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Giants' Francis Mauigoa steamrolls big brother, Kiko – just like he promised

The New York Giants and New York Jets squared off in their annual preseason rivalry game on Friday, Aug. 28.

This year, the game also had elements of a sibling rivalry, as Giants first-round rookie Francis "Sisi" Mauigoa got a chance to face his brother, Jets linebacker Francisco "Kiko" Mauigoa, for the first time in his career.

The younger Mauigoa brother got the better of his older sibling early in the game, getting a key block on the veteran linebacker during a first quarter Tyrone Tracy Jr. touchdown run.

Tracy ran behind Francis Mauigoa on the play, and the right guard was tasked with blocking his brother on the play. The Miami product managed to stonewall his older sibling and driving him to the ground while paving the way for Tracy to get into the end-zone.

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FIBA World Cup qualifiers: Wembanyama shines, David Jones-Garcia ejected

France's #32 Victor Wembanyama jumps to dunk during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifier game between France and Slovenia at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, in Paris on August 27, 2026. (Photo by SIMON WOHLFAHRT / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

The August window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers started on Thursday with two Spurs participating. Both of their national teams won, but their experiences were very different. Victor Wembanyama was a star for France, while David Jones-Garcia underwhelmed for the Dominican Republic and got ejected at the worst possible time.

Wembanyama, who admitted to being a little rusty in the warm-up games against Nikola Jokic’s Serbia, stepped up against a much inferior opponent. France, which leads Group L with a 6-1 record after Thursday, took care of business against a Luka Doncic-less Slovenia squad in a rout, winning 92-67 to set themselves up for what looks like an easy qualification with four games left, as they have a group-leading 6-1 record and the top three teams get to Qatar 2027.

Wemby was a monster in the matchup, finishing with 22 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. France outscored Slovenia by 22 points when he was on the floor, and the game was essentially over at halftime.

Les Bleus will face Sweden next, who are coming off a great win. They took down Finland thanks to a fantastic performance by Miami Heat wing Pelle Larsson, who finished with 31 points and five boards. The matchup will take place in Stockholm on August 30. The Swedish team needs the win, but they don’t seem to have anyone with the size to match up with Wembanyama, who should feast again. If France wins, the qualification should be all but secured even though there are two more windows left in which NBA players won’t be able to suit up, as they happen during the regular season.

While Wembanyama’s performance was fantastic, his teammate David Jones-Garcia didn’t have as good of a day. The Dominican Republic beat Brazil, which was undefeated heading into the matchup, but Jones-Garcia struggled on offense in the 94-90 win. The Spurs’ two-way wing finished with just eight points in 14 shots, hit only one of his seven three-point attempts, and had no assists while turning the ball over twice. He did a good job on the boards, pulling down six rebounds, and made plays on defense as his two steals and two blocks show, but he couldn’t stay on the floor to end the game.

Jones-Garcia committed two flagrant fouls in the matchup and was ejected early in the fourth, leaving his team in a precarious position. His first flagrant came in the first half, when he hit Bruno Caboclo in the head as the big man was trying to dunk the ball, a dangerous but understandable foul. The second flagrant, however, was completely avoidable. As Brazil was inbounding on its own side, Jones-Garcia hip-checked Raul Neto. Neto embellished the contact, but after a review, it was called an unsportsmanlike foul, and DJS was sent off. He was lucky the DR still pulled off a narrow win, because it was a lapse of judgement at a terrible time.

The Dominican Republic, currently in third place in Group E behind the U.S. and Brazil with a 5-2 record, will face bottom-dwelling Chile on August 31. Hopefully, Jones-Garcia will have a better game.

The 2027 FIBA World Cup has two more qualifying windows in December and March. NBA players are not expected to participate, as the dates coincide with the regular season.

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Cale Makar contract makes him NHL's first $20M man: Why deal is worth it for Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar could be one of the last NHL players to sign an eight-year contract, and he and the team made it a record-breaker.

He'll make $163.2 million in the extension he signed on Friday, Aug. 28 and have a record $20.4 million average annual value. He's the NHL's first $20 million player.

After Sept. 15, the maximum contract length goes to seven years for a player re-signing with his team and six years for a player signing with another team.

But this extension means Makar is under contract for nine more seasons with the Avalanche. Here's a look at the deal and how it affects the team's competitive window:

Is Cale Makar worth $20 million?

Yes, especially considering how much salaries have risen recently. He's a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy and has been a top-three finalist in the six years since he won rookie of the year.

He was the fourth-fastest defenseman to reach 500 points, trailing only Hall of Famers Bobby Orr, Paul Coffey and Denis Potvin. He's averaging more than a point per game in the regular season (Orr and Coffey were the only defensemen to finish their careers that way) and has 90 points in 90 playoff games.

