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Garrett Williams, a cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals, is expected to return after recovering from an Achilles tear he suffered in Week 16 last season. The team recently activated him off the Physically Unable to Perform list, allowing him to practice again ahead of the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Garrett Williams was the Cardinals’ third-round draft pick in 2023 from Syracuse.
He played 16 games last season with notable stats including 58 tackles and two interceptions.
Williams tore his Achilles tendon late in the 2025 season during a game against Atlanta.
There was concern he might miss the start of the 2026 season due to this injury.
The Cardinals activated Williams off the Physically Unable to Perform list, allowing his return to practice.
New head coach Mike LaFleur expressed happiness about Williams’ progress.
The Cardinals will begin the 2026 season against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 13.
Williams’ return is seen as a key boost for the Cardinals’ defense in the upcoming season.
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The Philadelphia Phillies have claimed pitcher Andrew Hoffmann off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hoffmann will join the Phillies' Triple-A team, Lehigh Valley, to add pitching depth.
Key Facts
The Phillies picked up Andrew Hoffmann, a 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher, from the Diamondbacks.
Hoffmann was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks a few days before the claim.
He has MLB experience with the Diamondbacks and the Kansas City Royals from this season.
Hoffmann played 8 games for the Diamondbacks with a 1-0 win-loss record and a 7.71 earned run average (ERA).
This season, he also appeared in 12 Triple-A games with a 1-1 record and a 6.08 ERA.
The Phillies have assigned Hoffmann to their Triple-A Lehigh Valley team.
Hoffmann struggled with his pitching performance this season but may have a chance to improve and get called back to the MLB.
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Saquon Barkley was the highest-paid running back in the NFL after a record-breaking 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Recently, three other players—Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, and Jonathan Taylor—signed contracts that pay them more than Barkley, but he said he is happy to see the pay for running backs increase.
Key Facts
In 2024, Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards and had 2,504 total rushing yards including playoffs.
Barkley won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award and the Super Bowl LIX with the Eagles.
He signed a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid running back at the time.
Bijan Robinson signed a three-year extension with the Falcons worth up to $75 million.
Jonathan Taylor signed a two-year, $47 million extension with the Colts.
Jahmyr Gibbs signed a three-year, $75.75 million contract with the Lions.
Gibbs now earns the highest average salary for a running back at $22.5 million per year, followed by Robinson and Taylor.
Barkley earns $20.6 million per year, now ranking fourth among running backs.
Barkley expressed support for the rising salaries and hopes running backs’ pay continues to increase.
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Jon Berti, a 36-year-old former MLB infielder, announced his retirement from professional baseball on August 20. He played parts of eight seasons in the major leagues with several teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs.
Key Facts
Berti made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Toronto Blue Jays at age 28.
He played for the Blue Jays, Marlins, Yankees, and Cubs during his career.
Berti was known for his speed and led MLB in stolen bases in 2022 with 41 steals.
In 2023, he set personal bests in several offensive categories, including games played and batting average.
He helped the Miami Marlins qualify for the National League Wild Card in 2020 and 2023.
Berti appeared in postseason games for the Yankees in 2024 before a hip injury ended his season.
He also played for Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and in the Australian League in 2013-14.
Berti was a versatile defender, playing multiple infield and outfield positions during his career.
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A big fight broke out during a joint practice between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston was involved and got punched. Several players from both teams took part in the brawl, which happened as teams prepared for the upcoming NFL season.
Key Facts
Multiple fights happened during the Giants-Dolphins joint practice on Thursday.
Jameis Winston was hit but also reportedly punched a Dolphins player.
Giants player Calvin Austin reacted to a late hit from a Dolphins defensive back.
Dolphins’ Austin Jackson threw a punch at Giants rookie linebacker Arvell Reese and was pushed down by Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Both Jermaine Eluemunor (Giants) and Austin Jackson (Dolphins) left the field temporarily after their involvement.
The fights reflect increased tension as NFL teams prepare for the regular season starting in less than a month.
