The designation comes after Nabers made it clear that the final decision about whether he plays will ultimately be his. The wide receiver has been working his way back from the torn ACL and meniscus injury that ended his 2025 season, and although his practice participation has been encouraging, he has repeatedly avoided committing to playing against Dallas.

That uncertainty became even more significant after Nabers said he cannot put his career at risk simply because he wants to return. His comments raised questions about whether the Giants star could ultimately choose caution over making his long-awaited comeback in one of the biggest games of the season, making Sunday night’s decision potentially one that comes down to the final hours before kickoff.

Will Malik Nabers play for Giants vs Cowboys in Week 1?

Being listed as questionable does not mean Malik Nabers will miss the game, especially considering that he practiced fully on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It does, however, confirm that the Giants are leaving his status unresolved heading into the weekend, with the receiver continuing to have significant control over whether he feels ready to take the field.

Nabers’ own words have made this situation particularly fascinating. He has made no secret of how badly he wants to play again, but he also understands that returning from a major knee injury is about more than feeling good during practice. The intensity of an NFL game is different, and his comments about protecting his career suggest he will not make the decision simply because the Giants need him against Dallas.

For the Giants, the stakes are enormous. Nabers is their premier offensive weapon, and his absence would force Jaxson Dart to play without the receiver who was expected to be the centerpiece of the passing attack. If Nabers ultimately decides he is ready, Sunday night could mark his long-awaited return; if he chooses not to risk it, the Giants will have to move forward with Odell Beckham Jr., Darnell Mooney and Malachi Fields taking on larger roles.

The Chiefs added Chris Jones to the injury report on Friday with a calf issue. The team issues its final injury report on Saturday. Jones was one of the 11 names on the injury report.

Out of those, six are defensive players and none is bigger than Jones. Football is won in the trenches and if Jones isn’t there, the pass rush and run-stopping ability of the Chiefs goes dim.

The Chiefs offense is also hurt

Josh Simmons is the starting tackle and hasn’t practiced in the last two weeks. Rashee Rice logged a full practice but has dealt with a knee injury throughout the offseason. Trey Smith logged two full practices as the guard seems able to play after battling a hip injury. Xavier Worthy is a speedy wideout that can fully play after logging two full practices, overcoming shoulder issues.

Of course, the most important name on the report is Patrick Mahomes, though the quarterback is ready to go. In fact, Mahomes revealed his thoughts on returning to action with a knee brace in Week 1 vs Broncos.

The Chiefs face a tough opponent in Week 1

The Denver Broncos are one of the best teams in the NFL. They were the first seed in the AFC last season and are scheduled to be a contender this year too. The Broncos have a top-tier defense and pass rush.

As for the Kansas City Chiefs, they will also face a good offense that was revamped with a great wideout like Jaylen Waddle. Hence, while they’ll be at home, it’s a handful for the Chiefs to win this game.

In a press conference, Bieniemy stated he knew from Day 1 of his return to Kansas City that Mahomes would be ready for Week 1. “He’s been working his ass off since Day 1 of this injury… I’m not shocked or surprised… It shouldn’t be a story because of the nature of the competitor,” Bieniemy said.

Bieniemy believes Mahomes‘ competitive nature made his approach to rehabilitation predictable. “But on top of that, you know, it shouldn’t be a story because of the nature of the kid and the competitor that he is,” Bieniemy continued. “All right. When I came into this building on that first day, I saw him working. I was like, ‘Welp, he’ll be ready.'”

Bieniemy prepares game plan vs Broncos

With left tackle Josh Simmons expected to miss the opener due to a lingering back injury, undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson will start in his place. Benson emerged as a threat to win the right tackle job over veteran Jaylon Moore during training camp, but moving to the left side—where he never played in college—came as an unexpected development. Kansas City will also feature Mahomes alongside Kenneth Walker, who will serve as a lethal weapon.

Bieniemy expressed confidence in his rookie tackle to adjust, even against one of the NFL‘s better pass rushes. “Go play and have fun,” was Bieniemy’s message to Benson.

“This kid has worked his tail off. We’re talking about a kid who played on a national championship team. The beauty of having Kahlil is this: you’ve got Trey [Smith] and Creed [Humphrey] in that room. You’ve got two leaders that have been on this offensive line since Day 1, and those guys are doing a great job with the communication aspect, but also just mentally helping him to understand the what’s, the why’s, and the how’s.”

Facing a tough Denver defense

Bieniemy acknowledged that the opener will present a tough test given that Vance Joseph leads the opposition as defensive coordinator, making them difficult to overcome. He had nothing but praise for Denver’s Joseph and his players, especially along the defensive line.

“Vance is an outstanding coach. He’s done a great job with that defense. Those guys play their asses off. They were in that AFC championship game and probably a few plays away,” Bieniemy said. “We know Mr. 15 (Nik Bonitto) can get after. We know Zach Allen can get after. This team is pretty good at every level.”

Bieniemy returned to Kansas City as offensive coordinator in January, reuniting him with a quarterback he previously coached during some of the most successful seasons of Mahomes’ career. Now Bieniemy and Mahomes will begin their latest season together with considerable attention focused on the quarterback’s repaired knee.

The Bronx Bombers might be sending out mixed signals as of late. Recently, Boone hinted the Yankees would be saving Judge for the Mets series, but his latest comments now suggest that while he will play, he may not complete all games in the series.

“Asked if Aaron Judge will play all three games against the Mets, Aaron Boone said ‘we’ll see’,” NY Daily News’ Gary Phillips reported.

Judge may not be on board

Considering Judge was unhappy with Boone pulling him from the game in his first game back against the Colorado Rockies, he likely won’t be thrilled to learn he may not play in all three games against the cross-town rivals.

Plus, Judge may want to redeem himself against the Orange and Blue, so he won’t want to give up any possible chance to do so. So far this year, he hasn’t done great against the Mets, and he was hoping he could change that during the emotional three-game series that will start on Sept. 11 at Yankee Stadium.

Judge’s numbers against Mets in 2026

During his first three games against New York in the 2026 MLB season, Judge went 3-for-12 with two runs scored, two walks, and three strikeouts. His batting average (.250) is not what’s bothering him, but his OPS.

Judge has put up a .690 OPS, which is his fifth-lowest against any team in 2026. Clearly, he has some unfinished business with the Orange and Blue, but he might only have so many opportunities to settle the score.

NY Yankees’ pulse won’t tremble

Regardless, that’s the least of the concerns for Boone and the Yankees. They have bigger fish to fry and can’t risk putting Judge at risk just for him to try and settle a personal dispute. Whether he likes the decision or not, it’s not Judge’s to make, and Boone will have the final say.

Nabers recently acknowledged that he desperately wants to return to the field after suffering his serious knee injury, but emphasized that he cannot afford to jeopardize the rest of his career for the sake of playing in one game. His comments immediately generated discussion because the Giants receiver still has not confirmed whether he will play against Dallas in Week 1.

Parsons then entered the conversation with a remarkably brief message on his official X account. Rather than criticizing Nabers or clearly defending him, the Packers pass rusher simply questioned why anyone would have an issue with what the Giants star said, creating even more confusion around an already uncertain situation.

Micah Parsons and his message about Malik Nabers

Micah Parsons wrote: “I’m confused on what’s wrong with this statement?” The message immediately caught attention because there does not appear to be any obvious controversy in Nabers’ comments. The Giants receiver was simply explaining that he has wanted to return for a long time, but does not want to make a rushed decision that could put his career at risk.

That is what makes Parsons’ reaction so intriguing. Nobody had clearly established that Nabers’ statement was “wrong,” at least based on the comments themselves. Nabers’ position was essentially that he wants to play, but that he also has to consider the bigger picture after spending nearly a year recovering from a major knee injury. Parsons may have been responding to criticism of Nabers that surfaced elsewhere, but he did not explain what prompted his post.

The timing also makes the message particularly interesting because Parsons understands the importance of protecting a player’s long-term health while dealing with an injury himself. The Packers star has been recovering from a knee injury and is working toward his own return, making his reaction to Nabers’ cautious approach potentially more meaningful. Still, without further clarification from Parsons, it is impossible to know exactly what he meant.

For now, the message has only added another mystery to the Giants-Cowboys buildup. Nabers remains a major question mark for Sunday’s blockbuster matchup, while Parsons’ unexpected reaction has sparked a different question: what exactly was he responding to? Unless the Packers star provides more context, fans may be left to interpret a message that seemed to raise a controversy without explaining what the controversy actually was.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Wilson’s advice to a first-round rookie was as simple as an advice can be. “Arvell is just going – all I want him to do is just be himself,” Wilson said. Meanwhile on offense, Malik Nabers confirmed the final decision to play in Week 1 is up to him.

He then added, “I’m not putting a high expectation on him. The guy shows up every day. He does what he’s asked to do. He runs and hits, he can catch the ball when it comes to him. Arvell understands the defense. He’s a quick learner. And I think that as he keeps playing football and keeps playing games, he’s just going to get better and better.”

Arvell Reese strengths

Reese boasts elite athleticism, exceptional positional versatility, and powerful point-of-attack physicality. He displays elite speed and lateral quickness, highlighted by a fast 4.46 time. Reese is a textbook freak athlete.

Reese is also equally capable of playing off-ball linebacker or dropping down as a stand-up edge rusher. He possesses a quick first step, active hands, and explosive hand strikes that threaten offensive tackles.

Reese’s areas for improvement

Reese needs to improve his play strength and anchor against professional offensive linemen, refine his zone coverage instincts, and prove he has the high-end recognition skills required for a full-time off-ball linebacker.

Scouts note that he can occasionally bury himself in blocks and lose outside contact as an edge or run defender. Also, a primary concern regarding his transition from a pure edge rusher and a tweener profile to a full-time linebacker is avoiding missed run fits or late jumps caused by developing diagnostic instincts.

Devin McCourty won three Super Bowls, but he also played against John Harbaugh’s teams many times. Hence, he knows the toll it takes to play against the new Giants head coach.

“You can’t get bullied… It was their trademark… When you walk away they want you to say ‘hey, you just played against the New York Football Giants and it felt like I was in bad street fight,” McCourty said to Giants Huddle.

How physical are Harbaugh teams?

John Harbaugh teams are extremely physical, built on a foundational identity of toughness, power schemes, and dominating the line of scrimmage. That’s what Harbaugh impregnates in his teams.

Harbaugh prioritizes large, imposing players across the roster, such as drafting massive road-grading offensive linemen and big-bodied wide receivers who excel at blocking and winning jump balls.

The Giants face a tough division

The defenses of divisional rivals Cowboys, Commanders, and Eagles are all poised to be better than last year. Hence, the Giants need to enforce their defense too. They can’t allow to be the worst defense in the NFL.

As for offenses, all offenses look like high-octane units if healthy. However, it is possible that the Giants’ one is the one with the most to gain, but also the most question marks.

Speaking at a press conference, Mahomes shared his feelings about returning to the NFL field after roughly 8 to 9 months sidelined by injury. “Not necessarily. I think it’s going to be hard for me not to just be myself when I step on the field. I mean, even if you saw me in training camp, the moment stuff started happening, I just became a competitor,” Mahomes said.

“I don’t think it’ll be anything crazy. Just go out there, play football. Usually, you get hit once or twice, and you’re kind of like, alright, I’ve got to go out there and play, and so I’m excited just to be out there on the field again with my teammates and try to find a way to get a win.”

The knee brace Mahomes will wear in his return

Mahomes did not play in the preseason, but he actively participated in pregame warmups and was a full participant in team practices. Nine months have passed since he suffered a devastating knee injury in Week 15 last season against the Los Angeles Chargers, and he is expected to wear a knee brace on Monday night. “I’ll wear it (knee brace). I mean, it was kind of designed for my type of injury,” Mahomes said.

“I was kind of one of the first people to get it, and I’m very comfortable with it, and that’s why I’ve practiced throughout OTAs and training camp and then now, being in the season, is to kind of prepare myself to be comfortable with it, and I don’t even think about it when I have it on other than when it gets loose. Usually it’s better when I wear pants, so I’m excited for that. Maybe I’ll have to slide a little differently, but other than that, I’ll be able to go out there and play.”

Mahomes appeared in uniform for every preseason game without entering a contest. He finished last season with 22 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in 14 games before the knee injury. Now, he will look to have a better season with the Chiefs, where, as stated by the quarterback, he will feature Kenneth Walker as a top-tier weapon.

What is expected from the Chiefs

The Chiefs missed the playoffs last season after Mahomes went down, while Denver went on to win the AFC West. Now Kansas City gets an immediate opportunity to take on the defending division champions, and they are clearly looking to start on the right foot against the Broncos.

The move comes just one day after Brown’s Patriots debut was cut short by the ankle injury. The veteran receiver caught three passes for 26 yards before leaving Wednesday’s 13-10 loss to Seattle, leaving Drake Maye and the New England offense without their biggest receiving weapon for the remainder of the game.

Adam Schefter was first to report the Patriots’ decision, providing further clarity on what had already emerged as a significant setback for Mike Vrabel’s team. Brown’s placement on IR means the Patriots cannot simply wait and see whether he is ready from week to week; he will be unavailable for a minimum of four games.

A.J. Brown will miss at least four games for Patriots

Schefter’s update was definitive about the next step for Brown and New England, with the Patriots choosing to place their new WR1 on injured reserve rather than keep him on the active roster while he recovers. “Sources: Patriots are placing wide receiver AJ Brown on injured reserve due to his high ankle sprain, sidelining him for a minimum of four games.”

The decision means Brown will miss New England’s upcoming games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders. Because an IR stint requires him to miss at least four games, Week 6 against the New York Jets is now the earliest possible opportunity for Brown to return to the field.

That is a significant blow for a Patriots offense that entered the season expecting Brown to be Drake Maye’s premier receiving weapon. New England already moved on from Stefon Diggs during the offseason, and Brown’s sudden absence leaves the team with a much thinner wide receiver group. Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins and other receivers will now be asked to absorb a much larger workload while Brown begins his recovery.

According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Rays were one of four teams to place a waiver claim on Robert Jr. in late August. However, because Tampa Bay held the AL’s top record—and thus the lowest waiver priority—they lost out on the claim to the Baltimore Orioles.

Despite being outbid by priority, the Rays were fully prepared to compete with fellow suitors like the San Diego Padres and Orioles for his services. The fourth interested club remains unidentified, as Heyman did not disclose the final mystery team.

With speculation mounting around Jazz Chisholm Jr. and his potential fit with the Mets, coupled with reports of a crowded market for Robert Jr., it’s only a matter of time before the fallout from these high-profile outfield moves becomes clear.

Why Robert Jr.?

When the Mets placed Robert on outright waivers to shed payroll, a claiming team needed to commit only about $5 million—covering $2.88 million in remaining salary plus a $2 million buyout on his $20 million club option for 2027. For contenders, taking a $5 million gamble on an elite, game-changing talent down the stretch represented a negligible financial risk.

Despite an up-and-down, injury-plagued campaign, Robert flashed his immense upside right before hitting waivers, batting .311 with six home runs over a 19-game stretch in New York.

Waiving Robert right before the deadline created a classic “lottery ticket” scenario: Playoff-bound teams could take a low-cost swing to bolster their rosters for October without surrendering top prospects in a trade.

Fresh off of being the Super Bowl MVP, Kenneth Walker III is poised to be the workhorse on the Chiefs rushing game. For Mahomes, “You’ve got to use that guy.” The plan is plain and simple for the quarterback.

Mahomes also added a huge statement on Thursday’s press conference. “I mean, he’s a talented football player. He runs tough, has speed. He can break a touchdown at any moment. He can catch the ball, he does kind of it all.“

Walker is very talented

Walker has scored eight or more touchdowns in three out of his four seasons in the NFL. However, in 2025 he scored only five in the regular season. It needs to be mention that Zach Charbonnet had the endzone touches in Seattle, despite Walker’s heroics.

All in all, having Mahomes’ trust is a huge indictment on what Walker brings to the table. Walker can also be a weapon for Mahomes on short passes or checkdowns. He is a very complete player.

Walker will play a key role in taking care of Mahomes

Mahomes is coming off an ACL tear. Hence, one of his main strengths, which is his ability to scramble, is compromised. Therefore, Walker will run more and be a more reliable guy for the Chiefs to trust instead of risking Mahomes re-injuring himself in a scramble.

Instead, an injury suffered during practice has forced Tagovailoa to watch the season opener from the sideline. The Falcons confirmed that the veteran quarterback will be inactive against Pittsburgh after dealing with an oblique injury that emerged during one of the final practices before the game.

The development is particularly frustrating for Atlanta because Tagovailoa had won the starting job as Michael Penix Jr is still injured. Now, neither of the team’s top two quarterbacks will be available against the Steelers, forcing Atlanta to turn to a veteran backup at the last possible moment.

Who is starting QB for Falcons vs Steelers?

Cooper Rush will be the starting quarterback for the Falcons against the Steelers, moving into the spotlight after spending the week preparing as Tagovailoa’s backup. The veteran took first-team reps after Tua’s injury and now faces the challenge of leading Atlanta on the road in the opening game of the season. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has expressed confidence in Rush’s preparation and ability to step in on short notice.

Why isn’t Michael Penix Jr. available to play for Falcons?

Rush’s promotion was made necessary not only by Tagovailoa’s injury but also by Michael Penix’s continued absence. The Falcons’ former starter remains unavailable as he works his way back from the ACL injury that ended his 2025 season. Although Penix participated fully in practice this week, Atlanta has already determined that he is not ready to play in the opener.

That leaves Rush as Atlanta’s only available experienced option to start against Pittsburgh. The situation represents a dramatic change from the plan announced Monday, when Tagovailoa was supposed to begin his Falcons career as the team’s QB1. Instead, an oblique injury has forced Atlanta to change course just days before kickoff, while Tagovailoa will have to wait for his Falcons debut.

Why isn’t Tua Tagovailoa playing for Falcons vs Steelers?

Tagovailoa will miss the game because of an oblique injury suffered during practice shortly before the season opener. The issue became apparent when he appeared to favor his back during Thursday’s session, briefly going down after throwing a pass before getting back to his feet. He was subsequently listed as a limited participant and did not practice Friday.

The injury could not have come at a worse time for Tagovailoa. After being released by the Dolphins and signing with Atlanta, he had been given a chance to reset his career and prove that he could still be a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL. His Week 1 opportunity was supposed to be the first step in that process, but the oblique problem has delayed his debut.

For the Falcons, the immediate priority is getting through Pittsburgh with Rush under center. Atlanta will now hope Tagovailoa can recover quickly and return to the lineup, while Penix continues his rehabilitation. What was expected to be the start of the Tua comeback story has instead become one of the strangest quarterback situations of Week 1, with Atlanta losing both of its top options before the season opener even begins.

It’s not that McCaffrey will enter a committee by any means. According to Shanahan, and reported by Nick Wagoner of ESPN, McCaffrey was dealing with some cramps throughout the game.

Hence, at the prospect of injury, Shanahan opted to give calculated snaps to CMC, and let Kaelon Black flourish. By the way, it worked, as Black was productive against the Rams. All in all, McCaffrey is fine and should be ready to roll for Week 2.

McCaffrey was still very effective

While dealing with cramps, CMC was still borderline unstoppable. He had 88 all-purpose yards thanks to 10 carries for 68 rushing yards and five receptions for 20 receiving yards.

Facing one of the top teams in the NFL, McCaffrey averaged 6.8 yards per carry, which is an incredible feat. That boosted the Niners to get a very important win against a very tough divisional opponent.

The 49ers’ priority is to stay as healthy as possible

After the game against the Rams, tight end Jake Tonges and wideout De’Zhaun Stribling are already sidelined. Hence, the 49ers were correct in limiting McCaffrey‘s snaps to avoid any further issues with their most important player.

The timing could hardly be worse for New England. Brown was making his Patriots debut after arriving from Philadelphia and immediately established himself as Drake Maye’s top receiving weapon, catching three passes for 26 yards before leaving the game. He also drew a 34-yard pass interference penalty that helped set up the Patriots’ opening touchdown.

Now, the Patriots must navigate a difficult stretch without their new No. 1 receiver. Ian Rapoport delivered the update, confirming that Brown is facing an extended absence after suffering the high ankle sprain when his right ankle was caught underneath him during the loss to Seattle.

When could A.J. Brown return for the New England Patriots?

Rapoport’s exact update was clear about the initial timeline: “He had an MRI to confirm the initial diagnosis which is a high ankle sprain. A.J. Brown is expected to be out at least four weeks.”

Based on that timetable, Brown is expected to miss at least the Patriots’ next four games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders. New England’s official schedule has those matchups in Weeks 2 through 5, meaning Week 6 against the New York Jets on October 18 could emerge as a potential target for Brown’s return if his recovery progresses as hoped.

The problem for New England is that Brown’s absence comes after the team already moved on from Stefon Diggs, leaving a significantly thinner wide receiver room at the worst possible time. Romeo Doubs is now positioned to take on a much larger role, while DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams could also see increased opportunities. For an offense that struggled late against Seattle, replacing Brown’s production will be one of Mike Vrabel’s biggest challenges over the next month.

In his report, Heyman noted that Cora appears to be a “long shot” for Queens at this stage. However, he revealed that Mattingly could quickly enter the frame if the rival Philadelphia Phillies ultimately pursue Cora.

That domino effect could push the Mets toward targeting the current Phillies skipper. Still, speculation remains high regarding who will ultimately take the helm for the franchise. The only certainty for now is that Green does not view himself as a long-term candidate to manage the team moving forward.

While additional managerial options are expected to emerge in the coming weeks, the Mets are currently locked in on their weekend Subway Series matchup, with Juan Soto reflecting on his return to Yankee Stadium.

Why is Cora considered a long shot for the Mets?

