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Inside Knicks' championship ring: First look, full details on New York's stunning title prize originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Knicks raised a championship banner for the first time in 53 years on Tuesday night, and they received some pretty nice jewelry, too.

New York unveiled its championship ring ahead of the team's season-opener against the 76ers, a much-anticipated reveal more than four months in the making.

For the Knicks, it was worth the wait. The elaborate rings wowed the Madison Square Garden crowd on Tuesday and impressed fans at home.

Here's what you need to know.

Knicks championship ring

Here's a look at the outside and inside of the Knicks' championship ring: 

A WORK OF ART. @JasonofBH https://t.co/sXZEqDQ8WK

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 20, 2026

The ring features the Knicks' logo on a blue background, plus the numbers of each player from the 2025-26 team wrapped around the side. The Knicks' series scores, including two 4-0 sweeps, are included on the side of the ring.

The top of the ring can be twisted and lifted upward to reveal a design that resembles the exterior design of Madison Square Garden. Inside the ring is a basketball court with the Larry O'Brien Trophy at midcourt.

The Knicks' championship rings not only have a tier that pulls up to look like Madison Square Garden, but it also opens to reveal the entire court and top of MSG inside. https://t.co/s36jOMFXSf

— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) October 20, 2026

MORE: Watch the Knicks on MSG+ live with DAZN

Here's the Knicks' full ring ceremony:

The Knicks players get their rings in front of a raucous MSG crowd! https://t.co/HSGHJoETyC

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 20, 2026

The Knicks have yet to reveal full details about the ring, including cost and the number of diamonds, but it's clear the team put some significant effort into a prize that will stand the test of time.

LIVE: Follow updates from Knicks vs. 76ers on opening night

In one of the surprises of the college football season, the UCLA Bruins are undefeated and ranked No. 9 in the country, and now, first-year head coach Bob Chesney has a new challenge ahead of him.

The Bruins, who are No. 9 in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 10 in the Coaches Poll, are big favorites, with oddsmakers predicting they’ll win by two touchdowns.

Chesney addressed his squad’s new status when speaking with reporters on Tuesday.

How are the UCLA Bruins preparing for the Michigan State Spartans?

On Saturday, the Bruins host the 2-5 Michigan State Spartans at the Rose Bowl, and Chesney’s focus is on making sure his team doesn’t overlook their next opponent.

“We have to prepare all week,” he told reporters, as shown in video of the press conference provided by the school. “We have to understand their strengths, their weaknesses, what we could attack, what we have to stop. That’s just the the name of the game.”

Oct 17, 2026; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Bob Chesney on the sidelines in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Chesney added that his team will “compete every single moment of every day out here [so] you don’t have to go up or down or do anything else.”

“The standard doesn’t rise or sink, right? The standard is the standard and I think our guys understand that. And there’s still elevations that need to happen, but it’s not anything based on your opponent. It’s based on yourself,” he said.

Bob Chesney works to woo UCLA students

One of the challenges facing Chesney and the Bruins is how to engage the student body after years of poor play.

Yes, this team is outperforming expectations, but students still must travel from Westwood to Pasadena to see their team play home games.

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The school is offering free tickets for students, and Chesney recently hosted some students at practice.

Those students, who are in the Greek organizations that won the flag football tournament in the spring, did drills with the team.

“It takes a village,” Chesney explained. “We need them and we need those people at the game, and we need them to have a true connection to this team, not just like the team from what we’re doing on the field, but also be connected, and that’s what today was about.”

There’s still half a season to go, so a lot remains unknown as to how Chesney’s messages to his team and the fanbase will be received.

Do you think the Bruins can continue to win this season?

The post UCLA’s Bob Chesney Addresses Mindset Shift as Bruins Enter Top 10 appeared first on LA Sports Report.

Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Brown sends heartfelt message to Eagles’ Jalen Hurts after blood clot diagnosis appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown is showing support for his former quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts, following a frightening blood clot diagnosis that will keep him off the football field.

Hurts was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli after further medical evaluations revealed blood clots in his lungs. The diagnosis is expected to end his 2026 season, leaving the Eagles without their starting quarterback as they look to turn their season around.

Brown, who was traded from Philadelphia to New England, shared a heartfelt message about Hurts and his health situation.

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AJ Brown says he has a lot of love and respect for Jalen Hurts and is praying for him

“He’s a tough guy. He can handle anything” pic.twitter.com/k0USqklpve

— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) October 20, 2026

“It’s a tough situation. I got a lot of love for him. Praying for him. I didn’t know how serious it was,” Brown said, via Eliot Shorr-Parks. “He’s a tough guy. He can handle anything. It’s a lot of love and respect.”

The message serves as a reminder that the relationship between the two former teammates extends beyond football. Brown and Hurts spent multiple seasons together in Philadelphia, building a connection that helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl and win a championship.

Although Brown is now with the Patriots, his departure from Philadelphia has not changed the respect he has for Hurts. A trade can separate teammates on the field, but it does not erase the relationships they built during their time together.

The focus now shifts to Hurts’ recovery. The Eagles and his agent have expressed optimism about his prognosis, stating that he is clinically stable and that a full recovery is expected. He will undergo treatment with blood thinners and remain away from contact football activities until medically cleared.

Hurts’ health is far more important than football, and the hope is that he can make a full recovery and return to the field next season. Brown’s message reflects the support surrounding the Eagles quarterback as he faces a difficult situation away from the game.

Related: NFL executives eviscerate ‘uninformed’ Eagles reporting of Jalen Hurts’ scary blood clot situation

Related: Eagles rumors: Hollywood Brown could be next trade domino in Philly’s fire sale

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 16: Hudauri Hines (4) of the Purdue Boilermakers intercepts a pass in front of Dezmen Roebuck (2) of the Washington Huskies during the college football game on October 16, 2026 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

I struggle with these. I feel like I come off as a Kevin Kane defender, but that’s not my intention. To be honest, I’m ambivalent about Kane. Purdue could fire him tomorrow, and I wouldn’t argue against it. I’m ambivalent because he’s not the main problem on defense. I don’t think firing him mid-season would make a difference either way. In this game, Washington ruthlessly attacked the Boilermakers’ lack of depth, and Kane doesn’t play cornerback or linebacker.

The Boilermakers lost starting cornerback Hudari Hines on the first play of the game, while making an interception. Purdue has only played 2 corners all season. Washington attacked the backups and forced Kane into zone coverage with their air raid offense. Zone coverage hasn’t been Purdue’s strong suit, but they really had no choice.

