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.

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.

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.

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.

Garrett was dealing with a knee injury ahead of the Rams’ game vs. 49ers. He said he was “the worst version” of himself in Thursday’s game in Australia. Hence, he was clear on stating that his goal ahead of the Giants game is to “get healthy.”

While Garrett still managed to play on 40 snaps, he only generated three pressures and fail to even touch 49ers’ QB Brock Purdy. Garrett was neutralized by Trent Williams during the game.

The good thing for Garrett vs NY Giants

There is a silver lining. First, the Rams have a long week to rest and recover, as they will play the Giants until Week 2’s Monday Night Football. Hence, Garrett will have more than a week to heal up.

Second of all, while the Giants have a great left tackle in Andrew Thomas, he is no Trent Williams. After all, Williams is a certified first-ballot Hall of Famer. It will always be a tough matchup. Thomas is very good, but a healed up Garrett could still win that battle in the trenches.

The Rams looked deflated as a whole

The debacle wasn’t solely on Myles Garrett’s bad game. The team as a whole was not playing at its top level. The Rams arrived in Australia 28 hours before the game and while they had their strategy to be at top shape, they looked jet-lagged.

The offense looked stagnant, the defense couldn’t get to pressure the quarterback, and as the game continued to move on, the Rams looked tired and less physical. Against the Giants, a bounce back week must be in order.

Andy Reid said there is a “good chance” that Mahomes starts in Week 1. This is wonderful news given that is exactly nine months after tearing his ACL. The recovery has been great and he now faces a divisional rival to kick off the season.

Without Mahomes, the Chiefs chances to beat Denver are very slim. Denver went to the AFC game last season, meaning that they’re a top-tier team in the NFL. By the way, if anything, Denver upgraded its roster.

Mahomes will have a tough matchup

The Broncos were an elite defense with 68 sacks last season. Also, they have arguably the best cornerback in the NFL in Patrick Surtain II. Hence, Mahomes will have trouble getting back into rhythm.

Hence, not only does Mahomes have to regain confidence and unleash his talents, but he also has to avoid any hits from a vicious defensive unit. It will be a sight to watch on Monday Night Football.

Mahomes’ record vs Broncos

Mahomes has a very dominant 13-2 career record against the Denver Broncos. He has 4,047 yards with 21 touchdowns to 12 interceptions with a 92.1 passer rating. In fact, he started his career vs Broncos 12-0.

Against Bo Nix, his record is 1-1. Hence, a good rivalry must be brewing and a third installment will be a primetime matchup. For the Chiefs, they’re glad that Mahomes was able to recover properly.

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.

For instance, Sam Darnold suffered an injury for the Seattle Seahawks. However, the Rams and Niners hope that is not their fortune. The starting QBs will be Matthew Stafford for the Rams and Brock Purdy for the 49ers.

However, when looking at the possible backup quarterbacks, some interesting matchups would be taking place. Hence, while using the backups is never a good idea, there are some intriguing signal-callers on the sidelines. There will be notable absentees in other positions, with Aaron Donald among the stars not playing tonight.

Stafford vs Purdy as QB1s

Stafford is the reigning MVP and a Super Bowl champion. He has one of the best arms in the NFL and plays under an elite scheme as it’s Sean McVay’s. Stafford is a winner and a soon-to-be Hall of Famer.

As for Purdy, he has been to a Super Bowl, albeit on a losing effort. From Mr. Irrelevant, all the way to a franchise quarterback, Purdy has shown he is a great signal-caller that understands how to play under Kyle Shanahan.

Backups for Rams and 49ers: QB depth charts

For the Rams, if Stafford suffers an injury or something that sidelines him, the backups is Stetson Bennett IV, with rookie Ty Simpson as the emergency QB3. McVay has spoken very good of both.

As for the 49ers, if Brock Purdy is not able to play for some reason, the first backup is Mac Jones, who impressed last year while Purdy was injured. Kurtis Rourke is the QB3 on the team.

The city and stadium where this game will be played is incredible. However, it’s a Week 1 game, so while this is a divisional rivalry, it’s still just the beginning of the season. There will be chances to either improve or keep that level.

Of course, the Rams are the most favored team to get a Super Bowl win. Hence, they face a very tough situation in the fact that if they win, they are supposed to do it. If they lose, then doubts come over the team.

What happens if Rams win vs 49ers?

If the Rams win, they get a good start to the season at 1-0. They’d tie the Seattle Seahawks with that record. However, the Rams would be winning a divisional game so the tiebreaker would put them as first in the NFC West. The 49ers would fall into a 0-1 record, which puts them at a huge disadvantage given that two divisional rivals would have a better record already.

What happens if Rams and 49ers tie?

If the Rams somehow tie against the 49ers after an overtime quarter, then they would get a 0-0-1 record. However, it must be said that draws are highly unlikely in the NFL.

What happens if Rams lose vs 49ers?

While it would be a bad way to start the season, it’s not the end of the world if the Rams start the season 0-1. However, losing a divisional game could cost them due to the tiebreakers, if it so happens that the both teams end with a similar record.

For the 49ers, it would be a statement win. Shanahan and McVay have quite the rivalry, but McVay is in a much more stable situation. Hence, a win for the 49ers would serve as an announcement to the NFL that they will fight. Also, they’d end up as first in the NFC West due to tiebreakers over the Seahawks.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Darnold is expected to miss next week’s game vs. Cardinals, and could maybe miss the Week 3 game vs Commanders. However, that is still a positive outlook for both Seahawks and quarterback.

Darnold was feared to suffer an injury that could put him on the injury reserve list (IR). Having said that, missing just one-to-two games could put Darnold back on the field in relative quick time.

Sam Darnold’s injury was very unfortunate

Sam Darnold is a story of resiliency. From being a third overall pick to being labeled as a disappointment, only to revive his career in great fashion and ending up winning a Super Bowl with Seattle.

After all that, one could say this Week 1 as a Super Bowl champ was a game Darnold was very excited to play. In just five plays, he was injured. It’s just another roadblock in the career of a player who has never given up.

The Seahawks avoided a dreaded case of needing a QB

What an NFL contender never wants is to see its starting quarterback go down. If the injury is serious, their Super Bowl case goes down the drain. However, by avoiding the worst-case scenario, the Seahawks have to stay afloat for a couple of games and resume their title defense.

If Darnold had a multi-week or a season-ending injury, the Seahawks would’ve definitely needed to trade or seek for a new signal-caller in free agency if a deep playoff run was still on their mind. While Drew Lock managed to win the game, the fact is he is not an elite QB that can carry a franchise.

