The New England Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez have not yet agreed on a long-term contract extension. Gonzalez said he feels frustrated but is focusing on the upcoming football season.
Key Facts
Christian Gonzalez and the Patriots are still negotiating a long-term contract.
Gonzalez expressed frustration about the contract talks but said he is focused on playing in Week 1.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft previously said the team offered Gonzalez the highest-paying contract ever for a cornerback.
Eliot Wolf, the Patriots’ executive vice president of player personnel, confirmed the offer is still available.
Wolf stated that the team wants Gonzalez to stay and is working with his representatives to reach an agreement.
The Patriots will begin their season on September 9 with a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
This game will be a rematch of the previous Super Bowl between the Patriots and Seahawks.
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During San Francisco 49ers training camp, linebacker Fred Warner and quarterback Brock Purdy have been playfully trash talking each other. Warner said he respects Purdy’s competitive nature and is trying to make practice feel like a real game.
Key Facts
Fred Warner is a veteran linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers.
Brock Purdy is the 49ers’ starting quarterback.
The two players have been engaging in friendly trash talk during practice.
Warner said he admires Purdy’s confidence and competitiveness.
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak supports the back-and-forth as a way to boost team performance.
The players maintain respect, shaking hands after practice sessions.
The 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in their first regular-season game on September 10.
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Golf Channel delayed the premiere of its reality show "Big Break x Good Good" by one week because a sponsor withdrew after a controversial video was posted. The video, showing a man pushing a woman in an ad for a Callaway golf driver, was removed and criticized by Good Good Golf, Callaway, and the PGA Tour.
Key Facts
Golf Channel postponed "Big Break x Good Good" premiere from August 25 to September 1 due to a sponsor’s request.
The sponsor, reportedly Golf Galaxy, wanted its branding removed following backlash over a video.
The video showed a man shoving a woman during a promotion for a Callaway golf driver.
Good Good Golf took down the video and apologized, saying the behavior shown does not reflect their values.
Callaway also apologized, with CEO Chip Brewer admitting the company approved the video before posting and called it a mistake.
The PGA Tour expressed disappointment and said it is closely monitoring Good Good’s ongoing response.
Good Good Golf is the title sponsor of a new PGA Tour event in Austin, Texas, starting this fall.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said Good Good’s initial apology was defensive and late but noted improvements in their responses.
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones was suspended for three games by the NFL because he broke the league’s substance abuse rules. He can still play in the preseason games, but his suspension starts Sunday and ends on September 28.
Key Facts
Jeshaun Jones is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings.
The NFL suspended him for three games due to a violation of the substance abuse policy.
The league did not say what substance or rule was broken.
Jones spent two years on the Vikings’ practice squad before joining the active roster in 2025.
He had 2,040 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns over six years playing college football at Maryland.
Jones can still play in the remaining preseason games, including one against Denver.
His three-game suspension starts Sunday, making him eligible to return on September 28.
The Vikings have strong wide receivers, making it hard for Jones to earn a regular season spot.
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Aaron Marsh, a former wide receiver who played for the Boston Patriots, died at age 81. He was a standout player at Eastern Kentucky University and held several school records before going pro and later helped children through sports programs.
Key Facts
Aaron Marsh died on August 7 at age 81 in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
He played college football at Eastern Kentucky University from 1964 to 1967.
Marsh was one of the first Black student-athletes at Eastern Kentucky.
He set several school records in receiving and punt returns that still stood 40 years later.
He was drafted by the Boston Patriots in the third round of the 1968 AFL Draft.
Marsh played two seasons with the Patriots before the team became the New England Patriots.
After his football career, he worked with at-risk children and organized a youth league in Compton, California.
He was inducted into Eastern Kentucky's Hall of Fame in 2006 and named to the All-Century team in 2009.
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The Detroit Lions have hired Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator. Petzing takes over a strong offense led by quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, with hopes he can continue their success.
Key Facts
Drew Petzing is the new offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
Petzing previously worked with the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns.
Jared Goff has been a top NFL quarterback in passing yards and touchdowns for three years.
Amon-Ra St. Brown has one of the highest numbers of catches among NFL receivers recently.
Jahmyr Gibbs is considered one of the league’s best offensive players with over 5,000 yards and 49 touchdowns in three seasons.
The Lions’ offense is strong and well-built, giving Petzing a good foundation to work with.
Previous Lions offensive coordinators had mixed results, with some losing their jobs mid-season.
The team hopes Petzing will build on current success without disrupting the offense’s strengths.
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Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' star pitcher and hitter, has not pitched since early July due to a knee injury. He is expected to return to pitching by the end of this week, possibly playing his first game back on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers.
Key Facts
Ohtani last pitched on July 3 before a knee injury sidelined him.
He missed the All-Star Game and has also dealt with a minor biceps injury.
Ohtani has started throwing bullpen sessions again in early August.
He has thrown two bullpen sessions as part of his recovery.
Before his injury, Ohtani had a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85.2 innings pitched this season.
The Dodgers usually prefer a six-man starting pitcher rotation.
