The postgame of New York‘s fine-margin, too-close-for-comfort triumph over Tennessee was very revealing. On the one hand, John Harbaugh confirmed Jameis Winston’s Week 4 decision after the ugly win. On the other hand, Skattebo had a bold reminder for his former head coach, Daboll, who returned to MetLife Stadium as offensive coordinator for the Titans.

“That was a great win. A year ago, we lose that game 100 per cent. This year we were able to pull through,” Skattebo said during his postgame media availability, via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.

Although Skattebo didn’t directly name Daboll, he may not have needed to do so. The fact that he voiced such a statement after facing former head coach Daboll, and that he wasn’t the only Giants player to say something along those lines, may have given away everything there was to know about the real intentions behind the message.

Other Giants agree with Skattebo

Skattebo wasn’t alone in pointing out just how much this Giants team has matured since the disappointing 2025 NFL season, in which Daboll was fired after a 2-8 start and replaced by interim head coach Mike Kafka.

“We lose that game last year. No question. There’s no debate. We lose that game. But we didn’t,” Jermaine Eluemunor said postgame, according to Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com.

Whether the players in East Rutherford believe John Harbaugh’s culture-changing arrival deserves credit or Daboll’s tenure deserves to be blamed, it doesn’t matter. What’s clear is that the mood has all changed in New York, and the G-Men are happy they’ve left the losing-culture days behind.

Another rough outing for Daboll and the Titans

In what was yet another head-scratching performance from former first overall pick quarterback Cam Ward, the Titans couldn’t get much done during their visit to the rainy Meadowlands. Just when the offense could get some heat under its tires and reach the red zone, Tennessee stalled.

If it wasn’t for (another former Giant) Wan’Dale Robinson’s touchdown grab, the Titans could’ve been blanked by New York. Needless to say, the sophomore quarterback must bear a big percentage of the blame, but OC Daboll isn’t off the hook whatsoever.

The Titans walked away from MetLife Stadium with a total of 262 yards (181 passing and 81 rushing) and their third loss in as many games in the 2026 NFL season. Tennessee has now lost five straight games going back to last year.

Still, the Titans’ last two losses were in one-possession, last-play-decided games against NFC East rivals. They were one better throw from Ward away from stealing an improbable win in New York. As much as the Giants are enjoying their victory lap around Daboll, the close encounter should serve as a reminder.

Key takeaways

• Cam Skattebo noted New York would have lost a game like this last year.
• Brian Daboll was replaced after a 2-8 start during the 2025 season.
• Tennessee fell to 0-3 in 2026 after generating 262 total yards against New York.

“Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb, per coach Todd Bowles,” as reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “MRI tomorrow. But likely to miss time.”

With Mayfield unable to finish the game against Minnesota for Tampa Bay, it was undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels who filled in under center for the Buccaneers. Because the Bucs have a two-man active quarterback room, that’s as far as their depth chart currently goes at the most important position in football.

• Baker Mayfield
• Jalon Daniels

A very avoidable injury

Of course, there’s no way of knowing when an injury will occur in the NFL. Still, Tampa Bay ran too many unnecessary risks on a single play, and it all came back to bite the Bucs in the worst way. Down four points with almost two minutes left in the fourth quarter and all three timeouts, the Bucs had no need to go for it on fourth down on the play that ended with Mayfield injured on the field.

Once the ball was snapped, Mayfield did his best, typical Maverick-style play-extending, keep-the-play-alive efforts, but it was all in vain. As much as he tried to make something out of nothing, it all backfired tremendously.

Mayfield was hit as he threw by Blake Cashman, with the quarterback’s right thumb clashing against the six-foot-one, 235-pound linebacker. As soon as the thumb hit Cashman, Mayfield knew something was wrong. He felt it, and his thumb was no longer pointing in the right direction.

Tampa Bay needs QB help

Now, Mayfield could miss time when his team needs him the most. If he is indeed sidelined, the Buccaneers will be knee-deep in trouble. As things stand, they don’t have another quarterback option other than UDFA rookie Daniels out of Kansas and practice-squad quarterback Easton Stick. If Mayfield is in for a long recovery timeline, expect the Buccaneers to go after a signal-caller available in free agency.

Key takeaways

• Baker Mayfield dislocated his right thumb and will undergo an MRI on Monday.
• Undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels came on in relief as the active backup quarterback.
• Tampa Bay fell to 0-3 to start the 2026 season following Mayfield’s injury.

“John Harbaugh expects Jameis Winston to be the starting QB next week, he says, regardless of what moves the Giants make,” as reported by Pat Leonard of NY Daily News Sports.

Although Winston’s performance was abysmal at times and the Giants needed a horrible throw from Cam Ward to be intercepted by safety Jevon Holland (three INTs in 2026) with seconds left in the fourth quarter to defeat the Titans, it seems Harbaugh has seen enough positive things from Winston to guarantee him the starting role when the Cardinals visit MetLife Stadium next weekend.

Winston’s performance against Titans

Coming off a deflating performance against the Los Angeles Rams on Week 2’s Monday Night Football, Giants fans expected Winston to look better against a much weaker Tennessee side and with a full week of preparation and a game plan suited to his abilities.

However—and although the inclement weather in the Northeast of the country didn’t help, either—Winston was in for another head-scratching outing against Robert Saleh’s Titans. Winston finished the day 14-for-22 passing for 118 yards and no touchdowns.

Winston didn’t throw a pick

The former first overall pick in 2015 had no turnovers, though, which is a positive and arguably the main thing New York needed. Against a team as desperate for wins, yet as clueless offensively as the Titans, the Giants couldn’t afford to hand the visitors any free possessions. Perhaps that was a reason why Harbaugh didn’t look too much into Winston’s otherwise poor outing.

With Dart out, at least for the remainder of the regular season, the Giants have made it clear they will address their quarterback room. A signing could happen in the coming days, with New York bringing in another quarterback to compete for the starting role in Dart’s absence.

Sticking with Winston is smart decision

For the time being, Winston won’t be benched, though. Not in Week 4, at least, as an incoming QB would only have a few days to learn the playbook and settle into New York’s offense. The G-Men still believe he is the safest bet in the short term.

If Winston still can’t find his footing as the weeks progress in the NFL season, and if New York starts falling behind in the standings, a change could be in order. For the time being, however, Harbaugh is in no hurry to make a change. At the end of the day, Winston led the Giants to a win in Week 3. What’s not broken needs no fixing appears to be the message coming out of East Rutherford.

It’s a double-edged sword, but until the Giants get cut, they will continue to roll the dice and live out the full Jameis Winston experience in the 2026 NFL campaign.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh all but named Jameis Winston as New York’s starting quarterback for Week 4.
• Winston threw for 118 yards and zero touchdowns on 14-of-22 passing against Tennessee.
• The Giants may bring in another quarterback to compete following Jaxson Dart’s season-ending injury.

“Bro 32 is not old still prime years lol,” Tyreek Hill replied to a fan commenting on his injury rehab on his X account.

Hill is often an active presence on social media, and more often than not, he drops bold comments while NFL games are going on Sunday. This time was no different, and Hill’s statement further bolsters the rumor mill around his return to action.

While reports indicate Hill is an “inevitable” target for the Chiefs, any contender is still in the race to sign Hill in free agency. If any franchise is wary of Hill’s age, the “Cheetah” made sure to put those concerns to rest with his latest post.

Injury concerns for Hill

While the suspicion around Hill’s age as he vies to make a comeback has some merit, the more logical concerns around Hill should be about his health. Hill is coming off a season-ending, career-threatening knee injury in 2025.

With speed and agility being Tyreek’s bread and butter, it’s reasonable to be wary of him in 2026, when neither of those attributes appears to be a given and a reinvented version of Hill would be untested in the NFL.

However, there’s only one way to find out just how much Hill has left in the tank, and it will take a bold team going after the Cheetah to discover that. For the time being, it’s clear Tyreek Hill is betting on himself and will stop at nothing to make sure the rest of the league notices him and his progress.

Key takeaways

• Free agent Tyreek Hill stated that age 32 is still considered a player’s prime.
• Reports list the Kansas City Chiefs as an inevitable target to sign him.
• He is recovering from a season-ending knee injury suffered during the 2025 season.

Fans and fantasy football owners were awaiting confirmation as Browers was listed as questionable after missing the first two weeks of the season, but the Raiders star is finally back.

A first-round pick in most fantasy football drafts and the best receiving option on the Raiders, there was a lot hanging in the balance as Las Vegas is still straddling the fence on whether Bowers will play.

Bowers’ stats in 2025

Last season, Bowers finished the campaign with a grand total of 64 receptions for 680 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. It was a downgrade from his record-breaking rookie year, but still not too shabby, either.

Although he missed five games in the 2025 NFL season with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and a bone bruise in his left knee, Bowers was still a force to be reckoned with last year.

Bowers is still widely rated as the best tight end in the NFL, and he won’t want to miss a second making his presence felt.

Key takeaways

• Brock Bowers is making his season debut against New Orleans.
• He is recovering from minor arthroscopic knee surgery to trim a left knee meniscus tear.
• Last season, he recorded 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns across 12 games.

When the starting lineups for Portugal vs Norway were confirmed, eyebrows were raised. The decision is entirely strategic, as there are no reports of an injury or setback for Ronaldo. Instead, manager Jesus is simply resting Ronaldo while trying new options up front.

With Portugal set to play a total of four games during the extended international break, Jorge Jesus has enough reasons to rest the 41-year-old star. Thus, the thought process behind Ronaldo’s role today could be load management. Jorge Jesus explained his decision and confirmed exactly that, admitting Ronaldo can’t start consecutive games in such a short period. Still, it’s shocking that he was rested in a pivotal matchup against Haaland and the Norwegian Vikings.

Although he won’t start in Matchday 2 between Portugal and Norway in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, Ronaldo could get another shot at the Vikings on Oct. 4, when the two sides meet again on Portuguese soil. Jesus has managed Ronaldo for a long time at Al Nassr, so he knows when the veteran could use a chance to catch his breath.

Who will replace Ronaldo in Portugal’s lineup?

With Ronaldo taking a seat on Portugal’s bench during the Lusos’ visit to Oslo, Jorge Jesus has moved Goncalo Ramos into the starting striker role against Norway.

The attacking trio for the Lusos will feature Joao Felix, who scored the game-winner against Wales, Francisco Conceicao, and Goncalo Ramos. Another notable absence from Portugal’s starting lineup is Vitinha, who is also resting amid an exhausting, rare four-match international break.

When are Ronaldo and Portugal playing next?

After taking on Norway on the road, Ronaldo and Portugal will have to face Denmark on Oct. 1 to close out the opening legs of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League Group D. On Oct. 4, Portugal will play their final game of the break at home against Norway.

• vs Denmark on Oct. 1
• vs Norway on Oct. 4

Key takeaways

• Jorge Jesus left Cristiano Ronaldo out of Portugal’s starting XI for tactical and load-management reasons.
• Goncalo Ramos replaces Ronaldo as the starting striker for the away match against Norway.
• Portugal will face Denmark on Oct. 1 in their next Nations League match.

Although Maracana Stadium’s field is 100 percent natural grass, per ESPN, the NFL has made changes to the pitch in hopes of improving its durability. Synthetic fiber stitching and grass repairs have been installed on the pitch, though only days before the Week 3 matchup between Baltimore and Dallas, adding another headache of its own to a playing field that has already been through a lot over the years.

The gardeners at Maracana Stadium certainly don’t need to be reminded about that. When the Ravens and Cowboys go head-to-head in Brazil’s Marvelous City, they might face a hurdle of its own, with the field raising eyebrows. Fans attending Week 3’s matchup between the Cowboys and Ravens may not care about that, though.

Grass struggles at Maracana

According to reports from ESPN, the staff in charge of the grass at Maracana Stadium were still mowing and trimming the playing field on Saturday, hours before kickoff between the Cowboys and Ravens.

The high grass has been a topic of discussion for weeks in Brazil. Home to two soccer clubs, Flamengo and Fluminense, the field is under duress, with barely any rest as the two sides mean there is at least one game played every week.

It happened before when the NFL hosted games in Brazil, with players constantly slipping when the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers played in Sao Paulo. Experts fear it might happen again at Maracana Stadium, as the high natural grass could disrupt Baltimore and Dallas’ habits. Whoever settles in better to the foreign conditions might just be the team that walks out of Rio de Janeiro victorious.

Baltimore might have the upper hand

According to Sporting News, the split between natural grass and turf fields in the NFL is exactly 50-50. The Ravens happen to be one of the franchises that play on a natural grass surface, while the Cowboys have artificial grass at AT&T Stadium. Perhaps that turns out to be a difference-maker as two evenly matched teams meet at a neutral site thousands of miles away from home.

Key takeaways

• The NFL installed synthetic fiber stitching to improve pitch durability at Maracana Stadium.
• Ground staff were trimming the grass hours before kickoff between Baltimore and Dallas.
• The Baltimore Ravens may hold an advantage playing on natural grass over the Cowboys.

Flowers was listed as questionable by the Ravens entering Sunday. After Baltimore held a pregame workout for its wideout, a decision has been made, and Flowers will play against Dallas at Maracana Stadium, which has hosted two FIFA World Cup finals and will finally host an NFL game in 2026.

“Ravens WR Zay Flowers is active today, though he likely will be limited in his usage,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported. Flowers’ active status is a bit surprising considering Adam Schefter believed Baltimore didn’t expect Flowers to be fit to play.

The field at Maracana Stadium, where the Ravens and Cowboys will be playing, is a topic on its own and might even affect Flowers in his return to action in Week 3. Not only is Flower coming back from injury in Brazil, but he will also have to prove himself on a pitch that has raised its fair share of eyebrows.

What happened to Flowers?

Zay Flowers’ hot start to the 2026 NFL season was stopped in its tracks by a hamstring injury in the first half of Week 1’s win over the Indianapolis Colts. He missed the entire second half and was sidelined in Week 2 when Baltimore lost in deflating fashion against the New Orleans Saints in Jesse Minter’s home debut at M&T Bank Stadium.

Prior to his injury, Flowers registered five receptions for 150 yards and one touchdown. That was only in one half of action. As he suits up against the Cowboys in Brazil, he could be in for another strong outing against a secondary that is still finding its footing.

