The third week of the NFL Preseason schedule typically does not include major storylines as everyone focuses on the depth players who are trying to make the roster more than the players who, in two weeks, will be starting and major contributors in the regular season. Roster cuts are coming due, with each team needing to drop 37 players in the hours between its preseason game and 6 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday.

Typically is the keyword in that opening sentence. When it comes to the Miami Dolphins’ final preseason game, another storyline is set to play out. The Dolphins host the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night, and a familiar face will hit the field at Hard Rock Stadium, but he will wear white, red, and black instead of aqua and orange. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Miami’s 2020 first-round pick, was released this offseason and now returns as the Falcons’ signal caller.

Tagovailoa is expected to start in Friday’s game for Atlanta. He will be the first “franchise” quarterback for the Dolphins to return to South Florida with another team – Bob Griese and Dan Marino never left Miami and Ryan Tannehill never faced the Dolphins in Miami after he moved to the Tennessee Titans.

Tagovailoa highs and lows in Miami

In six seasons with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa threw for 18,166 yards with 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions. He led the league with 4,624 passing yards in 2023 and earned a Pro Bowl selection that year. He was the league’s completion percentage leader in 2024 and the passer rating leader in 2022. He is the team’s all-time leader in passer rating and completion percentage and ranks fourth in franchise history in passing yards and touchdown passes.

Injuries, particularly concussions, played a major role in the decline of Tagovailoa’s play, ultimately leading to his release. He succeeded when he could anticipate routes and use his accuracy to thread passes through tight defenses. Over the last two years with Miami, the timing seemed off, his arm lost strength, and his confidence seemed shot – both in himself and in his offensive line.

Salary cap impact of Tagovailoa’s release

It was time for a new start for Tagovailoa and for the Dolphins – even as his release costs Miami $55.4 million in cap space this season and another $43.8 million next year.

Are the Falcons getting the quarterback who can lead the league in major passing statistics or are they getting the quarterback who was eventually benched last year for a seventh-round rookie? To get an idea of what the Falcons have in Tagovailoa, I spoke with Jeanna Kelley from The Falcoholic, SB Nation’s Falcons team site. She provided a great breakdown of Tagovailoa’s time in Atlanta.

Tua’s roller coaster summer

Kelley: Tua’s performance has definitely been up-and-down this summer, but there are several caveats. One, Atlanta’s right tackle Kaleb McGary retired unexpectedly this offseason, and Jawaan Taylor was brought in as the probable replacement, but he was working through some injury issues early on that delayed his ability to really integrate with that unit. You know what it’s like when an offensive line hasn’t quite developed the chemistry they need to be effective, and in addition to adjusting to a new scheme and developing his timing and chemistry with his new receivers, that hasn’t made Tua’s life easier. 

Door open for Tagovailoa to start

If Tua’s able to play well, I think it would be bonkers to make a change when Penix is ready to play. 

Kelley: I do not think Michael Penix will be able to start Week 1. I believe he is healthy, but given how recently he was medically cleared and that he’s just had three days of practice, I feel like the season is creeping up too quicky for Penix to be ready, so I think Tua will be the starter. And if Tua’s able to play well, I think it would be bonkers to make a change when Penix is ready to play. 

Tua’s work ethic on display

Kelley: Tua’s biggest strengths, in my opinion, are his maturity, intelligence (general intellect and football IQ), and work ethic. If it is at all possible for Tua to put himself in a position to succeed — if that is actually something that is within Tua’s control — I believe with his mindset and work ethic, he will get it done. If it’s out of Tua’s control, though — for example, if he (and I truly, truly hope he does not) gets another concussion, then all bets are off. 

Fans frustrated but Tagovailoa the best option

Tua has not been perfect, but I still firmly believe he’s the Falcons’ best option Week 1 unless Michael Penix’s status changes dramatically

Kelley: Falcons fans are generally over the Tua experiment and would rather see either Penix regardless of whether he’s fully physically ready, or Jack Strand, the UDFA dynamo who’s shown out against guys buried deep on the depth chart, but needs quite a bit of development coming out of Minnesota-Moorhead. No, Tua has not been perfect, but I still firmly believe he’s the Falcons’ best option Week 1 unless Michael Penix’s status changes dramatically much faster than I expect. And Tua is such a good guy; I can’t help but hope it works out for him — if not in Atlanta long-term, given what they invested into Penix, then I hope he’s able to show enough this season to get another shot at a starting gig elsewhere. 

Everyone wants to know whether Aaron Donald will be coming back to the Los Angeles Rams or not, and Andrew Whitworth feels that it’s only a matter of time. Whitworth explained to Ryan Fitzpatrick on their podcast that Donald has been putting on a football helmet and doing drills, and as far as Whitworth is concerned, Donald wouldn’t be putting on a helmet if he wasn’t serious about playing.

Whitworth is seemingly speculating, but his logic makes sense. Why put on a helmet if you don’t want to play football? There is also the possibility that Donald is wearing the helmet because it looks cool in workout videos, point being, until Donald makes an official decision, we don’t know what his plans are.

All signs point to Donald on some level is thinking our at least has thought about a genuine NFL comeback. All signs point to the Rams being so open to it that they are letting Donald work this all out on his own time. All signs point to we don’t have an official answer yet, and Donald could come back, he could not. But as far as Whitworth is concerned, Donald’s mind is made up and as long as the Rams are in contention, he’ll be back at some point.

Andrew Whitworth still confident Aaron Donald is coming back (ramswire)

“He’s barely said anything about his plans and hasn’t addressed it publicly, but signs have pointed to him returning to the Rams – including Sean McVay’s clear excitement when asked about that possibility. Andrew Whitworth has said before that he thinks Donald will play this season and during Prime’s broadcast of Browns-Patriots on Thursday night, Whitworth maintained his confidence in that belief.

“Oh, I think he’s playing,” Whitworth said. “I think you gotta figure out all the little parts that go into it. … Listen, if you put a helmet on and hit a sled, you’re playing football. I don’t care what you say, you’re going to figure it out.”

Rams’ Sean McVay not worried about possible Puka Nacua suspension despite Tutu Atwell trade (clutchpoints)

“Sean McVay said the Tutu Atwell decision is not related to any potential suspension that could come to Puka Nacua. He said they wanted Tutu for depth. He also said it won’t bump any WRs they wanted to keep off the roster either. They have plans to be flexible with the 53,” Atkins wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

With everything said and done, ifs and buts around a potential suspension have always been in discussion. Even ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned that Nacua could miss Week 1 of NFL action.

“Cases that I believe are now being reviewed include that of the Rams wide receiver, Puka Nacua, who could potentially face discipline for some of the off-season headlines that accompanied him and some of those incidents last year with another woman, what did and didn’t occur. We’ll leave that to the NFL to figure out what did and didn’t happen, but it’s possible that when the Niners and Rams play in Australia, it’s within the realm of options that Puka doesn’t play in that game,” Schefter reported earlier in August.“

Tutu Atwell can still provide a spark if the Rams use him in specific ways (ramblinfan)

“Rams fans know Atwell, and Atwell knows LA’s offense. That may be why the Rams pursued Atwell as the return piece in trading Hunter. But their current rookies already face the lack-of-use syndrome that plagued Atwell’s career in Los Angeles.

His return will only complicate the matter.

