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The Los Angeles Rams are facing growing concerns over their special teams after an 18-16 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals left Sean McVay’s side with a 2-4 record.

Los Angeles lost kicker Blake Grupe to a knee injury during the game, raising the possibility that the team could need another replacement after releasing Harrison Mevis following his missed kick against the Buffalo Bills.

The latest setback has added to the pressure on a Rams team that entered the season with Super Bowl ambitions but has struggled to find consistency.

Los Angeles Rams insider Nate Atkins highlights special teams concerns

According toThe Athletic’s Nate Atkins, the Rams are becoming increasingly nervous about their special teams unit as the problems continue to mount.

“The problems are just so widespread that it can be hard to know where to start,” Atkins wrote. “The kicking game is chief among them, because the Rams could need a third starting kicker if Grupe’s knee injury is serious, after Grupe replaced the waived Harrison Mevis last week.”

Atkins also highlighted the team’s struggles with explosive returns, which can force kickers and punters to make tackles. Grupe’s injury came during one such situation.

“The Rams are nervous enough about this unit that they seem to be leaning into players who are experienced and predictable, even if they do not have much upside,” Atkins added. “They’re past expecting to make plays as a unit and are just trying to hold on.”

The report also addressed the future of special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone. His position appears safe for now, although Atkins warned that the current standard would not be sustainable for a team expecting to contend.

Los Angeles’ problems extended beyond special teams against Arizona. The Rams managed just 286 yards of offence, while quarterback Matthew Stafford was under pressure without starting left tackle Alaric Jackson, who was suspended.

Backup David Quessenberry made his first start since 2023, and the Cardinals repeatedly targeted his side with blitzes and stunts.

The defeat was particularly painful because Los Angeles had taken a 16-15 lead with 47 seconds remaining. Arizona responded with a 43-yard field goal from Chad Ryland as time expired.

McVay’s team now needs to address its kicking concerns while improving its protection and offensive consistency. With the Rams already 2-4, further special teams mistakes could make their recovery increasingly difficult.

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 4: Kevin O'Connell head coach of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 4, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Getty

The Minnesota Vikings are on a bye in Week 6, but that does not mean that the news cupboard has been bare for the team.

The biggest headline of the weekend has actually a former Viking – 2024 10th overall pick J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy was bought in for the fourth quarter of the New York Giants’ loss to the New Orleans Saints, and balled out to the tune of 243 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. In fact, having come in with the team down 17 points in the final quarter of the game, McCarthy lead a 17-point comeback that saw the Giants come within a final drive of tying the game.

J.J. McCarthy Had a Great 4th Quarter Against the Saints

After seeing McCarthy’s impressive performance on Sunday, Vikings fans took to social media to criticize Minnesota head coach and offensive guru Kevin O’Connell for not getting the most out of the young quarterback.

Nolan Teasley and Kevin O’Connell traded JJ McCarthy for what amounts to a box of crackerjacks.

Absolutely insane how little we got in return for JJ.#Skolhttps://t.co/lYCVzprZVD

— Boom Boom SKOL (@BoomBoomSKOL) October 18, 2026

JJ McCarthy will win a Super Bowl before KOC

— NASCAR_TRASH (@NASCAR_TRASH) October 19, 2026

It objectively is. Where are his playoff wins at? Apparently the “QB guru” couldn’t coach JJ McCarthy but John Harbaugh can? Lol KOC sucks. His offense isnt even the reason why they’re winning this year. It’s because of their defense.

— Michigander (@Michigander1212) October 19, 2026

J.J. McCarthy’s Strong Showing Heaps Criticism on KOC

Although some argued that McCarthy’s numbers were inflated due to the Saints playing prevent defense amid their three-score lead heading into the fourth quarter; 243 yards off of 11 completions is nothing if not impressive.

And with neither of the Vikings’ current quarterbacks on the roster; Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz; having shown much in the inspiring department on offense, it is understandable for fans to lay at least some of the blame of the end of the McCarthy tenure at the feet of the head coach.

Especially considering O’Connell’s status as a so-called “quarterback guru” and him being in charge of the offensive side of the ball since taking charge in 2022.

If McCarthy’s starts next week and has an even remotely similar performance, O’Connell could be in for far more ire from fans and media around the league.

 

 

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Kevin O’Connell Blasted After J.J. McCarthy Giants Performance appeared first on HEAVY.

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Brian Schottenheimer identifies what’s ‘killing’ Cowboys amid 2-4 season appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Cowboys’ struggles continued in Week 6 as they suffered a 23-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The loss dropped Dallas to a 2-4 record, leaving the team and head coach Brian Schottenheimer frustrated. Despite the setback, Schottenheimer believes he knows what has been holding his team back.

Following the frustrating loss, Schottenheimer addressed the Cowboys’ ongoing problems, saying costly mistakes continue to undermine their chances of winning.

“The effort is right. The fight is right. Mistakes are killing us,” Schottenheimer said via Todd Archer of ESPN.

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The loss against Green Bay further exposed Dallas’ struggles in high-profile matchups. According to NFL Pro, the Cowboys have now recorded a 1-7-1 record in primetime games since the beginning of the 2025 season, giving them the most primetime losses of any NFL team during that span.

Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott struggled to establish his rhythm against Green Bay’s aggressive defense. The quarterback completed 34 of 54 passes for 258 yards and one touchdown while throwing two interceptions.

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb recorded nine receptions for 70 yards. Meanwhile, fellow receiver George Pickens contributed six catches for 73 yards.

On the Packers’ side, quarterback Jordan Love completed 23 of 41 passes for 276 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He also added a rushing touchdown, while wide receiver Matthew Golden finished with six receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown.

The loss has increased the pressure on Schottenheimer’s team to improve its consistency on both sides of the ball. Notably, the Cowboys have never reached the playoffs in the Super Bowl era after starting a season with a 2-4 record through their first six games.

Dallas will face another challenging test in Week 7 when the Cowboys travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles on Monday night.

Related: Cowboys’ Dak Prescott clears the air on concerning SNF moment vs. Packers

Related: Cowboys’ immediate Dee Winters, KaVontae Turpin injury updates after SNF loss

Table tennis player Hannah Silcock benefited from the programme in the past [Jersey Sport]

Athletes have been urged to apply for funds to help them develop and compete at international events.

Jersey Sport has opened applications for its Performance Sport Programme, with more than £100,000 available to support players, coaches and officials.

The organisation said athletes who fell into "Podium, Podium Potential, Talent Performance and Talent ID profiles" would be invited to apply for funding to support their training, competition and living costs.

Dom Blampied, from Jersey Sport, said he was "proud" of the growth of the programme, which first launched in 2024 and how it had helped sportspeople achieve their dreams.

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Jersey Sport said alongside financial support, people could access services to help development and performance such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology, medical support and injury rehabilitation, media training and anti-doping education.

"There is so much talent, hard work and commitment in our island's sporting community, and being able to help people take the next step in their journey is what makes this programme so worthwhile", Blampied said.

"We want to make sure our athletes, coaches and officials have the support to take the next step, whatever that looks like for them."

Eligible athletes must have been either born in Jersey or resident in the island for more than two years.

Table tennis player Hannah Silcock, who has benefited from the programme, said it made a "profound difference to the level of competition" she could participate in.

She added: "It has allowed me to continue competing on the European and world stage and helps contribute towards the costs involved."

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More on this story

• Call for volunteers to get involved in sport
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• Sports programme aims to support Jersey talent

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It appears Green Bay Packers DE Micah Parsons could be close to returning to the field GettyGREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 24: Micah Parsons #1 of the Green Bay Packers looks on prior to the start of the third quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on September 24, 2026 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) GettyESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Green Bay Packers officially placed edge rusher Micah Parsons on the reserve/PUP list to begin the 2026 regular season. Getty

It’s been evident over the last nine games, the Green Bay Packers defense just isn’t the same without star edge-rusher Micah Parsons.

The 27-year-old All-Pro tore his ACL in Week 15 last season. Though Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL on the same day and he returned to play in Week 1, Parsons’ recovery has been much more of a slow burn.

Most Packers fans are presumably disappointed their best defensive player still hasn’t stepped foot on the field this season. But they may find some optimism in what Parsons said about his recovery prior to Green Bay’s Week 6 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys on “Sunday Night Football.”

Micah Parsons Drops Encouraging Injury Update

GettyGreen Bay Packers DE Micah Parsons gave a major injury update on himself during “Sunday Night Football”

Hours before the Packers-Cowboys “SNF” matchup, Parsons spoke with NBC Sports sideline reporter Melissa Stark about his injury situation.

The Penn State alum touched on what the hold up is with his return to the field while also providing a glimmer of hope for frustrated Packers fans.

“I talked to him on the field before the game and he told me he feels great coming off his ACL surgery,” Stark said during the broadcast. “He’s just waiting for the doctors to clear him. It takes time getting back into football shape.

“He said he and the doctors are in full agreement on his timeline and there have been no setbacks. I asked what that timeline is — he didn’t want to give a specific date, just said he plans to be back sooner rather than later.”

If you take Parsons at his word, his return doesn’t seem like it’ll take too much longer.

Green Bay has a key divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions next week. Given how chippy those games tend to get, it wouldn’t be surprising if Parsons was held out of that game just to be safe and he targeted a return either the following week against the Carolina Panthers or in Week 9 against the New England Patriots on Nov. 8.

Parsons Likely to make a November Return

GettyGreen Bay Packers DE Micah Parsons has been out since the end of last season with a torn ACL

What Parsons told Stark seems to line up with what The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones reported this weekend about what he’s heard on Parsons’ potential return.

“A league source tells me Parsons might not return until Week 9, against the Patriots on Nov. 8,” Jones wrote. “The Packers did not open his practice window this week to begin his return. In Week 7, Green Bay plays the Detroit Lions before hosting the Panthers on “Thursday Night Football”; believing Parsons needs more than a week to ramp up, the short-week turnaround would be difficult to pull off.”

While waiting two more weeks to get Parsons back on the field may be frustrating, the good news is Parsons isn’t being held out because there’s an issue with his ACL recovery. During a recent episode of his “The Edge with Micah Parsons” podcast, the Packers star admitted that he could play right now if he had to.

