NFL teams in the NFC West are preparing for the upcoming football season by evaluating their running back players. The article ranks the depth and talent of these teams' running back groups as they head into preseason and training camps.
Key Facts
The Arizona Cardinals have strong running back depth, including James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and top draft pick Jeremiyah Love.
The Seattle Seahawks expect rookie Jadarian Price to lead their running backs, while Zach Charbonnet recovers from injury.
The Los Angeles Rams feature Kyren Williams and Blake Corum as key running backs with productive past seasons.
The San Francisco 49ers have star Christian McCaffrey but lack strong backups due to injuries and roster changes.
The NFC West preseason begins Aug. 6 with the Arizona Cardinals playing the Carolina Panthers.
Regular NFL season starts on Sept. 9.
The article is part of ongoing coverage analyzing various NFL teams’ key players and position battles before the season starts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Detroit Lions signed running back Jahmyr Gibbs to a new three-year contract worth up to $75.7 million, making him the highest-paid running back in the NFL. The deal includes $51.5 million guaranteed and follows Gibbs’ strong performance during the 2025 season.
Key Facts
Jahmyr Gibbs signed a three-year contract extension with the Detroit Lions.
The deal is worth up to $75.7 million, making him the NFL’s highest-paid running back.
The contract guarantees $51.5 million to Gibbs.
Gibbs rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns in the 2025 season.
He also had 77 catches for 616 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.
Gibbs was taking part in the Lions’ training camp when the contract was finalized.
Before Gibbs’ deal, Bijan Robinson briefly held the highest-paid running back status.
Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million contract on the same day.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Derek McInnes has started as the new manager of Rangers football club without a win after two games, including a 2-1 loss in a Europa League qualifier against Jagiellonia Bialystok and a draw in the Scottish Premiership. The team continues to show weaknesses in defense that hurt their performance, despite new player signings and efforts to improve.
Key Facts
Derek McInnes is the current manager of Rangers football club.
Rangers lost 2-1 to Jagiellonia Bialystok in a Europa League third-round qualifying match.
They also drew their opening game in the Scottish Premiership against Dundee United.
Nine new players have joined Rangers this summer, with more expected.
Last season’s poor performance still affects the team's current play.
Rangers conceded goals quickly due to defensive mistakes and lapses in concentration.
Central defenders Dujon Sterling and Emmanuel Fernandez appeared unstable during the match.
Manager McInnes emphasized the need for stronger defense and more effort to prevent easy chances for opponents.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article ranks the running back groups of the four NFL teams in the NFC East division based on their current players and depth. It highlights each team’s main running backs and their potential impact for the upcoming season.
Key Facts
The Philadelphia Eagles have a strong running back group led by Saquon Barkley, who has rushed for 3,145 yards in two seasons. They also have Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, Dameon Pierce, and Elijah Mitchell as backups.
The New York Giants’ key backs are Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary. Skattebo showed promise before a leg injury last season.
The Washington Commanders lost Chris Rodriguez Jr. but gained Rachaad White, who has 2,656 yards and 14 touchdowns in four NFL years. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and rookie Kaytron Allen also compete for playing time.
The Dallas Cowboys’ main running back is Javonte Williams, who rushed for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Their backup players include Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis.
The preseason for the NFL starts with the Hall of Fame Game on August 6, and the regular season begins on September 9.
The article is part of a series analyzing NFL teams’ position groups and player battles for the upcoming season.
Teams use running backs differently, with some focusing on rushing and others using backs as receivers or special teams players.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NFL teams in the NFC South are preparing for the new season, focusing on their running back players. The article ranks the running back groups on each team and discusses key players and changes in their lineups.
Key Facts
The NFC South includes the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Saints added Travis Etienne, a strong runner who has gained over 1,000 rushing yards three times. Alvin Kamara will focus more on receiving.
The Falcons have Bijan Robinson, a top running back with over 1,450 yards rushed in two seasons. Brian Robinson could provide good support.
The Panthers have Chuba Hubbard as the main running back, with Jonathan Brooks, A.J. Dillon, and Trevor Etienne competing for playing time.
The Buccaneers lost Rachaad White but have Bucky Irving healthy again. Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker are also expected to play important roles.