For instance, this game will be played in Melbourne, in the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Ground. This is a great stadium given that these are two contenders in the NFC, with the Rams and 49ers’ uniforms for tonight’s game confirmed.

Melbourne, which is a staple city in Australia, was chosen over cities like Sidney, Canberra, Perth, or Brisbane. In fact, Melbourne has established itself as the sports city in the Land Down Under.

All there is to know about Melbourne Cricket Ground

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), affectionately known by locals as ‘The G’, is Australia’s premier sporting stadium and the cultural heartbeat of Melbourne. Opened in 1853, it is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and the 11th largest in the world.

The seating capacity of exactly 100,024 (comprising 95,000 seats and 5,000 standing spaces) makes this stadium an absolute landmark. ‘The G‘ will host a milestone game in the NFL, as this is the first game ever played in Australia.

Melbourne is the biggest sports city in Australia

Melbourne is widely recognized as Australia’s sporting capital and a premier destination for sports tourism, hence why it was selected to host the 49ers vs Rams. However, there is much more than just that.

The city hosts world-renowned annual events including the Australian Open tennis tournament, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, and the Melbourne Cup. It is, by all means, the one city in Australia recognized by its great sports audience.

“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.

Reported by the Giants social media, the team ended up releasing Slayton, who was the longer-tenured player on the roster. Slayton’s stock was decreasing heavily during training camp and it ended up costing him the job. This is the new depth chart:

• LWR – Malik Nabers
• RWR – Malachi Fields
• SWR – Darnell Mooney
• Backup WR – Odell Beckham Jr.

Financial receipts of releasing Darius Slayton

Cutting Slayton leaves a massive $12.75 million dead cap hit on the team’s books due to his fully guaranteed base salary structures and signing bonus allocations. However, the big benefit is in 2027, where moving on from his deal clears roughly $10 million in cap obligations.

After all, it’s a move the Giants needed to make given the depth on the position and the fact that Slayton has been regressing hugely. The Giants ended up agreeing that it was better to swallow the hit now but relief funds for the future. Besides, Slayton isn’t holding any grudges against the Giants despite the release.

Slayton’s numbers with the Giants

Since being drafted in 2019, Slayton recorded 296 receptions for 4,435 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns over 106 games. His best season in terms of yards was back in 2023 with 770, though he never tied his rookie season in terms of touchdowns with eight.

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, “[Jaxson] Dart has spoken glowingly about Winston’s influence and support. The duo has worked seamlessly over the past 18 months.”

Given how interchangeable backup quarterbacks are in the NFL, this action by Dart might as well have been the deciding point for the Giants to grant Winston the extension.

Dart’s words are backed up by Winston’s reputation

While no one will argue that Jameis Winston is an elite quarterback, he has a reputation of being an incredible teammate and a welcomed addition to any NFL locker room.

Also, as a backup, he is pretty serviceable. Winston goes all out and has a huge arm. However, it’s his mistake-prone style of play that slowly took his ability to be a starter in the NFL. Still, one could argue he is one of the best backups in the league.

Jameis Winston’s NFL stats

Jameis Winston has played 108 regular-season games, throwing for 24,792 passing yards, 156 passing touchdowns, and 113 interceptions. His QB record is 36-53 and has an 86.3 passer rating.

Winston is a former first overall pick back in 2015. He played for four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and now the New York Giants.

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.

Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, Vrabel said the Patriots will “see how he feels today. We’ll see if he can do anything. He’s working extremely hard to come back… We do have a few more days before, but we’ll just see what he’s able to do today,” when asked about the status of TreVeyon Henderson. However, he wasn’t seen practicing, which is concerning.

Henderson missing Monday’s practice is a bad sign for his availability for the season opener against the Seahawks, given that it’s on Wednesday. It will remain to be seen if Henderson is able to get on track.

Henderson’s offseason was disappointing

It was pretty much a given that Henderson would step into the RB1 role once he got opportunities. However, between the missed time and reports stating that he is not convincing the coaching staff, it seems he will still be relegated to a backup role after failing to capture the starting slot.

Henderson’s primary weaknesses center around poor NFL pass protection, inconsistent vision behind the line of scrimmage, limited route-running nuance, and durability concerns. He had a great rookie season, but his lack of improvement will cost him.

Henderson’s strengths are still very enticing

Henderson bursts through small creases at the line of scrimmage and reaches top speed very quickly, turning standard runs into long gains. He has blazing speed and home-run potential. Hence, he could still be protective. However, they don’t outweigh Henderson’s weaknesses.

Evans suffered with a quad and abductor injury during training camp. However, Evans stated the injuries weren’t “significant.” Hence, he should be able to go all out vs. Rams to start the season.

The 49ers hope Mike Evans can become their WR1 as he signed a three-year contract. Evans, who has a long history of hamstring issues, is still one of the most productive wide receivers of this era, going for more than 1,000 yards in 11 out of 12 seasons.

Mike Evans could be an endzone menace for the 49ers

At 33 years old, Evans is no longer in his prime years. However, he is still talented and physically imposing. When the 49ers enter the red zone, Evans instantly becomes the best target available.

With his size (6’5″) and safe hands, Evans is virtually unstoppable when running a fade route into the endzone. Head coach Kyle Shanahan should be eager to see him reel in touchdowns.

Evans full injury history

While it seems like he will be ready to go against the Rams in Australia, Evans still has plenty of injuries in his career. Hence, every time he steps on the field, you will either be amazed by his plays or concerned for his health.

Appearing on the Talkin’ Giants podcast, Barber said “One of the things that he always used to preach, and this is what I would preach to Tyrone Tracy is to focus on the little things, the minutiae.”

And that is a huge advice. Tracy’s stock has gone down due to key details that have landed huge mistakes. Whether it’s fumbles or bad protection, Tracy’s lack of awareness in small details have made Cam Skattebo and Najee Harris leapfrog him in the pecking order.

Cam Skattebo and Najee Harris have better overall skillsets

Cam Skattebo and Najee Harris profile as more traditional, physical, downhill runners than Tyrone Tracy. Mainly, they are both more willing blockers and more effective at overall play.

When playing for a coach like John Harbaugh, having a higher football IQ and being a great blocker will get you many snaps. Tracy is lacking both Skattebo and Harris on those aspects. As Barber said, it’s all in the minutiae.

Is Tiki Barber a voice to actually listen to?

Barber played for 10 years in the NFL, all with the Giants and he was a three-time Pro Bowler and a 1x All Pro. So, yes, he is a credited voice when it comes to New York Giants running backs.