“The biggest thing that people worried about with me, they’re like, ‘Man, why ain’t he back yet?’” Parsons said. “”If the Super Bowl was this week, I’m playing in the Super Bowl. But it’s just about me making sure I have all the small things fixed first.

“… [Doctors] were just like, ‘We’re just gonna make sure everything is right before [you return].’ Because everyone knows, it’s like, what’s the point of getting me back for four weeks, and then next thing you know, my groin is bothering me and now I have a core muscle [injury], now I’m missing [time]?”

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Major Micah Parsons Injury News Emerges During Packers-Cowboys ‘SNF’ Clash appeared first on HEAVY.

England return to action in ODI cricket against Pakistan on Tuesday (09:00 BST) . There will be Test Match Special commentary of every match in the tri-series, which also involves Sri Lanka [Getty Images]

England had just been beaten by Sri Lanka in the second one-day international at Headingley and coach Brendon McCullum was speaking to his players in the dressing room.

"The game is slightly different now," he said. "The ball is playing a massive part."

The difference McCullum referenced is reverse swing - the way an older ball moves in the air in the opposite direction to convention.

The playing conditions in ODIs were changed in July 2025, allowing captains to choose after 34 overs which of the two white balls used at either end they would like to use to complete the rest of the innings.

With the chosen ball now able to get older and scruffier, the result has brought a reverse swing renaissance, something which is already having an impact on the format and poses intriguing possibilities for the future less than 12 months out from the next World Cup.

What has changed?

When Sam Curran bowled England to victory with four wickets at the death in the third ODI against India at Lord's in July, he found more than twice as much swing with the old white ball across his final spell than he did at the start of the innings.

A year earlier, Saqib Mahmood found less than half as much swing in an ODI at Cardiff against West Indies at the death compared to the start.

Those are two random examples. Different days, different players, different situations.

But it is reflected worldwide.

The change to using one ball for the last 16 overs was made to help bowlers, and it is having the desired effect.

Half of full deliveries from pace bowlers in the final 10 overs have swung more than one degree since the rule change - a jump from 35% compared to the 18 months prior.

As a result, the economy rates of pace bowlers in the final five overs have dropped from 8.40 runs per over in the period before the change to 7.95 - a small but not insignificant decline.

Pacers' bowling averages have dropped from 19.2 runs per wicket to 18.3 too.

The verdict? Hitting out at the death is not as easy as it once was.

England leading the way

As has always been the case when reverse swing is in play, pacers are bowling fuller and utilising more inswing now the ball is reversing.

Sri Lanka were particularly effective with this against England in the Headingley ODI last month, bowling 69% of deliveries six metres from the stumps or fuller. It helped them close out a 16-run win.

Despite that, England have, statistically at least, benefited most from the rule change, though it should be noted they have taken a significant step forward with their ODI cricket this year. Their numbers may have improved with or without the change.

Their bowling average (from 36.76 to 20.91) and economy rates (from 9.78 to 7.53) at the death have plummeted since July 2025, while their batting run-rate has actually improved (from 8.07 to 9.16).

After defeat in Leeds, McCullum asked his players to "think" about what the changes may mean for their own plans, suggesting tactical switches may follow.

Three days later at The Oval, England progressed from 104-2 to 214-2 in the 10 overs prior to the Sri Lankans picking their preferred ball.

What about the rest of the world?

Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan have all scored slower during the death overs since the rule change.

West Indies' death run-rate has dropped by 2.39 runs per over in that time.

As for individual bowlers around the world, Windies quick Alzarri Joseph and South Africa's Lungi Ngidi have benefited from massive jumps in the amount of swing they have been able to find at the death.

Joseph's average amount of swing has increased by 84%, leading to his bowling average dropping from 24.1 to 17.4.

Similarly, Ngidi's bowling average has dropped to 13 and his economy has fallen from 9.34 to six after a 63.3% increase in swing.

Others to see their movement jump include New Zealand's Nathan Smith, Pakistan's Naseem Shah and Bangladesh's Mustafizur - each with varying results.

Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan's captain in this tri-series, is one of the world's best at finding swing at the death (an average of 1.3 degrees since the rule change), although he was swinging it plenty before the change too (1.2).

Shaheen and Naseem in tandem against England on Tuesday could be a fascinating sight.

Jofra Archer is the England bowler finding the most movement late on, with an average degree of 0.97 - an increase of 37%.

What impact might it have on the World Cup?

Reverse swing is not impacting ODIs everywhere in the world - not yet, at least.

The change has been most significant in England, where the ball is swinging 63% more at the death.

There has been a 33% jump in Bangladesh, with matches held in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan - relevant for the next two weeks - also featuring significantly more late movement than before.

The increase has been less significant in Australia, where England travel next, however, and in South Africa where the majority of next year's World Cup will be held.

There have only been three ODIs played in South Africa since the rule change, making predictions for next autumn difficult.

While the change has not taken effect there, South African ODIs already have some of the higher levels of movement late in an innings but, at the same time, teams have scored at 7.35 runs per over there in recent years - again on the higher side.

If a spike in reverse swing does come, teams may have to get their scoring done earlier than previously.

