Peru controlled the game for stretches with a high press and dangerous attacks, while Mexico grew into the match and found more space as the game progressed. Both sides created opportunities, but neither could find the winning goal.

Mexico increased the pressure late in the match, but Peru remained organized and continued to threaten on the counter. Despite the intensity from both sides, neither team could break the deadlock again before the final whistle.

Julian Quinones’ absence stems from a muscle injury sustained while playing for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qadsiah. The forward was substituted during a match against Al Wasl on September 14 in the AFC Champions League, and it was subsequently confirmed that he would be unavailable for Mexico‘s fixtures.

The setback represents a significant loss for Rafa Marquez, as Quinones was one of Mexico’s standout players at the 2026 World Cup and had been named among the candidates for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Due to his injury, he missed the opening matches of El Tri’s new era.

Mexico and a strong start

El Tri arrive following a 1-1 draw against Colombia in Rafa Marquez’s head-coaching debut, featuring a stunning goal from new No. 10 Gilberto Mora. Meanwhile, Peru will look to bounce back after suffering a harsh 4-1 defeat to the United States.

Now Mexico will have the opportunity to secure a strong result against one of the teams that failed to qualify for the World Cup in CONMEBOL and posted one of the worst performances, coming directly off a crushing loss against the USA. Follow our live blog of Mexico vs Peru today and don’t miss a single thing!

How Mexico and Peru enter this friendly match

Mexico enter with a favorable streak over their last five fixtures. The national team has accumulated three wins, one draw, and one loss, with results including matchups against South Korea, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, and Colombia.

For their part, Peru present a different record, holding one win, one draw, and three losses over the same number of matches. Their recent opponents were Senegal, Honduras, Haiti, Spain, and the United States.

Key takeaways

• Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, hosts the match against Peru.
• A muscle injury with Al-Qadsiah keeps Julian Quinones out of action.
• A 4-1 defeat to the United States was suffered by Peru recently.

Pulisic was omitted from Mauricio Pochettino’s 28-man roster for the USMNT’s four matches. The 28-year-old’s absence is something of a mystery. Though he was injured at the World Cup and missed much of AC Milan’s preseason, Pulisic has been back in the mix with his club for well over a month.

Pulisic was an unused substitute for the team’s opening three Serie A matches before featuring in the team’s last three games across all competitions. He got his first start and scored his first goal of the season in a 3-0 win against Lecce on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Key figures who must step up for the USMNT

If there is one piece around which the match can be organized, it is Tyler Adams. The midfielder played 87 minutes in the USA’s victory against Peru and proved vital in sustaining American pressure, closing down spaces, and providing balance to a midfield filled with far more attack-minded players.

His role could prove even more critical against Chile. Marcelino Nunez, Vicente Pizarro, and Cesar Perez form a midfield trio that looks to combine through the center before finding space to advance. Adams will have to read those movements, prevent their midfielders from receiving comfortably, and keep the match from turning into a series of constant stoppages.

Who should capitalize on Pulisic’s absence

Pulisic‘s absence represents an ideal opportunity for those stepping in to replace him. Meanwhile, the absence of Gabriel Suazo and Lucas Cepeda leaves Chile with a distinct weakness on their left side, as both are suspended, allowing the USA to target that area.

Here is where Justin Ellis appears, who needed just four minutes to score against Peru. His speed and ability to attack open space could prove especially useful against a defense forced to reorganize. His connection with Alex Freeman can add another dimension to the attack, as the fullback can overlap to create two-on-one situations, while Antonee Robinson provides depth down the opposite flank with his power and low crosses.

Key takeaways

• A 28-man roster omitted Christian Pulisic for four upcoming USMNT matches.
• 87 minutes were played by Tyler Adams in a victory against Peru.
• Four minutes were needed for Justin Ellis to score against Peru.

Rafa Marquez made his bench debut for Mexico in a draw against Colombia, where his squad left a strong impression on the pitch, highlighted by Gil Mora scoring Mexico’s lone goal.

Mano Menezes’ Peru need to shake off a catastrophic thrashing against the United States and aim to beat or at least put up a strong performance against fellow World Cup participant Mexico, who look to continue consolidating in the Rafa Marquez era.

Mexico confirmed lineup

For this second match, Rafa Marquez will have his full call-up list available, except for Alan Cervantes (injury), Cesar Montes, and recent star Julian Quinones, who isn’t playing for Mexico due to injury. The called-up players who initially remained in Mexico to play Matchday 10 traveled to join the training camp.

Mexico confirmed lineup: Oscar Garcia; Victor Guzman, Denzell Garcia, Mateo Chavez, Everardo Lopez, Alvaro Fidalgo; Orbelin Pineda, Obed Vargas; German Berterame, Jeremy Marquez, Isaias Violante.

Peru confirmed lineup

The key for Peru remains their old guard. In his return to the national team, Gianluca Lapadula scored for the first time in two years, confirming that he is Peru’s premier striker. At 36 years old, Yoshimar Yotun remains the engine in midfield and an irreplaceable piece for the Bicolor.

Peru confirmed lineup: Pedro Gallese; Marcos Huaman, Erick Noriega, Renzo Garces, Marcos Lopez; Wilder Cartagena, Oslimg Mora, Yoshimar Yotun; Piero Magallanes, Jairo Velez, Adrian Ugarriza.

Key takeaways

• Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey hosts the international friendly on September 29.
• Gil Mora scored the lone goal in a debut draw against Colombia.
• First time in two years marked a goal for returning striker Gianluca Lapadula.

Guatemala continued to control the match after halftime, with Olger Escobar creating another great opportunity for Fajardo, who finished with class. El Salvador struggled to react as Guatemala maintained control and continued creating the most dangerous chances.

Fajardo completed his hat trick late in the match to seal Guatemala’s 6-0 victory over El Salvador in the 2026 Concacaf Nations League.

The reason for the trade came down to franchise convenience. With his massive salary cap hit and the influx of talent on Chicago’s roster, trading Moore made the most sense from a business standpoint. The main driver allowing them to make the move was simple: Luther Burden III.

Last offseason, the Bears did not need another wide receiver with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze on the roster. But when they elected to draft the best player available in the second round, they lucked into a young, promising playmaker who thrived in his rookie season, giving them the ability to move on from Moore.

Factors that influenced the decision on Moore

Moore carried a high cap number with large future salary guarantees kicking in, and parting ways saved Chicago roughly $16.5 million in financial flexibility. In addition, the rapid development of younger weapons—such as rookie standout Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze—made it easier for general manager Ryan Poles to move on from Moore’s high price tag.

The Bears managed to secure a valuable 2026 second-round draft pick (No. 60 overall) from Buffalo in exchange for a fifth-round selection, maximizing the market value of a veteran receiver. Everything hinged on Ryan Poles’ confidence in Burden, who is expected to play a prominent role in his second season after showing his massive potential as a serious threat, as well as his versatility and playmaking ability.

Bears’ management of draft compensation and salary cap

The Bears did not actually select a player at No. 60 overall. Instead, general manager Ryan Poles traded down on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, sending the No. 60 pick to the Tennessee Titans.

This maneuver aimed to cover significant draft gaps on Day 3, as Chicago initially lacked fifth- and sixth-round selections. In exchange for trading back, they acquired pick No. 69 in the third round—used to select Stanford tight end Sam Roush—and pick No. 144 in the fifth round, providing crucial mid-round capital and late-draft flexibility.

Regarding the salary cap, while the roughly $16.5 million in savings from Moore’s contract placed the Bears in a safer position, the move primarily served to rebalance a top-heavy payroll. Heading into the regular season, the Bears were projected to be nearly $12 million over the league spending limit.

Combined with late-summer contract restructures for guard Joe Thuney, defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, and linebacker T.J. Edwards, the cleared cap space achieved two strategic goals: pulling the team out of a compromised financial situation and ensuring rule compliance before Week 1, while leaving the team with between $4 million and $5 million in operating margin under the salary cap.

Key takeways

• A 2026 second-round pick was acquired from Buffalo for wide receiver DJ Moore.
• Roughly $16.5 million in financial flexibility was saved by parting ways.
• Pick No. 60 was traded to Tennessee for additional draft capital.

The Giants traded for McCarthy in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round pick. Their fourth-round pick is in CLE from the trade up for WR Malachi Fields; their fifth is now in Minnesota Vikings for JJ McCarthy; and their seventh is in MIA from the Darren Waller trade last year. This leaves the Giants with the following 2027 draft picks:

• Round 1
• Round 2
• Round 3
• Round 6
• Round 6 (via JAX)

McCarthy will be the Giants’ No. 2 or 3 quarterback this week as he gets acclimated and learns their offense. John Harbaugh thought that would take some time and considered it a challenge.

Harbaugh’s decision between Winston and McCarthy

Giants coach John Harbaugh said after Sunday’s victory over the Tennessee Titans that Jameis Winston would remain the Giants’ starter even if the team added another quarterback. He reiterated that on Monday, after the trade for McCarthy.

“Jameis is starting. You guys asked me that [Sunday] night. He’s our starting quarterback and that’s how we’re rolling,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll be ready to play this next game and going forward. Excited about Jameis. … I’m looking forward to seeing where we go and as we go we’ll get a chance to build around Jameis’ strengths.”

Winston became the starter following an injury to Jaxson Dart, who is out for at least the rest of the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus and MCL in his left knee on Friday.

