The couple had been engaged for a long time, but not many details had emerged about their potential wedding date and location. Exactly one year after Ronaldo and Rodriguez announced their engagement, the couple made an even bigger announcement.

Cristiano and Georgina tied the knot in what was reportedly a very intimate ceremony. According to People, the wedding took place in Cascais, Portugal, and was attended only by the couple’s five children.

Developing story…

“Well, Lionel Messi is a great player. He was named the world’s best many times, so I think that with him it’s a whole different story. I admire and respect him a lot,” Lozano said in response to Bolavip, before making it clear that he’d love to represent Mexico again.

“And of course, as long as I continue playing, I will be available for Mexico,” Lozano added. “If they believe it’s the best for the national team for me to be there supporting and helping the team, of course I will be there. I will never say no [to Mexico]. But well, this is a process.“

Lozano hopes to stay on Mexico’s radar with LA Galaxy move

Lozano, 31, joined the Galaxy on loan as a Designated Player through December 2026 with a permanent trade option. The winger hasn’t seen action since November 2025, as a fallout with the coaching staff ended his playing time in San Diego.

“Now that I’ll have the opportunity to play, I believe that they’ll see what I can do, how I find myself, and that way they’ll decide if it’s good having me on the national team or not,” Lozano continued. “I will work a lot to be there, I love to be with the national team, I’m passionate about it, but only time will tell.“

Lozano’s lack of minutes in 2026 cost him a spot on Mexico’s World Cup roster. Javier Aguirre decided not to call up the winger since he stayed with San Diego instead of leaving for a team where he could see the field.

Lozano’s last Mexico game: Will he make it to the 2030 World Cup?

Things may change now with Rafa Marquez replacing Aguirre and Lozano finally moving to a different club. The former PSV star’s last appearance for Mexico came in a November 2025 friendly against Uruguay (0-0), when he had to be subbed off right before halftime due to a muscle injury.

From then on, the team moved forward without him. Lozano will turn 35 in 2030, which suggests that it could be his final opportunity to play one last World Cup with Mexico before it’s too late.

In the meantime, Chucky isn’t closing the door on his country. On the contrary, one of the reasons he’s joining the Galaxy is to impress Marquez and prove he can still contribute on the international stage. As Lozano said, only time will tell us how this plays out.

How to watch Columbus Crew vs Pumas UNAM in the USA

Columbus Crew vs. Pumas UNAM will be available to stream live on Apple TV in the U.S. The 2026 Leagues Cup is included with an Apple TV subscription, and MLS confirms that every match in the tournament is available on the platform.

Can I watch Columbus Crew vs Pumas UNAM for free?

Yes, eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Columbus Crew vs. Pumas UNAM through the seven-day free trial. Apple’s current MLS page advertises seven days free, followed by a $12.99-per-month subscription.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Columbus Crew are one result away from securing their place in the 2026 Leagues Cup knockout rounds, while Pumas UNAM have already been eliminated from the competition.

Columbus enters Tuesday’s final Phase One match with six points after opening the tournament with a 3-1 win over Atlas and following it with a 2-1 victory over Pachuca. They are unbeaten in regulation in the tournament and sit Top 5 of the MLS-specific table heading into the final matchday.

Their latest victory also continued an impressive run for Brais Mendez, who scored for the third consecutive match since joining Columbus from Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder opened the scoring against Pachuca before setting up Daniel Gazdag‘s stoppage-time winner from a corner.

Columbus is the 2024 Leagues Cup champion, and another strong performance against Pumas would give the club a chance to return to the knockout rounds and compete for another title.

Pumas, meanwhile, arrive in Columbus with no points from their first two matches and are officially eliminated. The Liga MX side lost 3-0 to Charlotte FC in its opening game before suffering a 2-0 defeat against FC Cincinnati on August 8.

Their own official report noted that their -5 goal difference and lack of points meant that even a victory in Columbus would not be enough to advance, while MLS officially listed Pumas among the eliminated teams on August 10.

Columbus Crew vs Pumas UNAM: Predicted Lineups

Columbus Crew (3-4-2-1): Patrick Schulte; Cesar Ruvalcaba, Rudy Camacho, Steven Moreira; Malte Amundsen, Andre Gomes, Tarun Karumanchi, Mohamed Farsi; Daniel Gazdag, Taha Habroune; Brais Mendez.

Pumas UNAM (4-3-3): Keylor Navas; Alvaro Angulo, Angel Azuaje, Nathan Silva, Tony Leone; Victor Arteaga, Pedro Vite, Adalberto Carrasquilla; Luciano Herrera, Juninho Vieira, Rodrigo Lopez.

What time is the Columbus Crew vs Pumas UNAM match?

The Columbus Crew vs. Pumas UNAM match kicks off on Tuesday, August 11, at 7:30 PM ET. The game will be played at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio. The Crew’s official announcement confirms the 7:30 PM ET kickoff.

• Eastern Time: 7:30 PM
• Central Time: 6:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 5:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 4:30 PM

Stanton may be getting overlooked by the fanbase in the Bronx. At the moment, fans are too stressed about Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge’s injuries. However, they may have no reason to fret. Bellinger is reportedly proving the Yankees’ injury timeline wrong, while senior vice president and general manager Brian Cashman dropped a bold update on Judge’s return.

Hearing an encouraging update from Bellinger as Judge continues to progress, it appears the storm clouds tormenting Yankee Stadium have moved away, and the sun is finally coming out.. On that note, Stanton’s latest update hints that the good news may be coming in bunches for the Bronx Bombers, and the 36-year-old is only a step away from returning.

“Stanton will be back sooner rather than later,” Emmanuel Barberi reported on the 161st and River Ave podcast. “[Stanton] has been hitting this entire time. The second he starts running bases, [he could be back]. His hitting is at an MLB level right now. You can pop him into the lineup as long as he can base-run.”

Stanton is making progress

As reported by manager Aaron Boone over the past weekend, Stanton has “started the introduction to [running] some bases,” via MLB.com. What exactly that means for his full return to action is unclear, but it should hint that Stanton is on the right track, and his return may be ahead of schedule.

Dealing with a calf strain, Stanton was placed on the 10-day injured list (IL) back in late April and has yet to return. Long absences are nothing new to Stanton, as the Yankees’ designated hitter has now missed 250 games over the last four seasons (not including the current campaign).

Stanton’s numbers in 2026

Stanton has played in 24 games so far in the 2026 MLB campaign, tallying eight runs, 23 hits, three home runs, and 14 runs batted in (RBI). Additionally, the California native has posted a .256 batting average (AVG), .302 on-base percentage (OBP), .422 slugging percentage (SLG), and .724 OPS.

The small sample size on the year definitely plays a role, but Stanton still ranks fifth in batting average among Yankees batters.

“Before the trade deadline, it was rather apparent that New York needed an upgrade behind the plate to support the struggling Austin Wells,” Reuter wrote. That being said, it will be key to see what decision The Blake Street Bombers make regarding Goodman.

“The Rockies’ perennial need for pitching means they have to at least entertain the idea of moving Hunter Goodman if the payoff is improving a staff that again ranks dead-last in the majors with a 5.48 ERA.”

Goodman could make the Yankees better

Hunter Goodman has enjoyed a standout 2026 campaign with the Colorado Rockies, posting a .254 batting average alongside 34 home runs, 69 RBIs, and a strong .546 slugging percentage across 405 at-bats. If the New York Yankees were to acquire him for next season, his elite right-handed power profile would immediately transform their lineup by offering much-needed run production and natural alignment with the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium.

Furthermore, Goodman’s versatile defensive capability behind the plate as a primary catcher—combined with his ability to slide into designated hitter or corner outfield roles—would give New York flexibility in managing player rest while providing high-slugging protection in the middle of their batting order.

Yankees’ struggles at the plate

Throughout the 2026 season, Aaron Boone and the Bronx Bombers have frequently struggled to build consistent offensive momentum at the plate, leaving them searching for production outside of their primary run-producers. The lineup’s depth issues have been particularly evident behind the dish, where catcher Austin Wells has endured a grueling slump.

Batting just .175 with an alarming .573 OPS through 83 games, Wells has struggled to produce power or draw consistent contact, leaving a noticeable void at the bottom of the batting order. Generating secondary offense to support Wells and take pressure off the back end of the lineup remains a pressing concern for New York as they push through the remainder of the campaign.

After placing Bellinger on the 10-day injured list (IL) with a Grade 2 hamstring strain in his left leg, the Yankees set a four-to-six-week timeline for Bellinger’s return. A little over two weeks have passed since Bellinger’s injury designation on July 26, and a report suggests Bellinger is already nearing peak competitive form.

“Bellinger is ahead of schedule,” Yankees broadcaster Emmanuel Barberi reported on 161st and River Ave podcast. “I was talking to him, and he’s definitely ahead of schedule. The Yankees are being careful, rightfully so, because they don’t want to re-injure anything. If there was no timeline attached to this, [Bellinger] would be close to [being] back already.”

Learning that Bellinger is on the right track, along with Brian Cashman’s significant update on Aaron Judge’s return, means the best may be yet to come for the Yankees. Maybe it won’t be long before the Pinstripers’ batting order is back to normal.

NY Yankees need Bellinger, but need him healthy

Although Bellinger is sending all the right signals to the Bronx Bombers and appears to be nearing full health, the Yankees will be once bitten, twice shy. If there’s one thing worse than being without Bellinger, it’s having him return only to lose him for even more time, and possibly for good ahead of the MLB postseason.

Thus, Aaron Boone and company will be cautious. For the time being, the Yankees are managing to stay afloat in the postseason race even without Bellinger and Aaron Judge.

Indeed, New York is struggling at the plate, but it still manages to pick up wins against direct opponents. Having the duo back would help, but the Bronx Bombers know all that matters is being healthy by the time October rolls around.

Bellinger’s stats so far

Through 102 appearances in the 2026 MLB campaign, Bellinger has tallied 52 runs, 97 hits, 11 home runs, and 53 runs batted in (RBI). Moreover, the 31-year-old outfielder has posted a .259 batting average, .350 on-base percentage (OBP), .420 slugging percentage (SLG), .770 on-base plus slugging (OPS), and 3.9 wins above replacement (WAR).

“I wouldn’t anticipate seeing Drake out there on Thursday,” the head coach said. “But that’s all subject to change. That’s kind of what my mindset is right now sitting here today. Really, it’s just important that we get the work in, get things accomplished that we’re looking to get accomplished. But that can always change, but I wouldn’t anticipate that happening right now.”

Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton are the other two options Vrabel has on the depth chart behind his top player. It will be a matter of seeing who ultimately takes the first snaps at Gillette Stadium against the Colts.

There’s no need to risk Maye

Given his breakout 2025 campaign, there is simply no reason for the New England Patriots to risk Drake Maye’s health in exhibition action ahead of the 2026 season. Maye proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is the franchise cornerstone after completing 72% of his passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions during the 2025 regular season.

Furthermore, his league-leading 8.9 yards per attempt and stellar 113.5 passer rating reflected the dramatic progress he made as a passer, demonstrating complete mastery of the offense. Exposing a proved MVP-caliber quarterback to unnecessary physical hits and potential injury in meaningless games offers virtually zero developmental upside, making his physical preservation for Week 1 the organization’s highest priority.

Preseason games for the Patriots

The New England Patriots will kick off their three-game 2026 preseason schedule at Gillette Stadium on Thursday, August 13, when they host the Indianapolis Colts. They will stay in Foxborough for their second exhibition matchup on Saturday, August 22, taking on the Philadelphia Eagles. Mike Vrabel‘s team will then wrap up its preseason slate on the road on Thursday, August 27, traveling to face the Cleveland Browns.

More on DeVito and Morton

Tommy DeVito, who originally joined New England after being claimed off waivers from the New York Giants in August 2025, stepped into the primary backup role after signing an off-season extension. Meanwhile, Behren Morton arrives as a 2026 seventh-round draft pick out of Texas Tech, where he threw for 8,986 yards and 71 touchdowns across 42 collegiate games, giving the Patriots a promising developmental option to compete for snaps throughout the preseason.

“I did. I clapped. I applauded,” Harbaugh said to the press. “I applauded when he did that. It was great. Critical situation drill. We were trying to get a third or fourth down, but mostly third down, like anywhere from three to five in a drive in a game where the offense can win the game in the fourth quarter with a conversion.

“So, play calls and execution to get that first down, that was what that was. So, we had a great play. He came open. He ran around the corner, got the first down, slid inbounds, kept the clock running. All those things were well done.”

These types of strategies will not only improve Dart’s game but also help protect his health even further. Continuing to improve as training progresses will be key for the G-Men’s main leader.

Dart, a risk-taking player

During his rookie season with Giants, Jaxson Dart was evaluated for a concussion four times (including the preseason). Notably, a Week 6 evaluation against the Philadelphia Eagles drew an NFL/NFLPA review after head coach Brian Daboll briefly poked his head into the medical tent during the exam.

Later in the season, Dart suffered a confirmed concussion during a Week 10 loss to the Chicago Bears on November 9, 2025. That injury forced him into the multi-step concussion protocol and kept him sidelined for two games against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions before he fully cleared the protocol prior to Week 13.

John Harbaugh’s first challenges

Under new head coach John Harbaugh, who was hired in January 2026, the New York Giants will play three preseason games to prepare for the upcoming campaign. Their exhibition slate kicks off on Saturday, August 15, hosting the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium.

The Giants then hit the road for their remaining two matchups, traveling to face the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, August 22, before closing out the preseason against their cross-town rivals, the New York Jets, at MetLife Stadium on Friday, August 28.

In an intriguing turn of events, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin recently reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have held an interest in acquiring the 23-year-old forward, have emerged as a more “serious” candidate to land Watson.

“They made the Eastern Conference Finals last year. They were among the last four teams standing. They haven’t done much to adjust their roster since they lost Dean Wade. Obviously, they missed out on LeBron. We’re all aware of that. I’m told, though, that they are a ‘serious’ candidate to land Peyton Watson. There are other teams interested in Watson as well, but they are a serious candidate.”

Cavaliers in pursuit of youth

Although initial plans were different and the conversation primarily revolved around James Harden’s upcoming contract extension and his fit alongside Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, the panel agreed that Cleveland needs an upgrade.

A player like Peyton Watson (14.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.1 BPG) would certainly fit the bill. On top of his on-court production, Watson adds youth to the roster at just 23 years old with his entire career ahead of him.

How the Cavs could land Watson

Realistically, structuring a deal isn’t as big of an issue on the Cavaliers’ side. If Peyton Watson’s contract is assumed to be worth roughly $15-$17 million annually—which is what some project Denver’s current offer to be—Cleveland could create a package comprising Dennis Schroder’s $14.8 million contract and draft compensation, potentially one NBA first-round pick and a second-round pick.

Alternatively, in the unlikely situation that the Nuggets agree to Watson’s demands for a contract worth roughly $25 million annually, the Cavaliers may have a harder time formulating a package. However, given Denver’s payroll issues, Cleveland would only need to increase the draft compensation, potentially even swapping Dennis Schroder for Max Strus’ $16.6 million contract.

Still, it must be kept in mind that the Cavaliers currently have a payroll of $187.2 million. Once Harden signs his new contract, Cleveland’s flexibility will disappear. This would make it infinitely harder to acquire Peyton Watson even if he signs a low-value deal. Ultimately, any move the team makes will largely depend on two factors: Harden’s extension and Denver’s approach to clearing cap space.

After Kiffin’s dramatic departure from the University of Mississippi to take over as the head coach at Louisiana State University, the Tigers have been under the national spotlight. That means they have a lot to prove, and so does Arizona State transfer Leavitt. Although he could have made excuses just in case things don’t pan out, LSU‘s starting quarterback delivered a bold update on his health.

“I’m 100% right now, and I’ve been 100% for the past few months,” Leavitt admitted during a press conference on Monday. “I really don’t think about [the injury when I’m] out on the field. My health is one thing that I take very seriously. So, it was really never a question for me. So, yeah, I’m ready to go.”

Leavitt’s injury

Leavitt suffered a Lisfranc injury to his right foot in October 2025, which led to season-ending surgery. That was all she wrote for his time with the Sun Devils, as he would go on to enter the transfer portal and commit to Kiffin and the Tigers.

During the spring, Leavitt underwent a second procedure to remove the pins from his foot. As Leavitt noted during his media availability, he has no more “hardware” in his right foot and faces no setbacks or hurdles in his return to action.

With him fully healthy, LSU expects Leavitt to start in NCAA‘s Week 1, when the Fighting Tigers take on the Tigers from Clemson at Death Valley—the one in Baton Rouge—in a true battle of namesakes and a competition for bragging rights.

Leavitt’s stats in college

At six-foot-two and as a four-star prospect out of West Linn High School in Oregon, Leavitt has become quite the journeyman in college football. The redshirt junior redshirted his true freshman year at Michigan State, appearing in four games, before transferring to Arizona State, where he led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 Championship.

So far in his NCAA career, Leavitt has completed 376 of 612 passes (61.4 completion percentage) for 4,652 yards and 36 touchdowns. Leavitt has also rushed for 816 yards and 10 touchdowns.

His decision-making and tendency to play hero ball still raise eyebrows, but if there’s a school that can make the most out of such a talent, it’s LSU—and Kiffin is the head coach who can help make that possible.

Whether it’s some bitterness speaking or his most sincere thought, Kelly expects—like everybody around the college football landscape—a dogfight when the Tigers take on the Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. However, LSU’s former head coach—hired in 2021 and fired in 2025—predicts the home team to come away with the emotional victory.

“I think this really comes down to, you know, what quarterback plays better,” Kelly stated, via On3. “If Trinidad Chambliss plays to the level that we all think he can, this can be a game that Ole Miss beats LSU.”

The Tigers’ former head coach predicted this would be the program’s first loss of the 2026 NCAA campaign—and it may serve as a bucket of ice-cold water for Kiffin and LSU.

Kelly’s record prediction

Although Kelly believes Chambliss gives the University of Mississippi the edge over Sam Leavitt and LSU, his season prediction highlights how Kiffin’s team might recover from an early rude awakening.

Kelly predicted the Tigers to win their next six games after falling to the Rebels, including victories at Auburn and against Alabama. According to the former head coach’s expectations, LSU’s second loss of the campaign will come in Death Valley at the hands of the Texas Longhorns.

“This is difficult. I think that they probably get beat at the end here. I expect that Texas will win this game,” Kelly confessed.

All in all, however, Kelly predicts LSU will finish the 2026 NCAA season with a 10-2 record. With Kiffin’s Tigers’ losses coming against likely ranked teams, they should still make the College Football Playoff and may even make it to the SEC Championship Game.

The Game 2.0

Still, fans in Baton Rouge may not like the fact that the ex-head coach believes the Tigers will fall in the Magnolia State. The fanbase in Louisiana may not forgive Kelly for it. LSU at Ole Miss is arguably the biggest game of the season, not just for the Tigers and Rebels, but across the entire college football schedule.

Per Dan Duggan of The Athletic, Mauigoa was check for a potential head/neck injury, but he even finished the practice. Harbaugh said he is fine. Mauigoa needs to be healthy as he is a key piece on the Giants offensive line.

Harbaugh also stated that it’s a hand/finger injury for Carter. However, same as Mauigoa, “He’s fine.” Carter could reportedly be back in practice on Tuesday’s session. Carter is arguably the best pass rusher on the team.

Harbaugh knows football is won in the trenches

Harbaugh is an old school coach. He knows the offensive and defensive lines win football games. Hence, he should be ecstatic that his franchise tackles and star pass rusher are both dealing with some minor inconveniences and not serious injuries.

For Mauigoa, he has to protect Jaxson Dart with his life. Dart is a bit of a wild man and he is eager to improvise. Hence, Mauigoa needs to stay put for plenty of time while Dart does his job. As for Carter, he started just six games and had four sacks. There’s more to be expected from him.