Flowers changes Ravens’ gameplan

In Week 3, it won’t only be fantasy football owners who would’ve suffered from Flowers’ absence; the Ravens might have struggled even more without him. Flowers is the clear-cut top target for Lamar Jackson. As the Ravens and Cowboys enter uncharted territory in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, it’s clear Baltimore will hope to stick to its old reliable options. Having Flowers back, even if limited, is definitely an encouraging sign.

Although Flowers will be the main receiving option, fans may witness another strong outing from Rashod Bateman, who over his years in Charm City has shown Jackson he can be trusted, especially when all else fails.

Key takeaways

• Zay Flowers is active for Week 3 against Dallas, though likely on limited usage.
• He suffered a hamstring injury during the first half of Week 1 against Indianapolis.
• Rashod Bateman may see another strong outing if Baltimore limits its top target.

However, that’s been put into question, at least based on Contreras’ own admission as he ramps up his return to the plate. Contreras may still be active for the upcoming AL Wild Card Series, but whether it’s against the Yankees, Texas Rangers, or Houston Astros remains to be seen. Either way, Contreras might not be at 100 percent, or he may have to play through pain.

“Willson Contreras says he still can’t swing pain free and doesn’t expect to play [Friday against the Chicago Cubs],” Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reported on his X account.

What happened to Contreras?

Contreras has been out of—now locked in as long-term manager—Chad Tracy’s lineup since Sept. 17. During Boston’s 4-3 win over the Rangers in the series finale, Contreras was hit by a 90+ MPH fastball from pitcher Jakob Junis in the eighth inning.

Since then, he’s been unable to dress for the Red Sox and apparently is struggling to make much progress as he deals with lingering pain a week after the incident. Boston’s hope remains unchanged: that Contreras will be back for the MLB playoffs.

However, the team expected Contreras to play some games and find a rhythm before October. That no longer looks like a sure thing, and even if he does return, Contreras may not be fully healed, which is a risk in itself.

AL Playoff Bracket

The Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees are the only AL teams who have locked in their postseason seeds. Tampa Bay is the top seed (No. 1), while New York is the highest-seeded Wild Card team (No. 4).

As things stand, the Red Sox are one win away from securing the No. 5 seed, which would set up another Wild Card Series between New York and Boston at Yankee Stadium (Sept. 29-Oct. 1).

It would be the seventh all-time postseason series between the two storied MLB clubs and a tiebreaker, as they have each won three series.

Key takeaways

• Willson Contreras revealed he cannot swing pain-free prior to the upcoming postseason.
• He was sidelined after being hit by a 90+ MPH fastball on Sept. 17.
• Boston can secure the No. 5 seed with one more victory.

Though not necessarily in a negative way, heads turned when Judge challenged Boone and the Yankees’ Wild Card plan with an unexpected injury update. Just when everybody assumed Judge would be sidelined, and New York even tested Giancarlo Stanton with Judge ruled out, the star right fielder admitted he was planning to play in the AL Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium (Sept. 29-Oct. 1).

Judge’s latest statement appeared to be at odds with those made by Boone and the Yankees, leading to drama and suspicious looks around the Bronx. Before things could get out of control, the Yankees’ manager broke his silence and set the record straight.

“At the end of the day, we’re all in this together,” Boone stated, via Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. “In [Judge’s] case, we’re trying to get him right and get him healthy so he can be an option for us here at some point. We’re also going to listen to the injury. I see it as just a passionate player that’s doing all he can to get back for his teammates.”

Judge’s injury list designation

The Yankees placed Judge on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Sept. 17) with a right calf strain. That means Judge could only return for one game before the MLB postseason, on Sept. 27 at home against the Baltimore Orioles.

However, although the Yankees would like to give Judge time to find his footing, one game might make little difference. Moreover, if New York is already wary of dressing Judge for the AL Wild Card Series in the Bronx, it would have even less interest in risking a re-injury to Judge in a meaningless regular-season finale.

Yankees will have to make decision with Judge

Whatever decision Boone and his staff end up making, it won’t be because of Judge’s recent update, or so the Bronx Bombers’ manager made clear. There is no division inside the clubhouse or within the team.

The Yankees are sticking together. If all else fails, at least that’s reassuring for the fanbase heading into the 2026 MLB postseason.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Judge plans to play in the AL Wild Card Series despite injury concerns.
• Manager Aaron Boone stated the team is “all in this together” regarding his recovery.
• New York placed its star outfielder on the 10-day injured list with a calf strain.

Pearce Jr. is out for the game against the Packers on Thursday night as he is still serving an NFL-imposed suspension to start off the campaign. Pearce Jr. must serve an eight-game suspension after he violated the league’s personal conduct policy. During the offseason, the former first-round pick out of the University of Tennessee was arrested on domestic violence charges in February.

“Pearce was facing felony charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, as well as misdemeanor stalking. But, in May, Pearce entered into a pretrial intervention program,” as reported by ESPN. “If he stays out of legal trouble for one year, passes random drug tests and stays away from [ex-girlfriend and WNBA player] Rickea Jackson, the charges will be dropped.“

When could Pearce Jr. play again?

Although Pearce Jr. was allowed to play in preseason games and attend team activities, his eight-game suspension came into effect on Aug. 30. Pearce Jr. isn’t eligible to be reinstated until after Atlanta’s Week 8 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Nov. 2 is the first day Pearce Jr. may be back with the Falcons, and he could be activated for Week 9 (Nov. 8) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.

Falcons’ crowded injury room

To make matters worse for Stefanski and the Falcons in Wisconsin, Pearce Jr. won’t be the only absentee among the team’s pass rushers. Samson Ebukam has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, meaning Jared Ivey will have to fill in on the edge.

The Falcons currently have eight defensive players sidelined with injuries or suspensions: James Pearce Jr., Da’Shawn Hand, Anterio Thompson, Jalon Walker, Samson Ebukam, JD Bertrand, A.J. Terrell Jr., and Robert Longerbeam.

Coming into the game, sophomore cornerback Billy Bowman was questionable with an Achilles injury. However, he’s been declared active, giving Stefanski and Atlanta at least one positive note heading into the primetime standoff in Green Bay.

Key takeaways

• James Pearce Jr. is currently serving an eight-game league suspension for personal conduct.
• The edge rusher led Atlanta last season with 10.5 sacks during his rookie year.
• He becomes eligible for reinstatement starting on Nov. 2 ahead of Week 9.

Coming off an oblique injury that ruled him out for the first two weeks of the season, Tagovailoa is back healthy. However, he didn’t get Stefanski’s nod, as the head coach is instead trusting Penix Jr. to be the team’s starting quarterback in what’s set to be a tough, primetime showdown on the road against the Packers.

It may come as a surprise to many given Tagovailoa was on top of the depth chart to start the season, but that was because Penix was out dealing with soreness from his knee surgery. Because of his back injury before the start of the regular season, Tagovailoa couldn’t make the most of his opportunity and didn’t play a single snap while Penix was sidelined.

Atlanta always considered Penix Jr. its QB1 and only brought Tagovailoa over from the Miami Dolphins to be a reliable backup option on a veteran-minimum, one-year contract.

Tagovailoa’s contract year in 2026

Make no mistake, there are far worse second-string quarterbacks to have than Tagovailoa, but his injury-prone and inconsistent resume raises question marks about him being a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Once the 2026 NFL season comes to an end, Tagovailoa will become an unrestricted free agent, though he will still make roughly $52.785 million (paid by the Dolphins) this year. That’s a lot of money for a backup quarterback… playing for another franchise.

In more ways than one, it makes sense why Stefanski is choosing Penix Jr. over Tagovailoa for the primetime road game at Lambeau Field. Throughout his entire career, though often exaggerated, Tagovailoa has struggled in such conditions, especially when playing up North and in the elements.

Tagovailoa’s track record against Packers

Against the Packers and at Lambeau, those are two things in particular Tua has struggled with. He’s only played Green Bay twice in his NFL career, registering two losses and completing 53 of 71 passes (74.6%) for 675 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. On paper, those numbers may not look too bad combined, but separately, they were disastrous showings.

Tua played with the Dolphins at Lambeau on Thanksgiving 2024. Miami fell 30-17, and while the final score may not show it, it was an ugly night for Mike McDaniel’s offense.

Tagovailoa and company found themselves down 27-3 in the second half, and it was only late in the game that Tagovailoa connected for two touchdown passes and was able to camouflage what was an awful night in Green Bay. Atlanta has a different team than Miami did, but such outings may still linger in Stefanski’s head when choosing between Penix Jr. and Tagovailoa.

Key takeaways

• Head coach Kevin Stefanski named Michael Penix Jr. as Atlanta’s starting quarterback.
• Tua Tagovailoa missed the first two games of the season with an oblique injury.
• He will earn roughly $52.785 million this year paid by the Miami Dolphins.

The Falcons boast a No. 1 running back who really needs no introduction: Bijan Robinson. Entering a hostile environment, and even though Michael Penix Jr. will start for Atlanta, the visitors’ hopes may hinge on whether Robinson can make an impact early in the game and establish the ground game. With the talent out of Texas, it’s not so much about pounding the rock or physically imposing one’s will on the defense as it is about having him run unstoppably, breaking ankles left and right and exhausting defenders.

Although Bijan rarely gets tired, the Falcons have a backup option that might bamboozle a few fans and fantasy football owners: Brian Robinson Jr. While Bijan is the clear-cut RB1, Brian plays a big role, too. Trey Sermon would be the team’s third-string halfback, but he is currently on Injured Reserve (IR) with an ankle injury.

As for the Packers, their running back room has countless more question marks than that of the Falcons. Josh Jacobs is still not playing for Green Bay as he remains on the commissioner’s exempt list and awaits clarity on his suspension. Thus, the show is now being run by a three-man committee: MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Kaleb Johnson.

Who is Packers’ starting RB?

Although neither has been able to truly run away with the starting job so far, and while Jacobs is away from the team, MarShawn Lloyd is considered the RB1 on the Packers’ depth chart. So far, the stats back up the depth chart, too.

Lloyd, a third-year product out of USC, leads Green Bay’s running backs in carries (19) through the first two weeks of the 2026 NFL season. Lloyd is also first in rushing yards with 57.

However, Lloyd actually has the lowest yards-per-carry average (3.0), behind Johnson (4.0) and Brooks (3.6). The Packers have yet to score a touchdown on the ground, which only underlines the struggles Matt LaFleur’s team has gone through without Jacobs.

According to Footballguys.com, Brooks actually leads Green Bay in snaps played (65), which shows his value in pass protection. Lloyd is second with 46 snaps, but considering he’s rushed on 19 of them (41.3%), it’s plain to see LaFleur rates him as the best rushing option of the bunch, if not a reliable blocker or pass catcher.

Key takeaways

• Bijan Robinson serves as Atlanta’s lead running back ahead of backup Brian Robinson Jr.
• Green Bay relies on a three-man committee with starter Josh Jacobs currently unavailable.
• MarShawn Lloyd leads Packers running backs with 19 carries for 57 yards through two games.

Though the Packers are 1-1 in the 2026 NFL campaign, they’ve barely had reasons to celebrate. The overtime win over the New York Jets was nothing to pop champagne bottles over, and perhaps Jayden Reed’s positive injury update after his scary exit was the only bright note of an otherwise grim, in every sense, afternoon in the Big Apple. As many questions as there are around Green Bay, there are no questions under center, where $220 million Jordan Love will be QB1.

As for the Falcons, they were one of the worst teams in the league with Cooper Rush under center, as both Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa were sidelined with injuries. Perhaps the tide will begin to turn in Week 3. Tagovailoa won’t be starting for the Falcons, but they trust they made the right call giving Penix Jr. the nod. With Penix Jr. back as starting quarterback, perhaps Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts can have fun playing football again.

The game won’t be entirely on the quarterbacks’ hands, though, as both Atlanta and Green Bay’s running back depth charts will vie to leave their mark.

Backup QBs for Week 3 between Packers and Falcons

Carrying such an injury-prone quarterback into the 2026 NFL season, head coach Kevin Stefanski and the Falcons must keep their heads on a swivel. In Week 3 at Lambeau, the Falcons will go from having virtually no quarterback to having both starting candidates back healthy.

Penix Jr. will get the starting nod, but Tagovailoa, coming off a back injury, will be the backup quarterback, ready to fill in if need be. Needless to say, playing a nighttime game in Wisconsin, even if it’s not that cold yet, isn’t exactly Tua’s bread and butter.

As for the Packers, Love will have a reliable veteran solution serving as his backup in case of an emergency in the form of Tyrod Taylor. The Cheeseheads are the eighth team Taylor has played for in the NFL.

Emergency quarterback

Kevin Stefanski and Matt LaFleur will employ different strategies when it comes to the third, emergency quarterback. While the Packers are rocking with a two-man QB room on the active roster, the Falcons actually have four active signal-callers.

On Thursday night, Stefanski had to decide who would be ruled inactive and who would serve as Atlanta’s third, emergency QB between Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. In the end, Stefanski didn’t steer away from the depth chart and named Rush the emergency quarterback.

As the emergency quarterback, Rush can only take the field if something happens to both Penix Jr. and Tagovailoa. Green Bay, with no third-stringer, will have to improvise should it lose Love and Taylor on the same night.

Key takeaways

• Michael Penix Jr. will make his season debut as starting quarterback for Atlanta.
• The Packers will start $220 million quarterback Jordan Love for their home opener.
• Veteran backup Tua Tagovailoa returns from a back injury to Atlanta’s bench.

“No, [Beckham Jr. isn’t a backup plan in case somebody gets hurt]. He does a lot of good things well. We’re trying to slowly package him in some things offensively. It’s not that he is just a backup, we have him on the gameplan, we really just didn’t get to it,” Nagy admitted, via the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy.

Every fan in New York knew Odell’s return would be by fits and starts and progressive rather than an explosive, not-miss-a-single-beat comeback. Still, through two weeks of the NFL season, many expected to get a bigger taste of what Beckham Jr. can do on the Giants’ offense.

So far, it’s been as if he wasn’t there, and OBJ has been spotted way more often on the sidelines than on the gridiron. Odell’s on-the-field appearances are so rare through the first two weeks that fans across the NFL asked whether Beckham Jr. was playing for the Giants against the Los Angeles Rams.