The primary roadblock to a potential union between Cora and the Mets is his current contract with the Boston Red Sox. Even though he is no longer in the dugout, Boston still owes him the remainder of a hefty $21.75 million contract extension through 2027.

Heyman suggested Cora is more inclined to take time away or transition into a front-office or broadcast role before throwing his hat back into a major managerial search, making a deal with Queens highly unlikely.

Why Don Mattingly makes sense for the Mets

Heyman framed Mattingly as a far more viable target for the Mets, citing his proven track record, tactical acumen, and active interim role within the division. As a widely respected “baseball lifer” with broad appeal across major-market front offices, Mattingly carries no contractual buyout baggage.

With Green occupying the manager’s chair purely on an interim basis through the remainder of the season, president of baseball operations David Stearns and the Mets front office are evaluating established leaders who can command immediate respect in the New York market.

Hill remains a free agent after the Miami Dolphins released him in February, and his recovery has been one of the biggest storylines surrounding the veteran wide receiver. Although Hill has continued to work toward regaining the explosiveness in his injured left leg, his camp has repeatedly stressed that there is no reason to rush the process.

The latest timeline could also have a major impact on when Hill ultimately finds his next team. Rosenhaus said several NFL teams have already reached out to get updates on the receiver’s recovery, but with Hill not expected to be ready until October at the earliest, the biggest opportunity for a team to make a splash could come later in the season.

When will Tyreek Hill return to the NFL?

Drew Rosenhaus made it clear that Tyreek Hill’s health remains the priority, even with teams showing interest around the league. The veteran agent explained that doctors have recommended waiting before Hill attempts his comeback and emphasized that the goal is to make sure the eight-time Pro Bowler is completely healthy before he returns.

“His doctors have recommended though that he postpone his comeback until perhaps sometime in October. So, we’re playing on the safe side. We just want to make sure that he’s 100% good to go. We’re not in a hurry.”

That cautious approach makes a November signing increasingly intriguing. If Hill needs several more weeks to reach full clearance and football readiness, a team could wait until later in the season before adding him, potentially giving the veteran wide receiver time to ramp up properly while also allowing a contender to evaluate its roster and identify a major need. Rosenhaus previously said he expects Hill to return this season and described him as the type of player who could impact the playoff race once he signs.

For that reason, Hill could become one of the most fascinating names on the NFL market as the season progresses. A November addition would give a Super Bowl contender a chance to add a proven explosive weapon for the stretch run and potentially a deep playoff push. The interest is already there, according to Rosenhaus; now the biggest question is when Hill will finally be healthy enough to turn that interest into his next NFL opportunity.

Nabers has taken significant steps toward making his comeback, participating fully in practice and showing that he is physically capable of working with the Giants ahead of their season opener. However, his latest comments suggest that being medically cleared to practice does not necessarily mean he has decided that playing against Dallas is the right move.

The biggest alarm came when Nabers acknowledged that, despite desperately wanting to return, he cannot afford to put his career at risk. That statement immediately raised questions about whether the receiver could ultimately choose caution over making his long-awaited comeback in one of the biggest games on New York’s schedule.

Malik Nabers could miss Giants vs Cowboys

Malik Nabers made it clear that his desire to play has not changed since he suffered the injury, but he also understands that one game cannot be allowed to jeopardize the rest of his career. After undergoing two surgeries on his right knee, the Giants star is approaching his return with considerably more caution than simply asking whether he feels good enough to take a few snaps.

“I’ve been wanting to play after I got hurt. So, it’s just I’ve been wanting to play for so long now, but at the end of the day, I can’t put my career at risk. I’ve got to take that into account. There’s a lot of football that I still have left to play. So, making a split decision on when do I think I’m able to go out there and perform rather than just going out there, I think the coaches know that and I know that, that I have a lot more football to play. So, just being conscious on making sure I’m at the right standpoint to go on back out there.”

That wording has made Nabers’ status one of the biggest mysteries surrounding Giants-Cowboys. He has refused to commit to playing despite being a full participant in all three practices this week, and recent reporting indicates that the final decision is expected to rest with him. That makes a game-time decision increasingly plausible, with Nabers potentially waiting until Sunday before determining whether he is truly ready to return.

The uncertainty is particularly significant because Nabers has already shown how much he can mean to the Giants against Dallas. He had a spectacular performance in their 2025 meeting, catching nine passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns, including a 48-yard touchdown that briefly put New York ahead late in the fourth quarter. Now, after nearly a full year away from football, the Giants may have to wait until the final moments before knowing whether their biggest offensive weapon will be available for John Harbaugh’s first regular-season game in New York.

Dominguez turned in a frustrating 0-for-4 performance with a walk and two strikeouts out of the No. 3 spot in the series finale, compounding his plate struggles with a costly fielding error that led to a Rockies run. Coming on the heels of another defensive misplay in San Diego, his recent glove work has raised serious trust issues in the field.

Zooming out to his full-season body of work, the numbers simply haven’t been there. Slashing just .225/.267/.368 with a -0.2 WAR, the young slugger’s cold spell has made a strong case for an impending demotion.

While Anthony Volpe’s return provided an immediate spark, the Yankees have the positional depth to explore better alternatives. With World Series expectations on the line, the front office and coaching staff need high-level production at every spot in the lineup ahead of October.

Alternatives in Dominguez’s position

With Aaron Judge healthy and back on the active roster, manager Aaron Boone has the luxury of shifting Judge between right field and designated hitter while pairing him alongside regulars Cody Bellinger and Heliot Ramos.

Additionally, utility tools Jose Caballero and Oswaldo Cabrera provide late-game defensive versatility and late-inning flexibility. Their presence allows the coaching staff to mix and match outfield alignments without overtaxing their core starters.

For Dominguez, the immediate future remains uncertain. With his ongoing struggles on the field and long-term club control remaining, the Yankees must figure out whether his development is best served in the majors or with a stint in Triple-A.

From dancers to sound engineers and lighting crews, plenty of people were involved in bringing the performance to life. The scale of the production reflected the importance of the first regular-season NFL game played in Australia.

With the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams facing off at the MCG, the halftime appearance became one of the event’s biggest attractions. But just how many people were actually involved in putting the show together?

How big was the production behind the Jonas Brothers’ NFL halftime show?

The scale of the event required a large team working behind the scenes to put the performance together in a matter of minutes. The NFL had more than 200 staff members working in Melbourne for the overall game operation, which included broadcasting, logistics, stadium preparation and the entertainment surrounding the historic matchup between the Rams and 49ers.

The Jonas Brothers themselves were the only officially announced headline performers for halftime, with them taking the stage. The NFL has not released a breakdown showing exactly how many dancers, musicians, technicians or stagehands were assigned to their performance, meaning any specific number for the halftime crew would be an estimate rather than an official figure.

The scale of the wider NFL production gives some perspective on how demanding the event was behind the scenes. Roughly 59 tons of equipment and supplies were transported to Australia for the game and its surrounding operations.

Entering Week 1’s showdown in Melbourne, Australia, the 49ers had seven injured players on offense. That number is now up to nine following Stribling and Tonges’ setbacks against the Rams. San Francisco has seven players injured on defense, too.

San Francisco and untimely injuries have become synonymous in the NFL in recent years. Playing as far away as possible from Levi’s Stadium—and the electrical substation buzz and conspiracy theory—the 49ers can’t escape their old fate. No other team has an injured group as large as the 49ers who are missing a total of 16 players in their 53-man roster.

Full list of San Francisco’s injured players

The full list of injured players on offense features: RB Isaac Guerendo (pectoral), WR Ricky Pearsall (out for the season after knee surgery), WR De’Zhaun Stribling (ankle), WR Christian Kirk (calf), WR Brandon Aiyuk (knee), TE Jack Tonges (knee), LT Austen Pleasants (knee), LG Nick Zakelj (undisclosed), and C Brett Toth (concussion).

Kyle Shanahan’s team isn’t much better on defense, either. Injured players are: DE Sam Okuayinonu (foot), DE Mikail Kamara (torn ACL, out for the season), DT Alfred Collins (knee), DE Mykel Williams (recovering from torn ACL and meniscus), LB Nick Martin (hamstring), FS Darrick Foster (undisclosed), and CB Nate Hobbs (groin).

Rough debut

Suffering injuries in the first half of the NFL’s international game in Australia, neither Stribling nor Tonges recorded any catches during Week 1 against Los Angeles.

For Stribling, it was his career debut, whereas Tonges was hoping to get off to a hot start after his promising 2025 season, when he filled in for George Kittle after Kittle suffered a season-ending Achilles tear.

In the Land Down Under, it was a harsh season opener for the Niners in the medical department. Given how recent seasons have gone, though, it’s only par for the course.

Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas took the stage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and social media wasted little time reacting to the unexpected crossover between football and pop music. The band performed iconic classics.

From nostalgic reactions to jokes about seeing the brothers at an NFL game, social media produced plenty of memorable moments around the performance. Memes and reactions quickly turned the halftime show into a storyline of its own.

How did NFL fans react to the Jonas Brothers’ halftime show?

She has also played a prominent role in Australian sport, including previous ceremonies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Her connection to major sporting events has made her a familiar figure in Melbourne.

That background gives her appearance ahead of the Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers matchup an added layer of meaning. The game is the NFL’s first regular-season contest in Australia.

Who is Joy Murphy Wandin?

Joy Murphy Wandin is a Senior Wurundjeri Elder of the Kulin Nation and a prominent Indigenous community leader in Victoria, Australia.

She has spent decades working in Aboriginal affairs, reconciliation, social justice, education and cultural preservation, while becoming one of the most recognizable voices associated with Wurundjeri cultural welcomes in Melbourne.

The National Gallery of Victoria describes her as an Elder who has demonstrated significant community leadership throughout her life and has held executive policy and community-development roles across levels of government.

She is also an author and storyteller. Her book Welcome to Country, illustrated by Lisa Kennedy, introduces readers to Wurundjeri traditions and the meaning behind the ceremony she has performed at countless public events.

She has also received major recognition for her work, including induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia for her service to the community and contributions to social justice, land rights, equal opportunity, art and reconciliation.

What is a welcome to country ceremony?

A Welcome to Country is an Aboriginal ceremony in which a Traditional Owner or Elder welcomes visitors onto their Country. The tradition is particularly significant in Australia because Aboriginal communities have distinct traditional territories, and entering another community’s Country historically involved receiving permission from its custodians.

Today, the ceremony remains an important way of recognizing Traditional Owners and connecting major public events with the history and culture of the land where they take place.

The format can vary depending on the community and the event. A Welcome to Country may involve spoken words in an Indigenous language, storytelling, song, dance or a Smoking Ceremony.

In Wurundjeri contexts, she has used the Woiwurrung language to welcome visitors to the land of the Wurundjeri people, helping bring an element of local culture to events attended by large Australian and international audiences.

A Welcome to Country is performed by a Traditional Owner or representative of the Traditional Owners, while an Acknowledgement of Country can be delivered by anyone as a way of recognizing the Traditional Owners of the land.

Her role is therefore more than a ceremonial introduction: it places Wurundjeri history and culture at the beginning of an event taking place on their traditional Country.

What was Joy Murphy Wandin’s role before Rams vs. 49ers?

Joy Murphy Wandin’s role before Rams vs. 49ers was to provide a Welcome to Country, bringing a Wurundjeri cultural welcome to the NFL’s historic arrival in Melbourne.

The matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers is the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia, making the pregame ceremony an important part of the event beyond the football itself.

The NFL confirmed that the game would take place at the MCG on September 11, 2026, as part of its international expansion. Her participation also fits a role she has carried out repeatedly at the MCG.

The Giants coach admitted that he is excited to finally be part of the rivalry inside the stadium, particularly because this will also be a new experience for several players and coaches on his staff. With New York opening the season at home against Dallas on Sunday Night Football, Harbaugh knows the atmosphere will be difficult to ignore, especially given the history between these NFC East teams.

Still, Harbaugh does not want the emotion surrounding Giants-Cowboys to become a distraction. While he is personally “really fired up” about the matchup, the veteran coach believes the Giants have to approach it like a football game that demands preparation, execution and good decisions rather than getting caught up in the magnitude of the occasion.

John Harbaugh on Giants vs Cowboys rivalry

John Harbaugh’s message was particularly interesting because he did not try to hide how much the occasion means to him. At the same time, he deliberately shifted the conversation away from the rivalry’s history and toward the practical demands facing his team in Week 1. For a coach beginning a new era with the Giants, his priority is making sure the players are ready to execute rather than allowing the stage to overwhelm them.

“It’s the first time for me, personally, in this rivalry. It’s going to be the first time like some of the other guys on the team, too, and some of the other coaches to be in that stadium for a regular season game. That’s going to be exciting. I can’t wait to see it. I can’t wait to be a part of it. I’m really fired up about it, and I’m looking forward to it.”

The excitement, however, quickly came with a dose of perspective. Harbaugh emphasized that the Giants need to concentrate on doing their jobs correctly once the game begins, from operating the offense and defense to making smart decisions under pressure. That approach fits with the message he has delivered throughout the week, as he has repeatedly avoided revealing too much about his plans for Dallas.

“Yet I’m trying to keep it in perspective just like the other guys are. It’s a football game that we need to go out and we need to operate. We need to do our best. We need to perform and make good decisions and all those different kinds of things as best we can. So, that’s really what you think about. It’s not so much about how does it feel. It’s more about like, ‘Okay, let’s be ready to go and do our best.'”

That balance could define Harbaugh’s approach to his first Giants-Cowboys game. He understands the significance of the rivalry and is clearly eager to experience it, but once kickoff arrives, the emotion has to take a back seat to execution.

Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Donald will remain in Los Angeles rather than make the long trip to Melbourne for the historic season opener. The decision comes after Donald spent an extended period away from football, with his last NFL appearance coming during the 2023 season before he retired following the Rams’ playoff loss in January 2024.

The circumstances surrounding this game also made caution particularly important. The Rams had to travel roughly 8,000 miles to Australia for their matchup with San Francisco, while the team is trying to balance the international trip with its preparation for Week 2. Rather than force Donald into his first game back under those conditions, Los Angeles opted to give its defensive star more time to prepare at home.

When will Aaron Donald play for Rams?

For now, there is no official date for Aaron Donald’s return, but Week 2 against the New York Giants could provide a much more realistic opportunity for his long-awaited comeback. The Rams will return to the United States after their Australia trip, potentially giving Donald additional time to build his conditioning and get comfortable playing football again after more than two years away from the NFL.

McVay’s decision is ultimately about taking the long view with one of the most important defensive players in franchise history. Donald officially announced his return on August 30 after initially retiring following the 2023 season, and although he has been working toward getting back into football shape, the Rams do not want one game — especially one requiring a massive international journey — to dictate the pace of his comeback.

That means Rams fans will have to wait at least one more game to potentially see Donald alongside Myles Garrett, creating one of the most anticipated defensive tandems in the NFL. If his preparation continues to progress, Week 2 against the Giants could become the stage for Donald’s return, but Los Angeles has made clear that getting him back healthy and ready matters more than forcing him onto the field in Melbourne.

Now, the Yankees have gotten a great update from Chisholm Jr., including his expected return date. Asked if Anthony Volpe will still be the main replacement at second base for Chisholm, manager Aaron Boone revealed that it’s uncertain and will be decided on a daily basis throughout the final month of the 2026 MLB campaign. News came as quite a surprise considering Boone had already set his lineup strategy for Volpe, as well as Aaron Judge.

“With Jose Caballero also around, Aaron Boone did not commit to Anthony Volpe being his second baseman in Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s absence. Boone called it a ‘day-by-day’ decision,” Gary Phillips of NY Daily News reported on X.

Caballero and Volpe could split 2B duties

Returning from a long stint in Triple-A and with plenty of questions left unanswered about his production, Anthony Volpe has to work his way back into the lineup and regain Boone’s trust.

Volpe will play in the Yankees‘ rubber game against the Colorado Rockies in what will be his first MLB start since Aug. 1. Although he found his footing in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Volpe is returning to MLB action now, where he carries a four-game hitless streak with him. The sooner he can get that monkey off his back, the better.

Caballero has been in and out of the lineup as of late. In August, the second baseman played in five straight series without missing a single game from Aug. 18-Sept. 2. But in the last month, he’s already been scratched in a couple of games. Thus, it’s safe to assume there is a position battle between Volpe and Caballero to fill Chisholm Jr.’s shoes, as he remains on the 10-day injured list.

Chisholm Jr.’s absence should serve as reminder

Playing in a contract year, Yankees fans have been critical of Jazz’s performance throughout the 2026 MLB season. At times, for good reason; at others, unreasonably so. Regardless, with him sidelined by a right thumb sprain, even if he isn’t expected to be out for long, the Bronx Bombers are finding out just how much they need him—and the questions that arise when he’s out of the lineup.

Perhaps it will serve as a reminder when he comes back, and especially going into the offseason, when Chisholm will become a free agent in MLB. A report indicates he could sign a prove-it deal with the New York Mets. Even if it wouldn’t be like Juan Soto’s situation, it’s safe to assume no fan in the Bronx would want to see another Pinstriper move across town to Queens.

Bosa’s return is one of the biggest storylines for the 49ers as they begin their 2026 Super Bowl quest against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia. His last game came in Week 3 of the 2025 season, when he suffered the ACL injury against the Arizona Cardinals, ending his season and forcing San Francisco to wait months for one of its most important defensive stars to return.

There were some additional concerns during training camp when Bosa dealt with soreness and tendinitis in his knee and patellar tendon. He missed more than a month of practice before eventually returning to the field, creating questions about whether the 49ers would be willing to put him into action immediately. Those concerns have now been put aside, with San Francisco officially leaving him without a game designation.

Is Nick Bosa playing today for 49ers vs Rams?

Yes, Nick Bosa is playing today for the 49ers against the Rams. San Francisco’s final injury report lists Bosa without a game designation despite his knee being monitored throughout the week, meaning he is expected to be active for the season opener. Bosa was limited during all three practices in Melbourne, but the team ultimately determined that he was ready to return to NFL action.

Bosa’s return gives the 49ers a massive boost against a Rams offense featuring Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. San Francisco struggled to generate consistent pressure last season, and getting its premier pass rusher back could dramatically change the identity of Raheem Morris’ defense.

The biggest question now may be how the 49ers manage Bosa’s workload in his first game back. Although he is officially cleared, San Francisco knows he is returning from a serious ACL injury and also dealt with patellar tendon soreness and tendinitis during his comeback. Still, the message from Bosa and the 49ers is clear: after nearly a year away, the defensive superstar is finally ready to take the field again against the Rams in Australia.

The minute of silence will serve as one of the most visible reminders of the anniversary, giving players, coaches, staff and fans an opportunity to pause before the football takes center stage. The NFL is also incorporating tributes into stadium presentations, broadcasts and community initiatives throughout Week 1 as part of a broader message centered on remembrance, unity and service.

Without question, one of the most meaningful moments will come Sunday night at MetLife Stadium, when the New York Giants host the Dallas Cowboys in the first Sunday Night Football game of the 2026 season. The game already carries major significance as the Giants’ home opener and John Harbaugh’s first regular-season home game with New York, but the 25th anniversary tribute will give the rivalry an especially emotional backdrop.

Why is there a minute of silence before NFL games today?

The Giants-Cowboys matchup will feature several special gestures honoring the first responders who answered the call on September 11 and continued serving in the aftermath.

Players, coaches and staff from both teams will wear commemorative NYPD, FDNY and PAPD caps along the sidelines, while the teams will also wear special “Never Forget” shirts during pregame warmups. The Giants have separately announced a special 9/11 anniversary presentation for their home opener.

The tribute will extend far beyond the Giants and Cowboys. Every Week 1 game will include commemorative elements designed to remember those who lost their lives, honor survivors and first responders, and highlight the lasting importance of service and community following the tragedy.

The league will also incorporate remembrance messages into its broadcasts, including live national anthem coverage during the 1 p.m. ET games, while teams participate in stadium and community initiatives throughout the week.

Harbaugh was asked what he sees when he looks at the Cowboys as a team, and his response reflected the level of respect he has for Brian Schottenheimer and the organization. The Giants coach pointed to Dallas’ talent, toughness and speed, making it clear that he does not view the NFC East rival as an opponent New York can afford to underestimate.

The comments come as the Giants prepare for a major test at MetLife Stadium. Dallas enters the matchup with plenty of offensive firepower, and Harbaugh’s assessment suggests his team understands that containing the Cowboys’ explosive players will be one of the biggest challenges of the night.

John Harbaugh sends clear message to NY Giants about Cowboys

John Harbaugh offered nothing but praise for the Cowboys when describing what he sees from the team. “Hard to say, it’s hard to say. I mean, I have tons of respect for Coach Schottenheimer, tons of respect for the organization. They’re always, I mean, the Cowboys are the Cowboys. They’re talented, they’re tough, and you’ve seen them more than I have. We played them a few times, I’ve seen them on tape, but nothing but respect for what they do. They do it their way and they’ve got a bunch of guys, fast football team that flies around.”

Harbaugh then focused specifically on Dallas’ offensive talent while also acknowledging the changes taking place on defense. “A lot of talent on offense, they’re rebuilding their defense, they have a new defensive coordinator (Christian Parker), comes from a great system. He’s a really sharp, up-and-coming guy. So, they’re a very formidable football team, very formidable opponent.”

At the same time, Harbaugh admitted that neither team truly knows where it stands until the regular season begins. “But you don’t really know where anybody’s at yet. So, all these games get played early in the season, we’ll start to get a gauge on everybody, but tremendous respect for the Cowboys and everybody there.”

