Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said he will play all starters in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins will start, but rookie Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, will also get many chances to play and develop.
Key Facts
The Raiders play their preseason opener Thursday at Allegiant Stadium versus the Cardinals.
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak and Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur are both first-time NFL head coaches.
Kirk Cousins will start as quarterback over rookie Fernando Mendoza.
Fernando Mendoza is the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick and won the Heisman Trophy in college.
Coach Kubiak plans to give Mendoza plenty of playing time as a way to help him develop.
The Raiders’ offense features new additions like Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty and All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers.
The team also strengthened its defense by adding players Kwity Paye, Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Taron Johnson.
The preseason game will show how well Mendoza has adjusted to the NFL and the team’s new offensive system.
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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has struggled this season compared to his first two years, despite still having a strong fastball speed and strikeout rate. Pirates manager Don Kelly says the league is adjusting to Skenes, and Skenes needs to make changes to improve his control and performance.
Key Facts
Paul Skenes is a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In 2026, Skenes has a 9-10 record and a 3.96 earned run average (ERA).
His fastball speed dropped slightly from 98.1 mph in 2025 to 96.8 mph in 2026.
Skenes’ walk rate increased from 5.7% in 2025 to 6.8% in 2026, indicating more batters reached base on walks.
Skenes won a National League Cy Young Award last year and was Rookie of the Year two years ago.
Manager Don Kelly says Skenes is trying to match the high standards he set early in his career but must improve his control.
Skenes is adjusting his pitching style, including his arm angle and pitch selection.
Despite some struggles, Skenes' stats suggest he is not far from returning to top form.
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ESPN’s Rece Davis thinks the Iowa Hawkeyes football team will be competitive in the Big Ten conference in 2026. Although the team faces questions at quarterback after some players left, their strong defense, solid offensive line, and experienced coaching staff make them a tough opponent.
Key Facts
Iowa's football team is coached by Kirk Ferentz, the winningest coach in Big Ten history.
The team nearly made the College Football Playoff last year, losing four games by only 15 points total.
Iowa’s offense struggles with passing, but their defense and special teams are strong.
They must replace several players, including their quarterback Mark Gronowski.
Jeremy Hecklinski and Hank Brown are competing to be the new starting quarterback.
Iowa played and won the ReliaQuest Bowl against Vanderbilt on New Year’s Eve 2025.
The team faces a difficult three-game stretch early in the season against Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington.
Davis highlights Iowa’s consistency and toughness compared to other teams in the Big Ten and the SEC.
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Stefon Diggs, a 32-year-old wide receiver, is starting strong at the Washington Commanders' training camp after helping his previous team reach the Super Bowl last season. The Commanders have a promising quarterback, Jayden Daniels, who was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 2024, and together they could improve the team’s offense.
Key Facts
Stefon Diggs is 32 years old and plays wide receiver.
He was the top receiver on a team that went to the Super Bowl last year.
Diggs has joined the Washington Commanders for a fresh start.
He is not expected to be the sole top receiver on the team.
Jayden Daniels, Washington’s quarterback, won NFL Rookie of the Year in 2024.
Daniels led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game last season.
Diggs’ trading card market value rose by 4.60% recently, showing more interest.
While Diggs is getting older, he still has potential to contribute this season.
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Pat Bryant, a second-year wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, is performing very well at training camp and is becoming a strong candidate for the team's third receiver spot. Coaches and media praise his consistent play, and his progress is encouraging for the team's passing game.
Key Facts
Pat Bryant is a second-year wide receiver with the Denver Broncos.
He has been one of the most consistent players during training camp.
Bryant made the "play of the day" in a recent practice.
The Broncos already have top receivers Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton.
Bryant is competing with Mavin Mims and Troy Franklin for the third receiver position.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph called Bryant the “complete package.”
Coaches see a healthy competition among the receivers to improve the team.
Bryant’s strong performance gives quarterback Bo Nix more reliable options.