Similar brawls have happened in other NFL teams' practices recently, including Cowboys-Saints joint practice.
The Giants and Dolphins will play each other in a preseason game soon after this incident.
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Jalen Duren is a key player for the Detroit Pistons and is about to become a restricted free agent. The Pistons must decide whether to offer him a large contract to keep him, as other teams like the Los Angeles Lakers could try to sign him if Detroit does not match an offer.
Key Facts
Jalen Duren plays as a center for the Detroit Pistons.
He averaged 19.5 points per game last season.
Duren was named an NBA All-Star and made the All-NBA Third Team.
The Pistons had the best record in the Eastern Conference last season (60-22).
Duren is a restricted free agent, meaning Detroit can match any offer he receives from other teams.
The Pistons need to decide how much money to offer Duren for the 2025-26 season ($6.5 million is his current salary).
The Los Angeles Lakers have the financial ability to make an offer to Duren if Detroit does not offer enough.
Duren is considered one of the top remaining free agents in the NBA.
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The Los Angeles Clippers must decide whether to keep Bennedict Mathurin, a young basketball player who joined them after a trade with the Indiana Pacers. Mathurin has shown good scoring ability and has NBA Finals experience, making him an important player for the Clippers or other teams interested in signing him.
Key Facts
Bennedict Mathurin was traded to the Clippers from the Indiana Pacers.
He averaged about 17.5 points per game between both teams last season.
His 3-point shooting percentage dropped after moving to the Clippers.
Mathurin has experience playing in the NBA Finals at a young age.
He earned $9.2 million last season.
Mathurin is a restricted free agent, meaning the Clippers can match other teams’ offers.
Other NBA teams, like the Chicago Bulls, may be interested in signing him.
The Clippers want to decide if Mathurin fits into their long-term team plans.
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Jaxson Dart became the New York Giants' starting quarterback in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, the same week wide receiver Malik Nabers suffered a serious knee injury. Dart praised Nabers for being a valuable player who changes the offense, even though they have not played much together. Nabers is recovering from his injury and recently returned to full-speed practice.
Key Facts
Jaxson Dart started as the Giants' quarterback in Week 4 of the 2025 season.
Malik Nabers is a wide receiver who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 4.
Dart said Nabers is important for the team's offense and brings a strong mental focus.
Nabers did not take part in a recent practice to support his recovery.
Nabers began full-speed practice drills recently after his injury.
Nabers was the Giants' sixth overall pick in 2024.
In his first season, Nabers caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and scored seven touchdowns.
The Giants will start their next season against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13.
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The New York Giants practiced with the Miami Dolphins and showed strong defensive play. Giants linebacker Brian Burns said the defense is ready for their first regular-season game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Key Facts
The Giants practiced together with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday.
Linebacker Brian Burns called the Giants defense "dominant" during practice.
Burns said the team does not wait to be hit first and is ready for the season opener.
Giants coach John Harbaugh praised the team's aggressive pass rush in practice.
The Giants will play a preseason game against the Dolphins on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.
Burns also mentioned there is still room for the defense to improve.
The regular-season opener is set for September 13 against the Dallas Cowboys.
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Kyle Tucker, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been struggling with his performance this season after signing a four-year, $240 million contract. His teammates, including Mookie Betts and Miguel Rojas, have expressed confidence in him and are supporting him to overcome his slump and finish the season strong.
Key Facts
Kyle Tucker’s batting stats are currently .232/.327/.368.
He has had only three hits in his last nine games.
Tucker dropped a routine catch during a recent game against the Colorado Rockies.
Mookie Betts acknowledged the pressure Tucker faces due to his big contract and team expectations.
Miguel Rojas, a veteran teammate, said he is helping Tucker feel better and supported.
Rojas believes Tucker plays better when he feels good and supported by teammates.
The Dodgers hope Tucker can ignore outside criticism and finish the season well.
Tucker is a four-time All-Star player.