Per The Athletic, around 100,000 fans are expected to attend the Rams vs 49ers game at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Hence, a capacity crowd will witness the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

According to the news portal The Conversation, the game sold out in roughly 30 minutes. Then, secondary sales came out and sold out 24 hours after that. Hence, the Land Down Under is eager to watch NFL action.

There is a caveat for this game

The NFL confirmed that 48% of the ticket buyers are traveling from overseas or from other Australian areas outside of Melbourne to attend the game. That is textbook sport tourism.

ESPN reported that the overseas tickets are coming from more than 35 different countries, with many Americans making the travel and representing the vast majority of international crowd, accounting for somewhere between 8%-12% of all ticket buyers.

McVay’s vs Shanahan’s records overseas

Sean McVay has a perfect 3-0 record in international games as a head coach. Before traveling to Australia for the 2026 season opener, all of McVay’s overseas games with the Los Angeles Rams took place in London, where his teams won in dominant fashion.

Kyle Shanahan is undefeated with a 1-0 record in regular-season international games heading into today’s matchup. Same as McVay, he is undefeated, but with less games. It was a 38-10 San Francisco 49ers win in 2022 in Mexico City.

Not only will Nagy call Dart and the Giants’ offensive plays in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against the Cowboys, he will hold the play sheet throughout the year. It’s not too surprising considering Harbaugh isn’t typically a play-caller.

However, Nagy did have a surprise of his own. Contrary to what he’s done for most of his career, the Giants‘ offensive coordinator won’t be on the sidelines at MetLife Stadium on Sunday night. Instead, he will be watching—and calling the shots—from upstairs.

“I am [calling the plays], I’m going to be up in the box,” Nagy admitted during a press conference on Thursday. “I’m excited about it. I’ve always been down on the field. I wanted to experiment with that in the preseason and I was able to do that. I really liked it, you can see a lot more from up there. It takes away a little bit of the on-the-field element of being able to communicate all the time. But there’s a calm in the box.”

Nagy’s play-calling history

Indeed, Harbaugh hasn’t been one to call the plays often throughout his NFL career. That was a big tell on Nagy’s responsibility with New York, but fans still needed to hear confirmation. During his stint as offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, Nagy designed many of the plays that helped Kansas City win back-to-back Super Bowls, but he didn’t call them during games. Head coach Andy Reid did that.

During his lone tenure as an NFL head coach, Nagy started off as the Chicago Bears’ play-caller, but he gave up those duties midway through his third year on the job (2020 season). During the 2021 NFL season, he was on and off as the Bears’ play-caller.

Thus, Nagy’s last game as pure play-caller was on Nov. 8, 2020, when Nagy’s Bears were shut out for three quarters by Mike Vrabel’s Tennessee Titans and ended up losing 24-17. Nagy has called plays during games since, but on an inconsistent basis. For his grand opening, return act, Nagy will employ a different method, abandoning his post on the sideline and setting up shop in the sky in a booth.

Different experience in the booth

Being in a booth has its fair share of pros and cons. Nagy understands that, and he voiced a confident statement ahead of his first true game-day experience away from the noise and emotion-fueled atmosphere at ground level.

“For me, first time in this role as a play-caller OC, being up in that box I just feel like I can see things a lot better and have the ultimate trust in the staff and being able to see things they can communicate to me. We got the telephone, too, so I can always jump on the phone with Jaxson [Dart] if I need to,” Nagy stated.

If need be, Nagy can always bring Dart to the sideline and have a heart-to-heart talk over the phone. It’s not the same, and it never is, but it can also take away some of the drama, as the Giants will have their every move watched and scrutinized on Sunday night. A discussion between Dart and Nagy would fill newspapers from sea to shining sea, so it may be best to save that for a phone call and later inside the locker room.

Kicking off at 8:45 p.m. ET, local fans down under in Australia will see a 10:45 a.m. start. The time difference allows both US fanbases to tune in during prime time while stadium spectators settle into their seats in time for lunch.

With uniform combinations officially locked in for Rams vs 49ers, anticipation is high for several high-profile roster additions on both sidelines. Los Angeles aims to kick off its campaign on a strong note behind marquee pass rusher Myles Garrett, who makes his debut in a Rams uniform.

On the other hand, the 49ers—who recently confirmed the availability of star edge rusher Nick Bosa—will rely on quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who returns to San Francisco following a brief stint with the Washington Commanders.

Everything set for Rams vs 49ers

With the host city and venue set for the Rams and 49ers’ season opener, key details are coming into focus, including the starting quarterback matchup on both sides.

The event will also feature a halftime show headlined by the Jonas Brothers, along with musical performances for both the Australian and U.S. national anthems.

As fanbases gear up for Week 1, San Francisco still faces lingering questions around key contributors like Mike Evans and Christian McCaffrey. Meanwhile, Rams fans are already weighing the early playoff implications of a win, loss, or tie on international soil.

Nabers has now participated fully in practice on consecutive days, giving the Giants plenty of reasons to believe he is ready to return after suffering a torn ACL last season. However, John Harbaugh has repeatedly avoided committing to his availability, and Nabers followed the same approach when reporters tried to get a definitive answer from him Thursday.

The Giants are clearly encouraged by Nabers’ physical progress, but the team also understands the importance of making the right decision after such a serious injury. Nabers acknowledged that he could complete all three practices this week and still decide not to play Sunday night, making it clear that being a full participant does not automatically mean he will be active against Dallas.

Will Malik Nabers play against the Cowboys?

When Malik Nabers was asked whether he could be a full participant for all three days of practice and still not play Sunday night against the Cowboys, he did not rule it out. “That’s a possibility. Like Harbs said, they’re leaving the decision up with me.” The comment confirms that the final call is essentially in the hands of the Giants’ star receiver.

Nabers was also asked whether he would reveal if he was going to play or start against Dallas, but he simply responded, “What Harbs said.” This is a nod to his head coach after Harbaugh firmly avoided to reveal his final status for the game many times.

Malik also faced a key question from reporters about when he would know whether he could play. The WR gave another intriguing response: “I’ll let God tell me. Keeping my faith, he’ll let me know and I’ll know when it’s time.” So, despite the positive practice reports, he remains unwilling to put a definitive timetable on his return.

Malik Nabers could be limited for Giants vs Cowboys

The possibility of a limited workload was also raised, and Malik Nabers made his position clear. “It’s my career and it’s my body. If a pitch count is in the conversation, then I would lead that conversation. That decision would be on me.”

At the same time, the receiver made it clear how happy he is to finally return. “I’m very excited. I’m happy it’s finally football time.” After months of rehabilitation, Nabers now appears to be as close as ever to returning, but the final decision will remain his until Sunday night.

Nabers has been trending in the right direction throughout the summer, but the Giants have consistently refused to put an official date on his return. That approach has continued this week, with Harbaugh making it clear that the team will make the final decision based on how Nabers feels and whether he is truly ready for game action.

Still, another full practice is difficult to ignore. Nabers has now given the Giants every reason to believe he can be on the field against Dallas, and the biggest question may no longer be whether he is ready to play, but how much work the coaching staff will give him in his first game back. The Giants are understandably unlikely to take unnecessary risks with their most important offensive weapon.

Malik Nabers’ injury update for Giants vs Cowboys

For now, all signs point toward Malik Nabers making his return against Dallas, even though Harbaugh has not officially confirmed it. The Giants’ head coach previously said Nabers looked ready to go, but he also stressed that the final decision would depend on the receiver’s condition when Sunday night arrives.

The potential workload is therefore becoming the intriguing part of Nabers’ situation. After suffering a torn ACL last season and going through a lengthy recovery, the Giants could choose to ease him back into action rather than immediately giving him a normal workload. Nabers himself has previously indicated that he does not want to return on a snap count, but the final decision will belong to Harbaugh and the medical staff.

The Giants also have enough receiving options to avoid forcing Nabers into an enormous role immediately. Odell Beckham Jr., Malachi Fields and Darnell Mooney give Jaxson Dart other weapons in the passing game, allowing New York to manage Nabers’ workload if necessary. Still, having their No. 1 receiver available would be a massive boost for the Giants as Harbaugh prepares for his first regular-season game against Dallas.

There were some questions about how McCaffrey would enter the season opener because of his extensive injury history and a recent stretch in which the 49ers carefully managed his workload. The RB missed part of training camp with what the team described as tightness, and he also sat out an early practice in Melbourne as San Francisco continued to prioritize his health ahead of the opener.

However, those concerns have faded heading into the historic matchup. McCaffrey returned to full participation during the week and is not carrying an injury designation into the game, putting him on track to be one of Brock Purdy’s most important offensive weapons against the Rams.

What’s Christian McCaffrey’s injury with 49ers?

Christian McCaffrey dealt with muscle tightness and lower-body issues during the weeks leading into the 2026 season, prompting the 49ers to manage his practice workload carefully. His extended absence during part of training camp initially created questions because of his history of injuries, but McCaffrey indicated that the plan was designed to have him ready for Week 1.

The decision to protect McCaffrey appears to have worked. After missing Monday’s practice in Melbourne, he returned to the field and eventually participated fully, an encouraging sign that the 49ers believe their star running back is ready for the physical demands of the season opener. The team has also made clear through its injury reporting that there is no current designation keeping him from playing.

McCaffrey’s availability is enormous for San Francisco because he remains one of the central pieces of the team’s Super Bowl aspirations. With Brock Purdy at quarterback and an offense that also added Mike Evans while expecting George Kittle to return, having McCaffrey available against the Rams gives the 49ers the best possible chance to attack a loaded Los Angeles defense. For now, the injury concerns have been put aside, and McCaffrey is set to take the field in Australia.

Volpe gets the start at second base on Thursday, while Judge takes a planned day of rest. By sitting the team captain against Colorado, Boone is prioritizing freshness for the high-stakes cross-town matchup ahead, as it was hinted.

The move aligns with Boone’s hints on Wednesday regarding Judge’s availability against the Mets. At full strength, the slugger remains a lethal weapon against a Mets squad that has struggled to stay afloat late in the regular season.

With Volpe back in the fold, top prospect George Lombard Jr. addressed the roster depth following his first career home run in pinstripes on Wednesday, a moment that underscored the growing confidence inside the clubhouse.

Yankees’ predicted lineup against the Mets

As the Yankees look to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Rays in a tight AL East race, having a rested Judge back in the order will be crucial. Barring any late changes, here is how New York could line up against the Mets:

• DH Ben Rice
• LF Cody Bellinger
• RF Aaron Judge
• 1B Luis Garcia Jr.
• CF Spencer Jones / Jasson Dominguez
• 2B Jose Caballero / Amed Rosario
• SS George Lombard Jr. / Anthony Volpe
• 3B Ryan McMahon
• C Austin Wells
• Probable Starter: Max Fried (LHP)

By giving Judge a breather ahead of the weekend, the Yankees enter the Subway Series positioned to maintain momentum, regardless of where their cross-town rivals sit in the standings.

The performance marks the league’s first regular-season game in Australia and is part of its record international schedule for 2026. That makes their appearance more than just another stop on the group’s long-running career.

The band, which has now been together for 20 years and has made several appearances in the NFL, could be the next act to take on the highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime show in 2027… if only they were asked.

Could the Jonas Brothers’ halftime show lead to Super Bowl LXI?

It could put the Jonas Brothers on the radar for a future Super Bowl halftime show, but there is no indication that they have been selected or are currently in line to headline Super Bowl LXI. Their performance is their first NFL regular-season halftime appearance.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated ahead of the Melbourne performance, Nick Jonas said the brothers would welcome the opportunity if it ever came their way. “Yeah, I mean, I’d love to”, he said. “I think it’d be certainly a bucket list item for us, and maybe this is kind of our audition for that”.

The comment gives the Australia performance an added layer, especially with the Jonas Brothers now taking center stage at one of the NFL’s biggest international events. The timing could also work in their favor.

The Jonas Brothers have a deep catalog to draw from, with eight albums of original music as a group, while their current touring plans are keeping them in front of large audiences. Their new run also revisits the Burning Up era, giving the trio an opportunity to combine their older hits with their more recent material.

He also pointed to the natural overlap between their audience and NFL fans, saying, “I think that there’s a ton of crossover between sports fans and Jonas Brothers fans, and we see it at our shows”. He added that the current stage of the band’s career could make the timing particularly appealing before concluding, “Would be fun to cap it off with a Super Bowl performance”.

That possibility is especially interesting because Super Bowl LXI will take place on February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, home of the Los Angeles Rams. The NFL has already confirmed the venue and date, but there has been no official announcement naming the halftime performer.

For now, their Melbourne booking should be viewed as a potential audition rather than a sign that a Super Bowl deal is imminent. Still, with Nick Jonas publicly describing the Super Bowl as a bucket-list goal and the group now getting its first regular-season NFL halftime showcase, the 2026 performance gives the speculation a much stronger basis than before.

“This free agency, this contract does feel like betting on yourself. What is it this year that you would like to prove about your game that people may not…” a reporter began before Connelly promptly cut him off with a grin: “Bad choice of words. Don’t use betting. Come on, man.”

Though lighthearted, the playful exchange highlights the hyper-awareness surrounding gambling terminology across the NBA, particularly in the wake of the recent league disciplinary actions involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. Once the laughter subsided, the news conference proceeded as planned.

On the floor, Kuminga projects as an intriguing tandem partner alongside franchise cornerstone Anthony Edwards, who reportedly played an active role in recruiting the former Golden State Warriors forward to Minneapolis.

Kuminga on choosing Minnesota

When pressed on why he chose the Timberwolves over suitors like the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, Kuminga pointed directly to the team’s recent success and established identity.

“I wanted to go to a winning culture, and I think this was the best winning culture I could’ve chosen out of my options,” Kuminga said, as the question was also related to the money.

Kuminga’s expected role with the Wolves

While his dialogues with head coach Chris Finch are still in the early stages, Kuminga offered insight into what Finch expects from him on the hardwood this season.

“We haven’t spoken as much… he wants me to come here and be myself, rebound, defend at the highest level,” Kuminga said. “If I focus on those two—just rebounding and defense—I think that’ll help the team and that will help me.”

Evans was one of general manager John Lynch’s biggest offseason splashes as San Francisco looked to add another elite weapon around Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers signed the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star to a three-year contract worth $42.4 million, bringing his size, experience and red-zone ability to an offense with Super Bowl aspirations.

There were some legitimate questions about whether Evans would be ready for the opener because of injuries that kept him out of practices during training camp. Lynch had previously said Evans was expected to practice once the team arrived in Melbourne and that, if everything went well, he would suit up against the Rams. That plan has now come together, giving Purdy another major target for the opening game.

Is Mike Evans playing today for 49ers vs Rams?

Yes. Mike Evans is playing today for the 49ers against the Rams after overcoming the muscle problems that bothered him during the summer. The veteran receiver is expected to make his San Francisco debut in one of the most anticipated games of Week 1, ending the uncertainty that surrounded his availability after an injury-interrupted training camp.

Evans’ availability could be extremely important for Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan’s offense. At 33 years old, the six-time Pro Bowl receiver remains one of the NFL’s most dangerous players near the end zone, while his 6-foot-5 frame gives San Francisco a different type of weapon alongside Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle and the rest of the receiving corps.

For the 49ers, getting Evans on the field immediately gives the offense another major piece for its Super Bowl quest. After missing significant time in 2025 because of a hamstring injury and a broken collarbone, his health will remain something to monitor throughout the season, but there is no longer a major question surrounding his Week 1 status. Evans will debut in 49ers gold against the Rams in Melbourne.

Nabers has continued to make encouraging progress in his recovery and participated fully in Wednesday’s practice, moving well during individual work. Those developments have strengthened the belief that he could make his return against Dallas after missing the end of last season because of his torn ACL and meniscus. However, the Giants are still treating his availability as a decision that will be made closer to kickoff.

That has left fans wondering whether Nabers will actually be on the field for Jaxson Dart’s first career Week 1 start. Harbaugh was asked again about the situation and, rather than confirming that his top receiver would play, gave an answer that keeps the door open in both directions.

Will Malik Nabers play for Giants against Cowboys?

John Harbaugh’s latest response made it clear that the Giants are not ready to officially announce Nabers as active for Sunday night. The head coach emphasized that the final decision will depend on how Nabers feels and whether the medical and football staff believe he is ready to return to game action.

“We’ll find out on Sunday night. We’ll see though. I mean, it’s still four days until we play. So, if he’s ready to go and he feels like he’s ready to go, then he’ll play. If he’s not and he’s not ready, then he won’t play. That’s how it works.”

The answer is certainly not the definitive confirmation Giants fans were hoping for, but it also does not sound like a setback. Nabers has looked good during practice, and the Giants have continued to take a cautious approach with their most important offensive weapon. Harbaugh’s comments suggest the final call will come down to Nabers’ readiness rather than a predetermined decision to keep him sidelined.

For now, Nabers remains one of the biggest storylines heading into Giants-Cowboys. His return would give Dart a major weapon for his first NFL season opener and could significantly change the matchup against Dallas. Until Harbaugh and the Giants make their final decision, however, the mystery surrounding Nabers will continue all the way to Sunday night.

Kittle tore his right Achilles tendon on January 11 during San Francisco’s playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, ending his 2025 season and putting his availability for the start of the new campaign in serious doubt. His recovery has moved much faster than initially expected, however, and he returned to practice ahead of schedule before traveling with the 49ers to Australia.

There were still plenty of questions heading into the week because Kittle was listed as limited during practice. That uncertainty has now been removed. Kittle is officially off the injury report, meaning Brock Purdy will have one of his most important weapons available against a loaded Rams roster in a blockbuster matchup to open the season.

Is George Kittle playing today for 49ers against Rams in Australia?

Yes, George Kittle is playing today for the 49ers against the Rams. San Francisco removed him from the final injury report, clearing the way for his return after nearly eight months recovering from the torn Achilles. While the 49ers are expected to manage his workload carefully, Kittle will be on the field for the first regular-season game of the 2026 campaign.

Kittle’s return could have a major impact on Brock Purdy and the San Francisco offense. The veteran tight end remains one of the quarterback’s most trusted targets, and his presence gives the 49ers another elite option against a Rams defense that enters the season with significant expectations.

The timing of Kittle’s return makes it even more important. San Francisco is opening the season against a Los Angeles team viewed as one of the NFC’s most dangerous contenders, while the game in Melbourne represents the first regular-season NFL matchup played in Australia. Having Kittle available gives Purdy another weapon as the 49ers attempt to start the season with a statement victory.

Kittle’s workload could nevertheless be different from what 49ers fans are accustomed to seeing. Coming back from an Achilles injury this early in the recovery process, San Francisco has every reason to be cautious and could limit his snaps rather than immediately giving him his usual workload. The important development is that Kittle is healthy enough to play.

Nacua’s health had been one of the main concerns surrounding the Rams heading into their matchup with the 49ers. The wide receiver had been dealing with soreness in his psoas after leaving a joint practice with the Cowboys, creating some uncertainty about whether he would be ready for the opening game of the 2026 NFL season. However, McVay said Nacua has been making good progress and is expected to play in Australia.

The situation has also been complicated by uncertainty surrounding a potential NFL suspension. Nacua has been under scrutiny following an offseason incident and the league has been reviewing the matter under its personal conduct policy. However, no suspension has been announced, and McVay said he had not received any information indicating that Nacua would be unavailable against San Francisco.

Is Puka Nacua suspended for Rams vs 49ers?

No. Puka Nacua is not suspended and he’s expected to play for the Rams against the 49ers in Melbourne. A few days ago, McVay was clear when asked whether he expected his star receiver to suit up, saying, “Yeah, absolutely,” while adding that he had not heard anything different from what would indicate Nacua would miss the game.

That update is especially important for Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense, which enters the season with major expectations. Nacua is coming off a spectacular 2025 campaign in which he led the NFL with 129 receptions and finished second in receiving yards with 1,715, making his presence a major factor against a 49ers defense that will have to deal with one of the league’s most productive young receivers.

For now, there is no NFL suspension keeping Nacua out of the season opener. Although the league’s review has created uncertainty around his status, no punishment has been announced that would prevent him from playing, meaning the Rams can expect their star receiver to be available in Melbourne. Unless there is a late development, Nacua will take the field against San Francisco as one of the biggest offensive weapons in the first NFL regular-season game ever played in Australia.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt in the USA

Bayern Munich vs Bodø/Glimt will be available to watch live in the United States on Paramount+, as well as through TUDN USA, UniMas, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, the TUDN App and ViX.

Can I watch Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt for free?

There is no confirmed free legal broadcast of Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt in the United States. The match is carried by subscription services.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Bayern Munich begin their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign at home against Bodo/Glimt, with the German champions aiming to take an early step toward their stated objective of finishing in the league phase’s top eight and securing direct passage to the round of 16.

Bayern have reached the knockout rounds in every Champions League season since 2008-09, making another deep European run the expectation rather than the exception. The Bavarians also have a remarkable record in Champions League openers.

They have won their last 22 Matchday 1 games in the competition, with their last defeat in an opening fixture coming against Deportivo La Coruna in 2002. A victory against Bodo/Glimt would extend that record to 23 consecutive opening wins.

There is another major reason to expect Bayern to be aggressive at the Allianz Arena. They have gone 38 consecutive Champions League group-stage or league-phase home games without a defeat, winning 36 and drawing two since Manchester City beat them 3-2 in December 2013.

Bayern have also scored 17 goals and conceded only three across their four previous home matches against Norwegian opposition. Bodo/Glimt, however, are far from a straightforward opponent.

The Norwegian club made history last season by becoming the first Norwegian team to win a Champions League knockout-phase tie, eliminating Inter in the playoff round before reaching the round of 16. Their 2025-26 campaign also included victories over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid, while they earned a 2-2 draw away to Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt: Predicted Lineups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Alphonso Davies; Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Michael Olise, Ismael Saibari, Luis Diaz; Harry Kane.

Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3): Nikita Haikin; Fredrik Sjovold, Villads Nielsen, Odin Bjortuft, Fredrik Andre Bjorkan; Sondre Auklend, Patrick Berg, Sondre Fet; Ole Didrik Blomberg, Andreas Helmersen, Ola Brynhildsen.

What time is the Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt match?

The Bayern Munich vs Bodo/Glimt match kicks off on Thursday, September 10, at 3:00 PM ET. UEFA lists the game for 9:00 PM local time in Munich, with the Allianz Arena hosting the Matchday 1 clash.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

How to watch Manchester United vs Sabah in the USA

Manchester United vs Sabah will be available to stream live in the United States on DAZN USA and Paramount+, which carries the full UEFA Champions League schedule in English.

Can I watch Manchester United vs Sabah for free?

There is no guaranteed free legal live stream for Manchester United vs Sabah in the United States. Paramount+ is the primary English-language streaming option, but its standard U.S. free trial is not consistently available.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Manchester United return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 season when they welcome Sabah to Old Trafford on Matchday 1 of the league phase. The Red Devils missed European competition altogether last season, making their return to Europe’s top club tournament an important moment for Michael Carrick‘s side.

United will be looking to respond after a frustrating 2-2 draw away to Everton in the Premier League on September 6. The Red Devils led twice through Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, only for Ainsley Maitland-Niles to equalize in the sixth minute of stoppage time. With a Manchester derby against Manchester City coming next, Carrick’s team cannot afford another disappointing result at Old Trafford.

For Sabah, this is a landmark night in the club’s history. The Azerbaijani side reached the Champions League league phase for the first time ever after navigating the qualifying rounds, making them one of the competition’s most unusual debutants. They also arrive in Manchester after a 5-0 victory over Zira on September 5, with Joy-Lance Mickels scoring a hat-trick.

Manchester United vs Sabah: Predicted Lineups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Matheus Cunha.

Sabah (4-2-3-1): Stas Pokatilov; Akim Zedadka, Steve Solvet, Rahman Dashdamirov, Michal Puchacz; Umarali Rakhmonaliyev, Ivan Lepinjica; Veljko Simic, Aleksei Isayev, Christian Nwachukwu; Joy-Lance Mickels.

What time is the Manchester United vs Sabah match?

The Manchester United vs Sabah match kicks off on Thursday, September 10, at 3:00 PM ET. UEFA lists the fixture for 9:00 PM local time in Manchester, with Old Trafford hosting the opening Champions League league-phase game.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

“It’s the right thing to do; we tried to kick the can down the road as much as we could,” Roberts told reporters. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers are calling up top prospect Josue De Paula, who is set to step in at designated hitter Friday night against the Miami Marlins.

De Paula stands among the crown jewels of the Dodgers’ farm system. A top-five prospect in the organization according to MLB Pipeline, the power-hitting outfielder could offer immediate reinforcement for a franchise eyeing a historic three-peat this October.

While Roberts officially shut down Ohtani on the mound for the remainder of the year, optimism remains surrounding his bat. The hope is that the two-way phenom can recover in time for the regular-season finale against the rival San Francisco Giants.

Expected impact from De Paula

With Ohtani sidelined, Los Angeles is relying on De Paula to help absorb the void left by the two-time MVP. Though their skill sets and career profiles are vastly different, the rookie’s minor league production suggests he is capable of making a smooth transition against Miami.

De Paula is coming off a heavy workload in the minors, appearing in a career-high 124 games this season. He set personal bests across the board with 27 home runs, 106 runs scored, 152 hits, and 104 RBIs, numbers that have Dodgers fans eager to see how quickly his bat translates to the big leagues.

As the Dodgers put the finishing touches on another postseason berth, taking care of business against the Marlins remains a top priority. For De Paula, the series marks a crucial opportunity to prove that his four years of development in the system have fully paid off.

How to watch Fenerbahce vs Roma in the USA

Fenerbahce vs. Roma will be available to watch live in the United States on CBS Sports Network, Fubo, Paramount+ and ViX.

For Spanish-language coverage, the Champions League clash will also be available through TUDN USA, UniMas, TUDN.com, Univision NOW and the TUDN App, with ViX also included among the streaming options.

Can I watch Fenerbahce vs Roma for free?

There is a legal way to watch Fenerbahce vs. Roma without paying immediately through Fubo‘s 5-day free trial, provided the promotion is available to the account.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Fenerbahce and Roma begin their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase with a high-profile clash in Istanbul, and both clubs arrive with plenty to prove.

This will be the first competitive meeting between the sides, with Fenerbahce returning to the Champions League proper for the first time since the 2008-09 season, while Roma are ending a seven-year absence from the competition.

For Fenerbahce, simply reaching the league phase represents a major achievement after a difficult road through qualifying. The Turkish side went unbeaten across six qualifying matches, eliminating Gornik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon, and have not lost in their last seven European games.

However, they are still searching for their first Champions League proper victory in six matches, having drawn twice and lost four times in their previous appearances.

Roma enter the match with a strong European record of their own. The Italian club have reached the knockout phase in seven of their last eight Champions League appearances, while losing only three of their last 14 European league-phase matches.

They have also gone unbeaten in their last five European away games, making the trip to Istanbul an important early test of their ambitions under Gian Piero Gasperini.

Fenerbahce vs Roma: Predicted Lineups

Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Mert Muldur, Milan Skriniar, Nathan Ake, Archie Brown; N’Golo Kante, Ismail Yuksek; Mason Greenwood, Kerem Akturkoglu, Oguz Aydin; Vedat Muriqi.

AS Roma (3-4-2-1): Mile Svilar; Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, Mario Hermoso; Nahuel Molina, Bryan Cristante, Manu Kone, Wesley; Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo Mora; Donyell Malen.

What time is the Fenerbahce vs Roma match?

The Fenerbahce vs Roma match kicks off on Thursday, September 10, at 12:45 PM ET. UEFA lists the official kickoff at 6:45 PM local time in Istanbul, with the match taking place at the Chobani Stadium Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Sports Complex.

• Eastern Time: 12:45 PM
• Central Time: 11:45 AM
• Mountain Time: 10:45 AM
• Pacific Time: 9:45 AM

How to watch PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the USA

PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk will be available to stream live in the United States on Paramount+, which carries every UEFA Champions League match during the 2026-27 season. Another option is ViX.

Can I watch PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk for free?

There is no confirmed free legal live stream for PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk in the United States at this time. Paramount+ requires a subscription to watch the full Champions League match.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk open their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaigns on Thursday, September 10, with both sides looking to start the league phase with a statement result.

The match at the Philips Stadion is one of 18 Matchday 1 fixtures and comes as both clubs return to Europe’s elite competition after winning their respective domestic leagues last season.

For PSV, the opening game is an opportunity to change a difficult recent trend. The Dutch champions have lost their opening Champions League match in each of their last five campaigns, with their most recent Matchday 1 victory coming in 2015-16 against Manchester United. At the same time, they have won their last three Champions League games against Ukrainian opposition.

Shakhtar Donetsk arrive with significant Champions League experience. This is the Ukrainian club’s 20th appearance in the Champions League league phase or group stage, the most of any team from Ukraine. Shakhtar have also lost only two of their last eight league-phase or group-stage matches in UEFA competitions, recording five wins and one draw during that stretch.

PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Predicted Lineups

PSV (4-2-3-1): Matej Kovar; Sergino Dest, Lutsharel Geertruida, Armando Obispo, Filip Kostic; Paul Wanner, Kodai Sano; Ivan Perisic, Guus Til, Ruben van Bommel; Ricardo Pepi.

Shakhtar Donetsk (4-3-3): Dmytro Riznyk; Vinicius Tobias, Valeriy Bondar, Mykola Matviyenko, Pedro Henrique; Marlon Gomes, Yegor Nazaryna, Oleg Ocheretko; Newerton Martins, Kaua Elias, Alisson Santana.

What time is the PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk match?

The PSV vs Shakhtar Donetsk match kicks off on Thursday, September 10, at 12:45 PM ET. UEFA lists the official European kickoff at 6:45 PM CET, with the match taking place at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven.

• Eastern Time: 12:45 PM
• Central Time: 11:45 AM
• Mountain Time: 10:45 AM
• Pacific Time: 9:45 AM

However, it seems virtually impossible for New York to complete such a move. In fact, a report is unequivocal in addressing the odds of the Rangers bringing Kreider back to the Big Apple for the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

“There is zero chance [Kreider] comes back to the New York Rangers,” Jonny Lazarus of Daily Faceoff stated on his X account. While it may be a comforting lie for Rangers fans to tell themselves otherwise, it would take a series of miracles for New York to bring its all-time third-highest goal scorer back.

Why has Kreider become available?

Not many expected the Ducks to find themselves in this spot heading into the new NHL season. However, after signing Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million ($18 million AAV) extension, and with another piggy bank-shattering deal on the way for Cutter Gauthier, the Ducks suddenly became cash-strapped.

Moving on from 35-year-old Kreider, even though he’s coming off his eighth straight 20-plus-goal season, simply made too much sense. The trade route was an option, but Anaheim likely would have had to give up something else or retain a percentage of the cap hit in order to move a veteran on a contract year, so this was a much faster and virtually effortless solution.

Now, Kreider is up for grabs, and likely to be heading for a Stanley Cup contender. For more reasons than one, the Rangers don’t make much sense for him at this point. That is still true, even if reports state Kreider wants to return east and move closer to his family.

Rangers no longer a fit for Kreider

For starters, the Rangers currently have less than $1 million available in cap space (roughly $995,000, according to PuckPedia). That means they can’t accommodate Kreider’s $6.5 million cap hit. Even though he’s now an unrestricted free agent, Kreider’s contract carries over to his next club.

Kreider is only due $4 million in the remaining year of his contract, as he was paid a $1 million signing bonus by Anaheim on July 1. Even if New York can figure out a way to bring in Kreider and still be cap compliant, a return to New York City may not be on the veteran’s wish list.

Moreover, Kreider’s relationship with GM Chris Drury may not be on the best of terms after he was traded last offseason. By the looks of it, there will be no homecoming for Kreider.

Henderson is sidelined because of an ankle injury that has kept him from practicing throughout the week. The second-year running back suffered the injury during practice on August 24 and was unable to recover in time for the Patriots’ trip to Seattle for the opening game of the season.

The absence is particularly significant because Henderson was an important part of New England’s offensive depth chart after an impressive rookie season. He finished 2025 with 911 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, while also contributing 221 receiving yards and another touchdown through the air. Without him, the Patriots will have to lean more heavily on their remaining running backs against the defending Super Bowl champions.

Why is TreVeyon Henderson not playing for New England Patriots against Seattle Seahawks?

TreVeyon Henderson is not playing today because of his ankle injury, which has officially ruled him out for the Patriots’ season opener against Seattle. He missed all three practices during the week and was ultimately listed as out, meaning New England will have to adjust its offensive game plan without one of its most explosive weapons.

Henderson’s absence is a major blow to the Patriots’ depth at running back. Although he was not necessarily expected to handle every offensive snap, his combination of speed, explosiveness and receiving ability gave New England another dynamic option alongside its veteran backfield. His production as a rookie made him an important part of the Patriots’ plans entering 2026.

The timing also makes the injury particularly frustrating for Henderson and the Patriots. New England is opening the season against the same Seattle team that defeated the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, and Henderson played in that championship game. Now, instead of helping Drake Maye and the Patriots seek revenge, he will have to watch from the sideline while recovering from his ankle injury.

Who is starting RB for Patriots vs Seahawks?

Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to be the Patriots’ starting running back against the Seahawks and should receive a significantly larger workload with Henderson unavailable. Stevenson remains one of New England’s most experienced offensive players and rushed for 603 yards and nine total touchdowns during the 2025 season.

The Patriots will likely need Stevenson to carry a substantial portion of the rushing workload while also contributing in the passing game. His experience makes him the natural player to take over as the lead back, although Corey Kiner could also see opportunities.

For New England, replacing Henderson’s production will be one of the biggest challenges against Seattle. The Patriots are trying to begin the 2026 season with a statement victory in a Super Bowl rematch, but they will have to do it without one of their most promising young offensive players. With Henderson sidelined, more responsibility falls on Stevenson to lead the Patriots’ ground attack.

Inter Miami are coming off a 2-2 draw against Atlanta United in their last outing. Before that, they thrashed CF Montreal 7-1 and suffered a 1-2 defeat to Toronto. The Herons remain near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Messi did not score in the last match, but he netted four goals in the blowout win against Montreal, keeping him atop the league’s scoring chart with 18 goals.

The Chicago Fire enter the match on a seven-game unbeaten streak in MLS play. In their last appearance, they played to a 4-4 draw against Toronto, following a 2-2 draw against the Seattle Sounders and a 2-1 victory over Orlando City. The squad managed by Gregg Berhalter currently sits third in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

Hoyos is dealing with injury issues within the squad and will be without key players Tadeo Allende, Micael, Sergio Reguilon, Lujan, and Mateo Silvetti. As a result, the manager will have to get creative when building his starting XI.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Yannick Bright, Maximiliano Falcon, Fricio Caicedo; Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Luis Suarez.

Chicago Fire confirmed lineup

Gregg Berhalter also faces notable absences in his squad, with Mueller, Mbokazi, and Franco ruled out due to injury. Nevertheless, a great match is expected, led by Robert Lewandowski, whose magic remains intact.

Chicago Fire confirmed lineup: Christopher Brady; Jonatha Dean, Noah Allen, Jack Elliott, Andrew Gutman; Anton Jonsson Saletros, Dje D’Avilla, Maren Haile-Selassie, Robin Lod; Philip Zinckernagel, Robert Lewandowski.

Dart already has experience playing meaningful NFL football, but this will be different. In 2025, Russell Wilson opened the season as the Giants’ starting quarterback, meaning Dart never had to carry the responsibility of being the starter in Week 1. Now, with the organization fully committed to him, the spotlight will be firmly on Dart when New York hosts Dallas at MetLife Stadium.

The Cowboys enter the matchup as favorites, and the Giants are looking to prove that the new Harbaugh era can immediately change the team’s trajectory. For Dart, it is an opportunity to make a statement against a division rival, and Harbaugh’s latest comments suggest the Giants have complete confidence in his preparation heading into the opener.

John Harbaugh sends clear message to Cowboys about QB Jaxson Dart

John Harbaugh believes Jaxson Dart is as prepared as he could possibly be for his first season opener as an NFL starter. The Giants coach emphasized the amount of work Dart has put in throughout the offseason and training camp, while acknowledging that playing quarterback at the NFL level comes with enormous challenges. For Harbaugh, however, Dart’s preparation and attention to detail have left him confident that the young quarterback is ready for Dallas.

“I know he’s prepared. He couldn’t have prepared any more or work any harder, or been more determined to be ready. I know he knows the game plan. Quarterback’s tough. You know, i’m horrible. I never played quarterback. I was defensive back. Jaxson has done a great job. He’s worked really hard. He’s diligent. He wants to do well. He wants to understand everything inside out. He wants to be sharp and on point. So, he’s prepared to play.”

That confidence is important considering what is at stake for Dart. The Giants drafted him as their potential long-term answer at quarterback, and now the organization is giving him the keys to the offense entering his second NFL season. He will have to deal with the pressure of a primetime division matchup immediately, but the coaching staff believes his preparation has put him in position to handle it.

Dart has also spent the offseason working extensively within Matt Nagy’s offensive system and against the Giants’ defense, which Harbaugh and the team have viewed as valuable preparation for the regular season. Now the quarterback gets his first chance to show that work translates when the games count, with Dallas providing the first major test of the new Giants era.

For the Cowboys, the message from Harbaugh is clear: the Giants are not entering Week 1 simply hoping their young quarterback can survive. New York believes Dart is ready to deliver an upset, and if the second-year quarterback performs at the level his coach expects, he could make the opener much more difficult for Dallas than many expect. Sunday’s matchup will provide the first real indication of whether Dart is ready to become the face of the Giants’ offense.

While Cowboys owner Jerry Jones showed respect for Harbaugh, Pickens and the players on both sides keep going after each other. After the Giants decided on their cornerback game plan for Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, the first move was made in the chess board. Shortly after, Pickens got echo of Newsome calling the Giants’ cornerback room “the best in the NFL,” and reacted to the bold statement with a warning ahead of Sunday night’s showdown in the Meadowlands.

“That’s definitely how he should feel. Now, how we should feel, I’d definitely say a completely different story. That’s cool that he thinks that,” Pickens said, via The Athletic’s Jon Machota, warning Newsome and the Giants not to lie to themselves. “He should definitely feel like that, but I feel like we’re definitely not thinking the same thing.”

Newsome and Pickens go at it

Even though Newsome downplayed the idea of unfinished business with Pickens, it’s been made clear time and again that there is no love lost between the two. The fact that Pickens took notice of Newsome’s recent statements and one-upped his divisional rival is further proof.

This isn’t their first rodeo. Pickens and Newsome shared a division in the NFL before, yet it was anything but friendly. As they meet again, the two neighbors prove old habits die hard and that neighbors are in no way synonymous with allies.

Giants vs Cowboys: Must-see TV

Both Pickens and Newsome have made loud statements. As the saying goes, they must walk the talk now. Thus, the season-opening divisional showdown set to take place at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 13 has now another layer added to it.

Indeed, watching Jaxson Dart, Odell Beckham Jr., and the revamped Giants’ offense take on Caleb Downs and the Cowboys‘ defense is exciting as well, but the matchup between Pickens and Dallas’ offense against Newsome II and New York’s defense simply has enough vitriol to make fans forget about the rest of the stars on the field.

As if an NFC East showdown between the Cowboys and Giants couldn’t have even higher stakes, the back-and-forth verbal battle between the vocal wideout and cornerback on each team just provided even more bad blood. Soon, their words won’t be enough, and it will all be decided on the gridiron, on a turf field that is a source of debate in its own right. There may be no better stage for the first Sunday night game of the season to take place.

Walker was one of the most important players in Seattle’s championship campaign and ultimately earned Super Bowl LX MVP honors after helping the Seahawks defeat the Patriots. However, after becoming a free agent during the offseason, Seattle decided not to give him the contract he was looking for, bringing an end to his time with the franchise.

Instead of returning to Seattle to defend the championship, Walker signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. His departure became one of the biggest changes to the Seahawks’ roster after their Super Bowl victory, with Seattle now entering the season without the player who was named the game’s MVP.

Why is Kenneth Walker III not playing for Seattle Seahawks vs Patriots?

Kenneth Walker III is not playing in Seahawks vs Patriots because he is no longer a member of Seattle’s roster. After becoming a free agent, Walker signed a three-year, $43 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, giving him a new home and a major role in Patrick Mahomes’ offense. The move means Walker will begin the 2026 season with Kansas City rather than returning to Seattle for the Super Bowl rematch.

The decision represented a major change for both Walker and the Seahawks. Seattle chose not to make the financial commitment necessary to keep its star running back, while Kansas City made him a central part of its effort to return to the Super Bowl. Walker now has the opportunity to play alongside Mahomes after proving during the 2025 season that he can perform at the highest level on the biggest stage.

Who is starting RB for Seattle Seahawks?

For Seattle, his departure creates a major void in the backfield. The Seahawks have had to reshape their running back room, with rookie Jadarian Price expected to take on a significant role while Zach Charbonnet remains unavailable because of his ACL injury. That makes Walker’s absence even more noticeable as Seattle begins its championship defense against the very team it defeated in Super Bowl LX.

Walker, meanwhile, has already turned the page. The Chiefs view him as an important piece of their offense and hope his explosiveness can help Mahomes lead Kansas City back to the Super Bowl in 2026. After winning the championship with Seattle, Walker now has a different challenge: helping the Chiefs reclaim the Lombardi Trophy while pursuing a second Super Bowl ring.

Bobo’s absence is not the result of a last-minute decision or a Week 1 setback. The Seahawks lost the wide receiver during a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans in the preseason, when he suffered a serious injury to his right knee while attempting to make a leaping catch. The initial diagnosis was concerning, with head coach Mike Macdonald indicating that the injury appeared to be long-term.

The injury represents a significant blow to an offense led by quarterback Sam Darnold, especially because Seattle is entering the season with championship expectations after winning Super Bowl LX. Without Bobo, Darnold will have to rely even more heavily on Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp as the Seahawks look to begin their title defense with a victory over the Patriots.

Jake Bobo isn’t available for Seahawks vs Patriots

No. Jake Bobo is not playing today for the Seahawks against the Patriots. Bobo has been unavailable since suffering the serious right knee injury during Seattle’s joint practice with the Titans in August, and the Seahawks subsequently placed him on injured reserve. His absence was already confirmed well before the season opener, meaning Seattle will have to move forward without him as it begins its 2026 campaign.

Bobo had become a valuable piece for Seattle because of his ability to contribute in multiple areas, making his absence particularly difficult for a team trying to repeat as Super Bowl champions. While he was not necessarily expected to be the focal point of the passing attack, his reliability and versatility gave the Seahawks another option within an offense that is expected to feature several talented receivers.

That leaves Smith-Njigba, Shaheed and Kupp with an even greater responsibility entering the matchup against New England. Smith-Njigba remains the central pieces of Darnold’s passing attack, while Seattle also has Shaheed and Kupp to provide more explosiveness and experience around its quarterback.

Is Jake Bobo out for the 2026 season with Seahawks?

Yes. Jake Bobo is out for the entire 2026 NFL season. The Seahawks placed him on injured reserve after the right knee injury he suffered during the joint practice with the Titans, officially confirming that he would not return this season.

The injury was initially described by Macdonald as a serious and potentially long-term knee problem, and subsequent reports identified it as a torn ACL. That makes Bobo’s absence much more than a temporary setback for Week 1: the Seahawks will have to plan their entire 2026 season without him.