Purdue effectively has 2 linebackers; Washington attacked the alleys in their run game, where 3 linebackers would have been extremely useful. Then Correa went down, and things went from bad to worse. Kane tried to move pieces around and bring in solutions off the bench, but in reality, Purdue’s bench doesn’t have many. This was going to be a tough matchup anyway, but losing Hines and later Correa was insurmountable.

This defense is still a year away from having the talent and depth to make in-game adjustments. Whoever calls the plays in 2027 will be in a much better position than Kevin Kane is this season, in terms of personnel. Hopefully everyone gets healthy with the off week, and the defense returns to full strength against Penn State.

*All stats from Pro Football Focus

Defensive LineDefensive End

1. Keyshawn Burgos:Snaps – 40 – Tackles – 1 – Sacks – 1
2. CJ Madden: Snaps – 19 – Tackles – 1
3. Breeon Ishmail: Snaps – 10 – No Stats
4. Aiden Solecki: Snaps – 10 – Tackles – 1

Nose Tackle

1. Curt Neal:Snaps – 35 – Tackles – 1 – T.F.L. – .5
2. Rodney Lora: Snaps – 34 – No Stats

Defensive Tackle

1. Ian Jeffries: Snaps – 30 – Tackles – 4 – TFL – .5
2. Wisdom Simms: Snaps – 14 – No Stats
3. Josiah Hope: Snaps – 10 – No Stats

Outside Linebacker / Edge Rusher

1. Jeremy Lewis:Snaps – 38 – Tackles – 4 – T.F.L. – 1
2. Trey Smith: Snaps – 13 – No Stats

Grade: C

I was ready to tear into the defensive line, but after taking a look at the stats, while they weren’t great, they also weren’t the problem, or, at least, the main problem.

Washington rushed for 197 yards, which normally indicates that they dominated up front, but this game was an exception. The interior defensive line held their own. Only 36 of those 197 yards occurred between the tackles. The Huskies attempted 7 rushes in the A gap and only picked up 14 yards (2 YPA), 2 rushes for 10 yards in the “B gap (5 YPA), and 5 rushes for 12 yards in the C gap (2.4 YPA).

Purdue’s run defense struggled outside the tackles. They ran 6 times and gained 49 yards (8.2) outside the LT/TE, and 7 times for 101 yards (14.4) outside the RT/TE. Purdue dominated Washington’s offensive line between the tackles but had no answer for their perimeter speed. The Huskies’ leading rusher, Trey Cooley, did all his damage on 2 runs off the right end for 96 yards. He broke a tackle at the line of scrimmage on both runs, then hit the gas and rampaged through the secondary.

Here’s the deal: Purdue decided to beef up their defensive line after Wake Forest and UCLA. Keyshawn Burgos is a cheeseburger away from being a defensive tackle. Jeremy Lewis has decent speed and played well, making 4 tackles, recording one of Purdue’s 4 QB hurries, and batting down a pass, but he’s faster going north and south than east to west, if that makes sense.

Speaking of the pass rush, that’s another spot where it’s hard to blame the defensive line. The frustrating part of playing against an air-raid offense like Washington’s is that when it’s humming, the defensive line doesn’t matter. The ball hits the quarterback’s hands, and the ball is out of the quarterback’s hands. I’m willing to bet that Washington quarterback Elijah Brown knew where he was going with the ball before the snap 95% of the time. Their head coach, Jedd Fisch, has an NFL background and created the matchups he wanted, then had Brown throw the ball to that matchup.

Purdue’s defensive line is night-and-day better between the tackles than earlier this season, but they had to sacrifice speed to make it happen. Washington exploited that on Friday night.

LinebackerMiddle Linebacker

Charles Correa: Snaps – 50 – Tackles – 4 – T.F.L. – .5

Middle Linebacker

Jojo Hayden: Snaps – 62 – Tackles – 7 – T.F.L. – 1 – INT – 1

Weak Side Linebacker

1. Winston Berglund: Snaps – 31 – Tackles – 2
2. Tre Moore: Snaps – 6 – No Stats

Grade: C-

Once again, this is a much higher grade than I expected before starting this article. Correa did a decent job getting to the ball and bringing the ball carrier to the ground. The problem was Washington running away from Correa. Once again, full credit to Jed Fisch. Purdue plays two linebackers. Hayden is the thumper between the tackles, and Correa is the sideline-to-sideline linebacker. Washington ran away from Correa and made him chase the ball from behind the play.

I don’t necessarily think Hayden had a bad game either. He led the team in tackles, pulled down his second interception of the season, and had a bone-rattling hit on Washington’s quarterback that was flagged for an absolutely egregious roughing-the-passer penalty that cost Purdue 4 points, after seemingly stopping the Huskies inside the red zone.

Purdue’s 3rd linebacker was the problem. One way to counteract a team running outside the tackles is to shift from a 4-2-5 alignment to a 4-3-4. Correa takes the strong side, Hayden stays in the middle, and Berglund handles the weak side. Winston Berglund has played well this season, but he’s better in coverage than he is as a run defender. Washington saw Berglund on the edge, liked the matchup, and ran his direction. Yes, he also got burned for a quick-hitter touchdown pass from the 1, but that could happen to anyone.

The Boilermakers’ main issue in this game was their lack of depth at both linebacker and in the secondary. Purdue has two linebackers; Washington forced them to use three, then exploited the weak link. That was magnified further when Correa got his bell rung in the 2nd half, and Kane was forced back into a 2-linebacker setup because there’s no 4th linebacker. It was supposed to be Penn State transfer Anthony Speca, but that hasn’t worked out. They tried San Diego transfer Tre Moore, but that only lasted 4 snaps.

This is a case where Purdue needs their young guys to develop and provide depth. That depth doesn’t exist on this roster. Maybe it will in the future, but there’s a big gap between Correa and Hayden, between Hayden and Berglund, and a similar gap between Berglund and the 4th linebacker.

Correa and Hayden were fine, but Purdue’s lack of depth was on full display.