Other Dodgers starters include Tyler Glasnow, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki.
Ohtani’s return will strengthen the Dodgers’ starting rotation, considered among the best in Major League Baseball.
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The Golden State Warriors signed Georges Niang to a one-year contract worth $3.9 million. Niang missed last season due to a serious foot injury but is returning to play after previously playing for several NBA teams.
Key Facts
Georges Niang signed a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Golden State Warriors.
Niang missed the entire 2025-26 NBA season due to a severe foot injury.
He was originally drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2016 as the 50th overall pick.
Niang has played for the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks.
In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 12.1 points per game with the Hawks.
Niang shoots near 40% from the three-point line during his career.
The Warriors finished last season with a 37-45 record, placing 10th in the Western Conference.
The Warriors start their 2026-27 season on October 21 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith will start a rehab assignment with their Triple-A team on August 25. He has been out since June due to a neck injury, and the Dodgers hope he will return to the major league team by mid-September.
Key Facts
Will Smith is a catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers and a three-time All-Star.
He has not played since June 5 because of an inflamed disk in his neck.
Smith will begin a minor league rehab assignment with the Dodgers’ Triple-A team, the Oklahoma City Dodgers, on August 25.
If his rehab lasts the full 20 days allowed by MLB, Smith could rejoin the Dodgers by September 13.
Before the injury, Smith had a batting average of .249 and was likely affected by the injury even before he stopped playing.
Dodgers pitchers have a better earned run average (ERA) when throwing to Smith compared to other catchers.
Other catchers, like Hunter Feduccia, have been filling in during Smith’s absence.
The team hopes Smith can return in time to help them pursue a third straight World Series title.
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Ja'Kobi Lane is a new wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens who has shown impressive skills during preseason training. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson praised Lane, and the team expects him to quickly contribute to their offense. The Ravens start their 2026 season against the Indianapolis Colts on September 13.
Key Facts
Ja'Kobi Lane is a rookie wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens.
Lane has made several highlight plays during training camp.
Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ quarterback, called Lane "different" and highly praised him.
Lane previously played college football for the USC Trojans.
Lane said he likes to work hard like other top Ravens players such as Derrick Henry and Mark Andrews.
The Ravens’ main wide receiver, Zay Flowers, recently signed a four-year contract worth $140 million.
The Ravens will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 of the 2026 regular season on September 13.
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Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, has recovered well from his knee surgery after tearing his ACL and LCL last season. He has met all recovery goals and feels strong during practice as the new NFL season approaches.
Key Facts
Mahomes injured his ACL and LCL late last NFL season.
He has completed surgery and rehabilitation successfully.
Mahomes said he feels good and can handle the daily practice grind.
Coaches and teammates report positive signs about his recovery.
Head coach Andy Reid does not plan to put Mahomes in live games before the season starts.
Mahomes has not played in a live NFL game for over eight months.
The Chiefs will face tough opposing players like Nik Bonitto and others at the season opener on September 14.
The season opener will be on “Monday Night Football” against the Denver Broncos.
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The Denver Broncos have acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. Broncos offensive coordinator Davis Webb said Waddle will be a key player this season and will be used in many ways on offense.
Key Facts
Jaylen Waddle was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Denver Broncos.
Waddle is known for his very fast speed and versatility on the field.
Broncos offensive coordinator Davis Webb said Waddle will play in many different positions except the offensive line.
Last season, Waddle caught 64 passes for 910 yards and scored six touchdowns with the Dolphins.
Waddle will play alongside Broncos receivers Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin.
The Broncos’ quarterback, Bo Nix, will throw passes to Waddle.
The Broncos will start their 2026 season on September 14 with a Monday Night Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
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The Chicago Bears’ starting right tackle, Darnell Wright, left practice with a right elbow injury, the same elbow he injured last season. Wright recently signed a record contract extension, but the injury raises concerns ahead of the new NFL season.
Key Facts
Darnell Wright injured his right elbow during a Bears practice session.
This is the same elbow where he tore a ligament last season but did not have surgery.
Wright played last season despite the injury and earned second-team All-Pro honors.
He recently signed a four-year, $116 million contract extension with $93 million guaranteed.
Wright’s annual salary of $29 million makes him the highest-paid right tackle in NFL history.
He was the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and has started nearly every game.
Wright had strong performance grades last season, ranking 14th overall and 6th for run blocking.
The Bears rely on Wright for their run game led by backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.
No details have been released about how serious the new injury is or how long he might miss.
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The Big Ten conference created a new rule that stops players who signed pro NFL contracts or were on NFL rosters from playing in the conference. Trent Hendrick, a UCLA transfer, was checked against this rule because he joined NFL rookie activities but never signed a contract or joined a roster, so he is still allowed to play for UCLA. UCLA supports the new rule and confirmed their players are eligible for the season.
Key Facts
The Big Ten rule bans players from competing if they signed a professional NFL contract, were on an NFL roster, or declared for the NFL Draft as an underclassman without withdrawing.
Trent Hendrick was involved in rookie activities with the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs but did not sign an NFL contract or join a roster.