Are Mauigoa and Carter starters?

Mauigoa is expected to start for the Giants right from the get-go. After all, he is a top 10 pick that send Dexter Lawrence from the Giants to the Bengals, who are impressed with him.

As for Carter, given that the base that the Giants use is a 3-4 formation, he should be able to slide in as the right outside linebacker. However, he’ll have to battle Kayvon Thibodeaux for that spot.

Joe Goodberry of the Locked On Bengals podcast spoke to Ari Meirov about Lawrence’s impact. “He [Dexter Lawrence] has been the best player in camp. He has been absolutely destroying them… He really looks like he’s back to the 2022/2023 dominant player.”

That is frightening news for the rest of the NFL. The Bengals always had huge offensive firepower, but lacked defense. Now, Lawrence could be the one piece that puts them over the hump. Fully healthy and in form, Lawrence can be a Defensive Player of the Year contender.

Why the Giants could miss Lawrence?

Lawrence was disgruntled and asked to be traded. Now, the Giants received a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft which is a great price. They used it to select Offensive Tackle Francis Mauigoa. However, they could still miss Dexter Lawrence quite a lot.

The Giants’ revamped defensive front faces a steep drop-off in interior pressure and run-stopping capability following his departure. Also, pass rusher Brian Burns said the defense “ain’t the Giants without No. 97,” making note of how important Lawrence’s interior pressure was for the G-Men.

Why Lawrence could solve all Bengals’ defensive woes?

Lawrence will be anchoring the interior defensive line with elite run-stopping power and constant pass rush. His massive 340-pound presence eats up multiple blockers, fixing a glaring rush defense weakness that struggled heavily last season.

“He’s a little sore, but he’s doing fine, so we’ll just kind of manage him as we go,” the Offensive Coordinator said during his press conference. Overworking certain players during this stage of the 2026 training camp could be detrimental, and there is no need to take that risk.

“Christian always kind of has his rep count in any camp,” Kubiak also added. “You guys are aware of the adjustments we’ve made to our schedule to kind of keep them from having too many off days.

“But in terms of his rep load, we’re right on track with where we want to be. And, he’s a veteran player, so you have to monitor him and get him ready for the first week.” San Francisco will make its debut against the Los Angeles Rams on September 10 in Australia.

Injuries, 49ers’ Achilles’ heel

The San Francisco 49ers suffered a brutal wave of injuries throughout their 2025 campaign, losing key starters on both sides of the ball for extended stretches. George Kittle missed six regular-season games with soft-tissue and ankle injuries before tragically tearing his Achilles tendon in the playoffs, while star linebacker Fred Warner played through a severe injury that ultimately sidelined him late in the year.

To make matters worse heading into the offseason, Kyle Shanahan confirmed that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will undergo knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear sustained in the regular-season finale, capping off a nightmare medical stretch for the franchise.

San Francisco’s important backfield

It is clear that coach Shanahan has Christian McCaffrey as his main presence in the backfield in the Bay Area. Beyond him, this team’s depth chart promises to be an important source of help for Brock Purdy.

• Jordan James
• Kaelon Black
• Isaac Guerendo
• Khalil Herbert
• Patrick Taylor Jr.
• Sincere McCormick

According to The Giants Wire, Austin said it was “Jaxson Dart‘s swagger and John Harbaugh’s presence” what made him put the Giants as a priority when he was a free agent. Now, Austin has to compete for a starting slot.

Dart does have a vibe around him that brings security to the wideouts. He showed he could be a very complete QB during his rookie season. As for Harbaugh, he is well-respected and one of the best head coaches in the NFL, bar none.

Calvin Austin III is a reliable slot weapon

Dart has Isaiah Likely as his safety net, but Austin is a very reliable wide receiver when lined up in the slot. He has blazing speed and good yards after catch abilities. However, he did have some drops during his Steelers stint.

Austin is also a very good special teams participant as a kick returner. He has great elusiveness and field vision to create plays and put his team, in this case the Giants, in good field position to start their drives.

Slot WRs are likely to see reduced roles

Given that Harbaugh would rather have a tight end in the slot, as he prioritizes physical players that can also exploit the run game, provide downfield blocking, and be big presences, a guy like Austin is likely to see a reduced role.

Michael Pittman was traded in to be one of the main weapons for a returning Aaron Rodgers. However, he exited Saturday’s practice with a leg injury, and missed Monday practice altogether.

According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Mike McCarthy confirmed Pittman suffered a leg injury, though he didn’t specify when the wideout will be fit again. Hence, Aaron Rodgers is using rookie Germie Bernard as one of the main targets right now. McCarthy is tasked with bringing the Steelers to relevance. Meanwhile, former head coach Mike Tomlin sent a subtle shot to the Steelers.

Pittman is not the only WR missing time

DK Metcalf is entering his second year as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he was not spotted in the final half of Saturday’s practice, nor was he seen on Monday. While no injury has been disclosed, it’s still curious to see him missing time.

Metcalf and Pittman should be the best two receivers on the Steelers. Hence, not having both could have a little setback on the offense progression. Still, it’s a golden opportunity for rookie Germie Bernard to get the spotlight.

Steelers updated WR depth chart for 2026 NFL season

Mike McCarthy might not be regarded as an innovator. However, his offenses usually look good and his record as a head coach is pretty good too. Now, his offensive mind must use the following wideouts to have a great passing game with Aaron Rodgers throwing the football:

• DK Metcalf
• Michael Pittman Jr.
• Germie Bernard
• Roman Wilson
• Kaden Wetjen
• Ben Skowronek
• Levi Wentz
• Brandon Smith
• Max Hurleman
• Jakobie Keeney-James
• Joaquin Davis

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the MCL sprain injury, but also expects Pacheco to be able to play in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. Still, Pacheco, who has a history of leg injuries, should be taking good care if he wants to be available.

Pacheco comes to replace David Montgomery. Both are more rustic, strong, go-for-contact backs. Meanwhile, Gibbs is more an agile, explosive, high-octane runner with homerun ability.

Pacheco’s injury history

A seventh-rounder who overcame the odds and won a Super Bowl being an intrinsical part of the Chiefs roster saw how his career came, once again, to a halt due to very gruesome injuries. These are the injuries he’s suffered, mainly on the legs:

• Fractured Fibula (2024): Missed 10 games after breaking a bone in his lower leg early in the 2024 season, though he returned in time for the team’s playoff stretch.
• MCL Sprain (2025): Missed four games during his final year with the Kansas City Chiefs due to a right knee sprain.
• MCL Sprain (2026): Suffered a minor knee injury in August 2026 training camp with the Lions, missing practices but tracking to play in the opener.

Pacheco needs a bounce back year

In his first two seasons, Pacheco ran for 830 and 935 yards respectively. However, then injuries came to plague him. In 2024, Pacheco only played eight games and ran for 310 yards. Then, last season he ran for 462. Hence, his decline has been steep.

At 27-years-old, there is still chance for Pacheco to recover and be a valuable piece. However, being on the Lions with Gibbs on the depth chart, his shot at being RB1 rely on his health and Gibbs‘. If Gibbs isn’t injured, he won’t be RB1 anytime soon.

Yzerman is no longer at the helm, yet Larkin is digging his heels in after asking out. However, with no team willing to match Detroit’s high asking price, the Red Wings face a major problem in trade talks. According to a report, the Red Wings’ best option is to make amends with their captain. How realistic that is, however, is another question.

“The best course still seems to be a reconciliation,” Helene St. James wrote on an article on Detroit Free Press about the Red Wings’ situation with Larkin. St. James also noted how cap-friendly Larkin’s contract is, and all signs point to retaining Larkin being much wiser than parting with the captain.

Larkin won’t budge, at least for now

Unfortunately for the Red Wings, their captain has made up his mind—or so it seems. Larkin is tired of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs and signing up for déjà vu season after season. However, Larkin was also sick and tired of the direction the front office took and its approach to trade deadlines and free agency.

With Yzerman gone from his role as general manager and a new hire on deck, Detroit could take a significant step toward a peaceful solution with its upset star. That’s another reason why the Red Wings won’t trade Larkin until a new GM is in place.

That, and the fact that assistant GM Shawn Horcoff (currently handling day-to-day tasks) doesn’t have access to the red button that could complete the blockbuster trade ahead of the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

Red Wings may avoid trading Larkin

As long as Larkin is signed to a contract in Motor City, the Winged Wheel will keep at least one bit of hope. If no suitable offer comes through, the Wings will explore the options that are actually up to them, and it’s clear which is the best alternative.

If Larkin walks back his trade request, it would still take some time for him to rebuild his relationship with the devoted fan base, but that’s a problem for future Larkin.

For the time being, the Red Wings must take things one step at a time. Finding their next GM is paramount, as it will go a long way toward either making a truce with Larkin or burning that bridge to the ground.

According to Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP.com, Smith has been sidelined for almost a week and will remain on the sidelines to begin the third week of camp. That is despite the team believing the injury is nothing to really worry about.

The premise is simple, Smith is poised to be the Eagles’ WR1 following AJ Brown‘s departure. Hence, they want him to be as healthy as possible before even trying to force him and risk a bigger injury.

Smith isn’t the only WR sidelined for the Eagles

Makai Lemon is a highly-touted rookie, but he has been sidelined with a hamstring injury as well. However, Lemon’s injury might be more severe than Smith’s, at least according to the reports.

Per Jimmy Kempski of The Philly Voice, Lemon’s status is really up in the air. “It’s fair at this point to doubt that he will start, at least early in the season,” Kempski said. Hence, as of now, new WR Dontayvion Wicks is the one making waves.

Eagles WR depth chart for the 2026 NFL season

Missing AJ Brown is a huge thing. Brown is a top 10 WR in the NFL. However, DeVonta Smith is so good, he could easily be any team’s WR1 as well, and that’s what the Eagles are banking on. This is their full WR depth chart:

• DeVonta Smith
• Makai Lemon
• Dontayvion Wicks
• Hollywood Brown
• Elijah Moore
• Johnny Wilson
• Quez Watkins
• Darius Cooper
• Britain Covey
• Samori Toure
• Danny Gray
• Erik Ezukanma

“He did injure his triceps, he is going to get surgery,” the head coach said. “It’s always tough to talk about a player missing time, especially a great player like LT. . . . We’ll know more post-surgery on timelines and all that good stuff.”

One of the most impactful left tackles in the NFC will be sidelined for an extended period, which could become a major headache for Jayden Daniels. With a tough schedule ahead, having him back as soon as possible will be crucial, but only if he is at full strength to avoid any setbacks.

How much will the Commanders lose without Tunsil?

The loss of Laremy Tunsil is a massive blow to the Commanders‘ offensive line. In 2025, Tunsil anchored the left side across 14 starts (802 offensive snaps), posting an elite 88.9 PFF pass-blocking grade (ranking 2nd among all qualified tackles) while allowing just 2 sacks and 15 total pressures.

Losing his premier blindside protection severely compromises Jayden Daniels‘ pocket stability, leaving the young quarterback far more vulnerable as he returns from an injury-plagued season and forcing Washington to navigate 2026 without its most reliable pass blocker.

Daniels’ protectors

Following Tunsil’s injury, Dan Quinn confirmed that third-year lineman Brandon Coleman will shift back to left tackle, the position he manned as a rookie in 2024. Coleman’s move opens up left guard for Chris Paul, who secures the starting spot after competing for interior snaps throughout the 2026 training camp.

The rest of Washington’s projected Week 1 starting unit remains intact, featuring veteran Nick Allegretti at center, staple Sam Cosmi holding down right guard, and second-year tackle Josh Conerly Jr. starting at right tackle.

“Terms update: Patriots TE Hunter Henry is signing a two-year, $16 million extension worth up to $20 million and includes $14.5 million guaranteed and a $4.2 million signing bonus,” the insider revealed on X.

The 31-year-old will remain in Foxborough for at least two more seasons, in what could be the final team of his professional career. Mike Vrabel, meanwhile, also secures an important piece of the Patriots’ offense.

Henry’s impact on New England’s last season

During the New England Patriots’ run to Super Bowl LX in the 2025 season, Hunter Henry served as a pivotal safety valve and veteran leader for Drake Maye. Starting all 17 regular-season games, Henry anchored the offense with a career-high 768 receiving yards on 60 receptions (12.8 yards per catch) alongside 7 receiving touchdowns.

He elevated his play further in the postseason, starting all 4 games and adding 9 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown—including a crucial 28-yard fourth-quarter score in the Wild Card round—to help propel New England back to the Super Bowl stage.

Far from the highest-paid

As of August 2026, the NFL‘s highest-paid tight ends by average annual value (AAV) are led by George Kittle, who holds the top spot at $19.1 million AAV ($76.4 million total) following his extension with the San Francisco 49ers. He is closely followed by Arizona Cardinals playmaker Trey McBride in second place at $19 million AAV ($76 million total).

Rounding out the top three is Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, who solidified the #3 spot after signing a three-year, $54 million extension ($18 million AAV) with $36 million guaranteed.

Drake Maye’s other options

The history of the Patriots shows that they have had some great tight ends over the years. Rob Gronkowski is a clear example of that, and now Hunter Henry is, in some ways, trying to follow in his footsteps.

If No. 85 is unable to take the field and be available to Drake Maye for any reason, these are the other options listed on the depth chart:

• Eli Raridon
• CJ Dippre
• Tanner Arkin
• Jack Westover
• Mitch Van Vooren

According to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Simmons “is expected to be a full participant with ‘zero restrictions'” in the Australian men’s national team mini-camp in Melbourne, which starts tomorrow. As per Spears, Simmons “paid his own way to the camp,” aiming to showcase his improved health and compete for a roster spot on the national team.

The 30-year-old, most famously known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, reportedly has several NBA teams interested in his services. Spears even specified that one West squad had already offered a training camp invite.

What lies ahead for Ben Simmons

Simmons has not yet represented Australia in a senior international game after withdrawing from the national team during the 2019 FIBA World Cup and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. It is not entirely clear how much interest there is from Australian brass to call on the 30-year-old guard, who is dealing with plenty of uncertainty regarding his health.

The “mini-camp” in question refers to a player-led training camp in Australia that Ben Simmons is expected to participate in as he seeks to give his absolute best. Spears elaborated on this as well, stating:

“NBA free agent forward Ben Simmons is expected to be a full participant with ‘zero restrictions’ in a player-led Aussie men’s national team mini-camp in Melbourne beginning Monday, sources to andscape. Simmons took last season off in hopes of completely healing from injuries.”

“The three-time NBA All-Star paid his own way to the camp. A coach who worked out Simmons recently said he has regained his athleticism. The injury-plagued 30-year-old recently told andscape this is the best he’s felt in years. He last played with the Nets & Clippers in the 24-25 season.”

Simmons’ recent performance

In the 2024-25 NBA season, Simmons averaged 5.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 52.0% from the field. With figures like these, the 30-year-old was still a solid asset on the roster.

According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers are looking to ship Schroder out of town. They are more interested in bringing in either Peyton Watson or Jonathan Kuminga, which would fit more of a need than the backup point guard spot.

“The Cavs continue to discuss various trade packages involving Schroder, seeing if there is an opportunity to slightly reconfigure the roster or gain financial flexibility, which would help their pursuit of free agents Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson,” Fedor wrote.

Cavaliers taking serious approach

The Cavaliers still have that chip on their shoulder and recognize they can offer much more and re-establish themselves as a contender with the roster they have. That is the main reason why James Harden still has not signed an extension.

Harden is willing to help the Cavs out so that they have enough money to bring in another guy. However, that likely won’t be enough. Cleveland might also have to make a trade in order to free up some money to bring in one of two forwards that they have on their minds.

Cleveland has very little cap flexibility at the moment to add another player. Anyone they add would push them closer to the second apron, which is where they finished a year ago. Doing the same now would be a big issue, as then the Cavaliers would face restrictions.

The situation with Kuminga and Watson

Kuminga has reportedly not been willing to sign a minimum contract. Several teams around the league have been trying to sign him to such a deal. Watson is still in a stalemate of restricted free agency with the Nuggets. Both of them would be hard to fit into the current cap structure without making some sort of trade.

Sam Amick of The Athletic previously reported that Leonard had a staggering list of demands for the Lakers. Behind his uncle and infamous business manager, Dennis Robertson, Leonard wanted the franchise to meet lofty conditions before he would consider signing with the purple and gold:

• Part ownership of the team
• A private plane that would be available at all times
• A house
• A guaranteed amount of off-court endorsement money

Robertson repeatedly demanded all these from Jeanie Buss, but the Lakers governor ultimately dismissed them due to obvious illegality under the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Kawhi’s suspicious decision

What was once puzzling now makes sense regarding why he ended up choosing that destination. In the end, Leonard joined the Clippers on a three-year, $103.1 million contract. At that time, no one knew that both sides had a handshake agreement that would create headlines across the NBA six years later.

New revelation in the investigation

After fully exposing Leonard and the Clippers’ ties to Aspiration through a dummy $28 million endorsement contract, investigative journalist Pablo Torre recently revealed another crucial detail, adding a new dimension to the case surrounding the star forward.

According to Torre, Leonard apparently has another hidden channel to receive off-the-books money from the Clippers. Daktronics, the manufacturer of Los Angeles’ scoreboard, has a secret multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal with Leonard.

The Clippers commissioned Daktronics for $100 million for the construction of the famous “Halo Board” at Intuit Dome, raising questions about how much Leonard earned through this secret deal with the electronics company.

Michael Grange of Sportsnet recently shared what he thinks the most likely outcome of the trade will be. “A negotiated settlement where the NBA gets to enforce some version of its rules, Ballmer can save face and Leonard can play for the Raptors,” Grange wrote.

“Whether Torre’s latest finding is new information to the NBA’s investigation or not, a report in The Athletic last month said a second no-show endorsement deal was already part of the investigation, the sense is that it won’t affect the next stage of the process, namely figuring out what the league is going to do with the information it has collected.”

What remains on pause

The trade that sent Leonard to the Raptors and Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to the Clippers is still on pause, and it won’t be completed until the investigation is possibly over. There is still a chance for things to be cleared up before training camp, which will be good for the players so they can be with their new teams.

The league is working quietly to get things resolved quickly, and according to Grange, things have moved beyond the fact-finding stage. All of this comes without even an estimated timeline for when it might reach a conclusion.

What is new in the investigation?

Things continue to be extremely complicated for Kawhi Leonard. First, Leonard was under investigation for his Aspiration sponsorship. Now, he is under suspicion for a second sponsorship.

According to Pablo Torre of Pablo Torre Finds Out, Leonard was involved in a sponsorship with the LA-based crisis firm Daktronics’ Ballmer. An NBA insider told Torre that it was a case of history repeating itself. In other words, Leonard and company were trying to defy the rules of the NBA salary cap.

Per Campbell, who spoke on the Lions’ press conference, Jahmyr Gibbs has “only scratched the surface” on what he can do, and they’re prepared to “push him” this season.

That statement, paired to the fact that the Lions let David Montgomery go, and Gibbs is up there as one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, makes the Lions intentions clear as day. Gibbs will be the workhorse of this offense.

Jahmyr Gibbs was stellar in 2025

Gibbs was an incredible player in the 2025 NFL season. In 2025, Gibbs had 1839 scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns. He was a Pro Bowler and one of the most unstoppable forces in the league.

And that was sharing snaps with Montgomery. Yes, Gibbs was the most prominent back on the roster, but Montgomery was still stealing snaps out of him. Now, he is all alone in the Lions’ backfield.

Gibbs is a very complete running back

Not only does Gibbs have a very complete skill set, but he is excels at every single area. Gibbs has agility, blazing long speed and incredible release. He is a weapon in the passing game as well, and has huge jukes and spins to go around the NFL defenders.