Makar was playoff MVP when the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022. As a sign of his importance, the No. 1 overall Avalanche were swept in the 2026 Western Conference finals with injured Makar unable to play the first two games.

How does deal affect Avalanche's competitive window?

Having Makar around for nine seasons will help. He and Devon Toews are the NHL's best defensive tandem, and Makar is signed through 2034-35 and Toews through 2030-31.

Top offensive forwards Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas are also signed through 2031.

Makar's cap hit falls just short of the maximum 20%, but don't forget that the cap is going up. It's jumping to $113.5 million next season and Makar's annual average value is only 18% of that. There will be room to build around the core.

Makar is 27 and should remain productive well into the deal. He has been durable with only one season dealing with significant injuries.

His deal will keep the Avalanche competitive now and well into the future.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cale Makar contract makes him NHL's first $20M man: Why deal is worth it for Avalanche

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New-look Jets defense forces more preseason turnovers in electric first half against Giants

New York Jets defensive back Qwan'tez Stiggers (37) reacts after making a play during a game.
New York Jets defensive back Qwan'tez Stiggers (37) reacts during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, August 28, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J.

Every Jets fan had the same thought in the first quarter Friday night: Save some of these takeaways for the regular season.

Qwan’tez Stiggers and Marcelino McCrary-Ball combined to force an interception and a fumble as the much-scrutinized Jets defense showed against the Giants the opportunistic quality that was missing all last season.

The Jets became the first team in NFL history to go a full season without an interception last season.

New York Jets linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball (41) celebrates after his interception against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Friday, August 28, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The streak unofficially continued through the first preseason game, but the Jets recorded two interceptions against the Steelers.

Of course, the zero-interception 2025 didn’t include a chance to face Giants gunslinger Jameis Winston, who infamously had a 30-interception season with the Bucs in 2019.

Winston’s second pass was intercepted when Odell Beckham Jr. slipped on the top of his route and Stiggers came over the top to knock the ball in the air. McCrary-Ball grabbed the ball and set up a short-field touchdown drive.

New York Jets defensive back Qwan’tez Stiggers (37) reacts during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the New York Giants on Friday, August 28, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. AP Photo/Adam Hunger

The Giants were threatening to tie the score on the next drive, but Braxton Berrios — an ex-Jet — was stripped by McCrary-Ball while fighting for extra yards and smelling the goal line. Stiggers recovered the fumble for a touchback.

Stiggers’ first-quarter activity was noteworthy because he was returning from a concussion that led to him fainting on the sideline during an Aug. 11 joint practice against the Buccaneers.

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Minnesota Vikings at Denver Broncos: Preseason Game 3 Discussion

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 22: Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jake Golday (41) tackles Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Fagnano (12) during the NFL preseason game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings on August 22nd, 2026, at U.S. Bank in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

We finish off the 2026 preseason tonight, as the Minnesota Vikings head to Mile High to take on the Denver Broncos in the final preseason game of the year. Let’s get everyone caught up on everything they’ll need to be ready for tonight’s contest.

Date and Time: Friday, 28 August 2026, 8:00 PM Central time

Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Weather: Partly cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms, temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s, winds from the southwest at 5-10 miles/hour

Television Coverage: FOX 9 in the Twin Cities, local broadcast affiliates in various cities, NFL Network for the nationwide audience

Radio Coverage: Vikings Radio Network, SiriusXM Channel 225, SiriusXM App Channel 820

Bonus: KFAN (which, again, is doing a simulcast for both radio and TV this season) has promised that new Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell will be joining the broadcast from the sidelines for the entirety of the third quarter of today’s game. Of course, if you’re watching on the NFL Network broadcast, you won’t hear this, because you’ll be hearing the Broncos play-by-play team.

Line: Seriously, don’t bet on preseason games.

Chris’ Prediction: Nope, no prediction for this preseason game, either.

Three Keys

1) No injuries – We made it through the last game without any major ones. Here’s hoping that we can do the same tonight.

2) Quarterback snap distribution – I think I’ve mentioned this for all three games, but it’s still important. J.J. McCarthy missed some practice time this week with an ankle issue, but the team is apparently still hoping he can start tonight’s game. We’ll see whether or not that happens, as well as how long he plays. Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer will see time as well, obviously. (UPDATE: McCarthy will not play tonight after all, per sources.)

3) Last chance to impress – Less than 48 hours after this one concludes, teams around the NFL will be making their final roster cuts. That means this is the last opportunity for all of these young men to make an impression on the coaching staff and the front office before the turk comes to visit on Sunday at 5:00 PM Central time. Who will take advantage?

Know the Foe: Mile High Report

Twitter/X/Whatever we’re calling it today: @DailyNorseman

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/thedailynorseman

That should be everything you need, folks! Remember, we’ll be keeping everything for today’s game right here. We’ll also be putting any highlights that get posted on social media over in the Feed, so keep your eyes over there as well.