For Seattle, the focus now shifts toward the healthy receivers who will have to replace Bobo’s production and versatility. With Darnold leading the offense and Smith-Njigba, Shaheed and Kupp expected to carry larger roles, the Seahawks will hope their revamped receiving corps can absorb the loss as they begin their defense of the Super Bowl title.

In a post across his main social media channels, Ronaldo shared an image from the victory alongside the caption “Hard work pays off.” While it could refer to his recovery and rest phase following the 2026 World Cup, it could easily serve as an indirect reminder that he should still be considered for such individual awards.

Ronaldo remains effective and continues to score as fans have grown accustomed to seeing him do so. Against Abha, he converted a trademark goal: connecting with a fine cross into the box, Cristiano rose above everyone else to direct a header toward the far post that proved unstoppable for the opposing goalkeeper.

Getting closer to 1,000 goals

With the goal, Cristiano Ronaldo clears his path forward, as the Portuguese star now has 979 career strikes. He sits just 21 goals away from becoming the first player in history to register 1,000 completely verified and video-documented goals.

This statistical precision sets him apart from past legends like Brazil’s Romario or Pele, who claimed to have surpassed 1,000 goals without possessing a reliable audiovisual record for each of their achievements.

Breakdown of Ronaldo’s 979 official goals

At 41 years old, as he continues to demonstrate his quality and why he is already one of the sport’s greatest legends, the Portuguese star’s FIFA-sanctioned goals are distributed across the Portugal national team and his respective professional clubs as follows:

• Real Madrid (Spain): 450 goals
• Portugal: 146 goals
• Manchester United (England): 145 goals
• Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia): 132 goals
• Juventus (Italy): 101 goals
• Sporting CP (Portugal): 5 goals
• CAREER TOTAL: 979 goals

According to Argentine reporter Federico Cristofanelli, Messi will be invited to join the national team during the upcoming FIFA international window for a pair of friendlies against Burkina Faso at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires and Benin at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba.

The two-game slate is reportedly designed as a grand sendoff to honor Messi’s extraordinary national team career. His announcement generated widespread reaction across the sport—drawing comments even from elite manager Jose Mourinho—as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner prepares for what may be his final international appearances.

Amid discussions over his international future, reports have also surfaced that Messi has acquired a football club in Spain, marking another step in expanding his post-playing portfolio as his iconic career nears its end.

Messi could turn down final invitation

Despite plans for a grand farewell, Cristofanelli reports that Messi may ultimately decline the invitation. However, the legendary forward still has time to make a final decision before the international break.

Accepting the invitation would give Messi an official stage to say goodbye to Argentine supporters, even though many viewed his home departure as having already occurred during Argentina‘s 5-0 victory over Zambia at La Bombonera.

As the country await his official response, the Argentine Football Association reportedly remains hopeful that Messi will grace the pitch one last time, ensuring a grand tribute fitting for the greatest player in the nation’s history.

For the Foxborough team, Larison’s elevation is understandable given that TreVeyon Henderson will miss the game due to injury, while Wishnowsky will join the special teams unit. Notable absences are already beginning to make their presence felt at the very start of the season for Mike Vrabel and his staff.

The reigning Super Bowl champions, meanwhile, are still waiting for more clarity on safety Nick Emmanwori’s status. As a result, also according to Schefter, they signed AJ Finley off the practice squad and elevated Rodney Thomas II also from the PS.

Everything is set in Seattle

The wait is finally over, and fittingly, the 2026 season begins with the same teams that closed out the 2025 campaign. The Seahawks and Patriots were the protagonists of the most recent Super Bowl, with Seattle claiming the title after a resounding 29–13 victory.

Adrian Hill will be leading the officiating crew in what is expected to be a packed Lumen Field, with a capacity of nearly 68,000 spectators. The 12s will look to make their presence felt once the football gets underway.

Notable absences in Seattle

Mike Macdonald has had to adjust his game plan in an unconventional way for the season opener, as several of his players will be sidelined due to injury. Jake Bobo will not play after suffering a serious injury to his right knee.

A similar situation is unfolding in the Seahawks’ backfield. Zach Charbonnet will also be unavailable due to a serious knee injury, meaning RB1 for this game will be Jadarian Price.

How to watch Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami in the USA

Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami will be available to watch live in the United States on Apple TV. MLS moved all of its regular-season matches to Apple TV beginning in 2026, with every game included with a subscription at no additional cost.

Can I watch Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami for free?

New Apple TV subscribers can watch Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami through a 7-day free trial, which is currently offered by the platform before the subscription begins charging $14.99 per month.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Chicago Fire and Inter Miami meet in a major Eastern Conference battle at Soldier Field, with both teams sitting near the top of the standings and the playoff race becoming increasingly important.

Chicago enters the match in third place with 38 points from 22 games, while Inter Miami sits second and has a five-point advantage over the Fire heading into Wednesday’s matchup.

The Fire are also carrying considerable momentum into the game. Gregg Berhalter‘s team is unbeaten in its last six MLS matches, its longest unbeaten run since 2017. Chicago’s latest result was an entertaining 4-4 draw against Toronto FC on September 5, with Maren Haile-Selassie scoring twice and Robert Lewandowski contributing a goal and an assist.

That result extended Chicago’s unbeaten streak but also continued a pattern that has prevented the Fire from collecting more points. Chicago has dropped a combined 18 points after scoring first in MLS this season. Still, a victory against Miami would move the Fire to within two points of the Herons, making Wednesday’s game particularly valuable in the race for the top positions in the East.

Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami: Predicted Lineups

Chicago Fire (4-3-3): Chris Brady; Andrew Gutman, Jack Elliott, Sam Rogers, Jonathan Dean; Maren Haile-Selassie, Dje D’Avilla, Besard Saletros; Puso Dithejane, Robert Lewandowski, Philip Zinckernagel.

Inter Miami (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Fricio Caicedo, Maximiliano Falcon, Casemiro, Ian Fray; Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright, Rodrigo De Paul; German Berterame, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.

What time is the Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami match?

The Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami match kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, at 8:30 PM ET. The game will be played at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, with MLS and both clubs confirming the same start time.

• Eastern Time: 8:30 PM
• Central Time: 7:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:30 PM

Nabers has been one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Giants throughout the offseason as he worked his way back from the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 campaign. New York has remained cautious with its top offensive weapon, but the latest developments are providing the clearest indication yet that he could be ready for the Cowboys game.

That optimism increased Wednesday when Nabers was seen participating in individual drills during the Giants’ practice. NFL insider Connor Hughes provided an especially encouraging update, suggesting that Nabers looked ready to take the next step toward returning to game action.

Is Malik Nabers playing against the Cowboys in Week 1?

Everything currently points toward Malik Nabers playing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, although the Giants have not officially confirmed his status yet. Hughes reported that Nabers was active during individual drills and appeared to be moving well, providing perhaps the strongest indication yet that the Giants’ star receiver will be available for Sunday’s season opener. “Malik Nabers was out there going through individual drills. He was first in line. Looking good for Week 1.”

That update is particularly important because Nabers has kept many details of his recovery private throughout the offseason. The Giants also released veteran receiver Darius Slayton earlier this week, a move that raised further questions about their confidence in the health of Nabers and the rest of the receiving corps.

If Nabers is cleared to play, he will immediately become one of the most important players in the Giants’ offense. Jaxson Dart will have his No. 1 target available giving New York a major weapon against a Cowboys defense that will have to account for him on every passing down.

The Giants still have to make the final decision based on Nabers’ health and the official injury report, but the latest practice development represents a major step forward. After months of questions about whether he would be ready for Week 1, Nabers now appears increasingly likely to return against Dallas and begin the 2026 season on the field.

“I thought he looked pretty good. In that first at-bat, I thought he got into a great position—he just barely missed a couple of sliders—but overall, he looked great,” Boone said during his postgame press conference when asked about the team captain’s performance in his return to the lineup.

While Boone would love to feature Judge as much as possible, the team is taking a cautious approach with his recovery. Speaking prior to the game, Boone clarified that Judge will serve in a reduced, part-time role until he returns to 100% health.

With reports suggesting the Yankees are considering Trevor MacGregor to fill their final 40-man roster spot, Boone is focusing his energy on finalizing the October roster that will push for a deep postseason run.

Boone still has work to do

Even with Boone pleased by Judge’s early movement, expectations remain high for the captain to regain his full form ahead of the playoffs. While a hitless return isn’t the ideal stat line, the team remains confident it is only a matter of time before the slugger finds his rhythm at the plate.

Meanwhile, as the Yankees recently made MLB history by securing their 34th consecutive winning season, Boone must navigate how to best utilize Judge’s talent without overexposing him. At the same time, the manager must fine-tune the rest of his lineup to ensure peak performance heading into the fall.

Can the Yankees win the AL East title?

With just 17 games remaining on the schedule, the Yankees must stay hot to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East race. If New York can finish strong against the Rockies, claim the Subway Series against the Mets, and handle business against the Minnesota Twins and Arizona Diamondbacks, the Yankees will set up a crucial, season-defining showdown against Tampa Bay.

With championship expectations surrounding the Bronx, a healthy Aaron Judge back in the lineup provides the exact spark the Yankees need as they chase a World Series title this October.

Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL during Seattle’s divisional-round playoff victory over the San Francisco 49ers in January 2026. The injury required surgery and has kept him out throughout the offseason, preventing him from being ready for the highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch against New England.

His absence is particularly important because Charbonnet was expected to have a much larger role after the Seahawks lost Kenneth Walker III during the offseason. Charbonnet finished 2025 with career highs of 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, and Seattle will now turn to rookie Jadarian Price and other healthy backs to handle the workload against the Patriots.

Why is Zach Charbonnet not playing in Seahawks vs Patriots?

Zach Charbonnet is not playing today because he is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered during Seattle’s divisional-round win over the 49ers in January. The Seahawks placed him on the reserve physically unable to perform list before the start of the regular season, meaning he cannot return until he is medically cleared and has served the required minimum absence.

When will Zach Charbonnet return?

Zach Charbonnet will miss at least the first four games of the 2026 NFL season after beginning the year on the reserve PUP list. NFL rules require players on the reserve PUP list to miss a minimum of four games before they can return, so the earliest possible comeback would come after Seattle’s first four contests.

However, that does not guarantee Charbonnet will return in Week 5. Seattle has not established a specific timetable for his return, and he remains in the rehabilitation process following his ACL injury and offseason knee surgery. The Seahawks have been encouraged by his progress, but the priority is making sure he is fully ready before putting him back on the field.

The timing is especially significant because Charbonnet enters the season as the projected lead back following Walker’s departure. Jadarian Price is expected to receive the biggest opportunity against New England, while George Holani and Emanuel Wilson can also contribute in the backfield.

“Did some really good things in the first game of the year this past Saturday. He can beat you with his legs. He can beat you down field. He can make the throws when he needs to. He’s really improved,” the head coach said via on3.com.

Day also added: “And giving him a lot of credit for putting the work in, and then also give Sark and his staff credit for continuing to develop him. So he’s gonna have a great season, and he’s gonna be a great challenge for our defense.”

Visiting Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is always a risky proposition for any team, even for a contender like the Buckeyes. Ryan Day is expecting a great spectacle in Texas: “Everybody’s getting fired up to go play down there.”

Ryan Day’s record against the Longhorns

Ryan Day boasts a perfect 2-0 record against the Longhorns as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes. His first victory came in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinals, where Ohio State ended Texas’ season with a 28-14 win.

He followed that up in the 2025 season opener, guiding the Buckeyes to a 14-7 victory over Steve Sarkisian‘s squad in Columbus. Day has consistently had the upper hand against the Longhorns in these high-stakes, marquee matchups, holding a pristine mark as they head into their next scheduled showdown in Austin.

Manning had a smooth debut

Arch Manning kicked off Texas’ 2026 season in dominant fashion, leading the Longhorns to a 59-7 blowout victory against Texas State. Playing with sharp efficiency before resting in the third quarter, Manning completed 20 of 27 passes (74.1%) for 305 yards, throwing 4 touchdowns and just 1 interception for an impressive 210.4 passer rating.

A highly anticipated showdown

Nearly 100,000 fans are expected to attend the highly anticipated showdown between Texas and Ohio State, with an even larger audience expected to watch the game on television. “I bet there’s close to 20 million people that watch this game,” Sarkisian said to the press. “That’s pretty cool when you think about it.”

With the goal, Cristiano moves a bit closer on the goalscoring table, but he faces a competitor who is well ahead of the field in Ivan Toney, who already has eight goals in the Saudi Pro League in just six matches.

CR7 has work to do if he wants to contend for the league’s top scorer title, but his capabilities are well known, especially with the season just getting underway. However, time will tell how things progress, particularly with the now-41-year-old forward as age begins to factor in.

How many career goals does CR7 have and how close is he to 1,000?

With his latest strike against Abha in domestic play, fans ask a major question: how many goals does Cristiano Ronaldo have? The Portuguese forward’s official career tally reached 979 goals, an extraordinary record spanning his time with various clubs and the Portugal national team.

Analyzing CR7’s current numbers, the path to the landmark milestone is closer than ever: the striker sits just 21 goals away from reaching the golden 1,000-goal mark; meanwhile, he was snubbed from the Ballon D’Or list.

If he maintains his recent scoring pace for Al-Nassr, the historic milestone appears to be only a matter of time for world soccer’s all-time leading goalscorer.

What’s next for Al-Nassr and Ronaldo?

Al-Nassr will look to chase success this season with Ballon d’Or nominee Sadio Mane and a still-vital Ronaldo. The next step for the club is a Saudi Pro League matchup against Al-Khaleej on Saturday, Sept. 12, followed by the start of their AFC Champions League campaign against Al Ain on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

“We’re the Yankees, we’re going to win. That’s a great streak, but everybody in this room is focused on championships,” Judge told reporters following his return to the roster.

Though he was visibly disappointed after being pulled in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies, Judge’s presence alone provided an undeniable spark during the series opener.

Judge went hitless in his return after skipping a minor league rehab assignment altogether. However, the Yankees remain confident it is only a matter of time before their superstar slugger regains his MVP form.

Highlights from Judge’s return

Bypassing a minor league stint after recovering from a fractured rib, Judge batted third and started in right field. Though he finished 0-for-3 with two strikeouts—swinging under a 93-mph fastball in his first plate appearance and looking at a called third strike in his last—he displayed flashes of his elite approach, including a 95.1-mph flyout to deep right-center field.

Judge’s presence delivered a crucial lift as the Yankees secured a 5-3 victory over Colorado. Operating under a pre-planned workload restriction, he played six solid defensive innings in right field without setback before being replaced by Heliot Ramos, who later delivered a clutch three-run homer in the eighth inning.

What’s next for Judge?

While he logged time in right field and hit third in his return, intrigue surrounds how Boone will deploy Judge moving forward. Boone indicated that Judge could see reps at designated hitter or alternate positions until he is fully cleared for an unrestricted workload.

All eyes remain on Judge for the remainder of the series against the Rockies, with a high-stakes Subway Series matchup against the cross-town New York Mets looming just on the horizon.

Tomlin recently discussed his future during an interview with Cris Collinsworth, addressing the possibility of coaching again after spending the first six months away from the profession. While the former Steelers coach admitted that he is enjoying his new life and the opportunities that come with working in television, his comments made it clear that coaching remains something he deeply values.

The 54-year-old spent nearly two decades leading Pittsburgh and never had a losing season during his tenure. He now has the opportunity to evaluate the NFL from a different perspective throughout the 2026 season, while potentially waiting for the right opportunity to return as a head coach.

Will Mike Tomlin return to the NFL as a head coach?

Mike Tomlin did not commit to returning to coaching, but he also refused to rule it out. The former Steelers coach explained that he remains passionate about the profession and everything that comes with leading an NFL team, while also acknowledging that his first months away from coaching have given him a perspective on life that he had never experienced before.

“It’s certainly not a 32-team league for me. I’ve lived too much for that. But, I’ve also learned to never say never. So, will I coach again? I don’t know. I love to coach. I love all the challenges of the profession. I love to be a part of growth and development of young people individually. I love to develop a collective. I love the measurement of the seven-day cycle. I love all of that. But I also have enjoyed the last six months and life on this other side that I had no idea about.”

That answer leaves the door open for a potential return, although Tomlin appears unlikely to accept just any coaching opportunity. His comment that the NFL is not a 32-team league for him suggests that the right situation, organization and roster would be crucial if he ultimately decides that he wants to return to the sideline.

For now, Tomlin will focus on his new role with NBC throughout the 2026 season. He joined the network as a studio analyst after stepping away from the Steelers following the 2025 campaign, giving him a chance to remain closely connected to the league while enjoying a lifestyle he says he had not previously experienced.

Still, the possibility of Tomlin returning to coaching could become one of the biggest storylines of the next NFL hiring cycle. If the right job becomes available and Tomlin decides that he misses the seven-day grind of coaching enough, there appears to be nothing stopping him from making an NFL comeback. As he said himself, he has learned to never say never.

His path to the top was not an overnight success. He developed through the lower levels of professional tennis before making his Grand Slam breakthrough, eventually reaching a career-high No. 22 in the world.

His results have also shown that he can trouble elite opposition, with notable wins over players such as Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal. There is plenty to know about the Dutchman beyond his results on the court.

How old is Botic van de Zandschulp?

Botic van de Zandschulp is 30 years old. The Dutch tennis player was born on October 4, 1995, in Wageningen, Netherlands.

He has established himself as one of the leading Dutch players of his generation. His career has included a breakthrough run at the US Open, multiple deep Grand Slam appearances and victories over several of the biggest names in men’s tennis.

How tall is Botic van de Zandschulp?

Botic van de Zandschulp is 6 feet 3 inches tall (1.91 meters). His height gives him a significant advantage on serve and allows him to generate considerable power from both his first delivery and groundstrokes.

The Dutchman plays right-handed and uses a two-handed backhand. His combination of size, serving power and a strong baseline game has helped him compete successfully against top-ranked opponents on hard courts.

What is Botic van de Zandschulp’s ranking?

Botic van de Zandschulp is ranked No. 70 in the ATP singles rankings. His current position, however, does not represent the highest point of his career.

He reached a career-high No. 22 in the ATP rankings on August 29, 2022. That ranking came after a period in which he established himself as a consistent presence on the ATP Tour following his breakthrough at the 2021 US Open.

His 2026 season has included a notable resurgence. At the 2026 US Open, he reached the quarterfinals after defeating Jan Choinski, No. 6 seed Alex de Minaur, No. 31 seed Zizou Bergs and Arthur Gea before facing Alexander Zverev in the last eight.

Who is Botic van de Zandschulp’s coach?

Botic van de Zandschulp’s coach is Raemon Sluiter, the former Dutch ATP player who began working with him in 2025. Sluiter became his new coach after the Dutchman ended his partnership with Peter Lucassen in June 2025.

The partnership officially took shape toward the end of 2025, with Sluiter planning to work with him for at least 20 weeks per year, in addition to training periods in the Netherlands. During part of the 2025 Asian swing, Melvyn op der Heijde provided temporary coaching support before Sluiter took over more extensively.

The collaboration has coincided with a strong improvement in his form. At the 2026 ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, he reached the quarterfinals for the first time in his career, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas along the way. The tournament’s official site specifically highlighted Sluiter’s role in the Dutchman’s new phase.

How much prize money has Botic van de Zandschulp won?

Botic van de Zandschulp has earned $6.96 million in career prize money from singles and doubles, according to the ATP Tour. His earnings have increased substantially during his years on the ATP Tour.

ESPN lists his season-by-season prize money at $1.10 million in 2026, $928,607 in 2025, $984,484 in 2024, $1.29 million in 2023, $1.47 million in 2022 and $855,362 in 2021.

His biggest season by tournament earnings among those years was 2022, when he collected $1,474,274. That season followed his breakthrough year and included a run to the fourth round at Wimbledon.

Botic van de Zandschulp’s career highlights

2021 — Breakthrough at the US Open: Van de Zandschulp made his Grand Slam breakthrough in New York after coming through qualifying. He became the third men’s qualifier in the Open Era to reach the US Open quarterfinals and the first Dutchman to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal since 2004. His run included victories over No. 20 seed Casper Ruud and Diego Schwartzman before he lost to eventual champion Daniil Medvedev in four sets. He was also the only player to take a set from Medvedev during that tournament.

2021 — First ATP Tour semifinal: Before his US Open run, Van de Zandschulp reached his first ATP Tour semifinal at the St. Petersburg Open. He defeated then-No. 6 Andrey Rublev, which was his biggest win at the time, before losing to eventual champion Marin Cilic.

2022 — Career-high ranking: Van de Zandschulp continued his rise in 2022, reaching a career-high No. 22 in the ATP rankings on August 29. ATP notes that he achieved a new career-best ranking 14 times during the season. He finished the year as the No. 1 Dutchman for the second consecutive season.

2022 — First ATP Tour final: He reached his first ATP Tour final in Munich, defeating Casper Ruud, then ranked No. 7 in the world, on the way to the championship match. Van de Zandschulp ultimately lost the final to Holger Rune.

2022 — Best Wimbledon run: At Wimbledon, Van de Zandschulp advanced to the fourth round, which remains one of his strongest Grand Slam performances. His 2022 season also included third-round appearances at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, while he collected a personal-best 38 wins across all competitions according to ATP’s 2026 player biography.

2023 — Second ATP Tour final: Van de Zandschulp returned to an ATP Tour final in Munich, reaching the championship match for the second consecutive year. He defeated No. 10 Taylor Fritz during the tournament but was unable to win the title, falling to Holger Rune again. ATP notes that he had four championship points in the 2023 final before losing.