Nagy voices a reminder for Beckham Jr.

Anything can happen, and the status quo might change at any given moment, though. That was exactly what Nagy reminded Beckham Jr. of, even if the team’s offensive coordinator believes Odell is already aware of it.

“You’ve got to be ready, [you’re] one injury away from being in all the time and [Odell Beckham Jr.] knows that, he understands,” Nagy concluded his answer on the lack of opportunities Beckham has had so far in 2026.

As New York has recently been reminded, and Beckham Jr. reacted to Jaxson Dart’s injury, such setbacks are a part of football, and no team in the NFL is exempt from them. Still, Giants fans sure hope Beckham Jr. can earn a bigger role and that it isn’t limited to an in-case-of-emergency situation, only arising when a player ahead of OBJ on the Giants’ WR depth chart goes down.

How many snaps has Odell Beckham Jr. played so far?

Through the first two weeks of the 2026 campaign, Beckham Jr. has only played a total of 14 snaps, per Footballguys.com. Odell played 11 snaps in Week 1’s home opener, a Sunday night showdown against the Dallas Cowboys, making up just 16% of the team’s offensive snaps.

In Week 2, again on national television but on a Monday night, the 28-6 loss to the Rams, Beckham Jr.’s snap count dropped to three, making up 5% of the team’s offensive snaps. Even with the unfortunate change at quarterback and the G-Men trailing all night long, Odell barely saw the field.

With such a low snap count, it’s not shocking to learn Beckham has no stats whatsoever on the year, not even a single target. So far, Nagy and the Giants’ coaching staff basically have the 33-year-old wideout doing cardio out on the field. For the time being, Beckham Jr. might be understanding, but there’s always a limit, and if this trend prevails, it may not be long before New York finds Odell’s.

Key takeaways

• Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy revealed the team is slowly packaging the veteran into their offense.
• Odell Beckham Jr. played only 11 snaps (16%) in the Week 1 home opener.
• He saw his playing time drop to just three snaps (5%) in Week 2.

It’s been a long time since Hill called Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium home in the NFL, but it still feels like yesterday when Mahomes was slinging the pigskin and, wherever he threw, Hill was there. Hill has gone on to say some things that raised eyebrows and have stuck with the Chiefs, including statements about his teammates in Miami that appeared to belittle Mahomes and his friends back in Missouri. As fun as Hill’s time in South Florida was, he will always be remembered as a Chief first and a Dolphin second.

After some time away and fighting his own battle to recover from a devastating, career-threatening knee injury, it might be time to come home. Of course, that’s not Tyreek’s call to make, but reports suggest Kansas City is seriously considering a reunion, and it’s only a matter of time before Andy Reid gives the sign to dial Hill’s number. In fact, the San Francisco 49ers have been ruled out as a potential suitor, with Hill expected to reunite with the Chiefs.

“With Kansas City, it feels inevitable that there’s going to be a conversation at some point,” Mike Garafolo reported on the market around Tyreek Hill, who remains an unrestricted free agent, via NFL Network. “There’s nothing on the front burner, but there’s got to be somewhere on the back burner.”

Is Tyreek Hill a good fit for the Chiefs?

The obvious answer would be yes. It’s Hill we’re speaking of. He put up 479 catches for 6,630 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns throughout his time with the Chiefs and built a connection with Mahomes that no other receiver not named Travis Kelce ever did. However, 2026 Tyreek Hill may not be the same as he was before. And we don’t even know whether Hill will play this year at all.

Indeed, he looks great in the videos he posts on social media, working out and going through drills, but will that translate to the field once he puts on the pads and actually faces the elite competitors in the NFL?

More importantly, is Hill really healthy in a sustainable way, where he isn’t one unfortunate play away from having to call it a career? Those are all tough questions, but the Chiefs, or any team that looks into Hill, will need answers to them.

Away from that deeper level, where really it’s all uncertainty because there’s no way of telling the future and whether Hill may re-injure his left knee, there are questions around what kind of player Tyreek will be upon his return to the NFL and whether he is what Kansas City is looking for.

Chiefs need a deep-threat WR

As is, the Chiefs need to bolster their deep-passing offense. Xaview Worthy hasn’t truly filled in Hill’s shoes and has transformed into another role. He hasn’t been used much on deep routes since his rookie year, and when he is assigned such a duty, he doesn’t take the top off the secondary or get as much separation as the team would hope for.

The thing with Tyreek is, his speed is everything. That’s who he is on the gridiron and what made him unguardable. If he loses his speed, he might be able to reinvent himself as a different NFL player, even with how difficult that’d be at 32. But if Hill is no longer able to turn into “Cheetah” on the field, then he may not be that appealing an option for the Chiefs, other than from the return-of-the-rebellious-son point of view.

Mahomes could profit from Hill’s return

Coming off his season-ending injury last year, Mahomes hasn’t put his rocket of an arm to use too often, either. Perhaps that’s a mix of his own lack of confidence, trying to progressively ramp up his workload, and a lack of trust in his receivers in such situations.

Through the first few weeks, the game plan and Mahomes’ decisions have rather played it safe, handing it off to Kenneth Walker III and looking for short- to medium-range passes where Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and others can work their magic with their run-after-catch abilities. If there was a RAC university, Hill would be the dean, as he needs to be taught no lessons on that front. Still, it remains to be seen how Hill looks coming off the gruesome knee injury he suffered in 2025.

Kansas City has a soft spot for Tyreek, and vice versa

Regardless of all the question marks surrounding Hill in free agency, there’s something in the air. It simply feels like it will happen. It may not be easy and might require the Chiefs to take a leap of faith, but not even all the doubts appear to be dealbreakers between Reek and KC. Someone check the air and water quality in the City of Fountains; it all reeks of a reunion brewing.

Key takeaways

• Mike Garafolo reports conversations between Chiefs and Tyreek Hill are “inevitable”.
• Tyreek Hill remains an unrestricted free agent following a career-threatening knee injury.
• He recorded 479 catches for 6,630 yards and 67 touchdowns during his previous Chiefs tenure.

“Connor Bedard isn’t close yet to joining the Blackhawks for practice, Blashill said,” as reported by Scott Powers of The Athletic Chicago.

The timing behind Blashill’s announcement on where Bedard stands in his recovery is no coincidence, either. It arrives on the heels of a recent sighting that hinted Bedard could force the Blackhawks into a rushed lineup decision, as the 38th captain in Blackhawks history was seen taking slap shots during an on-ice session.

The last time an injured Bedard was seen participating in such drills, he returned to Chicago’s NHL lineup just days afterward. It’s not an apples-to-apples comparison, though. Still, it’s clear Bedard is making progress and checking boxes in his return to the ice after offseason surgery to repair his left shoulder.

Bedard keeps original timeline despite recent positive news

For the time being, the Blackhawks haven’t updated Bedard’s timeline, meaning the original one announced back in July still stands, at least as far as the media can tell. Regardless of how smooth he may look on the ice in the videos on social media, the Blackhawks are taking things slow with Bedard, and he is still trending to miss at least the opening month of the 2026-27 NHL season.

Fans would love for him to somehow be fit to play in the home opener (Oct. 6 against the St. Louis Blues) and share the ice with Patrick Kane on such a special night for sports as a whole in the Windy City. That is most likely off the table.

Blackhawks chase the playoffs

Regardless, whenever Bedard makes his return to the United Center, the energy will go through the roof. Hopefully for the Hawks, by the time he’s back, Bedard can join a winning team with real aspirations to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

It’s been six years (since the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs) since Chicago has played playoff hockey. For a franchise that once hoisted the Stanley Cup three times over that span, it’s unfathomable.

Key takeaways

• Jeff Blashill confirmed Connor Bedard is not close to joining practice.
• Bedard underwent offseason left shoulder surgery in July.
• The captain will miss at least the opening month of the 2026-27 season.

“To give a long-term deal to a player in Perreault’s shoes would’ve gone against the Rangers‘ recent track record. The team historically prefers bridge deals,” Peter Baugh and Vince Mercogliano wrote on The Athletic.

Of course, that’s not something the Rangers will openly admit as part of the reasoning behind their decision, but it makes sense. New York passed on its last chance to ink Perreault to an eight-year deal before the Sept. 16 deadline under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NHL and NHLPA.

In more ways than one, though, it was the right decision, and the Blueshirts are basically guaranteed to keep Perreault in the Big Apple. The catch is that it might come at a higher price, but with the salary cap rising, that may not be much of a headache, either.

Perreault isn’t a regular RFA

Once Perreault’s entry-level contract expires after the 2026-27 NHL season, he will become an RFA, but with an asterisk. That alone should be encouraging for New York, as it’s already rare for regular restricted free agents to sign with a different team than the one that drafted them. And even if the recent offer-sheet Leo Carlsson episode raised alarms, the Rangers have a luxury with Perreault, as he is offer-sheet exempt.

According to Puck Pedia, Perreault is among the players ineligible for an offer sheet, as he is a 10.2.c player without enough professional experience to be considered an RFA per se. When put together, it basically locks Perreault in New York. The only way he could leave Madison Square Garden is through a trade request. For the time being, it doesn’t look like that’s something that has even crossed Perreault’s or his camp’s minds.

However, if the Rangers remain firm on their price and Perreault isn’t in agreement, there’s no telling where it may all unfold. What’s clear is that the 21-year-old will enter a pivotal contract year with the Rangers. New York has made its decision not to extend Perreault before the puck drops, and anything can happen now.

Perreault’s next AAV is in his hands

Perreault can skyrocket his value, putting the Rangers at a crossroads where they must decide whether to go against their trend of settling for bridge contracts and pay Perreault the big bucks. Or Perreault may have a deflating year, which in turn would make New York’s wallet breathe a sigh of relief but be crushing for the team’s hopes and expectations for Perreault entering the 2026-27 NHL season.

In more ways than one, the table is set for a choose-your-poison scenario for the Rangers come the summer of 2027.

Key takeaways

• Gabe Perreault and Rangers missed a final opportunity to sign an eight-year deal before Sept. 16.
• As a 10.2.c player, Perreault remains exempt from offer sheets following his entry-level deal.
• The Rangers risk higher costs if Perreault increases his value before summer 2027.

Not after Judge’s recent injury update, which leaves the door wide open for a return, perhaps sooner than anybody expected, including manager Boone and the rest of the Bronx Bombers. After receiving tough news on top of tough news, such an unexpected surprise must feel nice for a change.

“That’s what the plan is [to be ready for Game 1 of the AL Wild Card series]. Try to get my body ready so I’m ready to go,” Judge admitted during an interview with ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.

Boone reacts to Judge’s update

Asked about Judge’s recent comments, Boone wasn’t caught off guard by the change of plans, and his answer may hint that this was actually New York’s doing. In the end, keeping their cards close to the vest may work out just fine for the Yankees and Judge.

“The process has started and is ongoing,” Boone said, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. “I don’t know [how] the next day or two unfolds. We’ll hopefully get healed as quickly as possible and be an option as soon as possible.”

Judge defies NY Yankees’ original timeline

Judge’s latest update on his calf strain took fans by surprise, especially because Judge’s plan is one that goes directly against that of Boone and the Yankees. That’s not to say Judge is defying his coach and team’s orders, but that he doesn’t want to sit idly by with his arms crossed and settle for the initial timeline, which had him missing—at least—the Wild Card round of the 2026 MLB Postseason.

Instead, Judge is taking matters into his own hands and remains hopeful he might complete a Phoenix-like rise to be back in the batting order come the postseason. Whether he will actually make the Yankees’ postseason roster or not, that he can’t tell, nor does he know.

“I don’t make the roster,” Judge admitted. “I’ve got no idea. We’ve done a lot of talks, but I can’t control what people say. So you’ll have to talk to them about that.”

When does MLB Postseason start?

To say Judge has now entered a race against the clock would be an understatement. The AL Wild Card Series, which New York will host, will be held at Yankee Stadium from Sep. 29-Oct. 1.

Even if Judge considers himself healthy enough to play, it remains to be seen what Boone and company might decide. Perhaps they will be extra cautious, even if it means risking an early playoff elimination and all the drama that would stir up in the Bronx.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Judge stated he plans to be ready for Game 1 of the Wild Card series.
• Aaron Boone indicated the Yankees are hoping he heals quickly to become an option.
• The AL Wild Card Series will take place from Sep. 29-Oct. 1 at Yankee Stadium.

The reason for Boone’s disappointment was a play in the top of the seventh inning of the crucial matchup with MLB postseason stakes. The Yankees were only trailing by one run, with runners on first and third and one out, when Rays shortstop Taylor Walls connected on a bunt that fell into Fried’s range.

Luis Garcia Jr. abandoned his post at first base to chase the ball, but Chisholm Jr. never made the relay to first from second, allowing Walls a clean path to a single. Simultaneously, that confusion allowed Chandler Simpson to score a run and Ben Williamson to reach second base.

In Boone’s eyes, allowing a run wasn’t the worst part of that sequence. Instead, it was failing to record a single out that made it all unfathomable for the Yankees’ manager. In the end, it’s why Jazz got the short end of the stick.

Aaron Boone throws Jazz Chisholm Jr. under the bus

“Yeah, [Chisholm Jr.] has to be covering first [base] there. And that’s the play we work on because of the Rays all the time,” Boone admitted on Talkin’ Yanks. “We do our bunt coverages, we’re prepared for safety squeeze and last night we feel like that’s 100 per cent. Taylor Walls, in that situation, is going to put down the safety.

“If we can defend it tremendously and the bunt is not perfect you might have a chance at the plate, but the biggest thing is: let’s get an out. Especially with speed at third, it’s a tough play to defend, but we need to get an out period.“

That wasn’t the end of it, however. Boone went on to explain what he believes happened and where the root of the mistake was, as Chisholm and Garcia ended up leaving first base unattended.

Chisholm Jr. was more to blame than Garcia

While many could argue Garcia is equally to blame, Boone made it clear Chisholm’s responsibility was bigger than Garcia’s on that specific play

“It’s not a miscommunication before the play. I think Jazz read [the bunt] as right back to the pitcher and thought Garcia would slam on the brakes, but we’re playing that aggressively because we know what’s coming. Garcia is on the dead run, it’s hard for him to slam on the brakes and get back. So, we’ve got to cover that with the second baseman.”