The NFL preseason starts August 6 with the Hall of Fame Game between the Cardinals and Panthers. The regular season begins September 9.
Teams are using training camps to decide which running backs will get the most playing time.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NFL teams in the NFC North are preparing for the upcoming season, with running back groups ranked based on recent performances and potential. The Chicago Bears lead with strong players like D’Andre Swift, followed by the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers.
Key Facts
The preseason starts with the Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers game on Aug. 6, and the regular season begins on Sept. 9.
The Chicago Bears' running backs include D’Andre Swift (1,087 yards, 9 TDs in 2023), Kyle Monangai, and Roschon Johnson (limited by injury last year).
Detroit Lions rely on Jahmyr Gibbs, who has scored double-digit touchdowns in each of his first three seasons, with Isiah Pacheco and Sione Vaki as backups.
Minnesota Vikings feature Aaron Jones, expected to improve after a low-yardage 2023, and Jordan Mason, who has been productive as RB2.
Green Bay Packers’ Josh Jacobs nearly reached 1,000 yards last season and is a key player, but the team lost backup Emanuel Wilson; Chris Brooks, Pierre Strong Jr., and Marshawn Lloyd compete for depth roles.
Injuries affected some players last season, but many are healthy or showing promise in training camp for the new season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Josh Jacobs, the Green Bay Packers' running back, missed a training camp practice due to a groin injury, but it is not expected to be serious. He likely will also miss the team's Family Night event. Jacobs had injury challenges last season but still performed well.
Key Facts
Josh Jacobs did not practice on Thursday due to a groin injury.
The injury is not considered long-term or serious.
Jacobs will probably miss the Packers’ Family Night on Friday.
In the 2025 season, Jacobs played 15 games with 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
Jacobs also caught 36 passes for 282 yards and one touchdown last season.
Backup running backs include MarShawn Lloyd and Pierre Strong Jr.
Chris Brooks is currently on the non-football injury list with a hamstring injury.
The Packers start their preseason on August 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and their regular season on September 13 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jaylen Brown joined the Philadelphia 76ers, who now have four players averaging over 20 points per game. Brown said he cares most about winning a championship, not individual awards, as he starts his first season with the team.
Key Facts
The 76ers’ starting lineup includes four players who scored more than 20 points per game last season.
Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown each scored over 25 points per game in 2025-26.
LeBron James averaged just over 20 points per game in his last season with the Lakers.
Some people worried about how the 76ers would share the ball with so many top scorers.
Brown said he focuses on winning, not on personal stats or awards like MVP.
Brown averaged a career-high 28.7 points per game last season with the Boston Celtics.
The 76ers are considered strong contenders to win the Eastern Conference next season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Las Vegas Raiders have two quarterbacks competing for the starting position: rookie Fernando Mendoza and veteran Kirk Cousins. Cousins said he enjoys working with Mendoza and is prepared to compete for the starting job, while the team's coach named Cousins the starter for training camp.
Key Facts
Fernando Mendoza was drafted by the Raiders in April and won the Heisman Trophy in college.
Kirk Cousins joined the Raiders this offseason and has played for three other NFL teams since 2012.
Cousins said the quarterback group works well together and that he plans to keep the starting job as long as he can.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak named Cousins the starter at the beginning of training camp.
Mendoza is expected to learn from Cousins and eventually compete for the starting quarterback role.
The Raiders aim to improve from last season’s low win total, with betting lines expecting over 5.5 wins.
Cousins expressed positive feelings about the Raiders’ culture, teammates, and coaches.
The starting quarterback role for preseason and the regular season opener has not yet been decided.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Buffalo Bills defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson will play against his former team, the Houston Texans, on September 13. Gardner-Johnson was released by the Texans after three games in 2025 following a heated exchange with teammates, and he expressed frustration over how his release was handled.
Key Facts
C.J. Gardner-Johnson will face the Houston Texans in the season opener on September 13.
The Texans released Gardner-Johnson on September 23 after three games in the 2025 season.
The release followed a heated and physical but non-fighting confrontation with teammates Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr.
Gardner-Johnson denied some reports about the reasons for his release, calling them "lies."