In fact, his best years were the last ones in his career. He learned that a durable-yet-effective career is the way to go. He finished his 10-year career with 10,449 rushing yards and 5,178 receiving yards.

According to Gary Phillips of New York Daily News Sports, Boone said Schmidt needs “at least a couple more” rehab outings in Triple A before making a full return to the Yankees’ MLB roster.

Sidelined since July 2025 after tearing his UCL and undergoing elbow surgery, Schmidt is now close to being back on the mound for the ‘Bronx Bombers‘, who could use him back in the rotation as a valuable bullpen asset.

Schmidt’s stats before injury

Schmidt’s absence has been a long one. In fact, he hasn’t played since last year, though he was very serviceable back then. Now, the hope is his form is at least as good as it was before undergoing surgery.

Is the Yankees’ bullpen needing Schmidt?

As the team enters the final stretch of the September 2026 pennant race, the New York Yankees‘ bullpen is running on fumes and navigating major stability issues. Hence, Schmidt’s return couldn’t come at a better time.

Per Ryan Fowler of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Giants were among two teams present in the Texas game vs Texas State. The player they were watching: Longhorns WR Cam Coleman. The other team was the Green Bay Packers.

Coleman is one of the best prospects for next year’s NFL Draft in the wideout position. However, he’s been overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith, who is battling Malachi Toney for the Heisman. The Giants, though, think he could be available.

How did Coleman do vs Texas State?

Coleman didn’t see much action due to the blowout. Still, he showed the Giants why he is valued as a first-round pick. Coleman decimated Texas State in only three catches. On those three catches, he racked up 70 yards and two touchdowns.

Texas’ other WR also shone. Ryan Wingo had seven catches for 121 yards and one touchdown. Wingo will also be available in the 2027 NFL Draft. However, Wingo is projected to be a Day 2 selection.

Why would the Giants look for new WRs?

Malik Nabers and Malachi Fields are the two top wideouts on the Giants roster. Both are on their rookie deals, so why would they be eyeing a guy like Cam Coleman? Well, because the rest of the WR room is very old or on short-term deals.

Hence, people like Odell Beckham Jr., Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and Braxton Berrios could pass the baton to a rookie Coleman. However, Coleman is expected to be a first-half of the round pick. It would be a grand investment.

As Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports, Boone was asked if Tuesday was an unrealistic date for Aaron Judge’s return. Boone’s response was a subtle “I don’t know… We’ll see.”

The Yankees are reportedly trying to have someone throw to Judge on Monday when the team gets home. This would be the first time since going on the IL that Judge will face live pitching scenarios.

Have the Yankees missed Judge?

Judge is a stellar player. He is of course missed by the Yankees. The Yankees’ offense noticeably slowed down and lost its dominant edge during his three-month absence, missing his historic production in the middle of the batting order.

Despite losing their MVP-caliber bat for over 70 games, the team managed to stay in a solid Wild Card position and remain competitive in the AL East. Per the time of writing, the Yankees are 81-61.

Who has replaced Judge in the batting order?

Multiple players have filled various roles and shared at-bats to help cover the outfield and lineup void during Aaron Judge’s extended absence due to a rib injury, with players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. stepping up dynamically in the order, albeit to no effective results.

Pulisic suffered a bone bruise and a microfracture in his lower leg during the United States’ World Cup match vs. Belgium on July 6. Since then, he hasn’t played a single minute of soccer action.

He returned to full group training in mid-August, but he has been rushing back into shape. However, given how important a game against Juventus is, AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim could clearly see him as an enticing substitute. For Juventus, Weston McKennie isn’t playing against AC Milan. Hence, American soccer players are not in display.

Pulisic’s big drought is a story on its own

Since arriving at AC Milan, Pulisic has made a name for himself by scoring plenty and also when the team needs him the most. However, all forwards face a drought every once in a while and that’s what has happened to Pulisic.

The last goal Pulisic scored for ‘Il diavolo‘ was on December 28, 2025 against Hellas Verona. As of now, his club drought spans 252 days. He didn’t score a single goal in the entire second half of the 2025–26 Serie A campaign.

Both Juventus and AC Milan are in good form

Juventus and AC Milan started the 2026-27 Serie A with good form. Both teams have won their respective two matches, albeit leaving very different impressions on how they perform.

Juventus barely beat Frosinone and then did enough to get Parma as well. Having said that, the team is not at its full potential. Ruben Amorim started his Milan era beating Torino away from home and then comfortably beating Venezia at San Siro. This is a game where the winner will leave fully motivated for what’s to come.

Ole Miss and Louisville are playing at Nissan Stadium tonight as part of the inaugural Music City Kickoff to open the 2026 College Football season. It is a neutral-site marquee matchup organized for Labor Day weekend.

Hence, Ole Miss, supposedly the home side, won’t be playing at the usual Vaught Hemingway Stadium. Louisville could see this as an advantage as they are avoiding a 60-thousand crowd against them. Now, it’s a neutral site.

Nissan Stadium features

A 69,143 venue, the Nissan Stadium opened up in 1999. However, a new Nissan Stadium is opening in 2027. It it usually the home of NFL team Tennessee Titans, though it is a multi-purpose stadium. Tennessee State University also uses this stadium as their home venue.

The 2026 calendar year is serving as the Farewell Tour for the stadium ahead of its demolition. The stadium is famous for the Music City Miracle. That is an iconic last-second kickoff return play in 2000, that gave the Tennessee Titans a 22–16 playoff win over the Buffalo Bills.

Is Ole Miss a better team that Louisville?

Ole Miss are considered the better team on paper, entering their matchup ranked No. 9 nationally while Louisville are ranked No. 24. According to Vegas odds, Ole Miss are an 8.5-point favorite. Meaning, they are projected to win by more than a touchdown.

Ole Miss had to change coaches as Lane Kiffin went to LSU before last year’s playoffs. Now, they’re entering the Pete Golding era. Golding served as the defensive coordinator and inside linebackers from 2023 to 2025.

According to Jordan Raanan of ESPN, “Beckham went out of his way this summer to blend in seamlessly. He wanted to concentrate on football and lay low until he made the team. He limited the number of interviews he gave.”

For a guy who was used to get all of the spotlights, this proved to the Giants that OBJ was all for team business, not his business. For a head coach like John Harbaugh, that’s music to his ears.

OBJ’s stats with the NY Giants

After six years away, Odell Beckham Jr. is back with the G-Men. However, before that, he played five years with the Giants. Needless to say, he was absolutely outstanding during that span.

He had 390 receptions for 5,476 yards and 44 touchdowns. If not for injuries, he was on pace to have a historic career. His talent is second to none. He virtually had no weakness to his game during his prime.