Here’s hoping for a solid evening of football and that both teams come out of it without any significant injuries.

SKOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VIKINGS!!!!

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Los Angeles Chargers depth chart: Who could make 53-man roster?

The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for another season and have some roster decisions to make before cutdown day.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz will have to work together to finalize the 53-man roster. NFL teams must complete their cuts by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30. Players could be released in the days and hours leading up to the deadline.

The Chargers will have to account for several scenarios, especially for a franchise that’s been plagued by injuries and late-game mistakes.

In recent years, the Chargers have dealt with injuries across the offensive line. The Chargers already had some attrition there and will have to lean on second-round pick Jake Slaughter as their new starter, following the season-ending injury to Tyler Biadasz.

Kayode Awosika and Trey Pipkins III were among the contenders for the Chargers' starting left guard spot. Awosika was tabbed as the starter for the last preseason game and may have secured the starting role. He's made just 11 career starts. Pipkins is in his eighth season with the Chargers and has the ability to play both guard and tackle. He’s made 51 starts at tackle and just 15 as a guard.

Gregory Desrosiers will be a player to watch this weekend. He was among the standouts for the Chargers during the preseason finale but is currently listed as sixth on the depth chart. Desrosiers produced 118 yards and a touchdown on nine carries against the Rams. His longest rush of the game was 34 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"I try to just control what I can control and handle business. Everything will take care of itself," Desrosiers told CBS sideline reporter Jaime Maggio after the game

Justin Herbert is obviously the starting quarterback, but what the Chargers do with the rest of their quarterback room remains unknown.

Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei have both seen time on the field during the preseason. While both showed positives during the three-game sample size, the Chargers could still explore other available quarterbacks from other teams.

There are questions that remain on the defensive side of the ball, including the depth at linebacker. Marlowe Wax, a 2025 undrafted free agent, and Junior Colson, a 2024 third-round selection, could be players on the bubble.

Colson has a level of familiarity, having played at Michigan during Harbaugh's tenure. Wax was given the green dot on his helmet over Colson during the first preseason game, according to Chargers Wire, when both were on the field together.

Chargers depth chart

 Here’s what the Chargers’ depth chart looked like on the team’s website ahead of the final preseason game.

OFFENSE

LWR: Quentin Johnston,  KeAndre Lambert-Smith, JaQuae Jackson, Liam Clifford

RWR: Tre’ Harris, Brenen Thompson, Dalevon Campbell, Sincere Brown

SLOT: Ladd McConkey, Derius Davis, Devonte Ross

LT: Rashawn Slater, Trey Pipkins III, Isaiah World

LG: Kayode Awosika, Branson Taylor, Alex Harkey

C: Jake Slaughter, Josh Kaltenberger, Jacob Spomer

RG: Cole Strange, Trevor Penning, Logan Taylor

RT: Joe Alt, Travis Burke, Laekin Vakalahi

TE: Oronde Gadsden, Charlie Kolar, David Njoku, Evan Svoboda, Jerand Bradley, Johnny Pascuzzi

QB: Justin Herbert, Trey Lance, DJ Uiagalelei

RB: Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson, Amar Johnson, Gregory Desrosiers

FB: Alec Ingold, Scott Matlock

DEFENSE

DE: Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Terry Webb

NT: Dalvin Tomlinson, Nick Barrett, Jahmeer Carter

DT: Teair Tart, TeRah Edwards, Jacobian Guillory

LOLB: Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard, Andre Carter II

LILB: Denzel Perryman, Del'Shawn Phillips, Marlowe Wax, Lander Barton

RILB: Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye, Junior Colson, Emany Johnson

ROLB: Khalil Mack, Akheem Mesidor, Nadame Tucker, Garmon Randolph

LCB: Tarheeb Still, Deane Leonard, Rodney Shelley, Isas Waxter

SS: Tony Jefferson, Genesis Smith, Kendall Williamson, Devin Grant

FS: Elijah Molden, RJ Mickens, Noah Avinger, Myles Purchase

RCB: Cam Hart, Donte Jackson, Avery Smith, Eric Rogers

NB: Derwin James Jr., Nikko Reed

SPECIAL TEAMS

PT: JK Scott

PK: Cameron Dicker

LS: Josh Harris, Peter Bowden

H: JK Scott

KO: Cameron Dicker

PR: Derius Davis, Brenen Thompson, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Ladd McConkey, Devonte Ross 

KR: Derius Davis, Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal, KeAndre Lambert-Smith

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Chargers depth chart: Who could make 53-man roster?