2024 — Major upset against Carlos Alcaraz: One of the biggest victories of Van de Zandschulp’s career came at the 2024 US Open, when he defeated No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in the second round. It remains listed by ATP as the Dutchman’s biggest career win.

2024 — Defeated Rafael Nadal: Later that year, Van de Zandschulp defeated Rafael Nadal at the Davis Cup Finals in Málaga. The victory was particularly significant because it came in what became Nadal’s final professional tournament. Van de Zandschulp’s win helped the Netherlands eliminate Spain and reach the Davis Cup final for the first time in the competition’s history.

2024 — Historic Davis Cup campaign: His victory over Nadal was part of a memorable Netherlands run at the Davis Cup Finals. Van de Zandschulp helped his country reach its first-ever Davis Cup final, dating back to the nation’s debut in the competition in 1920.

2025 — Victory over Novak Djokovic: Van de Zandschulp added another legendary name to his list of major victories by defeating Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells. The result was another significant milestone in his career, following his wins over Alcaraz and Nadal. ATP now lists both Alcaraz and Djokovic among his standout Head2Head victories.

2026 — A return to the spotlight: Van de Zandschulp’s career has continued to be defined by his ability to challenge elite opponents and produce unexpected results. ATP’s 2026 profile highlights his progression from the 2021 US Open breakthrough to his victories over Alcaraz and Djokovic, describing that period as part of the career-defining arc of his career.

Three ATP Tour finals, but no singles title: Despite reaching three ATP Tour singles finals—Munich in 2022, Munich again in 2023 and Winston-Salem in 2025—Van de Zandschulp has yet to win an ATP Tour singles title. ATP currently lists him with 0 career singles titles.

A career built on major upsets: Perhaps the most distinctive part of Van de Zandschulp’s résumé is his record against elite opposition. His career highlights include victories over Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz, demonstrating his ability to compete with some of the biggest names in the sport.

2021–2022 — From qualifier to Top 25 player: His rise was particularly rapid. At the 2021 US Open, Van de Zandschulp entered the tournament ranked No. 117 and left New York having climbed to No. 62. Less than a year later, he had broken into the world’s Top 25 and eventually reached No. 22. ATP describes that 2021 US Open run as the pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of his career.

“Yeah, of course. Of course. That’s why I came back, because I believe in the guys,” A-Rod said. The veteran quarterback has faith in his teammates’ abilities and expressed his excitement about the experience on the roster, although he acknowledged that they will have to battle against their divisional rivals if they want to reach February with a chance to compete for the SB.

“I like the roster as a whole,” Rodgers also added. “We have good veteran leadership. It’s just about going out there and doing it. I feel like the AFC is very deep. Even our own division has a number of teams with Super Bowl aspirations, which is great.”

Rodgers’ last dance

All good things must come to an end, and Aaron Rodgers already confirmed that his 22nd year in the league will be his final ride in the NFL. The veteran QB returned to Pittsburgh for one last dance after a solid 2025 campaign where he showed he still has plenty left in the tank, guiding the Steelers to a 10-7 record while slinging for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions.

While Steelers fans are hoping he can cap off a Hall of Fame career with one deep playoff push, A-Rod already seems focused on savoring every last snap before officially hanging up his cleats for good.

Steel City wants to return to the Super Bowl

The itch in Pittsburgh is getting stronger, and Steeler Nation is more than ready to punch a ticket back to the biggest stage in football. One of the most storied franchises in NFL history, the Steelers boast 6 Lombardi Trophies—tied with the New England Patriots for the most all-time—and haven’t hoisted the hardware since capping off the 2008 season with a win in Super Bowl XLIII.

Their last trip to the big game altogether came back in February 2011 (Super Bowl XLV), making this a fifteen-year drought that feels like an eternity for a fanbase raised on championship football. With a rock-solid culture and high expectations, the goal in the Steel City remains unchanged: break through the brutal AFC playoff gauntlet and finally bring title No.7 back to Acrisure Stadium.

How to watch Sporting CP vs Galatasaray in the USA

Sporting CP vs. Galatasaray will be available to watch live in the United States on Fubo, Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network (CBSSN).

Can I watch Sporting CP vs Galatasaray for free?

Fubo currently offers a 5-day free trial on eligible plans, although the length depends on the plan and offer available at sign-up. The platform’s current U.S. plan information shows a five-day free trial for the Latino plan.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Sporting CP and Galatasaray meet at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Wednesday, September 9, in the opening matchday of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase. It is also the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, adding another layer to a fixture that already carries significant weight at the start of the European campaign.

Sporting arrive in strong domestic form, having won their latest match 2-0 against Nacional and carrying a four-game winning streak into their Champions League opener. Rui Borges‘ team has also been productive in front of goal, making its attacking form one of the biggest advantages heading into the matchup.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, enter the game after a 3-2 victory over Basaksehir, but their European challenge comes with concerns over the squad’s fitness. Victor Osimhen, who has been one of their main attacking threats, is dealing with an injury concern after being forced off recently, while Wilfried Singo is also unavailable.

Sporting CP vs Galatasaray: Predicted Lineups

Sporting CP (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Maximiliano Araujo, Goncalo Inacio, Zeno Debast, Ivan Fresneda; Issa Doumbia, Sergi Altimira; Nestory Irankunda, Rodrigo Zalazar, Geny Catamo; Luis Suarez.

Galatasaray (4-2-3-1): Ugurcan Cakir; Ismail Jakobs, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Davinson Sanchez, Roland Sallai; Gabriel Sara, Lucas Torreira; Yunus Akgun, Aleksei Batrakov, Leroy Sane; Baris Alper Yilmaz.

What time is the Sporting CP vs Galatasaray match?

The Sporting CP vs. Galatasaray match kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, at 3:00 PM ET. Sporting’s official website lists an 8:00 PM kickoff at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

How to watch Napoli vs Arsenal in the USA

Napoli vs. Arsenal will be available to watch live in the United States on Paramount+, which carries UEFA Champions League matches throughout the competition. The game is also available through ViX.

Can I watch Napoli vs Arsenal for free?

There is no confirmed standalone free stream for the full Napoli vs. Arsenal match in the United States. The game is scheduled for Paramount+, so viewers need access to the service to watch the complete match live.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Napoli and Arsenal begin their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaigns with a major test at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday, September 9. The matchup is part of Matchday 1 of the league phase, where 36 clubs compete in a single table and every result contributes to the race for a top-eight finish and direct qualification for the Round of 16.

For Napoli, the game represents the start of their fourth Champions League campaign in five seasons, but the Partenopei enter the European opener after a difficult start to the domestic season.

Massimiliano Allegri‘s side most recently suffered a 3-2 defeat against Inter after leading 2-0, with Rasmus Hojlund and Matteo Politano scoring for Napoli. The result highlighted both the team’s attacking potential and its difficulty protecting an advantage.

The Italian champions will also have an important new weapon available. Kevin De Bruyne is expected to make his first Napoli start, having previously appeared from the bench during the opening games of the season.

His creativity could be particularly important against an Arsenal side that arrives in much stronger form. Napoli, however, will be without Scott McTominay, who is sidelined after heart surgery.

Arsenal, meanwhile, begin another Champions League campaign after reaching the final last season. Mikel Arteta‘s team has also made a perfect start domestically, winning its first three Premier League matches, including a 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea. That gives the Gunners considerable momentum heading into a difficult away fixture in Naples.

Napoli vs Arsenal: Predicted Lineups

Napoli (4-3-3): Alex Meret; Leonardo Spinazzola, Rafa Marin, Amir Rrahmani, Giovanni Di Lorenzo; Kevin De Bruyne, Stanislav Lobotka, Billy Gilmour; Alisson Santos, Rasmus Hojlund, Matteo Politano.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ezri Konsa, Ben White; Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi; Christos Tzolis, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka; Kai Havertz.

What time is the Napoli vs Arsenal match?

The Napoli vs. Arsenal match kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, at 3:00 PM ET. The game is scheduled for 9:00 PM local time in Italy at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

How to watch Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid in the USA

Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid will be available to watch live in the United States on Paramount+, TUDN USA and UniMas. The clash is also part of the coverage offered through TUDN.com, Univision NOW, the TUDN App and ViX.

Can I watch Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid for free?

There is no confirmed legal free full-match option for Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid in the United States. The game is scheduled as a Paramount+ stream, so viewers need an active subscription to watch the complete match live.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Liverpool and Atletico Madrid open their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaigns with one of the most attractive Matchday 1 fixtures, as the Spanish side visits Anfield on Wednesday, September 9.

This is the third season of the competition’s 36-team league-phase format, meaning every point matters from the opening night as clubs compete for a place in the knockout rounds. UEFA’s schedule confirms Liverpool-Atletico as one of the headline fixtures of the first matchday.

For Liverpool, the match represents the first Champions League test of the Andoni Iraola era. The Reds enter the game unbeaten after three Premier League matches and picked up their first victory of the season with a 2-0 win at Ipswich Town, where Alexander Isak scored twice. Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League with five points.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, arrive at Anfield looking to recover immediately from a difficult domestic result. Diego Simeone‘s side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Athletic Club at San Mames in its most recent LaLiga outing, making the Champions League opener an important opportunity to respond against elite opposition.

Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid: Predicted Lineups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker; Milos Kerkez, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo; Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch; Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Alexander Isak.

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Alejandro Grimaldo, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, Marcos Llorente; Alex Baena, Morten Hjulmand, Koke, Giuliano Simeone; Lee Kang-in, Ademola Lookman.

What time is the Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid match?

The match kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, at 3:00 PM ET. Liverpool’s official fixture information lists an 8:00 PM BST kickoff at Anfield, which converts to 3:00 PM Eastern Time in the United States.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

How to watch Chelsea vs Leeds United in the USA

Chelsea vs Leeds United will be available to stream live in the United States on Paramount+.

Can I watch Chelsea vs Leeds United for free?

There is no free legal way to watch Chelsea vs Leeds United live in the United States. The EFL Cup fixture is available through Paramount+, and there is no free-to-air U.S. broadcast scheduled for the game.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Chelsea and Leeds United meet at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, September 9, in the third round of the 2026-27 EFL Cup, with a place in the next round on the line.

The tie comes just three days after Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal, their first loss of the campaign, while Leeds arrive unbeaten under Daniel Farke. For Chelsea, the EFL Cup represents an important opportunity to bounce back quickly and begin Xabi Alonso‘s tenure with a meaningful cup run.

The Blues advanced past Luton Town in the second round and currently sit fourth in the Premier League, three points behind the joint leaders after the Arsenal loss. With Chelsea not involved in European competition this season, the Carabao Cup is also one of the team’s clearest routes to silverware.

Leeds, meanwhile, have plenty of confidence heading to west London. Farke’s side has made an unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign, and the Whites also produced a statement result against Chelsea last season, winning 3-1 at Elland Road.

What time is the Chelsea vs Leeds United match?

The Chelsea vs Leeds United match kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, at 3:00 PM ET. The game is scheduled for 8:00 PM BST at Stamford Bridge, which converts to the following U.S. start times:

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

Nabers has been one of the most closely watched players on the Giants throughout the offseason because of the importance of his return to the team’s offense. New York has built considerable depth at wide receiver, but there is no question that the offense looks significantly different when its No. 1 target is available. General manager Joe Schoen had previously expressed confidence that Nabers could be ready for Week 1, and recent reports indicate that he is trending toward playing against Dallas.

The Giants’ decision to release veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton also added fuel to the belief that Nabers will be ready. New York now enters the opener with Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Malachi Fields and Odell Beckham Jr. as its active wide receivers, making Nabers’ availability even more important for Jaxson Dart and the new-look offense.

Will Malik Nabers play for Giants vs Cowboys in Week 1 after injury?

Malik Nabers was asked whether it is realistic to expect him to return and immediately look like the player he was before the injury, or whether he expects that it could take some time during actual games to regain his previous level. His answer made it clear that he does not intend to approach his return with a cautious mindset when he finally steps onto the field. A positive update for the Giants.

“Yeah. I mean, I’ve heard a lot of people say it takes a little while for you to feel better, but I’ve put in countless hours of work. I’ve put in many nights. I’ve sat in rooms and I’ve cried. I did everything to get to this moment right here. So, I feel like when I get out there, I feel like I’ll be better than what I was before. I’ve put in work, I’ve went through everything that I could just to get to this moment.”

That confidence is significant for a player who has endured an extensive rehabilitation process. Nabers suffered his ACL injury early in the 2025 season and later underwent another procedure to address scar tissue, making his path back to the field more complicated than a routine recovery. Yet the Giants have continued to believe that he could be ready for the Cowboys game.

The Giants have spent the offseason preparing for the possibility that Nabers might not be available, but that insurance now appears less necessary. His return would dramatically increase the ceiling of an offense that also added Darnell Mooney, brought back Odell Beckham Jr. and selected Malachi Fields in the draft. With the Cowboys waiting in Week 1, having Nabers on the field could be one of the biggest advantages New York has in the matchup.

How to watch Al Nassr vs Abha in the USA

Al Nassr vs. Abha will be available to watch live in the United States on FOX Sports 2 (FS2) and FOX Deportes. The match is also scheduled to stream through Fubo and FOX One.

Can I watch Al Nassr vs Abha for free?

Fubo offers a 5-day free trial option for viewers who are eligible for one, and its official match listing currently promotes Al Nassr vs. Abha with a “Try for free” option.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Al Nassr enter Matchday 6 looking to immediately bounce back from their first Saudi Pro League defeat of the season. Ange Postecoglou‘s team lost 2-1 away to Al-Ittihad on September 5, a result that ended its perfect start and allowed Al Hilal to move into sole possession of first place.

Despite the setback, Al Nassr remain second with 12 points from five matches, having won four games. That makes the meeting with Abha particularly important for the defending champions.

A victory would put Al Nassr back on track in the title race and maintain pressure on Al Hilal, while another dropped result could allow the leaders to create more separation early in the campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the headline figure for Postecoglou’s side, with the Portuguese forward coming off a full 90-minute appearance against Al-Ittihad.

Abha arrive in a very different situation. The newly promoted side has collected only one point from its first five league games and sits at the bottom of the table without a victory. Its latest outing ended in a 1-0 home defeat against Al-Ettifaq, leaving Damir Buric‘s team in urgent need of points.

Al Nassr vs Abha: Predicted Lineups

Al Nassr (4-4-1-1): Nawaf Al-Aqeedi; Salem Al-Najdi, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Mohamed Simakan, Nawaf Boushal; Sadio Mane, Angelo Gabriel, Samu Costa, Kingsley Coman; Joao Felix; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abha (4-5-1): Donovan Leon; Safwan Al-Juhani, Abdulbasit Hindi, Jurien Gaari, Mohammed Al-Zaid; Keshim Al-Qahtani, Firas Al-Ghamdi, Abdullah Al-Fahad, Nabil Fekir, Alimani Gory; Michy Batshuayi.

What time is the Al Nassr vs Abha match?

The Al Nassr vs. Abha match kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, at 2:00 PM ET. The Saudi Pro League fixture is scheduled for 9:00 PM local time in Saudi Arabia at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.

• Eastern Time: 2:00 PM
• Central Time: 1:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 12:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 11:00 AM

The Chinese star has turned heads with her performances, but it’s what’s happening off the court that’s equally striking. As sponsorship deals pile up and tournament earnings grow, she is quietly building a fortune.

She stands at the intersection of global stardom and tennis‘ commercial power. While the exact numbers vary, one thing is clear: the young talent is already competing in a very elite financial league.

What is Qinwen Zheng’s net worth?

Financial estimates place Qinwen Zheng’s net worth at approximately $20.6 million as of September 2026. Forbes and Sportskeeda both rank her among the top‑five highest‑earning female athletes, thanks to her stellar season.

Beyond tennis, her income stems from a rapidly expanding roster of endorsements, from global to high-growth Chinese platforms. Industry analysts suggest her full portfolio could push the real figure even higher.

She already plays in financial territory usually reserved for long-established superstars. But while the headline number captures attention, the layers beneath—prize money, deals, investments—tell a richer story yet fully to be revealed.

Qinwen Zheng’s career earnings: How much prize money did she win?

Qinwen Zheng has amassed $10.48 million in prize money, a haul that places her in rarefied air among her peers. That figure covers her on-court earnings and does not include sponsorships, advertising contracts or other off-court income.

Her biggest earning season came in 2024, when she collected approximately $5.56 million. That breakthrough campaign included her run to the Australian Open final, three WTA singles titles and her historic Olympic gold medal in Paris. Her career prize money subsequently passed the $10 million mark in 2026.

The contrast between her tournament winnings and commercial income is notable. Forbes’ latest figures estimate only $600,000 in on-court earnings over its 2026 tracking period, compared with roughly $22 million off the court.

Qinwen Zheng’s endorsements

Qinwen Zheng has assembled one of the most diverse endorsement portfolios in women’s tennis, with partnerships spanning sportswear, luxury fashion, watches, technology, automobiles, beauty, finance and aviation.

Forbes currently lists major partners including Nike, Rolex, Dior, Alibaba, Audi, Beats by Dre, Gatorade, L’Oreal, Turkish Airlines and Wilson. Her commercial portfolio has continued to expand even as injuries affected her ranking.

In 2026, she became a global brand ambassador for Turkish Airlines, while Forbes also noted her new deal with Qwen, Alibaba’s AI platform. She has also maintained prominent relationships with brands such as Alipay.

The scale of those partnerships helps explain why her off-court earnings have remained so high. Her 2026 Forbes estimate of $22 million in endorsement and other off-court income places her among the elite earners in women’s sports.

Adrian Hill will be the referee, leading the officiating crew for the 2026 NFL Kickoff. He will oversee the calls in a game that brings together the defending Super Bowl champion and the Patriots in the first game of the new campaign.

With the spotlight firmly on Seattle, the rest of Hill’s crew will also have an important role as the season gets underway. Penalties, reviews and close calls can quickly become part of the story in a matchup carrying plenty of history.

Who are the other officials for Seahawks vs Patriots?

The other officials working Seahawks vs. Patriots alongside referee Adrian Hill are Roy Ellison, Derick Bowers, Julian Mapp, Tra Boger, Glen Fucik and Greg Steed.

Ellison is the umpire, Bowers the down judge, Mapp the line judge, Boger the field judge, Fucik the side judge and Steed the back judge. Bob Hubbell is the replay official and Durwood Manley is the replay assistant.

The crew has a mix of experience and newer faces. Ellison enters his 24th NFL season, while Bowers and Steed are also both entering their 24th. Mapp has 18 seasons of NFL experience, while Boger is entering his fifth.

That experience will be put to the test immediately, with Hill’s crew assigned on September 9 opener between the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks and the Patriots at Lumen Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET.

What is Adrian Hill’s NFL officiating experience?

Adrian Hill enters the 2026 NFL season with 17 years of league experience and is beginning his eighth season as an NFL referee. He joined the league as an official in 2010 and worked his way up to the referee position.

His résumé also includes significant postseason experience. He worked his sixth playoff assignment during the 2025-26 postseason, serving as referee for the NFC Wild Card matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.

Before that game, Football Zebras noted that he had worked five previous Wild Card games and one Divisional Round game. His experience extends beyond simply being the referee in charge.

He has previously worked at other positions during his NFL career, including field judge and line judge, before becoming a referee. An NFL gamebook from 2019, lists him as a line judge, while later gamebooks show him working as referee.

The unusual Wednesday kickoff is part of the NFL’s expanded opening-week schedule. Rather than waiting for the traditional Thursday night opener, the league moved the Super Bowl rematch between the Seahawks and Patriots.

For American fans, the change is straightforward; for the teams heading to Melbourne, however, the timing is far more significant, with the 49ers and Rams preparing for a historic international game across a 17-hour time difference.

Is this the first time the NFL season has started on a Wednesday?

No, the 2026 NFL season is only the second time the league has opened its regular season on a Wednesday. The previous instance came on September 5, 2012, when the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants hosted the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Dallas won that game 24-17.

The 2012 opener was moved from its usual Thursday slot for a very specific reason: the NFL wanted to avoid a scheduling conflict with then-President Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention. The Giants-Cowboys matchup therefore became the first Wednesday NFL season opener.

Fourteen years later, the league is taking the same unusual approach, but for a completely different reason. The 2026 NFL Kickoff Game will be played on September 9, where the Seahawks will host the Patriots. Seattle is opening the season as the reigning Super Bowl champion.

The Wednesday opener is also part of a much different Week 1 structure. After Seahawks-Patriots, the NFL will stage the first regular-season game in Australia when the 49ers face the Rams. The rest of the league then returns to the traditional Sunday schedule before the Broncos and Chiefs close Week 1 on Monday night.

How does the Rams vs. 49ers game affect the 2026 NFL schedule?

The Rams vs. 49ers game is the reason Week 1 has an unusual Wednesday-through-Monday structure, with the NFC West rivals playing Thursday in Melbourne as part of the NFL’s international expansion.

The game represents a major milestone for the league: it will be the first NFL regular-season game ever played in Australia. San Francisco and Los Angeles were selected for the matchup, with the Rams designated as the home team for the Melbourne contest. The teams will meet again later in the season, with the rematch scheduled for Week 14 at Levi’s Stadium.

The international trip has also shaped the Rams’ schedule immediately afterward. Los Angeles will not play again until Monday, September 21, when it hosts the New York Giants at SoFi Stadium. That gives the Rams an 11-day gap between their Australia game and their Week 2 matchup, providing additional time to recover from one of the longest trips on their schedule.

How to watch Barcelona vs Feyenoord in the USA

Barcelona vs Feyenoord will be available in the United States on Paramount+, with Spanish-language coverage also available through TUDN USA, UniMas, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, the TUDN App and ViX.

Can I watch Barcelona vs Feyenoord for free?