How to watch Club America vs Portland Timbers in the USA

The Leagues Cup matchup between Club America and Portland Timbers can be watched on TV channels Fox Sports 1, TUDN USA, Univision, and FOX One. But it does not end there, as it can also be enjoyed on streaming platforms broadcasting the game, such as MLS Season Pass, fuboTV, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, and the TUDN App.

Can I watch Club America vs Portland Timbers for free?

Yes, you can enjoy Club America vs Portland Timbers for free in the USA by signing up for Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, provided you are an eligible new subscriber. The trial includes access to the channels carrying the match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Both clubs recorded important victories on their first matchday of action, now headlining one of the matchups that promise to be among the most attractive of the Leagues Cup.

Club America have had a great start to the soccer semester, sitting as the current leaders of the 2026 Apertura in Liga MX and securing an important win on their first matchday of action in the Leagues Cup. The side managed by Guillermo Almada defeated San Diego FC 3-1 at Estadio Banorte, now traveling to Portland for their second matchday of the championship.

On the other hand, Portland is experiencing a great moment, registering big wins in their most recent MLS matchdays and a 5-2 thrashing of Puebla on the first matchday of the Leagues Cup. Following the humiliation over the Puebla squad, the Timbers look to maintain their dominance over Mexican clubs this Sunday in the binational tournament, where a win over the most successful team in Liga MX could skyrocket their morale and put them at the top of the standings for U.S. teams.

What time is the Club America vs Portland Timbers match?

The match will be played on Sunday, August 9, with kickoff scheduled for 10:15 PM ET. Here are the kickoff times across the United States:

• Eastern Time (ET): 10:15 PM
• Central Time (CT): 9:15 PM
• Mountain Time (MT): 8:15 PM
• Pacific Time (PT): 7:15 PM

Allar has impressed at different moments during training camp, but his development is being closely watched because the Steelers already have an established QB1 in Rodgers and several quarterbacks competing for the spots behind him.

For Allar, however, the value of having Rodgers in the building goes beyond competition. The rookie revealed that he has been picking the veteran’s brain about one specific part of his passing mechanics.

Drew Allar on learning from Aaron Rodgers

Drew Allar explained that he has been working with Aaron Rodgers on the trajectory of his throws, an area where the veteran quarterback has developed an elite level of precision throughout his career.

“I felt really good, and it’s been something I’ve been working on, in terms of the trajectory of the throw. I’ve been picking Aaron Rodgers’s brain on it for like a week or so. So, to kind of be able to have the chance to do it in a live setting, even though it’s 7-on-7, but against live DBs in tight coverage. I felt really good.”

That detail is important because Allar is still learning how to translate his physical tools into consistent NFL-level execution. Having someone like Rodgers available to offer advice could accelerate that process. During his time at Penn State, mechanics was one of the main factors against Drew.

Drew Allar’s Steelers QB competition

Allar enters a crowded quarterback room in Pittsburgh. Rodgers is locked in as the starter, while Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are also competing for roles behind him.

That makes every training-camp opportunity important for the rookie. Allar may not be expected to challenge Rodgers for the starting job immediately, but his development could influence the Steelers’ long-term plans at the position.

Rodgers’ presence gives Allar an unusual advantage. Instead of simply watching one of the league’s most accomplished quarterbacks from a distance, he can ask questions, study his mechanics and receive direct feedback.

For the Steelers, that could be one of the hidden benefits of bringing Rodgers to Pittsburgh. Even if Allar does not play a major role in 2026, the experience of spending a season learning from Rodgers could become an important part of his development as a potential quarterback of the future.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Josh Dobbs inked a one-year, $1.425 million deal with $475 thousand fully guaranteed. That is a strong commitment. Still, it’s less than what Bridgewater made. He was one of the potential replacements for the Lions as Bridgewater retired.

The now-retired QB had inked a one-year, $1.8 million contract with the Detroit Lions in March 2026, which included $1.59 million guaranteed. However, Bridgewater was a more well-regarded QB than the ‘Passtronaut‘.

Josh Dobbs’ profile

Standing at 6’3″ and 220 lbs, Dobbs is a 31-year-old quarterback who has been regarded as a valuable backup in the NFL. Dobbs, whose ‘Passtronaut‘ nickname comes from his degree as an Aerospace Engineer, has played for the Steelers, Titans, Cardinals, Vikings, 49ers, and Patriots.

Dobbs has 3,346 passing yards for 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions on 62.8 completion percentage and a 78.3 passer rating. Where Dobbs enjoyed his best football was in 2023, where he started 12 games for Arizona and Minnesota.

Dobbs is likely not seeing the field much though

The Detroit Lions have a solid QB1 in Jared Goff, who is a borderline top 10 quarterback in the NFL. Hence, unless he is injured, the likelihood of Dobbs taking the field is very dim.

Still, as a veteran, Dobbs is a very serviceable and smart quarterback. So, if he indeed needs to be under center, he will surely know the playbook at a good rate. Dobbs have been around a long time in this league.

“It feels great, pushing every single day, trying to stack days together,” Mahomes said Saturday to the press. “I feel like when you’re tired, sometimes you don’t even think about it. So, I’m trying to protect it, but at the same time, I’m trying to push it and get myself ready to go for the season.”

Although Andy Reid revealed that he likely will not use Mahomes during the preseason, the tests to ensure the QB is ready have been quite demanding: “I had to pass a test that that was pretty, pretty hard. And so, it was kind of about making me—so basically it made me really tired.

“Then they made me go out there and do a lot of cutting and jumping and all that different type of stuff. And so, I’m a competitor. So, when it comes to a test of physical ability, I wanted to go out there and do it, but (Dr. Dan Cooper) he wasn’t going to take it easy on me. He was going to push me to my limit and see what I got.”

Mahomes’ serious injury

On December 14, 2025, Patrick Mahomes suffered a severe knee injury late in the fourth quarter of a 16-13 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. Scrambling to his right near the line of scrimmage, the Chiefs star was tackled by defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, causing his left knee to buckle awkwardly underneath him. The impact resulted in a torn ACL and LCL, instantly ending his season and requiring major offseason surgery.

Chiefs’ preseason is approaching

The Chiefs’ three preseason games will be a major test as they look to be in the best possible shape for their Week 1 debut against the Denver Broncos. With Justin Fields likely to start, these are the three games Andy Reid’s team will play.

• vs Los Angeles Rams, August 15
• at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, August 22
• vs Seattle Seahawks, August 28

Chiefs Kingdom wants to return to the top

To bounce back and make another Super Bowl run, Andy Reid’s squad will need a full recovery from Patrick Mahomes following a brutal 2025 campaign where Kansas City missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The Chiefs struggled to a 6-11 record, finishing 3rd in the AFC West behind the Denver Broncos (14-3) and Los Angeles Chargers (11-6).

Kansas City’s offense took a severe hit during the losing stretch, averaging just 21.3 points per game (362 total points scored) while relying on a stout defense that allowed only 19.3 points per game (328 total points against). Rebuilding offensive line depth, retooling the offense, and getting Mahomes back to full health will be critical if the Chiefs want to reclaim division dominance and return to championship contention.

Mike McCarthy was hired as Pittsburgh’s new head coach for the 2026 season, beginning a new era for an organization that had been led by Tomlin since 2007. The transition comes with significant expectations, but Tomlin believes McCarthy is an ideal fit for the franchise.

The former Steelers coach also highlighted one of McCarthy’s biggest advantages: his history with Aaron Rodgers. The two previously won a Super Bowl together with the Green Bay Packers, and that shared experience could help McCarthy immediately establish credibility with Pittsburgh’s veteran quarterback.

Why does Mike Tomlin think Mike McCarthy is a perfect fit for Steelers?

Mike Tomlin believes the connection between McCarthy and Pittsburgh goes beyond his coaching resume. As a Pittsburgh native, McCarthy already understands the culture and expectations that come with coaching the Steelers.

“I know a little bit about the Steelers situation to say the least. Mike McCarthy is perfect for them and they’re perfect for Mike. Certainly being a Pittsburgh native, he understands the standard that is Pittsburgh. And he’ll embrace that. His coaching experience will also allow him to manage that.”

That familiarity with Pittsburgh could be particularly valuable during a transition season. McCarthy does not have to learn the organization’s expectations from scratch, and his experience leading an NFL team could help him handle the pressure that comes with replacing Tomlin.

Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers give Steelers continuity

Tomlin also pointed to McCarthy’s previous success with Rodgers as a major advantage. The two spent years together in Green Bay and reached the ultimate destination, giving McCarthy firsthand knowledge of what Rodgers can do when the offense is built around him.

“He’s got an awesome resume obviously. The confetti has rained down on him before with his current quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Man, there’s no substitute for shared success. Those waters run deep. He’s positioned to do well. Certainly, there are some challenges when you come into a new situation, but there’s a lot to like about continuity in this new experience for him.”

That continuity could become one of the defining factors of Pittsburgh’s 2026 season. McCarthy already knows Rodgers’ strengths, weaknesses and personality, while Rodgers enters the season with a familiar offensive mind leading the organization.

For the Steelers, the combination could provide a smoother transition than a typical coaching change. Tomlin’s endorsement suggests that, despite the pressure surrounding the franchise, McCarthy has several advantages that could help him succeed immediately in Pittsburgh.

“Carlos Rodon is expected to have at least one more Minor League rehab start before being activated, Aaron Boone said,” the MLB insider Bryan Hoch reported on his X account.

The Bronx Bombers have 45 games remaining, with the Tampa Bay Rays currently leading the division. Getting Rodon back soon could be crucial for the Yankees to claim the top spot in the AL East.

What injury did Rodon suffer?

Carlos Rodon was placed on the 15-day injured list in early July due to left elbow inflammation. This setback came after an already delayed start to his season, as he underwent offseason surgery in October to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur in the same elbow.

After receiving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and completing his recovery protocol, Rodon officially began a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on August 8, working through roughly 50 pitches as he builds up his pitch count for a return to the Yankees’ rotation later this month.

Boone’s starting pitching alternatives

While Carlos Rodon is working his way back, Aaron Boone’s starting rotation is anchored by Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole and off-season addition Max Fried. The remaining spots in the rotation are filled by left-hander Ryan Weathers alongside young arms Will Warren and rookie Cam Schlittler. Together, this mix of veteran leadership and young talent has kept the New York rotation steady as Rodon nears his return.

What’s next for the Yankees?

Following the conclusion of their home series against the Atlanta Braves on August 9, the New York Yankees will wrap up their current homestand at Yankee Stadium with a three-game set against the Seattle Mariners (August 11–13). Aaron Boone’s squad then embarks on a key six-game American League East road trip, visiting the Toronto Blue Jays (August 14–16) followed by the Baltimore Orioles (August 18–20).

According to Mike Garafolo, the injury occurred during 1-on-1 pass-rush drills and could require surgery. Tunsil is expected to miss at least a significant portion of the regular season, leaving Washington with a major problem on the offensive line.

The timing is particularly concerning because the Commanders are trying to bounce back from a 2025 season that was heavily affected by injuries, including the loss of star quarterback Jayden Daniels. With Daniels now back and expected to lead the offense, losing one of the team’s most important blockers is a significant setback.

How serious is Laremy Tunsil’s injury?

Mike Garafolo reported the initial details of Tunsil’s injury: “Commanders five-time Pro Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps in practice today during 1-on-1 pass-rush drills. He’ll likely require surgery and will miss at least a significant portion of the regular season.”

The injury immediately creates uncertainty surrounding Tunsil’s availability for the beginning of the season. A torn triceps that requires surgery could keep the veteran tackle out for an extended period, forcing Washington to find another solution at left tackle.

Tunsil has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier offensive linemen throughout his career. Before joining Washington, he spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans, earning five Pro Bowl selections along the way.

Laremy Tunsil injury creates problem for Jayden Daniels

The Commanders were hoping that getting Daniels back healthy would help them regain the momentum they showed before injuries disrupted their 2025 campaign. Instead, Washington now has another major concern on the offensive side of the ball.

Protecting Daniels will be one of the team’s biggest priorities in 2026. The young quarterback’s ability to stay healthy and operate confidently in the pocket could be critical to Washington’s chances of competing in the NFC. Losing Tunsil makes that task considerably more difficult.

The Commanders still have time to find a replacement or adjust their offensive-line rotation, but replacing a five-time Pro Bowl left tackle is never an easy task. For now, Tunsil’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, and his injury has become one of the biggest concerns surrounding Washington heading into the 2026 season.

Josh Downs is dealing with a groin injury while Alec Pierce is still recovering from an ankle surgery after getting a huge contract, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Add that to the fact that they traded Michael Pittman Jr, and the WR room is very thin right now.

Pittman was the best all-rounder wideout but he is now on the Steelers. Downs is a great slot receiver but if he is not practicing, he is not ready to break out. Lastly, Pierce is the most expensive wideout on the roster but he hasn’t recovered from an ankle surgery on March.

Who are the Colts WRs that Daniel Jones is practicing with now?

Right now, Daniel Jones is practicing with Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Laquon Treadwell as his main options. These are serviceable receivers, but not even close to the Pittman-Pierce-Downs core he had.

As for now, the actual primary target is tight end Tyler Warren, who is poised to solidify himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL this season. During his rookie season, Warren had 76 receptions for 817 yards and four touchdowns.

How a healthy Colts offense should look in 2026

Shane Steichen is a great head coach and offensive mind so he will make the most of what he has. Still, he hopes to have everyone healthy in the first few weeks of the 2026 season:

• QB – Daniel Jones
• RB – Jonathan Taylor
• SWR – Josh Downs
• LWR – Alec Pierce
• RWR – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
• TE – Tyler Warren

Per Rich Cimini of ESPN, Bailey has traits that put Von Miller as a comparison. “He patterns his game after Von Miller, a former second overall pick by the Denver Broncos who entered the league in 2011 with the same height (6-foot-3), weight (250) and 10-yard split (1.62) as Bailey.“

Also, Bailey’s style and fast get-off reminisce of a young Von Miller. Miller is ninth on the all-time sack list with 138.5 and also won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Super Bowl MVP. Bailey recently suffered an ankle injury, but head coach Aaron Glenn is calm about it.

Bailey’s mindset is pure football

The Jets know they have a football guy through and through with David Bailey. “You’re the No. 2 pick and there are high expectations from the fans and also from teammates and staff and everything. I try not to let that get to me,” Bailey said.

Then, the pass rusher stated what’s his drive. “I play football for a lot of reasons — I could go on and on why I love football, but getting a sack, it’s literally probably the best feeling it the world. It’s like nothing else.”

The Jets need Bailey to be unstoppable

The Jets had just one player over four sacks last season. Hence, drafting Bailey was a necessity. Now, it’s imperative for them to actually see Bailey dominating like they think he can.

“Oh, I kind of always had it [in me], honestly,” Pickens said of the Mamba Mentality, via the team’s official website. “When you hear me say that it doesn’t matter what happens on the field or what happens on — I just want to do my best. When I say sentences like that, it’s the mentality that I have. So just one day at a time, and keep getting better every day.”

The pressure on the Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott to reach the Super Bowl is high. Can they finally achieve Jerry Jones’ and the entire franchise’s ultimate goal this NFL season?

Pickens’ 2025 numbers

In his debut season with Cowboys, George Pickens established himself as a premier perimeter threat, hauling in 93 receptions for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns across 17 regular-season games. Averaging 15.4 yards per catch, Pickens instantly solidified his role as Dak Prescott‘s primary big-play target, culminating in the first Pro Bowl selection of his career.

Heading into 2026, and after receiving the franchise tag worth a fully guaranteed $27.3 million, Pickens will once again be Brian Schottenheimer’s primary weapon in the receiving corps.

Embracing Kobe’s mentality

Kobe Bryant‘s “Mamba Mentality” represents a relentless, uncompromising pursuit of excellence grounded in extreme discipline, preparation, and resilience. It is less about winning individual titles and more about the daily process of constantly striving to outwork your past self and push through physical and mental limits.

This obsessive drive transcended basketball, deeply inspiring world-class athletes across various sports—from tennis stars like Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka to soccer icons like Cristiano Ronaldo—who adopted his uncompromising work ethic and legendary clutch mindset as their blueprint for greatness.

Pickens feels comfortable in Dallas

Pickens will remain in Dallas for at least one more year, but beyond that, his future could take another turn. That said, the environment the wide receiver experiences with America’s Team could be a determining factor in his decision to stay.

“I’d probably just say the type of coaches and the people around. When it’s a different vibe and environment, then that’s mostly what you’re seeing out of me now. Just, definitely more light-hearted people,” he said during the press conference.

Larkin has reportedly a trade to a Stanley Cup contender, but the Red Wings have been unable to fully address the situation while their front office remains in transition. Steve Yzerman is no longer running hockey operations, while Shawn Horcoff is currently serving as the interim general manager.

That could finally change soon. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Red Wings are preparing to begin the initial interview process, potentially setting the stage for one of the most important decisions in the organization’s recent history.

When will the Red Wings begin their GM search?

Elliotte Friedman believes Detroit’s search could officially get underway next week, giving the franchise a clearer path toward finding Steve Yzerman’s replacement. “I do believe you’re gonna see their initial beginning interview process begin probably next week.”

Several names have already been linked to the position, including Kris Draper and Scott White. Horcoff could also remain in consideration after taking over on an interim basis.

The search has attracted significant attention because whoever gets the job will immediately inherit one of the biggest decisions in the franchise: determining what to do with Larkin.

New GM could decide Dylan Larkin’s future

The longer the Red Wings go without a permanent general manager, the longer Larkin’s trade situation remains in limbo. Four teams have reportedly expressed serious interest in the Red Wings captain, with the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights among the teams Detroit has discussed Larkin with. Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill has also reportedly been involved in discussions.

Those teams are now essentially waiting for the Red Wings to establish their new hockey leadership before taking the next step. A permanent GM would have the authority to evaluate trade proposals, determine what type of return the Red Wings want and ultimately decide whether moving Larkin is the right direction for the franchise.

Detroit reportedly will ask NHL-ready talent rather than simply draft picks and prospects, meaning the next GM will have a major role in determining whether Larkin remains in Detroit or becomes one of the NHL’s biggest trade acquisitions.

With the 2026-27 season approaching, the timing is becoming increasingly important. If Friedman is right and the interview process begins next week, the Red Wings could finally be moving toward the decision that will determine both their front-office future and Larkin’s.

Per Jordan Raanan of ESPN, “barring a setback, it seems Malik Nabers (knee) is trending towards being ready Week 1 for the Dallas Cowboys.” Much has been said about the Giants weapons, but one constant has remained, Nabers is undoubtedly the WR1 for Jaxson Dart.

Tight end Isaiah Likely has established himself as Dart’s safety net. Still, Nabers is the one that takes this offense to a whole new level. Also, rookie Malachi Fields has shown the Giants he should be the WR2 of the team, but still Nabers clears as the first option.

Malik Nabers is a difference-maker

Last season, Nabers played just four games. He was averaging 15.1 yards per reception, and scored twice on a lackluster offense. At that point Dart hadn’t claimed his spot as the QB1 of the team.

In his rookie year, Nabers was a Pro-Bowler with over 100 receptions and seven touchdowns in 1204 yards. He could be a top 10-15 WR in the NFL, and that’s not easy to come by. Jaxson Dart must be thrilled to finally play with him.

Nabers will have to go toe-to-toe with the Cowboys WRs

Nabers is borderline elite when fully healthy, but the Cowboys have arguably the best WR duo in the NFL. George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb are incredibly talented. Hence, if the Giants want to stay in the game, Nabers must have an outstanding game to keep up the pace.

How to watch Benfica vs Academico Viseu in the USA

Fans will be able to watch this match on TV channels beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Espanol, but there are also streaming options where they can catch the game, which are fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, and Benfica TV INT.

Can I watch Benfica vs Academico Viseu for free?