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Raiders coach throws receiver under bus, lets Fernando Mendoza off hook: ‘an excellent throw’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Chase Garbers wearing number 15 and holding a football, Image 2 shows Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels in a black hoodie and cap with a headset, holding play sheets
Las Vegas Raiders head coach shades a wide receiver while protecting rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

It’s no secret there were a few throws Fernando Mendoza would’ve liked to have back during the Raiders’ preseason finale against the 49ers.

Coach Klint Kubiak knows it but also suggested his struggles weren’t entirely his fault.

Mendoza went 7-of-14 passing for 57 yards, taking two sacks and being intercepted.

Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza likely will start the season as the team’s backup. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The interception happened near the end of the first quarter, when the rookie quarterback fired a pass over the middle of the field toward wide receiver Jalen Nailor.

Mendoza threw the ball high, forcing Nailor to leap, but the ball bounced off the receiver’s fingertips and resulted in an interception.

“I thought it was an excellent throw; he ripped it just like we asked him to, on time,” Kubiak told reporters. “Yeah, it was a little bit high; Jalen’s gotta make a play.”

Raiders coach Klint Kubiak defended rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza on Thursday night. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Raiders have their issues at wide receiver, as they’re thin at the position, but Kubiak’s comments toward Nailor likely point to the first-year head coach doing what he can to keep his rookie quarterback confident.

Mendoza’s preseason started strong in their opener against the Cardinals, but over the Raiders’ last two games, he showed why he’s a rookie. During the preseason, Mendoza was 25-of-45 passing for 240 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked four times.

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Adley Rutschman may come back to haunt Yankees in weekend Sox showdown

Adley Rutschman was acquired by the Boston Red Sox during the MLB Trade Deadline on August 3.
Adley Rutschman was acquired by the Boston Red Sox during the MLB Trade Deadline on August 3.

Keep an eye on the catcher’s position this weekend in The Bronx. 

You’re bound to hear groans if Adley Rutschman performs well. 

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After all, the Red Sox beat out the catching-in-need Yankees for the three-time All-Star and former Orioles backstop before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. 

“It’s an important addition. He’s a leader behind the plate, he’s a three-time All-Star,” interim manager Chad Tracy said before the rivals kicked off a four-game series at the Stadium Friday night. “Prior to this thing [with his elbow], he had started to get going with the bat a little bit here. He’s also a very good at-bat. He doesn’t swing at balls. 

“He fits the mold of what we’ve done here, which is we grind at-bats, we swing at strikes, we put the ball in play. When he’s right, that’s what he does and on top of that, he’s a really, really good catcher who communicates well with pitchers.” 

Rutschman, 28, has yet to hit for the Red Sox, sporting a .146/.255/.244 slash line with a .499 OPS. But he is a quality player and will likely produce soon. Prior to the trade, he had a .764 OPS with eight home runs and 47 RBIs in 67 games. 

“It’s been really fun. This team is tight-knit, they do a great job of someone new stepping up each night,” said Rutschman, who was back in the Red Sox lineup Friday night after missing the previous two games due to elbow soreness. 

Adley Rutschman was acquired by the Boston Red Sox at the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 3. Getty Images

There was a chance he could’ve wound up a Yankee. Rutschman had never experienced the trade deadline before and tried to just focus on other things. 

“You never know what happens in baseball,” he said. “It’s one of the things that’s very uncertain. It’s part of it.” 

The Yankees have gotten very little from their catchers. Austin Wells has a .571 OPS on the season and, after a decent stretch, is in the midst of a 5-for-28 stretch with 12 strikeouts. He has only one extra-base hit in his last 12 games. 

Austin Wells has been struggling mightily for the Yankees at catcher. Getty Images

The Yankees tried to land Rutschman, but the Red Sox blew them away with an offer that featured minor league pitcher Anthony Eyanson, their No. 2 prospect, and two other top five prospects. This weekend, losing out on Rutschman could haunt them. 

He wasn’t sure what to expect from his introduction to the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry, but he was picking a good time to experience it with both teams fighting for playoff positioning. 

“Take it as it comes,” Rutschman said. “New experience.” 

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Be prepared for the preseason with our Minnesota Vikings roster

EAGAN, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 01: Christian Darrisaw #71 and Delby Lemieux #62 of the Minnesota Vikings participate in a drill during Training Camp at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center on August 01, 2026 in Eagan, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The old saying used to be that you can’t tell the players without a program. Obviously, we don’t do paper programs anymore, but we can do the next best thing and provide you with an electronic means of giving you a way to quickly locate who’s who when it comes to the Minnesota Vikings roster this preseason, given that there are now 91 players on the roster to keep track of.