Jazz can’t afford these mistakes before free agency

Playing in a contract year and having been through the wringer all season long, even the tiniest of errors could lead to immense consequences for Chisholm Jr. and his time with the Pinstripers. It remains to be seen what the future will bring for Jazz in MLB.

Looking ahead to the postseason, Boone can’t guarantee a plan for Chisholm Jr. ahead of the final regular-season games. Perhaps his erratic return from the 10-day IL, along with several fielding errors throughout the year, have led to this, and Boone may not be trusting Jazz completely. At least for the time being.

Of course, slip-ups are to be expected with any player coming off an IL stint, but it seems Chisholm’s leash is still shorter than that of many players in the Bronx. The spotlight is already fixed on Chisholm. For his sake, it’d be best if he avoids these mistakes before the season ends and his one-year, $10.2 million contract expires.

Key takeaways

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. failed to cover first base on a seventh-inning bunt play.
• Aaron Boone expressed frustration over the defensive mistake.
• Chisholm Jr. will become an unrestricted free agent after 2026 MLB season.

“Per McLellan, Dylan Larkin (upper body) unavailable for Thursday Red Wings preseason game, there may be a chance he’ll be available for finale, Saturday,” as reported by Helene St. James of Detroit Free Press on X.

The fact that McLellan is still considering Larkin for Saturday’s preseason finale should indicate progress in his recovery from an upper-body injury. On Wednesday, Larkin joined the Red Wings for his first team practice in a long time. Indeed, he may be back soon. If not on Saturday, it’s reasonable to believe Larkin would be back for the season home opener on Oct. 2 against the New York Rangers.

Whether he plays on Saturday, Sept. 26 against the Columbus Blue Jackets or ends up missing both home preseason games, Larkin won’t be sidelined forever. Sooner or later, Larkin will have to come face-to-face with the annoyed fanbase in Motor City.

Hostile reception awaits Larkin

Larkin urged the fans to reconsider before booing him, but it sure feels like they will pay no heed to the former captain’s wish. If it’s inevitable, it might be best for Larkin to get the first painful experience over with during the preseason, when attendance numbers are nothing to write home about.

Make no mistake, one jeering crowd in the preseason won’t be the end of it, but it will give Larkin a taste of what awaits him in his first official home game of the 2026-27 NHL season. Still, there may be no way to prepare for such an experience.

For the time being, Larkin is still considered injured, so he has other, bigger fish to fry before fretting about the reception he’ll get at Little Caesars Arena.

Key takeaways

• Saturday preseason finale: Dylan Larkin may return for Detroit’s final tune-up game against Columbus.
• Oct. 2 home opener: The Detroit Red Wings open their regular season against the Rangers.
• First team practice: The forward recently rejoined his teammates after recovering from an upper-body injury.

It goes without saying that the Blackhawks will be extra cautious with Bedard and won’t rush him back into the lineup. No matter how great Bedard looks on the ice by himself, head coach Jeff Blashill and company will remain wary. That doesn’t mean Bedard won’t try to get his way, though.

According to a report, the latest step in Bedard’s recovery may signal that he’s closer to being fully healthy, and that only means Chicago would have to make a decision.

“Connor Bedard was taking slap shots on Jan. 6 last season as part of his rehab and recovery from his shoulder injury. He was in the Blackhawks lineup Jan. 9. Here he is Sept. 23 taking slap shots after having shoulder surgery in early July,” CHGO reporter Mario Tirabassi reported on X.

Connect the dots, and the Blackhawks may have an answer on where Bedard stands in his shoulder-surgery rehab. Still, fans should know better than to expect Bedard back in the next few days.

Different context for Bedard and Blackhawks

When Bedard returned from what he called a “freak injury” to his right shoulder during the 2025-26 NHL season, the setback didn’t require surgery. This time around, the injury to his left shoulder did, and Bedard is still recovering from the surgery he underwent in July. Moreover, the Blackhawks are in no mid-season rush to get Bedard back.

Thus, even if the slap shots may be reminiscent of how close to a return Bedard was last season, they may not translate to the present. Regardless, it’s yet another encouraging sign in Bedard’s recovery journey. For the Blackhawks, it may feel bittersweet, however.

Blackhawks remain wary of Bedard’s progress

Though it’s often the other way around, it seems many around the Hawks are concerned with the speed of Bedard’s recovery, almost as if they wished his progress were slower. Obviously, Chicago wants Bedard back in the lineup. If he somehow is able to dress for the home opener against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 6, it would be ideal, but the sooner he’s back on the ice, the sooner he’s at risk of re-injury.

It’s a double-edged sword. Just like an overprotective mother, the Blackhawks may not want Bedard to leave the cradle, with the safety net provided by him working on his own at the team’s practice facilities.

Of course, it comes at a cost, and there are no doubts the Blackhawks are a worse team when Bedard isn’t in the lineup. They added pieces to the puzzle, Bowen Byram had an ideal debut (even if it was in a preseason game), and Patrick Kane’s return will draw all the attention, but the Hawks may still be Bedard-reliant. Only time will tell for certain, however.

Key takeaways

• First month missed: The captain is slated to sit out early in the 2026-27 NHL season following July shoulder surgery.
• Sept. 23 slap shots: Bedard was spotted taking slap shots, echoing his late-stage rehab timeline from last year.
• Oct. 6 home opener: The team faces a potential early return dilemma before hosting the St. Louis Blues.

“Most of my advice is more football stuff. He’ll have to figure out that media on his own and a lot of it is just kind of growing pains. You feel like [the media’s] your pal, you relax with them a little bit, you try to be funny, and then they can take it and run,” Eli Manning admitted, via Front Office Sports.

“You’ve got to be careful, you’ve got to find your moments when you can be funny and relaxed. There’s certain things that you’ve got to learn and deal with it. I think he has learned and apologized, and did the right steps handling that.“

Arch Manning may be one of the biggest household names in college football and has been in the national spotlight for some time, but he is still a young player discovering the lay of the land. Going through the trials and tribulations of a college experience that not many NCAA athletes can relate to, Arch is not alone, though.

Arch has helping hands all around him

At times, it might sound as if he’s being scolded, but in truth, it shows he has people around him who care. That’s the case with Eli’s latest message, as well as the support he always gets from his father Cooper, uncle Peyton and grandfather Archie.

Even Steve Sarkisian’s recent ultimatum for Manning ahead of Texas vs. Tennessee is a sign that the Longhorns’ program is looking after what’s best for their quarterback. When it’s all put together, it’s encouraging, and it may reveal that Arch is destined for great things in college football and perhaps at the next level, too.

Arch Manning changed entirely after controversy

Following a lackluster performance during Texas’ 30-6 win over UTSA, Manning attended a press conference on Monday. It was his first face-to-face, lengthy meeting with the media after his comment about an AI-generated video raised eyebrows and led to a blown-out-of-proportion witch hunt against the heir to football’s royal quarterback family.

Once bitten, twice shy, Manning turned three times shy. He looked like a completely different personality, turning away from the funny remarks he’d made on another occasion. His short, straight-out-of-a-cassette answers made waves all over social media, as many fans and reporters lamented that Arch’s personality appeared to be censored.

From now on, it seems Manning will only say as little as possible to string together an answer out of respect for reporters’ questions, but will give away nothing more.

Manning’s press conference stats

According to CBS Austin’s Bob Ballou, Manning answered a total of 19 questions with just 56 seconds of answers during his Monday press conference. That’s less than a three-second average answer.

To say Manning has become laconic would be an understatement. And all for a comment—that was clearly intended as a joke but was read too much into—from a 22-year-old who had a laugh out of an AI-generated, absurd video.

Key takeaways

• Eli Manning advised his nephew to be careful, noting media can take comments and run.
• A public comment regarding an AI-generated video resulted in widespread media controversy and an apology.
• During a recent press conference, Arch Manning answered 19 questions in just 56 seconds.

“Tough break for Adam Sykora: New York Rangers say he’ll be out 4-5 months with that lower-body injury,” Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic reported on X.

Sykora wasn’t going to start the season in New York’s NHL lineup. Instead, he was set to be a top-six forward for the AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. However, just like he did last year when making his pro debut, Sykora was expected to be called up from time to time to fill in for depth positions on Sullivan‘s team.

Sykora’s injury affects NY Rangers’ depth plans

The latest setback is a tough blow for the Blueshirts, even if its impact isn’t felt immediately. Sykora’s long-term injury also arrives on the heels of the Rangers confirming Sullivan can give up on four players (Urho Vaakanainen, Juuso Parssinen, Justin Dowling and Dennis Cholowski), who were placed on waivers.

Though pending confirmation of the exact timeline, New York could already foresee a long-term injury for Sykora based on how he left the preseason game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center.

Thus, if Sullivan and company were confident enough to leave the four players on their way to the AHL up for grabs for 24 hours, it might not change now that Sykora’s injury has been confirmed. As reported by insider Elliotte Friedman, all four of the Rangers’ players placed on waivers cleared, meaning there are no hurdles to assigning them to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.

With the 22-year-old Slovak forward out of the picture for at least four to five months, there will be better opportunities for other players in New York’s system, and maybe one of Parssinen and Dowling benefits from it.

Sykora enters contract year

There is no such thing as a good time to suffer a long-term injury, but Sykora’s timing is heartbreaking for several reasons. First, because it happened in the preseason opener and on his first shift of the game. Second, because Sykora really needed to showcase himself in the preseason to leave a lasting impression on Sullivan and the Rangers’ staff before heading back to the minors.

Lastly, Sykora is entering a contract year, with his three-year, entry-level contract ($2.49 million total value and $831,666 cap hit) expiring after the season, when he will become an RFA.

By the time he returns from injury, Sykora may not have enough opportunities to prove his worth and raise his price tag before free agency. When all three elements are combined, they paint a clear picture of just how crushing the lower-body injury sustained at The Rock was.

Key takeaways

• Adam Sykora out 4-5 months following a lower-body injury in the preseason opener.
• New York recently placed four depth players on waivers before the diagnosis.
• The 22-year-old forward is currently entering a contract year before restricted free agency.

Although Dart’s initial diagnosis was positive for the Giants after the QB’s scary injury, and even general manager Joe Schoen expressed optimism about Dart during the Monday Night Football game in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season, the MRI results completely turned the tables.

Now, the G-Men are preparing for anything, and a season-ending injury hasn’t been ruled out yet. If that turns out to be New York’s reality, not only will it change the team’s outlook this season, but it would also put into question many of the things the Giants took for certain looking toward the future.

“The injury to Jaxson Dart, if it proves to be season-ending, has so many layers. Including this: He’ll head into Year 3 a massive question mark. Can he stay healthy? Is he a franchise QB? The Giants will need to come to that decision. This upcoming draft is loaded with quarterbacks,” Connor Hughes of SNY stated.

Dart is missing one thing to be called a franchise QB

There are no doubts about Dart’s game. He proved his worth during his rookie season in the NFL and did it again in the small sample size he was able to put together in 2026. Against the Rams, Dart started the game off in great form. So much so that he delivered a great throw, which was dropped by TE Theo Johnson, even during the play that he was injured on.

Based on his attributes, his decision-making, how he carries himself as a young star in New York, the maturity he’s shown in turning away from the things that were putting him in danger throughout his rookie year, and even his charisma and how he’s treated by the fanbase, there’s not a single element about Dart that doesn’t scream franchise quarterback.

However, Dart has had some trouble staying healthy, and as cliché as it sounds, availability is indeed the best ability. No franchise quarterback can keep that status if he’s missing games every couple of weeks or has yet to play a full season.

NY Giants could try again in 2027 NFL Draft

As noted by Hughes, with such a plethora of young, talented quarterbacks set to declare for the 2027 NFL Draft, it makes you wonder if the Giants won’t take a chance on another signal-caller of the future. Of course, it would all be in vain if the team doesn’t address the offensive line. That’s the root of the problem and why young quarterbacks like Dart must deal with the buzz around their health. The real conversation should be that they are being failed by their organizations.

Obviously, there are plays that lead to injuries in which it comes down to the quarterback to protect himself, but it’d be unfair to blame Dart’s ability to stay healthy and overlook every other young quarterback who’s been injured as much as, or more than, he has early in their careers. Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, Tua Tagovailoa, and many others have battled injuries in their careers, and they all have a common denominator: a subpar offensive line.

That’s often the price quarterbacks who go high in the draft must pay, but it shouldn’t always be like that. Teams should start focusing on building franchise offensive lines and preaching smart football rather than asking their quarterback/saviors to play hero ball on every crucial down.

Dart’s injury raises alarms in New York

As for the debate around Dart, it remains to be seen just how much time he will miss. For the time being, any timeline is only conjecture. By the time Dart returns, whenever that may be, New York will have to do a much better job of protecting him.

At the end of the day, the franchise in East Rutherford boasts a three-headed monster in the shape of Dart, Malik Nabers, and Cam Skattebo, but can’t exploit it. Perhaps it’s the Mandela effect, but most fans rate Dart and Nabers as one of the best QB-WR duos in the NFL, but that partnership has only shared the field for a full game once in two years.

While debating whether Dart is New York’s franchise quarterback or not has some logic, perhaps a better debate must be whether the Giants can actually enjoy a franchise quarterback or if their own issues limit them and end up coming back to bite them. So far, the answer seems obvious, even if it pains Big Blue to admit it.

Key takeaways

• Jaxson Dart’s knee MRI revealed damage worse than the team initially expected.
• The upcoming 2027 NFL Draft is loaded with quarterbacks.
• Malik Nabers and Jaxson Dart have only played one full game together.

Although Judge intended to return for the postseason, the Yankees have confirmed he won’t be available if New York fails to win the AL East and must play in the AL Wild Card. Following the Yankees’ 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in the first game of the doubleheader and prior to the second game of the day (Sept. 22), the Yankees took a moment to evaluate Stanton’s health and form.

“Giancarlo Stanton is doing some agility work in between games,” Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported on his X account along with a video of the 36-year-old going through the drills at Yankee Stadium.

