Yahoo Sports

If you ever watch a NASCAR race at the Talladega Superspeedway, you will often hear about “The Big One.” Oftentimes, the TV announcers before a superspeedway race will say it is not if “The Big One” will occur, it is when it will.

“The Big One” is a common phrase used in NASCAR to describe any massive, multi-car crash. While the definition of “The Big One” is subjective, it is normally used to describe a crash of 10 or more cars.

With the bumper-to-bumper, drafting-style of racing seen at superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega, “The Big One” is almost bound to happen because of how close the cars are running next to each other and the high rates of speed.

History of ‘The Big One’ in NASCAR And Where They Are Often Seen

The late Bob Jenkins was one of the first NASCAR announcers to coin “The Big One” term. As a massive pileup ensued in the 1998 Winston 500 at Talladega, Jenkins said:

“This is the big one that we had hoped we would not have.”

NASCAR Hall of Famer and former TV color commentator Darrell Waltrip famously used the term as well. During a multi-car crash on the backstretch in the 2001 Daytona 500, Waltrip said:

“It’s the big one, gang, it’s the big one. It’s what we’ve all been fearing in this kind of racing is going to happen.”

One of the notable “Big Ones” that have happened in recent memory was in the 2024 YellaWood 500 at Talladega. With five laps remaining, a 28-car pileup ensued on the backstretch of the 2.66-mile track. In terms of total amount of cars involved, it was the largest crash in NASCAR’s modern era.

Another recent “Big One” occurred in the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega earlier this year. After Bubba Wallace got turned out of the lead heading into turn 3, it caused a 26-car crash.

Chances are at Daytona and Talladega, “The Big One” is right around the corner.

Talladega Could Massively Shake Up NASCAR Cup Championship

The NASCAR Cup Series circuit heads to the Talladega Superspeedway this weekend for the eighth race of the Chase. With the unpredictability of Talladega and the looming “Big One” at any moment, the battle for the championship could see a massive shake-up this Sunday.

Here is a look at the Chase standings ahead of the YellaWood 500:

1. Kyle Larson — LEADER
2. Christopher Bell — (-5)
3. Chase Briscoe — (-24)
4. Denny Hamlin — (-31)
5. Ryan Blaney — (-40)
6. Joey Logano — (-44)
7. Tyler Reddick — (-56)
8. Austin Cindric — (-130)
9. Ty Gibbs — (-132)
10. Chase Elliott — (-149)
11. Carson Hocevar — (-158)
12. Bubba Wallace — (-162)
13. Daniel Suarez — (-188)
14. William Byron — (-190)
15. Chris Buescher — (-204)
16. Ryan Preece — (-211)

The YellaWood 500 is scheduled for Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. ET. It can be watched on NBC or listened to on the Motor Racing Network.

Illinois basketball is officially back…kind of. 

It was Cincinnati, it didn’t count, and Brad Underwood played 12 guys like he was running a science experiment. 

The Illini gave up 96 points, and Underwood himself said they didn’t even scout. If you’re nitpicking for a reason to overreact, I guess you could find one. 

However, the freshman class is one of the many reasons you should believe. 

The retention was real this offseason, prompting fans (and myself) to focus on what was coming back. It seems like no one was talking about what’s new. 

After watching the 105-96 win in Cincinnati, I think they should be. 

Ethan Brown

My apologies, Ethan Brown, I wasn’t familiar with your game.

Brown was the most impressive freshman we saw Saturday. Maybe I was just underestimating what he could bring to this team, but I think most people came away impressed.

It’s clear that Underwood was equally impressed, as Brown earned the start vs. Cincinnati. Yes, the lineup will be altered by the time the season officially begins, but it should be a sign of how much this staff trusts him.

We were spoiled by the calmness Keaton Wagler brought last year. Brown is clearly not Wagler, but he brings the same demeanor to the court, and he never seemed rushed. That’s something the Illini will desperately need, and something that is rare from a freshman.

In 25 minutes he recorded:

• 15 points (5-9 FG, 3-7 3PM)
• 5 rebounds
• 2 assists

But the stat that stood out most? Zero turnovers.

There’s not a glaring weakness in Brown’s game. He’s a natural scorer, putting up over 2,500 points in high school.

He was able to showcase some of that scoring ability Saturday, knocking down a few quick catch-and-shoot threes while getting to the paint and creating his own shot at points.

Just like his freshman counterpart Quentin Coleman, Brown showed relentlessness on the glass, tying for second on the team in rebounds.

Quentin Coleman

There’s a reason Sam Vecenie slotted Coleman at No. 7 in his latest NBA Mock Draft. NBA teams know what they want in a young guard, but so does Underwood.

Did my first 2027 NBA Mock Draft of the cycle over on Game Theory yesterday with guest @AdamFinkelstein breaking it down. Here's what the top-10 looks like in what is shaping up to be an insane cycle that will be very fluid. pic.twitter.com/lRJfRz7cEz

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) October 12, 2026

Rebound. Defend. Facilitate.

Coleman brought all of that, and some, to his first live matchup.

• 14 points (5-9 FG, 2-4 3PM)
• 7 (!) rebounds (led the team)
• 8 assists

If that isn’t the statline of a Brad Underwood guard, I don’t know what is.