But LA just upgraded its roster, if for no other reason than to bolster its experience. And if the Rams are to survive any league-mandated suspension for Puka Nacua, Atwell will at least give them another target in the room.“

Hot Mic Picked Up NFL Referee’s Uncensored Comment Explaining How He Really Felt About Being At The Rams-Chargers Preseason Game [VIDEO] (sports.yahoo)

“While preparing for an upcoming play, the open microphone suddenly broadcast a weary voice saying, “Jesus, let’s get this over with.” Apparently, the grueling nature of the exhibition schedule had finally exhausted the refereeing crew’s patience.”

Rams might need Donald ‘sooner rather than later’ (nbcsports)

“Michael Holley and Mike Florio dive into Aaron Donald’s potential return from retirement and discuss the factors at play for the future Hall of Famer to come back.”

47 players who are locks to make the Rams’ 53-man roster (ramswire)

“Given the talent from top to bottom, it’s going to be a really challenging roster to make – especially for younger, unproven players. Even all of their rookie draft picks aren’t completely safe from being cut.

With the preseason now finished and final cuts mere days away, we’re looking at which players are virtually guaranteed to make the team. Sean McVay and the coaching staff make it easier to discern locks from bubble players based on who plays (and how much) in the preseason, but playing time isn’t always a perfect reflection of a player’s standing on the roster.“

Takeaways from Rams-Chargers Preseason Week 3 matchup | ‘GMFB’ (nfl.com)

“GMFB” share their takeaways from the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers Preseason Week 3 matchup.“

Stetson Bennett’s absence in Rams preseason finale bodes well for his future with LA (dawnofthedog)

“The LA Rams played their final preseason game of the year on Thursday against the Chargers. Stetson Bennett started their first two games of the preseason, but on Thursday he didn’t step foot on the field once.

Instead the Rams chose to ride with rookie quarterback Ty Simpson in his place. On the surface this may seem like a bad sign for Bennett, but in reality it might be the greatest sign yet that he is winning, or has already won, the backup quarterback job for the Rams.“

Chargers vs. Rams Highlights | Preseason Week 3 (chargers.com)

“Watch the top plays and highlights from the Chargers’ Preseason Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams during the 2026 NFL season.”

McVay undecided on QB2 after third preseason game (nbcsports)

“After getting through the third and final dress rehearsal before the Rams kick off Week 1 in Australia, McVay said he won’t be “pigeon-holding” himself into any decision just yet. Rookie Ty Simpson and fourth-year vet Stetson Bennett have both performed well for the Rams this preseason, with Bennett sitting out Thursday’s game against the Chargers. The decision to sit Bennett on Thursday, coupled with the 62 snaps he saw in the preseason to Simpson’s 111, could be a signal as to which way McVay is leaning at this point, although he is on record saying we shouldn’t read too much into that. Regardless, the good news for McVay and Rams fans is that Matthew Stafford is healthy and will hopefully be under center for all 17 of the Rams’ games this season as he looks to defend his crown as the reigning league MVP.“

Comment of the Day:

“Ty is playing under so much pressure from the media after the storyline of the Rams “wasting” a pick on him. His mental toughness is amazing and it doesn’t appear to phase him in the least (so far).“-Unknown Football Fan

Feedpost of the Day:

Ryan Craig remembers the conversations.

The coaches who challenged him. The players who earned his respect. The lessons that stayed with him long after the rink emptied. For years, Craig kept notebooks filled with observations from his hockey life—conversations, ideas and small details that might prove useful somewhere down the road. At the time, they were simply pieces of a career spent learning the game from as many angles as possible.

Now, those lessons have led him to the most important opportunity of his coaching career.

On June 18, Craig became the fifth head coach in Vegas Golden Knights history, taking over a team that had come within two victories of another Stanley Cup championship. The timing was hardly ordinary. Vegas had just watched its season end in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, leaving a roster that had spent months chasing another championship with little time to process the disappointment before a new voice entered the room.

Craig understood that feeling. He had been there before.

His connection to the Golden Knights dates back to the franchise’s inaugural season in 2017, when he joined the organization as an assistant coach. Six seasons later, he helped Vegas win its first Stanley Cup. He then spent three seasons as head coach of the organization’s American Hockey League affiliate in Henderson, where he developed his own identity behind the bench.

Now, after nearly a decade in the organization, Craig is back in Vegas—but this time, the responsibility belongs entirely to him.

“I think you get to work,” Craig told Alexis Bass of KLAS 8 News Now. 

That mentality has essentially defined his career.

Before he was drawing up systems or managing an NHL locker room, Craig spent 14 years trying to establish himself as a professional player. The Abbotsford, British Columbia, native played 198 NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets, along with 711 games in the AHL. He also captained nine teams during his playing career, including the 2015-16 Lake Erie Monsters, who captured the Calder Cup.

His hockey education began even earlier with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, where Craig spent five seasons. Kelly McCrimmon, now the Golden Knights’ general manager, was then the team’s owner and general manager. Craig twice led Brandon in scoring, served as captain for two seasons and was eventually named to the WHL East First All-Star Team.

The relationship between the two would eventually follow Craig to the NHL.

When Craig’s playing career ended, however, he faced the difficult decision every professional athlete eventually encounters: what comes next?

“Are you sure you’re done?” was one of the questions he heard most often.

Craig was sure enough to move on, but he wasn’t ready to leave hockey behind. Instead, he transitioned into coaching, carrying with him years of experience from inside locker rooms and under coaches he had come to respect.

When asked what his younger playing self might tell him about becoming a coach, Craig pointed to the qualities he admired most in the coaches he played for: preparation, organization, relationships and accountability.

“I don’t know what goes into it until you live it,” Craig said.

Now, he is living it.

Craig spent six seasons as a Golden Knights assistant from 2017-23, helping the franchise reach the playoffs five times before lifting the Stanley Cup in his final season. His next challenge came in Henderson, where the Silver Knights improved their win total in each of his three seasons.

Henderson went from 28 victories in 2023-24 to 29 in 2024-25 before Craig’s team broke through last season with 39 wins and 90 points, both franchise records. The Silver Knights advanced to the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs before falling to the Colorado Eagles.

The experience gave Craig something particularly valuable as he prepares for his first NHL head-coaching season: an opportunity to learn how to run a team rather than simply contribute to one.

It also allowed him to remain closely connected to Vegas. The Golden Knights and Silver Knights share the same city, practice facilities and organizational identity, creating a development pipeline Craig understands from both sides.

That familiarity extends to the players he will now coach. Craig already has relationships with many members of the Golden Knights’ roster, while others have become priorities as he works to establish new ones.

He began that process almost immediately after his hiring, but he also understood that his players needed time.

Many had just finished playing in the Stanley Cup Final.

“I had to be conscious of those guys just finished playing,” Craig said. “…You want to give them their space.”

That balance—knowing when to push and when to step back—will be an important part of Craig’s new job.

The summer has been about conversations. Training camp will be about action.

“Now we’re getting into the time here where it’s almost action,” Craig said. “It’s time to get to work on the ice.”

That may be the clearest way to describe where Craig stands now. For nearly a decade, he has collected experiences throughout the Golden Knights organization, learning as an assistant, developing as an AHL head coach and drawing from a playing career that included both the NHL and a Calder Cup championship.