We have gone through the entire Vikings’ roster and ordered them in two different ways. Both roster sets are broken down into offense, defense, and special teams, but we’ve ordered one set by player number and one set by their last names. So, if you’re sitting here watching the game with us this afternoon. . .and you should be. . .and you find yourself saying something like, “Wow, that was a nice play by number 35,” you can quickly scan down and find that number 35 belongs to cornerback Jarod Washington rather than having to search all over for it if you don’t catch his name right away.

We hope you find this to be a helpful resource for this year’s three preseason contests. We’ll attempt to bump it before each one and update it if the Vikings make any roster moves in between games.

Minnesota Vikings roster by jersey number

Offense

  • 1 QB Kyler Murray
  • 3 WR Jordan Addison
  • 4 WR Myles Price
  • 6 WR Michael Briscoe
  • 9 QB J.J. McCarthy
  • 11 QB Carson Wentz
  • 12 QB Max Brosmer
  • 13 WR Tai Felton
  • 14 WR Jauan Jennings
  • 17 RB Jermar Jefferson
  • 18 WR Justin Jefferson
  • 19 WR Donate Fleming
  • 21 RB Demond Claiborne
  • 27 RB Jordan Mason
  • 30 WR Trayvon Rudolph
  • 31 WR Marcus Sanders
  • 33 RB Aaron Jones
  • 36 RB Zavier Scott
  • 40 WR Terrill Davis
  • 45 FB Max Bredeson
  • 46 TE Matt Lauter
  • 58 C Gavin Gerhart
  • 60 G Joe Huber
  • 62 OL Delby Lemieux
  • 63 OL Tristan Leigh
  • 64 C Blake Brandel
  • 65 C Michael Jurgens
  • 66 G Vershon Lee
  • 67 OL Tomas Rimac
  • 68 G Henry Byrd
  • 71 OT Christian Darrisaw
  • 72 OT Ryan Van Demark
  • 73 OT Walter Rouse
  • 74 G Donovan Jackson
  • 75 OT Brian O’Neill
  • 76 G Will Fries
  • 78 OL Caleb Tiernan
  • 79 G Joshua Gray
  • 81 TE Marshall Lang
  • 82 WR Jeshaun Jones
  • 83 TE Bryson Nesbit
  • 84 TE Josh Oliver
  • 85 TE Ben Yurosek
  • 86 TE Gavin Bartholomew
  • 87 TE T.J. Hockenson
  • 89 WR Dillon Bell

Defense

  • 0 LB Ivan Pace
  • 2 CB Isaiah Rodgers
  • 7 CB Byron Murphy
  • 8 S Jakobe Thomas
  • 15 OLB Dallas Turner
  • 20 CB Charles Demmings
  • 23 CB James Pierre
  • 24 S Jay Ward
  • 25 S Kahlef Hailassie
  • 26 S Theo Jackson
  • 29 CB Marcus Allen
  • 34 S Zemaiah Vaughn
  • 35 CB Jarod Washington
  • 37 S Tavierre Thomas
  • 38 CB Da’Veawn Armstead
  • 39 S Jacob Thomas
  • 40 CB Bryce Phillips
  • 41 LB Jake Golday
  • 43 OLB Andrew Van Ginkel
  • 44 S Joshua Metellus
  • 45 CB Tre Hawkins
  • 48 LB Jacob Roberts
  • 49 OLB Cam’Ron Stewart
  • 50 DL Levi Drake Rodriguez
  • 51 LB Blake Cashman
  • 52 LB Josh Ross
  • 54 LB Kenny Dyson
  • 55 LB Eric Wilson
  • 57 OLB Chaz Chambliss
  • 59 LB Bangally Kamara
  • 61 DL Jalen Redmond
  • 69 DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
  • 90 DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
  • 91 DL Vilbert Smith
  • 92 OLB Tyler Batty
  • 93 DL Jonathan Harris
  • 95 DL Caleb Banks
  • 96 DL Jahvaree Ritzie
  • 97 DL Domonique Orange
  • 98 OLB Bo Richter
  • 99 DL Elijah Williams

Special Teams

  • 5 P Johnny Hekker
  • 16 K Will Reichard
  • 42 LS Andrew DePaola
  • 47 P Brett Thorson