The statline doesn’t paint the picture clearly enough either. While roles can certainly change throughout the season, Coleman possesses a motor that fans will see the entire year.

There’s a tenacity to the way he plays that’s evident. You can see the energy he plays with, and it flows through his teammates.

Offensively, Coleman was able to get two feet in the paint with ease, leading to layups or kick-out passes to open teammates and putting his playmaking abilities on notice. Knocking down two triples was a nice sign as well.

If you’re a sucker for a rebounding guard, you’re going to have a new favorite player. It’s one of the biggest reasons he will be such a prominent piece this year.

His length and athletic ability alone allow him to be a threat on the glass. When you complement that with his motor, you get a 6-foot-4 guard who can lead the team in rebounding, just like he did on the FIBA U18 team.

I can’t remember a better rebounding guard in the Underwood era.

Yes, I’m aware that it’s still an exhibition game and roles are bound to change. However, if Coleman is utilized in the regular season like he was against Cincinnati, I see no reason why Illinois can’t have another guard picked in the lottery.

Landon Davis

Frontcourt depth was a worry of mine before Saturday. Landon Davis has helped calm some of those nerves.

The length alone is an eye-opener. The 6-foot-9 forward boasts a 7-foot-3 wingspan, and he used it to his advantage with an impressive block on a three-point attempt by the Bearcats.

He also made a catch-and-shoot three, his only shot attempt.

While there wasn’t much else to go off, I think Davis could provide valuable frontcourt depth to a team that badly needs it. He’s athletic enough to run the floor and make plays defensively, while also able to knock down shots from the perimeter.

As a developmental piece, I’m extremely intrigued to see how Underwood can fit him into this scheme.

Morillo, Williams, Zens

We were able to see all freshman get some action on Saturday. 

It was a short stint for Lucas Morillo. He didn’t have a shot attempt and was ripped while bringing the ball up the court. He got five minutes of playing time. 

Lincoln Williams has been a hot topic this offseason, but it’s clear he needs more time to develop. He had a nice layup for his only points of the game. 

Zavier Zens got his first taste of action as well. In 11 minutes he had three rebounds and two points. He went 0-4 from three, which Brad Underwood expressed surprise in after the match. 

The first look at this freshman class was encouraging.

• Coleman looks like the type of guard Underwood has wanted for years.
• Brown played with confidence that’s hard to find in a first-year player.
• Davis could give the frontcourt some much-needed depth.
• And Morillo, Williams, and Zens have plenty of time to find their footing.

The retention is why Illinois has a high floor, and this freshman class might be why the ceiling is higher than we originally thought.

Jutta Leerdam is a Dutch speed skating star.

She's also a social media icon with more than 6 million followers on Instagram.

Leerdam won a gold medla in the 1000 meters event at Milano Cortina, as well as a silver in the 500 at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She added those to the silver she won in Beijing in 2022.

She is engaged to another social media powerhouse, Jake Paul. They announced their engagement on Instagram, of course, in March of 2025.

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

Jutta Leerdam

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Best images of Dutch speed skating superstar Jutta Leerdam

Last season, the Richmond Hill softball team made the trip to Columbus as the Wildcats reached the Elite Eight in the state playoffs for the first time in school history under head coach Chris Jenkins.

This year the Wildcats won the Region 1-7A title, their first region crown since 2016 and Richmond Hill hosted Dacula on Wednesday, Oct. 21, in a second-round playoff matchup with another berth in the Elite Eight on the line.

The opening double header in the best of three series was a nail biter from start to finish as Richmond Hill won with a dramatic extra inning walk off to take Game 1 by a score of 5-4. Dacula returned the favor in the second game by hanging on for a 3-2 victory with the tying run on base in the Wildcats final at bat.

The deciding Game 3 will be held at Richmond Hill on Thursday, Oct. 22, with the first pitch set for 2:30 p.m.

"We had a good feeling coming into this series because the girls have worked so hard and were prepared to play," said Jenkins, in his sixth season leading the program. "They were in a good place mentally and at this point in the season you just turn them loose and let them play and enjoy the experience."

The first game was a back and forth affair. Richmond Hill scored a pair in the bottom of the fifth, but Dacula answered with two runs in the top of the sixth to tie things up at 4-4 in a battle that went to extra innings.

With one out in the bottom of the eighth, Ashella Matias lined a single past shortstop which set the stage for senior Ahnalya Estevez, who smoked a shot that landed on the left field foul line for a double that brought Matias home with the winning run in the 5-4 victory.

After earning the win with a complete game in the opener, junior Gessilyn Clark was in the circle again for the Wildcats in the second game and she went the distance once again.

Dacula was the home team in the second game and the Falcons scored twice in the bottom of the first on an RBI triple by Karsyn Plaisance, who came home on a RBI groundout. The Falcons added a run in the third on an error, but Richmond Hill showed off its excellent defense throughout the game.

Estevez drove in another run in the top of the fifth and Lennon Monaco drove in another run with a sacrifice bunt to cut the deficit to 3-2, but Dacula held on.

In the bottom of the sixth, Aubrey Ragins, the Wildcats senior shortstop, put on a show with a diving backhanded catch of a fly ball down the left field line, along with a pair of sterling plays on grounders ― the second a memorable play that showcased her smooth style on a shot straight up the middle.