SecondaryRight Cornerback

Don Saunders: Snaps – 63 – Tackles – 5 – T.F.L. -.5 – Targeted – 6 – Rec Allowed – 6 – Yds – 79

Left Cornerback

1. Hudari Hines:Snaps – 1 – Tackles – 0 – Targeted – 1 – Int – 1
2. Dee Newsome: Snaps – 43 – Tackles – 5 – T.F.L. – 1 – Targeted – 4 – Rec Allowed – 4 – Yds – 53
3. Ryan Turner: Snaps – 16 – Tackles – 2 – T.F.L. – 1 – Targeted – 3 – Rec Allowed – 3 – Yds – 59

Nickel Corner

Smiley Bradford: Snaps – 38 – Tackles – 2 – T.F.L. – .5 – Targeted – 3 – Rec Allowed – 2– Yds – 25 – Int – 1

Corner Grade: D-

I’m going to say something controversial. This entire game changed with Hudari Hines’ interception on the first play from scrimmage. If he doesn’t sprain his leg while the receiver pulls him down from behind as he makes the interception, this game looks different. I don’t know if the outcome changes, but Washington’s offense wouldn’t have spent the whole game picking on Purdue’s backup cornerbacks.

Coming into this season, Purdue was confident in 4 of their corners: Don Saunders, Haduri Hines, Mister Clark, and Smiley Bradford. When the Boilermakers play man coverage, Saunders covers the taller boundary receiver, Hines handles the field receiver, and Clark and Bradford play in the slot over the smaller, quicker receivers.

Clark started the season against Indiana State, got injured, and hasn’t been seen since. That left Purdue with one slot corner. Hines can, in theory, handle a second, quicker receiver, but he can’t do that while injured on the sidelines. Purdue’s 5th corner, Dee Newsome, is a boundary corner like Saunders. He’s long and physical but not particularly quick. In theory, he’s better at covering downfield than across it.

Saunders, Hines, and Bradford have gone the distance in every game outside of garbage time for a reason. Newsome wasn’t terrible, but Kane is significantly more comfortable playing man coverage with Saunders and Hines. If you’re wondering why Purdue spent so much time in zone defense in this game, after playing a good bit of man coverage over the last two wins, it’s the Hines injury.

Washington’s wide receiver room made things even worse. The Huskies’ leading receiver in this game, Chris Lawson, would have been matched up with Hines all game. He’s a 6’0”, 185-pound slot receiver, and Purdue only has one slot corner. He targeted that slot corner, Smiley Bradford, once, and Bradford picked it off. He’s not a good matchup for Saunders, but Don held his own, giving up 2 receptions for 27 yards, mostly in front of Saunders’ zone coverage. He had two receptions against Dee Newsome for 41 yards, including 18 yards after the catch, and one reception against Ryan Turner for 32 yards, with 21 yards after the catch.

Their second leading receiver, Dezmen Roebuck, is a 5’11”, 190-pound slot receiver. I’ll remind everyone again that Purdue has only one slot corner. Washington targeted Roebuck only once when Bradley was in coverage. The only other time he was targeted when matched up against one of Purdue’s starting corners was on the first play of the game, which ended in the Hines interception. He caught 1 pass for 23 yards on Ryan Turner, 1 pass for 25 yards vs. JoJo Hayden, and 2 passes when lined up against safety John Slaughter, including a touchdown on the goal line. Fisch punished Purdue’s lack of secondary depth by going 4-wide, then moving Roebuck into the backfield. That’s how he ended up matched up against linebackers and safeties all game.

Purdue tried senior corner Ryan Turner for 16 snaps. Washington threw the ball on 9 of those snaps and targeted Turner 3 times. He gave up 3 receptions for 47 yards. When Fisch saw him on the field, his eyes lit up, and he went right at Turner, forcing Purdue to put Newsome back in the game.

Much like at linebacker, Washington attacked Purdue’s depth. They capitalized on the Hines injury, forced Purdue into a zone defense, and then attacked the backups. Saunders gave up 6 receptions, but he’s much better in man coverage than in zone. Most of those six receptions came from crossers running through his zone, not man coverage, where Saunders is at his best.

I really need to repeat how impressed I was with the way Washington attacked Purdue’s weak spots. This was a coaching clinic.

Free Safety

1. John Slaughter:Snaps – 57 – Tackles – 6 – Targeted – 2 – Rec Allowed – 2 – Yds – 23
2. Vi’Naz Cobb: Snaps – 4 – No Stats

Strong Safety

1. Jaden Mangham:Snaps – 19 – Tackles – 3 – Targeted – 1- Rec Allowed –1 – Yds – 15
2. Justin Denson Jr.: Snaps – 40 – Tackles – 7 – Targeted – 1 – Rec Allowed –1 – Yds – 17

Safety Grade: F

Purdue needed more from John Slaughter in this game. At 6’2”, 210, he has the size to help more against a run game that terrorized Purdue in the outside alleys. That’s where Slaughter should live. He was lined up as a box safety 33 times and as a slot corner 10 times. PFF has him down for 4 tackles as a run defender with 1 stop and 1 missed tackle. That’s not good enough.

At the other safety spot, Jaden Mangham started the game but quickly made way for Justin Denson Jr. I’m not sure why, because Denson Jr. was worthless in run defense, and Purdue needed their safeties to counter Washington’s outside run game. He was on the field for 26 run attempts and recorded 3 tackles and a missed tackle. His average tackle depth was 12 yards downfield. Purdue needed him to be more of a factor in stuffing the outside runs, and he didn’t get the job done.

With the Boilermakers forced into more zone looks, Slaughter and Denson Jr. made most of their tackles, bringing down Washington wide receivers after another first-down reception. Slaughter lined up at slot corner with the Huskies inside the 5-yard line, and Jed Fisch immediately burned him for a touchdown with slot receiver Dezmen Roebuck. Again, kudos to Fisch, because that wasn’t a fair fight. Roebuck got him to stop his feet at the top of his route, and it was all over but the touchdown.

Feb 16, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia, and Forward Kevin Durant speak to the media at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

PHOENIX — A few days after his back-and-forth with former Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, Suns owner Mat Ishbia says he doesn’t regret his posts towards the former player.

Oct 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The exchange began Saturday after Durant responded to an interview Ishbia gave to CNBC Sports, in which the owner said much of the roster construction wasn’t “aligned with his vision” when he first arrived in 2023. Ishbia also said bringing in highly talented players like Durant doesn’t necessarily lead to championships, though he stopped short of directly blaming the former Suns star.

Durant took exception to the comments, saying he was playing at the top of his game. He also took a jab at forward Dillon Brooks, who joined Phoenix in the trade that sent Durant to the Houston Rockets.