He has watched the Golden Knights grow from an expansion franchise into a perennial contender and experienced the organization’s first Stanley Cup championship from behind the bench.

Now he has to lead the next chapter.

The preparation is over. The notebooks can stay on the shelf.

It’s Ryan Craig’s team now. 

The opportunities to impress this coaching staff have dwindled with one preseason game left before the 53-man roster cutdowns. Friday’s game against the Carolina Panthers represents the final opportunity for players to put compelling tape together and earn a spot on this roster.

Given the number of injuries this training camp, there are more roster spots available than anticipated. Notably, the fourth defensive end, third and fourth running back, fifth and sixth receiver, and multiple linebacker spots are up for grabs. All it takes is one to two elite plays for a fringe player to compel Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans to keep them on the team.

Below, you’ll find the eight players who are on the outside looking in of the roster who can secure their spot with a good performance. A few have climbed the depth chart thanks to injuries elsewhere, including Solomon Byrd, yet they still have to prove they’re a better fit than whoever becomes available once rosters are trimmed.

Injured honorable mentions:

• Jawhar Jordan, RB
• Dominique Robinson, DE
• Collin Wright, CB
• Jake Hansen, LB
• Brevin Jordan, TE

Solomon Byrd, DE

The seas have parted for the former 2024 seventh-round draft pick. He’s been cut in successive offseasons, but finally has a chance to make the roster. Injuries to Dylan Horton and Dominique Robinson elevate him to he DE4 role. He’s looked stout against inside runs and play actions, but has struggled against outside zone where he loses contain. A big performance against the  Panthers can seal a roster spot for him. 

British Brooks, FB/RB

The veteran fullback has out with an injured wrist all training camp. The offense has fully adapted without his presence and TE Cade Stover has assumed the role. He must demonstrate him impact on the entire offense by proving the run game is incrementally better with him than without. Not a tall task given how poor the run game has looked, but he only gets one shot to do so. 

Texans running back British Brooks on Texans All Access told @jharrisfootball & @TexansVoice that he lost 17 lbs this offseason on top of weight lost at the end of last season:

“I think coming off the rookie injury I played a lot heavier than what I was the year before & I was… pic.twitter.com/F0AdJ4T5ef

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 13, 2026

Brooks can also tote the rock. Fans have been dying to see the 17-pound weight loss’ affect on British Brooks’ mobility and power. Anther special teams ace who provides versatility to the offense.

Jared Wayne, WR

Wayne watched as Nick Caserio did his thing and added three wide receivers to the room. He was a rising star this offseason, making plays in training camp and rising up the depth chart. However, Caserio wouldn’t of added veterans Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones if he had the utmost confidence in Wayne. It’s unclear where Wayne ranks on the depth chart now and he needs to win on the field and through his knowledge of the offense. 

Alijah Huzzie, CB

Huzzie is in contention for the final defensive back spot alongside injured Collin Wright and veteran Tremon Smith. Huzzie has been competing for reps throughout camp and has played significant snaps in the preseason. He is a smaller corner who plays primarily in the slot, but doesn’t have the safety versatility to completely match Pitre’s role. He has let up a handful of catches in games, but has overall played well. He was on the practice squad last year for the majority of the season and will try to avoid the same fate in 2026 with one final, solid outing today.

Looks like Alijah Huzzie earning more reps.

Nice win by Hutchinson. Good to see the Texans complete another fade route. pic.twitter.com/46vXJpXtP0

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) August 16, 2026

Jake Andrews, OC

Andrews entered camp as the incumbent starter at center and will leave camp most likely without a roster spot. Evan Brown has leapfrogged him at center, and Brown can also play guard. Andrews lack of versatility limits his upside on an offensive line desperately in need of a solidinterior. It may already be too late for Andrews, but one final good showing could keep him on the roster as the 10th and final lineman. 

Naquan Jones, DT

I wrote in the Rosterology that Jones has been given every possible opportunity to shine and has yet to impress. He played in four games last year, but may return as a practice squad. He has to beat out veteran and incumbent DT Mario Edwards Jr. and show that he’s the better, more durable option at DT. 

Aiden Fisher, LB

The last rookie in the class has navigated this tumultuous linebacker room as well as possible. He’s the signal caller for the third string and made plays in special teams. Making the roster will be almost entirely predicated on his special teams play this game. 

Tremon Smith, CB

After trading away safety Jaylen Reed, the five corner backs are slated to make the roster. That means two of Tremon Smith, Alijah Huzzie, and Collin Wright. Smith is the odds-on favorite and listed higher inthe roster. Smith has struggled with protection in the preseason, but he’s known best for his special teams. Smith has to hold off both Huzzie and wright by dominating this last preseason game on defense and special teams.

The Philadelphia Eagles will play their final preseason game of 2026 against the Bengals on Friday night at home in Lincoln Financial Field.

Several players are looking to put up performances impressive enough tonight to land one of the final roster spots. Teams have until 6pm ET on Sunday, August 30 to get their final roster down to 53 players and then start filling their practice squads.

There’s a bit of an art to roster management, and while someone like Joshua Weru — who had never played football before, but has shown potential in the preseason — isn’t going to play right away, he’s also not someone the Eagles can risk losing on the waiver wire. This is where Howie Roseman has been exceptional, in terms of his plans to keep those at risk, waiting until other rosters are filled, and then making moves. It was a similar play last year for WR Darius Cooper, who was an attractive option for other teams, but showed the Eagles enough to hold on to him — and this year, he’s essentially a lock to be among the receiver rotation this season.

Even for some of the depth players who are likely to make the roster, this final preseason game is another opportunity for reps and experience that they might not always get during the week at practice. This is a great chance for them to prepare for their role and feel confident if they’re ever needed to step up.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the game.

---

TV Schedule

Date: Friday, August 28, 2026

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Channel:

• CBS
• NFL+ (phone or tablet only)

Location: Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia, PA

Radio: SportsRadio 94WIP

Online Streaming

Paramount+ | FuboTV | NFL+

Odds

The Eagles are slight favorites heading into their final game of the preseason.

Philadelphia Eagles: -2.5 (-144)

Cincinnati Bengals: +2.5 (+122)

Over/under: 36.5

Social Media Information

BGN Facebook Page: Click here to like our page

BGN Twitter: Follow @BleedingGreen

BGN Manager: Brandon Lee Gowton: Follow @BrandonGowton

Eagles 2026 Preseason Schedule

Week 1 – at Baltimore Ravens (Aug. 25, 7:00 PM ET, NBC10 and local channels)

Week 2 – at New England Patriots (Aug. 22, 7:00 PM ET, NBC10 and NFL Network)

Week 3 – vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Aug. 28, 8:00 PM ET, CBS)

Eagles 2026 Regular Season Schedule

Week 1 – vs. Washington Commanders (Sept. 13, 4:25 PM ET, FOX)

Week 2 – at Tennessee Titans (Sept. 20, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)

Week 3 – at Chicago Bears (Sept. 28, 8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC) Monday Night Football

Week 4 – vs. Los Angeles Rams (Oct. 4, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)

Week 5 – vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Oct. 11, 9:15 AM ET, NFL Network) London Game

Week 6 – vs. Carolina Panthers (Oct. 18, 1:00 PM ET, CBS)

Week 7 – vs. Dallas Cowboys (Oct. 26, 8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC) Monday Night Football