Ragins, who has committed to play at the College of Coastal Georgia, had a double and a bunt single and scored a pair of runs in the first game.

"Everyone was a little stressed before the games started, but we calmed down and started playing well once things got going," said Ragins, a four-year starter and first-team all-region pick each year that she has played. "Dacula is a tough team because they never give in, but we never gave up either. We want to win it tomorrow."

Jenkins said Ragins' play has been at the heart of the program's success since her freshman season.

"We've seen that from Aubrey over the last four years," Jenkins said. "In a setting like this, is nice to see her get the chance to put her game on display."

Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Richmond Hill softball splits with Dacula ― setting up deciding Game 3

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Nickeil Alexander-Walker punctuated a 31-point night with a pair of 3-pointers, Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson each finished with 20 points, and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic 132-125 in the season opener for both teams on Wednesday night.

Paolo Banchero had 35 points and 10 assists for the Magic, who have lost six straight the Hawks. Atlanta also spoiled coach Sean Sweeney's debut with Orlando.

Alexander-Walker hit a 3 before flashing a hush gesture to the Kia Center crowd and then drained a 25-footer that gave Atlanta a 128-123 lead with 51 seconds left.

Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. each had 22 points for Orlando.

Johnson appeared to foul out with 4:27 remaining when officials called him for an offensive foul after an elbow to the face of Desmond Bane. However, Atlanta coach Quin Snyder successfully challenged the call with replay showing Bane committing the first illegal contact. Leading 120-117 at the time, the Hawks never trailed over the balance of the game.

C.J. McCollum scored 19 points and Aaron Wiggins added 16 for Atlanta.

Banchero sparked an 11-0 run and gave the Magic their first lead of the second half with a three-point play that made it 98-95 with two minutes left in the third quarter. Banchero hit his first five shots and finished 10 of 12 from the field.

Atlanta erased an double-digit deficit and used a pair of 12-0 runs to take a 72-62 advantage into halftime. The Hawks outscored Orlando 44-29 in the second quarter.

Up next

Hawks: Play Friday at Charlotte.

Magic: Host Minnesota Friday.

___

See AP’s full NBA coverage here

The Titans released defensive lineman Jordan Elliott on Tuesday after an incident at the team facility. An argument with teammate JC Latham last Thursday prompted Elliott to etrieve a gun from his car.

Latham discussed the incident Wednesday.

“It was just an unfortunate situation," Latham said, via Terry McCormick of titaninsider.com. "It was heat of the moment, and shit happens. I don’t really have too much to say about it. . . . There ain’t never been no bad blood between us two. We were here on the summer getting treatment. Before that, we hung out whenever we were in the same city together. We actually had never had an argument leading up to it.

"So I actually think mental health is extremely important, and that’s just one of those situations where you just pray for a guy like that.”

Elliott was dealing with personal issues, per McCormick, when he stormed out of the locker room to the players' garage. Teammate John Franklin-Myers followed Elliott and de-escalated the situation, getting Elliott to put the gun away, McCormick reports.

Latham was grateful to Franklin-Myers.

"I told him I appreciate it," Latham said. "I was still on the field, apparently, . . . so I just told him how much I appreciate him for that."

The New Orleans Pelicans were unable to get the Jamahl Mosley era started with a win, as the Indiana Pacers escaped with a 123-120 win. The Pelicans will begin the year 0-1. These close games were a big talking point for Mosley over the past few weeks, and here they were unable to get the job done.

New Orleans had a chance to win this game, but lost a lead. Then they had a chance to tie it late, but missed the shot. Possibly more important than the miss, though, in the long run, was that Zion Williamson was willing to take the final shot from three.

One of the most important early stretches of this game came in the final minutes of the first half and could have major implications for this season. Williamson hit a three on the elbow, and then followed it up with another three to beat the first-half buzzer. Williamson celebrated hard, deservedly so.

That stretch should give him the confidence to keep going this season. Before those two makes, Williamson had the opportunity to take one, and he hesitated. It was a moment that clearly frustrated him, but he was able to bounce back. The forward finished the game with 22 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Player of the game honors may have to go to Dejounte Murray, though, who is reminding people of the player he was a few years ago. He had a slow start to his tenure with the Pelicans before going down with injury, had a few nice moments after his return last year, but was being held back as he got up to speed. This is what Murray can do while fully healthy.

Murray led the team with 23 points. He also added three rebounds, seven assists, two steals and three blocks. He is all over the place on both ends of the court and looks to be ready to lead this backcourt once again.

Mosley actually started both Murray and Jeremiah Fears together, which had been speculated about as of late. The excitement was dulled early, though, as three early fouls had Fears on the court for just five minutes in the first half.

Both Fears and Derik Queen had their ups-and-downs in this game, which is still expected as they are still developing. Queen started out very slow, but ended up responding well on both ends of the floor. He had 10 and 10 with two steals.

The best young player in this game was third-year center Yves Missi, who picked up where he left off in the FIBA qualifiers this summer. He looks every bit the player who has been hyped up by this staff this camp. He had 13 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. While they still don't have great true center depth, Missi looks ready for that starting role.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 14: Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics reacts after being fouled during the first half of the preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on October 14, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 14: Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics dives for the ball during the second half of the preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on October 14, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) Getty

Boston Celtics star Paul George made history in his first game with the franchise. One day later, the NBA handed him a financial penalty.