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ishbia responded by clarifying that he wasn’t blaming the All-Star and said he was happy with the culture the Suns were building. He also wished Durant luck this season. Durant fired back once more, but Ishbia had no further response at the time.

However, Ishbia revisited the exchange Tuesday after basketball insider Khristina Williams posted a snippet of an interview in which he was asked whether he regretted his tweets about Durant.

“Not at all,” Ishbia said in the video. “No, I mean, I don’t know if you saw [the interview], but I said what I said. I think [Durant] misinterpreted it. He just kind of read some headline rather than actually watching the video, and sometimes he does that. And so he misunderstood it, and I figured I’d clarify it for him. But I feel good about what I said about the NBA and how it works.”

While Ishbia stands by his comments, the exchange adds another layer to the growing storyline between the Suns and their former star. Durant has moved on to Houston, while Phoenix is focused on building a team and culture it believes can compete for a championship.

Oct 2, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia (left) and forward Kevin Durant poses for a portrait during media day at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Now, the question is whether the back-and-forth will remain a social media storyline or carry over to the court. When the Suns and Rockets meet this season, all eyes will be on Durant and Ishbia’s former team as tensions continue to rise.

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde

Tyrone Corbin believes the Phoenix Suns can make some noise in the West

Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 18: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns warns up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on October 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Getty

Deshaun Watson opened his home to his Cleveland Browns teammates after their latest comeback win, following through on a party invitation delivered during the postgame celebration.

After receiving a game ball following Sunday’s 13-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Watson announced plans to host his teammates. With Cleveland improving to 4-2, the quarterback made sure the gathering happened.

His wife, Jilly Anais Watson, shared a recap on Instagram, including how quickly she had to put everything together.

“What a night! My husband invited the entire team to our home last night and what a phenomenal time they had. Thank you to all the incredible staff,” she wrote. “Loved bringing this all together with my husband, even if he did give me less than 24 hours to pull it off.”

Watson joined Jerry Jeudy, Carson Schwesinger, Andre Szmyt, and defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg among those head coach Todd Monken awarded game balls to.

Deshaun Watson Comes Through Late Against Ravens

GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 18: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns warns up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field on October 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Watson’s invitation followed another afternoon in which Cleveland needed its quarterback to overcome a sluggish start.

The Browns produced just 46 total yards in the first half, punting on all five possessions while falling behind 10-0. Watson faced consistent pressure, and Cleveland converted only one of its six third-down opportunities before halftime.

But with the game tied late, Watson found Jeudy for a 33-yard gain that put the Browns in position for Szmyt’s winning 37-yard field goal. Jeudy finished with a team-high 69 receiving yards, providing the biggest play on Cleveland’s final possession.

It marked the fourth time this season the Browns delivered a late fourth-quarter drive to take the lead. Cleveland has also won all three of its home games.

“I love winning, man. Especially the way we won. Perseverance. Through the ups and downs. Offense, defense, special teams sticking together. It’s amazing, especially being so young with this team,” Watson said. “The will, the grit that we’re building as a unit. It can be very special. If we can keep learning from these and winning at the same time. We haven’t even played our best football. It’s definitely fun.”

Browns Still Looking for More From Offense

The party came with plenty left for Watson and the offense to address. Monken acknowledged afterward that his quarterback needs to play better, while also putting responsibility on the coaching staff and the players around him.

“We can play better around him, but he’s just got something in him, the ability to make a play when needed,” Monken said.

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Cleveland’s defense supplied the time for that opportunity to arrive. After allowing points on Baltimore’s first two possessions, the Browns shut out the Ravens the rest of the way. Schwesinger’s forced fumble helped set up Audric Estime’s tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Watson made clear that winning has not erased the need for a more consistent performance.

“These are games that the fan base is going to always remember. I know they want better play. We want better play also. So we got to continue to provide that for them early on in the games,” But, regardless, getting those victories, especially against a divisional rival like this, especially in our home stadium, it’s very big and huge.

The Browns will get their next opportunity Sunday, October 25, when they visit the Tennessee Titans.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Browns QB Deshaun Watson Follows Through on Postgame Promise appeared first on HEAVY.

The Milwaukee Brewers unveiled a 2015 program called "Timeless Ticket." The program was simple: 1,000 people could pay $1,000 each for the chance to sit in the best available seats at any future home game, including the postseason

11 years later, the program proved anything but simple. It recently got the franchise in some hot water with disgruntled program members. Fans went to cash in their ticket and were reportedly offered seats in the fourth level, or standing-room-only seats, which they hardly considered "best available."

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Milwaukee Brewers President of Business Operations Rick Schlesinger addressed this controversy and actually sided with the fans.

"We subsequently erred in our internal communications on the logistics of fulfilling the requests. While we were able to accommodate all with seats, we received feedback from some that they were unhappy with their seat locations. Clearly, even with extraordinary limitations on available seats, we did not live up to the spirit of the program and we have been working through a resolution.

We regret our mistake and look forward to welcoming them to American Family Field for their World Series experience."

Brothers Kevin and Kyle Deaton were among these fans hoping to cash in for the World Series, but were not okay with the seat selection they were offered.

"When you promise somebody the best seat available, and you give them pretty much the worst seats that you have in the whole stadium, I would say, no. They're not honoring it.

I wasn't envisioning, hey, we're going to get front row. But certainly first ten rows. Which is why I refused. Out of principle, I'm not even going to go.

This has to be a mistake. It's terrace level; that's level four. That's not the best available seat. And she said, yeah, I'm not going to argue that there's better seats available. This is what's being allocated to the 'Timeless Ticket' holders."

Milwaukee said fans who got these subpar seats could still attend the World Series, keep their Timeless Ticket, and redeem it for a game in any future season.

Milwaukee won 103 regular-season games, the most by any team in MLB. The Brewers clinched the No. 1 seed in the postseason, earning a bye through the wild-card round.

The Brew Crew then faced the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series and won 3-1. This set up a big matchup with the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Milwaukee swept L.A. 4-0 in the best-of-seven series and now has a chance to win the franchise's first World Series championship if it can beat the Tampa Bay Rays.

Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The ‘main thing’ that has unlocked Drake Maye’s MVP form during Patriots’ 3-game winning streak appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots have won three consecutive games and are now 4-2 overall this season. Notably, Drake Maye has performed especially well in recent action following a difficult start to the year. Maye explained his resurgence while speaking to reporters on Tuesday, via Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald.

