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Matty Jaissle's Black And White Army Banner Newcastle United

I’m embarrassed to be a Newcastle United fan, not because of the supporters who rightly booed the first half against Aston Villa, but because we are becoming the worst team in the league.

There are players in this Newcastle United team who we have bought for good money, exciting players, but they are starting to look very very average.

We did well at the start of the season but the more time Matthias Jaissle has had with the players the worse we have become.

The first half against Aston Villa was as bad tactically as I’ve seen for many a year. No shots on target and lucky to be only 1-0 down against a team who played midweek and play next midweek too.

We lack any kind of defensive midfield cover. The gap between defence and midfield is like the Grand Canyon. Nico is slower than slow in slow land.

Lewis Miley is playing right-back despite having Amar Dedic on the bench. If Dedic isn’t fit then go 3-5-2. Do something.

If we aren’t quick enough then swap Nico/Shelvey for Sean Steur. Do something.

I am seriously worried how this is going.

There isn’t time for Matthias Jaissle to learn about the EPL.

He is absolutely miles out of his depth at the moment.

The second half was an improvement because we were losing and the players upped the effort, not because he changed anything.

Newcastle United need to look at a replacement for Matthias Jaissle and quickly before it’s too late.

There isn’t the money to buy a fix like the ‘Premier League Big Six‘ so it’s got to be tactics and this bloke just hasn’t got it.

Hammered at Leeds, nervy win against Hull, hammered at Coventry and schooled at home by Aston Villa. That needed to be six or seven points, not three, and the manner of those defeats was alarming. Seriously alarming.

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Villarreal chief ’emotional’ about Anfield visit ahead of ‘very stressful’ week

Villarreal president Fernando Roig has said that it’ll be an ’emotional’ experience to see his team playing against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday night.

The LaLiga club will visit Merseyside for their next Champions League fixture tomorrow, having won and lost one game each in the tournament so far this season and been held to a 0-0 draw at home by struggling Elche at the weekend.

It’ll be their third time coming to Anfield, having been beaten on their two previous visits, losing 4-o in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final in 2016 and 2-0 at the same stage in the Champions League six years later.

Villarreal president on ’emotional’ Anfield experience

Roig – who’d also been Villarreal president for both of those ties – has said that it’ll be an ’emotional’ experience to watch his team playing away to Liverpool once more, although he admitted that it could also be ‘very stressful’ for him.

In an interview with The Guardian, the 79-year-old said: “It’s emotional to play Liverpool. This will be the fifth time we have faced them, the third at Anfield. The other two were European semi-finals.

“I’ll watch the morning training session, travel with the team. We’ll go and eat; everywhere we go we get treated very well and we treat them well back.

“The next day I’ll watch the under-19s [in the UEFA Youth League] in the morning, that I do like, and then the [Champions League] game, which I don’t. Then we’ll fly back here very, very late. It’s very stressful.”

(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

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Villarreal go to Anfield after a poor start to their season

Roig’s comments about Villarreal playing at Anfield encapsulate the aura in which Liverpool’s home ground is held across Europe, even for someone who’s already witnessed his team playing there twice previously in far higher-stakes matches than the one tomorrow night.

The Spanish side are no strangers to Champions League football – this is their sixth season in the competition and they’ve reached two previous semi-finals – although their poor start to this campaign (they’re 12th in LaLiga) suggests that the Reds will be favourites to win on Tuesday.

Although the concession of seven goals in as many days is an obvious concern, Andoni Iraola’s side go into the match with four wins from their last five in all competitions and seem to be adapting to the head coach’s tactical blueprint.

Tomorrow’s game is a fourth in 10 days for Liverpool, but if they can pick up a third victory in a row, it’ll ensure that they carry positive momentum into a short break before a tough assignment at home to high-flying Brighton next Sunday.

Before then, there awaits a tricky clash against Villarreal, but it’s one in which the Reds should prevail if they turn in the commanding level of performance that they showed for most of the win over LASK in Austria.

Barcelona could call up promising academy defender for PSG clash as UEFA rules rule out another option – report

Hansi Flick could turn to Barcelona’s reserve team for defensive reinforcements ahead of their Champions League clash against PSG.

With Andreas Christensen already sidelined through injury, the German manager suffered another blow when both Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde picked up problems against Real Betis.

According to journalist Sergi Capdevila, young centre-back Alex Campos is emerging as the leading candidate to make the trip to Paris.