Minnesota Vikings roster by last name

Offense

  • 3 WR Addison, Jordan
  • 86 TE Bartholomew, Gavin
  • 89 WR Bell, Dillon
  • 64 C Brandel, Blake
  • 45 FB Bredeson, Max
  • 6 WR Briscoe, Michael
  • 12 QB Brosmer, Max
  • 68 G Byrd, Henry
  • 21 RB Claiborne, Demond
  • 71 OT Darrisaw, Christian
  • 40 WR Davis, Terrill
  • 13 WR Felton, Tai
  • 19 WR Fleming, Dontae
  • 76 G Fries, Will
  • 58 C Gerhart, Gavin
  • 79 G Gray, Joshua
  • 87 TE Hockenson, T.J.
  • 60 G Huber, Joe
  • 74 G Jackson, Donovan
  • 17 RB Jefferson, Jermar
  • 18 WR Jefferson, Justin
  • 14 WR Jennings, Jauan
  • 33 RB Jones, Aaron
  • 82 WR Jones, Jeshaun
  • 65 C Jurgens, Michael
  • 81 TE Lang, Marshall
  • 46 TE Lauter, Matt
  • 66 G Lee, Vershon
  • 63 OL Leigh, Tristan
  • 62 OL Lemieux, Delby
  • 27 RB Mason, Jordan
  • 9 QB McCarthy, J.J.
  • 1 QB Murray, Kyler
  • 83 TE Nesbit, Bryson
  • 84 TE Oliver, Josh
  • 75 OT O’Neill, Brian
  • 4 WR Price, Myles
  • 67 OL Rimac, Tomas
  • 73 OT Rouse, Walter
  • 30 WR Rudolph, Trayvon
  • 31 WR Sanders, Marcus
  • 36 RB Scott, Zavier
  • 78 OL Tiernan, Caleb
  • 72 OT Van Demark, Ryan
  • 11 QB Wentz, Carson
  • 85 TE Yurosek, Ben

Defense

  • 38 CB Armstead, Da’Veawn
  • 29 CB Allen, Marcus
  • 95 DL Banks, Caleb
  • 92 OLB Batty, Tyler
  • 51 LB Cashman, Blake
  • 57 OLB Chambliss, Chaz
  • 20 CB Demmings, Charles
  • 54 LB Dyson, Kenny
  • 41 LB Golday, Jake
  • 25 S Hailassie, Kahlef
  • 93 DL Harris, Jonathan
  • 45 CB Hawkins, Tre
  • 90 DL Ingram-Dawkins, Tyrion
  • 26 S Jackson, Theo
  • 59 LB Kamara, Bangally
  • 69 DL Loudermilk, Isaiahh
  • 44 S Metellus, Joshua
  • 7 CB Murphy, Byron
  • 97 DL Orange, Domonique
  • 0 LB Pace, Ivan
  • 23 CB Pierre, James
  • 40 CB Phillips, Bryce
  • 61 DL Redmond, Jalen
  • 98 OLB Richter, Bo
  • 96 DL Ritzee, Jahvaree
  • 48 LB Roberts, Jacob
  • 2 CB Rodgers, Isaiah
  • 50 DL Rodriguez, Levi Drake
  • 52 LB Ross, Josh
  • 91 DL Smith, Vilbert
  • 49 OLB Stewart, Cam’Ron
  • 8 S Thomas, Jakobe
  • 39 S Thomas, Jacob
  • 37 S Thomas, Tavierre
  • 15 OLB Turner, Dallas
  • 43 OLB Van Ginkel, Andrew
  • 34 S Vaughn, Zemaiah
  • 24 S Ward, Jay
  • 35 S Washington, Jarod
  • 99 DL Williams, Elijah
  • 55 LB Wilson, Eric

Special Teams

  • 42 LS DePaola, Andrew
  • 5 P Hekker, Johnny
  • 16 K Reichard, Will
  • 47 P Thorson, Brett

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Cavs decide on Cam Whitmore’s future with the team

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Cam Whitmore #1 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 19, 2025 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are hard-capped at the first apron after making a sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson earlier this week. Signing James Harden to a new deal that is expected to start just below $30 million pushes the Cavs closer to the apron. That means they either needed to move one of the players on the roster, find a trade partner for Cam Whitmore, or waive him outright.

Cleveland landed on that final option for Whitmore, as he will be released according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The Cavs acquired Whitmore in the deal for Watson to make the salaries line up.

Whitmore is a former first-round pick with the Houston Rockets. He spent last season with the Washington Wizards and averaged 10.5 points in 17.3 minutes per outing.

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With the move, the Cavs have 13 players on the active roster. Teams must carry a minimum of 14 players, not counting two-way deals. This would mean the Cavs will need to sign someone else before the start of the season.

Given the lack of space under the first apron, the Cavs will only be able to sign someone with no years of service time barring other moves. The minimum contract for someone with no years of service is $1.36 million, while the minimum for someone with one is $2.19 million.

There’s only a select number of players that fit into the no years of service category. Cleveland will likely be looking at someone they have the draft rights to, such as Khalifa Diop, or a recent undrafted player.

We’ll see what direction the Cavs go to round out the roster. As of now, it’s safe to assume that the majority of the roster is set heading into the start of training camp in just about a month.

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Saints vs. Cowboys: Preseason Week 3 Open Thread

OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 18: Dallas Cowboys players and New Orleans Saints players fight during joint practice at River Ridge Playing Fields on August 18, 2026 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New Orleans Saints will close out the 2026 preseason tonight in Dallas against the Cowboys. The Saints are looking to bounce back after being shut out in Los Angeles aftee last Saturday’s matchup with the Rams and finish the preseason with a win.