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Akheem Mesidor, a rookie player for the Los Angeles Chargers, is showing strong skills during training camp. He impressed coaches and teammates with his ability to get past opposing players and create pressure on the quarterback.
Key Facts
Akheem Mesidor is a rookie edge rusher for the Los Angeles Chargers.
He was a first-round draft pick by the Chargers.
Mesidor performed well in one-on-one drills against different offensive linemen.
He used moves like a spin and his speed to get past defenders.
Mesidor helped make a sack with a teammate during full-team practice.
He has consistently shown good skills throughout training camp.
Coaches see promise in his power, speed, and creativity.
Mesidor needs more experience to succeed during the regular NFL season.
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Cam Jordan, a longtime defensive player for the New Orleans Saints, signed a one-year contract for what will be his 16th and final NFL season. He recently injured his hamstring and may miss some games, which could end his rare streak of durability in the league.
Key Facts
Cam Jordan has played 15 seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
He signed a one-year deal on June 16 to play the 2026 season, which he announced will be his last.
Jordan has missed only two games in his entire career due to injury and COVID-19.
He sustained a hamstring injury last week that may cause him to miss time this season.
Head coach Kellen Moore said more information will come as Jordan recovers.
Jordan has 132 career sacks, placing him 22nd on the NFL all-time list.
In 2025, he had 10.5 sacks, 47 combined tackles, and other defensive stats.
Jordan is considered one of the top defensive linemen and a key part of the Saints’ defense.
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The Green Bay Packers will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in a preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on Thursday night. Packers coach Mike McCarthy is still deciding whether veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers will play in the game.
Key Facts
The preseason game is between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The game will take place at Acrisure Stadium at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday.
Mike McCarthy is the head coach of the Packers and previously coached Rodgers when they won the Super Bowl in 2011.
Aaron Rodgers is 42 years old and preparing for his 22nd NFL season.
Rodgers has attended all training camp practices this year.
McCarthy says Rodgers brings strong competitiveness and leadership to the team during practice.
The decision on whether Rodgers will play in the preseason game is still being discussed.
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Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White responded strongly to criticism after a flagrant foul incident during a WNBA game. She urged people to focus on basketball and not divisive discussions, emphasizing support for her players and the team's unity.
Key Facts
Stephanie White is the head coach of the Indiana Fever and was named 2023 WNBA Coach of the Year.
A flagrant foul occurred when DiJonai Carrington of the Chicago Sky hit Sophie Cunningham of the Fever during a game.
Carrington was ejected from the game for the foul and later posted “WHITE PRIVILEGE” on social media, which she denies claiming about the call.
White initially defended the referees’ call but changed her view after watching the replay, calling the foul “egregious.”
White strongly stated that the league should focus on basketball and reject hate, fear, and division.
Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith criticized White’s initial response, saying she should defend her players more.
Sophie Cunningham is known for her stance on keeping transgender women out of women’s sports, which has caused public debate.
During a recent game introduction, Cunningham received a loud ovation, while White’s reception was more subdued.
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The Milwaukee Brewers have signed pitcher Bryse Wilson to a one-year contract after recently releasing him. The team also designated pitcher Lyon Richardson for assignment.
Key Facts
Bryse Wilson was recently released by the Brewers but has now been re-signed for one year.
Wilson had a 0-0 win-loss record and a 2.63 earned run average (ERA) in 13.2 innings pitched this season for the Brewers.
He also played in three games earlier this season for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs.
Wilson has played in 172 Major League Baseball (MLB) games over nine seasons for six different teams.
His career stats include a 20-23 record, 4.79 ERA, and 351 strikeouts.
The Brewers designated Lyon Richardson for assignment, meaning he may be removed from the team roster.
Richardson appeared in one game this season, pitching without allowing a run and striking out one batter.
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ESPN analyst Pete Thamel believes the Wisconsin Badgers football team will improve by 2026 after several tough seasons. He highlights injuries to their quarterbacks as a key issue in past struggles but says a new transfer quarterback and coach Luke Fickell’s experience could help the team bounce back.