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The Philadelphia Eagles have hired Sean Mannion as their new offensive coordinator for the 2026 season. Star running back Saquon Barkley praised Mannion’s dedication and work ethic and hopes to perform well under his new leadership.
Key Facts
Sean Mannion is the Eagles’ first-time offensive coordinator in 2026.
Saquon Barkley is a leading player for the Eagles and supports Mannion strongly.
Barkley said Mannion is very hardworking, being the first to arrive and last to leave practice.
Barkley had a great 2024 season with 2,005 rushing yards and helped the team win the Super Bowl.
Barkley’s performance dropped last year under former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.
Barkley aims to improve his play with Mannion’s system in 2026.
The Eagles’ 2026 season starts on September 13 against the Washington Commanders.
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The NFL fined the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints $500,000 each after multiple fights broke out during a joint practice. The NFL reminded teams to maintain good sportsmanship to avoid injuries during these sessions.
Key Facts
The Cowboys and Saints held a joint practice that involved seven fights.
Both teams were fined $500,000 by the NFL for their players' conduct.
The NFL's Competition Committee has emphasized sportsmanship at joint practices in recent years.
All NFL teams received a memo before training camp about preventing unsportsmanlike behavior.
Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was removed from practice after reportedly throwing a punch.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer called the practice "chippy" but said players should play hard without crossing the line.
Saints head coach Kellen Moore said the practice was not ideal but acknowledged the work got done.
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The new college football season features changes to the College Football Playoff system, including automatic playoff spots for conference champions and Notre Dame if ranked in the top 12. There are also new rules that reduce penalties for targeting fouls and allow teams to attempt field goals after fair catches.
Key Facts
The College Football Playoff (CFP) now gives automatic bids to champions of the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12 conferences.
The highest-ranked team from the Group of Six conferences also earns a playoff spot, regardless of conference championship status.
Notre Dame will automatically enter the playoffs if it finishes in the CFP top 12 rankings.
The playoff bracket consists of 12 teams: 5 automatic bids plus 7 highest-ranked teams regardless of conference.
Targeting penalties are less severe: the first targeting penalty no longer causes a game suspension, and suspensions increase only after multiple offenses.
A new rule lets teams attempt a field goal after a fair catch without a tee, either by drop kick or holder.
Offensive pass interference penalties have been reduced from 15 yards to 10 yards.
Discussions are ongoing about expanding the playoff to 16 or 24 teams.
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The NCAA has made a deal with Playfly Sports to create new marketing opportunities around championship events. This deal could lead to student-athletes earning money through endorsements and local sponsorships to help fund NCAA activities and improve the athlete experience.
Key Facts
The NCAA partnered with Playfly Sports to sell sponsorship packages for championship events.
Playfly will hire staff to work with NCAA officials on local business partnerships.
This deal might allow student-athletes to receive money for commercial endorsements (NIL deals).
Revenue from this will help pay for NCAA tournaments and staff costs.
Extra money may be used to improve student-athlete experiences or go back to NCAA member schools.
The NCAA already has a national sponsor program managed by CBS Sports and TNT Sports.
The new deal focuses on finding sponsors near tournament locations.
Changes in the men’s basketball tournament TV contract allowed the NCAA to earn more from events with 76 teams.
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The Chicago Bulls must decide how much they want to keep Nick Richards on their basketball team. Richards, acquired from the Phoenix Suns, provides size and physical play, averaging 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in 20 games for Chicago.
Key Facts
The Bulls acquired Nick Richards from the Phoenix Suns before the trade deadline.
Richards is a big man who plays a physical, old-school style.
In 20 games with the Bulls, he averaged 9.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
Richards is seen as a reliable backup center who can start if needed.
He knows the Bulls’ roster and expectations after spending time with the team.
The Bulls might consider Nicolas Claxton as a potential starter at center.
Keeping Richards gives the Bulls flexibility and depth at the center position.
Basketball writers are watching Richards' free-agent situation closely.