“(It’s) really just letting the game come to you. I think that’s one of the biggest things I’ve tried to focus on,” Maye said. “You want to make the right play instead of the big play. And I’ve tried to really own that and get us to the right plays, and try to check the football and realize that that was really the main thing.”

Maye’s play has helped the Patriots in a crucial manner to say the least. In the 26-16 win over the New York Jets this past Saturday, the QB threw for three touchdowns and 235 yards. He had 374 passing yards and five total touchdowns (four passing) in New England’s 45-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders back on October 11.

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The Patriots and Maye are clearly finding a rhythm. The question is whether or not they will be able to maintain their consistency. AJ Brown returned from injury this past week, so his presence will only help the team moving forward. It remains to be seen if he will play in the next game, however.

As for that next game, New England is set to play the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football at 8:15 PM ET. It should be competitive as both teams will enter play with 4-2 overall records.

Related: Patriots CB takes first step in injury return ahead of TNF clash vs. Bears

Related: A.J. Brown sends heartfelt message to Eagles’ Jalen Hurts after blood clot diagnosis

Rio Ngumoha, aged 18 years and 52 days, became the youngest Liverpool player to either score or assist for the club in the Champions League [Getty Images]

In a game of seven goals, none were scored by Rio Ngumoha - but this was his night.

The 18-year-old was simply a class apart from the rest in Liverpool's 4-3 win over Villarreal.

It is over a year since Ngumoha burst on to the scene for Liverpool with a memorable stoppage-time winner at Newcastle.

He has been in and out since then, impressing in flashes and even going on to make his England debut earlier this season.

But this performance was different, inspiring his team to a memorable comeback win in the Champions League.

By the time the teenager was replaced in the 74th minute, with Bradley Barcola taking over, the chants of "Rio, Rio, Rio" had repeatedly rung around Anfield.

It was quite the sight to see Alisson embrace Ngumoha shortly after the young man was given Uefa's player of the match award.

"It's up there with one of the best [games] I've played. I enjoyed myself out there and the team helped me a lot," Ngumoha told Amazon Prime.

"Whenever I get the ball and there's an opportunity to go one versus one, or two versus one, I believe in myself to do it. I'll just keep going and be ruthless."

Liverpool were woeful for much of the first half as they trailed Villarreal by two goals, but Ngumoha took responsibility and began to turn the tide.

After Alexis Mac Allister pulled one back, Ngumoha found space to dink in a delightful ball that was met by Ronald Araujo for an equaliser.

Ater the break, Ngumoha - as he had done all evening - waltzed past Sergi Cardona to set up Mac Allister to give Liverpool the lead.

Florian Wirtz added what proved to be a vital fourth.

• Ngumoha inspires Liverpool comeback win - report and player ratings
• Liverpool 4-3 Villarreal: What Iraola and Ngumoha said
• Football Daily: Record breaking night as Liverpool, Man City & PSG win - 5 Live reaction

Contract talks ongoing as Ngumoha's football speaks volumes

The match statistics alone showed what a threat Ngumoha can be.

He had 12 touches in the opposition box, completed seven out of eight dribbles, and registered two crucial assists.

But watching Ngumoha is more than just a numbers experience. There's a fearless nature to his play that can get the crowd going, and he was the one bright spark in a first half where Liverpool lacked any sort of rhythm.

In a game increasingly focused on structures, Ngumoha's raw ability to take a man on is what helps to set him apart.

"He was magnificent tonight," said former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge on Amazon Prime.

"On the ball, this kid has so much potential - and I say 'kid', but he's a young man. He has so much quality and it's stuff that you can't teach to be honest.

"What he does with the ball at his feet - that is God-given ability - and his hard work on the training pitch, doing things day in and day out, and being ruthless, is what he said in his interview, and I like that. He wants to be decisive, and I love that."

Ngumoha, who has grown up playing down the left, has struggled to get minutes on his preferred side this season, especially with Cody Gakpo and Barcola often playing down that flank.

But head coach Andoni Iraola wants his wingers to be able to play on both sides and Ngumoha's improvement on the right flank has been impressive in such a short space of time.

Ngumoha also spoke about his rapid development on the right on Saturday, after Liverpool beat Brentford.

"I feel like I've got a lot better playing there from the Newcastle game [at the start of this season] until now," Ngumoha said.

"I'm understanding it more. And going away with England helped a lot as well. I like playing on both sides. It gives me another tool in the toolbox."

'There will be ups and downs'Liverpool's fans applauded Ngumoha - and he recognised their backing too [Getty Images]

Iraola praised Ngumoha's attitude and how he is playing more minutes "endurance-wise" but stressed the need to remember the youngster is not done with his development.

"I am happy with his attitude because he is eager to improve the things we think he needs to improve, and to add more things to his game," Iraola said.

"He has played a lot on the right lately and is feeling so comfortable now, but he is only 18 and still not the full package.

"I hope it continues the same way, but it is not always going to be like this.

"There will be ups and downs in the process, but I'm happy because attitude-wise I think he's in a great place."

Talks continue over a new deal, with Ngumoha currently on the contract that he signed in September 2025, weeks after his 17th birthday, that tied him down until 2028.

The expectation is that he will sign with more lucrative terms now that he is 18 and - as Ngumoha said at the weekend - those negotiations are going well and in the hands of his agent.

He will focus on letting his football do the talking - as he did on Tuesday night against Villarreal.

What is certain is that Liverpool have a truly special talent on their hands and one that they will hope can entertain the Anfield crowd for years to come.

• 'I never looked back' - Ngumoha on his rise over the past year
• Latest Liverpool news, analysis and fan views
• Ask about Liverpool - what do you want to know?

Phil Foden scored a hat-trick in Manchester City's 5-1 win over AEK Athens [Getty Images]

More teams, more games - and more goals.

Since the current Champions League format was introduced at the start of the 2024-25 season, Europe's elite club competition has delivered all of the above and more.

Especially the goals part.

Already trending upwards over the past two campaigns, there has been a genuine goals boom in this year's competition.

The 187 goals scored so far have come at an average of 4.16 per game - the highest in Champions League history.

"Look how many goals have been scored, it's phenomenal," ex-Manchester United and England winger Ashley Young said on BBC Radio 5 Live. "The attackers are being clinical."

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock described the volume of goals as "incredible" - so how unusual is it?

What the stats say

Ready for lots of numbers?

