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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New owners Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones officially took over the San Diego Padres baseball team on August 17. They promised to invest wisely and work hard to help the team win its first World Series championship.
Key Facts
Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones purchased the Padres in May, with MLB approving the sale on August 17.
The new owners said winning the World Series is their main goal.
They plan to spend money carefully but are willing to invest in talented players.
Feliciano said they will balance aggressive spending with maintaining the team's long-term health.
The Padres have appeared in two World Series before, in 1984 and 1998, but lost both times.
Feliciano and Jones pledged to do what it takes to win the first championship for the team.
They acknowledged the strong support from the city of San Diego and want to invest in the team and stadium.
The announcement marked the start of a new era for the Padres organization.
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New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin III suffered a serious knee injury during a training camp practice. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy expressed that the team must stay positive and that other players will step up in Austin’s absence.
Key Facts
Calvin Austin III injured his right knee during a one-on-one drill in practice.
He was signed by the Giants on a one-year, $1.5 million contract earlier this offseason.
Austin was taken off the field by cart after the injury.
Matt Nagy, the Giants’ offensive coordinator, called the injury a blow but emphasized a positive attitude.
The team plans to rely on other wide receivers like Braxton Berrios and Odell Beckham Jr. to fill in.
The Giants also have Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and Malachi Fields at the wide receiver position.
The Giants will start their regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13.
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The Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jeshaun Jones was suspended for three games for breaking the NFL’s substance-abuse rules. He will be able to return to the team starting September 28 but may face challenges remaining on the Vikings' main roster during his suspension.
Key Facts
Jeshaun Jones, a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, is suspended for three games.
The suspension is for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
Jones can return to play on Monday, September 28.
He joined the Vikings in 2024 as an undrafted player.
Jones played in one game last season, mainly as a punt returner.
The Vikings have several strong wide receivers, including Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Jones may be moved to the practice squad while suspended or possibly released due to roster limits.
His return could be useful if other players get injured during the season.
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Alysa Liu, an American Olympic figure skating champion, will not compete in the 2026-27 season to focus on improving her skating skills and personal growth. She plans to return to competition in 2027 after taking time to train and develop her artistry with her coaches.
Key Facts
Alysa Liu is a 21-year-old American figure skater and Olympic champion.
She announced she will skip the 2026-27 figure skating season.
Liu wants to focus on her skating artistry, spins, and jumps during this break.
She will continue training with her longtime Bay Area coaches Phillip DiGuglielmo and Massimo Scali.
Liu began as a child prodigy, winning the US women’s title at age 13.
She retired at 16 due to burnout but later returned to skating with more control over her career.
Liu won the 2025 world championship and the 2026 Olympic women’s singles and team gold medals.
She decided to take a break after assessing her emotional, mental, and physical health with support from her coaches.
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The Atlanta Braves have moved infielder Jim Jarvis to their Triple-A Gwinnett team and called up outfielder Brewer Hicklen to their major league roster. Jarvis has played 38 games in the major leagues this season, while Hicklen has shown strong performance in Triple-A and is now getting chances with the Braves.
Key Facts
The Braves sent Jim Jarvis to their Triple-A Gwinnett team.
Jarvis played 38 major league games, with a .207 batting average and 11 RBIs this season.
Jarvis has a .313 batting average in 76 Triple-A games, including 6 home runs and 36 RBIs.
Brewer Hicklen was called up to the Braves’ major league roster.
Hicklen has a .368 batting average with no home runs and 3 RBIs in 8 MLB games this season.
In Triple-A, Hicklen has hit 18 home runs, driven in 64 runs, and has a .302 batting average in 96 games.
The Braves chose to promote Hicklen due to his strong hitting performance in Triple-A.
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New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón and his wife Ashley hosted their third annual Willow Gala to raise money for families facing infertility and pregnancy loss. The event raised over $1 million to help families pay for fertility treatments.
Key Facts
Carlos Rodón is a starting pitcher for the New York Yankees.
The Willow Gala is held annually and this was its third year.
The event raised more than $1 million.
Rodón and his wife have helped 59 families afford fertility treatments over three years.
Three babies have been born, and 14 more are expected due to their efforts.
Carlos and Ashley Rodón experienced two miscarriages before having their daughter, Willow, in 2020.
The foundation offers the Willow Grant, which gives up to $20,000 to families for fertility treatment.
Currently, 36 families are using the Willow Grant for treatments.
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