He felt disrespected because the coaching staff, including head coach DeMeco Ryans, did not address the issues publicly.
Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in free agency.
He is expected to be a starter for the Bills in their first game of the season against Houston.
Since being drafted in 2019, Gardner-Johnson has played for several teams, with Buffalo being his eighth team.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Washington Nationals have picked up pitcher Wyatt Mills from the Los Angeles Dodgers through a waiver claim. Mills will join the Nationals' Triple-A Rochester team and provide them with an additional relief pitcher option.
Key Facts
Wyatt Mills is a 6-foot-4 right-handed pitcher.
The Dodgers designated Mills for assignment earlier this week.
The Nationals claimed Mills off waivers and sent him to their Triple-A Rochester team.
Mills pitched in six MLB games this season with the Dodgers, with a 5.68 ERA and five strikeouts in 6.1 innings.
At Triple-A this season, Mills has a 4-4 record, a 2.41 ERA, six saves, and 52 strikeouts in 33 relief appearances.
Mills has played in 44 MLB games over three seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, and Dodgers, recording a 0-1 record and a 6.14 ERA.
The Nationals view Mills as a low-risk addition who may help strengthen their pitching depth.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Parker Washington had a strong 2025 season as a wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is in the last year of his rookie contract and is currently in discussions for a new deal, while focusing on playing well for the team.
Key Facts
Parker Washington was drafted in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 185th overall, from Penn State.
In 2025, he led the Jaguars in receiving with 847 yards and five touchdowns on 58 catches.
Washington is 5-foot-10 and has improved steadily, especially after other key receivers left the team or struggled.
He is in the final year of his rookie contract and talks about a new contract are ongoing.
Washington mentioned the recent big contract given to receiver Zay Flowers but said his focus is on playing well.
The Jaguars have other receivers like Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Travis Hunter on the roster.
Washington’s estimated market value is around $15.2 million per year, with a possible new deal around four years and $60 million.
This new deal would put him among top slot receivers like Khalil Shakir, Jayden Reed, and Cooper Kupp.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Luke Little, a pitcher, has moved from the Chicago Cubs to the Kansas City Royals after being placed on waivers. The Royals assigned him to their Triple-A team in Omaha, and he has experience pitching both in the major leagues and minor leagues.
Key Facts
Luke Little was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals from the Chicago Cubs.
The Royals optioned Little to their Triple-A team in Omaha.
Pitcher Luinder Avila was moved to the Royals' 60-day injured list.
Little made one major league appearance for the Cubs this season, allowing one home run and two hits in one inning.
In minor leagues this season, Little had an 8-0 win-loss record with a 5.03 ERA and 44 strikeouts across 31 games.
At 25 years old and 6-foot-8 tall, Little is considered a young player with potential.
Earlier in the 2024 season with the Cubs, he had a 3-1 record, a 3.46 ERA, and 28 strikeouts in 30 appearances.
The Royals hope Little can perform well and improve with their team.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jaylen Brown was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers after spending most of his career with the Celtics. Brown spoke about his relationship with former teammate Jayson Tatum, saying there is respect but they have not talked much since the trade.
Key Facts
Jaylen Brown played 10 seasons, mostly with the Boston Celtics.
Brown won an NBA championship with Jayson Tatum in 2024.
Brown was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason.
At his press event with the 76ers, Brown said he respects Tatum but they have not communicated recently.
Brown averaged 28.7 points per game last season when Tatum was injured.
The 76ers' roster now includes stars like LeBron James and Joel Embiid alongside Brown.
Brown and the 76ers are top contenders for the Eastern Conference title this season.
The Celtics will start the season without Brown for the first time since 2016.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Odell Beckham Jr. is returning to the NFL in 2026 after taking a break in 2025. He signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants and compares his approach to continuing his career to how NBA star LeBron James adapts his game as he ages.
Key Facts
Odell Beckham Jr. missed the 2025 NFL season and is coming back in 2026.
He signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants.
Beckham will turn 34 years old in November 2026.
He was the 2014 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Beckham appeared in nine games in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, recording nine catches for 55 yards and no touchdowns.