What weighs on McCarthy’s career

McCarthy missed his entire rookie season due to a torn MCL that he suffered in the 2024 NFL preseason. Last year, he made his regular-season debut, going 6-4 over his 10 starts. The QB finished with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

Injuries also continued to plague McCarthy in his second season, missing five games with a high-ankle sprain and another game down the stretch with a concussion.

Key takeaways

• A 2027 fifth-round pick was traded by New York to acquire JJ McCarthy.
• Jameis Winston will remain starting quarterback for New York, confirmed John Harbaugh.
• Jaxson Dart will miss at least the rest of the regular season following knee surgery.

It was Ronaldo’s first competitive match without playing a single minute in a little over 18 years. It had not happened in a non-friendly match since June 15, 2008, when Portugal lost 0-2 to Switzerland in the Euro group stage. Previously, the only other occurrence came on June 21, 2006, against Mexico in the World Cup group stage, a 2-1 win.

More recently, on June 8, 2024, he stayed on the bench in a 1-2 friendly defeat to Croatia, the only friendly of his career in which he did not play. Ronaldo is Portugal‘s record appearance maker and leading scorer, with 234 caps and 146 goals for the national team.

Cristiano could return vs Denmark

The next opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo could arrive very soon. Portugal will continue their UEFA Nations League campaign against Denmark on October 1, and Jorge Jesus himself opened the door for his captain to return to action, despite explaining before the match his reason for leaving him on the bench.

“Maybe now, against Denmark, he will play,” the Portuguese coach said. This time, the manager’s plan worked. Portugal defeated Norway 2-1; Goncalo Ramos responded with a goal, and the Portuguese squad recorded its second consecutive victory in the competition.

On this occasion, there was no already-secured qualification or injury to justify his absence. Cristiano was available and had warmed up; even Jorge Jesus had contemplated giving him nearly 30 minutes of play.

Ultimately, the match’s flow led the manager to a different decision, creating a scene more than 18 years later that had virtually disappeared from Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career.

Key takeaways

• An 18-year streak ended for Cristiano Ronaldo as an unused substitute.
• June 15, 2008 was the last competitive match without playing time.
• Denmark is scheduled as the next opponent in the tournament.

Ramos expressed delight after scoring the winning goal for Portugal, sharing his thoughts with the press post-match: “Every moment is important. The most important thing is to show what I can do whenever I’m called upon and to contribute to the team. It was a demonstration of my work, of what I can offer the team, not just goals, but everything I do on the pitch.”

The decisive play came from a disastrous lapse in concentration by Orjan Nyland just three minutes after the equalizer. The veteran goalkeeper attempted a routine pass from the back, but delivered the ball directly to Ramos. The AC Milan forward needed no second invitation, showing great composure to chip the ball over the goalkeeper for the match-winner. He scored a third goal later on, but it was disallowed for offside.

Key victory secured by Portugal

Ronaldo, despite not playing any minutes after Jesus explained his reason for not starting him to grant that valuable opportunity to Ramos, showed his happiness following the match.

The visiting side struck first past the 15-minute mark following a run by Nuno Mendes down the left flank, who linked up with Pedro Neto to set up Joao Felix for the opening goal with a low shot into the corner.

Despite the initial blow, Norway pushed their attack through Antonio Nusa’s runs, Odegaard’s playmaking, and the constant threat of Erling Haaland. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s saves preserved the lead until halftime, but Scandinavian insistence found its reward in the 52nd minute when Haaland capitalized on a loose ball following a free kick to equalize at 1-1.

Finally came Ramos’ goal to make it 2-1. Portugal capitalized on goalkeeper Orjan Nyland’s mistakes to break a 14-game home undefeated streak for Norway and secure their second consecutive victory after previously beating Wales.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo was benched as Goncalo Ramos started for Portugal.
• Erling Haaland equalized in the 52nd minute for Norway.
• Goncalo Ramos scored the game-winning goal for Portugal.

Initially listed as doubtful on the official list, Nacua is inactive for Sunday’s game in Denver. A hip injury kept him out of the Week 2 win over the New York Giants, but his latest setback is a groin injury.

The decision to rule him out stems from a choice not to risk Nacua’s health, aiming to have him ready for NFL Week 4. ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that there is a real possibility Nacua could suit up next week for a big game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Rams prioritize long-term health to protect offense

The Denver Broncos are a tough opponent, as are the Eagles next week. The best thing would be for Nacua to get more rest and be fully ready for the bulk of the season and the playoffs. Luckily, the Rams have Davante Adams looking like he is still in his prime, and he will be the Rams’ top target this week.

Nacua has been listed as a non-participant on each of the Rams’ last five injury reports as he deals with a hip injury that head coach Sean McVay has termed “soreness in his groin” that is unrelated to the psoas discomfort that he dealt with in training camp.

Fellow WR Davante Adams will again have unfettered access to targets from QB Matthew Stafford, with Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Xavier Smith as the others available at the position.

The Rams continue to deal with that sensitive injury, in addition to remaining without Myles Garrett. Holding a 1-1 record, they will look to secure a major result against a tough Broncos team led by Bo Nix.

Key takeaways

• Puka Nacua is inactive for Sunday Night Football against Denver.
• A groin injury was cited as the primary physical setback.
• Week 4 against Philadelphia is targeted as a potential return timeline.

The Broncos enter Week 3 at 1-1 after a 31-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but they answered with a 20-13 comeback win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. They scored 17 unanswered points in the second half and showed much better balance on both sides of the ball.

The Rams also sit at 1-1. They beat San Francisco in Week 1 before falling 28-6 to the New York Giants in Week 2. However, the Rams are likely to be without Puka Nacua for a second straight week, and Myles Garrett also remains on injured reserve.

Even so, both teams maintain their starting quarterbacks without concern, featuring Matthew Stafford for the Rams, with Stetson Bennett as his backup, and Bo Nix leading the Broncos with Jarrett Stidham on the bench. Sam Ehlinger is third on the Broncos’ QB depth chart while Ty Simpson occupies that role in the Rams QB room.

The concern for the Broncos

Bo Nix’s two sides have been noted. He struggled badly against Kansas City, but bounced back with 288 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception against Jacksonville. Nix has 419 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions this NFL season, which means they need consistency against the Rams.

However, they have managed to identify the lethal weapons to inflict damage alongside Nix. Jaylen Waddle has quickly become one of Nix’s biggest weapons. He leads Denver with nine catches for 140 yards, including a 49-yard reception against Jacksonville, a resource that will surely be featured heavily.

Stafford seeking his best level

Matthew Stafford bounced back last week against the Giants, throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns. Whichever team is able to get pressure on the opposing quarterback will have the advantage. Stafford’s numbers dip under pressure, but Nix under pressure turns into the worst quarterback in the NFL, something the Rams will surely seek to achieve.

However, the Rams still face uncertainty regarding whether Puka Nacua will be present, as he continues to deal with an injury sustained in Week 1. One of the best weapons Stafford had at his disposal remains a question mark, but confidence exists in Davante Adams, Xavier Smith, Jordan Whittington, or Konata Mumpfield.

Key takeaways

• Bo Nix is QB1 for Denver, with Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger backing up.
• Matthew Stafford starts as QB1 for the Rams depth chart against Denver.
• Stetson Bennett IV is listed as QB2 for Los Angeles over Ty Simpson.

In hist postgame press conference, Jesus defended his decision to keep Ronaldo as an unused substitute: “It wasn’t the right moment to bring Ronaldo into the game; it was a tactical choice. I needed a player with different characteristics, but that doesn’t mean he’s out of the options. Perhaps he’ll play against Denmark.”

Ultimately, the result proved Jesus right, as Goncalo Ramos stepped into Ronaldo‘s starting spot and scored the key goal to secure Portugal’s 2-1 victory. On top of that, Ramos even netted what would have been a third goal to make it 3-1, though it was ultimately disallowed for offside.

Ronaldo happy with the result

Despite not getting on the pitch and knowing his demanding mindset and desire for the spotlight, Ronaldo celebrated Portugal’s win over Norway with one word on social media, showing his support for his teammates.

Cristiano, who will turn 42 next February, started in Portugal‘s win against Wales on Thursday, when he played 67 minutes. However, Jesus made it clear that he didn’t consider Ronaldo fit to start two consecutive matches.

Ronaldo’s lack of minutes deprived the soccer world of a historic event. CR7 and Erling Haaland have yet to share an official pitch together. But an opportunity for that will come soon, as the rematch between Portugal and Norway will come in the reverse fixture of this same UEFA Nations League.

This could happen during this same FIFA window, with Portugal hosting Norway on October 4 for Matchday 4. But first, Portugal face Denmark on October 1, and all eyes will be on whether Ronaldo returns to the lineup.

Key takeaways

• A 2-1 victory was secured by Portugal over Norway in the Nations League.
• Goncalo Ramos scored the second goal after starting in place of Cristiano Ronaldo.
• October 1 is the scheduled date for the next match against Denmark.

Jesus, speaking with ESPN, explained his thinking before kickoff. “Today is the third day. Ronaldo played nearly 70 minutes in the Wales match, and I felt he could not start two consecutive matches today. We want Ronaldo in these four matches, even if it is only for a few minutes, but we want him on the pitch,” said Jesus, who later defended keeping Ronaldo on the bench in his postgame press conference.