Barcelona currently have only five first-team defenders available, forcing Flick to consider alternatives from Barça Atletic.

Alex Campos emerges as leading candidate

Campos has impressed with his performances at the start of the season, putting himself in a strong position to earn an opportunity with the senior squad.

The young defender’s form has not gone unnoticed, and he could receive his maiden first-team call-up for one of the biggest matches of the season.

However, another promising reserve-team defender, Hafiz Gariba, is unavailable for selection against PSG.

Hafiz Gariba is unavailable for Barcelona against PSG due to UEFA registration rules. (Photo courtesy: X/FCBMasia)

The youngster is ineligible for the Champions League until at least January due to UEFA’s registration regulations.

Under UEFA rules, young players can feature on List B only if they meet specific age and club-registration requirements, including a qualifying period with the club.

Players who do not meet those conditions must instead be registered on List A, which cannot normally be changed during the Champions League league phase.

Gariba could therefore be unable to join the first team for Champions League matches until January at the earliest.

Flick faces another test of Barcelona’s squad depth

Barcelona have repeatedly turned to the reserves when injuries and availability problems have affected the senior squad.

With only five defenders available, Flick has limited room to rotate or respond to unexpected setbacks against PSG.

Campos could provide valuable cover, even if his immediate involvement is restricted to a place on the bench.

Xavi Espart may have to change flanks and start at right-back against PSG. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

However, Barcelona must also be careful not to place too much responsibility on a youngster during such a demanding European fixture.

For Campos, simply travelling with the senior squad would represent an encouraging step in his development.

While he could provide defensive cover, Flick’s immediate challenge is to make a back line of Xavi Espart, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo work.

Gariba’s absence is unfortunate, but Flick could turn to the academy defender for cover against Real Madrid this weekend.

It remains to be seen how Flick sets up his defence and whether Campos makes the trip to Paris.

Shams Charania: Just in: Oklahoma City Thunder All-Defensive guard Cason Wallace has agreed to a five-year, $139 million rookie-scale contract extension, agents Jeff Schwartz, Max Lipsett and Marcus Monk of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN.

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Cason Wallace gets five-year contract extension

1 key pass, 87% pass success, 3 clearances: Jayce Fitzgerald makes positive impact from bench in League Two

Manchester United’s loanees are not having the best of times at the moment.

The situation

Jack Moorhouse suffered a serious injury while at Dundee and had to return to Carrington.

Sekou Kone had impressed earlier in the season for Lausanne-Sport, but his red card meant he has been suspended for recent matches.

Jacob Devaney also picked up a red card for Hibernian and has been suspended recently.

Dan Gore was also getting regular game time for Luton Town, but he is currently injured.

Jayce Fitzgerald

The United youngster had to start on the bench, but he did get on for the final 36 minutes of Rotherham United’s 0-2 loss to Fleetwood Town.

He made one key pass, and 87% of his passes found their intended target.

The midfielder also tried his best to get his team on the scoresheet with two shots on goal, but could not convert either of his chances.

He also completed two dribbles in the match and made three clearances. In a positive cameo off the bench, he also won two of his three ground duels.

Chido Obi

The Danish striker is still waiting for his first goal for Willem II, as he came on for the final nine minutes of their 2-3 loss to Sparta Rotterdam.

He did not have any shots or key passes and only touched the ball twice during his time on the pitch.

Obi also won one duel in a quiet afternoon for the Scandinavian striker.

Finally, Finlay McAllister scored for Radcliffe as he nodded in from a corner to help give his side a 2-0 win over Southport.

Jayce Fitzgerald stats vs Fleetwood Town

Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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The Investec Champions Cup campaign is underway with an intriguing opening round of action whetting the appetite for the season ahead.

This one-off weekend of fixtures serves only as an hors d’ouevres with the competition not resuming until after the Nations Championship in November, and the eight English clubs will have plenty to do when it picks up again.

While Gloucester secured an excellent draw against defending champions Bordeaux-Begles, only Northampton were successful in their opening outing of the Prem contingent as the United Rugby Championship and Top 14 sides showed their strength.

Here are five things we learned:

Problems for the Prem?

So much for the Prem being a league on the up with a clutch of sides ready to challenge for the first time in a while. Even in victory, Northampton were not at their best against Cardiff in the wet, with the English performance of the round undoubtedly that of Gloucester at a bouncing Kingsholm on Friday evening.