Statistics correct prior to ODI tri-series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England.

• New rule, no change - has cricket missed a trick again with bad light?

Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images

Watch Cowboys players head to locker room in stunned silence after Packers defeat appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Coach Brian Schottenheimer’s Dallas Cowboys lost 23-13 to Green Bay in Week 6 as blame was assigned. Former Packers DT Kenny Clark tried to spark his team, but it wasn’t enough as the Packers took control.

The Cowboys got in a pre-game tiff that showed Schottenheimer’s team meant business, but the spark left Dallas as they failed to muster much offense against the Pack. Following the game, stark video footage showed how spent, and deflated, the Cowboys were after the tough road loss.

The somber mood was on full display in the video, shared by Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.

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Cowboys quietly go into locker room. pic.twitter.com/pqpjAoClu7

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) October 19, 2026

Schottenheimer’s career record fell to 9-13-1 as the Cowboys fell to 2-4 on the season, tied with the Eagles for second place in an injury-plagued NFC East. The Cowboys fell to 42-43-1 all-time on Sunday Night Football with the loss as they faltered in prime time yet again. The familiar scene irked Cowboys fans, who watched Dak Prescott throw two interceptions in a losing effort.

George Pickens had six catches for 73 yards but failed to get in the end zone, while Javonte Williams had just over 40 yards and one touchdown with a paltry 3.7-yards-per-carry average. An early game interception return touchdown by Dee Winters shocked the Packers, but was called back, negating an exciting run-and-score off of Jordan Love’s right hand.

Cowboys football has become an exercise in frustration, and Schottenheimer is the architect, along with owner and GM Jerry Jones. The Cowboys are still in the playoff chase because of the poor quality of the division they are in, but there isn’t a whole lot to get excited about heading into Week 7.

Related: Cowboys’ Dak Prescott clears the air on concerning SNF moment vs. Packers

Related: Cowboys’ immediate Dee Winters, KaVontae Turpin injury updates after SNF loss

Injury bombshells: Carrick confirms one Red has been managing problem since WC and another sustained an issue v Leeds

Michael Carrick has shed some light on Manchester United’s injury problems of late.

The manager addressed reporters following Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Elland Road against rivals Leeds United yesterday.

Carrick: Martinez sustained thigh injury vs Leeds

(Photo via ManUtd on Twitter/X)

Post-match, Carrick said that the reason Lisandro Martinez had to be withdrawn at the interval was that he had suffered a ‘thigh problem’in the first 45 minutes.

Keen to not make it any worse, the centre-half was hooked before play got back underway, with Noussair Mazraoui taking his place.

The United boss also disclosed that Marcus Rashford has been nursing a problem recently, one that Sky Sports reporter Danyal Khan believes dates back to the World Cup.

Rashford’s issue is believed to be with his hip, which was why he pulled out of the England squad last month and opted to stay at Carrington for the extended international break.

Rashford enduring a troubled start to 2026/2027

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Of his eight club appearances since being reintegrated into the first team, six have been from the off, and he has totalled 502 minutes on the pitch.

The 28-year-old has yet to return a goal or an assist this season, so that’ll undoubtedly be playing on his mind with every passing game that he blanks.

On Sunday, Rashford was an unused substitute in Yorkshire, so it remains to be seen if he will feature in Wednesday’s Champions League clash away to Como.

Carrick will also undoubtedly be sweating over Martinez’s condition from now until the squad travels to Italy, as he has been one of United’s most injury-prone players since joining back in 2022.

Lisandro Martinez has started 41 of possible 115 PL games for #mufc since September 2023 (36%) [sky] pic.twitter.com/8YV3INeJWA

After Como, the Reds are back on home soil on Sunday afternoon against Bournemouth, who claimed their first Premier League win of the term when defeating Sunderland 2-0 yesterday.

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Mandatory Credit: Wm. Glasheen USAToday Network via IMAGN images

Packers improve their all-time NFL record with Cowboys beatdown appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Green Bay Packers continue to be kings of Sunday night home games. The Packers used defensive playmaking and timely Jordan Love plays to put a 23-13 beatdown on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6 at Lambeau Field.

In a post from NFL+ on X, formerly Twitter, the Packers improved to 21-4 all-time at home on Sunday night. That .840 winning percentage is the best in NFL history.

The Packers were on point right from kickoff against Dallas. They scored a touchdown on their first drive through rising star receiver Matthew Golden. And after a brief blip following a Jordan Love interception, their defense countered by picking off Cowboys QB Dak Prescott twice. They picked up 10 points through those two turnovers to take a commanding 17-0 halftime lead.

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The Cowboys cut the lead midway through the third quarter with a touchdown, but they were never really a threat to mount a comeback. The Packers hit two second-half field goals to ice the game with too much fuss.

This Sunday night performance was another showcase of how dangerous the Packers are shaping up to be. Their defense has been outstanding at forcing turnovers to start the season, even without top pass rusher Micah Parsons. Meanwhile, the offense seems to be finding a new gear despite getting little from their ground game without running back Josh Jacobs.

With both Parsons and Jacobs set to enter the fold at some point during the regular season, the Packers could become an even more formidable force than they are during home games on Sunday night.