Week 8 – at Washington Commanders (Nov. 1, 8:20 PM ET, NBC) Sunday Night Football

Week 9 – vs. New York Giants (Nov. 8, 1;00 PM ET, FOX)

Week 10 – BYE WEEK

Week 11 – vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Nov. 22, 4:25 PM ET, CBS)

Week 12 – at Dallas Cowboys (Nov. 26, 4:25 PM ET, FOX) Thanksgiving Game

Week 13 – at Arizona Cardinals (Dec. 6, 4:05 PM ET, FOX)

Week 14 – vs. Indianapolis Colts (Dec. 13, 1:00 PM ET, FOX)

Week 15 – vs. Seattle Seahawks (Dec. 19, 5:00 PM ET, FOX) Saturday Night Football

Week 16 – vs. Houston Texans (Dec. 24, 8:15 PM ET, Amazon Prime Video) Thursday Night Football

Week 17 – at San Francisco 49ers (Jan. 3, 8:20 PM ET, NBC) Sunday Night Football

Week 18 – at New York Giants (TBD)

The Miami Dolphins’ 2026 preseason comes to an end on Friday as they face the Atlanta Falcons. With just a couple of days left before the team must cut its roster from the 90-man preseason limit to the 53-man regular-season size, many players hope to put up a performance that earns them a roster spot. Tonight’s game will likely focus on the roster bubble.

Throughout this week, Miami has already started their roster churn. We have seen multiple roster moves, including a trade, waiver claims, cuts, and tryouts. The Dolphins are not shying away from finding the best depth players they can, and they are being aggressive in their search. While that could be good for the roster, it makes it a little harder to track who might be on the field tonight.

To assist, we have updated the Dolphins’ roster with the latest updates, giving you a way to track players by last name and by roster number tonight.

Miami Dolphins roster by jersey number

• # TBA, Jarquez Hunter, running back
• #0, Ollie Gordon II, running back
• #1, Jalen Tolbert, wide receiver
• #2, Malik Willis, quarterback
• #3, Chris Johnson, cornerback
• #5, Jaylen Wright, running back
• #6, Malik Washington, wide receiver
• #7, Caleb Douglas, wide receiver
• #8, JuJu Brents, cornerback
• #9, Josh Uche, edge
• #10, Jacob Rodriguez, inside linebacker
• #11, Dante Trader Jr., safety
• #14, Quinn Ewers, quarterback
• #15, Cam Miller, quarterback
• #16, Mark Gronowski, quarterback
• #17, Trey Moore, edge/inside linebacker
• #17, Jalen Reagor, wide receiver
• #18, Chris Bell, wide receiver
• #19, Kyle Louis, inside linebacker
• #20, Jordyn Brooks, inside linebacker
• #21, Marco Wilson, cornerback
• #23, Zayne Anderson, safety
• #24, A.J. Green III, cornerback
• #25, Tyrel Dodson, inside linebacker
• #26, Alex Austin, cornerback
• #27, Ethan Bonner, cornerback
• #28, De’Von Achane, running back
• #30, Ethan Conner, tight end
• #30, Jaheim Thomas, inside linebacker
• #31, Michael Taaffe, safety
• #32, Lonnie Johnson Jr., safety
• #33, Jason Marshall Jr., cornerback
• #34, Stephen Dix, Jr., linebacker
• #34, DJ Herman, fullback
• #35, Miles Battle, cornerback
• #36, Donovan Edwards, running back
• #37, Carlos Washington Jr., running back
• #38, Coleman Bennett, running back
• #38, Cam Riley, inside linebacker
• #40, Willie Gay Jr., inside linebacker
• #41, Jeremiah Franklin, tight end
• #41, Louis Moore, safety
• #42, Jackson Woodard, inside linebacker
• #43, Major Burns, safety
• #44, Chop Robinson, edge
• #45, Jai’Onte’ McMillan, cornerback
• #46, Tucker Addington, long snapper
• #47, Riley Patterson, kicker
• #48, Bradley Pinion, punter
• #49, Seydou Traore, tight end
• #50, David Ojabo, edge
• #51, Robert Beal Jr., edge
• #52, Patrick Paul, tackle
• #53, Cameron Goode, edge
• #55, Aaron Brewer, center
• #56, Ronnie Harrison Jr., inside linebacker
• #57, Max Llewellyn, edge
• #58, Cam Rice, defensive tackle
• #59, Rodney McGraw, edge
• #60, Andrew Meyer, center
• #63, DJ Campbell, guard
• #67, Charlie Heck, tackle
• #68, Josh Priebe, guard/tackle
• #70, Marques Cox, tackle
• #71, Jonah Savaiinaea, guard
• #72, Gottlieb Ayedze, tackle
• #73, Austin Jackson, tackle
• #74, Kadyn Proctor, guard/tackle
• #75, Caedan Wallace, guard/tackle
• #78, Kenneth Grant, defenisve lineman
• #79, Kevin Cline, tackle
• #80, Donaven McCulley, wide receiver
• #81, Theo Wease Jr., wide receiver
• #82, Will Kacmarek, tight end
• #83, Kevin Coleman Jr., wide receiver
• #84, Ryan Miller, wide receiver
• #85, Greg Dulcich, tight end
• #86, Terrace Marshall Jr., wide receiver
• #88, AJ Henning, wide receiver
• #89, Ben Sims, tight end
• #90, Seth Coleman-Lyles, edge
• #91, Matthew Butler, defenisve lineman
• #92, Zach Sieler, defensive lineman
• #93, Zeek Biggers, defensive lineman
• #94, Jordan Phillips, defensive lineman
• #95, Fatorma Mulbah, defenisve lineman
• #96, Alex Huntley, defenisve lineman
• #97, Keith Cooper Jr., defensive lineman
• #98, Clelin Ferrell, edge

Physically Unable to Perform

• #22, Darrell Baker, Jr., cornerback
• #29, Storm Duck, cornerback

Injured Reserve

• #77, Carter Warren, tackle
• #87, Cole Turner, tight end
• #95, Rene Konga, defensive lineman

