin on the physically-unable-to-perform list (PUP), along with three rookies.
Not on the list of note? Linebacker Jabril Cox is ready to roll after his ACL injury.
The @dallascowboys made the following transactions on Wednesday:
– Placed LB Damone Clark on Active/NFI
– Placed WR Michael Gallup, WR Dontario Drummond, CB Quandre Mosely and LB Aaron Hansford on Physically Unable to Perform (PUP).
PUP and NFI (non-football injury list) function the same way. Players who are placed on either list to start training camp cannot practice with the club, but can be taken off the list at any time. The only difference between the two is whether the absence is related to an NFL-incurred injury (PUP) or something that happened outside the parameters of NFL work (NFI). College injuries fall under the latter category.
That’s how Damone Clark, who had spinal surgery before the draft that led to his drop from a second-round projection, lands on NFI. The other injuries are tied to things rookies Dontario Drummond, Aaron Hansford and Quandre Mosley have suffered since joining the league.
If any of these players are not ready by the start of the regular season, they can be moved from Active/PUP to Reserve/PUP. They will then have to miss at least the first four weeks of the season, down from six in prior years.
Matthew McConaughey, a Texas native, is a professor at UT Austin and at one point considered challenging Greg Abbott for governor of Texas.
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2022-07-27T18:59:35Z
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sports.yahoo.com
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WR Michael Gallup among 5 Cowboys starting camp on PUP/NFI list
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https://sports.yahoo.com/wr-michael-gallup-among-5-175700163.html?src=rss
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https://sports.yahoo.com/wr-michael-gallup-among-5-175700163.html?src=rss
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