Ronaldo, 41, started Thursday’s match as Portugal beat Wales 1-0. Fans were denied an initial head-to-head matchup between natural goalscorers Erling Haaland and Ronaldo, as starting lineup plans took a different direction. Despite his lack of action in Oslo, Ronaldo celebrated Portugal’s win with one word on social media.

The last time Ronaldo had been a substitute for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo had not featured as a substitute for Portugal in two years, specifically since September 8, 2024, in a UEFA Nations League match against Scotland (2-1), where Roberto Martinez brought him on in the second half to decide the fixture with an 88th-minute goal.

Goncalo Ramos instead of Cristiano Ronaldo

In place of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jesus started Goncalo Ramos at center forward in Oslo for the Nation League match, alongside Joao Felix, who scored against Wales, and Joao Neves. The move worked well for Jesus, as both Felix and Ramos scored in the 2-1 win over Norway.

On the other side, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken included Haaland in his starting eleven after the striker scored two goals in his side’s 3-2 victory over Denmark on Thursday. Haaland scored, but that goal was overshadowed by Ramos’ game-winning finish.

However, remaining an unused substitute in Oslo doesn’t necessarily signal anything negative for CR7, nor does it mean the captain has lost his place permanently.

Portugal’s upcoming matches

Cristiano Ronaldo was benched as part of load management during an especially tight window for Portugal with four games. Jesus hinted at Ronaldo returning to action when Portugal play Denmark on Oct. 1, and three days later, we can finally get to see Ronaldo vs. Haaland when Portugal host Norway.

Key takeaways

• Cristiano Ronaldo was benched against Norway as part of load management.
• Two years had passed since the captain’s previous appearance as a substitute.
• Goncalo Ramos started at center forward for the national team in Oslo.

Gilberto Mora brought Mexico level with a classy finish inside the box after a high-pressing move created the opportunity. Mexico had several chances throughout the match, including multiple efforts that hit the post.

The final minutes were played at an intense pace, with both sides making substitutions and pushing for the winning goal. Neither Mexico nor Colombia could find the breakthrough, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Julian Quinones misses the match against Colombia due to muscle discomfort suffered with his club, Al-Qadsiah, during an AFC Champions League fixture. Given the situation, the decision was made for the attacker to remain in Saudi Arabia to continue his recovery.

El Tri face Colombia in the United States in the first of four friendlies they will play during this FIFA window. Rafael Marquez seeks to maintain continuity with the project initiated by Javier Aguirre, keeping an important core of players who featured in the World Cup, though they also suffered key absences for these upcoming commitments, including Memo Ochoa and midfielder Edson Alvarez.

New additions to the Mexico roster

Rafa Marquez called up nine players based in Europe, including striker Armando ‘la Hormiga’ Gonzalez, recently signed by Olympiacos of Greece, and goalkeeper Alex Padilla of Athletic Club, who will serve as one of the replacements.

With six players selected, Chivas de Guadalajara are the club with the most players on Marquez’s initial list. Attackers Hugo Camberos and Santiago Sandoval, both 19 years old, have yet to make their senior national team debuts.

A matchup with high expectations

Both teams enter following the Round of 16 exits at the 2026 World Cup. Colombia, who will be without James Rodriguez, fell at the hands of Switzerland in Vancouver, while Mexico made a premature exit in a thriller against England.

Mexico opted to change their manager and hand the keys of the national team to Rafa Marquez, whereas Colombia maintained continuity under Nestor Lorenzo. Over the past four years, they have met three times in friendly matches, with Colombia winning all three.

Key takeaways

• Muscle discomfort kept Julian Quinones from joining Mexico against Colombia.
• Nine Europe-based players were called up for the upcoming friendlies.
• Three friendly wins were earned by Colombia in recent matchups.

James Rodriguez, the leader of the Cafetero side over the past decade, decided to retire from the Colombia national team at age 35, which is why he is absent for the friendly against Mexico.

The same applied to Juan Fernando Quintero, who also made the decision to step away from international duty. Colombia suffered key losses in midfield, particularly in terms of creativity and ball progression, with James and Quintero out of the squad.

Another key absence for Colombia

That is not the only concerning news for Colombia, as they will also be without Luis Diaz. Regarding the Bayern Munich footballer, Nestor Lorenzo decided against calling him up in order to grant him rest and avoid overworking him at the start of the season, following a lengthy prior campaign and his World Cup participation.

Regarding Colombia’s World Cup roster, players such as Camilo Vargas, Jefferson Lerma, Juan Camilo Portilla, Jorge Carrascal, Jhon Cordoba, and Juan Camilo Hernandez were not called up by Nestor Lorenzo, though all retain possibilities of returning.

While a match between Mexico and Colombia generates anticipation and will feature standout players at M&T Bank Stadium in the United States, the encounter also marks a roster turnover for both national teams as they build toward the future.

Mexico’s absences

Regarding the Mexican national team call-up, players like Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones, Edson Alvarez, and Cesar Montes are absent for various reasons. It does not mean they will not wear the Mexican shirt again, but their absence will feel unusual given that they delivered the most standout performances at the World Cup.

Key takeaways

• International retirement at age 35 keeps James Rodriguez out of the squad.
• Luis Diaz was left out to receive rest following his World Cup participation.
• M&T Bank Stadium will host the matchup between Colombia and Mexico.

This will mark the first appearance and debut for Rafael Marquez’s squad since that match, kicking off a four-game schedule for Mexico during this FIFA window.

Colombia are the first opponent on the calendar. Nestor Lorenzo’s team also played its last match in the Round of 16 and fell to Switzerland in a penalty shootout.

Mexico’s confirmed lineup

Mexico begin a new era as Rafael Marquez takes over as head coach, aiming to prepare for the upcoming World Cup cycle. Marquez called up 30 players, but the squad can only count on 25, as several will report following Matchday 10 of Liga MX. Alan Cervantes and Cesar Montes were left off the roster due to injury.

Mexico confirmed lineup: Raul Rangel; Jorge Sanchez, Israel Reyes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo; Mateo Chavez, Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Hirving Lozano, Roberto Alvarado, and Armando Gonzalez.

Colombia confirmed lineup

Addressing changes to the squad, Nestor Lorenzo confirmed Davinson Sanchez as captain of Colombia against Mexico when asked who would wear the armband following the international retirement of James Rodriguez. The Argentine manager revealed the decision in statements to Deportes RCN, highlighting the defender’s experience and leadership qualities.

Colombia confirmed lineup: Alvaro Montero, Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Locumi, Alvaro Angulo, Richard Rios, Jhon Arias, Gustavo Puerta, Kevin Castano, Luis Suarez, and Carlos Andres Gomez.

Key takeaways

• Rafael Marquez took over as head coach for Mexico entering a new era.
• Davinson Sanchez was named captain of the squad following roster changes.
• International retirement keeps James Rodriguez from participating in the match.

Stephen Curry has agreed to a two-year, $116 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors, featuring a player option for the 2028-29 season, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Shams Charania.

To put the timeline into perspective, LeBron‘s deal with the 76ers expires in June 2027 if he decides not to use his opt-out option, or extends through June 2028 if he decides to play the optional second year. This could potentially open the door for James to leave the franchise as a free agent and seek to play one final year with the Warriors, enjoying that potential last season alongside Curry, though such a scenario remains highly complicated to pull off.

Curry’s career with the Warriors

The 38-year-old Curry has spent his entire 17-year NBA career with the Warriors. The contract will tie him through age 40 – and possibly to the end of his career – with the franchise that selected him seventh overall in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Curry, a 12-time All-Star and two-time MVP, was limited to 43 games in the 2025-26 season due to a right knee injury. His 30.9 minutes per game represented the third-lowest figure of his career, yet he still averaged 26.6 points and 4.7 assists per contest.

Curry holds the NBA record for 3-pointers made with 4,248 and ranks 19th on the all-time scoring list with 26,528 points. His legacy is indisputable. Now, following his contract extension, his future with the Warriors leaves no room for doubt either.

A notable detail in Curry’s career

The affection is mutual. Despite frequent complaints regarding the front office and the Warriors‘ poor attempts to adequately build around Curry while he remains elite, a key detail stands out: He has never been eligible for free agency in his career and, depending on when he plans to retire, might never be.

Jamaica took the lead in the second half through Rumarn Burrell, but Guatemala responded with another goal from Santis to make it 2-2. Both sides struggled to create clear chances as the match entered its final minutes.

With the game heading toward a draw, Jamaica found the winning goal through Renaldo Cephas after a great three-touch move inside the box. Isaac Hayden provided the first-time assist as Jamaica secured a dramatic 3-2 victory.

“I think this offense, being able to run the ball, becomes exponentially more explosive,” Brady said on Fox Sports. “And that should scare a lot of teams in the NFL.”

The Miami Dolphins are not expected to put up much of a fight over the weekend against the Chiefs, but that will only provide Andy Reid’s team with another opportunity to impress Brady. All of this comes with Tyreek Hill in sight to join the Chiefs.

Brady impressed by Chiefs’ quality

And it is not just Mahomes these days. The addition of Kenneth Walker III has made a big difference, Brady said. That has been noticeable in both games, with Mahomes even using it as an advantage to expose himself less after returning from his injury.