Miami Dolphins roster by last name

• Achane, De’Von, running back, #28
• Addington, Tucker, long snapper, #46
• Anderson, Zayne, safety, #23
• Austin, Alex, cornerback, #26
• Ayedze, Gottlieb, tackle, #72
• Battle, Miles, cornerback, #35
• Beal, Robert, Jr., edge, #51
• Bell, Chris, wide receiver, #18
• Bennett, Coleman, running back, #38
• Biggers, Zeek, defensive lineman, #93
• Bonifas, Jim, center, #62
• Bonner, Ethan, cornerback, #27
• Brents, JuJu, cornerback, #8
• Brewer, Aaron, center, #55
• Brooks, Jordyn, inside linebacker, #20
• Burns, Major, safety, #43
• Butler, Matthew, defenisve lineman, #91
• Campbell, DJ, guard, #63
• Cline, Kevin, tackle, #79
• Coleman, Kevin, Jr., wide receiver, #83
• Coleman-Lyles, Seth, edge, #90
• Conner, Ethan, tight end, #30
• Cooper, Keith, Jr., defensive lineman, #97
• Cox, Marques, tackle, #70
• Dix, Stephen, Jr., inside linebacker, #34
• Dodson, Tyrel, inside linebacker, #25
• Douglas, Caleb, wide receiver, #7
• Dulcich, Greg, tight end, #85
• Edwards, Donovan, running back, #36
• Ewers, Quinn, quarterback, #14
• Ferrell, Clelin, edge, #98
• Franklin, Jeremiah, tight end, #41
• Gay, Willie, Jr., inside linebacker, #40
• Goode, Cameron, edge, #53
• Gordon, Ollie, II, running back, #0
• Grant, Kenneth, defenisve lineman, #78
• Green, A.J., III, cornerback, #24
• Gronowski, Mark, quarterback, #16
• Harrison, Ronnie, Jr., inside linebacker, #56
• Heck, Charlie, tackle, #67
• Henning, AJ, wide receiver, #88
• Herman, DJ, fullback, #34
• Hunter, Jarquez, running back, #TBA
• Huntley, Alex, defenisve lineman, #96
• Jackson, Austin, tackle, #73
• Johnson, Chris, cornerback, #3
• Johnson, Lonnie, Jr., safety, #32
• Kacmarek, Will, tight end, #82
• Llewellyn, Max, edge, #57
• Louis, Kyle, inside linebacker, #19
• Marshall, Jason, Jr., cornerback, #33
• Marshall, Terrace, Jr., wide receiver, #86
• McCulley, Donaven, wide receiver, #80
• McGraw, Rodney, edge, #59
• McMillan, Jai’Onte’, cornerback, #45
• Meyer, Andrew, center, #60
• Miller, Cam, quarterback, #15
• Miller, Ryan, wide receiver, #84
• Moore, Louis, safety, #41
• Moore, Trey, edge/inside linebacker, #17
• Mulbah, Fatorma, defenisve lineman, #95
• Ojabo, David, edge, #50
• Patterson, Riley, kicker, #47
• Paul, Patrick, tackle, #52
• Phillips, Jordan, defensive lineman, #94
• Pinion, Bradley, punter, #48
• Priebe, Josh, guard/tackle, #68
• Proctor, Kadyn, guard/tackle, #74
• Reagor, Jalen, wide receiver, #17
• Rice, Cam, defensive tackle, #58
• Riley, Cam, inside linebacker, #38
• Robinson, Chop, edge, #44
• Rodriguez, Jacob, inside linebacker, #10
• Savaiinaea, Jonah, guard, #71
• Sieler, Zach, defensive lineman, #92
• Sims, Ben, tight end, #89
• Taaffe, Michael, safety, #31
• Thomas, Jaheim, inside linebacker, #30
• Tolbert, Jalen, wide receiver, #1
• Trader, Dante, Jr., safety, #11
• Traore, Seydou, tight end, #49
• Turner, Cole, tight end, #87
• Uche, Josh, edge, #9
• Wallace, Caedan, tackle, #75
• Washington, Carlos, Jr., running back, #37
• Washington, Malik, wide receiver, #6
• Wease, Theo, Jr., wide receiver, #81
• Willis, Malik, quarterback, #2
• Wilson, Marco, cornerback, #21
• Woodard, Jackson, inside linebacker, #42
• Wright, Jaylen, running back, #5

Physically Unable to Perform

• Baker, Darrell, Jr., cornerback, #22
• Duck, Storm, cornerback, #29

Injured Reserve

• Konga, Rene, defensive lineman, #95
• Turner, Cole, tight end, #87
• Warren, Carter, tackle, #77

As the anticipation for the 2026-27 NHL season grows, TheHockeyNews.com will be taking a look at the top 10 prospects in the St. Louis Blues' system, with towering 6-foot-4 Canadian center Maddox Dagenais coming in at the fifth spot.

The players in this ranking do not have extensive NHL experience and are all 23 and under. Therefore, players like Jimmy Snuggerud, Dalibor Dvorsky, and Logan Mailloux, among others, won't feature in this ranking for those reasons.

The order of these rankings reflects a mix of their ceilings and potential, as well as how they've performed over the past year with their respective clubs. 

Depending on which scout you trust, the Blues either had great value in selecting Dagenais at pick 16 of the 2026 NHL draft, or they reached. Either way, the Blues felt he was their guy, and they snagged him up in the first round.

Heading into the 2026 NHL draft, the Blues felt that center depth in their prospect pool and in their lineup was a weak point. With their first two selections, they grabbed centers Tynan Lawrence and Dagenais, while also trading for 23-year-old Mason McTavish.

Now, the Blues have first-round picks of Robert Thomas, Dalibor Dvorsky, McTavish, Lawrence, and Dagenais within their roster or prospect pool.

But Dagenais brings a different element than all of the aforementioned players. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 196 pounds, Dagenais plays as physically as his frame suggests. Dagenais uses his body very well when shielding the puck. He uses reverse hits to create space and uses his height to protect the puck.

Maddox Dagenais Brings Size To A Blues Prospect Pool That Needs It In The Center Ice PositionWith the 16th overall pick, the St. Louis Blues selected 6-foot-4 power forward Maddox Dagenais, adding a play style the Blues need in the NHL and in their prospect pool.

By all accounts, Dagenais is a typical power forward. While his defensive game isn't discussed as much as other aspects of his game, there is plenty of room for growth in that area. 

Offensively, the 18-year-old has a heavy shot that he can show off in transition. Despite his size, Dagenais is a powerful skater, using linear crossovers to gain speed. 

Dagenais possesses many valuable skills, but patience will be important for his development. Whether he plays two more seasons with the Québec Remparts in the QMJHL and then joins the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL, or moves to the NCAA, allowing Dagenais time to develop his skills and add weight to his frame will be critical to his success. 

Trying to predict where Dagenais projects is difficult. If all goes well, Dagenais could become a top-six center, and the hope is that, at worst, Dagenais can become a third-line center. 

St. Louis Blues Prospect Rankings:

6. Theo Lindstein

7. Milton Gastrin

8. Dmitri Buchelnikov

9. Colin Ralph

10. Aleksanteri Kaskimaki

Honorable Mentions: Love Harenstam, Marcus Gidlof, Juraj Pekarcik, Zach Dean, and Lukas Fischer

---

See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The NFL Rookie of the Year awards are always a curious marker for success. In recent years we’ve had standout talent like Ja’Marr Chase and Micah Parsons win the award and go on to dominate the NFL, but dig just a little deeper and there’s guys like Eddie Lacy and Marcus Peters who ended up being small blips on the radar when it came to their NFL career.

The common thread when it comes to winning Rookie of the Year in the NFL is landing on a team that requires you to play immediately, and at a position where there isn’t a lot of talent, meaning a rookie can shine. Today we’re diving into the offensive and defensive sides of the ball to look at the guys who start the 2026 season in the best position to make noise.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Carnell Tate, WR — Tennessee Titans

The stage is set for Carnell Tate to make noise with the Titans this season. Tennessee is going to be throwing the ball a lot to get back into games while Robert Saleh builds their defense over time, and when that happens rookie receivers in a shallow depth chart get a ton of opportunities. There’s also an impetus to call many plays that get Tate involved in the passing game with Cam Ward to develop their relationship as teammates.

It’s a similar situation to Tetairoa McMillan with the Panthers a year ago. Tate is in a position right now to stuff the stat sheet, and he’s my favorite to win the award this year.