The league announced Wednesday, October 21, that George had been fined $2,000 for flopping during Boston’s 121-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons in the regular-season opener.

According to the NBA’s official social media account, the punishment followed a review by the league office of a play during the October 20 matchup.

The decision adds an unusual footnote to an otherwise spectacular individual debut for George, who scored 38 points in his first regular-season appearance with Boston.

BOS’s Paul George was assessed a postgame Flopping fine of $2,000 upon league office review for https://t.co/1sQL3a2rZL on Oct. 20 vs. DET.

— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) October 21, 2026

NBA Fines Celtics Star Paul George for Flopping

George’s punishment was announced less than 24 hours after the Celtics suffered a stunning opening-day defeat.

“BOS’s Paul George was assessed a postgame Flopping fine of $2,000 upon league office review,” the NBA announced Wednesday.

The NBA’s flopping rules permit the league office to assess penalties after reviewing game footage, even when officials do not call a violation during the game.

A flopping violation called during live action results in a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul and a free throw for the opposing team. Postgame violations can carry financial penalties, with the NBA maintaining an escalating fine system.

The $2,000 fine does not constitute a suspension or otherwise prevent George from playing in Boston’s next game.

For George, it is an unwelcome addition to what had already been a frustrating conclusion to his first appearance in a Celtics uniform.

GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 14: Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics dives for the ball during the second half of the preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets at the TD Garden on October 14, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

Paul George Makes Celtics History Despite Loss to Pistons

George’s debut was remarkable for reasons that had nothing to do with the NBA’s subsequent disciplinary decision.

The nine-time All-Star finished with 38 points, five rebounds, three assists and five steals against Detroit. He shot 12-of-21 from the field and connected on seven of his 12 three-point attempts.

According to the Celtics, George established a franchise record for points scored in a Boston debut, surpassing the previous benchmark held by Kristaps Porzingis.

He also became just the sixth player in NBA history to record at least 38 points, five rebounds, five steals and seven made three-pointers in a single game.

George’s performance was especially encouraging considering the questions surrounding his health and production entering his first season with Boston after the Celtics acquired him from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade involving Jaylen Brown.

Yet his individual success was overshadowed by Boston’s collapse.

The Celtics led Detroit by as many as 22 points before the Pistons stormed back. Detroit used a 23-0 fourth-quarter run to take control, eventually securing an eight-point victory.

Duncan Robinson scored 21 points for Detroit, including 15 in the fourth quarter, while Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren contributed 22 points apiece.

Jayson Tatum, Celtics Face Questions After Season-Opening Collapse

While George supplied much of Boston’s offense, fellow star Jayson Tatum struggled to find his shot.

Tatum finished with 13 points on 6-of-23 shooting, missing all seven of his three-point attempts. He also contributed 11 assists.

The contrast between Boston’s two stars was striking. George needed fewer than 31 minutes to score 38 points, while the Celtics were unable to sustain their offensive production late in the contest.

The loss immediately raised questions about Boston’s ability to close games with its reconfigured roster.

It also offered a reminder of George’s importance. Boston received the kind of high-level scoring performance it hoped to acquire in the offseason, even if the result fell short.

Now, George’s historic introduction to the Celtics includes an NBA fine alongside his franchise record.

For Boston, however, the far more consequential issue is finding a way to turn performances like George’s into victories.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Boston Celtics Star Paul George Hit With NBA Fine After Historic Debut appeared first on HEAVY.

Seattle Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet (knee) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, Oct. 21.

SOURCE: Chiefs.com

Why it Matters: Charbonnet was a full participant for the first time this season, marking another step in his recovery from knee surgery. He has a good chance to make his season debut in Week 7, but even if he does play, Seattle will likely ease him into action in his return. Charbonnet should still be a valuable asset this season, but fantasy owners may want to wait a week or to before starting him.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Zach Charbonnet logs full practice Wednesday

Everything was going great for UMass. It beat Rutgers on the way to a 4-0 season, and then came three straight MAC losses, including close battles with Miami University and Buffalo over the last two weeks.

UConn struggled in a 2-3 start before rolling past Temple 34-20. First-year head coach Jason Candle still might get the Huskies to a bowl game, but that’s almost certainly happening without a win over the Minutemen.

UMass vs UConn: Quick Hits

• UMass jumps back into MAC play with two of its next three games at home, starting with Ball State.
• UConn goes to Air Force next week and then gets three straight home games.
• UConn has won six of the last eight, with the last game a 47-42 win in 2024.

How To Watch UMass vs UConn

Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, CT
– Week 8 Schedule & Predictions
– What Will the CFP 12-Seed Bracket Be?
– CFN Top 25 | Bowl Projections
– CFN Expert Picks: Week 8:

Why UMass Will Win

Remember, this is UMass we’re talking about. Yes, it’s on a three-game losing streak, but this isn’t your twin-sibling-born-ten-minutes-before-you’s Minuteman team. Unlike last year, this version is competitive, with just tweaking to be done instead of a total overhaul.

The pass defense was tremendous over the last two weeks, and this year the defense is helping to crush the turnover margin. UConn is 1-3 when turning the ball over, and the one win was against Lafayette.