Related: What Packers’ Matthew Golden told Jordan Love amid SNF win vs. Cowboys

Related: Packers’ Keisean Nixon sends bold message with Josh Jacobs nearing return

New England Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson ran seven times for 31 yards in a Week 6 win over the New York Jets.

SOURCE: USA TODAY

Why It Matters: Henderson was limited in practice all week, but it never seemed likely that he was going to play one week after reportedly suffering a high-ankle sprain. While he deserves credit for suiting up, the injury likely played a role in his inability to break his trademark big play. Since posting season highs of 16 carries, 76 yards and his lone touchdown in Week 2 against Pittsburgh, Henderson has gained just 118 yards in his last four games. After scoring 10 times last season, he has only one this season and is no better than a RB3/Flex option at this point. That should be the case again in Week 7 versus the Bears.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TreVeyon Henderson shakes off ankle issue to produce 40 yards vs. NYJ

The biggest roster weakness the Los Angeles Lakers currently have, in the minds of many, is a starting-level two-way wing or forward. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler are locks for their starting lineup, and while Quentin Grimes could get a starting job as a shorter two-way wing, they don't have a high-level wing who is big enough to start at one forward position.

Their pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga this summer as an attempt to fill that hole is well-documented. Dan Woike, a Lakers beat writer for The Athletic, said on "The Zach Lowe Show" that the team also tried to pry loose Naz Reid from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“The Lakers were very interested in finding an offensive-minded four this summer. They called on Naz Reid early on. They didn’t make what I would consider to be, like, a very serious offer for Naz Reid. But they called and checked in,” Woike said. “I think he was one of the players [where] they identified teams that had some salary pressure points. Like maybe there was a way you could get a guy for 75 cents [on the dollar]…That was a player that they looked at. I think, again, didn’t really put a real offer on the table for him but if Minnesota was in a sell-off, they were willing to say ‘Hey, maybe we can save you some money here.’”

The Timberwolves made big changes this summer, including jettisoning three-time All-Star power forward (and former Laker) Julius Randle and trading for guard LaMelo Ball. To acquire Ball, they had to give up Reid to the Charlotte Hornets.

A hulking 6-foot-9, 264-pound specimen, Reid isn't known much for his defense, but he isn't exactly a slouch on that end of the floor. Other than that, he has developed into a decent complementary scorer and 3-point threat, and he's also a capable rebounder.

Last season, he averaged 13.6 points on 45.6% field-goal shooting and 36.2% from 3-point range and 6.2 rebounds in 26.1 minutes a game. The Lakers got a close look at Reid during their first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves in 2025, when he scored 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting in a surprise 117-95 Minnesota win in Game 1.

This article originally appeared on Lakers Wire: The Lakers reportedly tried to trade for Naz Reid this summer

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel of the Los Angeles Chargers on the sidelines during a 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on September 13, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) Getty

The Miami Dolphins parted ways with Mike McDaniel after last season, but he seemed like the type of guy who would land on his feet.

He wasn’t going to get another head coaching job immediately, but the offensive guru got a gig that made sense — offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.

There was immediate hype to see what McDaniel could do with QB Justin Herbert and RB Omarion Hampton.

Turns out, McDaniel hasn’t done much with his talented offensive players at all.

It could mean the end of McDaniel’s employment with the Chargers much quicker than anyone could imagine.

Is Mike McDaniel Getting Fired?

McDaniel is trending toward getting fired after the Chargers lost on Sunday to drop to 0-6 for the season.

They have a Week 7 bye week, so it would be the logical time for the Chargers to make a change.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio wrote on Sunday night that things are indeed moving in that direction.

“The next move very well could be a separation from employment of first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel,” Florio writes. “There’s a growing buzz that the Chargers will be making that move, soon. Pass game specialist Adam Gase, a former head coach of the Jets and Dolphins, is expected to take over, if McDaniel is fired.”

Herbert has been a bit of an enigma at times in his NFL career, but the Chargers’ offense has never struggled to this extent.

“The Chargers have scored 90 points in six games, an average of 15.0 points per game,” Florio writes. “It’s not done yet, but it’s the move that many are expecting to see. Especially with the Chargers limping into their annual week off — which will be followed by a ‘road’ game in their home stadium, against the 2-4 Rams.”

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh likely needs to do something to help protect his own job. Moving on from McDaniel would make sense.

Mike McDaniel’s Downfall

It’s not all that long ago that McDaniel was a trendy coach with the San Francisco 49ers, and then a hotshot head coach leading the Dolphins offense to lots of points and yards.

But by the end of his time in Miami, McDaniel struggled to keep Tua Tagovailoa producing, and both of them are gone now.

Tagovailoa is the backup QB in Atlanta. McDaniel is the OC on the outs with the Chargers.

Neither has found success away from the Dolphins, and both are going to have to work just to prove they deserve real chances again in the NFL. It’s not a great time for McDaniel, that’s for sure.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Ex-Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel on Verge of Being Fired appeared first on HEAVY.

New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson carried 14 times for 36 yards in a Week 6 win over the New York Jets.