There is no confirmed free full-match option in the United States for Barcelona vs Feyenoord.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Barcelona begin their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaign at home against Feyenoord on Wednesday, September 9, with the opening game of the league phase carrying plenty of weight for Hansi Flick‘s side.

The Catalan club is aiming to end an 11-year wait for the European title, and Lamine Yamal has identified winning the Champions League as his main objective for the season. Barcelona also arrive with a perfect start to the new LaLiga campaign, making them one of the teams expected to challenge for the trophy.

The stakes are particularly significant because Barcelona have come close in recent Champions League campaigns without reaching the final. The club was eliminated by Inter Milan in the 2024-25 semifinals and then fell to Atletico Madrid in the 2025-26 quarterfinals.

Flick therefore enters this European campaign under pressure to turn Barcelona’s domestic success into a deeper Champions League run, beginning with three points at Spotify Camp Nou.

Feyenoord, meanwhile, arrive in Catalonia unbeaten in their opening five Eredivisie matches and under the management of former Barcelona player Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Dutch side has also won its latest league game, beating NEC Nijmegen 3-1, but faces a considerably tougher challenge against one of Europe’s strongest home teams. Feyenoord will look to impose its possession-based style rather than simply sit back, according to defender Javi Lopez.

Barcelona vs Feyenoord: Predicted Lineups

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Xavi Espart, Andreas Christensen, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde; Rodri, Pedri; Anthony Gordon, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal; Raphinha.

Feyenoord (4-3-3): Tjark Ernst; Mika Marmol, Jerry St. Juste, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Givairo Read; Oussama Targhalline, Charles Vanhoutte, Gjivai Zechiel; Luciano Valente, Nacho Ferri, Anis Hadj Moussa.

What time is the Barcelona vs Feyenoord match?

The Barcelona vs Feyenoord match kicks off on Wednesday, September 9, at 12:45 PM ET. UEFA lists the game as the early 18:45 CET kickoff on Matchday 1 of the Champions League league phase.

• Eastern Time: 12:45 PM
• Central Time: 11:45 AM
• Mountain Time: 10:45 AM
• Pacific Time: 9:45 AM

Still, Willson Contreras remains an absentee that stings. He may not be missing much longer. Based on what the Red Sox saw from the star infielder in his latest step toward returning to the lineup, Boston could activate him from the injured list right away. Unfortunately, though, that isn’t possible.

“Willson Contreras is taking batting practice on the field, which typically is an indication that an injured player is close to returning,” Tim Healey of the Boston Globe reported. “He is eligible to come off the IL on Thursday. [To be announced] whether he goes on a rehab assignment first.”

Contreras on 10-day IL

Because he was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain on Aug. 31, Contreras isn’t allowed to be activated until Sept. 10. Even then, it remains to be seen if Boston interim manager Chad Tracy and his staff decide to bring him back to the MLB lineup or if a short stint in the minors is in order for Contreras.

Although their rehab assignments weren’t exactly great, the Red Sox saw Trevor Story and Roman Anthony return to the major leagues in great form. However, their injuries required much longer rehabs than Contreras’, who is apparently ahead of schedule even with a brief IL stint.

Boston is on a tear

With the Red Sox riding a red-hot streak of five straight wins, Tracy won’t want to rush Contreras back into the lineup. To say the BoSox are weathering the storm would be an understatement. The team is doing just fine without him, and it may be best to give him some extra days’ rest. They may make a big difference come postseason in the Show.

Boston is breathing down the New York Yankees’ neck, and it can afford to go without Contreras a bit longer if it means having him fully loaded for the final stretch of the Wild Card race and the playoff opener.

According to Marca, Messi reached an agreement in principle to acquire ownership of Eldense, a Spanish Segunda Division team. The purchase marks his presence as a businessman in Spain, strengthening his position following his acquisition of UE Cornella earlier this year, a team in Catalonia’s Tercera Federacion. Messi would acquire 100% of the shares without third-party intervention.

Messi reached an agreement with the current owners of CD Eldense to become the majority shareholder of the Alicante club. If completed, the deal could be formalized in the coming days once final legal and contractual procedures conclude.

Where Messi’s new headquarters would be

Eldense are based in Elda, Alicante, and play their home matches at Nuevo Pepico Amat, a stadium with a capacity of approximately 5,800 spectators. They currently have around 3,500 season ticket holders.

If completed, Leo Messi would take a new step off the pitch by taking control of a professional club while continuing his career as a soccer player and his life after retirement in mind.

The club’s current situation

An international investment group of Colombian origin, led by businessman Juan Carlos Trujillo, took over Eldense after buying the club from Pascual Perez in October 2015. Rumors also circulated in recent months regarding Argentine Ricardo Beni’s intention to acquire the club for around 12 million euros. But now Messi’s name has returned with massive force.

On the pitch, Eldense dismissed manager Claudio Barragan last Monday, making him the first manager fired in the Segunda Division. The team has collected only two points in four league matches and has not yet named a new manager.

The Giants may be walking themselves right into the lion’s den. Traveling to the City of Angels to face the Rams on Monday night of Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season, New York will face a star-studded, Super Bowl-favorite squad in Los Angeles. Not just that, but the G-Men may be the first team Donald faces in his return to the league.

“Rams standout DT Aaron Donald will not travel to Australia for Thursday night’s opener against the 49ers and will be inactive,” Adam Schefter reported on X. “The Rams want to give Donald more time to ramp up before making his much-anticipated return after two seasons of retirement.“

Rams could be saving Donald’s return for Giants

Missing the Rams’ season opener in the Land Down Under against the San Francisco 49ers, Donald’s first game in the NFL could come in Week 2. Playing at home and in prime time against the G-Men, there may be no better stage for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) to make his grand return.

There’s also a possibility Donald’s return could be further delayed if head coach Sean McVay believes he needs more time to settle in. Needless to say, the Giants will be hoping for the latter.

Otherwise, they would be taking on a player they have struggled to contain with pent-up physicality and aggression, and that is something that accomplishes the impossible: making Donald even more terrifying to face. Aaron Donald’s 2026 version may not be the same of the defensive tackle that was named 10 times to the NFL’s Pro Bowl, but he is still Aaron Donald.

NY Giants would be fitting for Donald’s first game back

The story would come full circle if Donald were to play his first game back with the Rams against the Giants. Although Donald’s last game in the NFL was against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card (Jan. 14, 2024), his last regular-season outing was during a visit to MetLife Stadium against the G-Men on Dec. 31, 2023.

Donald finished that game (the Rams won 26-25) with five total tackles, two sacks and half a sack. Across his entire NFL career, Donald has faced New York six times, he has registered four sacks, and is 4-2 against the Giants.

Donald’s games against New York have been split perfectly, with three at home and three on the road. However, one of those home games (in 2014) was played in St. Louis, as the Rams hadn’t touched down in LAX yet.

How to watch Boca Juniors vs Sao Paulo in the USA

Boca Juniors vs Sao Paulo will be available to viewers in the United States through beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español. The game can also be streamed through Fubo and beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Can I watch Boca Juniors vs Sao Paulo for free?

Boca Juniors vs Sao Paulo can be watched for free in the United States through Fubo. The platform’s official match page currently advertises the game with a 5-day free trial option.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Boca Juniors and Sao Paulo meet at La Bombonera on Tuesday, September 8, in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals, with the winner of the two-leg series advancing to the semifinals. The return match will be played at MorumBIS on September 15, making the opening 90 minutes especially important for both sides.

Boca arrive after putting together a strong finish to their Round of 16 series against Recoleta. The Argentine side lost the opening 90 minutes of that tie but responded emphatically in the second leg, winning 4-0 in Paraguay to complete a 7-1 aggregate victory. Santiago Ascacibar, Sebastian Villa, Miguel Merentiel and Alan Velasco were on the scoresheet in that decisive performance.

Sao Paulo had a more demanding route into the last eight. After a 1-1 draw away to Bolivar, the Brazilian club secured its place in the quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory. Jonathan Calleri scored from the penalty spot before Sabino added another late in the match, giving Dorival Junior’s team a 4-2 aggregate win.

Boca Juniors vs Sao Paulo: Predicted Lineups

Boca Juniors (4-3-3): Alvaro Montero; Leandro Lozano, Lautaro Di Lollo, Facundo Herrera, Lautaro Blanco; Tomas Belmonte, Leandro Paredes, Santiago Ascacibar; Alan Velasco, Miguel Merentiel, Sebastian Villa.

Sao Paulo (3-4-3): Rafael; Sabino, Robert Arboleda, Domingos Duarte; Wendell, Marcos Antonio, Danielzinho, Lucas Ramon; Gustavo Santana, Luciano, Artur.

What time is the Boca Juniors vs Sao Paulo match?

The Boca Juniors vs Sao Paulo match kicks off Tuesday, September 8, at 8:30 PM ET. The first leg is scheduled for 9:30 PM local time in Buenos Aires at La Bombonera. For viewers across the United States, the local start times are:

• Eastern Time: 8:30 PM
• Central Time: 7:30 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:30 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:30 PM

According to Sara Molnick of Pinstripe Nation, right-hander Travis MacGregor has emerged as a strong candidate to capture one of the final spots on New York’s 40-man roster ahead of the playoffs.

The timing couldn’t be better given the current uncertainty surrounding the Yankees’ rotation. With Clarke Schmidt’s latest injury status hanging in the balance and options like Ryan Weathers, Fernando Cruz, and Angel Chivili unavailable for the stretch run, pitching depth has become a concern.

That shortage creates a clear opportunity for MacGregor, who has been lights-out with a 0.73 ERA at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Space on the roster opened up after Elmer Rodriguez was optioned back to Triple-A following Sunday’s series against the San Diego Padres.

Why MacGregor?

Beyond his microscopic ERA, MacGregor appears to be next in line for a promotion. However, roster rules complicate matters: while pitchers like Brendan Beck and Yerry De Los Santos remain options, both are currently 10 days into the mandatory 15-day waiting period after being optioned, dictating how the Yankees can manipulate their bullpen roster down the stretch.

Still, the Yankees must tread carefully. MacGregor recently returned from a severe injury, raising fair questions about whether his body can handle the rigor of a late-season pennant chase.

MacGregor’s stats since his return

Despite missing extended time on the injured list, MacGregor has put together dominant numbers in his brief Triple-A stint. Here is a closer look at his performance since returning to the mound:

• Games played: 7
• ERA: 0.73
• Innings pitched: 12.1
• Hits: 9
• Runs: 2
• Bases on Balls: 4
• Strikeouts: 13

In his first game action since going down on May 31, Judge will start in right field and bat third. The move aligns with Boone’s outlined plan to ease the centerpiece of the lineup back into full form ahead of the postseason.

The Yankees revealed their starting card for the series opener on Tuesday, placing designated hitter Ben Rice and left fielder Cody Bellinger ahead of Judge in the order.

As the Yankees await further reinforcement down the stretch—including starter Clarke Schmidt, whom Boone recently provided a key injury update on—the Bronx faithful eagerly awaits Judge’s return with October baseball in sight.

Judge bypasses minor league rehab stint

Judge got his wish ahead of his return: skipping a Triple-A rehab assignment altogether. Boone opted to slot the slugger straight back into the Major League lineup to get his bat going.

With his sights set on leading the Yankees back to the World Series, the upcoming series against the Rockies and the New York Mets will serve as a crucial launchpad for Judge to regain his rhythm.

Judge’s numbers prior to injury

With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, Judge will look to quickly regain his stride and build momentum for October. Here is a look at his production before going down:

• Games Played (G): 59
• Plate Appearances (PA): 261
• At-Bats (AB): 214
• Batting Average (AVG): .248
• On-Base Percentage (OBP): .375
• Slugging Percentage (SLG): .533
• OPS: .908
• Home Runs (HR): 17
• Runs Batted In (RBI): 38
• Runs Scored (R): 43
• Hits (H): 53
• Stolen Bases (SB): 5
• WAR (Wins Above Replacement): 2.2

The Red Wings are only days away from the start of training camp, and there has been zero progress in Larkin’s trade talks. By the looks of it, the captain—likely won’t hold that title for much longer—will have to join his teammates on the practice rink as he awaits a resolution to his ongoing rift with the franchise. In fact, he will likely have to wait for the 2026-27 NHL season to start before being traded.

“Given where we are at the late stages of the summer, it’s more likely than not that he will be starting [the season] in Detroit,” Ryan Johnston reported during an appearance on First Up.

With reports suggesting the holdout route is closed to Larkin amid his Red Wings drama, he may have no choice but to put on a happy face and go to work. The problem is, with Steve Yzerman gone, Larkin doesn’t even have a scapegoat or someone to aim his frustration at.

Larkin’s trade-list hasn’t paid off

When Larkin requested a trade out of the Red Wings, he put his full no-trade clause to good use by providing a three-team trade list to the front office. The problem was that was as far as he could go in his attempt to leave Detroit. The ball bounced off to the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights’ courts, and the Red Wings’, too.

The main issue is that the Wild (believed to be Larkin’s ideal destination) lack the assets to meet the Wings’ requirements. Meanwhile, the Panthers and Golden Knights have, at most, lukewarm interest in Larkin. Both Florida and Vegas are quite cap-crunched and don’t really need a top-six centerman as much as Minnesota does.

That means the biggest bidder in the sweepstakes is actually a short-funded suitor. That doesn’t bode well for Larkin’s odds of being traded anytime soon. Plus, it’s not as if Detroit risks losing Larkin to free agency anytime soon. He will only become a UFA in 2031. Of course, the drama won’t extend for that long, but if it did, it takes two to tango, and the Red Wings can be as petty as needed to make their point.

Larkin can’t do much about his trade

For the time being, Larkin may not be going anywhere. There’s also no general manager in Hockeytown, so that’s yet another hurdle, and actually the biggest one impeding a trade from materializing anytime soon. Whenever the Red Wings make a decision on Yzerman’s replacement—a report hints they missed the urgent timeline to hire a new GM—then trade talks will make sense again.

Until then, the status quo will prevail. Larkin will remain a member of the Red Wings, and his bid to leave his home state of Michigan for the first time in his hockey career will stay on hold. Meanwhile, the hourglass will only run shorter on sand grains, and the start of training camp will come shortly.

“European football will pay tribute to the victims of the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal on 26 August,” UEFA’s official statement read. “A moment of silence will be held, and a banner will be displayed as a sign of solidarity and support ahead of all UEFA Champions League matches this week.”

The minute of silence will be observed before every Matchday 1 game, including marquee showdowns like Real Madrid against Inter, Barcelona against Feyenoord, and reigning champions PSG’s debut against Slovan Bratislava.

“The entire European football family will stand together before this week’s matches to express our deepest condolences and our support to the people of Nepal,” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin stated. “We wish them strength and resilience as they continue to recover from this tragedy and its aftermath.”

Emotional tribute before Champions League games

Although minutes of silence are quite common across sports, it’s not often that the UEFA Champions League establishes tournament-wide tributes before games. Usually, these special moments are reserved for clubs after the passing of team legends or iconic figures across sports and history.

Due to the magnitude of the devastating floods in Nepal, UEFA decided to step in and host a touching tribute before every Matchday 1 game to remember the more than 1,500 victims of the natural disaster in the South Asian country.

Because there will be a total of 18 games played during Matchday 1, that means there will be 18 minutes of pure emotion in honor of the victims and everyone affected by the flash floods that shocked the country, with images that are hard to even watch. Once again, fans are reminded some things are much bigger than soccer.

“There’s a good chance Patrick [Mahomes] will start. Most likely, he’ll be the guy that’s out there,” the head coach said per ESPN‘s Nate Taylor. Reid also added that Kahlil Benson would replace Simmons at left tackle if No. 71 is unavailable.

There is little time left until the Chiefs make their debut, as a team that dominated the NFL and defined an era in recent years looks to bounce back. Unfortunately, their last campaign was a disappointing one, not only because of injuries but also due to their results on the field.

Mahomes is ready to return to the field

The Chiefs’ failure to reach the postseason last season may have been due not only to their decline in performance, but also to the brutal injury Mahomes suffered in December 2025. During a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the quarterback tore his ligaments, underwent surgery, and faced a lengthy rehabilitation process.

To preserve his health and ensure he would be in optimal condition for the season’s first game, Andy Reid made the final decision to keep Mahomes out of preseason action. Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier split playing time in the games against the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Seattle Seahawks.

Protecting Mahomes

Protecting their biggest star could be one of the keys for Kansas City Chiefs. While they await a potential recovery from Josh Simmons, these would be the main players responsible for keeping Mahomes from taking hits against the Broncos.

• RT Jaylon Moore
• RG Trey Smith
• C Creed Humphrey
• LG Kingsley Suamataia
• LT Josh Simmons

Khalil Benson, who could replace Simmons if he is unable to play, has Reid’s full support: “We try to play the five best guys,” the HC said, via ESPN. “We’re comfortable with Kahlil on either side and he’s been [practicing] the left side. He’s doing a nice job with it. If he has to be the left tackle, he’s the left tackle and we roll with it. That’s how that goes.”

A schedule that has fans dreaming big

Becoming a contender in this league often depends on having a favorable schedule, not only on the road but also on being able to protect home field. Beyond the difficult season opener, these are the upcoming games the Chiefs will have to navigate to make their mark in the AFC.

• Week 2, vs Indianapolis Colts (September 20)
• Week 3, at Miami Dolphins, (September 27)
• Week 4, at Las Vegas Raiders, (October 4)
• Week 5, Bye Week
• Week 6, vs Los Angeles Chargers (October 18)

Even though Greg Newsome II downplayed the idea of unfinished business with Pickens (whom he had a scuffle with back in 2024), all eyes are fixed on that probable cornerback-wideout matchup. Based on the Giants’ unofficial depth chart at cornerback, fans can expect Newsome to be assigned to Pickens, but anything can happen.

“The Giants unofficial Week 1 depth chart lists Donte Banks alongside Greg Newsome as the starting cornerbacks,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported on X. “Banks ahead of Paulson Adebo.”

Potential NY Giants defensive plans

With the release of their unofficial depth chart, the Giants also confirmed Nabers’ role during Week 1’s matchup against the Cowboys. He will be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. However, the G-Men declaring Newsome and Banks CB1 and CB2, respectively, doesn’t completely reveal how the defense will look on Sunday night.

John Harbaugh and Dennard Wilson have a lot to think about, especially as their first test will be against the Cowboys‘ two-headed monster in Lamb and Pickens. New York could line up Newsome across from Lamb for the majority of the plays if they wish to set up a best-on-best competition outside the numbers. However, another option is to play Newsome on Pickens, leaving Banks responsible for Lamb while making sure the fourth-year corner has some help over the top.

It could change and may even be subject to modifications throughout the game based on what Harbaugh is seeing and what Lamb and Pickens are up to on Sunday night. Clearly, the Giants have their hands full. Even though they addressed it throughout the offseason, the perimeter defense remains the biggest question mark in East Rutherford. Needless to say, it will face a true trial by fire in Week 1.

NY Giants need pass-rush to be a factor

Most likely, the Giants will resort to their prolific pass rushers to disrupt the Cowboys’ rhythm. Learning about the Cowboys’ negative update on guard Tyler Smith might be an encouraging sign for the G-Men’s defenders. However, it will also be New York’s first outing without Dexter Lawrence, and it might show if the team struggles to contain the running game, which is always a key ingredient in the NFL.

Games are won and lost in the trenches, and the Giants must learn to live without their havoc-wreaker in the interior of the defensive line. There’s a lot of change going around the Meadowlands, but at the end of the day, it’s the same old goal: defeating the despised foes from Arlington.

Neutralizing Lamb and Pickens will definitely go a long way toward reaching that goal, so nailing their game plan is paramount. Of course, once kickoff is underway, players make plays, and whiteboard drawings can be deemed irrelevant.

According to MLB researcher Sarah Langs, Schwarber has now belted 230 home runs in a Phillies uniform, putting him within striking distance of Ruth for the most home runs hit with a single franchise over a five-consecutive-year stretch. The Hall of Famer hit 235 home runs during his peak five-year stretch in New York.

Schwarber’s 2026 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. Pacing the majors with 43 home runs to go along with 86 runs scored, the slugger is determined to lead Philadelphia back to the Fall Classic as the franchise seeks its first title since defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008.

Flanked by a bolstered roster that includes midseason acquisition Luis Arraez—whom the Phillies acquired despite reported interest from the Yankees—Philadelphia appears primed to make a run at a World Series crown.

Phillies push for division title behind Schwarber

Sitting at 81–63 in the National League East and trailing the Atlanta Braves by four games, the Phillies are focused on overtaking their division rivals to bypass the Wild Card round and secure an automatic bye into the NLDS. While Schwarber remains the engine of the offense, cutdowns on swing-and-miss will be key down the stretch as he currently leads the majors with 200 strikeouts.

While the offense continues to produce under manager Don Mattingly, the pitching staff has been equally dominant. Ace Christopher Sanchez has anchored the rotation, leading all Major League Baseball players with an impressive 7.7 WAR.

Why winning the NL East matters for Philadelphia

If the season ended today, the Phillies would be locked into a grueling Wild Card matchup against the Chicago Cubs, a dangerous squad featuring breakout star Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has launched 40-plus home runs this season.

Capturing the NL East title would grant Philadelphia crucial rest days between the regular season and the NLDS, while simultaneously avoiding a matchup against a hot Cubs team hungry for a pennant run of its own.

How to watch Porto vs Manchester City in the USA

The Porto vs Manchester City UEFA Champions League matchup will be available in the United States on Paramount+, which is the official streaming home for the competition. The match is also listed on TUDN USA, Vix, TUDN App, TUDN.com.

Can I watch Porto vs Manchester City for free?