Based on the video posted by Kirschner, Stanton’s work appeared oriented toward base running, especially turning the corners. Considering Stanton’s role upon his return would be exclusively as a designated hitter, it would make sense for his training to be base-running related rather than fielding related.

NY Yankees don’t have lineup spot for Stanton

Regardless, and even if he’s somehow fully healed from injuries to both his calves throughout the season (the latest setback being in late August and landing him on the 60-day injured list), dressing Stanton would bring its fair share of complications for the Yankees.

If Stanton is brought into the lineup, where does Ben Rice, the current designated hitter, fit in? The Yankees may be all in for a brazen move to shake up the lineup before the postseason, but that’s not to say they will remove their second-best bat, behind Judge, from the equation, which would in turn mean they would be without their two best hitters.

Rice is a virtual lock at DH

Rice hasn’t played first base in a while, and one of the most recent memories of him at 1B was a ninth-inning error against the Toronto Blue Jays on Aug. 16. That game would head to extra innings, where Rice would win it with a two-run home run.

If that game proved anything, it’s that Rice is far more valuable to the Pinstripers with his bat and helmet than he is with the glove and cap. It would make little sense to send him back to first base in the postseason, especially with Luis Garcia Jr. and Paul Goldschmidt proving capable enough of covering that base.

Stanton can’t be Judge’s replacement

Stanton’s days as an MLB outfielder are well behind him, so that’s a no-go for him to be the direct replacement for Judge in right field. Stanton hasn’t played a game in the outfield since last season, and everything around his health and recent storylines simply screams designated hitter. But with that position covered, there may be nowhere for Boone to fit Stanton.

Perhaps being unfit to play is better for Stanton than having to deal with the frustration of being healthy enough yet limited to watching the action from the dugout in civilian clothes.

Key takeaways

• Aaron Judge will not be available for the AL Wild Card round.
• The Yankees evaluated Giancarlo Stanton during agility and base-running drills between games.
• Yankees may not have a spot in the lineup for Stanton.

‘Bill Guerin has signed a multi-year contract extension as GM of the Minnesota Wild,” as reported by ESPN’s Emily Kaplan on her X account. As is the norm with coaches’ and executives’ contracts in the NHL, Minnesota is keeping the exact term of Guerin’s new deal to itself.

Regardless, such a decision sends a loud message across the negotiation table where the Wild and Hughes’ camp have been all summer long, but virtually no progress has been made.

Minnesota’s debut in the 2026-27 NHL regular season is on Oct. 1, so the clock is ticking for the two sides to leave the drama at the door and enter the campaign with no distractions. At this point, that may be too wishful thinking.

Hughes speaks highly of the Wild, but hasn’t re-signed

Hughes has time and again brought calm—or attempted to do so—with reassuring statements about how he feels in Minnesota. Still, that may do little to ease the anxious mood in the Twin Cities.

“I just think that we’re going through the process, specifically myself, and just taking the time. I don’t feel pressure to do anything [before the season]. That’s not saying something won’t,” Hughes said, via The Athletic. “I’m really happy here. I love the guys. I love the team. And I fit in really well.”

Contract talks in Minnesota

Only one thing will bring peace to the Wild, and that’s Hughes’ signature on a contract extension. If it’s a three-year deal, however, it will only be a fugazi, because that would all but confirm he is aligning his contract with that of brother Jack, as both would become UFAs in the summer of 2030.

Would it be ideal for Minnesota? Probably not, but it’s far better than the alternative, and it still gives Guerin a four-year window to go all in for a Stanley Cup. The way things are trending, the recently extended general manager in Minneapolis may not get a better deal done with Hughes.

Key takeaways

• General manager Bill Guerin signed a multi-year contract extension with the Minnesota Wild.
• Quinn Hughes remains undecided on an extension while taking time through the process.
• A potential three-year deal would make Hughes an unrestricted free agent in 2030.

As reported by James Mirtle of The Athletic, the Rangers have placed defensemen Dennis Cholowski and Urho Vaakanainen, and centers Justin Dowling and Juuso Parssinen on waivers.

Over the next 24 hours, their futures in the NHL will be decided. If they clear waivers, then New York can assign the quartet to its AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. None of the four players were waiver-exempt, meaning this was the only way for Sullivan to send them down to the minors.

All four of the players placed on waivers had participated in New York’s preseason opener against the New Jersey Devils on Sept. 21. The game ended in a 3-2 loss to the home Devils side, which featured a veteran NHL lineup.

Risky move from NY Rangers

Sullivan and the Rangers are rolling the dice. As is the case every time a player goes on waivers, another franchise can pick him up. The fact that New York placed the four players on waivers with plenty of time before the active-roster deadline (Sept. 28) may hint that the Rangers don’t want to lose these skaters and are trying to fly them under the radar while teams are too busy minding their own business and making roster cuts.

However, placing them on waivers and trying to send them to the AHL also reveals how Sullivan rates them, as well as the fact that they don’t have a spot on the NHL lineup right now. Neither Vaakanainen, Parssinen, Dowling nor Cholowski are particularly young prospects.

New York may have seen all there is to see with them. If Sullivan isn’t sold on their potential now, he may not be sold later in the season. Indeed, they may provide depth options, but there are countless other players who can do the same. By placing the quartet on waivers, it’s a sign that Sullivan can live without them if they end up being claimed. Still, the odds of all four of the Rangers’ players being claimed off waivers are slim to virtually none.

Contract situations

Cholowski, the former first-round pick in 2016, is the only one of the bunch not entering a contract season in the NHL. He already experienced that last year. This summer, he signed a two-year, $1.75 million contract with the Rangers. His is a two-way deal for the 2026-27 campaign, meaning the 28-year-old blue-liner will earn a $375,000 salary if he clears waivers, rather than his $850,000 salary in the NHL.

As for Vaakanainen, Parssinen and Dowling, they are all in the second season of two-year deals. Dowling is the only one of this trio to have a two-way deal. His NHL salary of $850,000 will go down to $450,000 in the AHL. Vaakanainen carries a $1.55 million cap hit and will make $1.45 million in total salary. As for Parssinen, he signed a two-year, $2.5 million deal in 2025 with a $1.3 million salary in 2026.

Key takeaways

• The Rangers placed four players on waivers before the 2026-27 NHL regular season.
• All four players had appeared in preseason-opening game against the Devils (3-2 loss).
• Dennis Cholowski recently signed a two-year, $1.75 million, two-way contract with New York.

“Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury last night that was worse than anticipated, after the MRI. He’s out an extended period of time, possibly the season,” Ian Rapoport reported on his X account.

As things stand, Jameis Winston is the only other quarterback on the active roster. Jake Haener is on the practice squad and may be called up, but neither is a solid answer for the Giants, who went from Super Bowl hopefuls after their Week 1 win to the same old pessimistic G-Men after the rough Week 2 outing in Los Angeles. Whether it’s before Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans or afterward, it’s clear New York will have to make changes to its QB room.

During Week 2 at SoFi Stadium, the Giants didn’t have a third, emergency quarterback, meaning if Winston caught as much as a cold inside the air-conditioned venue, New York would’ve had to improvise. Such a close-call experience must serve as a lesson for Harbaugh not to put the team in such a spot again.

Winston struggled after Dart went down

After Dart exited the Week 2 Monday Night Football matchup against the Rams, Giants GM Joe Schoen showed optimism, but it may have been in vain. According to reports, Dart wanted to jump right back into the action, but it’s now clear that would’ve been a terrible mistake. The NFL regular season waits for nobody, though, and the show must go on. Even if it’s an act fans in New York would rather look away from.

For the time being, it will be the Winston Show in East Rutherford, and that’s always a one-of-a-kind experience, with great highs but abysmal lows. Against Los Angeles, Winston was unable to get anything going on offense and made a couple of ill-advised throws, including a virtually game-sealing interception inside the red zone in the second quarter.

There was a lot of football left to be played, but that play, when New York was in scoring position, really took the air out of the team’s sails. Or what little was left after the Giants’ woes continued following Dart’s injury, as Malik Nabers momentarily left the game, too.

NY Giants could make changes

Unless Harbaugh and the G-Men want to sign up for a potentially season-long ride on the Winston experience, they must evaluate their options and make changes to their quarterback room. However, the Super Bowl-winning head coach has steered away from confirming the extent of Dart’s injury.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Harbaugh made it clear that “evaluations are ongoing” and no final decision has been made, but the Giants have learned more about where they stand with Dart. Needless to say, it’s not encouraging whatsoever, but it may not be catastrophic. At least for now, New York will hold on to a sliver of hope. It’s not looking good, though.

Giants’ QB depth without Dart

With Dart sidelined—for the long term or short term remains to be confirmed—the Giants only have one active quarterback on the 53-man roster: Winston. That could easily change by activating Jake Haener from the practice squad, and reports also point to Brandon Allen, who was with the team throughout training camp but was released in favor of sticking with Haener.

Allen wouldn’t be a total stranger to Matt Nagy’s offensive playbook and could make sense. However, the Giants could also go after a potential starting quarterback if they’ve had enough of Winston.

Available free agents include Jimmy Garoppolo, Jake Browning and Bailey Zappe, among others. The trade route is another option for the Giants, though that will come at a bigger cost. Still, winning in the NFL always does, and New York is tired of settling for pennies.

Key takeaways

• Jaxson Dart’s knee MRI revealed worse-than-expected damage, potentially sidelining him for the season.
• Backup quarterback Jameis Winston remains the only other passer on the active 53-man roster.
• New York faces the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 while evaluating available quarterback options.

Swift attended Week 2’s Sunday Night Football between the Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium, just like she did in Week 1 when Kansas City hosted another primetime game against the Denver Broncos. She was a privileged spectator to a dominant performance by her husband, Kelce. Following the Chiefs’ buzzer-beater win over the Colts in overtime, Reid made a sincere statement about Kelce’s wife’s role in his recent success.

“[Kelce] worked his tail off, that’s the bottom line. He likes his surrounding cast that’s around him, too. It sure helps. It takes a lot of pride in that. Everybody questioned with the wedding and honeymoon, would he be out of shape? He works his rear end off. I think Taylor [Swift], you’re putting on four-hour shows, you’ve gotta work hard, too. I’m sure she kicks him in the butt a little bit there, too,” Reid said during an interview on KSHB 41 News.

Iron sharpens iron. Since the couple got together, there were concerns about whether Swift would be a distraction to Kelce on gameday as the spotlight shifted onto the Kelce family suite at Arrowhead Stadium. That couldn’t have been any further from the truth, and since the two superstars wed in the summer in New York City, they’ve only been off to a great start, which is best exemplified by Kelce’s numbers in the 2026 NFL season.

Kelce’s red-hot start to 2026

While Reid faces a challenge in balancing Kenneth Walker III and Emmett Johnson’s touches in the backfield, it’s clear he has no worries when it comes to the tight-end position. Not as long as Kelce is playing the way he’s done so far in the 2026 NFL season.

After dealing with retirement rumors all offseason long and coming off a disheartening 2025 campaign in which he finished with a third-career-worst 76 receptions, second-worst 851 yards and five touchdowns, something has clicked for Kelce. Reid has reasons to believe it has to do with his wedding, held on July 3 at Madison Square Garden.

Indeed, the sample size remains small, but Kelce’s first two outings of the season are more than encouraging. So far, Kelce has caught 12 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown. At this pace, he’s projected to finish the season with 102 catches, 1,462 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

It goes without saying, but those would be impressive numbers for a 36-year-old (turns 37 on Oct. 5) many believe is playing his last season in the NFL. If he finishes the year with these numbers, however, it won’t take long before fans in Kansas City, and Reid included, grow convinced there’s still a lot left in the tank.

The Chiefs are back

There will be time for that conversation later. For the time being, Reid and the Chiefs will enjoy this reborn version of Kelce, which Swift may deserve a lot of credit for. In perfect “Love Story” fashion, there is a new prince and princess in The City of Fountains, and that’s just what the Chiefs Kingdom needed.

Patrick Mahomes is healthy, Andy Reid is still Andy Reid, and Travis Kelce is back to his old ways. The sky is the limit for Kansas City, and the NFL must take cover before the sky is painted red.

Key takeaways

• Andy Reid credited Taylor Swift’s work ethic for motivating her husband’s strong season start.
• Travis Kelce caught 12 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown through two games.
• The couple officially married on July 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Playing on the road at The Rock, the game was exactly the kind of outing where players like Sykora and Iorio, who are fighting for a starting-lineup job in New York, could showcase what they are capable of. That wasn’t the case, and it was quite the opposite.

In Sykora’s case, he left the game less than two minutes into the first period. The morning after the Rangers’ 3-2 loss to the Devils, Sullivan admitted the team doesn’t know the extent of either player’s injury yet. For the time being, they will be held out of on-ice activities as a precaution going into the NHL regular season.

“No injury updates for Adam Sykora or Vincent Iorio, who both left last night’s exhibition game vs. Devils with injuries. They’re still being evaluated and neither skated [Tuesday], per Mike Sullivan,” Mollie Walker of the New York Post reported on X.

What happened to Sykora and Iorio?

In his first shift of the night, Sykora battled for a puck near a corner in the offensive zone. Sykora didn’t keep his head on a swivel, and before he knew it, Devils defenseman Mikael Diotte landed a big shoulder check between Sykora’s chin and left shoulder.

However, the Rangers’ 22-year-old former second-round pick appeared to injure his right knee, which got tangled up against the boards. Sykora was slow to get back on his feet and needed to be helped off the ice by two teammates. Needless to say, it was a tough way to start—and end—his night.

As for Iorio, it remains unclear what exactly happened to him, but he’s reportedly dealing with a lower-body injury, too.

What’s next for Rangers?

The Rangers have two games left in preseason before the 2026-27 NHL regular season: Sept. 22 against the New York Islanders and Sept. 24 against the Devils, both at Madison Square Garden.

Key takeaways

• Rangers players Adam Sykora and Vincent Iorio exited the preseason opener due to injuries.
• Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed both players were held out of Tuesday practice.
• New York plays preseason games at MSG on September 22 and September 24.

After a short stop by the blue medical tent, Dart headed down the tunnel and into the locker room, not the X-ray room. Perhaps an encouraging sign, the Giants’ starting quarterback against the Rams was able to walk there under his own power, though with a visible limp.