“I think one thing that’s not only impressed me, but should honestly scare the rest of the NFL is the Chiefs’ running game,” Brady said. “That’s kind of been an afterthought, even in all of their championship seasons. It really wasn’t a running team. It was a lot of passing the football. Passing to (Travis) Kelce, passing to Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins.”

But things have changed with the addition of Walker. And not just Walker, but the explosiveness of Walker himself. In two games, he has rushed for a massive 290 yards with a touchdown. He is averaging a shocking 6.2 yards per carry in the 2026 NFL season.

“You got Kenneth Walker running the way that he is,” Brady said. “They’ve got to come down and try to tackle him. As soon as they do that, that exposes a lot of one-on-one opportunities for Mahomes. And you know he’s going to find those.”

After being ruled doubtful for Sunday’s matchup in Denver, McVay claimed that he thinks Nacua could return by Week 4 for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The four-year veteran still needs more time to recover, but Los Angeles does not appear to be discussing a trip to injured reserve for now. “Sean McVay believes that, barring a setback, Puka Nacua could return next week vs. the Eagles,” Schefter reported.

ESPN’s Sarah Barshop broke the news that the two-time Pro Bowler missed Friday’s practice, which led to his doubtful ruling for Sunday. That leaves Matthew Stafford throwing to Davante Adams as his No. 1 wide receiver for at least one more week. “Puka Nacua will not practice and will be listed as doubtful for the game against the Broncos,” Barshop reported.

What happened to Puka Nacua?

The Rams star sustained the injury during a Thursday practice heading into the Week 2 matchup against the Giants. The team quickly ruled him out for that game, and the injury has lasted longer than the club had hoped. The good news is that L.A. has not considered placing him on IR.

Whenever Puka Nacua does return from injury, he will aim to bounce back from his cold performance in the season opener. In his one game of action this year, Nacua recorded five receptions for 74 yards off nine targets.

While McVay reassured reporters that there is no structural concern or risk of a long-term absence, the decision to hold him back highlights the team’s commitment to ensuring he returns at 100% rather than risking a lingering soft-tissue aggravation.

Nacua’s replacement

Matthew Stafford and the Rams are trending toward not having Puka Nacua for a second week in a row. However, Nacua’s replacement, Jordan Whittington, is expected to be back in Week 3 of the NFL season against the Broncos.

Moreover, Stafford figures to have his top tight end, Colby Parkinson. That does not negate the potential loss of Nacua or safety Kam Kinchens, but it helps. “Rams WR Jordan Whittington (quad) will be back this week, Sean McVay said, while TE Colby Parkinson will go through today’s jog-through and is ‘trending in the right direction,'” LA Daily News reporter Adam Grosbard posted on X on September 25, adding, “S Kam Kinchens will be doubtful for Sunday.”

According to Inter Miami, nine Inter Miami players have been called up for the September and October international windows across senior and youth levels. However, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will participate in Inter Miami’s matches until October 6, when they play for Argentina against Benin.

However, they will lose against Columbus the following seven players who were called up by their countries:

• German Berterame (Mexico)
• Dayne St. Clair (Canada)
• Matias Galarza (Paraguay)
• Fricio Caicedo (Ecuador)
• Lovend’s Delinois (Haiti)
• Daniel Pinter (USA/U-20)
• Alexander Shaw (USA/U-19)

Messi available for a crucial match

Although Argentina will have prior games, Messi will only attend his farewell match on October 6 against Benin. From there, they will be able to be present for their respective matches, as is the case against Columbus Crew.

This match carries weight, as Inter Miami will look to earn three points again to stay near the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings. The team needs a positive result to sustain its aspirations heading into the final stretch of the season and remain in contention for the top spot.

Columbus Crew, for their part, will have the opportunity to climb the table. A victory would be key to starting to leave behind the bottom spots of the conference and regaining ground in the competition.

How both teams enter the match

Columbus Crew are coming off a 2-0 victory against CF Montreal. With this result, they have seven wins, five draws, and 14 losses, placing them in 13th place.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami enter after a 2-2 draw with San Diego, where Lionel Messi scored a free-kick goal that brought him closer to breaking the record — a result that leaves them with 12 wins, 10 draws, and four losses in third place in the Eastern Conference.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cooks is signing with the 49ers’ practice squad, initially to get up to speed for games. The agreement comes less than two weeks after the 49ers handed the Rams a 27-7 loss in the season opener in Melbourne, Australia.

For Rams fans, the name comes with memories. Cooks was once the field-stretching piece in one of the most productive Los Angeles offenses under Sean McVay. Without a doubt, it could prove to be a great move on a contract of lower value than what Tyreek Hill would have commanded.

Cooks’ stint with the Rams

The Rams acquired Cooks from the New England Patriots in 2018, adding a receiver who could threaten defenses downfield alongside Robert Woods. He rewarded that decision with 80 catches for a career-high 1,204 yards and five touchdowns in his first season with Los Angeles.

Los Angeles went on to reach the Super Bowl, with Cooks playing a prominent role in the passing game that helped carry them there. His Rams stint was brief, but that first NFL season left a clear mark, as he made an already dangerous offense harder to defend across the full width and length of the field. The numbers fell in 2019.

The Rams traded him to the Houston Texans in April 2020 after Cooks had totaled 122 catches, 1,787 yards, and seven touchdowns over his two Rams seasons. That made his second-year line 42 catches for 583 yards and two scores. The Rams ended up sending a 2022 fourth-round pick to Houston and received a second-round selection in the deal.

Why are the 49ers pursuing Cooks?

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Demarcus Robinson sustained a high ankle sprain in the 49ers‘ Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. Robinson had taken on a larger role after injuries to Ricky Pearsall and De’Zhaun Stribling. Mike Evans also left the Miami game with a hip issue, although coach Kyle Shanahan said he could have returned if the game had been closer.

That leaves an opening for an experienced receiver to learn the offense and potentially help Brock Purdy later. That is where the interest and agreement with Cooks come in, as he can serve as Demarcus Robinson’s replacement in hopes that he reclaims the form seen during that stellar year with the Rams.

Giants beat writer Gary Myers floated an off-the-board take, suggesting the Giants trade for J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings. Myers noted that Joe Schoen considered him with the 6th overall pick in 2024 when they took Malik Nabers. McCarthy also helped Jim Harbaugh win a national championship in 2023, and Harbaugh loves McCarthy.

Therefore, McCarthy’s arrival does not sound far-fetched, considering Harbaugh knows him and he represents a young option. Dart, of course, sustained a potentially serious knee injury in the Giants’ 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. What was initially believed to be a sprained MCL turned out to be more serious, and Dart may need season-ending surgery, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

A move for McCarthy could prove complicated

First, it is necessary to understand McCarthy‘s current situation with the Vikings. McCarthy’s value has certainly shifted since draft night. The Vikings named Kyler Murray as their starter this summer and later placed Carson Wentz ahead of McCarthy on the depth chart. Since then, Murray has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to return for Week 3, once again relegating McCarthy to the third-string quarterback role.

Minnesota has not publicly indicated plans to trade McCarthy, though his future has already generated considerable speculation. He is just 23 years old and under contract through 2027, with Minnesota holding a fifth-year option for the 2028 NFL season.

His first two NFL seasons also explain why his current price tag would differ significantly from what Minnesota paid in 2024. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season following knee surgery and, last season, recorded 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 10 starts.

For its part, New York would consider McCarthy precisely because its young starter has performed at a high level. The Giants passed on McCarthy at the time because Nabers was available. Two years later, they have a franchise quarterback they truly believe in, yet they could still end up inquiring about McCarthy — the kind of roster-building plot twist no one foresees in April.

Key takeaways

• Trading for J.J. McCarthy was suggested by beat writer Gary Myers.
• Season-ending surgery may be required for Jaxson Dart after his knee injury proved severe.
• 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns were recorded in 10 starts last season.

Former NBA All-Star Zach Randolph believes Westbrook may not be done with basketball despite announcing his retirement earlier this summer. Speaking on the Out the Mud Podcast, Randolph said Westbrook retired too early and argued that the veteran guard still has several productive years left in him. Randolph also named the Miami Heat as a team he would like to see Westbrook join if he decides to return.

“This man is supposed to be in the league for another 3-4 years at least. I’d like to see him with the Heat. Brodie got a lot left in him. I just saw his little brother yesterday Ray. He might be back,” Randolph said.

Westbrook could be a strong option for the Heat

For Miami to establish itself as a top team in the Eastern Conference this season, it still probably needs to add more talent. Either that or seeing players like Pelle Larsson, Ryan Conwell, and Nikola Jovic solidify rotation spots. However, as an attractive destination with a chance to contend if all goes well, the Heat acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. and Klay Thompson. Despite roster-building restrictions, this sufficiently addressed concerns about their shooting.

Westbrook does not provide much shooting. However, he is coming off a campaign in which he averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He is a chaos engine who can still stuff the stat sheet.

Adding a new dynamic like that will help when Antetokounmpo is not on the floor or in the lineup. The two-time scoring champion would also allow the Heat to keep pressuring the rim without their new star forward in the game.

If Westbrook is going to return this NBA season, Miami is the ideal landing spot. He would not have a superstar or lead role as he did with the Kings, but he would undoubtedly be a valuable player coming off the bench.

Key takeaways

• Russell Westbrook is linked to the Miami Heat despite retiring in the 2026 offseason.
• Zach Randolph advocated for an NBA comeback during a podcast appearance.
• 15.2 points and 6.7 assists were averaged during his prior campaign.