Yes, you can watch Benfica vs Academico Viseu for free in the USA by signing up for Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, provided you are an eligible new subscriber. The trial includes access to the channels carrying the match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Benfica sit in third place in the standings and head into this league debut with mixed feelings. Their close to last season included two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches, an irregular performance for a club with its aspirations.

However, at home, the story was different: 11 wins and six draws without knowing defeat in the league. With Marco Silva in charge, the goal is to turn that domestic solidity into general consistency.

Academico Viseu return to the first division after securing promotion as runners-up of Liga Portugal 2. The team managed by Rui Ferreira has been characterized by a solid and pragmatic defensive approach, a key tool to compete in a higher tier. And they look to start on the right foot against one of the heavyweights.

What time is the Benfica vs Academico Viseu match?

The Primeira Liga match will be played on Saturday, August 9, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 PM ET. Here are the kickoff times across the United States:

• Eastern Time (ET): 3:30 PM
• Central Time (CT): 2:30 PM
• Mountain Time (MT): 1:30 PM
• Pacific Time (PT): 12:30 PM

“I think we got a lot better,” Harbaugh said to the press. “That’s probably what we got out of it. We improved tremendously. We’re much further along than we were when we started. I think we can look back and say that we’ve come a long way. I mean, the competition is really tough in this league, and every team is doing the same thing.

“You’re in a race every single day to be at least the best you can be. And everybody’s trying to do the same thing in the NFL, so that’s why it’s so tough, but I thought our guys did a good job. I’m happy with where we’re at. It’s just a matter of keeping your head down and staying after it every day. Never taking a breath in terms of your mindset and determination to get better.”

The preparation at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, eventually paid off. Now, the G-Men will continue their journey in New Jersey, where the focus is clearly already on the upcoming preseason games.

What’s next for the Giants?

The games are just around the corner, something all New York Giants players have been looking forward to from the very beginning. These are the three preseason games Harbaugh will have to fine-tune the final details.

• vs Minnesota Vikings, August 15
• at Miami Dolphins, August 22
• at New York Jets, August 28

Giants’ long-awaited debut

The New York Giants kick off their 2026 NFL regular season at home against their fierce NFC East rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The high-stakes opener is set to be played under the lights at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, headlining the first Sunday Night Football broadcast of the year.

Improvement is the key for New York

Following a forgettable 2025 campaign where the Giants finished 4-13 and missed the postseason for the third consecutive year, the franchise hired John Harbaugh as head coach in early 2026 to orchestrate a complete cultural reset. Harbaugh takes over a team that has not reached the playoffs since the 2022 season, aiming to instill the physical discipline, defensive consistency, and special teams excellence that defined his successful 18-year tenure in Baltimore.

Rodgers is firmly established as Pittsburgh’s QB1 heading into the 2026 season, but the battle for the backup job remains one of the more intriguing storylines of the team. Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar are also competing for opportunities, but McCarthy’s latest comments suggest Rudolph may have created some separation.

Speaking to SiriusXM NFL Radio, McCarthy said he has been impressed with what Rudolph has shown despite giving him limited reps. “Mason, we’ve been kinda putting him just on limited reps. I gave him a little more in the beginning, but I’ve been extremely impressed with him. So, I would be very confident playing with Mason. You know, I think you have to be realistic.”

Is Mason Rudolph winning the Steelers QB2 job?

Mason Rudolph has taken the lead for the QB2 job with the Steelers. Mike McCarthy’s comments went beyond simply praising Mason Rudolph’s performance.

The Steelers head coach appeared to suggest that the veteran has already established himself as someone Pittsburgh could trust if Aaron Rodgers is unavailable.

“You have to win games with your backup quarterback sometimes in this league. You know, he’s definitely established himself that way. And you don’t really know a guy from across the field until you get a chance to work with him. So, I’ve been very impressed with him.”

That is a significant endorsement considering the Steelers have two younger quarterbacks who are also competing for the job. Howard is entering his second NFL season, while Allar is a rookie trying to establish himself within Pittsburgh’s new offensive system.

Rudolph, meanwhile, already knows the organization and has NFL starting experience. That familiarity could become extremely valuable for McCarthy, particularly with a 42-year-old Rodgers leading the offense.

Steelers QB depth chart gets more intriguing

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently released their first depth chart of training camp, with Rodgers listed as the starter and Rudolph surprisingly ahead of Howard and Allar.

McCarthy’s latest comments could reinforce that decision. While the competition is not necessarily over, the coach’s confidence in Rudolph suggests that experience and reliability may be winning the battle for the QB2 role.

For Pittsburgh, having a trusted backup behind Rodgers could be crucial. The Steelers have championship ambitions in 2026, and if Rodgers were forced to miss time, McCarthy would need someone capable of keeping the offense competitive. Right now, Rudolph appears to be making a strong case that he is that player.

“Yeah, it depends if he stays healthy,” Shanahan told reporters on Saturday. “Mike to me is always, if you’re a starting receiver, you’re out there a ton which everyone is. I forget what it was last year, maybe hamstring, where he missed time and when that happens you miss games.

“But Mike’s going to be a starting receiver here and we don’t like any of our guys to go every play. We want our guys going full speed and it’s hard to go full speed every play. So, we’re always going to spell guys. But hopefully, he’s got a little quad right now, which I know Mike probably believes he could be back right now. We’re being smart with him, but he’s going to be good to go.”

Brock Purdy has an elite wide receiver in Evans, who can make a difference when healthy. Can this duo lead San Francisco back to the top of the NFL?

An elite weapon for the 49ers

With the addition of Mike Evans, the San Francisco 49ers added one of the most reliable wide receivers of his generation. Although injury issues limited his final 2025 campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to just 8 games—finishing with 30 receptions, 368 receiving yards, and 3 touchdowns—his broader resume speaks for itself.

Evans holds the NFL record for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons to start a career with 11 straight from 2014 to 2024, bringing a elite, proven deep-ball and red-zone threat to the 49ers’ offense.

What injury is Evans dealing with?

After missing several games in 2025 due to a hamstring strain and a broken collarbone, Mike Evans is currently recovering from a strained quadriceps suffered during the first week of 2026 training camp with the San Francisco 49ers.

The first challenges for Shanahan and the 49ers

Kyle Shanahan wants to take San Francisco back to the Super Bowl, and to do so, he will need to get off to a strong start in the upcoming NFL season.

• vs Los Angeles Rams, Week 1
• vs Miami Dolphins, Week 2
• vs Arizona Cardinals, Week 3
• vs Denver Broncos, Week 4
• at Seattle Seahawks, Week 5

During the Hall of Fame Game between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers, Tomlin was asked about the parts of his former life that he misses and those he is happy to leave behind. His response offered an honest glimpse into how he is adapting to his new reality.

Tomlin made it clear that he misses the relationships he built with his players and the sense of brotherhood that comes with coaching. However, there are also parts of the NFL grind that he has no problem leaving behind, particularly the demanding lifestyle that comes with spending so much time at training camp.

What does Mike Tomlin miss about coaching?

Mike Tomlin pointed specifically to his time in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where Pittsburgh Steelers training camp became a major part of his life over nearly two decades.

“I’ll start first with what I don’t miss. I don’t miss that dorm room in Latrobe, Pennsylvania where I spent a calendar year of my life. You know? But I do miss the men, the brotherhood, the camaraderie, the fighting together. But I gotta admit, I’m also enjoying the camaraderie I’m developing with this group.”

The comment highlights the contrast between the physical demands of coaching and the relationships that made the job meaningful for Tomlin. While he does not miss the long days and uncomfortable training-camp routine, he clearly misses being around the players and fighting alongside them toward a common goal.

Mike Tomlin is embracing his new role at NBC

At the same time, Tomlin appears to be enjoying the new relationships he is developing in television. His NBC role allows him to remain deeply connected to the NFL while experiencing the sport without the daily responsibilities of running a franchise.

That could make his decision about returning to coaching even more interesting. Tomlin has already acknowledged that the coaching itch could return once regular-season football begins, but for now, he seems comfortable with his new life.

After 19 seasons as head coach in Pittsburgh, he is discovering that he can miss the people without necessarily missing the job itself. The Super Bowl champion admitted it wasn’t an easy job. “It was a somewhat stressful job.”

How to watch Liverpool vs AS Monaco in the USA

The match will air on television on FOX Deportes and CBS Sports Network. However, there is an option for fans who prefer streaming to catch the action from anywhere. The streaming platforms to watch the game between Liverpool and Monaco are Fubo and Fox One.

Can I watch Liverpool vs AS Monaco for free?

Yes, you can watch Liverpool vs Monaco for free in the USA by signing up for Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, provided you are an eligible new subscriber. The trial includes access to the channels carrying the match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Liverpool head into this fixture with two wins and one loss in their preseason. The Reds defeated Sunderland 4-2 and Wrexham 1-0, but then fell 3-1 to Leeds United. The match against Monaco will also mark the home debut of Andoni Iraola as manager at Anfield, following his arrival to replace Arne Slot.

The Spanish coach took the reins of a squad that suffered major losses in the transfer market, with the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate. However, the board responded with signings like Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz. Additionally, Iraola faces defensive doubts due to injuries to Joe Gomez and Jacquet.

Monaco, meanwhile, face this test with Filipe Luis as their new manager following the departure of Sebastien Pocognoli. The Principality squad remains undefeated in its preparation, with a draw against Cercle Brugge and a 1-0 win over Getafe, thanks to a penalty converted by Paris Brunner. The French club reinforced its roster with Eric Dier, Lukas Hradecky, and Matthis Abline, but it also lost one of its main stars with the exit of Maghnes Akliouche.

What time is the Liverpool vs AS Monaco match?

The match will be played on Sunday, August 9, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 AM ET. Here are the kickoff times across the United States:

• Eastern Time (ET): 9:30 AM
• Central Time (CT): 8:30 AM
• Mountain Time (MT): 7:30 AM
• Pacific Time (PT): 6:30 AM

How to watch Porto vs Alverca in the USA

Fans in the USA will have the option to watch the match on TV via beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Espanol. However, they will also have streaming options with fuboTV and beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Can I watch Porto vs Alverca for free?

Yes, you can watch Porto vs Alverca for free in the USA by signing up for Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, provided you are an eligible new subscriber. The trial includes access to the channels carrying the match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Porto sit in fourth place in the standings and head into the start of the season with momentum after winning the Portuguese Supercup with a tight 1-0 victory against Torreense. Francesco Farioli, architect of the club’s 31st league title, features reinforcements such as In-beom Hwang and Andre Silva. In their last five matches, the Dragons accumulated three wins and one draw, showing a solidity that supports their status as favorites.

Alverca sit in 17th place in the standings and are going through a difficult period, without wins in their last five matches while accumulating draws and losses.

The departure of their goalscorer Marezi to Almeria, along with Sandro Lima, Lincoln, and other forwards, left the attack severely weakened. Under the direction of debutant Sergio Ferreira, the club, partially owned by Vinicius Junior, faces a massive challenge to compete in the top flight.

What time is the Porto vs Alverca match?

The match will be played on Saturday, August 9, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM ET. Here are the kickoff times across the United States:

• Eastern Time (ET): 1:00 PM
• Central Time (CT): 12:00 PM
• Mountain Time (MT): 11:00 AM
• Pacific Time (PT): 10:00 AM

“It’s clear that it’s a disadvantage; you don’t have to be [Albert] Einstein to realize it. The home team is waiting for you at their own place, with their own beds, meals and schedules. Obviously, it takes a physical toll,” Abreu said in response to Bolavip during a press conference on Saturday.

Although San Diego is only across the US-Mexico border for Tijuana, the Xolos first had to travel to Texas to play Austin in their debut at the 2026 Leagues Cup. Needless to say, it wasn’t a good start, as it put Abreu’s team with its back against the wall.

Abreu wants Tijuana to be cautious

Only a win will do for Tijuana against San Diego FC as the Xolos are playing for survival in the 2026 Leagues Cup. After losing to Austin in the opener, the Xolos can’t afford another defeat, and even a tie could be enough to eliminate them.

With everything on the line, Abreu still wants his team to be wary, as there is a long Liga MX season ahead. Perhaps because the tournament lacks prestige or Mexican teams believe they are at a disadvantage, the Xolos’ head coach didn’t show much urgency.

“We have to take precautions for when domestic league play resumes, but we should enjoy it and, above all, let the young players gain these experiences, which are fantastic for them,” Abreu stated in response to Bolavip.

Tijuana’s Leagues Cup schedule

After the 2-0 loss in the debut against Austin, Tijuana take on San Diego FC (Aug. 9) on the road before closing the first round of the 2026 Leagues Cup on Aug. 13 when they visit the Portland Timbers. Only days later, Liga MX action will resume and the Xolos are scheduled to go head to head with Cruz Azul on Aug. 17.

• Tijuana at Austin: 2-0 loss
• Tijuana at San Diego FC (Aug. 9)
• Tijuana at Portland Timbers (Aug. 13)

Missing their best player and the best in the world, Messi, Inter Miami struggled to create many chances against Monterrey. No one could break the deadlock until De Paul unleashed a rocket of a shot from outside the box, finding the bottom-right corner of the net to open the scoring in the Herons’ second game of the 2026 Leagues Cup.

As soon as the ball went in, De Paul removed his shirt. However, instead of showing off his tattoo-filled physique, the Argentine was wearing Messi‘s jersey underneath. De Paul turned his back to the stands and pointed to the number and name on his undershirt, sending a clear message of support to his best friend, who lost his father on Saturday.

On a day when Inter Miami mourned Jorge Messi’s passing, De Paul delivered a tribute that appeared to be taken straight out of a movie script.

De Paul was booked

Although he was wearing another jersey underneath, De Paul still removed one of his shirts after scoring against Monterrey. As a result, he was shown a yellow card by the referee.

Even though it was still early in the game and getting booked with most of the match left to play carried a risk, De Paul clearly couldn’t care less about the card and was going to honor Messi and his family regardless. Had De Paul scored later while already on a yellow card, he most likely would’ve removed his jersey anyway.

Some things are bigger than soccer, and De Paul made that clear with one of the most emotional moments of the season.

Meant to be

The fact that De Paul was wearing Messi’s jersey underneath his own shows just how confident he was that he would score and get a chance to honor his friend’s family.

De Paul doesn’t score often, which makes it all the more magical. That he scored tonight, of all games, and in the fashion he did made the moment even more special.

In more ways than one, it was reminiscent of one of Messi’s most iconic celebrations, when he wore Diego Armando Maradona’s jersey underneath his own Barcelona shirt days after the Argentine icon passed away in 2020.

Of course the main question right now is if Lionel Messi will play today for Inter Miami vs Monterrey. It’s been confirmed that Messi won’t play as he is traveling back to Argentina. Hence, Inter Miami, a team that won its first Leagues Cup match, will have to vary a bit.

As for Monterrey, they lost their first Leagues Cup game against Orlando City so the ‘Rayados‘ are in big need of bouncing back. Historically, Mexican teams haven’t done great in the Leagues Cup, and another defeat here could mean that pattern might be repeating.

Inter Miami’s predicted lineup vs Monterrey

Guillermo Hoyos is not going to have Messi at his disposal today. Luis Suarez is still suspended and German Berterame is in concussion protocol. Hence, this is the Heron’s confirmed lineup:

The 4-3-3 is the go-to formation: Rocco Rios Novo; Ian Fray, Facundo Mura, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo de Paul; Lovens Delinois, Daniel Pinter, Telasco Segovia.

Monterrey’s predicted lineup vs Inter Miami

Matias Almeyda is an aggresive manager and will likely put a solid, offensive-minded lineup to face off against Inter Miami. Knowing that a win is imperative, this is the starting XI:

Almeyda is confirmed to use a 3-4-2-1 formation: Luis Cardenas; Victor Guzman, Carlos Salcedo, Daniel Aceves; Luca Orellano, Orbelin Pineda, Oliver Torres, Jesus Corona; Lucas Ocampos, Diego Rossi, Hugo Cuypers.

The situation is particularly intriguing because the Red Wings are still searching for Steve Yzerman’s permanent replacement as general manager. Shawn Horcoff is currently serving in an interim role, but the organization could wait until September before finalizing the new front-office structure.

That uncertainty has not stopped teams from exploring the possibility of acquiring Larkin. According to Helene St. James, the Red Wings have already been in discussions with four potential suitors, giving Detroit multiple options if they ultimately decide to honor their captain’s trade request.

Which teams are interested in Dylan Larkin?

St. James reported that the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights have all spoken with Detroit about Larkin. She also identified Dallas as another potential destination. “The Panthers, Wild and Golden Knights. The Wings have had discussions with those three teams, as well as Stars general manager Jim Nill.”

The list is significant because all four teams have legitimate championship ambitions. The Panthers are Stanley Cup contenders, the Wild have reportedly pursued Larkin aggressively, the Golden Knights routinely operate with a win-now mentality, and the Stars have the organizational depth to potentially construct a major trade package.

Red Wings have leverage in Dylan Larkin trade

Detroit’s biggest advantage is that they do not appear willing to move Larkin simply for draft picks and prospects. The Red Wings reportedly want NHL-ready players in return, allowing the franchise to remain competitive rather than immediately entering a rebuild.

That could make negotiations particularly complicated. Any team acquiring Larkin would need to offer enough immediate talent to convince Detroit’s new leadership that moving the captain is worthwhile.

The Red Wings also have to consider the message a trade would send to young stars such as Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider. Accepting a package centered on future assets could suggest that they are changing direction.

For now, the four-team market gives the Red Wings options, but the biggest question remains when they will be ready to make a decision. With the GM search still unresolved, Larkin’s future could remain one of the NHL’s biggest offseason storylines right up until the start of the 2026-27 season.

Asked by Bolavip what facing Lozano would’ve meant for him—as “Tonio” Rodriguez and “Chucky” have been teammates before—the Xolos’ netminder sent his fellow countryman a special message. Moreover, he spoke about what a pity it was that Mora and Lozano couldn’t have starred in a Mexican present-vs.-future showdown.

“With [Lozano], I had the opportunity to play alongside him with the national team, so I know him well. He is a tremendous player, with great talent and quality. Of course, for the fans, it would have been a dream to see,” Rodriguez said in response to Bolavip during a press conference on Saturday.

“(…) a player who gave so many people hope, go up against this new star who is emerging in [Mora]. It would have been a match between the past and the present, or the present and the future. But, well, it didn’t happen that way.”

Rodriguez speaks on Lozano’s fresh start

Though watching from the other side of the border, Rodriguez shared San Diego FC’s Mikey Varas and Alejandro Alvarado’s happiness about Lozano getting to play “somewhere he can be himself.” The 34-year-old goalkeeper sent his former teammate a sincere message of joy.

“At the end of the day, I’m happy that ‘Chucky’ has an opportunity to play and that a place has been found for him. Because at the end of the day, the most important thing for soccer players is to be on the field,” Rodriguez stated.

“I’m happy that his situation has been resolved, and I wish him the greatest success because I know he will do very well. It would have been nice to have that matchup. The fans would have loved it, but it didn’t happen.”

Rodriguez dreams of national team call-up

During the press conference, Rodriguez was asked whether he still aimed to be called up to Mexico’s national team, even at 34, and the veteran netminder made his stance clear. As long as he is playing professional soccer, representing his home country will always be the goal. Certainly, it’s something for national team head coach Rafa Marquez to keep an eye on.

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, David Bailey suffered an ankle injury, but Aaron Glenn was clear and short on his answer regarding the status of the pass-rusher. “He’ll be fine,” said Glenn. This adds to Kenyon Sadiq suffering an injury setback.

Apparently, the injury happened after Bailey went to the ground on a third-down pass rush. Per Cimini, Bailey walked gingerly off the field with a trainer by his side. Still, it seems like there is no real concern for the Jets.