For the rest, it was a familiar European story: Bristol can at least argue that they rotated in places for a long trip to Cape Town but a fully-loaded Saracens were well beaten at Connacht; Bath, meanwhile, were hugely disappointing, with Joe Cokanasiga’s shelling of a certain score a lowlight of a profligate performance against Montpellier. All that after Johann van Graan had spoken of the need to get out the blocks fast and win your home games in this “sprint” of a competition…

Connacht were winners against Saracens in Galway (PA)

Sale – playing in tough circumstances – and Leicester at the very least began brightly against Glasgow and Pau respectively, but English clubs were beaten at the breakdown and set-piece too often. Work to be done.

The big boys can be beaten

Due credit must be extended to Exeter, who performed well in Toulouse yet will rue a huge missed opportunity after Rodrigue Neti’s permanent first-half red card for an ugly high tackle. It is just so hard, though, to bottle up a team with the talent that Toulouse possess – Theo Ntamack has really come on this season at No 8 and was a menace throughout.

There was a certain symmetry to their game and that of fellow Top 14 big boys Bordeaux Begles, right down to each having to deploy tighthead props in Joel Merkler and Ben Tameifuna in the second row due to lock injuries. Toulouse were grateful for Merkler’s presence after Neti’s early sending off; the Tameifuna gamble was less effective, one would say, with Gloucester producing another early-season statement performance. What both they and Exeter illustrated, though, is that if one can marry ambition, accuracy and a physical edge, the tournament’s big two can be beaten – as plenty have shown in the past.

Glasgow and Connacht impressSione Tuipulotu was the forefront of Glasgow's performance (PA)

Two vibrant attacking showings from two of the best-drilled teams in the URC helped Glasgow and Connacht dismantle Sale and Saracens, each surging clear in the final half-hour with some lovely variety and venom in phase play. Sione Tuipulotu, as ever, was the fulcrum for the Warriors, showing off his deft distributing hands with 19 passes to go along with his ability as a forthright carrier, while Jamie Dobie, Kyle Steyn and Kyle Rowe combined very nicely as a roaming back three. A word, too, for No 8 Ruwald van der Merwe, who looks a good pick-up as a replacement for Jack Dempsey.

Connacht, meanwhile, have done excellent work in recruiting their 10/15 axis over the last two summers, with Ciaran Frawley settling nicely in Galway and former Otago full-back Sam Gilbert the sort of unheralded addition that makes a real difference. With Josh Ioane complementing them, Stuart Lancaster has plenty to play with – and might just have enjoyed the playmaking performance of son Dan for Glasgow, too. It looked a tough draw but it’s a strong start for Lancaster’s side.

South African sides bare teeth

Is this the year that a South African side goes properly deep in this competition? There is plenty of reason, still, to be doubtful but there was also plenty to like about the way the Bulls and Stormers went about their business in dispatching Stade Francais and Bristol. Mind you, the very fact that each of the opposition sent weakened, youthful sides shows the challenge that having them in the Champions Cup poses – and it would be little surprise if, having banked five points, they reply to the logistical challenges in kind come away fixtures later in the pool-stage campaign. Still, it would be nice to see a South African team reach the semi-finals for variety’s sake alone.

A challenging weekend

All of that said, much of the rugby paled into insignificance after the news of the sudden death of Hyron Andrews on Friday. One can hardly imagine what it took for his Lions squadmates to run out at La Rochelle so soon after his passing, and one can only hope that it was totally their call to do so as a tribute to their teammate. Credit to his former Sale Sharks coach Alex Sanderson and to Billy Vunipola, who each spoke powerfully to Premier Sports of Andrews on a weekend of such unfortunate circumstances.

Tributes were paid to Hyron Andrews across the weekend (PA)

The desperate news came a decade on from the death of Anthony Foley in Paris, and Munster paid fitting respect to his memory with a win over Racing 92 on Saturday night. For Brian Gleeson – playing No 8 but wearing No 24 – to score the opener felt right.

‘I think it is…’ – What Rio Ngumoha has now said about his contract situation at Liverpool

Rio Ngumoha is remaining calm about his contract situation at Liverpool, something which has been a topic of speculation in recent weeks.

The Reds winger has been the subject of rumoured interest from Arsenal during the autumn, although some reports have suggested that there’s an optimism among the Anfield hierarchy that the teenager will renew his commitment to the Merseyside club.

His current deal runs to June 2028, although he’s been eligible for a longer-term contract and a substantial pay rise to reflect his importance to the squad since turning 18 in late August (The Times).