Kickoff:

Friday, August 28th- 7:00pm CST / 8:00pm EST

Location: 

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

TV Broadcasts:

WVUE FOX 8 New Orleans (Live)

Featuring: Joel Meyers, Sean Kelley, and Jon Stinchcomb

YouTube TVNFL Sunday Ticket:

Preseason games not included in the package

Radio:

WWL 870AM/105.3FM New Orleans

Featuring: Mike Hoss, Deuce McAllister, and Steve Geller

Online Streaming:

 ESPN Unlimited (Subscription Required)

iOS/Android Streaming:

ESPN Unlimited (Subscription Required) 

Odds: 

Saints 2.5-point underdog, O/U 37.5

Opponent Blog:

Blogging the Boys

Here’s to a good game and no injuries as the regular season opener against the Detroit Lions is just a little over 2 weeks away.

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Is Kyle Shanahan’s most infamous draft tradition finally about to bear fruit?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 27: Jordan James #29 of the San Francisco 49ers runs against Cian Slone #48 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter of a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 27, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is one of the more frustrating patterns of the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch era — the 49ers spend a relatively high pick on a running back, they struggle for playing time and they inevitably move on. However, entering the 2026 season, there is reason for optimism that this could be the year that Shanahan’s commitment to investing draft capital in the running back position bears fruit.

In the first four years of the Shanahan-Lynch regime, the 49ers only spent one draft pick on a back, doing so in their first year in 2017 when they took Joe Williams in the fourth round. Williams never played a snap.

But since 2021, the 49ers have spent six draft picks on the position, the latest being a third-round selection used on Kaelon Black this year.

Most of those picks have had limited success, though Elijah Mitchell led the 49ers in rushing as a rookie in 2021 before injuries derailed his progress with the team over subsequent seasons.

Trey Sermon, a third-round pick that same year, lasted only one season, while 2023 third-rounder Tyrion Davis-Price’s career with the team was similarly short-lived. After encouraging signs in his rookie season, 2024 fourth-rounder Isaac Guerendo could soon see his time as a 49er come to an end, but the two most recent running back selections by the 49ers offer hope that Shanahan and San Francisco could be vindicated in continuing to throw draft resources at that area of the roster.

Black and James provide reason for hope

The 49ers need backs who can take some of the pressure off the now 30-year-old Christian McCaffrey, who has dealt with ‘tightness’ for much of training camp and preseason.

And both Black and 2025 fifth-round pick James have provided evidence they are ready to do just that.

Black rushed for 61 yards on 12 carries in preseason, an average of just over five yards a carry, but even more intriguing is the play he demonstrated in pass protection. If a younger back is going to eat into McCaffrey’s snaps, they must be able to hold up in pass protection, and the 49ers’ faith in Black’s ability to do so should be boosted following preseason.

James did not earn any carries as a rookie until the 49ers’ blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Having fractured his ribs on the second day of training camp, James’ only appearance of preseason came on Thursday as the Niners rounded off their exhibition schedule against the Las Vegas Raiders, and he gave San Francisco reason for encouragement.

James displayed nice burst to the second level and contact balance on a 17-yard run that accounted for the bulk of his 35 yards on eight carriers, and he also demonstrated his abilities as a pass-catcher on a well-designed screen pass that went for 20 yards.

“It was good to see him out there,” Shanahan said afterward. “He missed a ton of camp, too, with his injury, and had the same thing last year where he missed all of training camp. So he only got to play in that one game for us, got a couple carries versus Seattle at the end of the year last year. So I was really excited to watch him tonight, and from what I saw out there live, I thought he ran real hard and ran real well.”

It may be a limited sample size in an exhibition game, but James coming back from injury and flashing as both a runner and a receiver theoretically improves his odds of getting on the field, even if Black likely has the edge as the second-string running back at this point.

The 49ers aren’t likely to ask Black or James to try to replicate McCaffrey’s all-encompassing impact on the 49er offense. Very few backs in the NFL can have the influence McCaffrey has on both the run game and the passing attack.

But as even more miles are put on the legs of a future Hall of Fame starter with a checkered injury history, the need for fresh backs who can take on more of the load increases.

Leaning on Black and James to alleviate the strain on McCaffrey is a gamble given they have zero regular-season carriers between them. However, the flashes in preseason have been enough to suggest that, between them, they can help McCaffrey get the necessary rest and keep the 49er offense on the tracks when he is off the field.

The Niners have waited a long time for Shanahan’s commitment to drafting backs to have a tangible positive impact on the team. There are no guarantees of preseason play translating into regular-season results, but there’s cause to be hopeful 2026 could be the season in which that wait ends.