The Giants need OBJ to be a leader due to the other WRs on the roster

The New York Giants’ two best wideouts are young players like Malik Nabers and Malachi Fields. Hence, while they are young, they can use a mentor like OBJ who knows what is like to be a top-tier weapon on this team.

Indiana started their title defense with a 52-16 thrashing over North Texas. Hoover was outstanding. The former TCU QB needed just 16 passes to impose his will on the Mean Green.

Hoover completed 13/16 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns. He was throwing dime after dime dismantling the opposing defense. Hoover looked poised and in control the entire time to kick off his College Football campaign in great fashion.

How did Mendoza do in his Hoosiers debut?

While Mendoza’s legacy is a tough one to match, the fact is Hoover started way hotter than Mendoza. When Fernando Mendoza made his first start for Indiana, he recorded 193 passing yards on 58.1% completion. He had a rushing touchdown, though he didn’t record passing TDs or interceptions.

While Indiana still won that game against Old Dominion, Mendoza’s performance was nothing to be wowed at. Meanwhile, Hoover clearly impressed and immediately sent a message that even if Mendoza is gone, Indiana still has an impressive signal-caller.

Context for both debuts are very different

Before Mendoza, Indiana wasn’t exactly a juggernaut. They were a rising contender. For Hoover’s debut, Indiana is the defending champion. Mendoza had to fill in the shoes of 7th-round NFL pick Kurtis Rourke. Hoover replaces Mendoza, a National Champion, Heisman winner, and No.1 overall pick.

Their debuts did show both QBs are very tough and gritty. Mendoza became beloved in Bloomington for playing through punishment. In his debut today, Hoover proved he had that exact same DNA. After a brutal second-quarter facemask penalty left his helmet twisted backward and his face bloodied, Hoover stayed in the game, bleeding onto his jersey while delivering a touchdown to Charlie Becker just three plays later.

Malachi Toney and the Hurricanes defeated Stanford with huge ease. During the game, Toney looked unguardable and shattered a 40-year old school single-game yardage record.

As for Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State also got a victory against Ball State. Smith reminded everyone why he is considered a generational talent, and doing it in a blue-chip program will always aid him.

Malachi Toney vs Jeremiah Smith stats

Both scored multiple times and celebrated with Heisman poses. This means they both are in the accolades business. Toney and Smith are serious contenders to win the trophy, but let’s take a look at their Week 1 performances:

Are both Toney and Smith eligible for next year’s NFL Draft?

Malachi Toney will not be eligible for next year’s NFL Draft. A player must compete in three College Football seasons before entering the NFL Draft, and this is Toney’s second season. Hence, he will be draft eligible until 2028.

As for Smith, he is precisely in his third season. Meaning, he will be one of the most highly-touted prospects in next year’s draft. Given how good the Ohio State wideouts do in the NFL, he will get plenty of top 10 looks.

According to Art Stapleton of USA Today, rookie linebacker Jack Kelly “has made plays everytime he’s gotten an opportunity“ this summer. Kelly also impressed during preseason, as he had three tackles and helped force a sack of JJ McCarthy in the first game.

PFF gave Kelly a preseason grade of 81.4. Kelly is in prime position to shine as the Giants will welcome any impact player, especially if he is a drafted addition. Kelly could climb into a greater role than expected.

NY Giants linebacker depth chart

All the spotlight goes to first-round pick Arvell Reese, who has been shining in his own light. Jack Kelly, who is a sixth-rounder, though, can overcome plenty of other players with his output.

• WLB: Arvell Reese / Zaire Barnes
• MLB: Tremaine Edmunds / Jack Kelly / Micah McFadden
• LOLB: Brian Burns / Chauncey Golston
• ROLB: Abdul Carter / Kayvon Thibodeaux

Jack Kelly profile

A sixth-round pick coming out of BYU, Kelly is a speedy, aggressive linebacker. He recorded 10 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss during his last season in college. Kelly excels at blitzing too. A versatile player, Kelly can line on the weak side or on the edge.

He is a leader, represented by his two-year captaincy at BYU, and has high IQ. His brain for football was very well-graded by The Athletic. With huge upside, Kelly could perfectly be a future star for John Harbaugh and the Giants.

Joel Corry, a former NFL agent, is urging someone to rein in Skattebo. “When situations like these arise, an agent should provide counsel to their client. It’s an agent’s job to tell a client what he needs to hear, not what he wants to hear. That isn’t always done,” Corry said.

For Corry, the fact that the Giants brought in Najee Harris, and kept Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary is a testament that Skattebo’s margin for error is not big. He must mature and take more care of himself. Meanwhile, Skattebo is promising to punish the Cowboys in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.

Skattebo’s offseason controversies

Coming back of a really serious leg injury, Skattebo was seen doing careless backflip stunts during Fanatics Fest and a celebrity softball game. Both Giants GM Joe Schoen and HC John Harbaugh issued formal warnings to him.

Then, Skattebo started a fight during a Giants practice. He also appeared on the Bring The Juice podcast, and dismissed CTE and Asthma illnesses. All in all, Skattebo must control his actions. He is talented, but he is a wild guy.

The Giants should see Skattebo as a cornerstone player

Given his talent, age, and the fact that he is in his rookie deal, the Giants should see Skattebo as a guy that they could build around. After all, they see that in quarterback Jaxson Dart and wideout Malik Nabers, who are more or less on the same position as Skattebo.

However, Skattebo’s antics might make the Giants pump the brakes on him when it comes to trust him blindly on and off the field. After all, John Harbaugh is a no non-sense guy, and Skattebo isn’t aligning with that philosophy just yet.

Skattebo appeared on the Up & Adams show with Kay Adams, and didn’t mince his words. “It’s going to feel awesome. It’s going to be punishment to the defense,” Skattebo said about facing the Cowboys.

Then, Skattebo threw a classic line that pretty much defines what Skattebo is: a tough runner. “I’ve been hitting my own teammates for about three months now, so I am tired of it. I’m ready to play football against someone else.”

Skattebo has literally fought all the way to this moment

Whether it’s fighting to recover from a gruesome leg injury he suffered, or actually starting fights at John Harbaugh’s practices, the fact is he is a fiery player. Now, he can at least focus on a divisional nemesis like the Cowboys.

During his rookie year, Skattebo faced the Cowboys once. Skattebo recorded 45 rushing yards on 11 attempts and one touchdown. While he scored, Skattebo will surely want to get more yards against the Cowboys in Week 1.