Why UConn Will Win

Things are starting to come together for the Huskies thanks to the ground game. Cyncir Bowers has been on a tear, taking off for 163 yards and two scores against Syracuse, and 84 yards and a score against Temple.

UConn is starting to do a better job of controlling games. It’s moving the ball and the chains just fine, and overall, it’s looking and playing like a team that’s starting to come together under new head coach Jason Candle.

UMass vs UConn Prediction, Betting Lines

Teams have started to figure out that if you keep running on UMass, the dam will start to weaken, if not break. The Minutemen lost their last three games because the MAC teams on the other side were able to average well over four yards per carry.

UConn will have a hard time putting this away, but it’ll put together an efficient game to keep the momentum going.

UConn 34, UMass 20
Latest Consensus Line: UConn -14.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5

Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

In the Arizona Cardinals' 18-16 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, their top performer was kicker Chad Ryland. In a completely unsurprising announcement, Ryland was named the Week 6 NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

All he did was make six field goals against the Rams, accounting for all the Cardinals' points, and he kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired.

He made kicks of 34, 30, 22, 38, 27 and 43 yards, the 43-yarder winning the game.

It was his fifth career game-winning field goal. He became the first kicker this season to make six field goals. Only one player in franchise history had more field goals in a game — Hall of Famer Jim Baaken, who made seven in a game in 1967.

It is Ryland's first player of the week honors, but he is the second Cardinals players to be special teams player of the week. Receiver Simi Fehoko received the honors after Week 1, when he blocked a punt in the Cardinals' win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Other Week 6 players of the week

The league announced five other players of the week:

• Bears QB Caleb Williams was NFC Offensive Player of the Week after he completed 30-of-36 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown in a 31-23 win over the Falcons.
• Saints cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. was NFC Defensive Player of the Week after he had seven tackles, four pass breakups, two interceptions and two tackles for loss in a 34-27 win over the Giants.
• Texans QB C.J. Stroud was AFC Offensive Player of the Week after he passed for 314 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-31 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
• Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey was AFC Defensive Player of the Week after he had 10 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks in a 26-19 overtime win over the Bucs.
• Titans running back Julius Chestnut was AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after he had two special teams tackles and blocked a punt in a 26-20 win over the Colts.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.

.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}

.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals K Chad Ryland wins NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Real Madrid's Ivorian forward #25 Yan Diomande (R) celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with Real Madrid's French forward #10 Kylian Mbappe during their UEFA Champions League first round day 3 football match between Real Madrid CF and RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on October 21, 2026. (Photo by Oscar DEL POZO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Thibaut Courtois: 8.5. Made five saves, including two outstanding stops. Another performance in which his interventions were crucial, even if the final score suggests a comfortable evening.

Fede Valverde: 9. Dominant at right-back. His movement helped create relentless overloads down the right, and his distribution kept Madrid’s attacks flowing. Finished with three key passes and a game-high 116 touches, while contributing four tackles, five clearances, and a goal-saving defensive intervention. An enormous contribution on both sides of the ball.

Antonio Rüdiger: 7. Good in possession and produced an excellent recovery to stop Cardoso from breaking through in the first half.

Dean Huijsen: 7.5. His vertical distribution and long-range passing were brilliant, helping Madrid advance the ball and find teammates beyond Leipzig’s pressure. Could have defended the conceded goal better, but also registered seven interceptions and earned a couple of ovations from the Bernabéu for his defensive interventions.

Álvaro Carreras: 5. Looked short of confidence. His passing down the flank was poor, and some ill-advised defensive gambles left him exposed.

Bernardo Silva: 7.5. Scored his first Real Madrid goal and remained a constant outlet for his teammates. Always showed for the ball, offering solutions under pressure and helping Madrid move possession forward.

Eduardo Camavinga: 7.5. A sharp performance on both sides of the ball. Particularly impressive in possession, where he handled tricky situations with composure and helped Madrid work through pressure.

Arda Güler: 9. Phenomenal again. Constantly created opportunities for his teammates and deserved an assist for his first-half pass to Bernardo. Almost every possession brought another good decision. His creativity from the right wing was a recurring problem for Leipzig.

Jude Bellingham: 7.5. Helped unlock the defense in the build-up to Madrid’s first two goals, choosing the right pass on both occasions. This was not his best overall performance, but he still produced moments of quality with his dribbling and playmaking, finishing with three key passes.

Vinícius Júnior: 6.5. Had two very good attempts on goal, but also gave the ball away poorly on a couple of occasions and struggled to make the most of his opportunities in transition. Contributed one important defensive recovery. His confidence looks low, and the Bernabéu whistled him several times, including when he was substituted in the 69th minute.

Kylian Mbappé: 8. Made the wrong decision on a couple of transition opportunities, but those moments were outweighed by everything else he contributed: a golazo, an excellent headed cut-back assist, and good combination play. Particularly effective when linking up with Güler and Valverde on the right. Also heavily involved in the opening goal.

Substitutes

Yan Diomande: 8. Needed only 20 minutes to score one of the goals of the season and provide an assist. Added a couple of beautiful dribbling sequences, too. A spectacular cameo.

Marc Cucurella: 7. Was not asked to do a great deal, but was solid at both ends of the field.

Brahim Díaz: 7.5. Brought good energy off the bench and supplied the assist for Diomande’s goal.