No, there is currently no confirmed free legal option to watch Porto vs. Manchester City in the United States. The available broadcasters and streaming services require an eligible subscription or pay-TV access.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Porto and Manchester City meet at the Estadio do Dragao in one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 1 of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase. Porto are making their return to the competition after last appearing in the 2023/24 Champions League, while City begin a new European era under Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola‘s departure.

The stakes are particularly important because of the Champions League’s league-phase format. Each of the 36 teams plays eight matches, with the top eight advancing directly to the round of 16, while teams finishing ninth through 24th must compete in a two-legged knockout play-off.

That makes collecting points from the opening rounds crucial, especially when facing a team of City’s caliber. Manchester City’s league-phase schedule also includes PSG, Napoli, Barcelona and Sporting CP, meaning a positive result in Porto could prove valuable later in the standings.

Porto arrive with plenty of confidence under Francesco Farioli. The Portuguese side have won their opening four league matches of the season and are back in the Champions League after reclaiming the domestic title last season.

Farioli has acknowledged the scale of the challenge, describing City as one of the main candidates to win the competition, but he also stressed the importance of playing at the Dragao, where Porto believe the atmosphere can give them an extra edge.

Porto vs Manchester City: Predicted Lineups

Porto (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; Alberto Baio, Nehuen Perez, Jakub Kiwior, Francisco Moura; Hwang In-beom, Pablo Rosario, Gabri Veiga; William Gomes, Fabio Silva, Pepe.

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol; Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson; Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo; Erling Haaland.

What time is the Porto vs Manchester City match?

The Porto vs Manchester City match kicks off on Tuesday, September 8, at 3:00 PM ET. The game will be played at the Estadio do Dragão in Porto, with UEFA listing the local kickoff at 9:00 PM CEST.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal in the USA

The UEFA Champions League clash between Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal will be available to watch in the United States through CBS Sports Network, Fubo, Paramount+ and ViX.

Can I watch Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal for free?

Yes, Fubo currently lists a 5-day free trial option for Borussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal. Viewers can try the service for free and cancel at any time, making it the legal free option currently listed for the matchup.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal begin their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League campaigns on Tuesday, September 8, with the German club hosting Villarreal at Signal Iduna Park.

It is Matchday 1 of the new league phase, meaning both teams will be looking to start with three points before facing seven additional opponents in the competition. UEFA‘s confirmed schedule places Dortmund against Villarreal on the opening day of the league phase.

The new Champions League format makes the opening result particularly important. All 36 teams are placed in a single league table, with each club playing eight matches.

The top eight qualify directly for the Round of 16, while teams finishing from ninth through 24th enter a knockout play-off for the remaining Round of 16 places. Clubs finishing 25th or lower are eliminated from European competition.

Dortmund enter the competition after finishing as Bundesliga runners-up last season, securing their place in the Champions League league phase. The German club’s draw includes some major challenges beyond Villarreal, with Arsenal, Inter Milan, Real Betis, Aston Villa, Bodo/Glimt, AEK Athens and Sabah FC also on its schedule.

Villarreal also return to Europe’s premier club competition after earning their place through their strong domestic campaign. Their league-phase schedule includes meetings with Napoli, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Slavia Prague, Manchester United, Sabah FC, Fenerbahce and Dortmund. The trip to Germany therefore represents one of the first major tests of their European campaign.

Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal: Predicted Lineups

Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Gregor Kobel; Daniel Svensson, Waldemar Anton, Joane Gadou; Maximilian Beier, Felix Nmecha, Jobe Bellingham, Julian Ryerson; Marcel Sabitzer, Konstantinos Karetsas; Serhou Guirassy.

Villarreal (4-4-2): Luiz Junior; Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, Rafa Romero, Santiago Mourino; Tajon Buchanan, Pape Gueye, Santi Comesana, Nicolas Pepe; Georges Mikautadze, Gerard Moreno.

What time is the Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal match?

The Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal match kicks off on Tuesday, September 8, at 3:00 PM ET. The game is scheduled for 9:00 PM local time in Dortmund, and CBS Sports confirms the 3:00 PM Eastern start for U.S. viewers.

• Eastern Time: 3:00 PM
• Central Time: 2:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 1:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 12:00 PM

According to The Boston Globe‘s Tim Healey, Crochet is tracking toward a return for the opening round of the postseason. However, the southpaw is unlikely to make any formal rehab appearances—in either the majors or minor leagues—before taking the mound in October.

That provides a welcome boost for the 80-65 Red Sox. While Boston has leaned heavily on veteran Sonny Gray—whose MLB-leading 17 wins have anchored the rotation—the impending return of Crochet adds a high-upside weapon to the pitching staff at the most critical stretch of the year.

Given Tanner Houck’s recent health setback and Tyrone Guerrero landing on the 15-day injured list, Boston’s front office and coaching staff would be thrilled to welcome Crochet back following his lengthy 60-day IL stint.

Crochet’s projected postseason role

Despite missing more than four months of major-league action, Crochet is expected to transition into a high-leverage relief role rather than joining the starting rotation, where Gray has led the way.

Deploying him in one- to two-inning bursts allows Boston to unleash his upper-90s fastball and sharp slider without overtaxing his arm. It gives manager Chad Tracy a legitimate high-strikeout weapon for late-inning matchups or multi-inning relief situations.

Contract implications and postseason pedigree

Because Crochet spent 120 consecutive days on the injured list, a specific clause in his contract was triggered, voiding his 2030 player opt-out. That converts his deal into a $15 million club option through 2032, paving the way for a potentially extended tenure in Boston.

If Crochet return in time for a Wild Card showdown with New York, the Red Sox wouldn’t just be adding raw power back to their bullpen—they’d be gaining a battle-tested arm with three postseason appearances under his belt who thrives on late-season pressure.

“Oh, he’s going out there. Whatever you want to say, he’s going. He’ll be there. We’re not hiding that,” the defensive coordinator said, via Harrison Rich of the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Bay Area team’s season opener will be anything but easy. Not only will they face one of the teams that has made the strongest additions this offseason, but unfortunately, they also enter the matchup without their best physical condition at several key positions on the roster.

Bosa is a cornerstone of San Francisco’s defense, and it will be crucial for him to maintain the elite level of play that has established him as one of the league’s top defenders. Will he be able to make an impact from the very first snap when the ball gets rolling in Melbourne?

What injury has been plaguing Bosa?

It was a huge blow for the 49ers back in Week 3 of the 2025 season, when Nick Bosa tore the ACL in his right knee during a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He planted his foot awkwardly while rushing the passer in the middle of a play, immediately going down in obvious pain and needing help to leave the field.

An MRI confirmed the dreaded season-ending diagnosis the next day, forcing San Francisco’s star edge rusher into surgery and a long rehab process that kept him sidelined for the rest of the year. During his recovery, he developed patellar tendinitis (pain and swelling in the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone) in that same knee.

49ers begin their 2026 season journey

Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers kick off their 2026 NFL regular season on Thursday, September 10, in a historic matchup against their division rivals, the Rams. It’s an international showdown hosted at the massive Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Prime-time kickoff for US fans is set for 8:35 PM ET.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo took to X, formerly Twitter, on Monday and reported that offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak told reporters Kittle was “looking good,” providing the strongest public indication yet that the star tight end could suit up in Melbourne alongside Bosa.

“Nick Bosa ready to go while #49ers OC Klay Kubiak tells reporters George Kittle is looking good as well. Two key players on track to play on Thursday. Or Friday. Whatever.” Kittle participated in the 49ers’ first Melbourne practice Monday, including individual work, as San Francisco prepared for Thursday night’s opener at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

What happened to George Kittle

The seven-time Pro Bowl selection tore his right Achilles tendon on Jan. 11 during San Francisco‘s 23-19 road victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card game. He underwent surgery three days later, and the 49ers activated him from the injured list on Aug. 23 before the trip to Australia.

A Week 1 appearance would put the veteran tight end back on the field roughly eight months after the injury. Kubiak’s update, however, does not represent an official injury designation or guarantee that Kittle will handle his usual workload.

Bosa’s return

The same update also brought encouraging news regarding pass rusher Nick Bosa. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said Bosa will play despite managing patellar tendinitis in his surgically repaired knee. Bosa did not participate in the open team portion of Monday’s practice.

49ers fans can feel a sense of relief knowing that Kittle, one of their most vital players, is close to returning. Joined by Bosa — whose status was previously clouded by uncertainty — both are expected to play despite lingering discomfort.

Although he’s been making steady progress throughout the offseason and preseason, Nabers’ cryptic injury update raised concerns ahead of Week 1 of the 2026 NFL campaign. However, there may be no reason to fret. Just like the Giants reportedly prioritized Odell Beckham Jr. before cutting Slayton, the move could have been telling on Nabers’ status, too. In fact, Slayton’s release could have been the decisive tell Giants fans were waiting for.

“Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Darius Slayton’s release: Bodes well for the prospects of Malik Nabers playing Week 1,”Jordan Raanan of ESPN NFL Nation reported on his X account. “Hard to imagine cutting into your WR depth if Nabers’ health is a concern.“

Whether New York’s star receiver plays on Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season or not, the Cowboys will still leave Nabers and the Giants guessing about the defensive matchups waiting for them at MetLife Stadium on Sunday night.

NY Giants feel confident enough to cut Slayton

Aside from Nabers—and even he is coming off a torn ACL and meniscus injury last year—there aren’t many certainties when it comes to the Giants’ wide receiver depth. It seems every pass-catcher on the roster has questions to answer come the NFL season.

Thus, as Raanan noted, if New York had even more concerns regarding Nabers, it would make little to no sense to release Slayton. He may have had his fair share of drops and is coming off core muscle surgery, but the veteran wideout was still an experienced leader in the locker room and a reliable target at times.

Why would they cut ties with him if not because Nabers is trending toward being fully healed and ready to suit up on Sunday night against the Cowboys? It just makes sense, and there may be no need for the Giants to confirm it at this point in the game week. For the time being, it’s enough of a tell.

Nabers’ stats with Giants

Although his sophomore year in the Big Apple was cut short by a season-ending knee injury, Nabers proved his worth as a rookie coming out of LSU (dare one say Wide Receiver University?) and shining in the Meadowlands—just like a certain teammate of his did over a decade ago.

So far in his NFL career, Nabers has played 19 games for the G-Men, during which he caught 127 passes for 1,475 yards and nine touchdowns. Of those numbers, Nabers’ rookie season comprised 15 games, as well as 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter stopped by The Pat McAfee Show and gave the latest update on what Nacua’s discipline may or may not look like. “I think there’s a real possibility that Puka Nacua doesn’t face any discipline this season… He’s gonna be out there against the San Francisco 49ers,” Schefter said, per Pat McAfee on X, formerly Twitter.

Nacua is currently involved in controversy. Off-field concerns started to ramp up for Nacua throughout last season with the Rams, some of which stemmed from a livestream with Twitch streamer N3on, among other controversies. Additionally, he has built up a considerable injury history over the years, which the team will certainly be keeping an eye on heading into this season.

Nacua’s presence is key

However, when he is on the field, Nacua is one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers, using a lethal combination of speed, athleticism, and skill with his hands to shred opposing defenses and give the Rams one of the most explosive passing games in the NFL, led by reigning league MVP Matthew Stafford.

The Rams are considered favorites to win the Super Bowl this season, largely thanks to major offseason trades for Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, and having Nacua on the field will undoubtedly help achieve that goal.

Nacua’s availability would keep the centerpiece of the Rams’ passing attack on the field in one of the most unusual Week 1 settings in NFL history. The 25-year-old led the league with 129 receptions last season, finishing with 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns while earning First-Team All-Pro honors.

The Rams have spent weeks preparing for the possibility of the league stepping in prior to the season opener. Schefter’s latest update, however, points to Nacua traveling to Melbourne without a suspension and potentially playing the entire season without facing one.

Nabers did deliver a cryptic injury update, raising concerns ahead of Week 1‘s matchup between the Giants and Cowboys. However, all signs still point to him playing and doing so as the main threat on New York’s offense. The fact that the Giants updated their depth chart and released Darius Slayton could well indicate that Nabers is healthy enough to play on Sunday night.

Still, whether Nabers plays or not, the Cowboys have yet to decide on their defensive matchups—or they simply won’t give their tell away. Asked about which cornerbacks will see the field at MetLife Stadium, a controversial, problematic turf field in its own right, Schottenheimer had a concise answer.

“You’ll see them all play,” Schottenheimer said about the Cowboys’ cornerback plan for Sunday night’s NFL season-debut in the Meadowlands, via Dallas Morning News’ Joseph Hoyt.

Cowboys make final tweaks to gameplan

Indeed, Schottenheimer and the Cowboys’ defensive backs have one less name to worry about after the news of Slayton’s release, though the wide receiver is not holding a grudge against the Giants.

Regardless, America’s Team has more than enough on its plate as things stand. The Cowboys face a tough decision with their lineup, and their cornerback depth chart may be the biggest question mark.

Cowboys’ depth at cornerback

For the time being, DaRon Bland and Cobie Durant are the main lynchpins set on the boundaries and are expected to be most responsible for keeping Nabers and New York’s revamped receiving corps, with Isaiah Likely, Malachi Fields and Odell Beckham Jr., in check.

Other options such as Shavon Revel Jr., Caelen Carson and Ameer Speed could be in play, too. According to Schottenheimer, they will, and as much as it could be bait for New York, there’s little the head coach could gain from openly deceiving his own players.

Caleb Downs: Dallas’ X-Factor

The crown jewel in Arlington, Caleb Downs, is expected to play at the nickel cornerback position, even though he came out of Ohio State as a safety prospect. With his elite mix of speed and strength, he could be Dallas’ perfect antidote for Likely, the tight end expected to be a slot presence in New York and who is reportedly already Jaxson Dart’s most trusted target.

“You know all these other teams probably hate us. They think we’re like the new Dodgers or something like that,” Lake said, according to Gary Klein of the LA Times. The Dodgers are seen as the ‘team to beat‘ in the MLB given how many stars they have on the roster. The Rams have reached that level.

Lake, who is one of the team’s captains, will have new partners on the secondary with stars like Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Add that pair to the fact that Aaron Donald is back and they traded for Myles Garrett, and you can see why people would actually compare them to the Dodgers.

The Rams are elite in every area of the roster

Offense is undoubtedly a top-tier unit for the Rams. They have the reigning MVP in Matthew Stafford, elite WR duo in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, a top-tier running game with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, and solid tight end depth.

As for the defense, two future Hall of Famers are in the trenches with Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett, joined by the likes of Poona Ford and Byron Young. Then, Lake, Watson, and McDuffie round up a great secondary. Then, you have a highly-touted defensive coordinator in Chris Shula and arguable the NFL’s best head coach in Sean McVay.

How many games are the Rams projected to win?

Vegas odds have the Rams as the favorites to win the Super Bowl. The Rams are also projected to win the most games in the regular season. They are expected to win around 11-to-12 games according to the lines.

The Dodgers have had plenty of success with this method. The Rams hope their aggressive approach pays off just like it did for their MLB counterparts. After all, they are going all in for players in their prime, as opposed to a patient rebuild.

“Grateful for my time in New York. Seven years a Giant nothing but love for one of the most prestigious organizations in the NFL,” Slayton wrote on a farewell post on his X account. “Excited to see what’s next.”

Drafted with a fifth-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, Slayton had spent his entire career with the organization in East Rutherford. Now, he’s become an unrestricted free agent just days before the start of the 2026 campaign. Still, he isn’t holding that against the Giants‘ front office. At least not publicly.

Slayton’s stats in New York

Although he had lost ground on the team’s depth chart and was surrounded by question marks entering the 2026 NFL season, fans won’t forget some of Slayton’s highlights in New York. However, many won’t let go his drops and lowlights, either.

Through seven years and 106 games donning Big Blue, the wide receiver out of Auburn University finishes his time with the Giants with 296 receptions for 4,435 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. Since his rookie year, Slayton has 26 drops, perESPN, which is tied for 12th most among wide receivers.

Although his career-best season was the 2023 campaign, in which he played in every game for New York, reeling in 50 passes for 770 yards and four touchdowns, many could argue he looked his best during his rookie year, when he caught 48 passes for 740 yards and eight touchdowns.

Considering how good he looked fresh out of college, the fact that Slayton could never establish himself as the No. 1 wide receiver or break the 1,000-yard mark in a season is still a source of disappointment for him and the organization.

Potential landing spots for Slayton

As his chapter in New York comes to a close, a new one should begin soon for Slayton. Bleacher Report highlights the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans as teams that could be interested in Slayton, and there is an argument to be made for each of the three teams in need of wide receiver depth.

Another interesting name may be the Las Vegas Raiders, who could use a veteran wideout who can also add height to their group. In reality, Slayton could receive interest from dozens of teams and is expected to land a new job soon ahead of the new NFL season. However, he likely won’t put pen to paper on a contract like the one he had with the Giants, which would have earned him $13 million in 2026.

Speaking to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN, Stroud was candid in speaking about the question marks that surround his future with Houston if another disappointing season is recorded. “Pressure is a privilege,” Stroud said. “I’m excited. I’ve always been challenged in my career. I’ve always had to persevere through things, and I think this is something that I’m grateful for. I didn’t wake up and forget how to play football.”

Additionally, Stroud gave insight into the last few months and how he is “proud” of himself heading into 2026. “I have things that I want back and mistakes that I made. But truly, God has worked through my shortcomings. If I was perfect, I wouldn’t be able to be coachable or have the fear of God. So I’m glad that I have made mistakes,” Stroud said.

Stroud unbothered by criticism

Stroud is aware that comments and criticism will always be present, and what matters most is learning to handle them while reinforcing the mindset that pressure is a privilege.

“People are quick to use Twitter,” Stroud said. “I focus on me. I can’t control [social media], so why would I care?… So the more opinions people have, the more opportunity that I have to prove who I am.”

Contract extension in doubt

Stroud’s contract rumors hit a wall with the general manager’s response. Nick Caserio responded to the report that Stroud turning down an extension would have paid him $50 million in the NFL, according to a post on X by Luis Ortiz.

“I’m not gonna comment on anything contractually,” Caserio said. “We’ve never done that before. We’ve had good discussions, I’d say, with his representatives. Like we do with a lot of different players. So, at some point there’s an agreement put in place, great. If not, then it’s something we’ll probably address in the offseason.”

There are several doubts and growing criticisms surrounding the potential contract extension. It does seem a little odd that Stroud would turn away from the $50 million offer, according to Sports Illustrated.

“Five quarterbacks are making $51 to $53 million a season,” Jared Koch wrote. “And five are making $55 million a season: Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, and Matt Stafford. Just two creep into that $60 million-plus range: Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott.” And while he has shown flashes of what he is capable of, he is not yet at Mahomes’ level.

As much as fans stress correcting people that the Giants play in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and not in New York City, the G-Men are still synonymous with the Big Apple. And whenever one thinks about the City That Never Sleeps, two songs come to mind: Frank Sinatra’s “Theme From New York, New York” and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind.” But one of them provides much more fuel for the hype than the other.

“Cowboys open practice with Jay-Z and Alicia Keys ‘Empire State of Mind,’ as they get ready for Week 1 against the New York Giants,” as reported by Todd Archer of ESPN NFL Nation.

Emotional game to start the 2026 NFL season

Needless to say, the Cowboys are ready for the battle that’s set to unfold in the Meadowlands. They have put the Giants on notice as the season opener is set to be an emotional matchup between divisional foes with no love lost between them.

The tension in the air in East Rutherford and Arlington can be cut with a knife. It was clear as cornerback Greg Newsome poked the bear with taunts aimed at George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. Even though he downplayed the idea of there being unfinished business with Pickens, fans can expect fireworks when the two meet on the gridiron again.

Recent history between Cowboys and Giants

The final scoreboard wasn’t kind to the Giants the last time they hosted the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football to start an NFL season. It was on Sept. 10, 2023, and America’s Team walked into MetLife Stadium to deliver a crushing 40-0 loss to the G-Men.

In fact, the last time New York hosted Dallas in a primetime game wasn’t too much fun either, as the Cowboys defeated the Giants 20-15 in Week 4’s Thursday Night Football game of the 2024 NFL season. It’s just the way the head-to-head record has gone in recent years between the two NFC East rivals, with the scale heavily tilted in Dallas’ favor. The Cowboys have won nine of the last 10 meetings.

Looking for a silver lining, the Giants won the last meeting in Week 18 of last season at MetLife Stadium, and they boast a completely different coaching staff as well as a revamped offense and defense. New York has arguably the best pass-rushing corps in the league, and it just learned Dallas will be missing an All-Pro staple on its offensive line. The Giants smell blood. And there will be gallons of bad blood at kickoff on Sunday night. It will be a feast for beasts when the Giants and Cowboys go toe to toe.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Smith is poised for a long absence. “Cowboys All-Pro LG Tyler Smith is scheduled to undergo thumb surgery Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks, per Dallas HC Brian Schottenheimer.”

Hence, it’s also expected that Smith, who was seen as a starter for the Cowboys, goes to the injury reserve (IR) list. It’s a tough blow for the Cowboys that saw their O-Line as a key unit for their success this season.

Tyler Smith has been very valuable for the Cowboys

Tyler Smith is an elite left guard who provides massive value to the Cowboys through his elite blocking and leadership. He is a top-tier interior offensive lineman that signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension.

Smith has four years in the NFL and earned three Pro-Bowl selections in every year he’s played as a guard. His rookie season was mainly at left tackle. However, his availability has been great until now. He started 63 out of 63 games played and has missed just five games in four years.

Who will replace Tyler Smith while he recovers?

TJ Bass will replace Tyler Smith at left guard while Smith recovers from thumb surgery. Bass is a trusted backup who has played well for the Cowboys since joining as an undrafted free agent in 2023.