Ngumoha calm about Liverpool contract situation

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo after the 2-1 victory at Brentford on Saturday, Ngumoha responded calmly to one question about his contract situation, insisting that his agent is taking care of matters in the background.

The winger said: “To be fair, that is all with my agent now. I think it is all going well. I am not too sure. I just let the football do the talking at the end of the day.

“I enjoy playing and all of that stuff about contracts is in the back of my mind really. I just play for the club, play for Liverpool and hopefully I can carry on doing well.”

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

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Time is still on Ngumoha’s and Liverpool’s side

With Ngumoha’s current deal not expiring until the summer after next, there should still be ample time for his representatives and Liverpool chiefs to agree new terms to keep him at Anfield for several more years to come.

Even with the Reds’ attacking ranks being strengthened by the additions of Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola, the 18-year-old has still played in all but two of our 10 matches so far this season, starting in four (Transfermarkt), so Andoni Iraola hasn’t been slow to hand him game-time.

He may be yet to score this term, but his performance levels haven’t dipped since his breakthrough campaign in 2025/26, with the teenager having dazzled during the Champions League win over LASK five days ago.

From Liverpool’s perspective, it should be a no-brainer to extend Ngumoha’s contract over the next few months. Having fought so hard and gone through plenty of administrative red tape to sign him from Chelsea’s academy in 2024, it’d be daft to relinquish him easily now, especially after seeing his impact at senior level.

If newly-appointed sporting director Julian Ward is looking for an early win to bolster his reputation, sorting out a new contract for the mesmerising teenage winger would be an ideal way to go about it.

Christian Horner has revealed that he has had no contact with Helmut Marko since leaving Red Bull, describing the relationship with his former colleague as non-existent.

In an interview with BILD, Horner was asked about the pair’s connection. “We have none,” he replied.

Their final meeting took place on Horner’s last day at the team, when they sat together in his office and shook hands. Since then, he said, there has been “radio silence” which is something he is comfortable with.

Horner also spoke candidly about the events surrounding his departure, saying he was hurt by Marko’s role in efforts to have him dismissed. The Brit said the period was difficult because his former partner, Beverley who was also the mother of his daughter, had died shortly beforehand. According to Horner, Marko did not offer condolences. “That wasn’t very classy,” he said.

The former Red Bull team principal described a long-running tension over influence within the organisation, with the team’s British base and its Austrian corporate headquarters representing competing centres of power.

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Horner said Marko’s role had changed after the death of team owner Dietrich Mateschitz. Marko had previously kept Mateschitz informed and helped persuade him of the direction the team should take, Horner said. Once that was no longer needed, Marko focused more on other areas, including Red Bull’s young-driver programme.

Horner said he believed Marko was too harsh with young drivers. He also criticised what he saw as leaks of internal information to the media, including race strategies and driver news. However, Horner acknowledged that he, too, had traits that frustrated Marko. “There were certainly things about me that drove him up the wall, too,” he said.

Despite the breakdown, Horner recognised the support Marko had given him earlier in his career. The pair worked together for 20 years, and Horner said he owed Marko a great deal for backing his appointment as team principal when he was in his early thirties. Marko had supported him with Mateschitz, helping to secure the leadership role.

Horner said their relationship became more difficult over time, with Mateschitz’s death marking a turning point.

The split that followed left the two men on separate paths. Though Horner has not sought to restore contact, he says he has not forgotten the support Marko once provided.

For now, however, the handshake on his final day remains their last exchange, and neither appears keen to change that.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will dedicate the fourth ODI between Pakistan and England on October 25 to breast cancer awareness, using the international fixture to highlight the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will take on a pink look for the occasion as the PCB organises Breast Cancer Awareness Day as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. The campaign will coincide with Pinktober, the internationally observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month.


Pakistan’s players will wear specially designed pink kits during the match, while members of the England team, match officials and commentators will be encouraged to wear pink ribbons in solidarity with patients and survivors.

The initiative will extend beyond the players’ clothing, with pink-branded stumps to be used during the game. Messages promoting breast cancer awareness will also feature on the stadium’s big screens and LED perimeter boards.

Commentators will reinforce the campaign’s message during the live broadcast, helping the PCB reach audiences both in Pakistan and abroad. The initiative aims to use the visibility of international cricket to encourage greater awareness of the disease and the need for timely medical attention.

The match is part of a tri-series featuring Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan head into the fixture after a dramatic victory over Sri Lanka in the opening ODI of the series. Sri Lanka appeared well placed to chase down their target of 306 after recovering from early setbacks, with Janith and Pavan Rathnayake putting together a 119-run partnership.