Makai Lemon, WR — Philadelphia Eagles

Lemon is sitting at WR3 on the Eagles depth chart, which is the role he was drafted for. Working out of the slot in this offense will give him a lot of opportunities, and Philly brings the exposure needed to build a campaign. Lemon is also in a position where he could get a lot of targets from Jalen Hurts, and is in a rare situation among the rookie receivers where he’s landing on an elite offense.

There’s a chance he could become a key touchdown scorer this season, and I’m not entirely sure that being on an offense with DeVonta Smith will really hurt him.

Carson Beck, QB — Arizona Cardinals

Rounding out the top three is a quarterback, and not the one you’d expect. While Fernando Mendoza will absolutely get reps this season, I think he’ll start a little too late to really make a campaign. Instead I think that Carson Beck has the potential to be this year’s Tyler Shough, the second-day QB who starts earlier than expected and makes waves.

The Cardinals did take Jeremiyah Love early, but I think that offensive line isn’t good enough to let him shine — similar to Ashton Jeanty in 2025. Beck meanwhile has a chance to be integral in the passing offense as soon as the team pivots off Jacoby Brissett, which will happen.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Arvell Reese, LB — New York Giants

The Giants defense is utterly stacked, but I have a lot of faith in John Harbaugh moving Arvell Reese all over the line and using him in creative ways. Also, with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter rushing the passer there’s going to be free lanes for Reese to make plays as a linebacker, and his insticts in a Harbz defense makes for a really compelling package.

I believe Reese can become an impact player quickly, stuff the stat sheet, and put together a resume that is impossible to ignore.

Caleb Downs, S — Dallas Cowboys

Not only was Downs my favorite player in this draft class, but might be the best safety I’ve ever evaluated. Instincts and athletic ability coalesce to create a truly brilliant player who can work up around the line and bring some pass rush for the ‘Boys, or drop back and deliver big hits in the secondary.

I’m a sucker for anyone who can play multiple levels in the NFL and I think Downs will have a lot of opportunities to shine working out of the Nickel as a rookie.

Dillon Thieneman, S — Chicago Bears

The Bears LOVE to generate turnovers, and it’s here that Thieneman can make an impact as a rookie. He’s extremely good at defending the pass in the air, and this will come into play with a Bears secondary that’s really good at locking down the corners and pressuring passes inside.

When the dust settles he could get 4+ interceptions this season, a solid amount of tackles, and establish himself as a great safety for this Bears system.

A few days ago, I tried with all my might to make the case for why each of Tyrod Taylor and Kyle McCord are worthy of being the Green Bay Packers QB2. Dear reader, there was a reason that article was like 300 words long. With one preseason game left for the Packers, the team will soon have to decide who they want stepping in if they find themselves without Jordan Love. Here’s what’s wrong with both of their candidates.

The Case Against Tyrod Taylor

A career journeyman, Taylor has spent time with 8 different teams since being drafted in 2011. The experience is there, but the ride has been bumpy. Taylor has started 63 career games, but has just one playoff start to show for it, way back in 2017 with the Buffalo Bills. AKA: When Tyrod is your long-term starter, your season is probably lost. To be fair—this can be said about most backup quarterbacks, and some starters!

There’s a reason Taylor has lasted 15 years in the NFL. He’s been pretty serviceable, and has been somewhat of a dual threat with his legs over the years. The problem is, I’m worried he doesn’t have it in him anymore. Through two preseason games, the 37-year-old has completed 8 of 16 passes for 38 yards and 1 TD, and has rushed 3 times for 11 yards. Yes, this is preseason, and head coach Matt LaFleur isn’t pulling all of his regular season tricks out of the bag just yet, but I’m having a hard time envisioning a potential Taylor start going as well as what we saw with Malik Willis.

The Case Against Kyle McCord

And then we have…the baby! Kyle McCord has seen zero regular season action as an NFL player since being drafted in 2025 by the Philadelphia Eagles. So, we don’t exactly know what we’re working with, outside of what we’ve seen this preseason. Through two games, McCord has 24 completions on 35 attempts for 220 yards. He’s not considered much of a threat on his legs, which is a stark shift from one of the things that made Malik Willis so fun for Matt LaFleur in Green Bay. Now, I’m not here to judge a quarterback by his lack of explosiveness in the run game, but I can’t really judge Kyle McCord by much, can I? Therein lies the problem.

The Verdict

Personally, I think McCord gets cut, simply due to inexperience. There’s something there that should keep him on the practice squad, unless something uncouth happens during Friday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. I think the Packers are looking for a guy who can lead a locker room if needed, and we’ve seen that Tyrod Taylor can at least do that. One thing is for sure: the Packers backup in 2026 is going to be either a guy who was drafted 180th overall 15 years ago, or a guy who was drafted 181st overall 1 year ago. Buckle up. The team’s final preseason game is at home against Mike LaFleur and the Arizona Cardinals on Friday at 7 PM local time.

Just like that, Detroit Lions training camp is officially complete. After about four weeks of practices, the last hurdles standing between the team and the regular season are the final preseason season game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, and cut-down day on Sunday where coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes will be faced with some difficult decisions in regards to who is going to make the final roster.

And while we can expect the majority of the Lions’ starters to be in street clothes for the preseason finale in Indiana, there are still several hotly-contested competitions taking place, starting at the quarterback position. Can rookie quarterback Luke Altmyer do enough to unseat the battle-tested veteran Josh Dobbs? Staying on the offensive side of the ball, there are still things to sort out concerning the running back and wide receiver positions, too.

Defensively, there are potentially even more tough decisions to make. Along the defensive line, there is a bit of a logjam at defensive tackle between the likes of Skyler Gill-Howard, Chris Smith, and Mekhi Wingo. Moving into the secondary and there may be even more questions than the defensive line.

That brings us to today’s question of the day:

What will you be watching for in the Lions’ final preseason game against the Colts?

My answer: As usual, my eyes will be fixed on the trenches. On the offensive line, who gets the most work at center? Will Juice Scruggs see any reps, or will he also be in street clothes? If he isn’t dressed, will Seth McLaughlin see the majority of the opportunities? On the other side of the ball, will the last preseason game help the coaching staff figure out which direction they want to go in as far as the active roster is concerned?

What about you? What will you be watching for in Saturday’s game against the Colts? Join our community and share your answer in the comment section.

When our Seattle Seahawks traded for Leo Williams, there was a bit of talk about wasted picks, positional need, and other uncertainties, especially considering how discombobulated our team was at the time. Now, I’d say event the most causal of ‘Hawks fans would agree that Mister Williams is not only an integral part of this current iteration of the squad; but, a Seahawks legend. Leonard Williams is very happy to be a Seahawk. I’d say the coaching staff is hyped. And you? How are you feeling about Williams’ extension? Be honest, how did you feel at the time of the trade? I remember arguing with my nephew about it. His response was, “who is Leonard Williams?” Now, he knows. Let us know how you feel in the comments below. Thanks for being here. Happy Friday! Go, ‘Hawks!

#np Hold On, Be Strong by Outkast

Seattle Seahawks News

Leonard Williams Planted in Seattle for 3 More Years – Seaside Joe
Remember when people were calling the Seahawks “cheap” back in March?

Seahawks announce QB plan for preseason finale vs Chiefs – Seattle Sports
Third-string QB Jalen Milroe is slated to play the entirety of Seattle’s preseason finale. Recently signed CB Trevon Diggs also will play.