Taking to social media on his official X account, Beckham shared a message of support, noting that handling these types of situations is far from easy. “Prayers up for my brother 6. Seeing the news is one thing, but it’s harder until u actually see it.” Beckham added.

Everything points to a worse situation than initially expected following a recent injury update reported by Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The report indicated that Dart could miss the rest of the season after tests showed that the Giants quarterback’s knee injury is more severe than initially anticipated.

What happened to Dart?

The Giants lost Dart on their seventh snap of the game when he was hit on his right side by Rams linebacker Byron Young. That hit sent Dart into linebacker Josaiah Stewart, who undercut the quarterback’s legs, resulting in a hard fall.

Dart immediately grabbed his left knee and went to the blue medical tent. He walked with a limp to the locker room and was initially listed as questionable to return to the game before officially being ruled out early in the third quarter.

Harbaugh confides in Winston

Harbaugh also expressed confidence in backup quarterback Jameis Winston‘s ability to step in for however long Dart is sidelined. Winston struggled in place of Dart, completing 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards and an interception, so while he continues to play for Dart, he needs that confidence to perform in the NFL.

“We’ve learned a lot more [about Dart’s knee],” Harbaugh said. “When we know what direction we’re going to have to go or whatever it might be, we’ll announce that. But we don’t have that yet, so I don’t want to get out over our skis on that.”

Beyond Winston, the Giants have quarterback Jake Haener on their practice squad. But with Dart expected to miss an extended period, Harbaugh and the Giants will lean on Winston, who signed a two-year, $13 million contract extension earlier this month.

Key takeaways

• “Prayers up for my brother 6” was posted on X by Odell Beckham Jr.
• Missing the rest of the season is possible for Jaxson Dart after further tests.
• 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards were completed by backup Jameis Winston.

Now, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Leonard has agreed to a two-year, $115 million contract extension with the franchise. The deal also includes a player option for the 2028-29 season.

The 35-year-old, two-time NBA champion now has a total of three years and $165 million on his Raptors deal. Ultimately, Kawhi got his way by joining the franchise he desired without receiving major discipline from the NBA, which received support from Steph Curry, and landing a massive contract that makes the league’s fine feel insignificant.

Leonard returns to Toronto

The Toronto Raptors acquired Kawhi Leonard from the LA Clippers during the offseason in exchange for a high-value package that included Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), a 2027 first-round pick swap, and two future second-round picks (2030 and 2033).

Both sides agreed to the deal in June, but the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers’ salary cap circumvention scandal delayed its finalization for months. The transaction was completed shortly after Clippers owner Steve Ballmer issued a statement apologizing and taking full responsibility for his team’s violations regarding Leonard, which resulted in the most severe punishment in NBA history.

Kawhi Leonard returns to his former stage and will once again lead the Toronto Raptors in this second stint. He is remembered for leading the franchise to its first NBA title in the 2018-19 season, delivering one of the most epic single-season runs in sports history before returning home to Los Angeles.

Last season, Leonard averaged career highs of 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in 65 contests, providing a decisive boost to Toronto’s title aspirations alongside Scottie Barnes, a key pillar of the team.

Key takeaways

• A two-year, $115 million extension was agreed upon with Toronto by Kawhi Leonard.
• Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick were traded to Los Angeles in the transaction.
• Salary cap circumvention violations delayed finalization following an NBA investigation.

According to ESPN, Ian Rapoport, and Mike Garafolo, the initial diagnosis for Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is a sprained MCL. An MRI and further testing are scheduled for tomorrow, marking relatively good news for the team regarding Dart, who tried to talk his way back into the game.

Furthermore, X-rays came back negative. While Dart is expected to miss some time, the major silver lining is that nothing appears broken — an encouraging initial diagnosis that the Giants organization hopes will remain unchanged.

How did Dart’s replacement perform?

Dart’s absence will undoubtedly cause major concern, as evidenced by the heavy defeat against the Rams. Backup quarterback Jameis Winston completed 11 of 27 passes for 111 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception while being sacked in the 28-6 loss after taking over for Dart in the first quarter.

The injury took place on New York’s first possession of the game on a third-down pass. Dart was under pressure and jumped to pass downfield before being hit hard, getting sandwiched between multiple players and injuring his left knee.

Dart was a first-round pick last year and had a promising rookie NFL season. His aggressiveness and running style led to some injury concerns, including being evaluated for concussions five times as a rookie.

Those who led the Rams to victory

Davante Adams made eight catches for 195 yards and hauled in two of Matthew Stafford’s four touchdown passes as the Rams welcomed Aaron Donald back to the NFL, while Stafford passed for 327 yards for the Rams.

The Rams played without injured All-Pros Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett, but Stafford and Adams put on a vintage performance while the preseason Super Bowl favorites rebounded competently from last week’s 27-7 debacle of a loss to the 49ers in Australia.

Key takeaways

• A sprained MCL was diagnosed for Jaxson Dart after exiting in the first quarter.
• Negative X-rays were reported, with a follow-up MRI scheduled for Tuesday.
• Jameis Winston replaced Dart in the Giants’ Week 2 loss to the Rams.

With his performance at Nu Stadium against the California side, Lionel Messi now has 75 career free-kick goals, placing him in second place in soccer history for the statistic, with only one player having scored more.

Brazilian footballer Marcelinho Carioca is the all-time leader in free-kick goals with 78, achieved with clubs like Flamengo, Corinthians, and Santos in his native country. However, that mark is now well within reach for the Argentine star, as Messi is just three free-kick goals away from tying him and four from passing him.

Greats surpassed by Messi

Until recently, Messi trailed other Brazilian greats like Roberto Dinamite, Juninho Pernambucano, and Jair Rosa Pinto, who also surpassed 70 free-kick goals.

The historic list features massive names: Roberto Dinamite with 73 free-kick goals, Juninho Pernambucano with 72, Marcos Assuncao with 68, Sinisa Mihajlovic with 67, and Jorge Aravena with 65.

However, throughout this season, Messi has surpassed them during a campaign filled with free-kick goals, making it a regular expectation whenever Inter Miami play. It appears to be the best phase of his career — or one of the best — in this specific skill.

Messi’s race to 1,000 goals

Beyond his pursuit of Marcelinho Carioca, Messi also reached an incredible milestone with his goal against San Diego, hitting 930 total official goals in his career.

That total is currently the second-highest in soccer history, trailing only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who is also chasing 1,000 goals with 979 strikes to date.

Key takeaways

• 75 career free-kick goals were reached by Lionel Messi against San Diego FC.
• 78 free-kick goals make Marcelinho Carioca the all-time leader in soccer history.
• 930 total official goals trail only Cristiano Ronaldo’s 979 career strikes.

Dart had to be helped off the field after getting pummeled by the Rams in the first quarter. He was ruled out for the rest of the game. The 23-year-old Dart went 3-of-5 for 20 yards against the Rams.

While Schoen’s comment did not exactly provide a timeline or clarify the severity of the young signal-caller’s knee injury, it was good to hear a positive comment. In the offseason, the Giants emphasized the need to protect Dart, including urging him to avoid absorbing heavy contact. Dart, who was a regular customer of the blue tent in his rookie year, recently admitted that he is still unlearning his old habits so he can stay on the field.

A return Dart was eager to see

He had a remarkable performance in their 28-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. He went 23-of-29 for 230 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Before facing the Rams, Dart admitted that he was curious to see Rams defensive end Aaron Donald back in action.

It is a calming message after Dart limped off the field in the first quarter following a hit from both ends by Rams defenders Byron Young and Josiah Stewart. Jameis Winston took over for Dart under center as the Giants work without a backup plan, with third-stringer Jake Haener on the practice squad.

He is not as good as Dart, and the Giants’ NFL season will be sunk if the second-year signal-caller is out for a long time. The Giants would still be in major trouble if Dart only needs a handful of weeks to get back, but that would obviously still beat the worst-case scenario.

Dart protecting himself from big hits and concussions has been a constant story. This, though, was a hit from the pocket, after which his left knee appeared to bend awkwardly.

Key takeaways

• “He’s going to be OK” was stated by GM Joe Schoen regarding Jaxson Dart.
• Three touchdown passes were thrown during a 230-yard performance in Week 1.
• Jameis Winston took over under center following the first-quarter hit.

Finally, Nabers returned to the field, put his helmet on, and ran back out onto the field. He is officially back in action, though close attention will remain on his status in case he continues to deal with shoulder pain.

Nabers’ return is massive, but the Giants must start considering their wide receiver depth chart and backups, knowing that one of their starters could suffer a damaging injury. As a result, New York will remain watchful while also anticipating the involvement of Odell Beckham.

How Nabers suffered the hit

Malik tried to make a contested catch while being covered by Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie. Immediately after the play, Nabers put his left hand over the area between his bicep and shoulder.

It is worth remembering that Nabers returned to action in Week 1 after suffering a torn ACL in his knee last September. It was uncertain whether he would play in the opener until pregame warmups. He caught six passes for 69 yards against the Cowboys. He had one catch for one yard against the Rams before his return for the Giants.

It has been a difficult start to Week 2 for Harbaugh, considering the injury alongside the status of Dart, who suffered a hit to his knee following a heavy collision.