Not only is the current goals-per-game percentage the highest ever in the Champions League, it is the third highest in European Cup history - behind only 1959-60 (4.19) and 1955-56 (4.38).

While 40 goals were scored across nine games on Tuesday, last week was even more spectacular.

Last Wednesday saw the third highest-scoring day in Champions League history (46 goals), bettered only by the final league-phase matchdays of 2024-25 and 2025-26, when 18 matches took place.

The 78 goals scored across Tuesday and Wednesday last week made matchday two the highest scoring in history.

That was nine more than the total scored on matchday one this season (69) - which, at the time, was the second highest-scoring matchday since the new league phase was introduced in 2024-25.

Will we see the record fall again this week? It's already halfway there.

• Doue impresses as PSG beat Barcelona in thriller

More entertainment = more quality?

Ever since Uefa announced its plans to alter the format of the Champions League in 2021, the impact on matches has been a hot topic. Scrutiny has only increased since the changes were implemented in time for the 2024-25 season.

After beginning life as a six-team invitational tournament in 1955-56 before growing to a 32-team knockout tournament in 1967, the Champions League as we know it began in 1992.

A group stage was added, with the last 16 entering a knockout phase. There was a brief spell with two group stages, but this was reverted back to the single group-stage format for the 2003-04 tournament.

The group stage previously featured 32 teams in eight groups of four, with the top two sides from each of those groups qualifying for the last 16.

For the start of the 2024-25 season, the group stage was replaced with a 36-team league phase, with each side playing eight one-off fixtures instead of six games against three teams.

The top eight finishers qualify directly for the knockout stages, with those placed ninth to 24th entering a two-legged play-off stage.

The bottom eight are eliminated, meaning that after eight matches, 24 sides are still in the competition. Some argue that that creates a lack of jeopardy, which encourages teams to play more expansively.

But do more goals equal better quality?

"I think the entertainment has gone up, although I'm not sure the quality has gone up," The Times football writer Tom Arnott told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"If I'm looking at the games it's brilliant to watch and thrilling because the football itself is fantastic - but what do they mean?

"The lack of jeopardy, why would PSG and Barcelona play for a draw, why not go for it? If you need five wins from the eight games you know you've got some margin there. If you lose it's OK. I think the format allows all the teams to loosen up.

"The entertainment value is there but I think you come away from these matches sometimes and still think 'what does it all mean?'. The lack of jeopardy early on does deliver entertainment."

• The night 'ruthless' Ngumoha came of age for Liverpool
• No Haaland, no problem - can Foden be Man City's alternative goalscorer?

• Latest Champions League table
• Champions League scores & fixtures
• Follow the latest Champions League news

• Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast
• Get football news sent straight to your phone

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

SIOUX FALLS — The South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association/Sanford Sports Academy Fall Coaches Clinic is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at the Sanford Pentagon.

The cost is $40 per coach with prior registration online or $50 per coach on the day of the clinic.

To register in advance, use this link: https://sanfordsports.sportngin.com/register/form/357898622.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and 2026 state high school championship coaches will speak throughout the day. From 11:50 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a lunch sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes along with a membership meeting and vendors.

Coaching Topics & Speakers

• 9- to 9:50 a.m. — Tom Young of Ethan (State B girls champion), The 10 Best Things I Learned in Over 35 Years of Coaching.
• 9:55 to 10:45 a.m. — Tim Buddenhagen of Huron (State AA boys), Defensive Thoughts and Drills.
• 10:50-11:40 a.m. — Kent Kolsrud of O'Gorman (State AA girls), Sustaining Your Program and Keeping Your Athletes Hungry to Compete at a High Level.
• 1-1:50 p.m. — Matt Rama of Mahpiya Luta (Class A girls), What I Have Learned Chasing the Title I Haven't Won.
• 1:55 to 2:45 p.m. — Lance Friesen of Freeman (Class B Boys), Changing the Culture and Drills That Help.
• 2:50-3:40 p.m. — Adam Quail of Lennox (Class A girls), Competitive Drills That Develop Toughness.

Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: 2026 state championship basketball coaches slated to speak at clinic

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DURHAM, NC − Tennessee basketball point guard Terrence Hill Jr. went down with an injury early in the first half of the Vols' exhibition game at Duke on Oct. 20.

Hill was dribbling up the court after a made basket and took a spill while trying to set up the offense at the 15:22 mark of the first half. He was grabbing at his left ankle as he went down and had to be helped off the floor by two Vols assistants.

Hill, a transfer from VCU, is unlikely to return to the game, per a Tennessee spokesperson.

Hill was making his first start with the Vols and was replaced by Troy Henderson.

The No. 9 Vols trailed No. 2 Duke 14-2 as Hill went to the locker room. He had scored two points on a pair of free throws before exiting the game.

Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @stephenethom.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Injury update on Terrence Hill Jr., point guard for Tennessee basketball

DURHAM, NC − Tennessee basketball point guard Terrence Hill Jr. went down with an injury early in the first half of the Vols' exhibition game at Duke on Oct. 20.

Hill was dribbling up the court after a made basket and took a spill while trying to set up the offense at the 15:22 mark of the first half. He was grabbing at his left ankle as he went down and had to be helped off the floor by two Vols assistants.

Hill, a transfer from VCU, is unlikely to return to the game, per a Tennessee spokesperson.

Hill was making his first start with the Vols and was replaced by Troy Henderson.

The No. 9 Vols trailed No. 2 Duke 14-2 as Hill went to the locker room. He had scored two points on a pair of free throws before exiting the game.

Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @stephenethom.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Injury update on Terrence Hill Jr., point guard for Tennessee basketball

The Washington Commanders got bad, but not unexpected, news on Tuesday when Terry McLaurin was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a torn left patellar tendon.

Coach Dan Quinn confirmed the injury during a news conference the afternoon after his team's 23-17 loss to the 49ers. When asked about what's next for his team's receiving group, Quinn said he hadn't gotten that far down the road yet.

“We do have a deep crew at that position, and we'll lean in on a number of the guys to find some of the unique roles that Terry does,” Quinn said.

McLaurin had one catch for 27 yards before he was injured in the first quarter against the 49ers. His absence leaves the last-place Commanders (1-4-1) in a tough spot.

Washington will need to get more production out of veteran Stefon Diggs, rookie Antonio Williams and Treylon Burks. Diggs had six catches for 44 yards and a touchdown against the Niners, and Williams had three receptions for 50 yards.