Endrick: N/A.

Carlos Espí: N/A.

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is set to undergo elbow surgery on Wednesday with a nine-month estimated recovery timeline. Getty

Following their disappointing elimination from World Series contention, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced an update on catcher Dalton Rushing.

Rushing, 25, was sidelined for the entire postseason with a partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear in his throwing arm. The Dodgers’ second catcher on the roster tried to play through the injury as a designated hitter but never appeared in the postseason.

Today, the Dodgers announced that Rushing will undergo surgery to address the elbow injury, Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times wrote.

“It’s expected to be a hybrid internal brace procedure. The expected timeline to return to catching full time is 9 months, with a return to hitting well before then,” Lee added.

 

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Dodgers Announce Dalton Rushing Elbow Injury Update appeared first on HEAVY.

Lakers forward Matisse Thybulle steals the ball from the Kings guard Zach LaVine during a preseason game. Thybulle earned a starting spot in the season opener on Wednesday. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)

Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams are the final pieces to the Lakers’ much-anticipated starting lineup.

The free-agent acquisitions will join guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and center Walker Kessler in the Lakers’ first starting lineup of the new season Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Lakers coach JJ Redick previously said he already knew three of the starting spots, marking down the team’s star backcourt and the center they traded four first-round picks to get, but left the other spots open for competition during training camp.

Williams emerged as a winner of the competitive preseason. He started both of the preseason games he played in, giving the Lakers the type of versatile defender they coveted to cover up for Doncic’s and Reaves’ defensive deficiencies. The 6-foot-9 forward who signed a veteran minimum contract showed willingness to pick up opposing ball-handlers full court. He also made all five of his preseason three-point attempts.

Thybulle, a 6-foot-5 wing, is a maestro guarding off the ball. The rangy defensive specialist had 1.3 steals per game during the preseason. He flummoxed his teammates during training camp practices by jumping into passing lanes.

Quentin Grimes was considered a strong option to start after he signed a four-year, $60-million contract this offseason. Grimes started the first four games of the preseason, averaging 12 points and 2.6 assists while 51.3% shooting in 25.1 minutes per game.

The Lakers are without guard Collin Sexton, who is out because of a right soleus strain. Sexton, who missed all five preseason games, was a full participant in practice Monday and did not suffer a setback, Redick said.

Read more:Lakers center Walker Kessler believes his competitive side will overcome pressure

“Collaborative decision with performance, everyone involved,” Redick said of the decision for Sexton to sit out Wednesday after previously participating in a full practice. “I always say this with soft-tissue injuries, the athlete has to have confidence and full confidence.”

Rookie Cameron Carr is out and day-to-day because of a right oblique strain. Forward Adou Thiero is sidelined with a left knee effusion. After struggling with chronic knee injuries during his rookie season, Thiero will be “shut down for a couple of days,” Redick said, then be considered day-to-day while he ramps up.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things Lakers.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The Buffalo Bills have hit the bye week, making it the perfect time to take a step back and evaluate where the team stands heading into the second half (sort of) of the season.

On the latest episode of the Bills Roundtable Podcast, we break down the biggest storylines surrounding the team, including the fallout from the controversial incidents against the Las Vegas Raiders, our grades for Buffalo's offense, defense and special teams, and a look back at our preseason record predictions.

One of the biggest talking points is what has become known as "Spitgate," following the incidents involving both C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Sam Franklin Jr. spitting on Raiders players. With two suspensions handed down as a result, we discuss the situation, the consequences for Buffalo, and what the disciplinary decisions mean for the team moving forward.

We also take advantage of the bye week to evaluate the Bills across the board. Rather than simply looking at the team's overall record, we break things down by position group on offense, defense, and special teams.

Which units have lived up to expectations? Where have the Bills exceeded expectations, and which position groups have left us wanting more? With the team having played enough games to establish some trends, the bye week provides an opportunity to assess what's working and what needs to improve before the playoff push begins.

The conversation also turns to our early-season predictions. Before the season began, we laid out how we expected Buffalo's campaign to unfold. Now that we're at the bye week, we revisit those predictions to see how close we came to getting things right.

Were we too optimistic or pessimistic about the Bills? Which parts of the season have unfolded as expected, and what has surprised us the most? We also look ahead at the remaining schedule and discuss how we see Buffalo finishing the season.

With the AFC playoff picture continuing to take shape, the games after the bye will be crucial for a Bills team with postseason ambitions. Identifying the team's strengths and weaknesses now could help determine what needs to change for Buffalo to make a deep playoff run.

Watch episode 53 of the Bills Roundtable Podcast now for our midseason grades, "Spitgate" discussion, and updated predictions for the rest of the Bills' season.

Players of the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream continue to protest the National Anthem during the WNBA Finals.

As Game 3 of the Finals was set to begin on Wednesday night, players from both teams were seen walking back to the locker room just before the National Anthem was about to be sung.

Once again, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries players hustle off the court prior to the playing of the national anthem.

Three WNBA Finals games. Zero anthem appearances. pic.twitter.com/cUQDK2cGgs

— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) October 22, 2026Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase warming up ahead of the WNBA Finals Game 3 matchup. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It was the third time during the series that both teams went to the locker room before the anthem played.