The Giants’ offense, of course, is largely built around Dart, the second-year quarterback, and Nabers, the third-year wide receiver. They played less than half a game together in the 2025 NFL season. For the moment, they still struggle to establish that continuity.

Key takeaways

• Malik Nabers returned to the game following an evaluation for a shoulder injury.
• Six catches for 69 yards were logged in Week 1 after ACL recovery.
• Jaxson Dart exited to the locker room after taking a hit to his knee.

The last time Aaron Donald stepped on an NFL field was over two-and-a-half years ago. Donald’s final regular-season appearance before retirement came against these same Giants on Dec. 31, 2023. On New Year’s Eve in New York, Donald recorded five tackles and two sacks as the Rams escaped with a 26-25 victory.

His final game overall came two weeks later on Jan. 14, 2024, when the Rams lost 24-23 to the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card round. His previous appearance before the home crowd at SoFi Stadium came Dec. 21, 2023, in a 30-22 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Monday falls on the 21st as well — exactly two years and nine months, or 1,005 days, later.

Donald and his return with the Rams

Donald is now active for the matchup, where his participation is expected. Donald slowly deliberated over a return, with the Rams providing sporadic updates as he went through the motions of figuring out whether he was ready to play in the NFL again. The answer finally came on Aug. 30, with Donald signing a one-year, $20 million deal to play for the Rams again.

That return came too late for Donald to play in the Rams’ NFL season opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, a 27-7 blowout loss. That also represented Donald’s first chance to play alongside Myles Garrett, who was invisible in Week 1 before undergoing knee surgery.

Even with an extended layoff, expectations will be high for Donald, just as they have been for the entire Rams team that entered this season as a Super Bowl favorite. At 35 years old, Donald might occupy a different role than the one he had in his prime, but one thing is certain: it will be worth watching.

Where do the Rams need Donald?

Donald is 35 and has not played a meaningful snap in nearly 1,000 days. The team would be foolish to expect 60 snaps of vintage Donald immediately, and Donald has already acknowledged he will tap out when necessary rather than pretend retirement somehow turned back the hands of time. However, the Rams do not need the old Aaron Donald for 60 snaps. They need Aaron Donald on crucial snaps.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Donald returns after signing a one-year, $20 million deal on August 30.
• 1,005 days have elapsed since the veteran’s final playoff appearance on January 14, 2024.
• Five tackles and two sacks were recorded during the prior matchup against New York.

The safest answer is yes — Beckham will be available and ready to play on Monday Night Football after being left off the Week 2 injury report. During Week 1, Odell Beckham made his official return to the Giants, playing a game for the team for the first time since 2018.

Now set for his second game back with the franchise, Beckham is far from the same player he was when he left the team. He saw a reduced role that led to him finishing the game without a reception. Still, the Giants face a tough matchup against the Rams, who will be without Myles Garrett.

Beckham’s tenure with the Rams

While Beckham played in only 12 total games for the Rams, his tenure is fondly remembered because it resulted in a Super Bowl win. After the Giants traded Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns, the wide receiver failed to have the same level of impact he previously had in New York.

His tenure with Cleveland was marked by injuries and a lack of chemistry with Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. Eventually, the Browns released the Pro Bowl wide receiver, leading to his signing with the Rams halfway through the 2021 NFL season.

With the Rams, Beckham Jr. appeared to be returning to his Giants form, catching seven touchdowns in 12 games. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Rams came to a devastating end when Beckham Jr. suffered a torn ACL during the Super Bowl. In the NFC Championship, Beckham finished with 112 receiving yards.

Today, Beckham faces another test against a former team he knows very well. Meanwhile, the Rams have listed Puka Nacua as unavailable — one of Sean McVay’s fundamental pieces — along with the potential and highly anticipated return of Aaron Donald.

Key takeaways

• Odell Beckham Jr. is available after being left off the Week 2 injury report.
• Zero receptions were recorded by the wide receiver during his Week 1 return.
• Puka Nacua is unavailable regarding his playing status for the Rams.

Garrett will not play against the Giants today because he has been placed on injured reserve following knee surgery. The 30-year-old went under the knife after the Rams‘ season opener and was subsequently moved to injured reserve. The transaction means he will miss at least four games, although the team has not established a firm timetable for his return.

Head coach Sean McVay has since maintained that the team will not rush the veteran pass rusher back and wants to evaluate his recovery before setting a definitive return date. At least the Rams enter the game against the Giants with Matthew Stafford at quarterback.

More bad news for the Rams

Receiver Puka Nacua appeared on the injury report with a hip issue. According to a Sunday report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Nacua’s status is trending unfavorably ahead of Monday night’s game against the Giants, which would mark two major absences for the Rams.

Thus, in under two weeks, the Rams lost their season opener — with virtually every player underperforming — then lost arguably the NFL’s best defensive player for a stretch, and could now be without one of the league’s top offensive players against the Giants.

The Rams have already watched the Seahawks and 49ers start 2-0 in the NFC West. Falling to 0-2 in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions would put them in an early, unexpected bind. However, with two top NFL players out and a Giants squad that showed major improvement in its debut, that outcome is a distinct possibility for the Rams early in what was supposed to be a championship season.

Garrett, a key offseason acquisition

The timing of the injury is especially significant, as Garrett was one of the Rams’ most important offseason signings. Los Angeles acquired the standout pass rusher from the Cleveland Browns with expectations that he would become a cornerstone of its defensive line and significantly boost its pass rush.

However, Garrett’s knee issues had already impacted his preparation during training camp. Despite dealing with the discomfort, he played in the season opener against the 49ers, though his performance was limited as Los Angeles struggled throughout the match.

Key takeaways

• Myles Garrett was placed on injured reserve following knee surgery after the season opener.
• The Rams won’t count on Garrett against the Giants on Monday Night Football.
• Garrett will miss at least four games, without a set return timetable.

After the game, Burrow expressed optimism reminiscent of a championship run, saying, “It feels like early on in 2021,” while praising the Bengals’ defense for completely shutting down the Texans, as noted by Cole McIntire on X.

In 2021, the Bengals reached the Super Bowl for the first time since 1988, ultimately losing 23-20 to the Los Angeles Rams. That game was decided when Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with wide receiver Cooper Kupp for a go-ahead touchdown with 85 seconds remaining, followed by a decisive late sack of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow by Aaron Donald.

How the defense supported Burrow

The defense’s elite effort allowed Cincinnati to control the game from start to finish, validating Burrow‘s confidence despite medical concerns that lingered throughout the week.

Pre-game, any doubts about his condition were put to rest when Burrow reached out directly to national media and clarified his status in a text exchange with NFL insider Jay Glazer, stating that he was “Totally good” and dismissing the injury rumors as exaggerated.

With his back injury clearly behind him, Burrow’s commanding presence, alongside the defense’s exceptional performance, has generated excitement among Bengals fans. As Cincinnati builds on this significant win, memories of the 2021 season suggest that the roster is focused and ready for a special run.

Burrow’s performance

The defense has led both victories, which is far from the norm over the last five years. The Bengals have the chance to start 3-0 for the first time since the 2015 NFL season.

Burrow has not been dominant, but he has not been bad either, candidly admitting after Sunday’s game that he played “incredibly average” and has plenty of room to grow after two weeks. He threw for 207 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans on Sunday, with both scoring passes going to Ja’Marr Chase.

The Bengals will travel for their first division game of the season next Sunday to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are currently 1-1 after falling 20-3 to the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Early in the match, San Diego stunned Nu Stadium. Following a defensive lapse, Anders Dreyer slipped past the defense and charged toward the goalkeeper. The visitors’ Danish No. 10 delivered a clinical finish to open the scoring at 1-0 in the 12th minute.

Inter Miami went into halftime tied thanks to the free kick from Lionel Messi, which marked his 101st goal for the club. After reaching 100 goals with Inter Miami during their Campeones Cup victory against Cruz Azul, the Herons’ No. 10 continues to build on his stat sheet.

Messi’s season so far

Messi has recorded 20 goals in the 2026 MLS season for Inter Miami. The Argentine star leads the league in scoring, maintaining a dominant pace during the regular season ahead of the year’s decisive challenges.

The captain maintains a decisive presence in the Herons’ attack. His influence extends beyond scoring, as he has logged 11 assists in 22 matches played during the tournament, consolidating his role as the cornerstone of the Florida franchise.

Messi‘s regular-season performance keeps the Miami squad in contention for top spots in the Eastern Conference. Highlighted by memorable outings, including a four-goal performance against CF Montreal, the South American forward continues to display complete dominance in front of the net.

Now Inter Miami will look to finish the season on a strong note, aiming to enter the postseason as a solid contender in pursuit of winning the MLS title, while Messi inches closer to the 1,000-goal mark, sitting just 70 goals away.

Basically, the Chiefs decided to move on from Pacheco as their primary back, allowing him to explore free agency. Kansas City ended up signing running back Kenneth Walker III to a lucrative three-year deal, boosting the position with the Super Bowl LX MVP.

The move came as the Chiefs revamped their running game to feature more power running. This shift is in part designed to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes after he comes back from his season-ending knee injury, as Mahomes will almost certainly be far less mobile, especially initially. Pacheco, who suffered a fractured fibula in 2024, couldn’t do much in 2025 with 118 carries for 462 yards and one touchdown in a year where the Chiefs missed the playoffs.