Bailey is poised to be a star for the NY Jets

David Bailey is heavily poised to be a breakout star for the New York Jets. As the No. 2 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech, the rookie edge rusher enters the league with immense expectations and is already a frontrunner for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) award.

Last season, Will McDonald was the New York Jets leader in sacks with just eight. Bailey is bound to be a double-digit sacks guy from the start. Besides McDonald, no other player had more than four sacks. Hence, he is a very welcomed addition.

NY Jets defensive lineup for 2026 NFL season

The New York Jets could get a new-look defense with improved players. Aaron Glenn is a defensive mind after all. He is also on the hot seat, so he either delivers or he is likely to be fired. This is how they are poised to line up:

• DE – David Onyemata
• NT – T’Vondre Sweat
• DT – Harrison Phillips
• LOLB – David Bailey
• WLB – Jamien Sherwood
• MLB – Demario Davis
• ROLB – Jospeh Ossai
• CB – Nahshon Wright
• SS – Minkah Fitzpatrick
• FS – Andre Cisco
• CB – Brandon Stephens / D’Angelo Ponds

FIFA issued a statement alleging a concerted and ongoing effort by certain parties to undermine FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino, making it clear that it will not tolerate such actions.

“Echoing the recent statements of CONMEBOL and CAF, as well as discussions with FIFA Member Associations and Confederations from around the world, FIFA will not support, facilitate or tolerate any process concerning the election of the FIFA President that is inconsistent with FIFA’s Statutes, democratic procedures and established governance framework. The FIFA President was democratically elected by FIFA’s Member Associations and continues to serve with their mandate,” FIFA wrote in its statement.

“It is increasingly evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President. Those who do not have the support of FIFA’s Member Associations should not seek to achieve through allegation, insinuation or misinformation what they cannot achieve through FIFA’s established democratic processes.”

Tension between Infantino and the Confederations

Tension between Infantino and several confederations has increased in recent days. UEFA has openly questioned the FIFA president and cast doubt on his continuity, while CAF backed his candidacy for the 2027 election. CONMEBOL also spoke out in defense of FIFA’s established processes.

One of the main points of conflict was FIFA Forward Enterprise, a project through which Infantino sought to open the door to private investment in some of the governing body’s commercial rights. The proposal generated rejection among various federations and confederations and was ultimately withdrawn by FIFA, though differences between Infantino and his critics did not end with that decision.

“Recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and demonstrably false claims concerning FIFA and its President. Speculation and insinuation should not be presented as fact, and repetition does not make an allegation true.

“The FIFA President has dedicated more than 30 years of his professional life to European and world football, contributing to significant change in the game and, in particular, to broadening access, resources and opportunity across world football. Change inevitably challenges established interests, but disagreement with that change cannot justify efforts to undermine the democratic mandate of FIFA’s President or the institution he was elected to lead.”

The Stance of UEFA and CAF

UEFA remains one of the main opposing factions against Infantino. The European confederation has stated that it lost confidence in the executive and demands guarantees that initiatives like FIFA Forward Enterprise will not be proposed again under similar conditions.

On the other side, CAF confirmed its backing for Infantino, and its 54 associations represent more than a quarter of FIFA’s 211 members. CONMEBOL also rejected any attempt to alter FIFA’s institutional structure outside of its democratic mechanisms.

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, John Harbaugh thinks Newsome avoided anything serious. That’s quite a relief for both the team and the player. For the Giants, a veteran like Newsome is a very valuable piece.

Meanwhile, if there is a position where the Giants have huge internal competition is the cornerback unit. Raanan stated, “There is serious competition for starting jobs with Newsome, Deonte Banks, Paulson Adebo and even Colton Hood in the mix… Don’t think anyone is guaranteed to start Week 1 at this point.”

Newsome should be one of the frontrunners to start

By avoiding a serious injury, Newsome is still a serious contender to be a starter. If he had suffered an injury that cost him time, then his role would have changed dramatically.

Reports state that Deonte Banks is shining in training camp. Also, Colton Hood is one of the best CB rookies in this class. Hence, there is reason to believe that this could be one of the best units on the team.

Much has been said about the Giants offense, but the defense?

While much has been said about Jaxson Dart, and who his weapons will be, the defense also saw a revamp during the offseason. Rookies like the aforementioned Hood, Arvell Reese and young players like Abdul Carter are creating plenty of hype.

Add that to good veteran presences like Tremaine Edmunds, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Newsome, to mention a few, make it one big-time unit. If defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is able to galvanize the troops, the Giants could have a very good defense altogether.

How to watch Chivas Guadalajara vs FC Dallas in the USA

Chivas Guadalajara vs. FC Dallas will stream live on Apple TV in the United States. Every 2026 Leagues Cup match is available globally, including this Phase One matchup at PayPal Park. The platform offers the games live and on demand.

Can I watch Chivas Guadalajara vs FC Dallas for free?

Eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Chivas Guadalajara vs. FC Dallas through the platform’s 7-day free trial. MLS currently lists Apple TV at $12.99 per month after a free day trial, with the subscription including every MLS match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

FC Dallas enters the matchup in a stronger position after opening the 2026 Leagues Cup with a 2-0 victory over Queretaro, while Chivas Guadalajara earned one point against LAFC after their 1-1 draw ended in a penalty-shootout loss.

Santiago Moreno and Joaquin Valiente scored for Dallas, while Chivas took the lead against LAFC through Roberto Alvarado before Denis Bouanga equalized. LAFC ultimately won the shootout 5-4.

That leaves FC Dallas with three points and Chivas with one heading into Saturday’s meeting at PayPal Park. The result is particularly important because both clubs are part of West Group 2, alongside LAFC and Seattle Sounders.

For Chivas, Saturday’s game is an opportunity to turn a promising performance against LAFC into a bigger points haul. The Guadalajara side showed it could compete with one of MLS‘s strongest teams, but the penalty defeat means it cannot afford another setback if it wants to remain in contention for one of the four Liga MX knockout spots.

Chivas Guadalajara vs FC Dallas: Predicted Lineups

Chivas (3-1-4-2): Raul Rangel; Diego Campillo, Luis Romo, Daniel Aguirre; Ruben Gonzalez; Bryan Gonzalez, Efrain Alvarez, Omar Govea, Richard Ledezma; Armando Gonzalez, Roberto Alvarado.

FC Dallas (3-4-2-1): Jonathan Sirois; Sebastien Ibeagha, Nolan Norris, Osaze Urhoghide; Herman Johansson, Clay Holstad, Christian Cappis, Bernard Kamungo; Joaquin Valiente, Santiago Moreno; Petar Musa.

What time is the Chivas Guadalajara vs FC Dallas match?

Chivas Guadalajara vs. FC Dallas kicks off on Saturday, August 8, at 9:00 PM ET. The match will be played at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, with FC Dallas’ official schedule listing an 8:00 PM CT kickoff.

• Eastern Time: 9:00 PM
• Central Time: 8:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 7:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 6:00 PM

A victory would put Inter Miami in an excellent position to reach the quarterfinals, while Monterrey cannot afford another setback if they want to remain alive in the tournament. Rayados enter the game with virtually no margin for error after losing their opening match.

The match will also be played without Lionel Messi, who will not be available following the death of his father. That leaves Inter Miami’s star-studded roster with the responsibility of maintaining the team’s level in his absence and taking another major step toward the knockout stages.

What happens if Inter Miami beat Monterrey?

If Inter Miami defeat Monterrey, the Herons would move to six points and put themselves in a very strong position to advance to the quarterfinals. The result would give Miami significant control over their own path to the knockout stage heading into the final match of the group phase.

For Monterrey, another defeat would leave Rayados in a very difficult position. After already losing to Orlando City, they would remain without points and would need a major turnaround in their final match to have any realistic chance of advancing.

What happens if Inter Miami and Monterrey tie?

A draw would not immediately give either team three points. If the match is tied after regulation, the teams will go directly to a penalty shootout, with two points awarded to the winner and one point going to the team that loses the shootout.

For Inter Miami, a draw guarantees at least moving to four points and potentially five with a shootout victory. Monterrey, meanwhile, would earn their first point of the competition and another point would be at stake on penalties, keeping Rayados alive heading into the final match.

What happens if Inter Miami lose to Monterrey?

If Inter Miami lose against Monterrey, the Herons would remain on three points, making the race for one of the four MLS spots in the quarterfinals considerably more complicated.

Inter Miami would not be eliminated, but the pressure would increase significantly. A victory against Leon in the final match would become especially important if they want to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive.

For Monterrey, a victory would completely change the picture. Rayados would move to three points and put themselves much closer to the top four among Liga MX clubs. However, they would still need a strong result against Nashville SC in their final match to stay in contention.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed on X the legends who could finally receive the prestigious gold jacket next year. “First-time eligibles for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 include Rob Gronkowski, Ben Roethlisberger, Adrian Peterson, Richard Sherman, Cam Newton, Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, Andrew Whitworth, Alex Mack, Gerald McCoy and Eric Weddle,” he revealed.

By mid-February 2027, the players selected for this prestigious honor will finally be announced during the annual NFL Honors ceremony. Which of these players will ultimately have his bust placed among the greatest in NFL history?

How are the next Hall of Famers selected?

The selection process for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 is governed by a 50-person Selection Committee—comprising NFL market media members, at-large delegates, and a Pro Football Writers of America representative—tasked with evaluating eligible nominees who have been retired for at least five full seasons.

The multi-stage evaluation reduces a vast initial pool of Modern-Era candidates down to 25 semifinalists, before trimming the list to 15 finalists. These 15 players join up to five non-modern finalists—comprising up to three Seniors candidates (retired 25+ years), one Coach nominee (retired at least one season), and one Contributor nominee—chosen by dedicated subcommittees.

During Super Bowl week, the full committee convenes to debate the 20 total finalists, requiring each candidate to earn at least 80% approval from voters to secure selection in a final class that ultimately yields between four and eight inductees.

The beginnings of the NFL Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame officially opened its doors on September 7, 1963, in Canton, Ohio—a location chosen because the NFL was originally founded there in 1920. Established to honor the legendary players, coaches, and contributors who shaped professional football, the institution inducted an inaugural class of 17 charter members.

That legendary first group included iconic pioneers and star players such as Jim Thorpe, Red Grange, George Halas, Curly Lambeau, Sammy Baugh, and Bronko Nagurski, forever setting the standard for gridiron excellence.

What does an NFL Hall of Famer receive?

When an NFL legend is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, they receive three iconic symbols of football immortality. The centerpiece is the iconic Gold Jacket, a custom-tailored blazer made by Haggar that inductees put on for the first time during the Enshrinement Ceremony.

They are also presented with a bronze Hall of Fame Ring, custom-crafted for each member and featuring a diamond setting, as well as a life-sized Bronze Bust sculpted in their likeness, which is permanently displayed in the Hall’s gallery in Canton, Ohio.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Red Wings are considering Jeffrey Greenberg to become their next general manager. Ilitch knows Greenberg personally, as the latter is currently the Tigers’ general manager.

While hiring a current MLB executive may sound surprising, Greenberg has NHL experience, having served as an associate general manager with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022.

Detroit knows how much pressure there is to get its 13th general manager hire right, and perhaps the significance of the number adds to that pressure. Maybe Greenberg is the right call, even if it’s one alternative not many saw coming.

Tigers haven’t had much more success

Although Greenberg could turn out to be the solution for the Red Wings, his last few months at the helm of the Tigers haven’t been particularly kind to him. Recently, the Red Wings’ ownership set a bad precedent amid the Larkin rumors, and it was because the Tigers parted with their best pitcher ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

Greenberg did help the Tigers reach the postseason—which the Red Wings haven’t achieved in any season under Yzerman—but failed to win more than one round in any playoff appearance. Moreover, Greenberg’s 2026 season with the Tigers was far from memorable. Still, the hope remains that he can have better luck in the NHL with the Red Wings.

Reports state that Larkin’s trade request sparked a major front-office overhaul in Detroit, with the organization steering toward more analytics-driven staff, and that’s something Greenberg would check the box on. After all, he arrived in Detroit because of his analytics-based approach, and it could be the reason he gets a new job just blocks away from his current workplace.

Ilitch faces crucial decision

After the passing of his father, Mike Ilitch, in 2017, Chris Ilitch took over as the principal owner of the Red Wings. In 2019, he made his first big call, naming Steve Yzerman as general manager. Seven years later, his patience ran out.

Yzerman will still serve as an advisor to Ilitch, but the owner believes it’s time to make a sharp turn. Needless to say, Yzerman’s tenure has left much to be desired, and Ilitch understands he must right his wrong with his next GM decision.

According to a report by Ryan McFadden, the confrontation came during a team period after Crosby hit Cousins twice. The second hit, which landed on Cousins’ arm, pushed the veteran quarterback to respond.

“Defensive end Maxx Crosby hit quarterback Kirk Cousins twice during the team period. And when Crosby hit Cousins’ arm a second time, the 15-year veteran had had enough. Cousins got into Crosby’s face, grabbing the All-Pro’s jersey, while both exchanged words before it was broken up.”

Why did Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby fight?

The fight was a consequence of intensity during training camp and the incident is particularly notable because Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby are expected to be two of the most important leaders on the Las Vegas Raiders this season.

Cousins signed with Las Vegas as the favorite to become the team’s starting quarterback and is also expected to play a significant mentorship role for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Meanwhile, Crosby remains the centerpiece of the Raiders’ defense. The All-Pro defensive end was at the center of a major trade saga involving the Baltimore Ravens before ultimately remaining in Las Vegas. With both players carrying significant responsibilities, their confrontation immediately became one of the biggest talking points at training camp.

Klint Kubiak reacts to Raiders training camp incident

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak acknowledged the intensity of the exchange but emphasized that both veterans need to understand the line between competitive football and losing control. “Those are two leaders on our team going at it. Obviously, fighting in a game or you throw a punch in a game, you are out of the game. So, we got to be smart.”

The incident may ultimately prove to be nothing more than a heated training camp moment between two competitive veterans. Still, it highlights the intensity inside a Raiders team that is trying to establish a new identity in 2026.

For the Raiders and Kubiak’s coach staff, the priority will be making sure that competitiveness becomes an advantage rather than a distraction as the regular season approaches.

Cousins joined Las Vegas on a five-year, $172 million contract, a massive commitment that indicates the organization believes the veteran can lead the team in the short term. However, the Raiders also made a major investment in Mendoza, who became the No. 1 overall pick after starring for the Indiana Hoosiers and leading the program to a national championship.

That creates one of the most intriguing quarterback situations in the NFL. Cousins is the established veteran with years of experience, while Mendoza represents the future of the franchise.

Kirk Cousins sends clear message to Fernando Mendoza with Raiders

In an interview with Dan Graziano, Kirk Cousins acknowledged that the Raiders are in a strong situation because they have both an experienced quarterback and a highly touted rookie waiting behind him.

However, he’s not going to pass the torch easily. “I think the organization is positioned well having drafted Fernando. I’m gonna try to hold him off as long as I can, and we’ll see how it goes up ahead.”

The comment is an interesting admission from a veteran who understands that Mendoza was selected with the long-term future of the franchise in mind. Cousins knows the rookie will eventually get an opportunity, but he clearly does not intend to make that transition quickly.

Who will be the Raiders’ starting quarterback?

For now, Kirk Cousins remains the veteran with the clearest path to the starting job. His contract alone demonstrates how seriously Las Vegas view his role, while his experience gives the Raiders a proven option as they build a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak.

Mendoza, however, will have every opportunity to accelerate that timeline. His success at Indiana, where he helped deliver a national championship, created enormous expectations before he even entered the NFL.

The Raiders therefore have a fascinating situation: they can allow Cousins to lead the team while Mendoza develops behind him, or they could eventually turn the offense over to the rookie if he proves he is ready. Cousins’ message is clear. Mendoza may be the future, but the veteran quarterback plans to make him wait as long as he possibly can.

How to watch Orlando City vs Leon in the USA

Orlando City vs. Club Leon will be available to watch live on Apple TV in the United States. It is the exclusive global streaming home of the 2026 Leagues Cup, with every match in the competition available on the platform.

Can I watch Orlando City vs Leon for free?

New Apple TV subscribers can watch Orlando City vs. Club Leon through a 7-day free trial. The official event page lists the match with a seven-day trial, after which the subscription costs $12.99 per month. Terms and eligibility apply.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Orlando City and Club Leon both have three points heading into Saturday’s Leagues Cup clash, so the winner can take a major step toward securing a place in the knockout rounds. Orlando opened Phase One with a 2-1 victory over Monterrey, while Leon pulled off a 1-0 road win against Nashville SC.

The stakes are particularly high because only the top four MLS teams and top four Liga MX teams at the end of Phase One advance to the knockout stage. Orlando is playing all three of its Phase One matches at home, with Leon representing its second opponent before Atletico de San Luis visits on August 12.

Orlando’s opening win also gave Antoine Griezmann an impressive introduction to the competition. The French forward scored in the Lions’ victory over Monterrey, while Tyrese Spicer converted a penalty to secure all three points.

For Leon, the victory over Nashville was equally valuable. Daniel Arcila scored in the 79th minute to give the Liga MX side a 1-0 win, putting Leon in the same three-point position as Orlando before their first meeting.

Orlando City vs Leon: Predicted Lineups

Orlando City (4-2-3-1): Maxime Crepeau; Bernardo Rhein, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, Griffin Dorsey; Eduard Atuesta, Luis Otavio; Tyrese Spicer, Antoine Griezmann, Ivan Angulo; Justin Ellis.

Leon (4-1-4-1): Jordan Garcia; Sebastian Vegas, Juan Guevara, Jhohan Romaña, Ivan Moreno; Ivan Rodriguez; Daniel Arcila, Fernando Beltran, Rodrigo Echeverria, Jordi Cortizo; Diber Cambindo.

What time is the Orlando City vs Leon match?

Orlando City vs. Club Leon kicks off on Saturday, August 8, at 6:30 PM ET. The match will take place at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando as part of Phase One of the 2026 Leagues Cup.

• Eastern Time: 6:30 PM
• Central Time: 5:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 4:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 3:30 PM

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, head coach Klint Kubiak told reporters that both Cousins and Crosby are being held out of practice as punishment for violating team rules for the fight on Friday.

Kubiak is not letting his locker room go into disarray. You either behave, or will face consequences. Crosby, who was traded to the Ravens but ended up back on the Raiders after Baltimore backtracked, has had plenty of back-and-forth episodes with the Raiders front-office. For Cousins, it’s a weird, out-of-character behavior.

This could be way more costly for Cousins than for Crosby

Crosby is a solidified star and no edge on the roster comes close to his level. He is a certified baller and there is no way he is benched or loses snaps because of this. Also, it seems like he didn’t even start the fight.

For Cousins, he is competing with first overall pick Fernando Mendoza, and this is exactly what Mendoza could need to see snaps with the first team and prove he is the man for the job right from the get-go.

The QB battle is still Cousins’ to lose

This episode is one that could give Mendoza an opening, but not a definite indictment. Right now, Kirk Cousins is preferred as the Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 1 starter due to his system experience, while rookie No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is viewed as the long-term prospect with higher physical upside.

Depending on how the season goes, Kubiak might roll with Cousins the whole year. If it goes bad, he could give Mendoza his first few games in the NFL. Hence, it all depends on Cousins. If he delivers wins, he’ll stay as the starter.

Suarez was handed a six-game suspension after spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member following the 2025 Leagues Cup final, in which Inter Miami fell 3-0. While several players were involved in a brawl and walked away without punishment, Suarez crossed a red line.

Although the Herons hoped an appeal would reduce the suspension, it was to no avail. As a result, Suarez will have to serve his entire ban in the Leagues Cup, and the Herons will have to make do with what they have.

Suarez is suspended for entire 2026 Leagues Cup

Because the veteran striker was handed a six-game ban and Inter Miami could play a maximum of six games in the 2026 Leagues Cup, Suarez would miss every outing should the Herons make it all the way to the final.