Dasun Shanaka then added to the momentum with an attacking 25 off 14 balls, leaving Sri Lanka needing 58 runs from the final eight overs with five wickets in hand. However, the chase unravelled when Janith and Shanaka were dismissed within four deliveries.

Pakistan seized the opportunity, claiming Sri Lanka’s final five wickets for just 15 runs to secure a 37-run win. The collapse left Sri Lanka’s coach Gary Kirsten visibly frustrated after his side had looked on course to complete the chase.

Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young completed 20 of 39 passes for 281 yards with two touchdowns in a Week 6 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He also ran three times for six yards.

SOURCE: USA TODAY

Why It Matters: So far in 2026, Young certainly doesn’t look like the quarterback who got benched last season. He has surpassed 280 yards passing in all five of his outings this season (he entered the season with four such games in his career). Young now has 11 touchdown passes against two picks this season and is a strong QB2 at this point, even against an improving Tampa Bay defense in Week 7.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bryce Young continues strong play with big passing day in Week 6

‘You Will Grow From This,’ ‘Leave Him in Vegas’ — Opinion Split as C.J. Gardner-Johnson Apologizes to Bills Teammates for Spitting at Brock Bowers

The Buffalo Bills bounced back from their Week 4 loss to the New England Patriots with consecutive wins, the latest coming against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. However, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson didn’t get to finish the game on the field after being ejected.

Gardner-Johnson was disciplined following a spitting incident involving Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. He later expressed regret for his actions, but not everyone was ready to move on.

Fans React to C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Apology After Raiders Incident

Instant replay appeared to show Gardner-Johnson spitting toward Bowers and other Raiders players after the two exchanged words following a play. Officials flagged Gardner-Johnson for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected him from the game.

Bills head coach Joe Brady strongly criticized Gardner-Johnson’s actions, and the safety later addressed the incident at his locker by apologizing to his teammates and said he let his emotions get the best of him, though he did not explicitly acknowledge spitting on an opponent.

“I gotta be a better player. I gotta be a better vet,” Gardner-Johnson told reporters. “I let my emotions get above me, and I hurt my team. They brought me here to play in big games like this, so I gotta do better. Just control my emotions. Nothing crazy.”

Some fans backed Gardner-Johnson for owning his mistake, arguing that the incident could serve as a learning experience.

“Keeping emotions together is tough. How you respond will reveal your character. You will grow from this and do the right thing,” one X user wrote.

“I wonder if counseling could help here,” another said.

“Glad to see he’s owned it. (Expletive) I like this response,” a third fan remarked.

Although footage appeared to show Gardner-Johnson spitting toward Raiders players, he did not explicitly acknowledge that specific action in his apology. As a result, some fans questioned whether he had fully taken responsibility for the incident.

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“Leave him in Vegas,” a Bills fan wrote.

“Looked better without him anyway. ‘He ain’t do nothing to me’… Right, which makes you spitting at him even more shameful. Cut him,” one X user wrote

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“He needs to apologize to Browers as well,” another added.

“Glad he apologized, and he needs to be sorry, but we are releasing you,” one Bills fan quipped.

The incident also raised concerns about Gardner-Johnson’s recent disciplinary troubles, as Sunday marked the second consecutive week in which he received a 15-yard penalty.

Gardner-Johnson had started all five of Buffalo’s games entering Sunday. He currently ranks No. 20 in the league with a PFN Safety Impact Score of 80.1.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Ella Morris of Tottenham Hotspur passes the ball whilst under pressure from Alyssa Thompson of Chelsea during the Barclays Women's Super League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on October 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Broadway - WSL/WSL Football via Getty Images) | WSL Football via Getty Images

good morning everyone –

Today is a rare Monday Night Football game. No, I’m not talking about the San Jose Sharks versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in action against Coventry City!

And if there’s one thing I like to do on Monday Night Football, it’s checking out fun facts about cities. So let’s not waste any time here and get straight to some Coventry fun facts.