The Commanders have issues at running back, too. Jacory Croskey-Merritt was placed on injured reserve just before kickoff on Monday, leaving Rachaad White (seven carries) and Jeremy McNichols (five) to split time in the backfield. Austin Ekeler had just one carry.

Washington is likely to use a similar by-committee approach to replace its captain and top receiver.

What’s working

Rookie first-round pick Sonny Styles led both teams Monday with 13 tackles. The linebacker has been stellar in coverage and flashed against the 49ers with a pass breakup against Mike Evans.

Styles leads the team with 46 tackles and has been one of the bright spots on a defense that ranks 26th in the league in yards allowed per play.

What needs help

Penalties. While the Commanders committed seven penalties for 66 yards on Monday, they came at crucial moments.

Those included an illegal shift on a fourth down in the second quarter when the Commanders were trailing 13-3. A game-tying touchdown was called back in the fourth quarter because of a facemask penalty on Chris Paul. With 21 seconds left and the Commanders at the 49ers 28, Daniels was pressured and was flagged for intentional grounding.

Such mistakes, both before and after the snap, have been an issue all season.

Stock up

Chig Okonkwo. After a strong performance last week against the Giants, the tight end led the team with seven catches for 69 yards. His role could only expand in McLaurin's absence.

Stock down

Once again, situational awareness. In the first half Monday, Daniels threw the ball away on fourth down rather than to a receiver. ESPN cameras captured Quinn seemingly confused about what down it was, although Quinn said after the game he was fully aware of the situation.

Regardless, it brought back fresh memories of how Quinn, Daniels and the Commanders botched the final seconds of a tie against the Giants a week earlier.

Injuries

McLaurin isn't the only injured Washington receiver. Burks left the game with an unspecified injury in the fourth quarter. Quinn said he'd have updates next week on him and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (knee).

Key number

30.9% — Washington is the second-worst team in the league on third down, ahead of only Cleveland (30.8%). The Commanders went 3 of 12 on third down against the 49ers.

Up next

After a bye this week, the Commanders host the Eagles on Nov. 1.

___

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Credit: Reuters/Sergio Moraes

To absolutely no one’s surprise, the NFL is looking to further expand its international footprint next season.

At a press conference ahead of the league’s first-ever regular-season game in France this Sunday, NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly told reporters that the league is considering scheduling 10 international games next season, which would be the maximum allowable under the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement.

O’Reilly says the NFL is considering going up to 10 international games next season, the max allowed by the current CBA with the players.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 20, 2026

This season, the NFL is scheduled to play nine games in international markets, so the jump from nine to 10 wouldn’t be all that dramatic. But after playing five international contests in each season from 2022 to 2024, and then seven international games in 2025, the NFL’s international schedule is expanding at a fast pace.

Of course, this is all part of the NFL’s long-term plan to create a full-season slate of international games to sell to a broadcast partner. That would require the players to agree to amend the CBA should the league want to roll that out prior to 2031, when the current agreement with the players expires. Ideally, the league would likely want to have the full international schedule in place before then, so it can bring the package to market alongside the rest of its inventory following the 2029-30 season, when it can exit most of its current broadcast deals. The full-season international slate is often discussed in conjunction with an expansion to 18 regular-season games, which would also need to be approved by the players.

As the NFL adds international games, audiences for the Sunday afternoon pregame shows on Fox and CBS continue to dwindle. For European kickoffs, which begin in the morning in the United States, viewers often choose to watch the ongoing live game over studio programming leading into the 1 p.m. ET slate. Each additional European international game is also one fewer game that Fox and CBS can include in their Sunday afternoon windows, further diluting their packages (and not to mention Sunday Ticket).

The NFL views international markets as the key to future growth as the domestic market continues to mature. That’s why many view an expanded international schedule as a question of when, not if. And next year, it looks like the league will max out on such affairs.

The post NFL considering maximum allowable number of international games next season, exec says appeared first on Awful Announcing.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Aaron Rodgers are teaming up again.

But that's not the only reunion. Valdes-Scantling is also reuniting with his first NFL head coach, Mike McCarthy.

Three days after Valdes-Scantling was released by the Los Angeles Chargers, it didn't take the former Green Bay Packers wide receiver long to find a new home.

He signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad on Oct. 20.

On paper it appears to be a strong match again. Valdes-Scantling needed a new team. And Rodgers' Pittsburgh Steelers were in need of a deep threat and another option in the passing game for a middling offense six weeks into the season.

It's the second straight year that Valdes-Scantling has reunited with Rodgers on the Steelers. The two spent four years together in Green Bay and developed a strong rapport.

Last season, Valdes-Scantling played in the team's final five games after spending about a month on the team's practice squad.

He had 120 yards on 14 receptions and one touchdown in the regular season. And in the Steelers’ wild-card playoff loss Valdes-Scantling had three catches for 26 yards.

Valdes-Scantling spent the first four years of his career with the Packers, playing in 59 games and starting 39. His return to the Steelers is also a reunion with McCarthy, who was the Packers' head coach in 2018 when Green Bay selected Valdes-Scantling in the fifth round out of South Florida. McCarthy is in his first season as the coach of the Steelers.

Valdes-Scantling had a career-high 690 yards and six touchdowns in the 2020 season when the Packers had the league’s top-ranked scoring offense.

After the 2021 season, Valdes-Scantling departed in free agency and won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and 2023. He then split the 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints.

Shop Packers tickets on StubHub

Valdes-Scantling began last season with the San Francisco 49ers before he was released and finished out the year in Pittsburgh.

Valdes-Scantling, 32, spent this past offseason with the Dallas Cowboys but was released during roster cuts at the end of training camp. He signed to the Chargers’ practice squad a couple weeks later and was promoted to the active roster ahead of the team's Week 3 game.

He played in three games for the winless Chargers with limited production. Valdes-Scantling had the first two catches of his season for 22 yards in the team's Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos on Oct. 11.

The Chargers released Valdes-Scantling on Oct. 17.

He'll join a 4-2 Steelers team in which he has familiarity but also one that needs a jolt. Pittsburgh has the 21st-ranked offense and 18th-ranked passing offense.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: One of Aaron Rodgers' favorite wide receivers returns to Pittsburgh

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Aaron Rodgers are teaming up again.

But that's not the only reunion. Valdes-Scantling is also reuniting with his first NFL head coach, Mike McCarthy.