Hendrick declared for the 2026 NFL Draft as a senior without remaining NCAA eligibility.
Because Hendrick meets the conference’s conditions, he remains eligible to play for UCLA in the Big Ten.
UCLA supports the Big Ten’s new rule and says its student-athletes are eligible under the new guidelines.
The Big Ten is currently the only conference with this specific rule against pro football players.
UCLA’s athletic director expressed readiness for the upcoming season and confirmed communication with the Big Ten on eligibility rules.
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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen supports having all NFL fields made of natural grass instead of artificial turf. He says grass feels better on his body and causes fewer injuries like burns compared to turf.
Key Facts
Josh Allen is a quarterback for the Buffalo Bills.
He prefers playing and practicing on natural grass fields.
Allen says artificial turf can cause painful burns on his legs.
He feels better physically after practicing on grass.
Allen would choose grass fields for all NFL stadiums if possible.
The Bills play their next preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Their first regular-season game in 2026 will be against the Houston Texans on an artificial turf field.
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Michael Toglia, a player for the Cincinnati Reds, will stop playing this season because he needs surgery on his right shoulder. He hurt his shoulder while catching a ball during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Key Facts
Michael Toglia is a utility player for the Cincinnati Reds.
He dislocated his right shoulder making a diving catch against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Toglia is having season-ending shoulder surgery.
He was called up to the Reds’ major league team earlier this month after playing in the minors.
In 10 games this season with the Reds, Toglia had no home runs, one RBI (runs batted in), and a .115 batting average.
Last season with the Colorado Rockies, he hit 11 home runs and had 32 RBI in 88 games.
In Triple-A Louisville this year, he hit 22 home runs, with 65 RBI and a .273 batting average in 97 games.
Over his five-year MLB career, Toglia has 42 home runs, 109 RBI, and a .198 batting average.
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Some football players who have played in NFL preseason games are now allowed to return to college teams because of new court decisions. This is unusual because players usually move only from college to the NFL, not back again.
Key Facts
Players who have finished college eligibility and played in NFL preseason games can return to college teams.
Court rulings have created confusion about player eligibility between college and NFL.
Sean McVay, coach of the Los Angeles Rams, compared this unusual situation to feeling altered, like taking a marijuana edible.
Marijuana edibles, like gummies, are legal in California and popular there.
College sports traditionally punished players who tried to play professionally while still in college.
Bo Jackson lost his college baseball career after taking an NFL physical, even though he was unaware it broke rules.
Now, a player like Jack Pyburn can play for the NFL briefly and then possibly return to college football.
This new back-and-forth movement between NFL and college is surprising to many in the sports world.
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Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta returned to practice after missing about a week because of a hip injury. The team reports he looked healthy during practice and is expected to be ready for the start of the season.
Key Facts
Sam LaPorta returned to practice on Tuesday after missing around a week due to a hip problem.
He participated in both position-specific and team drills during a padded practice session.
LaPorta missed the last eight games of the 2025 season after back surgery to fix a herniated disc.
In 2025, before injury, he caught 40 passes for 489 yards and three touchdowns.
During Tuesday's practice, LaPorta caught passes and took part in physical team exercises, showing signs of recovery.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff said LaPorta is one of their best players and plans to pass to him often in 2026.
LaPorta’s rookie season in 2024 included 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.
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Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty injured his right ankle during practice but is expected to have a mild sprain. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Jeanty is healing and hopes to have him back soon for the season opener.
Key Facts
Ashton Jeanty suffered a right ankle sprain while diving for a low pass in practice.
Jeanty was the No. 6 overall pick in last year’s NFL draft.
The injury is likely a low ankle sprain, which usually heals in a few weeks.
High ankle sprains take longer to heal, sometimes six weeks or more.
Coach Klint Kubiak described Jeanty as "on the mend" without giving detailed medical information.
Jeanty is expected to be a key offensive player for the Raiders this season.
The Raiders have a new head coach, offensive system, quarterbacks, and pass catchers this year.
The Raiders’ first game is scheduled against the Miami Dolphins on September 13.
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The Washington Commanders lost their starting left tackle, Laremy Tunsil, to a torn triceps injury and will likely miss most or all of the regular season. To fill this gap, the team signed experienced left tackle DJ Humphries to a one-year contract to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Key Facts
Laremy Tunsil is a five-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle signed by the Commanders to a two-year, $60.2 million extension in March.
Tunsil suffered a torn triceps and had surgery, making him unavailable for most or all of the season.
The Commanders signed DJ Humphries, a former Pro Bowl left tackle, to a one-year deal for added depth and experience.
Humphries has started 101 NFL games, mainly with the Arizona Cardinals, and was a first-round pick in 2015.
Humphries played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and the Los Angeles Rams last season.
The team initially used third-year player Brandon Coleman at left tackle during training camp after Tunsil’s injury.
Head coach Dan Quinn expressed that Tunsil is difficult to replace due to his talent and leadership.
Humphries provides experience but may not fully match Tunsil’s impact on the offense.
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