1. Fun Fact #1: If you like St George’s cross and/or dragons, well have I got news for you. Legend says this city was the birthplace of St George, the dragon slayer and patron saint of England. That’s pretty dang cool.
2. Fun Fact #2: Do you like Anne Hathaway? Well, have I got news for you. According to the city, William Shakespeare ended a relationship with a Coventry woman on the eve of their wedding to marry Anne Hathaway. Yes, THAT Anne Hathaway.
3. Fun Fact #3: Do you like bicycles? Well, have I got news for you. All modern bicycles come from a safety cycle fromJK Starley, invented in the great city of Coventry in 1885. That’s three years after Tottenham Hotspur formed as a football club.
4. Fun Fact #4: Do you like literature? And do you like George Eliot? Well, have I got news for you. The novelist and poet lived and went to school in this town. Her novel Middlemarch was based on this famed city.
5. Fun Fact #5: Do you like My Ding-A-Ling? Well, have I got news for you. Chuck Berry recorded this number-one hit at a Coventry ballroom in 1972, according to the Coventry city council. This was the 1972 Lancaster Arts Festival. lade, Pink Floyd and Billy Preston also performed at the Locarno that day, but it was Chuck Berry who immortalised it. Now he did Johnny B Goode and Reeling and Rockin, and Pink Floyd performed after him. Considering this is a family-friendly site, I probably can’t share the extended version that is free and available to listen to on YouTube. It’s wonderful.

So there you have it. Five fun facts about Coventry. Do you have any fun facts about Coventry you’d like to share? The hoddle needs more.

Fitzie’s track of the day:Johnny B. Goode, by Chuck Berry

And now for your links:

Alasdair Gold: “De Zerbi had just one rule at Tottenham’s Marbella training camp and gives James Maddison update”

BBC: “Hearts roll out red carpet … and Celtic walk all over it”

The Athletic ($$): “Former England striker Fraizer Campbell says he was addicted to snus: ‘I felt constantly fatigued’”

The Guardian: “European football: 10-man Lyon hold off Nice to move top of Ligue 1”

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Andy Reid has reassured Kansas City Chiefs fans after wide receiver Jalen Royals was checked for concussion symptoms during the team’s 22-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

The young receiver briefly left the game for assessment but was cleared to return, with Reid confirming there was no immediate concern about his condition.

Kansas City also dealt with injuries to tight end Travis Kelce and offensive tackle Jaylon Moore, although their situations had different outcomes.

Andy Reid confirms Jalen Royals was cleared after concussion assessment

Speaking after the win, Reid confirmed Royals had undergone the necessary checks before returning to action.

“Royals went in to be checked for a concussion, but he was good there,” the Chiefs head coach said.

The update will be welcome news for Kansas City, particularly with the team already missing wide receiver Rashee Rice because of a hamstring injury. Tyquan Thornton is also on injured reserve, leaving opportunities for the younger receivers to make an impact.

Royals finished with two receptions for 24 yards against the Chargers, including an 18-yard gain. However, Kansas City’s younger wide receivers struggled to make a major impact despite the available opportunities.

Cyrus Allen caught two passes for 27 yards, while Andrew Armstrong recorded one reception for 13 yards in his NFL debut after being elevated from the practice squad.

Xavier Worthy was the standout receiver for the Chiefs, catching all seven of his targets for 73 yards. His performance offered encouragement as Kansas City looks for more consistency from its passing game.

Meanwhile, Reid confirmed that Moore suffered a concussion and did not return to the contest. Kelce also sustained an ankle injury but was able to play through it and finish the game.

The Chiefs’ injury concerns did not prevent them from securing a comfortable win, with their defence limiting the Chargers to just six points.

Royals’ availability will be worth monitoring as Kansas City prepares for its next game against Seahawks, although Reid’s comments suggest the initial concussion scare did not lead to a longer absence. The Chiefs will hope their young receiver can continue developing his role while Rice remains sidelined.

Read more:

• ‘He is not human’ – NFL fans cannot believe Josh Allen’s ‘miracle play’ in big win
• What Joe Burrow immediately did after Bengals teammate asked to tie his shoe
• NFL fans are worried about Steelers vs. Saints game amid growing unrest in France

‘Jim Nantz: Questionable (Wrist/Hand)’ — J.J. Watt Amused as Veteran Broadcaster's 'Peanut Punch' Goes Sideways in CBS Booth

It appears J.J. Watt is forming some amusing chemistry with Jim Nantz in the CBS booth, something that was on full display during the Week 6 broadcast.

Explaining a peanut punch and the protection against it, Watt urged Nantz to try to punch the ball out. Hilariously, the veteran announcer ended up hurting his hand, leading the three-time DPOY to poke fun at his expense.

J.J. Watt Makes Hilarious Quip at Jim Nantz’s Expense

Watt has taken to the announcing booth like a duck to water, and is showing noticeable improvement every week.