The Lions still saw him as a reasonable free agency option to replace David Montgomery, who was traded to the Houston Texans. Pacheco joined Detroit to become the number-two back behind Jahmyr Gibbs, while also representing insurance protection in case Gibbs got injured.

Isiah Pacheco’s current status

The move turned out to be favorable for the Chiefs, as Pacheco is currently injured after underdoing back surgery, and his status for the rest of the 2026 season remains in question. There is a chance that Pacheco could return in December, but it would be unwise to rely on any consistent contributions from the injury-prone star.

Pacheco‘s trajectory has experienced frustrating low points that explain why the Chiefs ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing production over the past two seasons.

There was a time when the former seventh-round pick appeared to be a long-term solution beyond a single season; however, injuries took a toll and forced Kareem Hunt to become Kansas City’s most reliable running back last season.

For Pacheco, it is sad to see the back continuing to struggle at this level. Having suffered so many setbacks and remaining unable to consistently deliver leaves reason to wonder how many more opportunities await him.

Week 1 was a positive sample for the Chiefs without Pacheco

For the first time in three years, the Chiefs boast a ground game capable of taking pressure off Mahomes, spearheaded by Kenneth Walker following an outstanding debut that brings balance to make Kansas City’s offense a lethal weapon.

Walker lived up to the hype in his first game as a Chief, recording 23 carries for 173 yards and a rushing touchdown along with three catches and 18 yards for a receiving TD, leading the team’s 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.

Pacheco has yet to make his Lions debut as he recovers from injury. It is a familiar scenario for Chiefs fans, who understand the frustration of being unable to depend on Pacheco during an NFL season.

Porto opened the scoring through Gabri Veiga before Benfica equalized with Alexander Bah’s header. However, the hosts quickly regained the lead through Froholdt and then extended their advantage with Hwang In-beom, putting the match firmly in their control.

Benfica tried to avoid further damage, while Porto remained composed with their numerical advantage and two-goal lead. Porto ultimately secured a convincing 3-1 victory to take all three points from the clash.

Chivas controlled much of the first half and built a two-goal advantage with a strong attacking display. America struggled to create clear chances early on, but pushed their lines higher after the break and eventually found a way back into the game.

Borja sparked the comeback with a spectacular bicycle kick before completing his brace moments later to make it 2-2. Both sides continued to battle for the winning goal, but neither could find a decisive finish as the Clasico Nacional ended in a thrilling draw.

According to the league office’s weekly release, Chiefs running back Walker III was fined $8,357 for throwing the football into the stands during the Week 1 victory over the Denver Broncos. The infraction violates the NFL Sportsmanship policy, and a second fine would be $14,328. Walker addressed the fine on a recent TikTok, providing an immediate caption.

“After I scored the other night, I threw the ball into the crowd. It cost me an $8K fine, but this man’s memory is priceless,” Walker wrote. “Shout out to unc.” Along with his statement, Walker shared an image of the fan holding the football with a big smile, signaling that he does not regret his actions.

Fines in the NFL

Player infractions may come to the NFL’s attention in several ways. The league may respond to an official’s call during a game or to a specific play that a team submits for review. The NFL Officiating Department also reviews every play from every game and refers potential violations to the Football Operations compliance team.

@thekennethwalker

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Walker was not the only player fined from Monday’s game. Chiefs right guard Trey Smith was fined $6,750 for a chop block in the fourth quarter. Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton was fined $11,941 for a late hit in the fourth quarter.

That is how Walker’s fine came about following a league review, though there is arguably a lack of recognition of the context and situation. Nevertheless, the reigning Super Bowl MVP earned the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award.

Walker led the league with 191 scrimmage yards — 173 rushing and 18 receiving — in Week 1 and scored two touchdowns. He became one of six running backs in NFL history to tally at least 190 scrimmage yards, one rushing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown in a Week 1 game.

Guillermo Almada’s side has an opportunity to snap its recent winless streak against Chivas, having failed to win recent meetings and showing a level of play that raises questions, particularly defensively.

For their part, the Red and Whites look to extend their archrival’s poor run of form and defeat them on their home pitch, which would deal a blow to local pride and put pressure on Almada’s project.

America’s confirmed lineup

For America, Guillermo Almada will be unable to count on Kevin Alvarez due to physical discomfort, which could further complicate the squad’s defensive options.

America confirmed lineup: Rodolfo Cota; Emilio Lara, Miguel Vazquez, Dagoberto Espinoza, Cristian Borja; Israel Reyes, Alan Cervantes, Raphael Veiga, Alejandro Zendejas; Brian Rodriguez, Henry Martin.

Chivas confirmed lineup

Chivas will have Carlos Alvarez, Santiago Bueno, and Santiago Ramos available, as the recently acquired additions have prepared to adapt to the high altitude of CDMX and integrate with their new teammates.

Chivas expected starting XI: Raul Rangel; Daniel Aguirre, Diego Campillo, Luis Romo; Roberto Alvarado, Omar Govea, Fernando Gonzalez, Richard Ledezma, Bryan Gonzalez; Santiago Sandoval and Ricardo Marin.

LaFleur and Stenavich were not aligned regarding whether tight end Tucker Kraft was available for short-yardage sneaks, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. “Yesterday Matt LaFleur said the Tucker Kraft sneak wasn’t off the table because it was his first game back from the ACL,” Schneidman wrote on X. “Adam Stenavich just said it was off the table because of that. Stenavich said ideally the Kraft sneak is the play there.”

The Packers turned a 12-point lead into a 17-point loss, allowing 29 consecutive points in the second half of their 39-22 defeat against their NFC North rivals, who played without starting quarterback Kyler Murray.

Where LaFleur and Stenavich were out of sync

The collapse began early in the fourth quarter when head coach Matt LaFleur decided to pass on a field goal – following a Vikings penalty – to go for it on fourth-and-1 deep in Minnesota territory.

The kick would have given the Packers a three-point lead. Instead, a short-yardage rush attempt by quarterback Jordan Love was stopped, and the Vikings capitalized on the momentum shift to take control of the game. The Packers like to use tight end Tucker Kraft as a quarterback in QB sneak situations, but they opted against it in the standout pass-catcher’s first game back from a torn ACL.

In recent years, it has become common for teams to utilize their tight ends in QB sneak situations, and that appears to be the plan in Green Bay once the Packers feel comfortable using Kraft following his injury. Doing so on Sunday might have been enough to prevent the Vikings’ comeback and secure an NFL Week 1 victory.

The Packers will have to get back on track with a Week 2 clash against the New York Jets, who are surprisingly off to a 1-0 start after taking down the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The team will look to bounce back from the poor start while awaiting Kyler Murray’s return.

Speaking with reporters following the game, Walker made sure to credit his teammates. “It means a lot, but first off, you have to give credit to the offensive line – they did a great job tonight of making mine and Emmett’s (Johnson) job much easier to go out there and run the ball,” Walker said. “Tight ends and our receivers as well. It means a lot. We have to keep stacking everything that we’ve started.”

“It means a lot. It means they trust me. It’s good to feel that way,” Walker added. “When we first came out, we got the fourth down, and we still ran the ball – they trust the run game and trust what we can do; we just want to keep stacking on that.”

Walker’s performance

Walker expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to serve as an all-around back — capable of playing in any game situation — while logging 26 touches in his Chiefs debut. He specifically sought this role during free agency after sharing backfield duties during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.

The reigning Super Bowl MVP finished with an impressive 173 rushing yards on 23 carries and a touchdown, while adding three receptions for 18 yards and another score. Additionally, he formed a key duo with Patrick Mahomes, who showed complete trust in him.

To put it in perspective, Walker III accumulated more rushing yards than any other player in Week 1. For Walker, the performance surpassed everything he achieved during his four years with the Seahawks. His previous career high dated back to his rookie season, when he ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-23 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Now that Walker is reaching new heights with the Chiefs, it leaves open the question of whether the Seahawks made a mistake by not bringing him back after he won the Super Bowl MVP award for the 2026 NFL season.

Green enters his 15th NBA season with the franchise at 36 years old, placing him at the center of Golden State’s plans to transform the squad compared to last year. “This is going to be an interesting year, a transition year of sorts. And we’re going to do some things differently,” Kerr recently said regarding Green during an appearance on the Tom Tolbert Show.

“He and Steph obviously have this great rapport. We’re not going to take away from that, but he’s going to have to adapt a little bit, and it’s probably going to be a little frustrating at times. So, I’m going to need his patience, too. I’m going to just say that publicly because now, in reverse, he will read that or hear that and know that privately, that’s really what I’m telling him.”

Green remains just as important

Green will always serve as an emotional and vocal leader for the Warriors. His drive and passion have propelled the organization to conquer four championships over the past decade, and Kerr is the first to admit that without Draymond, the Warriors would not be who they are today.

“I will say forever — we don’t have a single championship without him,” Kerr said. “The guy is that impactful on winning.” Green is back with the Warriors on a new one-year, $27.6 million contract after initially opting out of his player option for the same amount.

How Kerr plans to utilize Green

While everyone agrees that Green remains a vital part of the team’s chances at success, his decision-making on the floor needs to improve. That is precisely where Kerr will look for a new version of the veteran forward.

“We have to cut back on the turnovers. I want him shooting the three, and when he’s open when he shoots the three, he may not be a super high percentage shooter, but possessions are good for us when he shoots because, number one, it’s worth three. Number two, we get offensive rebounds. Number three, there’s a flow to the game that has to happen that someone’s open, and they shoot it,” Kerr explained.