Key Facts
Wisconsin’s football team has had poor records in the last three seasons: 7-6, 5-7, and 4-8.
Injuries have affected their starting quarterbacks, causing them to miss 26 games over three years.
Tanner Mordecai broke his hand in 2023, Tyler Van Dyke tore his ACL in 2024, and Billy Edwards had a non-contact injury in 2025.
Colton Joseph, a quarterback transferring from Old Dominion, could improve the team if he stays healthy.
Coach Luke Fickell previously led Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff.
Thamel says there was excitement at Big Ten Media Days about the Badgers’ potential this year.
Thamel thinks the Badgers will surprise some people and improve under Fickell’s coaching.
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Joshua Palmer, a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, is recovering well from knee and ankle injuries that caused him to miss games last season. He is working hard in training camp to rebuild trust and timing with quarterback Josh Allen ahead of the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Joshua Palmer missed five regular-season games and the playoffs in 2025 due to knee and ankle injuries.
He had 22 catches for 303 yards and no touchdowns in the 2025 season.
Palmer is in good physical shape and feels confident about his movements in training camp.
He wants to regain the confidence of quarterback Josh Allen and the team after missing so much time.
Palmer emphasizes the importance of consistency, repetition, and practice to restore timing with Allen.
He is entering the second year of a three-year free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills.
The Buffalo Bills’ first game in the regular 2026 season is on September 13 against the Houston Texans.
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CBS Sports president David Berson said there is no set timeline to decide on Tony Romo’s future after Romo was arrested last month for suspected drunk driving in Wisconsin. Romo, the lead NFL analyst for CBS, is currently on leave while the network evaluates the situation.
Key Facts
Tony Romo is on indefinite leave from CBS Sports after his arrest on July 23 for operating a vehicle while under the influence in Wisconsin.
CBS Sports president David Berson said they are still assessing the situation and have no final decision or timetable.
Romo’s leave was meant to keep the focus on the football games instead of his legal issues.
Analyst JJ Watt will fill in for Romo on CBS’s lead NFL broadcast team starting September 13.
Romo has been CBS’s lead NFL analyst since 2017, after playing for the Dallas Cowboys from 2004 to 2016.
Romo performed poorly on field sobriety tests and was arrested, then released after booking.
Romo’s court date is set for September 21.
Tony Romo grew up near Milwaukee in Burlington, Wisconsin.
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The New York Yankees have called up pitcher Bradley Hanner from their Triple-A team to make his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut. Hanner has performed very well in the minor leagues this season, which earned him this opportunity to play for the Yankees.
Key Facts
Bradley Hanner is a relief pitcher and stands 6 feet 4 inches tall.
He was called up from the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team.
This will be Hanner’s first time playing in the major leagues.
In 40 games this season in Triple-A, he had a 6-2 win-loss record and a 2.10 ERA (which measures how many runs a pitcher allows on average).
Hanner recorded four saves and 61 strikeouts this season in Triple-A.
Last year, his record was 4-4 with a 4.74 ERA at a different Triple-A team, Columbus.
Over seven minor league seasons, Hanner has a record of 37 wins, 24 losses, a 3.93 ERA, and 403 strikeouts.
He is 27 years old and from Rhoadesville, Virginia.
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The Detroit Tigers have promoted relief pitcher Tanner Rainey from their Triple-A team to the major league roster. Rainey has played eight years in Major League Baseball and is given this chance after a strong season in Triple-A Toledo.
Key Facts
Tanner Rainey was called up by the Detroit Tigers from Triple-A Toledo.
Rainey has not pitched in the major leagues this season but has played 39 games in Triple-A with a good record.
His Triple-A stats include a 5-3 win-loss record, a 2.32 earned run average (ERA), and 60 strikeouts.
Rainey played 13 major league games last season with a 0-1 record and a higher ERA of 11.17.
Over his eight-year MLB career, Rainey has a 5-11 record, a 5.52 ERA, 15 saves, and 247 strikeouts.