Watt joined CBS’s lead NFL broadcast team in July after the network placed Tony Romo on indefinite leave following his arrest on suspicion of operating while intoxicated. CBS and Romo subsequently agreed to part ways on October 2, leaving Watt alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson for the remainder of the season.

At the time, it felt like a temporary fix for Romo’s suspension. But at the conclusion of his OWI case, the network chose to cut ties with the former Dallas Cowboys star. As a result, Watt was elevated next to Nantz full-time.

In a few short weeks, he has already started winning over the fan base. One of the most memorable moments thus far, though, came as he explained the methodology to try and prevent a fumble from a peanut punch. Urging Nantz to take a shot, the veteran announcer tried his hardest.

“I did not think you were gonna go that hard,” Watt said as he barely controlled his laughter after Nantz’s attempt, as Nantz immediately started nursing his hand. “That was so much harder than I thought you were gonna go. But the ball stayed,” Watt remarked.

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Nantz, though, had other concerns, as he remarked, “My wrist is broken. Like I’m gonna knock it out of your hand.”

Afterwards, Watt continued the jokes at his expense, this time writing, “CBS Injury Report Week 7. Jim Nantz: Questionable (Wrist/Hand).”

Ben DiNucci, another member of the CBS crew and a former quarterback himself, joined in on the fun as well,as he claimed, “If you’ve never punched a football like this, you have no idea how much this actually hurts.”

The moment instantly went viral on social media as the fan base found Nantz and Watt’s rapidly developing chemistry extremely endearing. Alongside their football savvy and broadcasting chops, the two are also becoming more natural as partners.

That bodes well for the network as they position Watt as the successor to Romo.

Romo had signed a reported 10-year, $180 million extension with CBS in 2020, but the financial terms of his October 2026 separation have not been publicly disclosed.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.

Woody Marks could hear from the NFL after the Texans' win. Getty

The Houston Texans got their second win of the season in as many weeks, taking down the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 6. However, Texans running back Woody Marks could find himself as part of the NFL’s weekly sweep in the coming days.

During the contest, in the fourth quarter with the Texans leading 31-28, officials flagged Marks for tripping.

It happened on a second-and-3 play from the Jaguars 46-yard line.

Marks attempted to block Jaguars linebacker Ventrell Miller, who was rushing. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacks on the play, with Jourdan Lewis credited, but it was waived off with the 15-yard penalty on Marks.

The infraction called against Marks is among those the NFL issues fines for, leaving the second-year running back on watch for further discipline.

Woody Marks, Texans Teammate Could Face Punishment From NFL

Per the NFL, “Striking/Kicking/Tripping/Kneeing” can incur fines as high as $12,537 for first offenses and up to $18,507 for second-time infractions.

The NFL doles out fines at its discretion, meaning a fine could fall within or beyond the listed ranges if one comes at all. Unfortunately, Marks is not the only Texans player who could hear from the NFL, either.

Texans cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram drew a flag for “unnecessary roughness” in the third.

It is unclear what exactly Ingram did. He was fortunate enough that officials also flagged LeQuint Allen for unnecessary roughness on the play, offsetting his infraction.

The calls were made during a Texans kick return, during which Jaylin Noel fielded the ball and then swiftly took a knee in the end zone. That brought the ball out to the Texans 35-yard line, with the penalties otherwise not affecting the outcome.

Woody Marks, Texans Run Game Continues to Struggle

Marks finished the day with 56 yards on 15 attempts in the Texans win. He more than doubled RB2 for the day Jawhar Jordan in carries, but the latter turned his six totes into 43 yards. Marks also had two receptions, turning them into 25 yards.

That was also better than Jordan’s one catch for 7 yards.

Marks’ 3.7 yards per carry were better than injured starter David Montgomery has mustered this season (2.7 YPC). Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed satisfaction with the run game.

“One thing I always tell all of our guys, wherever you are in our team, is when you get the opportunity, are you maximizing that opportunity? Jawhar did exactly that today. And Woody, huge play there late in the game to get us into field goal range,” Ryans told reporters on October 18. “Our backs, they did a phenomenal job.”

Marks and the Texans are still clinging to life. They have notched back-to-back wins after a 0-4 start to the 2026 regular season. They will look to continue their winning ways in Week 7, at home against the New York Giants.

The Giants could be on QB3 after benching Jameis Winston for J.J. McCarthy in Week 6.