Skattebo’s rookie stats

In 2025, a rookie Skattebo only played eight games as he suffered a season-ending injury. However, he made his mark. Skattebo finished his rookie season with 101 rush attempts, 410 yards, five touchdowns, and an additional 24 catches for 207 receiving yards and a further two TDs.

According to Tim McManus of ESPN, Hurts is going through the process of getting better in the new system “and is fighting hard through the learning curve.” Hurts’ dedication is unmatched right now.

Last season with Kevin Patullo, it was stated that Hurts didn’t want to change much of the offense. He’d rather rely on staying in his comfort zone. However, after a really underwhelming season, it’s good for the Eagles to see he is changing his approach.

Sean Mannion creates plenty of hype

It seems like the arrival of Sean Mannion has turned the Eagles vibes. Despite losing AJ Brown and having rookie receiver Makai Lemon injured through training camp, Mannion is still creating a very hyped-up offense.

DeVonta Smith projects as a great heir to the AJ Brown mantle. He will surely be a stud WR1. Dontayvion Wicks and Lemon complete a very nice wideout room. If Hurts can learn the offense effectively, the Eagles could be a problem.

Sean Mannion’s rapid growth within the NFL

Mannion’s reputation is very good. While he is not precisely a veteran coach, his experience already established him as a top coaching prospect. Hence, the Eagles grabbed him while he was a QB coach on the Green Bay Packers, and trusted him to make him the Offensive Coordinator.

Mannion helped develop Jordan Love into a borderline top 10 QB in the NFL. He now has a plethora of talent and a QB that has gone to two Super Bowls, winning one of them.

According to Sarah Barshop of ESPN, McVay announced that every player of the roster is traveling to Australia. As for Donald, “if he feels good enough to go, great. If not, I’ve got a lot of confidence in the other guys,” McVay said.

Hence, it’ll al come down to a simple decision. If Donald feels like he is ready to go, he will play as if he never left. For the Rams, that would be wonderful news, but McVay is clearly confident on the roster as a whole.

The Rams defense has potential to be special

The 49ers have a lot of injured players on offense but that’s not the only issue they have. In front of them, they have an elite defense. When you look at the talent in the Rams D-Line, it’s a nightmare to deal with.

Myles Garrett is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Aaron Donald is a certified, first-ballot Hall of Famer. Byron Young is an exciting prospect and Poona Ford is great at run stopping. That without mentioning a star-studded secondary with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

Are the Rams favorites against the 49ers?

According to Vegas odds, the Rams part as 3.5-point favorites over the 49ers. After all, the Rams are seen as juggernauts destined to win the NFL. Meanwhile, the 49ers are barely staying healthy and the season hasn’t even started yet.

Speaking to the press, Prescott spoke on Milton being back with the Cowboys. “It means a lot. Just me, personally, I thought he would’ve been picked up in the waivers or whatever it is. Fortunate for us, we got a hell of a player back and a guy that makes our room better, a guy that makes our team better,” Prescott said.

Prescott doesn’t see Milton as competition, he sees him as a great locker room presence and a guy who has a lot of talent. The starting QB seems like a fan and friend of Joe Milton III. Having your QB happy is always a good thing, and by bringing Milton back, they made Prescott happy.

Prescott also spoke on the personal relationship with Milton

Prescott not also spoke on Milton the player, but also on their relationship. “So, for me, it’s just about being the right leader and the right brother for him, giving him everything he needs and make sure that he’s not pissed off,” he said.

The last part is very telling. Milton making the 53-man roster only to get cut a few days later will certainly upset any player. In fact, Dak acknowledged it. However, he still wants to help him grow as a player.

Updated Cowboys QB depth chart

Of course, Dak Prescott is clearly a franchise quarterback so that is not in question. However, it’s clear that the rest of the depth chart did move. For instance, Milton is no longer the QB2, it seems.

• Dak Prescott
• Sam Howell
• Joe Milton III

Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, Thibodeaux revealed he “might let go of the elbow brace.. I don’t think I’ll be wearing it this season.” Thibodeaux usually wears it for aesthetic purposes as he hasn’t suffered any injury there.

According to the Giants OLB, he “felt like the arm brace was contributing to him getting held — it would get caught in jerseys.” Thibodeaux, who is seen as a locker room leader for the Giants, is in the last year of his rookie deal.

Thibodeaux has struggled to complete a full season

No one denies the impact Thibodeaux can potentially have. For instance, he has 23.5 sacks in 53 games. The only full season he’s been able to play was back in 2023, where he collected a career-high 11.5 sacks.

Thibodeaux has dealt with shoulder injuries, as well as wrist and minor bumps. However, it also means he hasn’t been able to consistently be at a 100%. He is now healthy, and seeking the best season of his career.

Giants pass-rushers have high upside

The New York Giants should have a great pass-rush this NFL season. The talent is there. It’s all about making it count right now. The fact is that they are young and capable of doing damage to opposing QBs.

Per Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com, the Broncos RB room projection is established. JK Dobbins, when healthy, will part as the No.1 RB of the team. RJ Harvey will be the third down and pass-catching running back. Then. Jonah Coleman will get carries and serve as the main backup for Dobbins.

Now, the ‘loser‘ in this situation might be Harvey, whose role is merely defined in situational plays. The upside for him is just to make the most out of limited snaps. Meanwhile, Coleman could instantly see a boost of snaps if Dobbins ever gets down.

Sean Payton loves a good running game

The rushing game is a core element of Sean Payton‘s offensive playbook and identity. He has clearly praised the three running backs on the roster. Hence, the Broncos should be a run-first team, despite what was shown last season.

Bo Nix was the quarterback with the most pass attempts in the NFL last season. However, Coleman wasn’t a part of the roster and Dobbins had a season-ending injury that left the team really thin at running back.

Broncos updated starting offensive lineup

One of the best teams in football, the Broncos have high expectations. That’s why they went to the AFC Championship Game last season. Payton knows it is tough to get back to that point. However, the Broncos offense looks ready for the challenge:

• QB – Bo Nix
• RB – JK Dobbins
• LWR – Courtland Sutton
• RWR – Jaylen Waddle
• SWR – Troy Franklin
• TE – Adam Trautman/Evan Engram

Likely is a familiar face to Harbaugh due to their time on the Ravens. Hence, he wasn’t in previous training camps, but he still had an opinion and compared it to the Harbaugh training camp.

“Hearing how Giants training camp was in the past, that was mind-boggling to me. [This year], the guys embraced it. If we’re in the building, it’s all ball.” Basically, it seems like Harbaugh brings huge intensity compared to what former head coach Brian Daboll used to.