Ahead of the second half, Dart was confirmed out. “Giants have ruled QB Jaxson Dart (knee) out for the rest of the game,” NorthJersey’s Art Stapleton reported. For the time being, Winston will run Matt Nagy’s Giants offense, but the fear of a potentially severe injury remains around Dart.

In Hollywood, New York’s night got off to a horror movie start. To make matters worse, the Giants’ woes continued as Malik Nabers momentarily exited the game injured. However, the wideout quickly returned to action. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Dart. By the fourth quarter, the Ole Miss product was seen in street clothes watching Winston lead the offense.

NY Giants are in QB trouble

With Dart out for the remainder of the Giants’ visit to the City of Angels, Harbaugh is down to his last option at quarterback. While discouraging to watch Dart go down with an injury early in a crucial game, keeping Winston healthy is now a top priority. New York has no other option at football’s most important position.

The G-Men don’t have a third, emergency quarterback designated for their primetime game at Rams House. If anything happens to Winston, they will have to improvise, and that’s far from ideal this early in the campaign. Odell Beckham Jr. could be an option for New York at quarterback in case they need to resort to an “in case of emergency” option.

Dart walking off the field could mean nothing

Although it’s always better than the alternative of being carted off the field, the fact that a player is able to put some weight on his legs after a lower-body injury isn’t as telling as many fans may think. Thus, for the time being, no conclusions can be drawn from Dart walking off the field on his own.

Still, Giants general manager Joe Schoen provided an optimistic update on Dart. That said, until further testing is conducted, every option remains on the table. That includes good, bad, and worst-case news.

Key takeaways

• Jaxson Dart exited Monday’s game early following a hit to his left knee.
• Backup quarterback Jameis Winston entered to run the G-Men offense for Matt Nagy.
• Dart didn’t return to the game and was seen in street clothes in the fourth quarter.

In fact, Nacua only missed one game in the 2025 NFL season, and he was hoping to have a similar Iron-Man-like streak in 2026. However, the Rams’ star pass-catcher and matchup-destroyer is facing adversity of the kind he’s never faced in his professional journey.

The last game Nacua had missed in the NFL was on Oct. 19, 2025. Then, Nacua was ruled out due to an ankle sprain days in advance, before the Rams faced the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL International Game at Wembley Stadium in London.

Rams won last time Nacua was out

If it’s worth anything, the Rams did great the last time they were without Nacua in an NFL regular-season game. Against Jacksonville, Los Angeles won 35-7 in the Big Smoke. Davante Adams shined the brightest with Nacua sidelined, as the veteran wideout caught three touchdown passes.

Perhaps a similar night awaits for him at SoFi Stadium against the Giants. Though similar, this isn’t the same Rams team from a little less than a year ago. Indeed, the fact Aaron Donald is playing for the Rams against the Giants in Week 2 helps, but may not make up for other key absentees.

Most importantly, Myles Garrett isn’t playing for Los Angeles against New York on Monday Night Football as he is on Injured Reserve (IR) following knee surgery. Still, Sean McVay and the Rams will have to do well with what they have. Indeed, they have notable absences and injuries, but they boast a talented roster that can weather the storm.

When can Nacua return?

The last time Nacua missed time due to injury in the NFL, the Rams were fortunate enough to enjoy a bye week, meaning Nacua only missed one game. They won’t have that luxury in 2026, and if Nacua doesn’t make progress, he might be sidelined when his team takes on the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football in Week 3.

Last year, Puka caught seven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown upon his return from the ankle sprain. It remains to be seen how he bounces back from the hip injury that is affecting him in 2026.

Key takeaways

• Puka Nacua missed the Rams’ Week 2 game due to a hip injury.
• The star wide receiver previously sat out an International Game in London on Oct. 19, 2025.
• Los Angeles won that prior matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars by a 35-7 score.

“I would like for [Manning] to be smarter when he runs,” Sarkisian said during his press conference, via On Texas Football reporter CJ Vogel. Sarkisian still had a lot of praise of what Manning can do on the ground, and it may be a big factor against No. 14 Tennessee on Saturday at Neyland Stadium.

“[Arch Manning] doesn’t play the position like a robot, he uses his legs to his advantage, but he doesn’t use his legs all of the time. Using those at opportune times is beneficial for him and for us,” Sarkisian said.

Following the statement win over Ohio State, expectations were high for Manning and Texas against UTSA at home. However, the Longhorns’ quarterback and the rest of the offense looked a step off their A-game. The Horns had no turnovers, but came awfully close several times. Manning finished the night with a 30.7 QB Rating, but perhaps the lowlight of the game was a play in which he scrambled for a first down on a third-and-one situation.

Close call for Manning

After picking up the first down, Manning showed no regard for his health and ran right into trouble, where he was sandwiched by two defenders. His helmet popped up and off his head, putting him in a very compromising position. Most likely, that was the play in Sarkisian’s mind when he ordered Arch to be smart with his legs.

Against the Roadrunners, the heir to football’s royal quarterback family got away with his misjudged decision. Against Tennessee, another SEC opponent, or a powerhouse across college football, he may not enjoy similar luck, and that’s the last thing Sarkisian and the Longhorns need in 2026.

The Volunteers are second among SEC programs in sacks made this season (13, only behind LSU’s 14). With the Vols getting to opposing quarterbacks as often and efficiently as they do, Manning can’t take any more unnecessary hits, especially not in the open field.

Arch Manning in Knoxville

Although it’s become routine for Manning, the national spotlight will be fixed upon him on Saturday in Knoxville. Arch will play at Neyland Stadium, where his uncle Peyton Manning became a legend, for the first time in his college football career. Ahead of such a special, hair-standing, nerves-wracking game, Sarkisian had some great piece of advice for his talented signal-caller.

“I think that it’s important for him to not try to be something that doesn’t best suit him. I want him to be him, to be Arch Manning. I don’t want him to be Archie, Peyton, or Eli. I don’t want him to be Colt McCoy or Vince Young. I want him to be Arch Manning, and Arch Manning is plenty good enough for us to put us in a position to win.”

Such a statement from his head coach would be extremely useful and reassuring on any given week in the NCAA schedule. However, it bears extra weight and meaning as Arch comes off a lackluster showing against an inferior opponent and must turn the page entirely before entering a hostile environment in Knoxville, a city forever intertwined with his family’s legacy but that will show no love to Peyton’s nephew on Saturday.

As the saying in George R. R. Martin’s best-selling series, A Game of Thrones, goes, “There must always be a Stark in Winterfell,” the same could be said about a Manning in Knoxville. However, Arch chose to play for a different UT in college football, and his path has only crossed with the Vols in 2026, three years after he enrolled at Texas and became a Longhorn. There will be a Manning in Knoxville, but in the body of an unwelcome guest.

Key takeaways

• Steve Sarkisian urged his quarterback to be smarter when running.
• The Volunteers currently rank second among SEC programs with 13 recorded sacks.
• Texas faces Tennessee at Neyland Stadium following a victory over UTSA.

While Puka Nacua’s status for the Week 2 game between the Giants and Rams remains up in the air, there are no doubts about who will play under center. John Harbaugh will rely on Dart to guide the Giants to victory and the G-Men’s first 2-0 start since the 2022 NFL season. As for Sean McVay, he is counting on Stafford to brush off the dust after his rough Week 1 outing in Melbourne, Australia.

It would take a disaster, unfortunate injury, or a big blowout for either New York or Los Angeles to send their backup quarterbacks onto the field, but they both have confidence in them, regardless. Just as the Giants’ and Rams’ running back depth charts for Week 2 are filled with talent, the quarterback rooms in both the City of Angels and the Big Apple are stacked, too.

Backup quarterbacks for Giants at Rams in Week 2

The former first overall pick in 2015, Jameis Winston, will be the Giants’ backup quarterback behind Dart on Monday night. Even if he isn’t on the gridiron, Winston never fails to make his presence felt on the sidelines, and NFL fans should expect no different under the lights in Inglewood, California.

The Rams’ second-string quarterback will be Stetson Bennett IV, the two-time NCAA national champion with the Georgia Bulldogs (2021 and 2022) and a former fourth-round pick in 2023.

Emergency quarterbacks for Rams vs Giants

It’s only on rare occasions that third-string, emergency quarterbacks see the field in the NFL, but it’s always a non-zero chance, regardless. Anything can happen, and teams must stay prepared.

The Giants, however, are rocking a two-man QB room on the active roster and haven’t announced a promotion for practice-squad QB Jake Haener. Thus, if anything happens to both Dart and Winston, it might be time to improvise. If all else fails, Odell Beckham Jr. (who has two touchdown passes to his name in his NFL career) could be lined up at quarterback.

The Rams, on the other hand, do have a third, emergency quarterback on the active roster, none other than 13th overall pick, rookie out of Alabama Ty Simpson.

Dart and Stafford’s stats after Week 1

Dart and the Giants, and Stafford and the Rams couldn’t have had more different starts to the 2026 NFL season. Not only because New York played at home while Los Angeles traveled all the way to the Land Down Under, but also because the G-Men put on a statement performance while the Rams spiraled out of control.

As a result, Dart started the season with a 230-yard, three-touchdown, zero-turnover, 54-rushing-yard performance, while Stafford registered 155 yards, no touchdown passes, and an interception in his debut. More importantly, Dart and the Giants started the year 1-0, whereas Stafford’s Rams are 0-1.

Key takeaways

• Matthew Stafford starts for the Rams and Jaxson Dart leads the Giants on Monday Night Football.
• Stetson Bennett and Jameis Winston, respectively, are the backup QBs.
• Ty Simpson is the third-emergency QB for the Rams, while the Giants haven’t designated one.

“Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has announced QB Kyler Murray has cleared the concussion protocol and will start Sunday at Tampa Bay,” as confirmed by the Vikings on the team’s official X account.

Despite playing clean football and avoiding any turnovers in consecutive wins to start the 2026 NFL season, Wentz is coming out of the starting lineup to make way for Murray.

Though both will become UFAs after the season, it makes sense that Minnesota is still trusting its 29-year-old signal-caller, who may have an unexplored ceiling, over Wentz (33), who may provide a more stable floor but a lower ceiling. Nevertheless, the shakeup at QB prior to the Buccaneers‘ game sends waves across the league.

Vikings make QB change after low-scoring Week 2 win

Indeed, Wentz and the offense barely produced anything in the 9-3 win over the Bears in Week 2 and were mainly wheeled to victory by Brian Flores’ defense and kicker Will Reichard, along with Caleb Williams’ injury, whose latest update is even better than Chicago imagined.

Still, Wentz led a comeback win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 and looked better than Murray did, even though the latter left the season opener less than 10 minutes into the game. Thus, the Vikings’ decision to send Murray right under center came as a surprise to many.

It’s not completely out of the blue, but some expected Minnesota to be cautious as Murray returns from concussion protocol, especially as the Vikings will face a lackluster Buccaneers team, which Wentz and company may be able to take care of, giving Murray more time to recover. Even if he’s cleared the protocol, every extra day of rest could make a big difference.

Wentz and Murray’s stats in 2026

Through his two games played for the Vikings in 2026, Wentz completed 23 of 39 pass attempts (59%) for 276 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Wentz has been sacked six times while putting up a 106.4 passer rating.

As for Murray, his sample size is extremely small, but that doesn’t make it any less concerning. Murray has completed three of his five pass attempts (60%) for 18 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. His passer rating so far is 27.5.

The fact that Murray’s first pass in a Vikings uniform was picked off and he sustained a serious head injury on his third drive are all concerning factors that won’t magically disappear because the former first overall selection cleared the league’s concussion protocol.

Potential trap game for Murray

Although having Murray’s back against a disappointing defense in Tampa Bay might be viewed optimistically, it also means he will go head-to-head with 11 defenders holding on to pent-up frustration, and that’s one dangerous cocktail.

Key takeaways

• Kyler Murray cleared concussion protocol and will start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Carson Wentz threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns across two games in relief.
• Minnesota achieved a 2-0 start for only the third time in ten seasons.

“Patrick Kane is skating with the scratches this morning, so it doesn’t look like he’ll play in the preseason home opener,” Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN Radio reported on his X account.

With him held off the ice ahead of the rivalry game against the Wild in Chicago, Kane’s chances of playing during the shortened NHL preseason are limited to just one game. If not, Kane’s official homecoming in the Windy City will come in the regular season, when it truly matters.

Considering the Hawks are set to start the season without Connor Bedard, there’s reason to believe they will avoid all unnecessary risks when it comes to Kane’s availability. Chicago may remain cautious, but must be careful, because being too cautious can also have a negative side effect.

When could Kane play first game with Chicago?

The 2026 preseason is unlike any other, as it’s shortened with the regular season in the NHL extending to 84 games per team. Still, old habits die hard in this league. Most veteran players don’t play in away games during the preseason and are saved for the home matchups.

Kane, who didn’t play Chicago’s road game against Minnesota, however, may not play in the home games, either. It’s surprising, but not entirely unheard of. With only one home game of the preseason left after the one against the Wild, Kane will have one last chance to lace up his skates and get a taste of live action before the real thing.

“It’d be out of the norm to keep a veteran out of the home preseason games, but we’ll see about Saturday’s home game. Saturday is also the final tune-up game before the regular-season opener,” Scott Powers of The Athletic Chicago stated.

The Blackhawks host the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6:00 p.m. CT. Once the final buzzer sounds, the final countdown to the 2026-27 NHL regular season will begin. The Blackhawks kickstart their season on the road against the 2026 Stanley Cup runner-ups, the Vegas Golden Knights, on Sept. 29 at 9:30 p.m. CT.

Kane may have no need for preseason action

Entering his 20th season, Kane doesn’t have to be reminded what NHL action looks like, though. Indeed, the game evolves and veterans must adapt, but “Showtime” has passed these tests a long time ago and can be given a pass. Playing Kane in the preseason is more of a treat for the fans who attend the game than because Chicago really needs to evaluate him or Kane needs the test drive.

Key takeaways

• Patrick Kane held out of the Chicago Blackhawks’ preseason home opener against Minnesota.
• The 84-game regular season structure in 2026 led to a shortened NHL preseason schedule.
• Chicago hosts St. Louis on Saturday, Sept. 26 in their final tune-up game.