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35 Days Until Red Wings Opening Night: Detroit’s Best No. 35

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We're counting down until the Detroit Red Wings begin the 2026-27 season, and with each passing day, we’ll be taking a look back at the best player in franchise history to wear that day’s jersey number.

The Top No. 35 In Red Wings History: Jimmy Howard

While a handful of players have worn No. 35 for the Red Wings, most recently Ville Husso, the obvious choice for the most notable player in franchise history to wear the number is goaltender Jimmy Howard.

Howard, whom the Red Wings selected in the second round (64th overall pick) of the 2003 NHL Draft, ranks third in franchise history in games played (543), wins (246), save percentage (.912), and is first overall in team history with 13,970 total saves made. 

Having played college hockey at the University of Maine, Howard began his professional career with the American Hockey League affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins in 2005-06, going 27-6-2.

He would also make his NHL debut with the Red Wings that season, ultimately appearing in four games and posting a 2.98 goals-against average with a .904 save percentage. Notably, he became the first and only goaltender to date to face a penalty shot in each of his first two NHL contests. 

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After the Red Wings did not re-sign Ty Conklin following the 2008-09 season, Howard entered Training Camp that fall penciled in as the No. 2 goaltender behind Chris Osgood, but it wouldn't be long before he'd eventually claim the starter's role. 

In his first full NHL campaign of 2009-10, Howard went 37-15-10 with a 2.26 goals-against average, a .924 save percentage, and three shutouts. He also garnered consideration for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie.

Can John Gibson Repeat His Performance In 2026-27 For Red Wings? Can John Gibson Repeat His Performance In 2026-27 For Red Wings? During their strong first three quarters of the 2025-26 NHL season, the Detroit Red Wings were getting elite-level goaltending from John Gibson. Can he repeat that performance next season?

Upon his retirement from the NHL following the 2019-20 campaign, he'd amassed a record of 246-196-70 with a 2.62 goals-against average, a .912 save percentage, and 24 shutouts.

He also posted a record of 21-26 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. While the Red Wings never advanced beyond the second round with Howard in goal, he did help them to within one victory of a Conference Finals berth in 2011 and 2013. 

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Dolphins fans boo Tua Tagovailoa

The Dolphins don't have a big crowd tonight at Hard Rock Stadium, but they made a big noise nonetheless.

Dolphins fans let Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have it, according to multiple reports, booing him loudly as he came onto the field as the starter Friday night.

Tagovailoa spent his first six seasons in Miami after the Dolphins selected him fifth overall in 2020. He went to one Pro Bowl and played in one playoff game, ending his tenure there with 18,166 passing yards, 120 touchdowns and 59 interceptions.

The Dolphins released him March 9, and he signed with the Falcons in free agency.

Tagovailoa completed 3 of 4 passes for 54 yards, including a 37-yarder to Kyle Pitts on the Falcons' first drive. Atlanta scored a touchdown on Brian Robinson's 3-yard run.

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Cale Makar signs richest deal in NHL history with $163.2 million Avalanche contract extension

A Colorado Avalanche player skating across the ice with a puck and stick.
Cale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche passes against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL Western Conference Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

There’s a new biggest contract in NHL history — again.

Avalanche superstar Cale Makar agreed to an eight-year, $163.2 million contract extension on Friday, the team announced.

The deal carries a $20.4 million average annual value and will make the two-time Norris Trophy winner the highest-paid player in league history and the first-ever to make more than $20 million annually.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar looks on during the third period of a game against the Minnesota Wild on May 13, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Makar still has one season remaining on the six-year, $54 million deal he signed in 2021.

His new extension will kick in for the 2027-28 season and keep him in Colorado through 2034-35.

“I am so excited and humbled to continue to wear the Avalanche sweater and represent this incredible organization and community,” Makar said in a statement.

Still only 27, Makar has already built the foundation of a Hall of Fame résumé.

The 2017 No. 4 overall pick has won two Norris Trophies, the Calder Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy while helping the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022.

Cale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche passes against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL Western Conference Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Denver Post via Getty Images

He finished second in Norris voting last season after recording 20 goals and 59 assists across 75 games.

Makar has 507 points in 470 career regular-season games and is already the franchise leader among defensemen in goals, assists and points.

The NHL’s highest-paid-player benchmark has been reset repeatedly over the past year, and especially this summer.

Wild star Kirill Kaprizov set the mark with his eight-year, $136 million extension carrying a $17 million AAV in September 2025.

Last month, Ducks center Leo Carlsson pushed that mark to $18 million per year with a five-year, $90 million contract before Sharks phenom Macklin Celebrini surpassed him just weeks later with a five-year, $94 million deal carrying an $18.8 million AAV.