Three days after Valdes-Scantling was released by the Los Angeles Chargers, it didn't take the former Green Bay Packers wide receiver long to find a new home.

He signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad on Oct. 20.

On paper it appears to be a strong match again. Valdes-Scantling needed a new team. And Rodgers' Pittsburgh Steelers were in need of a deep threat and another option in the passing game for a middling offense six weeks into the season.

It's the second straight year that Valdes-Scantling has reunited with Rodgers on the Steelers. The two spent four years together in Green Bay and developed a strong rapport.

Last season, Valdes-Scantling played in the team's final five games after spending about a month on the team's practice squad.

He had 120 yards on 14 receptions and one touchdown in the regular season. And in the Steelers’ wild-card playoff loss Valdes-Scantling had three catches for 26 yards.

Valdes-Scantling spent the first four years of his career with the Packers, playing in 59 games and starting 39. His return to the Steelers is also a reunion with McCarthy, who was the Packers' head coach in 2018 when Green Bay selected Valdes-Scantling in the fifth round out of South Florida. McCarthy is in his first season as the coach of the Steelers.

Valdes-Scantling had a career-high 690 yards and six touchdowns in the 2020 season when the Packers had the league’s top-ranked scoring offense.

After the 2021 season, Valdes-Scantling departed in free agency and won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and 2023. He then split the 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints.

Shop Packers tickets on StubHub

Valdes-Scantling began last season with the San Francisco 49ers before he was released and finished out the year in Pittsburgh.

Valdes-Scantling, 32, spent this past offseason with the Dallas Cowboys but was released during roster cuts at the end of training camp. He signed to the Chargers’ practice squad a couple weeks later and was promoted to the active roster ahead of the team's Week 3 game.

He played in three games for the winless Chargers with limited production. Valdes-Scantling had the first two catches of his season for 22 yards in the team's Week 5 loss to the Denver Broncos on Oct. 11.

The Chargers released Valdes-Scantling on Oct. 17.

He'll join a 4-2 Steelers team in which he has familiarity but also one that needs a jolt. Pittsburgh has the 21st-ranked offense and 18th-ranked passing offense.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: One of Aaron Rodgers' favorite wide receivers returns to Pittsburgh

Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Paul George sets new Celtics record in season-opening loss vs. Pistons appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics dropped their first game of the 2026-27 NBA season, but Paul George just made a huge statement in his debut for the storied franchise.

The 36-year-old George put on a vintage performance in his first regular-season game in Celtics threads in Boston’s 121-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

By the time he scored 31 points in the game, he had already set a new franchise record for most points by a player in his debut for the Celtics, according to the NBA Communications account on X, formerly Twitter.

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The previous record was held by former Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis, who had 30 points in his first game with Boston back in 2023.

George, who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers along with some picks to the Celtics in July in exchange for forward Jaylen Brown, finished with 38 points on 12-for-21 shooting from the floor, including a 7-for-12 line from behind the arc, while adding five rebounds, five steals and three assists, and he did all that in only 31 minutes.

Despite Boston’s loss, the nine-time NBA All-Star George must have given Celtics fans more reason to believe in the team, thanks to his explosive showing against the Pistons, who had to overcome a 22-point deficit to steal the win.

Jayson Tatum didn’t have a great 2026-27 debut, as the former Duke Blue Devils star struggled with his shot all game long, going 6-for-23 from the field while missing all of his seven attempts from deep for 13 points. Tatum added 11 assists.

Paul George and the Celtics will try to get their first win of the season again on Friday, when they host the reigning NBA champions New York Knicks at TD Garden in Boston.

Related: Joe Mazulla’s 4-word reaction to Paul George’s 38-point Celtics debut will have fans hyped

Related: Celtics end 38-game streak with unlikely loss to the Pistons

The New England Patriots got encouraging injury news on cornerback Carlton Davis III on Tuesday before their matchup against the Bears. Getty

Carlton Davis III returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since aggravating his neck injury, opening a path to Thursday’s Bears game. With the Patriots‘ injury list growing and a short week to prepare, Davis’ status will shape how the secondary defends a sharp Caleb Williams. Davis stepped onto the practice field in his jersey and participated in at least the warm-up period, according to ESPN‘s Mike Reiss.

He was listed as a non-participant with a neck injury on Monday’s estimated walkthrough report, according to the Patriots’ official injury report. Davis played in the Week 1 loss at Seattle, then missed practice all week and sat out the home opener against Pittsburgh, according to Boston.com. He played all 59 defensive snaps in the Week 4 win at Buffalo on Oct. 4 and aggravated the injury, then sat out Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders and Week 6 against the New York Jets, according to Reiss. RotoWire had projected an Oct. 22 return, the date of the Bears game.

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Patriots Pass Defense Without Davis

Davis has missed three of New England’s first six games, and the Patriots rank fourth in the NFL in points allowed at 18.8 per game. New England sits 10th in passing yardage allowed at 205.4 per game. Charles Woods has started in Davis’ place and intercepted the first pass of his NFL career late in Sunday’s 26-19 win over the Jets, according to Patriots On SI.

“He’s been playing good football all year. He’s a starting corner in this league,” safety Kevin Byard said of Woods, as quoted by Patriots On SI. Cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez, Karon Prunty and Channing Canada also have dealt with injuries in recent weeks. Davis ranks eighth among 102 qualifying cornerbacks with a 78.1 overall grade and seventh in coverage at 79.6, according to Pro Football Focus data. Opposing quarterbacks have posted an 86.8 passer rating when targeting him. He has 16 solo tackles, 11 receptions allowed and one pass breakup.

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Patriots Plan for Caleb Williams With Davis

Williams returned last week from a hamstring injury and completed 30 of 36 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown without an interception in Chicago’s 31-23 win over Atlanta, according to The Athletic. Williams has thrown for 712 yards and three touchdowns with a 101.5 rating in three games this season, according to CBS Sports. Davis is New England’s second outside corner behind Christian Gonzalez. Davis, 29, is 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, according to Pro Football Focus. Tampa Bay selected the Auburn product 63rd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. He won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers after the 2020 season, when he intercepted a career-high four passes, according to NBC Sports Boston. Tampa Bay traded him to the Detroit Lions in 2024 for a third-round pick. He signed with New England in March 2025 on a three-year, $60 million contract that includes $34.5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

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This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Patriots Get Encouraging Carlton Davis III Injury Update Before Bears Game appeared first on HEAVY.