Matthew Stafford, the quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, hurt his finger during a playoff game against the Carolina Panthers. Despite the injury, Stafford is confident he will be ready for the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears. He believes his finger won't be an issue for the next match.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Rams won against the Carolina Panthers with a 34-31 score in the wild card round.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford injured his finger on his throwing hand during the game.
The injury happened when Stafford's hand hit a defender's arm.
Stafford continued to play despite the injury and finished the game with 304 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Medical tests showed no serious damage to Stafford's finger.
Stafford expects his finger to be fine for the game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The Rams' next opponent, the Chicago Bears, also won their wild card game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Philadelphia Phillies are seen as likely candidates to sign Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, following discussions with him. Bichette's potential move is gaining attention due to competition from teams like the Boston Red Sox, Blue Jays, and New York Yankees. The Phillies might place Bichette at third base if they succeed in acquiring him.
Key Facts
The Phillies recently signed Kyle Schwarber with a five-year, $150 million contract.
The team is interested in adding Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette to their roster.
Bichette is a 27-year-old All-Star and plays shortstop.
If acquired, the Phillies might play Bichette at third base.
The Phillies face competition from the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Yankees for Bichette.
Bichette's potential transfer is notable after Alex Bregman signed a significant contract with the Cubs.
The New York Yankees are exploring options for new pitchers after an uneventful offseason. They are reportedly not pursuing 36-year-old Chris Bassitt from the Toronto Blue Jays because he doesn't match their current needs. Bassitt has struggled against left-handed hitters, making him less suitable for the Yankees.
Key Facts
The New York Yankees have been quiet in terms of big signings this offseason.
The Yankees re-signed Trent Grisham for one year at $22 million.
They have shown interest in free agents like Cody Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, and Bo Bichette.
Pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon will not start the season, so the Yankees want another pitcher.
Chris Bassitt from the Toronto Blue Jays has a 3.96 ERA and 166 strikeouts this season.
Bassitt faced difficulties against left-handed hitters recently.
The Yankees decided Bassitt is not a good match for their team needs.
The Boston Red Sox are considering signing infielder Eugenio Suárez after reportedly losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs. Bregman chose the Cubs after receiving a significant contract offer. Suárez could provide power at third base for the Red Sox.
Key Facts
Alex Bregman is reportedly joining the Chicago Cubs instead of the Boston Red Sox.
The Cubs offered Bregman a $175 million contract.
Eugenio Suárez is a free agent third baseman the Red Sox are interested in signing.
Suárez has been linked to the Red Sox since last summer's trade deadline.
The Athletic estimates Suárez's potential contract to be three years for $69 million.
Suárez is known for power hitting but has defensive concerns at third base.
Despite losing Bregman, the Red Sox still have options to strengthen their team.
The Toronto Blue Jays are considering adding a veteran left-handed pitcher, Danny Coulombe, to strengthen their bullpen. Coulombe, known for his effectiveness against left-handed hitters, might be a good fit for the team. The Blue Jays can afford his potential salary, but other teams might also be interested in him.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays recently signed a player named Kazuma Okamoto.
The team is focusing on improving their bullpen, specifically with left-handed pitchers.
ESPN suggests Toronto could still sign more free agents.
Danny Coulombe, a 36-year-old pitcher, is mentioned as a potential fit for the Blue Jays.
Coulombe had a 2.30 ERA last season, which is a measure of how often he allows batters to reach base.
Opposing left-handed hitters reached base only 27% of the time against Coulombe.
Spotrac estimates Coulombe may get a one-year contract worth $4.3 million.
The Blue Jays have the financial capacity to pay for Coulombe's contract.
Bo Bichette, a top baseball free agent, has interest from the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, but predictions suggest he might sign with the San Francisco Giants instead. The Giants, known for big spending, might offer him a seven-year, $225 million deal to play second base.
Key Facts
Bo Bichette is a popular free agent in baseball.
The Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly interested in signing him.
Predictions suggest the San Francisco Giants might offer him a deal worth $225 million over seven years.
The Giants have a history of making significant signings and trades.
Bichette could play second base for the Giants, where he performed well before.
He is known for leading in hits and rarely striking out.
The Giants already have powerful hitters like Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, and Rafael Devers.
The Philadelphia Phillies released 22-year-old right-handed pitcher Maxwel Hernandez after four seasons with the team. Hernandez joined the Phillies in 2021 from the Dominican Republic and played in various minor league competitions since then.
Key Facts
The Phillies released pitcher Maxwel Hernandez on Saturday.
Hernandez joined the Phillies in October 2021 from the Dominican Republic.