Guillermo Hoyos, Lionel Messi, and Inter Miami were well aware of Suarez’s suspension entering the tournament. Whether they agree with the organizers’ ban or not, the Herons have accepted their situation. If they want to make noise in the cross MLS-Liga MX competition, they will have to figure out a way to fill Suarez’s void.

However, there is also a scenario in which Suarez’s suspension carries on to the 2027 Leagues Cup—provided the Herons qualify to next year’s tournament.

What would happen if Inter Miami fall before the final

If the Herons are eliminated before the final, Suarez could have to serve the remaining games of his suspension during next year’s tournament. Moreover, if Inter Miami are knocked out in the round-robin stage, Suarez will miss the entire first round of the 2027 tournament as well.

Should the Herons fail to advance to the knockout stage next year, the Uruguayan could miss two entire Leagues Cups in a row. That may be looking too far ahead, though, as Suarez is under contract through 2026, but his future beyond that remains uncertain.

2026 Leagues Cup format for Inter Miami

Inter Miami will play three Liga MX teams—Atletico San Luis, Monterrey, and Leon—in the first round. If they rank among the top four MLS teams, the Herons will advance to the knockout stage. The elimination round begins with the quarterfinals and is played as single-leg knockout games, meaning Inter Miami could play up to six games.

“As you get older, things change in your life,” he said during his press conference. “Priorities, your children get older, parents get older. It just puts things into perspective. I’m looking like it’s probably going to be my last year. Just cause I’m getting to that point —those priorities away from football are starting to merge.

“Not that I don’t enjoy — I love everything about this game and preparing for it. That’s kinda where I’m at in my career. Just looking forward to this year, playing the best I can and stay healthy. That’s about it.”

The right tackle also said that he plans on having “a really good last year,” a statement that has certainly excited Philadelphia. Can he cap off his final season with another Super Bowl ring?

Lane Johnson’s legacy in Philadelphia

Drafted 4th overall in 2013, Lane Johnson has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest offensive tackles in Philadelphia Eagles history and a cornerstone of the franchise for over a decade. Anchoring the right side of the offensive line across more than 160 career starts, Johnson is a Super Bowl LII champion, a two-time First-team All-Pro (2017, 2022), and a six-time Pro Bowler.

Widely regarded as one of the most dominant pass protectors of his era—highlighted by an incredible streak of nearly 30 consecutive games and over two calendar years without allowing a single sack—his combination of athletic elite power, leadership, and elite consistency has solidified his future status in the Eagles Hall of Fame.

Will Nick Sirianni use Lane Johnson this season?

Heading into the upcoming season under head coach Nick Sirianni, the Philadelphia Eagles boast one of the most imposing offensive lines in the NFL. Left tackle Jordan Mailata and veteran right tackle Lane Johnson form an elite edge-blocking duo, anchoring a unit renowned for its combination of power and pass protection.

Up the middle, dynamic left guard Landon Dickerson, center Cam Jurgens, and right guard Tyler Steen complete a cohesive starting five built to control the line of scrimmage and drive the team’s offense.

In a public statement, Real Madrid expressed the following, “Real Madrid C.F., its president, and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Leo Messi. Our club wishes to express its condolences to Leo, his family, and all his loved ones. May he rest in peace.”

During the World Cup, it was reported that Jorge Messi was dealing with some sort of health issues. Given how much Messi means to the soccer world, teams like Barcelona, where he is the biggest legend, and Real Madrid, who had many battles on the pitch with him, are sending heartfelt messages to him.

Barcelona also made a statement. “The President and the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi, father of former Barca player and legend Lionel Messi, and, on the behalf of the entire Barca family. FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our Club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career. May he rest in peace.”

Real Madrid set their differences with Messi aside

There’s a saying that goes “soccer is the most important thing of the lesser things.” Real Madrid proved that. Soccer-wise, there is no love between Madrid and Messi, as the Argentine punished Madrid for years on the pitch. However, there are things bigger than soccer.

Barcelona focused on Jorge’s sacrifices

Messi arrived at Barcelona at a mere young age of 13. For a parent, and taking into consideration that Messi needed treatment to have a normal growth, it was not an easy decision to let him go.

As Barca said it, Jorge entrusted them with Messi and it’s safe to say that it all paid off. However, it required bravery and almost blind faith on the team to make a decision. Jorge, who always had Lionel’s best interest in mind, had to let him go, but it showed to be the right decision.

The Steelers enter the season with a new head coach after moving on from Tomlin and hiring McCarthy. That transition comes with significant pressure, particularly because they have gone through a long playoff drought struggling to turn regular-season success into postseason victories.

With Aaron Rodgers leading the offense and a talented defense expected to carry much of the team’s identity, expectations are already high. The question is whether Pittsburgh should consider anything short of an AFC Championship Game or Super Bowl appearance a disappointment.

What does Mike Tomlin expect from the Steelers in 2026?

Mike Tomlin compared McCarthy’s situation to what recently happened with the New York Knicks, who ended a championship drought dating back to 1973. He also pointed to the Buffalo Bills as another example of a team that has repeatedly reached the postseason without reaching the ultimate destination.

“It’s a little bit like the Knicks with these guys in particular. In Buffalo as well, right? When you’re running knee-deep into the playoffs, but you don’t get to your desired destination, there is some expectations that come with transition. So, certainly he’s got a little bit of that (McCarthy), but Mike has been around before. I’m more interested in how Joe Brady handles that.”

Tomlin’s comments suggest that McCarthy will inherit a team where simply making the playoffs may no longer be enough. Pittsburgh’s expectations are tied to the desire to make a deep postseason run, especially after years of falling short when the stakes become highest.

Mike McCarthy faces major expectations with Steelers

Mike McCarthy is no stranger to pressure. He has already coached in demanding NFL environments like the Dallas Cowboys and Packers. McCarthy understands what it takes to lead a team with championship expectations. That experience could help him navigate Pittsburgh’s transition.

With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and the Steelers looking to maximize their veteran roster, McCarthy’s ability to build an effective offensive system could ultimately determine how far Pittsburgh will goe.

The Steelers have spent years searching for consistency on offense while trying to remain competitive in the AFC. In 2026, that margin for error may be smaller than ever.

For McCarthy, the challenge is clear: Pittsburgh will expect more than simply another playoff appearance. The Steelers want to finally turn their playoff presence into a legitimate championship run.

How to watch PSG vs Manchester United in the USA

PSG vs. Manchester United will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network in the United States. For cord-cutters, the game will also be available through Fubo and MUTV.

Can I watch PSG vs Manchester United for free?

Fubo currently offers a 7-day free trial for eligible new subscribers before the paid subscription becomes active.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

PSG vs Manchester United will not decide a trophy, but the international friendly at Nya Ullevi Stadium carries plenty of importance for both clubs as they enter the final stage of their preparations for the 2026-27 season.

Paris Saint-Germain arrives in Sweden just days before facing Aston Villa in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, making this matchup one of the final opportunities for Luis Enrique’s squad to build chemistry and evaluate players before competitive action begins.

For them, the match represents a chance to maintain momentum after a historic period for the club. The French side is preparing for another demanding campaign after reaching the highest level in European competition, and the friendly against Manchester United gives players valuable minutes.

Manchester United, meanwhile, enters the game as part of a challenging preseason schedule designed to test Michael Carrick’s team against elite European opposition.

The Red Devils have already faced Atletico Madrid during their summer tour and will use the PSG clash to measure their progress, integrate returning international players, and continue developing Carrick’s tactical approach before the Premier League campaign begins.

What time is the PSG vs Manchester United match?

PSG vs. Manchester United kicks off on Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 AM ET. The international friendly will be played at Nya Ullevi in Gothenburg, Sweden, with the local kickoff scheduled for 5:00 PM.

• Eastern Time: 11:00 AM
• Central Time: 10:00 AM
• Mountain Time: 9:00 AM
• Pacific Time: 8:00 AM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Monterrey in the USA

Inter Miami vs. Monterrey will stream live on Apple TV in the United States. Apple TV is the global home of the 2026 Leagues Cup, with every match in the competition available through the platform.

Can I watch Inter Miami vs Monterrey for free?

Eligible new Apple TV subscribers can watch Inter Miami vs. Monterrey through the platform’s 7-day free trial. MLS confirms that Apple TV costs $12.99 per month after the free seven-day trial.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Inter Miami enters Saturday’s matchup with three points after opening the 2026 Leagues Cup with a 4-2 win over Atletico de San Luis, while Monterrey is still searching for its first points after a 2-1 loss to Orlando City.

Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist in Miami’s opener, while Telasco Segovia and Micael also scored to give the Herons a winning start. That puts Monterrey under immediate pressure at 0-1-0, while Inter Miami can take a major step toward the knockout stage with another victory.

The 2026 Leagues Cup Phase One consists of three matches for each club, so Saturday’s result could significantly shape the standings before both teams play their final first-round games. MLS currently lists Miami on three points and Monterrey on zero.

For Inter Miami, there is also an opportunity to build on its status as one of the competition’s most successful clubs. The Herons won the inaugural Leagues Cup in 2023 and reached the final in 2025, and Messi’s two-goal performance against Atlético de San Luis made him the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history.

Another win against Argentine manager Matias Almeyda‘s team would put Miami in a strong position to advance. Monterrey, meanwhile, needs a response after falling to Orlando City in its opener. A second consecutive defeat would make their path to the knockout rounds considerably more difficult.

Inter Miami vs Monterrey: Predicted Lineups

Inter Miami (4-4-2): Rocco Rios Novo; Noah Allen, Micael, Fricio Caicedo, Ian Fray; Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul; Daniel Pinter, Lovens Delinois.

Monterrey (4-2-3-1): Luis Cardenas; Gerardo Arteaga, Jorge Rodriguez, Stefan Medina, Ricardo Chavez; Fidel Ambriz, Roberto de la Rosa; Luis Reyes, Iker Fimbres, Luca Orellano; Uros Durdevic.

What time is the Inter Miami vs Monterrey match?

Inter Miami vs. Monterrey kicks off on Saturday, August 8, at 8:00 PM ET. The match will be played at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida, and is part of Phase One of the 2026 Leagues Cup.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

How to watch Gremio vs Sao Paulo in the USA

Fans in the United States can stream this highly anticipated matchup live on Fanatiz, with platforms providing full coverage from kickoff through the final whistle in a match that will be key for both sides.

Can I watch Gremio vs Sao Paulo for free?

Fans in the USA, as mentioned above, will have Fanatiz as an option to watch the match between Gremio and Sao Paulo. However, it does not offer a free option, and a subscription is required to use its services.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Both sides head into the clash needing to return to victory after drawing in their previous outings. Gremio come off a 1-1 draw against Fluminense, while Sao Paulo arrive following a 1-1 draw against Flamengo in their last match.

For Gremio, the goal is to capitalize on home-field advantage to climb the standings after their recent draw. On Sao Paulo’s side, the challenge is to secure points on the road to avoid losing ground in the standings and improve their position in the Brasileirao table.

To provide some context on their difficult situation, Gremio sit in 17th place in the standings with 22 points, which means they are in the relegation zone, while Sao Paulo sit in 12th place with 26 points.

What time is the Gremio vs Sao Paulo match?

The match will be played on Saturday, August 8, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 PM ET. Here are the kickoff times across the United States:

• Eastern Time (ET): 3:00 PM
• Central Time (CT): 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time (MT): 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time (PT): 12:00 PM

His next potential target would be the 2028 Copa America, when he would be 41 years old. Continuing at that age would be a major challenge, although the longevity of another superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, could give Messi some optimism about extending his international career.

For now, Lionel Messi is expected to remain active at club level with Inter Miami, meaning he will continue playing competitive soccer in MLS even if his international future becomes more limited.

Will Messi retire from Argentina after the 2026 World Cup?

The uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi’s future grew after recent comments from AFA president Claudio Tapia, who was asked about the possibility of the Argentina captain continuing through the 2028 Copa America. During an interview with TyC Sports, Tapia made it clear that the decision ultimately belongs entirely to Messi.

“It is purely a personal decision for him. We have to leave him alone. It was a great World Cup for Leo, and we enjoyed it immensely. We have to feel proud, and I enjoyed every moment I could. He was the leader of this group during this World Cup, just as he has been in every competition in which he has led this team. Of the five finals, he won four. For me, without a doubt, Messi was the best player at the World Cup.”

Tapia’s comments do not confirm that Messi is retiring from international soccer, but they also do not suggest that Argentina expects him to commit to the next cycle.

Messi’s next Argentina decision could define his legacy

Messi has already achieved virtually everything possible with Argentina. He won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup, the 2024 Copa America and continued to add to his international legacy during the 2026 tournament.

That makes his decision about 2028 particularly personal. If he chooses to continue, his experience and ability to remain productive could make him an important option for Argentina despite his age.

If he decides to step away, however, the 2026 World Cup could ultimately become the final chapter of one of the greatest international careers in soccer history. For now, Tapia’s message is clear: the decision belongs to Messi, and Argentina will not pressure its captain into making it before he is ready.

How to watch Chelsea vs AC Milan in the USA

Chelsea vs AC Milan will be available to watch live in the United States through CBS Sports Network and FOX Deportes, with streaming options also available on Fubo and FOX One.

Can I watch Chelsea vs AC Milan for free?

The only legal way to watch Chelsea vs AC Milan for free in the United States is through Fubo’s free trial. The streaming service currently offers a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers, allowing fans to access the match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

For Chelsea, the fixture is another opportunity for manager Xabi Alonso to continue implementing his ideas and evaluate his squad before the competitive campaign begins.

The Blues have used their summer tour to give minutes to new arrivals, test different tactical approaches and build chemistry, with matches against Western Sydney Wanderers, Tottenham and Juventus already included in their schedule.

The clash against AC Milan provides one of Chelsea’s biggest challenges of pre-season, as the Premier League side faces a club with extensive European experience. Beyond the result, Alonso’s focus will be on improving defensive organization, attacking combinations and the physical condition of his players before the start of the new season.

AC Milan arrive in Indonesia looking to continue their own preparations under new manager Ruben Amorim. The Rossoneri included the Chelsea match as part of their 2026 pre-season tour, which also featured a meeting with Inter in Australia, using these fixtures to assess their squad and establish their playing identity before Serie A action returns.

What time is the Chelsea vs AC Milan match?

The Chelsea vs AC Milan friendly kicks off on Saturday, August 8, at 8:00 AM ET in the United States. The match will be played at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 AM
• Central Time: 7:00 AM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 AM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 AM

“I valued it much more, perhaps because it was the last one. I think it was the last one, I cannot make another. I felt like I played the World Cup before starting the World Cup,” the Olympique de Lyon player shared on his live stream.

“A soccer player’s career is short and you think ‘may the final stage never arrive,’ but it arrives. You have to take it calmly and know that you gave everything and more, but everything has an end, as the song says,” he continued.

Tagliafico urges fans to value World Cup accomplishment

Tagliafico not only talks about himself, but also about how fans need to value what was accomplished more, as reaching two consecutive finals is no easy task. While fans have grown accustomed to seeing this in recent years between Argentina and France, the sacrifice required is tremendous.

“We already have the gold one from 2022. Here we have this one,” the fullback said, displaying the silver medal the team received after the match at MetLife Stadium. “We have to be proud of the World Cup that was played. It is not easy to reach two finals or have two medals.”

He immediately added: “You have to give it importance and also know how to lose. This shows that you made it, that you reached the final and gave everything. It’s soccer, you can win and you can lose.”

Addressing what happened in the final against Spain and how the squad arrived at the match, he noted: “I don’t want it to sound like excuses, but we reached the final physically and mentally exhausted. Spain played very well and were deserved winners. We played poorly.” Regarding the pitch, he stated: “The pitch in the final was bad. The stadium was dry. It was so hot, and we played early due to television factors.”

Tagliafico standout performer in the final

It is worth noting that his individual performance in the tournament final was one of the highest points for Argentina, as he managed to neutralize young Spanish star Lamine Yamal for much of the match.

For many, he was Argentina’s most consistent player, showing the best resurgence, standing out as one of the team’s highest points, and serving as arguably Argentina’s best player in the final.

On Friday, Anthony Slater contributed to a piece on ESPN updating where things stand regarding Kuminga and the Lakers. “The opportunity appealed to Kuminga, but the sign-and-trade contract offer (years, money, package going back to Atlanta) didn’t satisfy all sides. The Lakers remain interested in him, league sources said, but movement toward a deal has remained stalled for weeks.”

It was previously reported that negotiations between Los Angeles and Kuminga had stalled. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this stalemate continues. The Lakers, as Slater reported, remain interested and have continued calling to inquire about the talented forward.

Lakers will keep pursuing Kuminga

While this Kuminga free agency has been long and tiring for fans, it is all part of the negotiations. Remember that the Lakers are not the only ones interested in Kuminga.

The Hawks reportedly want a first-round swap, Kuminga wants a deal that he is enticed to sign, and Los Angeles’ alleged contract offer has not accomplished that. Until all parties can agree, this will continue to drag on. Ultimately, though, this is Kuminga’s decision.

While a sign-and-trade would bring him the greatest financial benefit, he is an unrestricted free agent and can choose his destination. Information regarding his possibilities will likely remain the same for now, and he must decide what he wants to do.

The Lakers can offer Kuminga the opportunity to start on a team with title aspirations. If he plays well in the purple and gold jersey, it could greatly boost his reputation in the NBA.

According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, the Giants signed free agent Jaimes in a spot where they are in need. John Michael Schmitz is probably headed to concussion protocol and backup center Lucas Patrick was seen hobbling during Friday’s practice.

Hence, signing the 27-year-old free agent was an imperative move for the Giants, who have been quite hurt. The fact is that even Cam Skattebo suffered an injury, though John Harbaugh downplayed it.

Harbaugh loves a good offensive line

While every single head coach would love to have a good offensive line, Harbaugh‘s scheme heavily relies on the run and having an O-line that is capable of opening spaces for the run, but especially protecting the franchise quarterback.

That’s how he made Lamar Jackson an incredible dual-threat QB. Harbaugh also loves to get RPOs going. The run-pass options are crucial for Harbaugh when he has a mobile quarterback like Dart.

The Giants offense is a must-watch unit

Having a young core like Dart, Skattebo, and Malik Nabers will put eyeballs on the Giants. Also, veterans like Isaiah Likely, Odell Beckham Jr., Calvin Austin III, and Darnell Mooney can add a bit to the attention put on this team.

Add that to the fact that John Harbaugh is one of the best head coaches in the NFL, and in one of the biggest markets in America, and this must be good. However, that means pressure is on, so they must deliver.

According to Torre’s sources, Leonard had a hidden multimillion-dollar “sponsorship” with Daktronics. This once again raises alarms about Leonard and the Clippers, as it suggests they may have added even more money on top of his contract and the alleged Aspiration deal.

“This Kawhi deal was not only discussed by higher-ups with the Clippers to circumvent the salary cap… This second source was also told that Kawhi’s sponsorship with Daktronics was a multimillion-dollar deal,” Torre revealed on his show, Pablo Torre Finds Out.

Raptors trade still on standby

The issue surrounding Leonard stems from a curious scenario. The Clippers made an innovative shift within the franchise when construction began on Intuit Dome, their new arena. The team began using the venue in August 2024, and it has been a huge success for both the organization and the fans attending in person.

One of its biggest attractions is the massive circular screen appropriately known as the Halo Board. It is a gigantic, halo-shaped, double-sided 4K video board built by Daktronics. That company proves key because it is involved in this new controversy brought to light by Torre.

Now that Torre has brought this to light, it presents another massive problem for Leonard, the Clippers, and even the Raptors. For Toronto, the direct consequence would be failing to acquire the player they are targeting. However, the situation is far more serious for Leonard and the Clippers, as this marks their second instance of salary cap circumvention and could result in harsh penalties from the NBA if Torre’s reporting proves accurate.