Difference between Daboll and Harbaugh’s Giants

John Harbaugh runs a much more grueling, high-volume training camp than his predecessor, Brian Daboll. Harbaugh likes pushing the limits of the collective bargaining agreement with heavy physical conditioning and frequent consecutive practices.

Brian Daboll ran a lighter, more cautious camp with frequent off days. Daboll never scheduled more than three consecutive days of practice, had only four practices lasting over two hours last year, and took 33 days to reach 16 practices. Hence, you can see why Likely was mind-boggled.

Harbaugh and Daboll’s averages as head coaches

Given that Harbaugh has coached for way longer, tracking each’s records wouldn’t be an exactly fair comparison. Hence, to see which method could end up being better for the team in the long run, it’s time to look at the averages.

Harbaugh has a career 61.4% win average over 18 seasons as head coach. However, in just four seasons as a head coach, Daboll has only a 33.6% win. Still, he got a 2022 Coach of the Year award.

Reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Will Levis practiced with the Jets and given the reports that Jake Browning was seen as a potential fit to the Jets roster, it now seems like Levis might be ahead on the race.

Aaron Glenn recently confirmed rookie Cade Klubnik’s role behind the Jets. However, Levis to the Jets could make some sense. The team will likely hold a starting quarterback competition next season, this time possibly featuring a high first-round draft pick. For a player looking to revive his career, this opportunity to compete is too good to pass up.

The Jets haven’t made a decision yet

While he worked out, Levis hasn’t signed anything yet. The Jets could perfectly work out other quarterbacks like Milton, or flat out not sign him at all. Levis was just let go by the Titans while he was still in his rookie contract.

Levis has a 5-16 record as a starter. He has completed 61% of his passes for 3,899 yards for 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. While those aren’t elite numbers, this is the backup QB market.

Geno Smith is still the undoubted QB1

Unless something happens, Geno Smith will surely play the whole season with the Jets as the starting quarterback. However, one thing is playing this season, and another entirely is to play and earn a new contract.

Smith will play under a one-year, $19.5 million deal. This means next year he will be a free agent unless he convinces the Jets to give him a new contract. However, for that to happen, Smith must bounce back heavily from a down year in Las Vegas last season.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, it’s been a trend that former John Harbaugh players join him in the Big Apple. “Harrison joins a robust group of ex-Ravens playing for John Harbaugh again, including Isaiah Likely, Patrick Ricard, Jermaine Eluemunor, C.J. Okoye, Ar’Darius Washington, Jordan Stout and Odell Beckham Jr.,” Fowler reported.

Harrison is going to the practice squad, but he could be of use for the Giants. He is a solid, seven-year veteran and can add a wealth of experience. He has been with great teams in the past.

Harrison’s stats before joining the Giants

Released by the Steelers on Sunday, Harrison has 215 career tackles and 43 starts. Baltimore had him from 2020 to 2024. That’s where Harrison played under the John Harbaugh tutelage.

He then spent a year with the Steelers. Able to play as an inside and outside linebacker, Harrison is a very useful player that could definitely make his way into the roster, especially if the team suffers injuries.

The Giants LB depth chart

The Giants have a lot of linebackers, whether outside or inside ones. Harrison has played more of an outisde role, but still, the depth chart might indicate that he could be better suited playing as an inside linebacker given how prolific the edges are.

• LOLB – Brian Burns
• LOLB – Chauncey Golston
• ROLB – Abdul Carter
• ROLB – Kayvon Thibodeaux
• WLB – Arvell Reese
• WLB – Jack Kelly
• ILB – Zaire Barnes
• MLB – Tremaine Edmunds
• MLB – Micah McFadden

“We’ll have to watch some MLS games, which isn’t something I enjoy much, to make the most of these final years. He’s one of those players who, like I said in a previous press conference, you always miss. And he’s one of the greats of our generation,” Mourinho said during a press conference.

Messi, who explained his decision to retire from Argentina in late August, is in the middle of the MLS season. If Mourinho is true to his words, he will have to wake up really early to catch Messi live, as time zones are 6-7 hours apart.

How are Messi and Inter Miami doing in MLS?

Inter Miami are currently second in the Eastern Conference after 22 games played. However, they face a 10-point deficit as Nashville has 52 points to Inter Miami’s 42. Still, they are firmly in the playoffs run.

As for Messi, he leads the MLS in scoring with 18 goals and is third in assists with nine. All this in 19 games played. Messi is still an absolute difference-maker when it comes to providing results on the pitch. Argentina will certainly miss him.

How is Mourinho doing at Real Madrid?

Mourinho’s long awaited Real Madrid return has started well in terms of net results. While the team still needs to get better form, the season is just starting and there’s room for improvement. However. it’s better to improve while still winning.

Right now, Real Madrid have nine points out of nine possible, scoring 10 goals and allowing just two. Having stars like Vini Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham indicate that Mourinho will get the best out of them.

Jason OTC of OverTheCap, explained that the “The Chiefs restructured the contract of G Trey Smith to gain $12.5M in cap room. This makes the Chiefs in compliance with the cap for the regular season.”

The Kansas City Chiefs needed about $17.6M in cap space to reach regular-season compliance before clearing $12.5M by restructuring right guard Trey Smith’s contract. This leaves the team fully compliant with roughly $13.8 million in working room.

How did the Chiefs erase the salary cap deficit?

They had a small offseason buffer (around $4 million), but once regular season rules kicked in, they were facing a deficit. By converting Smith’s base salary into a signing bonus, they cleared $12.5 million in instant cap space.

Combining their existing baseline and roster cuts, the restructure completely erased the deficit and left them with $13.8 million in total active cap space, which is a highly-strategic number.

The $13.8M is not much, but enough to make Chiefs stronger

Teams need roughly $3M to $5M just to get through a season to cover standard practice squad movements, injury replacements, and game-day elevations. Hence, there is money to spare in that regard.

Because player contracts are prorated weekly, $13.8 million in October or November goes a long way. If a high-profile wide receiver to help Patrick Mahomes or defensive depth piece becomes available at the trade deadline, the Chiefs have enough room to absorb a major remaining salary without needing to force another emergency contract restructure.

Joe Schoen said “I feel good about the group that we have and expect us to be competitive week in and week out.” That is a clear message to John Harbaugh, the team must compete really well.

Recently, Harbaugh embraced the Mara family expectations ahead of the game against Cowboys. Therefore, it’s basically a given that he’ll embrace Schoen’s hopes to compete too.

The Giants have a huge chip on their shoulders

Being one storied franchise in the NFL, the Giants should always be looking to make an impact. After years of zero success, a change had to be made and Harbaugh should be the answer. Harbaugh himself has a chip on his shoulder too.