As fans were starting to pile into State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta, the players started heading towards the locker room, resulting in the fans erupting in cheers as they were voicing their support.

Before the game tipped off, Vice President JD Vance called out the WNBA players in an interview on “Arroyo Grande” hosted by Raymond Arroyo, and said, “I think it’s disgraceful.”

“I think that you should not express some criticism of a public policy of a given politician by disrespecting the country writ large,” Vance said. “I mean, those women who play for the WNBA, think of the public safety, think of the incredible wealth and privilege, the amazing jobs that they have.”

Q Parker performs the national anthem before game three of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Getty ImagesAngel Reese of the Atlanta Dream looks on before Game 3 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. NBAE via Getty Images

Vance went on to say that he thinks the WNBA players have a lot to be grateful for towards the country and if “they had a bit more of a spirit of gratitude, they’d be happier people, and they wouldn’t offend so many people as well.”

Vance’s thoughts echoed across WNBA fans on social media, as @JaJaskii wrote, “GD these players and teams don’t give a damn.”

@Publius87 wrote, “These ungrateful DEI special hate the very country that gave them handouts!”

The Valkyries, who are in their second season as a WNBA franchise, have not had a history of protesting the anthem, while the Dream do.

Angel Reese driving in the court during WNBA Finals Game 3 matchup against the Golden State Valkyries. Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via AP

In 2020, Atlanta was not participating in the National Anthem due to the George Floyd protests.

The Dream released a statement that season, and it read, “the anthem does not represent freedom, justice and liberty for all Americans.”

According to the WNBA’s official rulebook, teams are required to stand and line up during the performance.

Tulane Green Wave true freshman quarterback Trace Johnson is in line for his second start of the year after helping his team pick up a big win over the Memphis Tigers last weekend. The newcomer will look to pick up a second straight win over the UTSA Roadrunners on Saturday night and bring all sorts of football excitement back to Uptown. 

Though he's young, Johnson has looked the most capable of being the signal-caller for the Green Wave. He possesses a great skillset, has genuinely grown as a player over the past few months and seems to be a step ahead of most other players his age. Call it maturity, pure athleticism or unashamed confidence, it doesn't matter: Johnson seems to have an "it" factor. 

There are certainly things that Johnson could've done better against the Tigers. The rookie went 11-for-21 for 165 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the win; those numbers don't quite jump off the page. Yet, he made some key plays, especially during critical make-or-break moments for the team. He seemed to have a great connection with a few of his receivers, especially Destyn Hill and Anthony Brown-Stephens. He even completed a few passes that looked improbable. 

Where does Johnson go from here? 

Perhaps the most important area in which Johnson could improve is his accuracy. A completion percentage of 52.4 percent isn't always going to be enough to lead the Green Wave to success, not to mention he had a tough interception that could've really changed the course of the game. However, it's going to be hard for him to make a dramatic jump against UTSA. If Johnson can complete even just an extra five percent of his passes, preferably with no turnovers, it'll be a sign that things are going in the right direction for him. 

Johnson might also need to use his legs a bit more than he has so far. He's had arguably the best pocket awareness of any of Tulane's quarterbacks this year, but there's a good chance that's tested a bit more against a tough Roadrunners defense. There are more than enough running backs to put together a strong rushing attack for the Green Wave, but they won't be there to help Johnson out when things fall apart and the pocket collapses. 

Otherwise, it's easy to be pleased with what Johnson has demonstrated so far, and there's no telling what kind of confidence he's gained from his big win on national television. Expect him to be a bit better in nearly every way this weekend as he settles more into his role and builds on his in-game experience.

Tulane and UTSA will face off on Saturday night at 7 p.m. CT at Yulman Stadium. 

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Pitcher Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox comes in from the bullpen to pitch the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on September 12, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) GettySAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 08: Adrian Morejon #50 of the San Diego Padres pitches during a game against the Houston Astros at Petco Park on August 08, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) GettyBOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 2: Jarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox shouts out after popping up during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park on September 2, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) Getty

The Boston Red Sox could land an impressive bullpen upgrade by shopping near the top of the relief market.

Adrian Morejon offers a clear example. The San Diego Padres left-hander is approaching free agency after another productive season, making him worth evaluating alongside Boston’s other offseason needs.

According to Baseball Savant, Morejon finished 2026 with a 2.83 ERA, 107 strikeouts, and a 1.08 WHIP in 86 innings. He appeared in 76 games and is 27 years old.

Those numbers create an appealing possibility. They do not establish a Red Sox pursuit. This is a Boston roster-fit evaluation, with no negotiations confirmed by the sources reviewed. The question is whether adding his particular strengths would justify the eventual investment.

Morejon Could Expand Boston’s Late-Inning Choices

GettyAdrian Morejon #50 of the San Diego Padres pitches during a game against the Houston Astros at Petco Park on August 08, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

The strongest argument begins with the combination of strikeouts and workload. Morejon averaged more than one inning per appearance, though that doesn’t mean every outing followed the same pattern.

A reliever who can handle key outs before the ninth inning gives a manager more flexibility when a starter leaves early, or the opposing lineup presents a difficult matchup.

Boston should examine how frequently Morejon worked multiple innings, how he recovered between appearances, and how his results changed against right-handed hitters. Being left-handed is useful only when the full assignment suits the pitcher.