He compares his career approach to LeBron James, who is still playing well in his 24th NBA season at age 41.
The Giants’ 2026 season starts with a game against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New England Patriots players Christian Gonzalez and A.J. Brown had a heated moment during practice but described it as normal competition. Both players are key parts of the Patriots’ team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Key Facts
Christian Gonzalez is a top cornerback for the Patriots and was their first-round pick in 2023.
A.J. Brown, a star wide receiver, was traded to the Patriots from the Philadelphia Eagles in June 2024.
The two got into a minor confrontation during practice, which teammates had to break up.
Gonzalez said their interaction was friendly competition to help both improve.
Brown’s trade involved the Patriots giving up future draft picks, including a 2028 first-round pick.
Gonzalez earned second-team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl nod last season.
Gonzalez is negotiating a new contract with the Patriots after the team used his fifth-year option.
The Patriots aim to build on last season’s success with these key players leading the team.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea has asked to be traded after failing to agree on a new contract. Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht said they currently have no plans to trade Vea, who is entering the last year of his contract.
Key Facts
Vita Vea is a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Vea has requested a trade because contract talks have stalled.
He is entering the final year of his contract, which ends after the 2026 NFL season.
Vea is considered one of the best defensive tackles and helped the Bucs win the Super Bowl in 2021.
Several West Coast teams, including the Rams, Chargers, Raiders, and 49ers, have shown interest in acquiring Vea.
Vea's agent said he expects the situation to end with a trade.
Buccaneers GM Jason Licht stated they have no plans to trade Vea currently.
The Buccaneers also face contract issues with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is also in the final contract year without an extension.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Indianapolis Colts have not made the playoffs since 2020 and have not won a playoff game since 2018. Former Colts player Pat McAfee expressed his frustration with the team's recent poor performance and lack of national attention, blaming their losing record.
Key Facts
The Colts last reached the playoffs in the 2020 NFL season.
Their last playoff win was in 2018.
The Colts have not hosted a home playoff game since 2014.
Pat McAfee criticized the team for losing seven straight games at the end of the 2025 season, which prevented playoff qualification.
The 2024 Colts played a "Indiana Nights" alternate uniform game at 1 p.m. instead of prime time due to lack of national TV exposure.
Cam Newton remarked the Colts receive less media attention compared to star-filled teams like the Dallas Cowboys.
McAfee said the Colts’ struggles and lack of respect come down to losing games.
He expressed optimism that the team will improve and start winning soon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Baltimore Ravens picked wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he has impressed during training camp. Lane earned praise from offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who compared him to former top NFL receiver Michael Thomas.
Key Facts
The Ravens added new players to support quarterback Lamar Jackson this offseason.
They picked guard Olaivavega Ioane 14th overall to improve protection.
Wide receivers Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt were drafted in the third and fourth rounds.
Ja'Kobi Lane has stood out in practice more than other young receivers and has gained quarterback Jackson’s trust.
Coordinator Declan Doyle compared Lane’s catching skills and hands to Michael Thomas, a former All-Pro receiver.
Michael Thomas played seven years for the Saints, had 6,569 yards, 36 touchdowns, and was a three-time Pro Bowler.
If Lane develops well, he could become the Ravens’ second main receiver behind Zay Flowers.
This comparison suggests Lane could be one of the best picks from the 2026 draft for the Ravens.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mike Krukow, a longtime San Francisco Giants broadcaster and former major league pitcher, announced he will retire at the end of the 2024 season. He has been calling Giants games for nearly 40 years and plans an emotional farewell.
Key Facts
Mike Krukow is 74 years old and has been with the Giants as a broadcaster for almost four decades.
He also played as a major league pitcher before his broadcasting career.
Krukow will retire after the 2024 baseball season ends.
He has coped with a rare muscle disease that has limited his travel and activity for about 20 years.
Krukow and his broadcast partner Duane Kuiper have worked together during three World Series wins in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
Giants President Larry Baer praised Krukow as a spiritual leader and thanked him for his insight and humor.
Krukow and Kuiper are known for their dynamic and engaging broadcasts.
Fans are encouraged to listen to their broadcasts during Krukow’s final season.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