In 2022, he played in the Dominican Summer League with a 0.72 ERA.
He also led the DSL Phillies White in strikeouts and helped win the 2022 Dominican Summer League Championship.
In 2023, Hernandez moved to the Florida Complex League and had a 4.95 ERA in eight starts.
Last season, he was promoted from the Florida Complex League to Single-A Clearwater, then to High-A Jersey Shore.
He finished last season with a 5.35 ERA, settling into a bullpen role.
The Chicago Cubs have signed pitcher Corbin Martin, who has played four partial seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), to a minor-league deal. Martin, who previously played for the Baltimore Orioles, joins several other pitchers the Cubs have added to their roster for spring training.
Key Facts
The Chicago Cubs have signed Corbin Martin on a minor-league contract.
Martin is 30 years old and has played in MLB parts of four seasons.
He previously pitched for the Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Baltimore Orioles.
In his MLB career, Martin has a 6.54 ERA and 76 strikeouts over 75 2/3 innings.
The Cubs have also added several other pitchers, including Hoby Milner, Caleb Thielbar, and Hunter Harvey.
The Cubs aim to improve their bullpen for the upcoming season.
Spring training will take place in Arizona next month.
Ohio State University added a new quarterback, Justyn Martin, a former four-star recruit from UCLA and Maryland, to their team through the transfer portal. This move could increase competition for the backup quarterback role behind current starter Julian Sayin. Martin plans to learn under Sayin and compete for the starting position when Sayin likely leaves for the NFL.
Key Facts
Ohio State University's football team has recruited quarterback Justyn Martin.
Justyn Martin previously played for UCLA and Maryland.
Julian Sayin, the current Ohio State starting quarterback, is considered a leading player.
Martin transferred to Ohio State using the transfer portal, a system allowing college athletes to change schools.
There is anticipated competition between Martin and another quarterback, Tavien St. Clair, for the backup position.
Martin aims to be ready to compete for the starting role when Sayin is expected to move to the NFL.
The New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger are stuck in contract talks over the length of the deal. As a backup plan, the Yankees have looked into trading for Luis Robert from the Chicago White Sox. No major trade has happened yet.
Key Facts
The Yankees offered Bellinger a five-year contract for about $155 million.
Bellinger wants a seven-year contract, causing a negotiation stalemate.
The Yankees explored trading for Luis Robert, an outfielder from the White Sox.
Robert is a former All-Star with a history of good performance but some recent struggles.
The Yankees are considering other options like Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker if Bellinger leaves.
Other teams like the Dodgers, Jays, and Mets are more involved in talks with Kyle Tucker.
The Buffalo Bills lost wide receiver Gabe Davis for the rest of the NFL playoffs due to a torn ACL he suffered during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This injury impacts the team's lineup as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos in their upcoming match. Meanwhile, Josh Allen, their quarterback, is expected to play despite a minor injury.
Key Facts
Gabe Davis, a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, tore his ACL in a playoff game.
Davis will miss the rest of the season due to this injury.
He was injured while trying to catch a pass in the fourth quarter.
Davis had two catches for 14 yards in the game before his injury.
The Bills won their playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Josh Allen, the team's quarterback, suffered a minor injury but is expected to play in the next game.
Brandin Cooks is expected to replace Davis as the No. 2 receiver.
The Bills will play the Denver Broncos, who have a strong defense, in their next game.
Wayne Rooney expressed interest in returning to Manchester United as a coach if Michael Carrick becomes the club's caretaker manager. Rooney emphasized that he and Carrick, former teammates at United, have a strong connection to the club. Michael Carrick is currently a leading candidate to manage Manchester United after a managerial change.
Key Facts
Wayne Rooney is open to joining Manchester United as a coach under Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick, a former United player, is a top contender for the caretaker manager role.
Carrick has previously served as a temporary manager for Manchester United in 2021.
Rooney and Carrick have been friends and teammates at Manchester United.
Former manager Ruben Amorim was recently dismissed.
Darren Fletcher is temporarily handling first-team duties at Manchester United.
Rooney highlighted the need for Manchester United's leadership to have a deep connection to the club.
Rooney emphasized the importance of choosing a manager who embodies the club's spirit and identity.
San Francisco 49ers player George Kittle got injured during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. A sports doctor expects that Kittle could return in the middle of the 2026 season after his Achilles injury, depending on how his surgery and recovery progress.
Key Facts
George Kittle plays for the San Francisco 49ers.
He injured his Achilles during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The injury will likely mean he starts the 2026 season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list.
Dr. David J. Chao, a sports doctor, thinks Kittle might return mid-season in 2026.