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The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles had joint football practice sessions two days in a row. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye praised Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who in turn complimented Maye’s progress and achievements.
Key Facts
The Patriots and Eagles held joint practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
Drake Maye, the Patriots quarterback, expressed respect and admiration for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Maye said he followed Hurts' career since college and called him a Super Bowl champion.
Jalen Hurts acknowledged Maye’s success and encouraged him to keep improving.
Both players showed mutual respect and had friendly interactions on the field.
The Patriots and Eagles will play a preseason game on Saturday at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins missed two practices due to a minor, undisclosed injury after a physical practice session. Head coach Todd Monken said the team is resting Judkins as a precaution and is not worried about his condition.
Key Facts
Quinshon Judkins missed a second straight practice with an unspecified injury.
Judkins recently recovered from a serious injury: a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle in late 2025.
The injury happened during a game against the Buffalo Bills, whom the Browns practiced with recently.
Head coach Todd Monken stated that resting Judkins was a precaution and not a major concern.
Judkins was the Browns' second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from Ohio State.
In his rookie year, Judkins ran for 827 yards and scored seven touchdowns in 14 games.
He is considered the Browns’ main running back heading into his second season.
Judkins played in the Browns’ preseason opener but may miss the upcoming game against the Bills.
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Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw left practice with a non-contact lower leg injury but was able to walk on his own. Rakestraw, a second-round pick in 2024, has faced multiple injuries since starting his NFL career, including hamstring, core muscle, and shoulder injuries.
Key Facts
Ennis Rakestraw is a 24-year-old cornerback for the Detroit Lions.
He was picked 61st overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Rakestraw left a recent practice due to a non-contact lower leg injury.
He could walk to the locker room without help after the injury.
As a rookie, he played only eight games because of hamstring and core muscle injuries.
Last season, he had a shoulder injury that needed surgery and ended his season early.
If Rakestraw cannot play, the Lions may rely on other cornerbacks like D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin.
Rakestraw played college football at Missouri and had notable stats including 107 tackles and one interception from 2020 to 2023.
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Rory McIlroy tied for the lead in the BMW Championship golf tournament with a strong, error-free first round score of 6-under 64. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler struggled early due to illness and finished with a 72, his highest score since June.
Key Facts
Rory McIlroy finished his first round at the BMW Championship with a score of 64, sharing the lead.
McIlroy returned from a four-week break and improved after working with his swing coach.
Scottie Scheffler, ranked No. 1 in the world, scored 72 due to feeling sick during his round.
Several past U.S. Open champions, including Gary Woodland and Wyndham Clark, were near the top of the leaderboard.
The BMW Championship is taking place at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis.
Bellerive was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later updated by his son, Rees Jones.
Gary Woodland made an eagle on the 11th hole and played well despite recovering from brain surgery.
Wyndham Clark birdied five of his last six holes and is a two-time U.S. Open winner.
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NFL teams in the NFC West division have different strengths in their tight end positions as they prepare for the upcoming season starting September 9. The Los Angeles Rams have the deepest group, the San Francisco 49ers rely heavily on star George Kittle, the Arizona Cardinals feature top player Trey McBride, and the Seattle Seahawks have promising younger players developing.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Rams have four tight ends: Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Max Klare, and Davis Allen; Parkinson led the team last year.
San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle is one of the best tight ends, with strong past seasons but missed some games last year.
Backup Jake Tonges performed well when Kittle was injured, making the 49ers’ tight end room solid.
Arizona Cardinals’ Trey McBride is a top tight end with impressive recent stats and 11 touchdowns last season.
McBride’s main backup is Elijah Higgins, who provides steady but smaller contributions.
Seattle Seahawks’ A.J. Barner improved greatly last year, with 52 catches, 519 yards, and six touchdowns.
Rookie Elijah Arroyo showed potential as a second-year player and could get more chances next season.
All four NFC West teams are preparing their tight end groups for the regular season starting in early September.
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