Seahawks Sign ‘Foundational Player’ Leonard Williams To Multi-Year Contract Extension – Seahawks.com
The Seahawks signed Pro-Bowl defensive lineman Leonard Williams to a contract extension on Thursday.

An open letter to the Khosla family, the Seahawks’ next owners – The Seattle Times
An open letter to the Khosla family, the Seahawks’ next owners: I hope you understand what you bought and why it matters to millions in…

Upon signing $90M deal Leonard Williams says Seahawks, Seattle ‘transformed me’ – The News Tribune
Leonard Williams walked in with, and was holding, the evidence of how the Seahawks and Seattle have transformed his life.

Somber moment on ‘Hard Knocks’ reveals connection between Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald and his players | Dave Boling – The Spokesman-Review
Twenty-eight seconds of silence.

No Ego, All Legacy: Jody Allen Bids Farewell to the Seahawks – Emerald City Spectrum
We see it all the time in sports, especially in the NFL. Owners are, usually by nature, egocentric billionaires who want the credit, glory, and control. Jerry Jones in Dallas is the posterchild for the meddling, egomaniac owner. It hasn’t won him a Super Bowl in three decades. Jimmy Haslam in Cleveland certainly has a track record of similar behavior.

My thoughts as Leonard Williams agrees a three-year contract extension with the Seahawks – Seahawks Draft Blog
During the 2014 season, there were a whole bunch of reports suggesting the Seahawks had grown tired of Marshawn Lynch. The expectation was they were ready to move on.

3 Seahawks Position Groups to Watch vs. Chiefs – si.com
The Seattle Seahawks have a lot on the line when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs in their final preseason game before roster cuts.

2026 Seattle Seahawks training camp: Latest intel, updates – ESPN.com
Just like last year, Seattle’s third preseason game will be Jalen Milroe‘s to start and finish.

Seahawks still have 5 major roster questions to answer before 53-man cutdown – The Athletic
Many key contributors from the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning roster returned ahead of the 2026 season, and coach Mike Macdonald has rested most of them throughout the preseason.

Panic or Patience? Seahawks Questions Are Piling Up | Seahawks Syndicate – The Hawks Eye Podcast
The Seahawks Syndicate is back, and there’s plenty to debate as Seattle gets closer to the regular season.

NFC West News

Reasons why the Cardinals released Trey Benson – Revenge of the Birds
The Arizona Cardinals are going into the 2026 season with arguably the best running back room in the league. The offense will improve this year with several new pieces in place.

49ers waiver wire: What position are the 49ers in, and what players are subject to the process? – Niners Nation
Unsure how this whole waiver thing works? We go over what players are subject to waivers.

What to actually expect from Tutu Atwell in 2026 – Turf Show Times
Can the Rams get more out of Atwell this time around?

Feed Post of the Day

J.J. McCarthy’s ankle, Max Brosmer’s tape, and Friday’s roster auditions in Denver dominate The Real Forno Show as Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano preview Minnesota’s last exhibition.

Tyler opened with the only question that still moves the building: will McCarthy play Friday at 8 p.m. CT against the Broncos? He missed Wednesday so the deltoid ankle sprain could settle. Forness’s read is blunt. “If he does play, and especially coming off of an injury like this, I think it’s another stronger signal that he’s done in Minnesota.” He still expects McCarthy gone by Sunday’s 3 p.m. cut deadline — trade or waiver — and listed Jets, Dolphins, Chargers (Jim Harbaugh), Cowboys, and Cardinals as the shops worth watching, while parking rumor-mill “he wants out” items until Rapoport, Schefter, or Pelissero confirm them.

The blame pie is split on purpose. “I think you’re going to have to put blame on both the coaching staff, Kevin O’Connell included, and J.J. McCarthy.” Forness will not settle that argument until McCarthy’s next stop plays out: Darnold renaissance or flameout. Dave asked who Friday is supposed to impress. Tyler’s answer: not the fans first. “I think McCarthy really needs to prove to himself that he can be that guy again… he’s lost that confidence.” The Raiders tape from two years ago is the standard. The meniscus, the slump, and too many voices in his ear (O’Connell, the QB coach, Wes Phillips) are the wreckage. Grant Udinski’s exit is “worth considering at a high level,” Forness said — “I am also not willing to sit here confidently and say that it’s everything.”

Brosmer is the other face on the thumbnail. Last year’s UDFA earned QB3 over Brett Rypien, then got thrown into real games he “shouldn’t have had to play.” Friday he may see almost the whole night. Tyler wants last year’s preseason version: anticipation, middle-of-the-field answers, no telegraphed picks. “The only way he’s on the roster is if J.J. McCarthy’s gone.” If McCarthy stays, Brosmer is fighting for a practice-squad tape dump.

What they’re watching Friday:

• J.J. McCarthy’s future: Rumblings from insiders suggest McCarthy wants out and teams have called about a trade. Forness expects resolution by Sunday.
• Max Brosmer’s opportunity: The undrafted QB may play nearly the entire game. “I wanna see the Max Brosmer of last preseason and I wanna see it take a little bit of a step forward,” Forness said.
• RB3 battle — Demond Claiborne vs. Zavier Scott: Claiborne needs to prove his speed translates: “Speed only matters if you can use it in a football context.” Scott must show he can block and contribute on special teams.
• WR6 — Dillon Bell vs. Dontae Fleming: With Jeshaun Jones suspended three games (DUI arrest, per Ben Goessling’s reporting), the sixth receiver spot is open. “Bell had a lot of hype coming into training camp and he’s kinda fallen flat,” while Fleming has been “inconsistent, but solid.”
• Tight end — Gavin Bartholomew vs. Ben Yurosek: The long-term TE1 conversation is live. “Who do they think can maybe develop into your tight end one next year?”
• Offensive line depth concerns: Beyond the top six, Forness was blunt: “After that, Dave, it’s kind of stinky.”
• EDGE/DL: Edge 3 is the hole. Chaz Chambliss (now No. 40 so he can play fullback without reporting) has ST value. Elijah Williams is ahead of Isaiahh Loudermilk. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins profiles as a 5-tech
• Linebacker shakeup: Ivan Pace Jr. could be expendable. “If you get enough from both [Jacob]Roberts and Bangally Kamara to where, hey, Ivan Pace expendable, you’re gonna save almost $2.7 million.”
• Jakobe Thomas (drafted safety) vs. Jacob Thomas (UDFA safety): “Jacob Thomas has outshined everybody in that secondary, but it’s also UDFA in the preseason. I wanna see the third-round pick play.”
• CBs: Charles Demmings and Da’Veawn Armstead for CB4/5; Zemaiah Vaughn is the sneak.
• Jake Golday’s role: Forness envisions a Dallas Turner-like development path — sub-packages only, not a full snap load yet.
• Punter battle: Johnny Hekker vs. Brett Thorson — watch hang time, direction, and ball placement.

Listen:

Or on your favorite podcast aggregator.

Watch:

“Everybody is expendable. Everybody,” Forness said. That is the whole finale. Live Two-Minute Warning lands around 10:45 p.m. CT Friday; Two Old Bloggers takes the 3 p.m. Sunday cutdown.

Fan with Us!!!

Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow found at the @BleavNetwork.

What do you think?