SOURCE: USA TODAY

Why It Matters: Stevenson, who failed to find the end zone for the first time since Week 3, was expected to have the backfield mostly to himself in Week 6 after TreVeyon Henderson suffered a high-ankle sprain last week. Not only did Henderson play, but Stevenson also lost 11 carries to Corey Kiner. Stevenson has posted mediocre-at-best numbers this season, especially when he doesn't find the end zone. He has rushed for more than 50 yards just twice and averaged less than four yards per carry four times. At this point, he can’t be trusted as any more than a RB3/Flex option in most formats, especially in a Thursday night tilt against the Bears in Week 7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rhamondre Stevenson mostly stuck in neutral against NYJ in Week 6

The controversy surrounding Farid Basharat’s UFC release continues to grow, with the former bantamweight now hitting back at Dana White’s remarks. The 29-year-old was let go despite remaining unbeaten, finishing his UFC run with a perfect 7-0 record and an overall MMA record of 16-0.

One of the biggest talking points since Basharat’s release has been his lack of finishes. Six of his seven UFC victories came by decision, but he consistently got the job done against tough competition. His most recent outing was a win over John Garza in July, adding to a resume that includes victories over Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutierrez, and Taylor Lapilus.

White was asked why Basharat was not offered a new contract during the UFC Edmonton post-fight press conference. The UFC CEO suggested that a fighter’s record is not always the only factor behind such decisions, pointing to possible issues with the matchmakers and fighters turning down bouts. He also hinted that there was a specific reason Basharat was not brought back.

 

Dana White hints there may be MORE to Farid Basharat’s UFC exit

“If you’re 16-0 with seven wins in the UFC and don’t get re-signed, there’s definitely a reason.”

@Home_of_Fight / @LynchOnSports https://t.co/rYtyfxkHGC

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 18, 2026

Now, Basharat has shared his side of the story in a new video explaining his UFC exit, taking aim at what he sees as the promotion’s growing preference for finishes over technical, competitive fights.

Farid Basharat Responds to Dana White’s Remarks After Shock UFC Release

In a new video highlighting his side of the story, Basharat said, “I think the company, the UFC, is manufacturing a fan base that doesn’t appreciate good quality fighting. Even if it’s a mismatch, even if it’s a low-level fight, as long as there’s blood, as long as it’s a first-round finish, we’re happy.”

Basharat believes the sport cannot sustain itself by prioritizing those kinds of moments over the quality of the matchups. He argued that while the approach might deliver strong ratings in the short term, it could eventually hurt the sport’s credibility and leave fans wanting more competitive fights.

He opined, “In my opinion, you just can’t build a sport off that. Because you might do well for a couple of years ratings-wise, but sooner or later it’s going to de-legitimize the sport, and the fans are going to be left wanting high-quality fights.”

 

Farid Basharat responded to Dana White’s comments at yesterdays presser:

“He kind of alluded to maybe I was turning down fights or I was difficult to deal with.

I definitely didn’t turn nobody down. There was no issues with me in any way.”

(via @faridbofficial) https://t.co/I6A4ctvQn3

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 18, 2026

ALSO READ:Dana White Dismisses Rumors of UFC Saudi Arabia Event Being Rescheduled Amid Tensions in the Middle East

The former UFC fighter also brought up the promotion’s massive broadcasting deal with Paramount+, reportedly worth $7.7 billion over seven years. Basharat suggested that with such a lucrative agreement in place, the UFC has a financial incentive to keep putting on events, regardless of the overall quality of the matchups.

He said, “When I see the best against the best, for me, that’s what’s entertaining. But the UFC is guaranteed $7.7 billion over the next seven years, so they’re clearly great at what they’re doing. So what do I know?”

Basharat also insisted that he had never turned down a fight, even competing through injuries and accepting difficult matchups when asked. He pointed to his UFC 308 bout against Victor Hugo as an example, agreeing to fight at a 145-pound catchweight after Hugo missed the bantamweight limit by 10 pounds, weighing in at 146 pounds instead of the required 136.

 

Javid Basharat Defends His Brother Farid And Claims They Waited For 3 Months To Try And Renew The Deal And Found Out They Were Cut From The MMA Media https://t.co/TQV3aBpkKJ

— Kevin (@realkevink) October 18, 2026

His criticism comes amid other notable roster decisions, including the departures of veterans such as Daniel Marcos and Michael “Venom” Page, while fighters like Tai Tuivasa and Michael Chandler have struggled to pick up wins in recent years.

The discussion also comes after UFC 332 delivered 11 knockouts and UFC Edmonton produced 12 finishes in a single night. While those numbers make for an action-packed event, Basharat’s argument raises a bigger question about what the promotion values most when deciding which fighters deserve to stay.

The other side of the argument is that the UFC is an entertainment business, and putting on exciting fights is part of the job. Still, Basharat’s release has sparked debate over whether being unbeaten and consistently winning is enough to keep a fighter on the roster when they are not regularly scoring finishes.

Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images

After the incident involving the Blue Devils star who swatted at an athletic trainer went viral, he has now given his side of the story.