As things stand, neither party involved will reveal the grade of Judge‘s calf strain. That piece of information really isn’t too difficult to determine in today’s medicine and sports science landscape. Silence speaks volumes, though, and Judge, Boone, and the Yankees’ silence is loud enough to be heard all across the Big Apple.

“There’s no way [the Yankees] don’t know the grade [of Judge’s calf strain], it’s scientific data. The doctors don’t withhold it. They just won’t tell us what grade the strain is. If it was Grade 1, they would tell us that, because that’s good news,” Jimmy O’Brien stated on Talkin’ Yanks podcast. “And if it’s Grade 2, that gives three-to-six week return to running. I’ve got to think Judge is out.“

The fact that the Yankees have yet to reveal the extent of Judge’s injury could be taken as confirmation on its own. There are many reasons why the Bronx Bombers would say if it were good news, and many others why they wouldn’t if the results came out discouraging. All things considered, no answer appears to be an answer, and one no one in the Bronx wants to hear, so maybe that’s why New York isn’t putting it out there.

NY Yankees must make a decision on Judge

The timing of Judge’s latest setback couldn’t be any worse. Of course, it was always a possibility when New York decided to activate him off the 60-day IL with no rehab assignment while entering such a crucial stage of the MLB season. Still, the team is being held to a high standard, as made clear when Boone challenged the Judge-less Yankees to sweep the Tampa Bay Rays in the upcoming four-game series that will decide the fate of the AL East division.

As for Judge, he will be sidelined for that series, perhaps still unaware, or unwilling to reveal, how serious his calf strain really is. Whether he will actually be back for the postseason remains uncertain, but the odds aren’t looking too good. As Judge returned from his first right-rib stress fracture, there was a risk of re-injury. There are now two re-injury risks, and the injury in his lower body is one that could have an even more disastrous fate.

“Also, if you rush [Judge] back, it’s an injury [in his] lower leg that leads to Achilles ruptures and that would put him out for a year,” O’Brien concluded. “Are you going to risk running [designated hitter] Judge out there, which means you lose Ben Rice or Luis Garcia? I don’t fully agree [that Judge should play if he can], because there’s also the risk that he can get hurt. I don’t know if he helps the team enough, because [if Judge plays as DH] your second-best hitter has [to be taken out].”

NY Yankees at a crossroads

By all accounts, the Yankees are in a tough spot dealing with Judge’s latest injury. Everything else appears to be taken care of going into the postseason, but the uncertainty around the team’s best player risks throwing everything overboard and essentially making a great season, with a Cy Young Award favorite, all in vain. That’s the way it is in the Bronx: it’s always World-Series-or-bust, and without Judge, the Yankees may not be able to end the 16-year drought.

The fact that the Bronx Bombers are keeping their cards close to the vest may only confirm that they are bluffing. They don’t really have an ace up their sleeve and may only extend their act for as long as they can before eventually folding.

Key takeaways

• Withholding severity details fuels concerns surrounding right fielder Aaron Judge’s status for the postseason.
• A 3-to-6 week return timeline accompanies Grade 2 strains, per Talkin’ Yanks podcast hosts.
• Four-game series against Tampa Bay will decide the AL East division fate.

Kansas City and Indianapolis couldn’t separate on the scoreboard, leading to one of the best games so far on the season, in primetime and on national television. However, as entertaining as it was, it left fans with a bittersweet taste in their mouths. Having played as late into the night as they did, many wanted to experience a tie.

However, it wasn’t to be, and that means there has yet to be a tie game in the 2026 NFL season. The last game that finished in a stalemate was one very early in the 2025 campaign.

When was the last time an NFL game ended in a tie?

There has only been one tie in the NFL since the regular-season overtime rules were changed to give both teams a possession. That was in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, when the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers tied at 40 points apiece.

As the Chiefs and Colts battled, it seemed the two sides were headed for a draw, as well. But it wasn’t to be. The last tie in an NFL game was also a Sunday night matchup, which only gave fans hope that history could repeat itself in Arrowhead.

When was the last time the Chiefs and Colts tied a game?

The Colts’ last NFL game ended in a stalemate was on Sept. 11, 2022. Back then, Indianapolis tied 20-20 against the Houston Texans in Week 1. Matt Ryan was the team’s QB, while Jonathan Taylor rushed for 161 yards and a TD.

As for the Chiefs, one must travel much farther back for their last draw in the NFL. Kansas City’s last tie was on Nov. 19, 1989, against the Cleveland Browns (10-10 final score). Steve DeBerg was the team’s starting quarterback back then.

It didn’t take long before the broadcast showed Swift in attendance at the luxury suite. Perhaps waiting for the perfect moment, that was provided by Kelce’s 13-yard touchdown catch. As Kelce celebrated in the endzone, Swift was enjoying the moment surrounded by friends and family up in the box.

By now, Swift attending Chiefs games has become routine. Just like expecting Patrick Mahomes to be Kansas City’s starting quarterback, as he will in Week 2 of the NFL against the Colts, Swift has reached that level of certainty.

As long as Kelce is playing, she will be joining Chiefs Kingdom in the stands. In pure “You Belong With Me” fashion, Swift is on the bleachers for Kelce’s primetime matchup against the Colts — well, not quite the bleachers, as she’s in a luxury suite — but you get the point.

Swift keeps perfect attendance

As Kansas City plays back-to-back night games to start the 2026 NFL season (Monday night in Week 1), Swift is off to a perfect attendance start to the campaign. Two for two at Arrowhead.

With no tours scheduled anytime soon and her new life next to husband Kelce in Missouri, there aren’t many reasons to believe Swift will miss games anytime soon. Not as long as Kelce and the Chiefs play at home, and if it’s in primetime and on national television, even better.

During Week 1, Swift was joined by Tom Cruise, leading to fans asking who his favorite NFL team is and whether Cruise is a Chiefs fan. In Week 2, at least as Swift was shown during the TV broadcast, she didn’t appear to be joined by any other celebrity. She may have no need for such company as long as she is close to her husband. Where Kelce is, Swift isn’t too far behind, and that stays true in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.

Swift celebrates Kelce’s TD

In Week 2 of the NFL season, Kelce recorded his first touchdown grab of the campaign. Swift was in attendance, and in case anyone missed Kelce’s explosive play, Swift made sure to remind everybody who just scored. Pointing at her ring finger on her left hand (which has sported a wedding ring since July 3), Swift may have had the best celebration across all games on Sunday.

According to stats from USA Today, Kelce’s TD against Indianapolis was the ninth he scored with Swift in attendance — the first since Week 8 of the 2025 campaign.

A member of the Chiefs’ family

Gearing up for Week 2’s Sunday night showdown, Swift joined Kelce and others for Patrick Mahomes’ 31st birthday (Sept. 17) at the steakhouse owned by the Chiefs’ quarterback and tight end, 1587, as reported by People.

Clearly, Swift is another member of the big family in Kansas City, and she has another reason to attend games at Arrowhead Stadium: not only is her husband playing, but her friends are, too.

“Doing much better, appreciate all the prayers and support,” Jayden Reed wrote on his X account, @JaydenReed5. Reed’s statement came on the heels of the Packers’ encouraging update on the wide receiver’s health after the 20-17 win over the Jets.

“Packers say WR Jayden Reed ‘has feeling and movement in all extremities. He will stay overnight for further testing and observation’,” as reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter.

What happened to Reed?

Reed was hit by Jets linebacker Demario Davis, who made direct contact with his helmet. Immediately, Reed collapsed to the ground, losing mobility and consciousness by the time he fell to the turf.

As reported by Jordan Schultz, Reed required a spine board, which was immediately taken as a scary sign of a potential serious spine or neck injury, given where he was hit and everything that followed.

Fortunately, though, it seems the worst is over, and Reed is making progress. For the time being, however, football is the least of Green Bay’s worries, and all the team cares about is having Reed pass his medical evaluations at the hospital, where he will remain for more tests and under the surveillance of health professionals.

Another bad injury for Packers

In the cruelest form of insult to injury, the next play after Reed left the game, offensive lineman Zach Bako-Bewele had to be carted off the field with a knee injury. Speaking after the game, head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t sugarcoat his true thoughts on the right tackle’s health and how it looks in the 2026 NFL season.

“That doesn’t look good, either. I think [Zach Bako-Bewele] could be out for a long time,” LaFleur admitted postgame, via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.

Needless to say, it was a less-than-ideal rainy afternoon in the Big Apple for the Packers. Their record will say they are back at .500, but this victory sure doesn’t taste so good.

With such an elite talent behind, or next to, depending on the formation, the Colts’ and Chiefs’ starting quarterbacks, both teams could simply hand the ball off every play and still boast an offense to be reckoned with across the NFL. Still, Kansas City and Indianapolis both understand the importance of giving their star players some rest, especially this early in the season.

On that note, both teams have depth at the running back position, though it’s clearly a one-man wrecking crew show in both rushing offenses. Kansas City’s depth chart at half-back includes: Kenneth Walker III, Emmett Johnson, and Brashard Smith.

As for Indianapolis, Jonathan Taylor is joined by Seth McGowan and DJ Giddens in the RB room. With Giddens questionable for Sunday night’s game in The City of Fountains, the Colts could call up one of practice squad members Anderson Castle and David Booth.

Walker III and Taylor’s Week 1 outings

Both Walker III and Taylor put on a show in their Week 1 debuts of the 2026 NFL season. Walker III stole the spotlight in Kansas City’s 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos, registering 23 carries for 173 yards and a rushing touchdown. Walker III also caught three passes for 18 yards and a receiving touchdown.

Meanwhile, Taylor fell victim to his Colts’ struggles and the fact that they played from behind all day long against the Baltimore Ravens. Taylor still made the most of his 19 carries, putting up 98 yards on the ground and two TDs. He was also a factor in the passing attack, with three catches for 23 yards. Taylor had an uncharacteristic fumble that was recovered by the Ravens.

Snap percentage

If there were any doubts about Walker III and Taylor’s importance and primary roles on their teams, they became obsolete in Week 1. Taylor played in 48 of his team’s 54 offensive snaps (89% snap percentage) in Week 1, with second option McGowan playing six snaps (11%).

Looking over at the Chiefs, Walker III played 47 out of the team’s 70 offensive snaps (68%) in Week 1, while Johnson played 25 snaps (36%) and Smith didn’t see the field once.

Walker and Taylor shine in fantasy football’s Week 1

For fantasy football players across the league, starting either of them was always going to be the right decision. Still, they didn’t disappoint. Walker far exceeded his projections, putting up 34.1 fantasy points (point-per-reception), while Taylor delivered 25.1 points to those who own him in fantasy football.

Needless to say, points are expected to come in bunches when the Chiefs and Colts meet at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 2.

Albeit to different degrees, both signal-callers are staples under center for their teams. By now, fans across the NFL know they will be in charge of the fate of the pigskin. The same applies to the Chiefs and Colts’ running-back depth charts. Who will be behind Mahomes and Jones in the depth chart, and next in line should something happen to the starters, is the real question.

Justin Fields will be Kansas City’s second-string quarterback in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season. As for Indianapolis, it will be another question-marks-filled quarterback serving as backup: Anthony Richardson. Both young quarterbacks share similarities in that they are questioned on many of their traits, but no one denies how explosive they are with the ball in their hands and some room to run.

Emergency quarterbacks for Chiefs vs Colts

Both teams hope they don’t need to send any quarterback other than their starters on Sunday night—unless it’s a substitution as result of a blowout. Still, the Chiefs and Colts must brace for whatever may come their way. On that note, they both have a third, emergency quarterback designated.

In Kansas City’s case, it will be rookie Garrett Nussmeier. Indianapolis will have sophomore quarterback Riley Leonard in that role. As emergency QBs, Nussmeier and Leonard can only be brought into the gridiron if both signal-callers ahead of them are injured.

How did Mahomes and Jones play in Week 1?

Both Mahomes and Jones entered the 2026 NFL season after long injury rehab journeys. In his first game back from the torn ACL and LCL suffered late last year, Mahomes threw 15 completions for 184 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.

Mahomes cleared all concerns around his leg health with solid runs and movement in the pocket, along with 23 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. In case it wasn’t clear enough, Mahomes clarified his leg injury status ahead of Week 2.

As for Jones, he suffered an Achilles tear last season. In his return, Jones threw more passes than Shane Steichen may have liked as Indy allowed an early lead to Baltimore in the 41-23 loss. Jones finished the day with 19 passes for 166 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Fantasy points in Week 1, Week 2 projections

Mahomes put up 21.6 points in fantasy football, per ESPN’s app, in Week 1’s statement win over the reigning AFC West champions, the Denver Broncos. Jones, meanwhile, had a rougher outing, finishing with only 9.04 points. Entering Week 2, Mahomes projects 18.22 points, while Jones is expected to record 13.9 points.

Regardless of whether they helped fans win in their leagues or not, both quarterbacks have put their 2025-season-ending injuries in the rearview mirror and appear fully healthy to guide their teams in 2026.

It will be the closest thing to a postseason series before the actual thing, and it may serve as a good opportunity for the Pinstripers to see what they are capable of doing without Aaron Judge in such a high-stakes scenario.

Although Judge and Boone kept Yankees fans concerned ahead of the postseason, the Bronx Bombers could erase those doubts with a strong showing in the four-game series against Tampa Bay. As Boone reminded his team, however, only a sweep will do them any favors.

“Oh yeah, for the division, sure [we need a sweep over the Rays]. We sweep, then it gets interesting,” Boone admitted after Saturday’s night game, per YES Network. “But we can’t sweep before [Sunday’s] game [against the Diamondbacks], so we’ve got to get ready for that game, and hopefully go out and finish what’s been a good trip out west. That’s all we can control right now.”

Judge’s injury could demand multi-week recovery

New York isn’t giving out much information on Judge’s calf strain that landed him on the 10-day injured list (IL) only days after his return from the 60-day IL. Boone has even stated he doesn’t know the grade of Judge’s strain, which, considering how tight-lipped the Yankees remain about Judge’s injury, should be very telling on its own.