Watch the full Real Forno Show from Vikings 1st & SKOL and Bleav, then tell us: if McCarthy takes the first snap in Denver, is that development — or a goodbye tape?

Does J.J. McCarthy playing Friday mean the Vikings are already done with him? Do you think McCarthy has played his last snap in purple?

In Part Three of this series, we’ll take a look at the back half of the top 10 Anaheim Ducks prospects heading into the 2026-27 season. None of these prospects are likely destined to perform at the top of an NHL lineup in their careers, but they all play highly translatable games, and it would be somewhat surprising if they didn’t each play at least 100 career games in the NHL.

Due to the cap structure the Ducks’ front office is now forced to operate under, they’ll likely have to move forward with a top-heavy roster, and the development of these five players and the five players who will be highlighted in Part Four will be paramount if the Ducks are to keep their build on track. Luckily, they have a lot of arrows in the quiver, as their goal is now to fill out the middle of their depth chart with these young, translatable players. 

Read Parts One and Two here:

2026-27 Anaheim Ducks Top Prospects: 16-20

2026-27 Anaheim Ducks Top Prospects: 11-15

Author’s Note: To qualify for this list, players must be rookie-eligible in 2026-27. Unfortunately, that disqualifies Tristan Luneau from this particular exercise.

In reverse order, let’s dive into the Ducks’ top 10 prospects:

10. Eric Nilson, 19, Michigan State University (NCAA)

C, 6-foot, 170 pounds, 45th overall in 2025

Nilson made the jump to North America the season after he was drafted in the second round by the Ducks with a pick they acquired in the trade that sent Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers. In his freshman season at MSU, Nilson was given a premium checking role and did well to become the goal line to goal line, matchup center that was required of him, but his production suffered as a result. He only tallied 11 points (3-8=11) in 35 NCAA games and added three points (1-2=3) at the 2026 World Junior Championships, where Sweden won a gold medal. 

Compared to former Ducks center William Karlsson at the time of his draft by Ducks director of amateur scouting and assistant GM Martin Madden, Nilson is effortlessly smooth, intelligent, and technically proficient over the entire ice surface and on both sides of the puck. He performed in the role he was tasked with during his freshman season, but the hope is that with more comfort at the NCAA level in his sophomore season, he’ll see the production increase to the level he’s capable of.

If he can explore the limits of his puck skills, express his creativity, and add to his frame, his ceiling tops out at that of a middle-six forward. His IQ and skating raise his floor considerably, and should lead to him playing at least a couple hundred NHL games throughout his career. 

NHL Arrival Prediction: 2028-29 

9. Lasse Boelius, 19, Assat (Liiga)

LHD, 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, 60th in ’25

Speaking of Madden, he certainly has a type when it comes to blueliners. In the mold of Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm, Shea Theodore, Marcus Pettersson, Jacob Larsson, Jackson LaCombe, and Pavel Mintyukov comes Boelius, drafted from Assat in Finland. Consistently playing above his age group, Boelius hasn’t produced much on the offensive side of the puck. He only totaled eight points (1-7=8) in 40 Liiga games a year ago. That’s not to say he’s incapable of offensive production, as he tallied seven points (2-5=7) in seven games at the 2026 World Junior Championship.

Boelius is mobile, long, and consistently makes crisp, smart outlets up ice. He hasn’t shown much willingness to activate and attack low in the offensive zone to this point, but is more than capable of patrolling a blueline and getting intelligent shots through traffic. Playing in professional men’s leagues has refined his defensive habits quickly and raised his projected NHL floor. He’ll return to Liiga for the upcoming 2026-27 season. 

NHL Arrival Prediction: 2029-30

8. Lucas Pettersson, 20, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

C, 6-foot, 190 pounds, 35th in ’24

Like Nilson, Pettersson was also compared to William Karlsson by Martin Madden at the time of his draft in 2024. However, at this point in their careers, Pettersson has the offensive edge on Nilson, rendering him a bit more akin to that of another former Ducks player who developed alongside Karlsson: Rickard Rakell. Pettersson played his first full SHL season with Brynas IF in 2025-26, scoring 20 points (10-10=20) in 41 games and adding six (4-2=6) in six WJC games.

Pettersson is another 200-foot center, prolific on both sides of the puck and in every zone. He is an intelligent, high-pace attacker who cleverly finds ways to get pucks on his stick and make plays from there with quick cutbacks and changes in direction. He made the jump to the AHL at the tail end of 2025-26, and though he failed to register a point in four games, he can now hit the ground running and knows what’s expected of him to succeed with the Gulls in 2026-27. 

NHL Arrival Prediction: 2027-28

7. Anton Wahlberg, 21, San Diego Gulls (AHL)

W, 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, 39th in ’23

The Ducks acquired Wahlberg from the Buffalo Sabres along with a second-round pick (Jayden Kurtz) in exchange for defenseman Olen Zellweger just before the start of the 2026 Draft. Wahlberg is among the Ducks’ most NHL-ready prospects following two full seasons in the AHL with the Rochester Americans. In 2025-26, he increased his production from 30 points (11-19=30) in 63 games to 37 points (9-28=37) in 68 games the year before and added three assists in three playoff games. 

Wahlberg can play up and down a lineup, providing a forechecking impact and a desire to get to the interior of the ice. He’s capable of protecting pucks low on the cycle or making connecting plays on the rush. He possesses the necessary skill to play in the top half of a lineup and the tenacity and powerful skating ability to play lower if tasked. He’ll likely start the 2026-27 season in the AHL with the Gulls, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he proves to be one of the season’s first call-ups among forwards for the Ducks. 

NHL Arrival Prediction: 2026-27

6. Tyson Hinds, 23, Anaheim Ducks (NHL)

LHD, 6-foot-3, 201 pounds, 76th in ’21

Hinds’ presence this high up the list may raise an eyebrow or two. His placement ultimately came down to the fact that he’s a surefire NHL defenseman right now. He’s in line for his first full season with the Ducks in 2026-27 after finishing the 2025-26 season on a recall and starting nine playoff games on the team’s run to the second round. With Jackson LaCombe and Pavel Mintyukov clearly ahead of him on the depth chart and Stian Solberg nipping at his heels, it’s unlikely Hinds will become more than a third-pairing defenseman. However, he’s capable and in line to receive a sizable role on the penalty kill for the Ducks moving forward and has the capacity to eat tough minutes against quality NHL competition.

Hinds uses every bit of his length and four-way mobility to angle and shut down rush attacks, get his stick in lanes and on pucks, and close perceived gaps quickly. He has enough skill to retrieve a puck, make a decent first pass, and get pucks to the net from the point, but his value comes on the defensive side of the puck, where he can provide a steadying presence for a more offensively inclined partner and become a difficult defenseman to play against on a shift-to-shift basis. He was one of the few Ducks defenders during their playoff run who could be relied upon to clear the net front of pucks and bodies on a consistent basis. 

NHL Arrival Projection: Arrived

Anaheim Ducks Leo Carlsson Ranked as NHL Network's 14th-Best Center Right Now

Joel Quenneville's Future with the Anaheim Ducks, Enters 2026-27 Season on Expiring Contract

Who Will Be The Next Anaheim Ducks Captain?

Anaheim Ducks Jackson LaCombe Ranked as NHL Network's 17th-Best Defenseman Right Now