Intended starter Jaxson Dart is out for the season. That means the Texans will be facing a backup in some capacity in Week 7 regardless.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Dallas Cowboys have residual problems coming from Sunday night’s loss. On the field the Cowboys were beaten soundly by the Green Bay Packers, but they are now going to be dealing with problems off of it as well.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer noted after the game that linebacker Dee Winters has an Achilles strain while KaVontae Turpin is dealing with a rib cartilage issue. He added that x-rays were positive in that sense.

Cowboys LB Dee Winters has an Achilles strain and WR KaVontae Turpin is dealing with a rib cartilage issue. X-rays clean.

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) October 19, 2026

Turpin left the game rather early and was just about immediately ruled out for overall context.

Winters’ issue came later, after he recorded the first interception of the season for the defense, and his absence was certainly felt.

The Cowboys already have a lot of players who are dealing with certain ailments and now things are going to get even more complicated. Tyler Goodson and Jonathan Mingo handled some of the returner duties, but perhaps the Cowboys will have a different plan as they have a week to prepare for their next game next Monday night in Philadelphia.

Bayern Munich's board member and former president Uli Hoeness attends the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, southern Germany, on September 20, 2026. The world's biggest beer festival Oktoberfest runs until October 4, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

Bayern Munich has made progress towards generating income from its campus this summer, with multiple sales of academy talents contributing to Bayern’s overall summer transfer income — estimated at over €50M, per Transfermarkt.

It has been called the ‘summer of the century’ by Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß, according to an interview he gave to Kicker. However, the Bavarians are naturally hoping for more first team-ready products to emerge for themselves, to follow in the recent examples of Aleksandar Pavlović and Lennart Karl.

Via Kicker journalist Frank Linkesch, as captured by @iMiaSanMia:

Speaking to @kicker, Uli Hoeneß says he’s very happy with the funds the club managed to raise in the summer by selling Campus players. Hoeneß has even called it “summer of the century”, saying that when the Campus was established, he was thinking more about producing players for the first team than generating transfer revenue from sales.

Hoeneß calls the resulting income “a nice side effect,” adding that the academy has long since paid for itself. And in an era of exorbitant salaries, it can also help ease the financial burden on the first-team budget.

Bayern are developing players for themselves, for other clubs, and for their own coffers. The Campus will not always be able to deliver a transfer window like the one they had last summer. But the work being done there suggests that this source will continue to flow rather than dry up. Ideally, however, the Campus should continue to produce the next Pavlovićs and Karls

For a club that prioritizes balancing the books, keeping the talent development pipeline flowing like this is an absolute necessity — even when it ends up with players leaving, and in some cases shining, for other teams.

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Michael Carrick admits Man Utd situation 'doesn't look great' but hails 'fresh start' at Leeds

Michael Carrick has admitted Manchester United's situation "doesn't look great" after a 1-1 draw at Leeds, but insisted the performance at Elland Road felt like a "fresh start" for his side.

United have collected just seven points from their sevenPremier League games and have won only once in seven matches in all competitions. They sit in the bottom half and are still waiting for a first win since August.

A single league win after seven games is the club's fewest victories at this stage of a top-flight season since 1986-87.

Carrick did not hide from the numbers, but he backed his squad to turn things around.

“We are not accepting that everything's great, but sometimes you do struggle and you have to find a way through it. I understand the situation doesn't look great but I have no doubts we can go on a good run.”

- Michael Carrick.

Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead in the 35th minute, poking home a cross from Youri Tielemans. Leeds levelled on 51 minutes when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored from close range after the visitors failed to clear a corner.

The draw followed a difficult week in which Lisandro Martínez criticised the club hierarchy's lack of summer spending after a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Carrick said the response from his players had been strong.

“It felt like a fresh start today, accepting it and doing something about it. There was definitely that commitment, it had to be there today. I didn't doubt that, I could feel it, the last couple of days has been as good around the group as we have had for quite some time.”

- Michael Carrick.

Carrick made tactical changes for the trip, bringing back Harry Maguire in to counter Calvert-Lewin, though there were question marks over his other defensive selections. Leny Yoro featured at right-back, yet recognised full-back Noussair Mazraoui replaced Martinez in central defence at Elland Road. Diogo Dalot deputised at left-back.

Carrick insisted there were shoots of positivity despite another Premier League game without a win.

“We are not getting too carried away because we didn't win, but if you keep doing the right things for the right reasons, you get what you deserve in the end.

Photo by Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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

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