Typical recovery from Achilles surgery for athletes is between 9 to 18 months.
Kittle is 32 years old and has had previous injuries, including a fractured foot and hamstring tear.
Kittle is a well-known player with several Pro Bowl selections and a long-term contract with the 49ers.
The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation is investigating after Canada withdrew athletes from a race in Lake Placid, which affected the qualification chances of USA slider Katie Uhlaender for the Winter Olympics. Uhlaender, who needed ranking points to qualify, claims this decision ended her Olympic chances. Canada's bobsleigh organization stated the decision was made with athlete health and program needs in mind.
Key Facts
Canada withdrew athletes from the North American Cup race at Lake Placid.
Katie Uhlaender needed points from this race to qualify for the Winter Olympics.
With fewer athletes, Uhlaender's opportunity to earn enough ranking points diminished.
Canada cited athlete health and program needs as reasons for withdrawal.
The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation is investigating the incident.
Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton believes its actions were in line with regulations.
USA Bobsled/Skeleton supports the investigation and values fair competition.
The NBA fined Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown $35,000 for his public remarks about the referees after a game against the San Antonio Spurs. Brown criticized the officiating, pointing out the significant difference in free-throw attempts between the Celtics and Spurs. Despite this, Brown scored 27 points in the game, which the Celtics narrowly lost 100-95.
Key Facts
The NBA fined Jaylen Brown $35,000 for criticizing referees.
Brown made these remarks after a Celtics game against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Celtics had four free throws, while the Spurs had 20 during the game.
Brown expressed frustration with the officiating and accepted the fine.
Boston lost the game by five points, with a final score of 100-95.
Brown scored 27 points, had seven assists, and eight rebounds in the game.
This fine is Brown's first since December 2024 for a previous incident.
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for a playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks but will likely be without their linebacker, Fred Warner, due to a previous ankle injury. While Warner is working hard to return, the team's head coach, Kyle Shanahan, indicated that it is unlikely he will play in the upcoming game.
Key Facts
The 49ers beat the Philadelphia Eagles to advance to the divisional round of the playoffs.
The team is set to play against the Seattle Seahawks, who are the top seed.
Fred Warner, a key defensive player, injured his ankle earlier in the season and has been recovering since.
Warner has not played since his injury in Week 6 of the NFL season.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan stated it is not very likely Warner will play in the next game.
Warner is eager to return and has been training and sharing progress videos online.
The 49ers have left open the possibility of Warner's return during the postseason.
A promo code from theScore Bet gives new users $100 in bonus bets when they place a $10 bet on the Texans-Steelers NFL Wild Card game. The Steelers will host the game, and the winner will move on to the next playoff round. Users must win their initial $10 bet to get the bonus.
Key Facts
The promo code "NEWSWEEK" gives a $100 bonus when placing a $10 bet on the Texans-Steelers game.
To receive the bonus, users must win the initial $10 bet.
Pittsburgh Steelers will host the game after winning the NFC North title.
The Texans have a highly-ranked defense.
DK Metcalf's return from suspension benefits the Steelers.
The game's winner will advance to play against the Patriots for a spot in the AFC Championship.
Various betting options are available, such as alternate lines and prop bets.
Users must create an account and make a deposit to participate in the offer.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to make their team younger after having one of the oldest groups of players last season. They might give more opportunities to younger players, Alex Freeland and Hyeseong Kim, to help with this change. The team is also thinking about signing new players like Kyle Tucker to improve their chances of winning the World Series in 2026.
Key Facts
The Dodgers had the oldest roster in Major League Baseball last season.
They are working on getting younger during the offseason.
Alex Freeland and Hyeseong Kim are potential younger players who could play bigger roles.
The team might also sign Kyle Tucker to add youth and athleticism.
Alex Freeland played 84 at-bats, averaging .190 with two home runs.
Hyeseong Kim, from South Korea, signed a three-year contract and could enhance the infield with his defensive skills.
The team ranks high in offseason moves, which may improve their performance in 2026.
Mark Allen of Northern Ireland defeated Wales' Mark Williams 6-2 in the last-16 match of the 2026 Masters snooker tournament. Allen won five frames in a row after initially trailing 2-1, securing his place in the quarter-finals.
Key Facts
Mark Allen won the 2026 Masters snooker match against Mark Williams 6-2.
Allen initially trailed 2-1 before winning five consecutive frames.
He achieved breaks of 60, 125, and 70 in the match.
Mark Williams struggled with a pot success rate of 71%.
This defeat means three former world champions, including Williams, have exited the tournament early.
Allen will play against either Judd Trump or Ding Junhui in the quarter-finals.