Duke cornerback Kimari Robinson sparked backlash after swatting away a female athletic trainer who was trying to reach injured teammate DaShawn Stone during the team’s 24-20 loss to North Carolina. The moment became something of a lightning rod on social media, creating a lot of unexpected discourse.

It wasn’t just limited to fans on X, either. Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III was among the big names that weighed in and criticised Robinson for his actions. While the young man’s reaction was far from an ideal one, his recently shared side of the story gives some insight into what he was thinking.

Kimari Robinson says DaShawn Stone is ‘like family’ which is what led to his reaction

Robinson and Stone have both been on the Blue Devils since 2023, and the two seem to share quite the bond. Based on what Robinson had to say, that was a big reason for why he reacted the way he did, even if it was towards the trainer who was only trying to help Stone.

The young man did not duck any responsibility for his actions either, revealing that he has already apologised to the trainer in question before making it public.

“I want to publicly apologize to the member of our training staff for how I acted toward her during Saturday’s game. I was completely wrong, and she did not deserve that,” the statement reads. “Immediately after the game, I apologized to her personally and checked to make sure she was okay.

“The injured player on the ground, DaShawn Stone, is like family to me, and I was scared he might be seriously hurt. But being worried about him does not excuse how I treated her. I should have controlled my emotions, and I didn’t. I’m truly sorry for my actions and for letting her, myself and our program down. I have to be better than that.”

While the statement seems to cover the whole issue, it will not be enough for some of the detractors online. The incident was massive news over the weekend, but at least Robinson’s apology will bring some closure to it in the immediate term.

Read more:

• ‘Below average’ – Analyst references Peyton and Eli in scathing attack on Arch Manning
• Dave Portnoy believes Bryce Underwood deserves ‘respect’ after celebrating with backup QB despite being replaced by him
• ‘We remember’ – Jeremiah Smith reveals the motivating factor behind Ohio State’s performance vs. Indiana

New England Patriots QB Drake Maye completed 18 of 32 passes for 235 yards with three touchdowns in a Week 6 win over the New York Jets. He added 24 yards on four rushing attempts.

SOURCE: USA TODAY

Why It Matters: Maye now has 10 touchdown passes against one interception with 878 yards in the last three games. He had one TD pass and six picks in the first three games. It’s safe to say that Maye has regained his status as a QB1 and is looking like the quarterback who led the Patriots to the Super Bowl last season. He needs to be locked into lineups in Week 7, even on a short week with a visit to Chicago coming on Thursday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Drake Maye throws for another three scores in Week 6

1. Thanks to familiar miscues, the Dallas Cowboys are off to their worst start in years  NBC News
2. Packers 23-13 Cowboys (Oct 18, 2026) Game Recap  ESPN
3. NFC East nearing second straight winless week as Packers beat struggling Cowboys on 'Sunday Night Football'  Fox News
4. Packers Beat Cowboys, Box Score Stats, Highlights for Dak, Love, Lamb, Pickens, Golden, Top Players  Bleacher Report
5. Packers defeat Cowboys, 23-13  Green Bay Packers – packers.com

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer faces a potential crucial stretch that will impact his job security. Getty

On a night in which it seemed that nothing could go right for the Dallas Cowboys, even the one thing that went really right turned out to come with an asterisk. That’s because linebacker Dee Winters finally broke the Cowboys’ season-starting NFL-high streak of five games without making an interception when he picked off Jordan Love of the Packers late in the first quarter. Not only that, but Winters took the ball and scampered 42 yards for a pick-6 touchdown–until the referees overturned the call and ruled Winters down.

Still, it appeared to be a breakthrough for Winters, who has struggled as a starter at linebacker and has not lived up to expectations after he was acquired from the 49ers in a draft day trade. Alas, then Winters suffered an ankle injury with 13:36 left in the second quarter and was helped to the sideline by the Cowboys doctors and training staff.

Dee Winters questionable to return with an ankle injury.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 19, 2026Dee Winters Out for Cowboys With an Ankle Injury

Already down DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring), the Cowboys entered the game against the packers with just Jaishawn Barham and Shemar James on the depth chart with Winters. James replaced Winters, and the Cowboys are essentially down to two linebackers unless Winters–who was listed as questionable–returns.

On the NBC broadcast, Melissa Stark explained, “Dee Winters limped off the field into the medical tent, with the team’s head physician and the athletic trainer. He came out of the tent still limping, you could see they are doing a heavy tape job on that ankle, they reinforced his Achilles. Keep an eye on it.”

Winters did not return to start the second half.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Cowboys Lose Starter After Breakthrough Play appeared first on HEAVY.

Sonay Kartal has become the British number one for the first time in her career [Getty Images]

Six months ago, Sonay Kartal could not stand up and brush her teeth without "being in agony".

The pain caused by a stress fracture in her back eventually subsided, but the 24-year-old Briton still had a long road to full recovery, which needed to be navigated with patience and hard work.

Kartal did not make her return to competitive action until little under a month ago.

But on Monday, she became the new British number one after an extraordinary week at the Wuhan Open, where she reached the biggest final of her career in just her third tournament back.

"In the first month or so, I was at home in bed - sometimes I had good days but there were also bad days where I wasn't really able to walk without some form of pain," Kartal said.