Harbaugh was let go by the Baltimore Ravens as he was not seen as a capable head coach to get the team back to the glory days. He now has to prove he is the man for the job. The good thing is both head coach and franchise have the same priority.

Schoen is right to set the expectations high

If the team can’t improve and compete, Schoen will get part of the blame. Schoen was already on the hot seat after last season. In fact, one of the conditions for Harbaugh to sign for the Giants is that he answers to the owners, the Mara family.

Hence, Schoen’s authority hangs by a thread. For instance, if the Giants are not good, he is most likely the first guy to be fired by the team. Harbaugh is playing with house money within the building, but his reputation outside of it is on the line. An interesting season awaits for the Giants.

During a press conference, Newsome was asked about his former AFC North foe, George Pickens. Newsome was a part of the Cleveland Browns while Pickens played for the Steelers. Now, Newsome reps the G-Men while Pickens has a lone-star helmet on him.

Newsome welcomed the matchup. “I’m super excited for the challenge, I’ll be ready”, he said. The CB also stated he believes he is one of the best in his position and he has to prove it week in and week out.

Pickens is a tough WR to guard

Given that Pickens has elite physical traits and circus-catch ability, even if he is guarded properly, he can still make incredible plays. At 6’3″ with long arms, he can reel in passes that seem completely uncatchable, making him a nightmare in 50/50 jump-ball situations. He had 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns for the Cowboys last season.

In five head-to-head games, Pickens has 18 catches for 324 yards and two touchdowns. That is around 64.8 yards per game. However, those stats are against Newsome teams, not specific snaps against the cornerback.

There’s bad blood between Newsome and Pickens

Newsome was also asked if he and Pickens would exchange Christmas cards. He said “Nah, wouldn’t do that.” And is clear why. Back in 2024, Pickens and Newsome had a physical altercation.

Pickens grabbed Newsome by the helmet and forcefully dragged him out of bounds toward the front row of the stands. As the clock hit zero, Newsome and Pickens were swinging at each other as security and officials tried to separate them. Hence, we’re in for an explosive treat in Week 1 with the Giants facing the Cowboys.

Speaking to reporters after practice on Monday, OBJ said there “definitely will be some conversations” about getting Hyatt’s No. 13. “It would be an honor and a privilege to put that back on,” Beckham Jr. added.

OBJ used No.13 for all his initial five seasons with the Giants. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year and created plenty of highlights with that jersey. His three Pro Bowl selections came with that number too.

Jalin Hyatt’s stats with jersey No.13

Hyatt used the number ever since he got to the Giants. However, his stats are not as inspiring as OBJ’s. In fact, not even close. Hyatt had played 41 games and has 36 career-receptions for 470 yards.

If this is about meritocracy, OBJ is clearly the one deserving to choose the No.13. In fact, he actually made the 53-man roster, to which he reacted in a heartwarming way. Meanwhile, Hyatt looks like a player that will never live up to what the Giants hope he is.

But what matters here is that Beckham Jr., as an active roster player, has priority over Hyatt to get the number. Unless Hyatt is suddenly elevated from the practice squad or OBJ changes his mind, No. 13 will probably change its owner soon.

Why did the Giants bring Hyatt back?

The Giants brought Jalin Hyatt back onto their practice squad after he cleared waivers following final roster cuts. The team kept him around on the practice squad to continue developing his deep-threat speed without using an active 53-man roster spot.

However, after years of trying, one must wonder what is it that they see in Hyatt. He’s proven to not be the weapon the former third-round pick was supposed to be. At least for now, he’ll be in the practice squad.

Joe Milton is a huge physical talent and teams like the New York Jets, who have been in the backup QB market, could see him as a high upside backup. Also, teams like the Miami Dolphins could see Milton as a project worth developing.

As for Dallas, Dak Prescott is still the QB1, clearly. The backup is now Sam Howell. The Cowboys, however, have only two quarterbacks on the depth chart. Hence, they should be eyeing someone else.

Joe Milton’s profile is very tempting

As stated, Milton has a very strong arm. However, that’s not the only thing that makes him and enticing project. Milton is also huge, strong, and has elite speed at 6’5″. Basically, he is a quarterback with a linebacker frame. The New York Jets are looking at Jake Browning, but could get swayed by Milton.

Hence, he fits into the Anthony Richardson, Cam Newton mold of physically imposing athletes with huge arms. However, consistency is key, and that’s what Milton hasn’t been able to maintain.

Updated Cowboys QB depth chart

As stated, this is a very thin QB room now. It is likely that the Cowboys go for another quarterback. However, it’ll be one that adapts better to the scheme they practice under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

• Dak Prescott
• Sam Howell

“It’s a source of pride to see you close this chapter this way” Roccuzzo wrote on Instagram. “So many years, so many moments, so much joy—and so many setbacks, too. I watched you suffer, fall, and get back up. I watched you keep going when things didn’t go your way and always try again. And after all those years, I was also lucky enough to see you fulfill your dreams and experience some of the happiest days of our lives.

“But there is something about this whole story that moves me deeply: that our children grew up watching it all unfold up close. That they saw their dad fight for what he wanted, refuse to give up, and keep believing until the very end. And that they were there to see you achieve it all and lift the World Cup. Perhaps one day they will truly understand the magnitude of your story.

“Today, they are simply proud of their dad. And I am proud of you. Of your journey, of everything you overcame, and—above all—of the person behind every one of those moments. What a privilege it has been to experience all of this by your side. We love you endlessly,” Roccuzzo said.

Antonela has been with Messi through it all

Messi and Antonela know each other since a very young age. Messi left Argentina for Spain at 13 years old, but then they reunited a bit back. They’ve officially been together since 2007, when Messi was 19 years old. However, it’s been rumored that the relationship started before, but in a long-distance methodology.

Hence, Antonela has been through Messi’s highs and lows. The stability around the couple has been shown throughout the years. In a moment of such emotions as a retirement that will make Argentina seek a new captain after Messi, she made sure that her support is never-ending.

Messi and Antonela’s future is still in Miami

While Messi retired from Argentina, he is still under contract with Inter Miami. But more than that, Antonela herself is very comfortable in Miami. The city has a vibrant, large Hispanic and Argentine community, making the cultural and linguistic transition seamless for Antonela and her three children.

Also, Antonela has grown into an entrepreneur and a global brand ambassador for major international fashion, wellness, and luxury companies. Miami is a perfect place for her to develop as well.