His record also spans multiple seasons. Baseball Savant lists a 2.83 ERA in 2024 and a 2.08 ERA in 2025. That gives interested clubs several recent seasons to study while judging the durability of the improvement.

That review should include inherited runners, availability on consecutive days, and matchups against the strongest hitters. Those details would help Boston identify the specific outs it would be purchasing before making a major financial commitment.

The market conversation is already active. SNY published a Morejon fit analysis for the Mets on Wednesday. That shows current offseason attention, not confirmation of an offer from either club.

Read More From Heavy

Boston Red Sox Make Major Coaching Staff Changes After Early Playoff Exit

The Red Sox Must Weigh the Upgrade Against Their Offense

GettyJarren Duran #16 of the Boston Red Sox shouts out after popping up during the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park on September 2, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

The difficult part is deciding how this opportunity fits the entire winter.

Boston needs more power, and a bullpen investment would have to coexist with that work. The relevant comparison is what the Red Sox could accomplish elsewhere with the same financial commitment.

That does not make relief pitching a secondary concern in every situation. A team can lose important games because its lineup stalls or because it cannot protect a narrow lead. Both sides deserve an honest assessment.

The Red Sox should define Morejon’s intended role before deciding how much to spend. They should also compare him with cheaper options and pitchers they already control.

If his price leaves room for a meaningful offensive upgrade, he becomes a more attractive fit. If the bidding requires sacrificing a more urgent improvement, Boston would have a reason to step back. His production deserves attention; the complete offseason plan should determine the response.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Red Sox Have a 107-K Bullpen Option With One Important Question appeared first on HEAVY.

Carson Hawkins, a 16-year-old with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, hit a baseball into the grass for the first time during a game in Stanley.

A security camera captured the hit two weeks ago.

Carson’s mother, Erin Hawkins, explained that her son has lived with physical limitations since birth.

“Carson had a rough delivery. He went 6 minutes without oxygen. He has quadriplegic cerebral palsy,” Erin Hawkins said. She added that “he’s always loved the game of baseball.”

ALSO READ: ‘Never give up’: Volunteer gives back to kids with disabilities at Concord nonprofit

Hitting the ball required years of practice for Carson. When asked how it felt to swing and miss repeatedly during his early efforts, Carson said, “Terrible.”

Despite the early difficulty, hitting the ball strengthened his dedication to the sport. “It made me love it more,” Carson said. He lives by a clear personal motto: “Don’t give up.”

Freddie Dow, Carson’s baseball coach in Stanley, placed him on two youth league teams. Dow arranged with opposing teams to let Carson lead off the inning three times per game, allowing him to round the bases after each hit.

“I think all kids deserve their moment. Not some,” Dow said. Before his hit into the grass, Carson’s hits had remained on the dirt separating the infield from the outfield.

In addition to playing baseball, Carson plays piano at church. He worked for two years to hit a ball independently and spent six years practicing before driving the ball into the outfield grass.

“I didn’t give up on myself. I kept trying,” Carson said.

Carson has set his next goal on the baseball field. He aims to hit a ball to the outfield fence in Stanley, which stands 205 feet away.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 24: General Manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts speaks with Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Getty

The Indianapolis Colts made a big move to start the week by moving on from longtime GM Chris Ballard. This means new leadership will step in to try and improve upon the team’s recent stretch of mediocrity.

So where does that leave Anthony Richardson?

It’s easy to forget that Richardson is still on the Colts at times. He has not made a start since 2024 and has been pushed into the background in favor of Daniel Jones. That was not what Ballard had in mind when he drafted Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in 2023.

The team declined the quarterback’s fifth-year option, meaning he is a free agent after the season. The man who drafted him is now gone, and Richardson reflected on Ballard in recent comments to the media.

Anthony Richardson Comments on Former Colts GM

The Athletic’s James Boyd shared a post on X with some comments from Richardson.

“I always appreciate any support I get,” Richardson began, “especially from a guy like that. His position that he had on this team, he believed in me enough to have me here. I’m forever grateful for that. I’m trying to do my part and not make him feel like he made the wrong decision with me being here.”

He also went on to add he’s focusing on getting better every week and staying ready for his next opportunity.

Ballard decided to hold onto Richardson this year instead of trading him away. That may have been to avoid trading away such a high pick and admit a failed move, or perhaps the GM still believed in his former top pick.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear the two individuals have plenty of respect for each other even though a successful pairing did not pan out.

Anthony Richardson’s Future Remains in Question

Ballard being let go seems to signal major change for the Colts. The only way to avoid that would probably be to nearly win out and/or make a deep postseason run. Great success seems unlikely following Sunday’s loss to the Tennessee Titans.

One decision that must be made it what to do with Richardson. A trade seems to make the most sense if he is not in the team’s future plans. Yet ownership may want to see what he can do after sitting and learning behind Jones.

Giving him a few starts this season do get him on the field, but the overall situation with the franchise may make a true evaluation a tough task. The fact he is the backup seems to tell the story clearly as well.

The days and weeks leading up to the November 10 trade deadline will show Colts fans just how much the team plans to rebuild or not in the post-Ballard era.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Colts QB Anthony Richardson Shares Honest Thoughts on Chris Ballard appeared first on HEAVY.