Why is this a problem?

NBA rules aim to prevent teams from using alternative funding sources to provide financial advantages to their players and circumvent restrictions set by the collective bargaining agreement.

Per Dan Duggan of The Athletic, Harbaugh was adamant that Skattebo’s injury is “nothing serious at all.” That’s a huge sigh of relief for the G-Men as Skattebo was one of the most productive players on offense.

Skattebo suffered a hard hit by top-draft-pick Arvell Reese. Per Duggan, Skattebo was favoring his hamstring. That makes sense, as Harbaugh said that Skattebo is still “working back into football shape.” Hence, high intensity could definitely give him muscular troubles.

Skattebo can be eased into action early in the season

The New York Giants have quite a lot of decent-to-good running backs on their roster, so Skattebo doesn’t have to take a huge workload as he goes back into football shape. This is the Giants RB depth chart and their 2025 stats:

• Cam Skattebo – 8 games: 101 carries, 410 yds, 5 TDs, 24 catches, 207 yds, 2 TDs
• Tyrone Tracy: 15 games: 176 carries, 740 yds, 2 TDs, 36 catches, 288 yds, 2 TDs
• Devin Singletary: 17 games: 119 carries, 437 yds, 5 TDs, 18 catches, 151 yds

Skattebo must be taken care of

Skattebo is not a contact avoider. He will put his head down and go straight into a collision course. He’s a crazy player. Hence, early in the season, a committee might be the best option as Skattebo gets stronger.

They have officially signed safety Israel Mukuamu to a one-year contract while releasing cornerback Ahmari Harvey as the coaching staff continues evaluating depth ahead of the regular season.

The move is notable because Mukuamu already has experience playing under Mike McCarthy when the head coach led the Dallas Cowboys, making him a familiar face for the Steelers’ new head coach.

Steelers roster moves and training camps visits

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in four players for workouts: Andre Carter (edge rusher), Xavier Thomas (edge rusher), Donovan Wilson (safety) and Israel Mukuamu (safety). Ultimately, Pittsburgh chose to sign Mukuamu.

Originally selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Mukuamu spent four seasons in Dallas before joining the Carolina Panthers during the 2025 season. Across his NFL career, he has appeared in 51 games, making three starts while recording 35 tackles, four passes defended, and three interceptions.

Mike McCarthy reunites with a familiar defender

Mike McCarthy’s familiarity with Mukuamu appears to have played a significant role in the decision. The Steelers head coach coached the versatile defensive back during his time with the Cowboys and knows exactly how he fits into an NFL defense. That experience could also help defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who continues reshaping Pittsburgh’s defense heading into the 2026 season.

Interestingly, Donovan Wilson, another former McCarthy player in Dallas, was also among the players who worked out for the Steelers, but Pittsburgh ultimately decided Mukuamu was the better fit as roster competition continues during training camp.

While some fans questioned why the organization committed so many years to a player who has yet to establish himself as a full-time NHL contributor, the Penguins appear to have a very clear long-term strategy.

According to a new report, general manager Kyle Dubas views the contract as a calculated gamble rather than a risky overpay.

Why did the Penguins give Ville Koivunen an 8-year deal?

According to Josh Yohe, the Penguins believe the contract carries much more upside than downside. “I was told that Dubas sees the Koivunen deal as ‘low risk, high reward.’ Which is to say, the cap is rising to the point that he’s willing to risk losing $4 million annually for eight years if Koivunen is a bust.”

The key factor is the NHL’s rapidly increasing salary cap, which could make Koivunen’s $4 million annual cap hit look like a bargain if he develops into a top-six forward over the next several seasons.

A bet on the Penguins’ future

The Penguins are trying to balance two timelines. In the short term, Koivunen is expected to help support veterans such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Erik Karlsson as the franchise attempts to remain competitive.

Long term, however, Pittsburgh believes the 23-year-old can become one of the pillars of the organization’s next era. If Koivunen reaches his projected ceiling, Dubas could end up with one of the NHL’s best value contracts. If not, the Penguins believe the rising salary cap will make the financial risk manageable.

However, it seems like the concerns are not as big as they initially feared. Per head coach Andy Reid, “Trey, his hip was bothering him. We sent him to a specialist just to get it checked out. Precautionary. He’s gonna be okay.”

At the end of the day, precautionary means it is to avoid anything more serious. Hence, Smith should be fine. Still, given that Mahomes is coming off an ACL tear, they need Smith to be available to protect him.

Smith got paid in 2025

Trey Smith got a four-year, $94 million contract extension in 2025. Hence, the Chiefs know his importance in this team. He has been with the Chiefs since 2021 and is committed basically for the whole decade.

Smith allowed zero regular-season sacks across 389 pass-blocking attempts during the 2025 NFL season. He is the epitome of high-level consistency. Mahomes loves having the security of Smith in front of him.

Who is playing instead of Smith?

Rookie Kahlil Benson moved from right tackle to right guard to replace the injured Smith on the first-team offense. Veteran Jaylon Moore took over at right tackle, while Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, and Creed Humphrey held down their usual spots.

The Cardinals ultimately lost a 33-30 thriller, but Beck was one of the biggest positives of the night. The rookie completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, finishing with an impressive 125.4 quarterback rating.

With Jacoby Brissett recently receiving a contract extension from Arizona, Beck was not expected to immediately challenge for the starting job. However, his performance could give the Cardinals something important to evaluate as they look toward the future.

Carson Beck makes strong first impression

Carson Beck looked comfortable operating Arizona’s offense and showed enough accuracy and efficiency to generate excitement about his potential. After the game, the rookie acknowledged that there is still plenty of work ahead despite the strong debut.

“It feels great to go in and succeed and execute within the offense. Obviously, there’s going to be things to fix. You got to go watch the tape and there’s always so much room to improve. Even just being a rookie, being a new guy and kind of getting my first taste of the league.”

Who is starting QB for Cardinals?

For now, Jacoby Brissett remains the expected starting quarterback for the Cardinals. Arizona’s decision to extend the veteran makes that clear. However, the organization also has to think beyond the 2026 season.

If the Cardinals believe Beck has the potential to become their franchise quarterback, giving him meaningful preseason opportunities could help determine whether he is ready to take over in 2027. That makes Beck’s Hall of Fame Game performance more important than the final score suggests.

Arizona has invested in Brissett for the present, but the Cardinals could use the 2026 season to learn whether Beck is the long-term answer at quarterback. If the rookie continues producing at this level, the team may eventually have a much more complicated—and intriguing—quarterback decision on its hands.

Philp explained that his motivation to continue playing hockey was no longer where it needed to be, leading him to make the difficult decision to walk away from the sport. In a message addressing his decision, Philp apologized to HV71 and everyone involved for the timing of his announcement while making it clear that he wanted to be honest about his situation.

“I sincerely apologize to HV71 and everyone involved for the timing of my decision, but I have decided to stop playing hockey. My motivation for hockey is not completely there, and I would rather be completely honest than not be fully committed to the game.”

Noah Philp’s NHL career

Noah Philp signed with the Oilers in 2022 after spending three seasons with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL. Despite joining the organization in 2022, he had to wait until 2024 to make his NHL debut, finally reaching the league after several seasons of development in the minors.

He spent two seasons with Edmonton before moving to the Carolina Hurricanes for the 2025-26 season. Philp ultimately finished that campaign with the Chicago Wolves in the AHL. Now, after years of working toward an NHL career, Philp has decided that continuing to play professionally is no longer the right path for him.

A difficult decision at 27

Philp’s retirement comes at an age when many players are still trying to establish themselves as NHL regulars, making his decision particularly notable. His message suggests that the issue was not necessarily an inability to continue playing, but rather a lack of the motivation required to remain fully committed to professional hockey.

By being transparent with HV71 and his supporters, Philp chose to step away rather than continue playing without the same level of commitment. His career may have been shorter than expected, but Philp still reached the NHL and experienced professional hockey at multiple levels before deciding to close this chapter of his life.

Larkin has reportedly requested a trade to a Stanley Cup contender, putting Detroit in a difficult position as the organization searches for Yzerman’s replacement.

The Red Wings have made it clear that any potential deal would need to bring back NHL-ready talent, making a trade far more complicated than simply collecting prospects and draft picks.

Could Dylan Larkin stay with the Red Wings?

Jeff Marek suggested that Larkin’s future with the Detroit Red Wings is not completely settled, particularly with new people potentially entering the organization and changing the direction of the franchise.

“Never say never, and egos massaged and new people can come in, and change things. I was just told that it would be difficult, not to sort of take this to its logical conclusion.”

The comments leave some room for optimism that Detroit could eventually convince Larkin to reconsider his trade request. A new general manager could bring a different vision, while changes throughout the organization could help repair a relationship that appeared to be heading toward an inevitable breakup.

Red Wings face a crucial decision on Larkin

The problem for Detroit is that time is becoming an important factor. Larkin reportedly wants to join a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, with teams such as the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers among the potential destinations.

If the Red Wings hire a general manager who can convince Larkin that the organization is ready to compete immediately, the captain’s position could potentially change. But if the new leadership confirms that they need to take a different direction, trading Larkin could become increasingly difficult to avoid.

For now, the message from Marek is essentially that nothing should be considered impossible. Yzerman’s departure has changed the equation, and the Red Wings still have an opportunity to influence what happens next.

Tomlin made his highly anticipated debut as an NBC analyst during the 2026 Hall of Fame Game between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. He immediately became a trending topic on social media.

After spending 19 seasons as the Steelers’ head coach, the Super Bowl champions is now experiencing the NFL from a completely different perspective. That immediately raised one of the biggest questions surrounding his future: how long will Tomlin be able to stay away from coaching?

Will Mike Tomlin coach again?

During the Hall of Fame Game broadcast, NBC’s Chris Collinsworth asked Mike Tomlin how strong the “itch” to return to coaching already was, particularly with the expectation that teams could eventually come calling for his services.

Tomlin admitted that, for now, he has not felt that urge. “I haven’t thought a whole lot about it yet because I don’t feel like I’m missing anything yet. You know, when those regular season balls start snapping, that’s when I’ll start, you know, getting a little twitch a little bit, man.”

Tomlin’s answer suggests that he is fully embracing his new role for the moment rather than immediately looking ahead to his next head coaching opportunity. However, anything is possible.

Could Mike Tomlin return to the NFL?

The possibility of Mike Tomlin returning to coaching will likely remain one of the biggest storylines surrounding him throughout the 2026 season. After 19 years in Pittsburgh, Tomlin brings a remarkable résumé to any potential future opportunity, including a Super Bowl title and a reputation for consistently keeping the Steelers competitive.

The key question may simply be whether watching NFL games from the broadcast booth eventually becomes frustrating for him. Tomlin appears comfortable with his decision right now, but his own comments leave the door open.

Once regular-season football arrives and the games start carrying real stakes, the former Steelers coach expects that competitive instinct to return. For now, though, Tomlin is enjoying the view from the booth.

Is Mike Tomlin retired?

No. Mike Tomlin has not officially retired from coaching. After parting ways with the Steelers following 19 seasons, Tomlin has moved into the NBC broadcast booth for the 2026 season, but he has not closed the door on a return to the NFL.

His comments suggest he is comfortable taking a year away from coaching, although the desire to return could grow once the regular season begins and he starts feeling the competitive “itch” again.

A week ago, Allen was carted off from practice after getting hurt during a special teams drill. Per Josh Alper of Pro-Football Talk, Allen was “catching passes from Patrick Mahomes during drills.”

Alper also added that “Allen had been doing well enough in that role to earn time with the first team before his injury and the Chiefs will be hoping he can pick up right where he left off.“

Mahomes could welcome a new weapon

Patrick Mahomes hasn’t exactly had a certified wide receiver since Tyreek Hill. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy haven’t proved enough nor shown the consistency required to be relied upon. Add that to a Travis Kelce that has been declining in production and Cyrus Allen gaining Mahomes’ confidence could be incredible for the Chiefs.

Cyrus Allen has great ability to get separation and finished his final college season at Cincinnati with 13 receiving touchdowns, showing an innate knack for finding paydirt too.

The Chiefs offense needs to improve

The Matt Nagy era regressed an otherwise unstoppable unit. Now, the Chiefs went back to Eric Bieniemy as the offensive coordinator, and hope that gives them a boost. A guy like Allen paired with the other weapons could also be an improvement if they can stay healthy and out of trouble.

Last season, the Chiefs ranked 20th in total offense. However, it must be noted that Mahomes missed some time, as well as key pieces like Rice and Worthy. Now, they’re tasked to bounce back.

Larkin has reportedly asked Detroit to explore a trade to a Stanley Cup contender, with teams such as the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers among the potential destinations. However, the Red Wings are not expected to move their star center simply for future assets.

That makes the situation even more complicated after Detroit removed Steve Yzerman from the general manager position. Shawn Horcoff is currently handling the front office on an interim basis, while the Red Wings continues their search for a permanent replacement.

What do the Red Wings want in a Dylan Larkin trade?

According to Helene St. James, Detroit’s priority is clear: the Red Wings want established NHL players who can contribute right away rather than draft picks or prospects.

“The Red Wings really want value-now players in return, not draft picks or prospects. To accept the latter would be sending a signal to Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider that the Wings are in rebuild mode.”

That approach effectively puts a significant price on Larkin. The Red Wings may be willing to consider trading their captain, but the front office wants to remain competitive after the deal rather than begin a complete rebuild.

Larkin trade puts Red Wings at a crossroads

The timing of the trade request makes the situation particularly intriguing. Larkin remains one of the most important players in Detroit, and moving him for prospects would give the franchise valuable future assets.

However, it could also send a powerful message to young stars such as Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider that the organization is changing direction. That is something Detroit clearly wants to avoid.

The uncertainty surrounding the front office also makes the situation harder to predict. Horcoff has limited time to make a franchise-defining decision while the Red Wings search for Yzerman’s permanent replacement.

For now, Larkin appears determined to find a path to a contender, but Detroit will not make that path easy. If the Red Wings eventually trade their captain, they want the return to keep them competitive immediately.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs Aston Villa in the USA

The match will air on CBS Sports Golazo Network and FOX Deportes on television. Fans who prefer to stream it can watch it live on Fubo, Fox One and Paramount+, giving viewers several legal ways to follow the action from the United States.

Can I watch Bayern Munich vs Aston Villa for free?

Fans in the United States can watch Bayern Munich vs Aston Villa for free by signing up for Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, provided they are eligible new subscribers. The trial includes access to the channels carrying the match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Bayern Munich are entering the decisive phase of their preseason, making this one of their most demanding warm-up matches before the start of the 2026-27 Bundesliga campaign.

Vincent Kompany has confirmed that the coaching staff is increasing players’ workloads after the 2-1 win over Jeju SK, with several starters expected to play longer stretches as Bayern moves closer to full match fitness.

The manager has emphasized that the focus is not only on conditioning, but also on maintaining a winning mentality ahead of the competitive season.

For Aston Villa, the clash is a valuable measuring stick against one of Europe’s elite clubs. Unai Emery‘s side are using their Asian tour to fine-tune tactics and build chemistry before returning to Premier League action, and facing Bayern provides one of the toughest tests of the summer.

The match is expected to feature strong lineups from both teams, giving each manager a final opportunity to evaluate combinations and individual performances before their domestic campaigns get underway.

What time is the Bayern Munich vs Aston Villa match?

The match will be played on Friday, August 7, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 AM ET. Here are the kickoff times across the United States:

• Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 AM
• Central Time (CT): 7:00 AM
• Mountain Time (MT): 6:00 AM
• Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 AM

“The Red Wings and Wild previously talked without finding common ground. The Red Wings aren’t enamored with the younger players the Wild are willing to give up,” as reported by Kevin Allen on Detroit Hockey Now.

Although the Red Wings have put Larkin’s trade on hold for the time being and are focused on their search for a new general manager, they have made their asking price clear.

Red Wings’ asking price for Larkin

While draft selections would come in handy, what Detroit is really after are NHL-ready players who can replace Larkin and replicate his production. The Winged Wheel has little interest in acquiring prospects who are still wet behind the ears. At least that was the plan before Steve Yzerman stepped down from his role as GM.

As things stand, Minnesota lacks the type of assets that would convince Detroit to green-light a deal. At least for the time being, there’s no chance the Wild part with any of Matt Boldy, Brock Faber, or Quinn Hughes.

However, given enough time, much could change. The fact that reports suggest Larkin could start the season with the Red Wings might actually be a good sign for a potential blockbuster trade.

Potential deadline trade between three teams

The Wild have made it clear they want—and hope—to re-sign Hughes as soon as possible. However, the delay in reaching an extension has created uncertainty. If the eldest of the three Hughes brothers enters the 2026-27 NHL season without a new deal, speculation will only intensify.

Minnesota’s need for a top-six center isn’t going away, and it could all lead to a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Red Wings, Wild, and New Jersey Devils. The organization in Newark knows that if Quinn Hughes reaches unrestricted free agency next summer, he’ll most likely be waiting for the Devils’ call.

However, there’s no guarantee he’ll make it that far. Minnesota will do everything it can to convince Hughes to stay, but if all else fails, the Wild could trade him before the deadline. Hughes’ expiring contract doesn’t include any form of trade protection, meaning Minnesota is free to shop him.

Such a trade will take time

All in all, every moving piece of this intriguing puzzle could fall into place and produce a three-team trade unlike anything the league has seen before. Larkin could still end up in Minnesota before the trade deadline. Quinn Hughes could reunite with his brothers at the Prudential Center, and the Red Wings could walk away with NHL-ready talent from both the Wild and the Devils.

It’s an extremely complicated scenario that hinges on far too many factors. Still, it may be the perfect storm. All it would take is patience. And even though Larkin wants to leave Detroit, he may be willing to wait a little longer. After all, the 30-year-old center must measure twice and cut once—and so must the Red Wings.

With the Hall of Fame Game giving Carolina an extra preseason contest compared to every other NFL team, head coach Dave Canales has decided to take a cautious approach with his starters.

Rather than exposing key players to unnecessary injury risk, the Panthers will use the game to evaluate depth players while keeping their franchise quarterback on the sideline.

Who is replacing Bryce Young as starting QB against the Cardinals?

With Bryce Young unavailable, Kenny Pickett will start at quarterback for Carolina. Pickett joined the Panthers this offseason on a one-year contract to serve as Young’s backup.

The former first-round pick entered the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers before spending time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders. Now, he will receive the opportunity to lead Carolina’s offense in the team’s preseason opener.

Is Bryce Young injured?

No. Bryce Young is not dealing with an injury and remains the Panthers’ unquestioned starting quarterback heading into the 2026 regular season. His absence is simply part of Dave Canales’ plan to protect his starters during an extended preseason schedule, ensuring Young is healthy and ready for Week 1 rather than risking an unnecessary setback in an exhibition game.

“There’s a lot of gravity to [Kane’s] presence. There’s huge value in that, but there are also some elements that, if the players aren’t prepared, they might be watching him a little too much. And they haven’t figured out what works for them or gotten comfortable in their own skin,” Davidson said during an appearance on CHGO Blackhawks.

Adding a seasoned NHL star like Kane could create a dilemma for the Blackhawks. Up until now, Chicago had stuck to its rebuilding plan—even if it had little to show for it. For better or worse, landing Kane was a massive shift in the status quo.

Double-edged signing for Blackhawks

Signing Kane is seen by some as the Blackhawks going back on their word and abandoning their previous approach. It doesn’t have to be that way, however. Only time will tell, though.

If Kane is willing to help the young squad in whatever role Jeff Blashill and company ask of him, his presence may bring nothing but positives. However, if the team can’t adapt to Kane—or vice versa—it could erase all the progress the Hawks made, especially late in the 2025-26 NHL season.