Per Anne Rogers of MLB.com, “The free agent-to-be ends his time in Kansas City with a 3.71 ERA across three seasons.” Reflecting his value as a reliable depth piece, the New York Yankees claimed him with sights on the playoffs.

John Schreiber is a solid, highly specialized middle-relief option, but he is not an elite high-leverage arm. His effectiveness depends heavily on who he is facing due to extreme, polarized platoon splits.

Schreiber’s 2026 stats

Across 55 appearances this season, his surface numbers look quite respectable, though under-the-hood metrics suggest he’s benefited from some good fortune. That could perfectly be the reason of why he ended up on waivers.

• ERA: 3.65
• WHIP: 1.28
• Innings Pitched: 49.1
• Strikeouts: 36
• Expected Metrics: His 4.87 FIP and 4.54 SIERA indicate he has outpitched his true performance, largely due to a low .248 BABIP. His strikeout rate (17.7%) has dropped to a career low

Why is Schreiber looked at as a specialist?

Schreiber drops down into a true sidearm slot, making his pitches incredibly deceptive to right-handed hitters but, at the same time, highly vulnerable to lefties. Hence, it all depends on who the Yankees face.

Messi is leaving and that leaves a huge hole in the lineup. However, without Messi, new names can flourish. Lionel Messi is retired from Argentina, but not from Inter Miami. Still, as the Argentine national team prepares for the next World Cup, it will have to look elsewhere other than the MLS to get its ace.

Other names that are north of 30 years old could also be out of the 2030 World Cup either by choice or by coaching decisions. Hence, the lineup could look really renovated and new.

Argentina’s potential lineup for 2030 World Cup

It is an end of an era for Lionel Messi and Argentina. However, that is not a reason for negative thoughts. Argentina is great at creating new talent. By the way, without Messi, Argentina needs a new captain. This is how the lineup could look:

Some known names could still be there, like the center back-pairing of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, midfielder Enzo Fernandez, or forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Also, Valentin Barco and Nico Paz were in the 2026 World Cup but saw very few minutes.

Names called to elevate Argentina

Franco Mastantuono, Barco, and especially Nico Paz are tasked with guiding the next generation. Mastantuono is just 18 years old and has a very promising future. Barco has been trusted in Premier League giants Chelsea to be a midfielder, however, his role in Argentina might send him to the left back spot.

Finally, it’s a big task to replace Messi, but if someone can, Nico Paz is the guy. Also left-footed and technically gifted, Paz is an absolute joy to watch. While he has the most pressure of them all by replacing Messi, his talent is undeniable.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami contract expires at the end of 2028. Hence, it will remain to be seen if he renews his contract and keeps playing, or if he decides to hang his boots for good, and step into a new chapter of his life. Messi explained his decision to retire from Argentina in a heartfelt way.

The fact is that Messi has accomplished every single thing a soccer player would want. He has established himself as arguably the best player of all time and there are little to no accolades that he hasn’t conquered yet. Lionel Messi retiring from Argentina also raises the question of how long will Cristiano Ronaldo keep playing for Portugal.

Messi’s numbers in Argentina vs Inter Miami

Of course, raw numbers will tell that Messi’s stats with Argentina are way higher. He has more games and played for the national team throughout his career. But, what about the averages? Has Messi kept his tallies in check with Inter Miami compared to the ‘Albiceleste‘?

Messi averaged 0.89 G/A per match with Argentina. That equals 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 games. With Inter Miami, Messi’s averages are even better. Despite going to the team at an older age, Messi has 98 goals and 54 assists in 111 games, for an average of 1.36 G/A per match with Inter Miami.

Messi’s legacy is unparalleled in both Argentina and Inter Miami

Messi won two Copa Americas and the 2022 World Cup, and also guided Argentina to two additional World Cup finals (2014, 2026), and two Copa Americas finals (2015, 2016). That is a legacy that is not likely to be equaled. Argentina is one of the best soccer national teams in history, and Messi has a big responsibility in that statement. With him, Argentina was always a contender.

As for Inter Miami, the club has less than 10 years of existence, but Messi is already its best player ever. His output is excellent and age seems not to be an issue for him in the MLS.

Beckham had to compete with plenty of names and he had an uphill battle. After all, he hasn’t played a snap of professional football since 2024, excluding this year’s preseason.

Per NFL insider Josina Anderson, OBJ is ecstatic. “I am excited. I found out when I was walking off the field. Coach said congratulations and he said that I worked hard. I told him I will give him everything I got. He said ‘let’s go do it.’

“After that I went to the locker room and I just dapped up my teammates. Jameis (Winston) definitely gave love and so did Jaxson (Dart). Everybody gave me love. Now I just got to go get it. I have one more gear to go; one more gear in me. I came to New York to give my all, and that’s what they’re going to get out of me. To the city, to the fans, I love you,” Beckham said.

OBJ will finally have a heartfelt reunion

It hasn’t been an easy road back to the Giants for Odell Beckham Jr. After his last game in 2024 with the Dolphins, he focused on his well-being, but age and injuries will come fast at you. OBJ even admitted retirement was an option for him. Hence, seeing him come back to the team that drafted him way back in 2014 is a full circle moment for him.

Will OBJ play a key role on the Giants?

Once upon a time one of the most unguardable receivers in the NFL, OBJ is now a role player. However, he is a premium role player with plenty of ability. In fact, he should be in the WR3 spot on the depth chart for the Giants, and he might actually be one of the best third options in the league.

According to multiple reports throughout the offseason, OBJ is still getting plenty of separation and he has famously secure hands. Hence, he will serve as a top-tier end-of-progression target for Jaxson Dart.

Levis started nine games in 2023, and 12 in 2024. However, the 2025 season saw him get benched by first overall pick Cam Ward, and this year the plan was the same. However, Levis won’t even be on the roster. This is the Titans QB depth chart:

• Cam Ward
• Mitch Trubisky
• Hendon Hooker

Will Levis had plenty of issues as a QB

Will Levis struggled significantly with high turnover rates, poor pocket presence, and inconsistent decision-making during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. In fact, he also had plenty of lowlights due to his playing IQ.

Despite his obvious strengths, like his huge arm and size, Levis’ downfall is his need to make too much, and of course, his inaccuracy in simple plays. With Cam Ward’s arrival, Levis’ future was doomed.

What are Levis’ possible destinations?

Jake Browning looks as a possible candidate to join the New York Jets, but Levis is also on that shortlist according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. However, that is not the only place that he could go.

Also, Levis has connections with Jaguars head coach Liam Coen. The Atlanta Falcons could use a right-handed quarterback if the lefties Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. don’t work out.