Based on the grade of the setback, the Bronx Bombers may have reason to remain confident or slowly lose all hope. In the midst of a pennant race with Tampa Bay, Bellinger all but surrendered to the Rays, though he dropped a World Series warning.

However, the story might be very different if Judge is ruled out for the rest of the season. According to reports, that remains a possibility, especially for as long as Judge’s injury grade remains unknown, or at least undisclosed to the media across MLB.

“Per the Boston Sports Medicine & Research Institute, a first-degree, or mild, calf strain comes with a 1-3-week timeline. A second-degree, or moderate, strain requires 3-6 weeks of rest and recovery before returning to full activity. A third-degree, or severe, strain ‘can take many weeks or months to fully heal.’ So I’d say it matters,” Gary Phillips of NY Daily News wrote on his X account.

Yankees vs Rays: 2026 H2H record

With four games left in the season series, Tampa Bay is 6-3 against New York, while holding a five-game lead in the race for the division. That means the Rays are only one win away from clinching the tiebreaker advantage over the Yankees, limiting Boone’s team to a sweep-or-bust scenario.

The Yankees and Rays are 1-1 at Yankee Stadium in 2026. New York’s win was a 2-0 victory resulting from a Judge two-run, walk-off homer. Clearly, the Yankees would be better off with him in the lineup when the Rays come into town.

If there’s a silver lining and sliver of hope, it is in the fact that Tampa Bay has been swept in a four-game series before this year, and it was also on the road, against the Boston Red Sox. However, that was coming out of the All-Star break, and much has changed since for the now red-hot Rays.

Regardless, anything can happen, and the AL East will be on the line when the Yankees host the Rays on Sept. 22-24 at One East 161st Street in the Bronx.

Apparently, not enough to be convinced that the Yankees may still make it a pennant race with the Rays and come away on top, but he sure is confident that once the postseason arrives, the Bronx Bombers can turn it up a notch. And who knows? Why not win the World Series?

It’s happened before, and the Yankees have already received a good omen from the New York Giants and New York Jets. The signs may be out there. In case they aren’t clear enough, Bellinger’s latest statement might help out even more. The Rays, and frankly, the entire MLB landscape, have been put on notice.

“Yeah, I mean, [the Rays] are playing tremendous baseball. It’s tough to climb up in the standings if they keep winning. Mathematically pretty tough, we have got to keep on rolling,” Bellinger said postgame, via YES Network. “Obviously, the goal is win the division, rest your guys, get those extra off days, that’s always goal No. 1. Ultimately, World Series champions have come out of the Wild Card.”

Decisive Rays-Yankees series

Although Bellinger’s admission after the defeat in Phoenix sounded almost like the Yankees were waving the white flag in the pennant race against the Rays, there is still some baseball left to play, and a couple of very meaningful games on the horizon. New York and Tampa Bay will meet for a four-game series at Yankee Stadium (Sept. 22-24, with a doubleheader on Sept. 22) that could very well decide who wins the American League East division.

If the Boston Red Sox can get a win in the rubber match against the Rays while the Yankees secure the series against the D-Backs, then a sweep by New York against Tampa Bay would put both teams at even-Stevens. A sweep is the only way for the Yankees to get the tiebreaker over the Rays, as they are currently down 3-6 in the season’s head-to-head.

Another Rays win over the Pinstripers will clinch the tiebreaker for them. It’s a tough ask for New York, but not impossible. Obviously, without Judge, the climb is only steeper, but it may be perfect timing for a new miracle in the Bronx.

NY Yankees and TB Rays’ remaining schedule

While Larkin admitted he has no regrets about his trade request and accepts the consequences of his actions, his body might tell a different story. Many times, there is a psychological side to injuries, and Larkin’s latest one may be an example. After head coach Todd McLellan warned Larkin amid the trade drama in training camp, a new update on Larkin’s status all but confirms the center could miss the preseason entirely.

As reported by Bleacher Report Open Ice, the Red Wings have assigned a week-to-week tag to Larkin’s injury. With the shortened NHL preseason and extended 84-game regular season, there’s a scenario in which Larkin is only healthy again by the time the puck officially drops.

Larkin’s return is a mystery

With the Red Wings making their regular-season debut on Oct. 2 against the New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena, there’s a scenario in which Larkin doesn’t even make it in time for the home opener. If that’s the case, the buzz and speculation around his injury will only grow louder.

As things stand, many have their doubts about the veracity of his upper-body injury, seeing it as the perfect way to avoid the spotlight. Although Larkin urged Red Wings fans to reconsider before booing him throughout the season, his words likely changed nothing. There will be jeering. The levels of it could very well exceed those of the days when the late Claude Lemieux and the Colorado Avalanche were public enemies No. 1 in Motor City.

It will surely get ugly when Larkin touches the puck for the first time in the 2026-27 NHL season, and the former captain may be looking for a way to avoid it. And he may have found the perfect one in the form of his upper-body injury. That’s not to say the issue isn’t real, but there’s an argument to be made that perhaps Larkin won’t battle as hard to return to the ice as he normally would.

Larkin hasn’t been one to miss many games

Throughout his 11-year career in the league, Larkin hasn’t missed many games, only 45, which translates into an average of 4.1 games missed per season. If, somehow, he were to start missing games with more regularity now, it would be peculiar and eyebrow-raising, to say the least.

Still, that’s the way things are looking, as Larkin has received a week-to-week status, potentially staying off the ice for the entire preseason. If that happens, it would take some time for him to reacclimate and get back into a game-day rhythm before returning to the lineup.

Unless he’s traded overnight, Larkin likely won’t get to “hide” forever, but being away for the home opener against the Rangers could be a best-case scenario, as that night he’d have to face the pent-up emotions of a fanbase coming off a 10th-straight season of playoff-less hockey in Hockeytown.

Shortly after Larkin admitted he had no regrets about requesting a trade out of Detroit during his first press conference since the end of the 2025-26 NHL season, McLellan voiced a statement of his own. Though McLellan admitted he and the Red Wings will still welcome the former captain, he dropped a subtle warning reminding Larkin of his obligations.

“Who wouldn’t want Dylan Larkin on their team? He made a commitment to the team signing a contract,” McLellan said, via Helene St. James of Detroit Free Press. “We made a commitment to him to provide an opportunity to play and that’s where we’re at right now.”

McLellan reminds Larkin he’s under contract

Although the timing of Larkin’s recent injury raised eyebrows ahead of training camp, the former Red Wings captain made his intentions clear: to be with the team during the NHL preseason. Regardless, just in case, McLellan made sure to remind Larkin that he made a commitment to Detroit and must stick to it.

For the time being, the 30-year-old homegrown center is holding up his end of the bargain. Though not healthy enough to participate, Larkin did report to Day 1 of training camp. Larkin would have been subject to a team suspension otherwise, like Connor Hellebuyck was after he failed to report to the Winnipeg Jets’ training camp. Curiously enough, both were teammates on Team USA’s gold-medal Olympic team. Still, Larkin said that experience had nothing to do with his desire to leave the Red Wings.

In the meantime, fans remain wary of Larkin’s untimely—or timely—setback. If Larkin is indeed using it as a thinly veiled way to avoid participating in team activities, it could backfire tremendously. Larkin did urge Red Wings fans to reconsider before booing him on home ice, but at some point, Larkin will have to face the music. And it’s trending toward an ugly melody. As for how McLellan and his teammates will treat Larkin, he may have no reason to fret.

McLellan will use Larkin for as long as he has him

Whether he’s upset at Larkin for the troublesome spotlight he’s brought upon the Red Wings or not remains unknown. What’s clear, though, is that McLellan still sees the great qualities in Larkin’s game. As long as he’s available to the head coach, McLellan will utilize Larkin in a big role. That was all but confirmed when McLellan stated: “Who wouldn’t want Dylan Larkin on their team?”

McLellan plans to play Larkin as long as he is still around Motor City. Whether Larkin actually is fit to play, though, that’s a different question. As things stand, it’s the million-dollar question in town, along with whether the trade request is still standing or not. After Larkin’s press conference, neither has been answered, and nobody knows when Larkin will become available to the media again.

On that note, Sullivan made something clear about how the Blueshirts plan to use Igor Shesterkin, Joonas Korpisalo, and Dylan Garand going into the new season. Most NHL clubs employ two goalies on their active roster, but the Rangers may not follow suit. In fact, Sullivan all but confirmed New York will resort to a rather uncommon option, at least to start the campaign.

“Sure. Is it ideal? My experience has been, in the long term, no. But… I’ve been in circumstances over the years where (keeping 3 goalies) has been the case. I think it’s very manageable in the short term,” Sullivan said after Day 1 of training camp, via Newsday Sports‘ Colin Stephenson.

Sullivan lets Rangers know right away

One thing Sullivan has clearly learned during his years in the NHL is that speaking candidly and straightforwardly may only hurt at first. In the long run, it’s always better than the alternative: straddling the fence. Thus, right from the get-go, he made the goaltenders at Madison Square Garden aware of what will go down during the 2026-27 season—or at least to start things off.

Things might change, injuries may come up, and no one can tell what the future will bring. For now, though, Sullivan is inclined toward rocking a rare three-man goaltending room. He made that intention clear right away after Day 1 of the Blueshirts’ training camp. Don’t go crying to Sullivan later.

Sullivan (sort of) kept three goalies last season, too

Though in a slightly different context, Sullivan did roll with a three-man goaltending department in the final stretch of the 2025-26 NHL season. Shesterkin and Garand were part of the mix, with Jonathan Quick completing the trio. Following Quick’s retirement late last season, New York went after Korpisalo via trade with the Boston Bruins.

Things were different last season, however. Garand only played three games, too, so it wasn’t as if he was a main part of the rotation. Shesterkin will remain the starter. There’s no doubt about it. As for Korpisalo, he is expected to be the primary backup, filling in to give Shesterkin a rest. But Garand will compete for that role in a bigger capacity in 2026-27.

Contrary to last season, though, when Garand was a wet-behind-the-ears prospect who had yet to debut in the NHL, the 24-year-old netminder will now demand more responsibility, or so the Rangers hope. The former fourth-round pick’s development is a priority for the Broadway Blueshirts, so expect him to get more nods at the crease.

NY Rangers must develop Garand

As confident as they are in Shesterkin and that he’s in the Big Apple to stay, the Rangers must develop a young goaltender at some point. They need someone who can grow into a fringe starter, at least. If Garand doesn’t pan out, Callum Tung is next in line, but New York will first see how much juice it can get out of the Victoria, BC, native before moving on to the Port Moody, fellow British Columbian kid.

“The Giants are signing CB Nikko Reed from the Chargers practice squad,” Jordan Raanan ofESPN’s NFL Nation reported. While Reed was a practice squad member on Harbaugh’s Chargers, he is jumping right into the active roster of Harbaugh’s Giants. One man’s loss is another man’s gain, even when the two men involved are siblings.

“Reed lands on the Giants active roster with them short on healthy cornerbacks. Paulson Adebo didn’t practice Thursday. Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome were limited,” Raanan stated. Short on options at cornerback, the Giants wasted no time bringing in reinforcements to East Rutherford before taking on a stacked, desperate-to-get-back-on-track Rams‘ offense.

Desperate times require desperate solutions, like a neighbor asking for a spare hammer or ladder to change a lightbulb. John Harbaugh resorted to his brother Jim Harbaugh’s team for a stopgap addition at cornerback. This time around, the older brother didn’t ask; he simply swooped in and snatched a cornerback, taking Reed back with him to New York.

Peculiar schedule for Reed

With the Giants heading for Los Angeles on Saturday and Reed’s signing coming on Thursday, the 23-year-old cornerback will be in for a busy schedule, flying from LAX to the Big Apple only to fly back to the City of Angels in a matter of hours.

In the NFL, adventures like this are commonplace, and in order to survive in an ever-changing landscape, players must adapt in a heartbeat, especially an undrafted player like Reed, who is still trying to make a name for himself. Clearly, he’s someone the Harbaugh household is familiar with.

After some time with Jim in Los Angeles, Reed will experience life with John in New York. Though some stability would be nice, there are far worse places to call home and worse coaches to have as a boss in the NFL.

Reed’s stats

Coming off of college, where he played for the Colorado Buffaloes (2021-2022) and Oregon Ducks (2023-2024), Reed signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2025 NFL season. He made the 53-man active roster and appeared in five games before being shut down with a hamstring injury.

Last season, Reed recorded 2 total tackles and one pass deflection. His highlight came in the preseason, when he recorded an interception in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game. Reed hasn’t played in an NFL game since Dec. 27, 2025.

On that note, general manager Kyle Davidson provided a heartening update on Bedard’s recovery journey. It’s still early to pop champagne, and even when Bedard is back on the ice in the NHL, Chicago will have to remain wary of any setbacks or threats, but everything is pointing in the right direction.

It may not be long before Bedard returns to action. For the time being, however, Davidson and the Blackhawks are pleased with the commitment from the new team captain and excited about his progress.

“The good thing and the positive thing is that [Bedard] is out there, he is pushing every day. He feels great. He’s cleared every hurdle to this point, which is good,” Davidson stated on Bedard’s rehabbing progress, via Charlie Roumeliotis. “That’s a positive sign. But in terms of an altered timeline either positive or negative, we’re not there yet, but he’s checking every box so far.“

Blackhawks have a plan for Bedard

Though they remain confident about the firepower on the roster, it’s clear the Hawks would want Bedard back in the mix as soon as possible. Based on the original timeline announced back in July, the captain would miss four months, meaning his return will likely come in November.

It’s not ideal to miss Bedard for the start of the 2026-27 NHL campaign, but it doesn’t have to be hope-crushing, either. As Davidson made clear, the coaching and medical staff in Chicago have put together a plan for Bedard’s rehab. Davidson wouldn’t reveal if the 21-year-old is actually ahead, behind or right on schedule, though.

“We’ve got a nice plan moving forward and we’re progressing through that plan over the next number of weeks. Ahead of schedule, behind schedule — all that will be determined much further along in this process,” Davidson said.

Blackhawks will start the season without Bedard

For now, the Blackhawks will have to do with what they have. Anymore updates may follow in the coming weeks. One thing is certain, though, Bedard will be sidelined when the puck drops and the Blackhawks visit the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29 at T-Mobile Arena.