"It was a slow process and it makes you think you do take every day things for granted a bit."

Given where Kartal was six months ago, and the length of time she was out injured, reaching the Wuhan final cannot be overstated as an achievement.

As a WTA 1,000 event, it is in the tier of tournaments directly below the Grand Slams and attracts the strongest fields on the women's tour.

Kartal knocked out a series of opponents with considerable pedigree - including current top-10 players and former Grand Slam champions - before running out of steam against this year's French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska.

Falling to a brutal defeat from a set and break up in the final will undoubtedly sting. Kartal, though, quickly acknowledged the bigger picture is already more positive than she could have predicted.

Kartal was ranked 54th in the world when the back issue struck at Indian Wells in March and she used a protected injury ranking - given to players who have been out for six months or more - to compete in Wuhan.

Earning 650 points as the runner-up means Kartal is already back above her previous ranking and now closing in on a career-high of 44th achieved in July 2025 after reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon.

And it is an example of the WTA's special ranking rule working as it is intended: providing a fair platform for a player to re-establish her position after a prolonged and unavoidable absence.

Regaining her ranking just 10 matches into her comeback will have real significance for the 2027 season.

Kartal will no longer need to use a protected ranking to enter tournaments including the Australian Open, meaning she can have greater choice over when and where to play as she continues to manage her workload.

"My goal on the Asian swing was just to try to defend those points I had from last year and make the use of the protected ranking worthwhile," said Kartal, who also won two matches at the China Open in Beijing.

"I think I've gone above and beyond that. The goal has been achieved this week and I'm in a good spot for the rest of the year and next year."

Kartal's re-emergence is timely too when considering the bigger picture of British success at the highest level.

With Kartal absent from three of the four majors, no British women went past the second round of a Grand Slam tournament in 2026.

Kartal has only managed to do that twice in her career - reaching the third round at Wimbledon in 2024 and going one stage further last year - but showed in Wuhan she has the ability to thrive at elite level.

She became the first British player to reach a WTA 1000 final since Johanna Konta in 2019 and, despite losing to 22nd-ranked Chwalinska, still recorded the best result by a British woman since Emma Raducanu won the US Open title in 2021.

• 'People have gotten to know me better' - Kartal on SW19 run
• 'No idea if I would play' - how Kartal's success followed health scare

Alongside Arthur Fery's extraordinary run to the Wimbledon semi-finals in the summer, it is a much-needed bright spot for the nation's tennis fans.

How far can Kartal go?

Similarly to Fery, she is not blessed with the height and power which many of the leading players on both tours are genetically given, but she certainly has enough damaging tools which can help anchor her inside the top 50.

In Wuhan, her consistent hitting from the baseline, supreme athleticism and level-headedness were the keys to her success.

Staying fit over the coming months will be another important factor.

Kartal says the stress fracture in her back has completely healed and her team say she "worked her socks off, 9-5 all the time" during rehabilitation to ensure she could hit the ground running when she did return.

It was telling that Kartal quickly paid tribute to her coach Ben Reeves, fitness coach Ian Aylward and physio Dani Gillanders after collecting the runners-up trophy.

"If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be here," Kartal said.

"It makes it even better that the three people who helped me get back to fitness and fixed my back are with me. It's been a special week for all of us."

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Andoni Iraola confirms Liverpool will lose Szoboszlai and Frimpong 'for some time' after Brentford win

Andoni Iraola has admitted Liverpool will be without Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong "for some time" after both were forced off with hamstring injuries in Saturday's 2-1 win at Brentford.

Vice-captain Szoboszlai, who had missed Liverpool's previous two matches with the same problem, was replaced after 32 minutes at the Gtech Community Stadium. Frimpong came on at half-time but lasted just six minutes before limping off.

Both players will undergo scans to determine the extent of the damage.

Iraola explained that a tight turnaround from Wednesday'sChampions League trip to LASK in Austria had left him with difficult selection calls.

“We had a very delicate situation coming back from playing Champions League away (against LASK in Austria) on Wednesday, arriving back late at night and probably not a proper chance of recovery. So you are in doubt between (selecting) the players who have already started two games and are very tired or the players who are recovering from injuries on whom you are not 100 per cent sure.”

- Andoni Iraola, via The Athletic

The Liverpool boss confirmed Szoboszlai had suffered a recurrence rather than a fresh injury, while Frimpong's problem was new.

“Dom felt the same injury, so that injury probably isn't healed enough so we will need more time with him. Jeremie was new. He finished the game cramping the other day. I put him in because playing against 10 I thought he would give us more going forward than Ronald (Araujo).”

- Andoni Iraola.

Victor Munoz moved to right-back after Frimpong's exit, and Iraola was quick to praise him.

“After that, Victor (Munoz) was very good playing as a right-back. But it will mean we will lose Dom and Jeremie for some time.”

- Andoni Iraola.

The injuries took some of the shine off a hard-fought victory. Liverpool trailed to Keane Lewis-Potter's header before Brentford's Yehor Yarmoliuk was sent off just before the break. Munoz and Alexander Isak then scored to put the visitors in front, and the hosts finished with nine men after Vitaly Janelt was dismissed for a second yellow card.