Kane’s presence could affect team at times

That’s easier said than done, and having Kane on the ice could lead players to force passes just to get him the puck. That’s one of the things Davidson and the organization hope to avoid. Kane is just another teammate, even if he was a childhood hero to many of Chicago’s young players.

It’s an intriguing aspect of “Showtime’s” return to the Windy City and something to keep an eye on heading into training camp and the regular season.

The fact is that preseason games are merely that, preparation for the regular season, and not even as much. Plenty of starters sit around and don’t play preseason games, even if it is the NFL Hall of Fame Game. Hence, that’s why Jeremiyah Love is not playing for the Cardinals vs Panthers.

The reason is quite simple. Head coaches don’t want to risk any star player suffering an injury or getting unnecessary contact before the actual season starts. After all, an injury in preseason could really affect how the regular season goes.

What happens if the Cardinals beat the Panthers?

If the Cardinals beat the Panthers at the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game, nothing really matters. It might show some of the new looks and schemes that new offensive-driven head coach Mike LaFleur has been trying to impregnate on the team are actually working.

It can give a few standout players from the game vs Panthers a boost to make it into the final 53-man roster, but not more than that. In fact, you can see who the Cardinals starting quarterback will be vs the Panthers and that will put into perspective the relevance of this game.

What happens if the Cardinals tie vs Panthers?

If the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers tie during a preseason matchup like the Hall of Fame Game, the game simply ends in a tie after overtime, with no impact on the regular-season standings.

What happens if the Cardinals lose vs Panthers?

A loss has no negative impact on either team’s regular-season record, standings, or playoff chances. It literally doesn’t matter. The most important thing in preseason games is to not suffer injuries and trying to implement some of their new schemes.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Gibbs signed a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could go up to $75.75 million with $51.5 million guaranteed. This effectively makes him the highest-paid running back by new-money average per year:

1. Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions – $22.5M
2. Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons – $22.25M
3. Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts – $22M
4. Saquon Barkley – Philadelphia Eagles – $20.6M
5. Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers – $19M
6. Devon Achane – Miami Dolphins – $16M
7. Derrick Henry – Baltimore Ravens – $15M
8. Breece Hall – New York Jets – $14.5M

Gibbs’ deal fell short in one aspect

Despite being paid more than anyone on a per-year-average, Jeremiyah Love still leads all RBs in guaranteed money at $53 million. That just speaks as to how massive Love’s contract is after getting drafted third overall.

However, Love is behind on a new-year average. Love will earn around $13.25 million per year, which ranks 10th in the NFL. However, all his money is guaranteed, and that’s what sets his contract apart.

The RB market got reset heavily this NFL offseason

Per Schefter, there was only one $20 million-per-year running back entering the offseason (Saquon Barkley). Now, with the deals of Gibbs, Taylor, and Robinson, the list went up to four in a matter of less than a week.

Players like James Cook (Bills) and Chase Brown (Bengals) could be in for huge deals as well. Cook is coming off a 1912 scrimmage-yard-season where he led the NFL in rushing yards (1,621) and also had 14 touchdowns. Chase Brown has surpassed the 1350 scrimmage-yard mark in both 2024 and 2025 scoring 11 touchdowns in each season.

How to watch Club America vs San Diego in the USA

Club America and San Diego FC will meet in one of the headline matchups of the opening week of the 2026 Leagues Cup. Fans in the United States can watch the match exclusively through Apple TV, with live coverage available.

Can I watch Club America vs San Diego for free?

Eligible new users can watch the match by taking advantage of Apple TV‘s 7-day free trial, subject to account eligibility and the current promotional terms. Once the trial is activated, the match is available through the platform.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Club America opens its Leagues Cup campaign at Estadio Banorte, becoming one of the first Liga MX clubs to host a Phase One match in Mexico under the tournament’s new format.

They enter the tournament as the No. 3 team in the 2026 Leagues Cup Ranking, behind only Toluca and Tigres. That position earned Las Aguilas the right to host one Phase One match at Estadio Banorte, making them one of only three Liga MX clubs to receive home-field advantage during the opening stage.

The stakes are significant because every team plays only three Phase One matches, all against clubs from the opposite league. There are no draws in the competition: teams receive three points for a regulation win, while games level after 90 minutes go directly to penalties, with the shootout winner earning an additional point.

Only the top-performing clubs from each league qualify for the quarterfinals, meaning even a single dropped result can dramatically impact a team’s chances of advancing. This is also a measuring-stick game between two ambitious clubs.

America enters the tournament as one of Liga MX‘s highest-ranked teams and a perennial title contender, while San Diego FC has quickly become one of MLS‘ most competitive expansion sides.

Club America vs San Diego: Predicted Lineups

Club America (4-2-3-1): Rodolfo Cota; Cristian Borja, Ramon Juarez, Nestor Araujo, Dagoberto Espinoza; Alan Cervantes, Jonathan dos Santos; Erick Sanchez, Raphael Veiga, Isaias Violante; Henry Martin.

San Diego FC (4-3-3): CJ dos Santos; Kieran Sargeant, Manu Duah, Christopher McVey, Dagur Dan Þorhallsson; Onni Valakari, Jeppe Tverskov, Alejandro Alvarado Jr.; David Vazquez, Marcus Ingvartsen, Anders Dreyer.

What time is the Club America vs San Diego match?

Club America and San Diego FC square off on Thursday, August 6, with kickoff scheduled for 10:00 PM ET at Estadio Banorte. It is one of only a handful of Phase One matches being played in Mexico.

• Eastern Time: 10:00 PM
• Central Time: 9:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 8:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 7:00 PM

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love is not playing in the Hall of Fame Game against the Carolina Panthers because head coach Mike LaFleur chose to hold out projected starters. Given that Love is a high-value player, he won’t be risked in this game.

Love was the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Love also leads the running backs in guaranteed money. Hence, it’s projected that Love will play a major role in the Cardinals’ offense this season. The Cardinals have also confirmed their starting quarterback for the game vs. Panthers.

The Cardinals have a numerous RB depth chart

Jeremiyah Love is the new shiny toy on the roster. However, the Cardinals also brought in Tyler Allgeier, and they already had the always-serviceable James Conner, alongside Trey Benson, and Bam Knight.

Those are too many names as Conner has been a starting-caliber running back for years. Also Allgeier was very good for the Falcons, and now they have Love. There is little to no space for the rest of the backs, so the NFL preseason will be key for the other names to stay on the roster.

Who will get the most looks at RB for the Cardinals vs Panthers?

Trey Benson is dealing with an injury and Conner, Allgeier, and Love are pretty much discarded or dealing with another couple of injuries. Hence, it can be Bam Knight’s moment to shine against the Panthers.

How to watch Cruz Azul vs Philadelphia Union in the USA

Fans in the United States will be able to watch Cruz Azul and the Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup on FOX Sports 1, TUDN USA and UniMás.

For streaming, the game will be available on Apple TV, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, TUDN App, FOX One and Fubo.

Can I watch Cruz Azul vs Philadelphia Union for free?

Yes! The easiest legal way to watch the match for free in the United States is through Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, which gives new eligible subscribers access to the FOX broadcast carrying the game.

If you’re an eligible new Apple TV subscriber, you may be able to take advantage of the 7-day free trial, depending on your account status and any current promotional offers. Availability varies by account and region.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Cruz Azul enters as one of Liga MX’s top-ranked representatives, while Philadelphia qualified after winning the 2025 MLS Supporters’ Shield, earning the right to host all three of its Phase One matches.

The game is also a rematch of their only previous meeting, a 1-1 draw in the 2024 Leagues Cup that Cruz Azul won on penalties. The stakes are particularly high because of the tournament’s new format.

Each club plays only three Phase One matches, all against teams from the opposite league, with no draws. A regulation win is worth three points, while matches tied after 90 minutes go directly to penalties, awarding one additional point to the shootout winner.

Only the top-performing teams from MLS and Liga MX advance to the quarterfinals, making every point critical from the opening matchday. In addition, the tournament’s three best finishers qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

For the Philadelphia Union, a strong start at home is essential before facing Necaxa and Santos Laguna later in Phase One. They have consistently been one of the competition’s strongest MLS clubs, reaching the semifinals in 2023 and 2024, and will look to capitalize on home-field advantage once again.

Cruz Azul, meanwhile, is aiming to add a second Leagues Cup title after lifting the inaugural trophy in 2019, knowing that defeating one of MLS’ toughest home teams would put La Maquina in an excellent position to reach the knockout rounds.

Cruz Azul vs Philadelphia Union: Predicted Lineups

Cruz Azul (4-1-3-2): Andres Gudiño; Omar Campos, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Jesus Orozco; Jeremy Marquez, Luka Romero, Agustin Palavecino, Nicolas Ibañez; Christian Ebere, Andres Montaño.

Philadelphia Union (4-4-2): Andre Blake; Kai Wagner, Neil Pierre, Nathan Harriel, Frankie Westfield; Indiana Vassilev, Danley Jean Jacques, Jovan Lukic, Cavan Sullivan; Bruno Damiani, Milan Iloski.

What time is the Cruz Azul vs Philadelphia Union match?

Cruz Azul and the Philadelphia Union will face off on Thursday, August 6, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM ET at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. The match is part of the opening phase of the 2026 Leagues Cup.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

A move has yet to be made, and reports hint Larkin could start the 2026-27 NHL season in Detroit. Regardless, the captain reportedly isn’t backing down. Even though the Red Wings have put trade talks involving Larkin on hold, the 30-year-old center remains determined to be traded.

“Dylan Larkin has not budged on the request to be traded that he made shortly after the season ended,” Helene St. James reported on an article on Detroit Free Press. The ball is in the Red Wings‘ court, but they have no urgency to figure out a trade. At least, not as long as they are still searching for a new general manager to take over after Steve Yzerman.

Larkin’s trade rumors dwindle

Deep in the NHL offseason and with a very limited list of potential destinations, it’s only natural for the trade buzz surrounding Larkin to quiet down. That doesn’t mean he’s changed his mind, that the Red Wings have convinced him to stay, or anything of the sort.

The fact Detroit’s front office is undergoing significant changes doesn’t help, either. It’s difficult for teams to call Motor City when it’s unclear who will pick it up, and whether it is authorized to discuss potential trades.

As a result, and because the 2026-27 NHL season still feels a long way off, franchises are under no urgency to work out a deal. Larkin may be the only one feeling anxious, as he’d likely prefer to know where he’ll be playing as soon as possible.

Larkin holds the cards to his future

Regardless, he holds the upper hand with his no-movement clause (NMC), which essentially allows him to choose his next destination. If a team on his trade list makes an offer Detroit can accept, it will be up to the center to waive his no-movement clause and head to the airport.

A few months ago, when the trade request first became public, many thought Larkin would be wise to have his bags packed. Now, he might as well unpack—if he ever packed his things in the first place—and wait patiently.

His departure from Detroit has taken longer than expected, and it may take even longer. One thing appears clear, however: Larkin will leave Motor City sooner or later.

Larkin’s stats in Detroit

Ever since he was selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft, Larkin has been a cornerstone of the Red Wings. He was a fan favorite right up until he requested a trade, leaving the organization in a difficult position.

Still, his impact is undeniable—even if he helped the team reach the postseason only once. Through 808 games, Larkin has recorded 276 goals and 367 assists for a total of 643 points. Surprisingly, he owns a plus/minus of -100 during his time in Detroit.

Because there’s still a month until the NFL regular season begins and Arizona knows how important its starting quarterback is, Brissett will not play in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. Brissett was confirmed as the Cardinals’ No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart after he and the organization agreed to a contract restructure.

Under his revamped deal, Brissett is guaranteed to make $15.5 million in 2026. Given that financial commitment, it’s easy to see why the Cardinals won’t risk their starting quarterback this early in the preseason. Unfortunately, that means fans won’t get to watch the ever-entertaining signal-caller.

The officiating crew for the 2026 Hall of Fame Game will also miss out on seeing the veteran quarterback in action. Instead, they’ll get their first look at rookie Carson Beck, who will start for the Cardinals against the Panthers. Beck will go head to head with Kenny Pickett, as Bryce Young won’t play for Carolina, either.

Brissett’s numbers in 2025

Coming into the 2026 NFL season with higher expectations and a revamped offense featuring Jeremiyah Love, Trey McBride, and Marvin Harrison Jr., the Cardinals expect Brissett to be up to the task. He is coming off a career year in 2025, when he threw for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

At 33 and in the desert, Brissett is playing the best football of his career since being drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Brissett will be working closely with head coach Matt LaFleur, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, quarterbacks coach Matt Schaub, and pass game specialist Connor Senger. It appears he is well equipped both on and off the field to lead the Cardinals.

Making the playoffs may be too much to ask of a team that finished with the third-worst record in the league just months ago and plays in the same division as the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the NFC runner-up Los Angeles Rams. Still, crazier things have happened.

Hall of Fame Class of 2026

While the Cardinals and Panthers will go head to head in the 2026 Hall of Fame Game, the spotlight will be on the enshrinement ceremony, as Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri, Roger Craig, Luke Kuechly, and Larry Fitzgerald will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Last five Hall of Fame Games

• 2025: Los Angeles Chargers 34-7 Detroit Lions
• 2024: Chicago Bears 21-17 Houston Texans
• 2023: Cleveland Browns 21-16 New York Jets
• 2022: Las Vegas Raiders 27-11 Jacksonville Jaguars
• 2021: Pittsburgh Steelers 16-3 Dallas Cowboys

The Cardinals will use Carson Beck as their starting quarterback vs Panthers in the NFL Hall of Fame Game. The Cardinals had some small QB battle during preseason, but as soon as Jacoby Brissett got a new deal, the battle ended. As of now, Beck is projected to be QB3 on the roster. Brissett isn’t playing against the Panthers today as the Cardinals want to keep him healthy.

However, given that he is a rookie, it’s time for Beck to showcase why the Cardinals trusted him as a possible future franchise quarterback. Beck is fresh off a runner-up season in College Football as he guided the Florida Gators to the National Championship game. The Panthers’ starting quarterback against the Cardinals today will be Kenny Pickett.

Will the Cardinals use starters in NFL Hall of Fame Game?

Head coach Mike LaFleur announced that roughly 35 players, including key starters and veterans like quarterback Jacoby Brissett and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, will sit out this game vs Panthers.

Players like running back Bam Knight, or late-round rookies like wideout Reggie Virgil could be eager to impress LaFleur. This can help them earn some snaps once the regular season begins. Hence, there are still players looking to get the most out of this game.

The Cardinals need to rebuild effectively

Last season, the Cardinals ended 3-14. This prompted a change in head coach, traded away Kyler Murray, and effectively tried to reset the franchise. The preseason can at least makes us know how LaFleur’s scheme will be. Also, how much his ideas have been installed in his team.

The most eye-catching aspect of the agreement is its length. Koivunen received an eight-year contract worth $4 million per season, a major commitment from Pittsburgh despite the 23-year-old having only recently made the jump to the NHL.

The deal signals just how highly the Penguins view Koivunen as they balance competing in the present while preparing for the future. By committing to Koivunen through a lengthy extension, GM Kyle Dubas has made it clear that the promising player can bridge both phases of the team’s future.

Ville Koivunen showed promise during the 2025-26 season

Ville Koivunen split the 2025-26 campaign between the NHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. At the NHL level, he recorded two goals and five assists for seven points in 39 games.

However, in the AHL, he emerged as one of the organization’s most productive young forwards, posting great numbers: 13 goals and 28 assists for 41 points in just 34 games. Ville led Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in assists, ranked second in total points, and finished with the team’s best points-per-game average.

From 2021 until 2024, Koivunen spent three seasons with Karpat in Finland’s top professional league. He was originally selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round (51st overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft before being acquired by Pittsburgh in the March 2024 trade.

A key piece for the Penguins’ present and future

General manager Kyle Dubas clearly sees Koivunen as much more than a young prospect. The Penguins expect him to help maximize the remaining championship window alongside veterans Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Erik Karlsson, while also becoming one of the cornerstones of the franchise once the Pens fully transition into a rebuilding era.

Every year, five NFL legends are inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Before the enshrinement ceremony in Canton, Ohio, a preseason game is played, with the participating teams often representing members of that year’s Hall of Fame class. In 2026, that is no different.

Larry Fitzgerald and Luke Kuechly will both be immortalized in Canton. Among this year’s class, they are the only two players to have spent their entire NFL careers with one team, which is a big reason Arizona and Carolina were selected to play this year.

Jacoby Brissett won’t play for the Cardinals and neither will Bryce Young suit up for the Panthers. Still, the stadium is expected to be filled to capacity, with over 20,000 fans in attendance for the 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game.

Fitzgerald’s career stats

Spending his entire NFL career with the Cardinals, Fitzgerald is arguably the most beloved player in franchise history, and his résumé certainly supports that status. Drafted third overall in 2004 out of the University of Pittsburgh, Fitzgerald went on to play 263 games over 17 seasons. During that span, he caught 1,432 passes for 17,492 yards and 121 touchdowns.

One of the most remarkable accomplishments of his career is that Fitzgerald recorded more tackles (41) than dropped passes (29). Although he never won a Super Bowl—the Cardinals haven’t either—Fitzgerald was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times and earned one first-team All-Pro selection.

Kuechly’s career stats

Like Fitzgerald, Kuechly also spent his entire NFL career with one team. He, too, suffered a heartbreaking Super Bowl loss with his franchise. However, Kuechly’s time in Carolina was cut short by injuries, leaving many to wonder what might have been. Still, eight seasons were enough for the star linebacker to earn a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Kuechly played 118 games, recording 1,092 tackles (690 solo), 18 interceptions, 66 pass deflections, 12.5 sacks, nine fumble recoveries, seven forced fumbles, and two touchdowns. During his career with the Panthers, he was selected to seven Pro Bowls and earned five first-team All-Pro honors. He was also named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) in 2012 and AP Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) in 2013.

Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Along with the excitement surrounding the first football action of the year and the Hall of Fame festivities, weather conditions are expected to play a key role for the fans heading to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Fortunately, the forecast looks favorable. Thursday is expected to bring sunny skies, afternoon highs in the mid-80s, light winds, and only a minimal chance of rain. By kickoff, temperatures should settle into the 70s.

How could the weather affect the Cardinals vs. Panthers game?

The weather is not expected to have a significant impact on the Cardinals vs. Panthers Hall of Fame Game. Forecasts for Thursday evening in Canton call for warm temperatures around 80°F at kickoff, light winds and only a slight chance of an isolated shower, creating favorable conditions.

With temperatures gradually dropping into the mid-to-upper 70s as the night progresses, both offenses should be able to operate without dealing with extreme heat or adverse weather. Winds are expected to remain light—around 5 mph—which should have little effect on passing, kicking or punting.

The biggest concern is player hydration. Since the game marks the first live action after training camp, coaches are likely to rotate players frequently to manage workloads in the warm conditions. That is already common in the Hall of Fame Game.

While many starters are expected to sit out on both sides, one detail always draws plenty of attention: the uniforms each team will wear. Today, it’s going to be a great combination.

The Hall of Fame Game traditionally offers fans their first look at each team’s on-field appearance for the new season, and this year’s matchup is no exception. Here is what both teams are expected to wear in Canton.

What uniforms are the Cardinals wearing today vs Panthers?

The Arizona Cardinals are expected to wear their traditional red home uniforms. The look features red jerseys, red pants, and white numbers and accents, paired with the club’s iconic white helmet displaying the classic red Cardinals logo on each side.

What uniforms are the Panthers wearing today?

The Carolina Panthers are expected to take the field wearing an all-black uniform combination. That includes black jerseys, black pants, white numbers, and the team’s signature silver helmet featuring the black Panthers logo.

The contrasting uniforms between Panthers and Cardinals should create one of the most visually striking matchups of the opening game of the 2026 NFL preseason.