He has played for four MLB teams: Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Detroit Tigers.
Rainey was part of the Washington Nationals team that won the World Series in 2019.
Another Tigers pitcher, Enmanuel De Jesus, was placed on paternity leave.
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Wide receiver Puka Nacua left a Los Angeles Rams practice with an injury that has not been explained. Quarterback Matthew Stafford said he does not think the injury is serious because no one seemed very worried when it happened.
Key Facts
Puka Nacua left practice on Tuesday due to an injury that was not described.
The Los Angeles Rams training staff accompanied Nacua off the field.
Head coach Sean McVay did not give an update on Nacua’s condition after practice.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford said he did not see the injury and does not believe it is serious.
In 2025, Stafford threw to Nacua for 129 catches, 1,715 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
Nacua led the NFL with 107.2 yards per game in 2025 and was selected for the Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro.
The Rams’ preseason games include matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Chargers.
The Rams will start their 2026 regular season against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10.
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Coby Bryant, a safety for the Chicago Bears, injured his left knee during training camp and had surgery last week. His recovery is now expected to take four to six months, delaying his return until December or later, which could affect the Bears' defense and playoff chances.
Key Facts
Coby Bryant signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Chicago Bears after playing four years with the Seattle Seahawks.
Bryant helped Seattle win a Super Bowl and had a strong season with 66 tackles and four interceptions.
He injured his left knee on August 3 during a training camp drill, with a bone bruise and a small fracture.
Early estimates said he would recover in 2-3 months, but surgery last week extended the timeline to 4-6 months.
Bryant’s expected return is between December and February, which may be during the playoffs.
The Bears count on Bryant as a key player in their defense along with Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Dillon Thieneman.
The Bears face tough competition in the NFC North, with three critical games at the end of the season.
Missing Bryant for most of the season could hurt the Bears’ defense and playoff hopes.
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Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage had meniscus surgery and is expected to be out for a few weeks. The team is cautious but has not ruled out his return this season.
Key Facts
Trey Yesavage is a young pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays.
He recently had meniscus surgery, which is an operation on a knee cartilage injury.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Yesavage is currently week-to-week in recovery.
Yesavage has played in 18 games this season with a record of 5 wins and 5 losses.
His earned run average (ERA), a pitching performance measure, is 3.65 this season.
Yesavage has 91 strikeouts in 2024 and 107 strikeouts in his MLB career over 21 games.
He last pitched on August 4 against the Houston Astros but left early due to discomfort.
The Blue Jays are near the bottom of their division and not expected to make the playoffs this year.
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Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said he believes Stephen Curry will finish his NBA career with the Warriors. Curry, who is 38 years old and a two-time MVP, is interested in playing a few more years, ideally all with Golden State.
Key Facts
Stephen Curry is 38 years old and a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
He signed a contract extension worth $62.6 million through the 2026-27 season.
Curry becomes eligible for a new two-year contract extension on August 29, 2024.
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy is confident Curry will complete his career with the team.
Curry averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds last season but played only 43 games due to a knee injury.
The Warriors had a 37-45 record last season and finished 10th in the Western Conference.
The team is managing Curry’s playing time carefully because of his age and injuries.
The Warriors retained key players like Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Gary Payton II for the coming season.
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J.K. Dobbins, the running back for the Denver Broncos, left a recent practice with a minor injury but returned to practice the next day in good condition. He is confident and aims to play all 17 regular-season games this year, expecting to be one of the top players in rushing yards.
Key Facts
J.K. Dobbins left Monday’s practice due to a minor soft tissue injury.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton described the injury as minor.
Dobbins returned to practice on Tuesday, moving well and smiling.
He told the media not to spread rumors about his injury.
Dobbins aims to play every regular-season game in 2026.
He has struggled to play at least 15 games in a season since his rookie year in 2020.
Dobbins plans to be the top rusher for the whole season.
The Broncos start their season on September 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
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