“He knows there’s going to be some changes, and he’s always going to be himself. There’s going to be good and bad that comes with that, and we’re okay with that.”

Now, George has given an update on his health as the new season quickly approaches. “I feel great again. I feel like I’ve turned a corner of dealing with injuries, and now kind of reestablishing myself and from a physical standpoint again,” said George, per John Kalaris of Locked on Celtics on X.

George has dealt with several injury setbacks over the last few years, dating back to his time with the Los Angeles Clippers. While he clearly has lost a step athletically even when fully healthy, Boston will still hope that he is able to stay on the floor as often as possible this year as he enters his late 30s.

What is expected of George

Although George has not shown his maximum potential in recent years due to injuries, a healthy version of the veteran forward can become one of the best players in the league, potentially offering even more than Brown provided for the Celtics.

George by and large outplayed Brown during the matchup between the Celtics and 76ers in the playoffs this past spring, knocking down a barrage of tough jumpers as Philadelphia battled back from a 3-1 deficit, and also providing some of his usual stout perimeter defense.

He remains an excellent perimeter defender, a high-level secondary playmaker, and one of the most efficient catch-and-shoot threats in the NBA. His ability to space the floor should fit seamlessly alongside Tatum, creating driving lanes and offensive flexibility that few teams can match.

The Celtics envision a version of George who plays more than 60 games, shoots over 40 percent from three-point range, and provides another experienced postseason option alongside Tatum.

Lionel Scaloni and the AFA released their roster for the triple-header, where the biggest surprise was the inclusion of Messi after he had previously decided to retire from international soccer following the World Cup.

The reasoning behind the decision is simple: a proper home farewell fit for a player widely regarded as the greatest in history, giving fans the chance to shower him with affection in person. All three matches will be played in Argentina, kicking off Sept. 30 against Bolivia, followed by an Oct. 3 clash against Burkina Faso, and concluding Oct. 6 against Benin.

Where will Messi’s final matches take place?

Argentina face Bolivia at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba, followed by a fixture against Burkina Faso and a clash against Benin, with the latter two hosted at Monumental Stadium. That final match could carry special significance with the presence of Lionel Messi, as it would mark one of his final appearances in an Argentina jersey.

La Albiceleste must also navigate these fixtures with roster absences tied to disciplinary rulings. Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada received suspensions following the World Cup final, though AFA secured authorization for them to serve those bans during Class A friendlies or official matches.

As a result, the October FIFA window will serve not only to help shape the squad that looks toward the 2030 World Cup, but also to define who will headline a new era for the soccer national team.

Will Messi play in all three matches?

AFA clarified that Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso will join the squad solely to participate in the final friendly on Oct. 6 against Benin. On Friday, Sept. 18, the domestic league players selected by Lionel Scaloni for the triple-header will be announced.

Harbaugh is enjoying coaching those young stars and remaining active in his interactions. He even tackled Nabers during the team’s walkthroughs and explained his side of the story to reporters. “It just kind of evolved into an opportunity to tackle. I couldn’t pass it up, I guess … I have done that before, so it wasn’t a first,” Harbaugh said.

Following a long tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, Harbaugh began the next chapter of his head coaching career by joining the Giants. He looks to get the franchise back to serious playoff contention, having seen New York struggle throughout the past decade. Nabers will serve as a key piece who puts the rest of the league on notice regarding the team’s intentions.

Solid performance from the Giants and Harbaugh

John Harbaugh‘s era with the Giants has started on the right foot, opening the year with a 1-0 record after defeating the Cowboys. New York did not slow down on offense, scoring a touchdown in each of the four quarters. Dallas’ mistakes, especially on defense, paved the way for the home team to log a comfortable victory in front of their fans.

Jaxson Dart delivered an incredible performance in the NFL season opener. He completed 23 of 29 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 11 carries for 54 yards on the ground, proving how vital he will be for the team.

Cam Skattebo enjoyed a solid night in the running game, recording 18 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown. Isaiah Likely led the receiving corps with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns, while Malik Nabers hauled in six passes for 69 yards. Meanwhile, Devin Singletary logged four receptions for 22 yards and a touchdown.

The Giants are already focusing on their next matchup, which will take place on the road. They will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2, with kickoff scheduled for Sept. 21. It will be a tough test, but New York enters motivated following the Rams’ defeat against the 49ers.

There is no official statement from Cruise himself revealing his loyalties. However, during an appearance on the ManningCast, host Jimmy Kimmel revealed that the actor is actually a huge fan of the New York Giants. Kimmel noted that even during Cruise’s busy schedule, he requests an edited version of games to watch them in 25 minutes so he does not miss any of the action.

The appearance makes for a curious sight. Given that he is not known to be a Chiefs fan and does not typically attend these games, seeing him at this specific matchup raises plenty of excitement and intrigue among fans.

Why is Tom Cruise at the Chiefs game?

And it does not end there. Cruise was spotted alongside Taylor Swift, who is attending the game in support of Travis Kelce, sipping a drink next to the actor. The invitation likely stemmed from her recent wedding held at Madison Square Garden.

Why Cruise is at the game is not entirely clear. The actor is, however, a longtime sports fan, and he was part of Fox’s Super Bowl 59 broadcast when he took part in an introductory video before the Chiefs faced the Eagles two seasons ago. While Cruise is not known to live near Kansas City, the opportunity to watch one of the week’s most anticipated games next to a global superstar is tough to pass up.

Cruise has always maintained ties to sports, and many likely recall his previous appearance at a major sporting event, where he was on hand for soccer, participating in the pre-match ceremony at the 2026 World Cup final.

Is Tom Cruise a Chiefs follower?

Cruise is not known to be a Chiefs fan. As previously noted, he is a Giants fan. Cruise was born in upstate New York and attended high school in New Jersey, making that allegiance understandable.

If Cruise is indeed a Giants fan, he likely feels optimistic following Week 1. However, as Swift’s guest in her suite at Arrowhead Stadium, he may have to root for the Chiefs, at least for one night.

After the significant setback, head coach Sean McVay addressed the media regarding the timeline for Garrett’s recovery. According to Nate Atkins on X, McVay stated that he is uncertain about how long Garrett will be out following his knee surgery, though it is confirmed that Garrett will miss at least four games while on injured reserve.

Further explaining the decision to hold back on a definitive recovery timeline, Stu Jackson reported on X that McVay wants to wait until he has all the post-surgery information before providing a clearer estimate.

What happened to Garrett?

Prominent edge rusher Myles Garrett began experiencing knee discomfort and swelling during training camp, which forced him to miss most of the team’s practice sessions in the weeks leading up to the season opener. However, Garrett failed to register a single tackle and looked well below his usual standard during Friday’s embarrassing loss to the 49ers in Australia.

The 30-year-old Garrett will miss next Monday’s home game against the New York Giants, road matchups against Denver and Philadelphia, and a home contest against the Buffalo Bills before becoming eligible to return. McVay offered no estimated timeline for his return.

“It’s all contingent on how do things go [Monday],” McVay said. “But I think it would be unfair to him, without having the totality of all the information, to put any sort of timeline on it.”

The decision made by Garrett

Garrett, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, played only 40 of 65 snaps against the 49ers. McVay said the decision to pursue surgery was made after consulting with Garrett immediately after the game.

“We thought we were doing the right thing,” McVay said of the Rams’ attempt to manage the situation. “In hindsight, you’ll always be able to learn from it. I’ll never hang onto whether you want to say it was a mistake or just different things to be able to kind of change course.”

With Garrett out, the Rams could use a spark for a defense that allowed three touchdown passes and 174 rushing yards against the 49ers. The 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals all won their openers, putting the Rams in last place in the NFC West. While it remains early in the season, the road to a spot in Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium suddenly appears more challenging.

Detroit News Lions beat writer Nolan Bianchi delivered the update Monday on social media platform X. “Coach Dan Campbell says RB Isiah Pacheco (back) had surgery. Said he’s going to be out ‘a significant amount of time,’“ Bianchi posted.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport added more details regarding Pacheco’s setback on X. “Isiah Pacheco had surgery to remove a body that was pressing on a nerve in his back, source said,” Rapoport posted. “It’s a 12-week recovery, with a chance he’s back by early December. Originally, Pacheco had an MCL injury, then hurt his back while training.”

An unfortunate situation for Pacheco

Pacheco was already slated to miss Detroit‘s first four games after being placed on the injured reserve list with a designation to return on Sept. 1 while dealing with an MCL sprain and a back injury, both of which he suffered during training camp.

The Lions added Pacheco this offseason as a free agent to pair with star running back Jahmyr Gibbs after trading veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. He spent his first four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won two Super Bowl titles.

When he has been on the field, he has produced 2,537 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 51 games (42 starts). Pacheco has also been an effective receiver with 88 catches for 554 yards (6.3 per reception) and three touchdowns.

Who will step up in Pacheco’s absence?

With Pacheco out, the Lions offense will need to lean on Jahmyr Gibbs even more than they already do. Former fourth-round pick Sione Vaki also takes on a more significant role.

Gibbs delivered a solid NFL Week 1 performance, going for 156 yards and two touchdowns on his 29 carries in an overtime victory over the Saints. Vaki had two carries for seven yards and struggled as a blocker.