Gabriel Bannigan said he was "disappointed" to be stepping down from his role as Monaghan manager after two years at the helm but said the "goalposts have been moved" and he could not continue.
Bannigan initially joined Monaghan as part of Vinny Corey's management team in 2022 before succeeding Corey as boss in 2024.
Under Bannigan, Monaghan won the Division Two title in 2025 and reached successive All-Ireland quarter-finals where they were knocked out by Donegal and then Louth.
The Farney men were relegated from Division One this year after a tough league campaign in which they failed to pick up a point.
They bounced back well in the Ulster SFC with wins over Cavan and Derry but suffered an extra-time defeat against Armagh in the decider.
"I ma very disappointed to announce that I am stepping down as manager of the Monaghan senior football team," Bannigan said in a statement.
"When I was appointed two years ago, I accepted the challenge of leading the Monaghan team through an inevitable period of transition and it has been an absolute privilege to do so.
"I have always been 100% honest with the Monaghan people since I was given the honour of managing our senior footballers, I did not want to walk away from this project that I have put so much into.
"Over the last number of weeks, I worked hard on my plans for 2027 to build on the excellent foundations now in place. During this period, I have come to realise that the goalposts have moved, and the conditions are not right for me to continue and therefore I believe a new management team and fresh voices are now required to take Monaghan football forward."
The Steelers head to Orchard Park tonight to close out their preseason slate against the Bills (7:00 p.m. ET, NFL Network).
Even with starter workloads up in the air, Buffalo is laying -2.5 on home turf. Our Steelers vs. Bill prediction and NFL picks are backing Joe Brady's squad to cover the short spread and cap off a perfect 3-0 preseason run on Thursday, Aug. 27.
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Who will win Steelers vs Bills: Bills -2.5
The Buffalo Bills are 2-0 and have outscored opponents 60-21 in Joe Brady's first preseason at the helm.
Though Brady did say, "There will be some guys who are starters that are going to be playing in the game," backing Buffalo to cover against the Pittsburgh Steelers is all about the backup. Ninth-year vet Kyle Allen has been efficient behind center for the Bills, putting up a spectacular 96.2% adjusted completion percentage and committing zero turnover-worthy plays.
Allen has had support from his backfield, too, with running backs Ray Davis, Ian Wheeler, and Frank Gore Jr. combining to rush for 231 yards and three scores this preseason. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's young and inexperienced backups on offense could struggle to keep up.
Drew Allar and Will Howard both struggled in a loss last week and will likely see the bulk of the snaps again. Allar was sacked three times and had an adjusted completion percentage of just 56.5%, while Howard had two turnover-worthy plays.
The loss took Mike McCarthy's preseason record since 2020 to 5-10.
TOP PICK Steelers vs Bills Over/Under pick: Over 35.5
In Brady's three preseasons as the Bills' offensive coordinator/head coach, Buffalo's average final game total has been 41. Only once in those eight games has the game total hit a number below 35.5, and with the way Allen and Buffalo's running back room has played this preseason, the high-scoring should continue.
Those receivers could put in work in the second half against a Steelers third- and fourth-string secondary full of undrafted rookies who were torched by the New York Jets late in Week 2.
Pittsburgh's offensive depth is less proven, but if Allar or Howard can settle in, the Steelers' pass catching depth could shine. Rookies Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen have made splashy plays while veterans Robert Tonyan and Ben Skowronek have been consistent threats.
Buffalo has allowed 22.3 PPG across its last three preseasons.
There's a chance weather has an impact in Buffalo on Thursday night, with the forecast calling for rain earlier in the day and the potential for thunderstorms around 8 p.m. ET. In wet conditions (and a delay due to thunderstorms) last week, the Bills still managed to win 31-7.
How to watch Steelers vs Bills
Location
Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY
Date
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
Kickoff
7 p.m. ET
TV
NFL Network
Steelers vs Bills latest injuries
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Former NBA G League guard Bryson Warren has entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to a report from On3’s Pete Nakos. Warren had committed to Texas A&M earlier this year, before the SEC passed a rule preventing players from professional leagues from suiting up for member schools.
The SEC’s new professional sports rule carries heavy penalties for teams who roster former professional players, making it untenable for Texas A&M to have Warren on the team this fall. So what are the new rules, exactly?
Violating the new SEC-pro sports rule will result in a coach suspension of 50% of contests and a hefty fine, On3’s Wilson Alexander confirmed and the league later announced. The fine will amount to 50% of that sport’s annual operating budget, and the head coach’s suspension will include all coaching, recruiting and administrative duties. The punishment is similar to the one the NCAA has in place for “ghost transfers,” or players who leave one school for another without entering the transfer portal.
As for Bryson Warren, he’s a 21-year-old prospect who averaged 19.9 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in 21 games, including 17 starts, with the Westchester Knights this past season. From 2023-2025, Warren averaged 11.8 points across 51 combined games with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Before joining the G League, Warren was a product of Overtime Elite where he played for both Team OTE and the YNG Dreamerz. He won the OTE title in 2022 and was named second-team All-OTE in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 191-pound Warren entered the 2024 NBA Draft but ultimately went undrafted.
Bryson Warren isn’t the only former professional player who has looked to enter the NCAA ranks this offseason. A handful of prominent court cases have granted eligibility to a certain subset of players, paving the way for a return.
Warren was one of several who sought to take advantage. He will still likely be able to, but he’ll have to find a welcoming home. Multiple leagues, including the Big 12, Big Ten and ACC have passed similar rules as the SEC in recent days preventing professional players from joining their leagues.
On3’s Alex Byington also contributed to this report.
The Chicago White Sox are having a pretty magical season. Despite losing more than 100 games in each of the last three seasons, the ChiSox suddenly find themselves in first-place in the AL Central with fewer than 30 games remaining.
It amost feels like too quick a turnaround. This team would've needed multiple high-end acquisitions or multiple elite prospects to graduate. They've certainly had a few between Colson Montgomery, Braden Montgomery and Munetaka Murakami, but it didn't seem like that would be enough to turn around what has been a basement-dwelling franchise in just one year.
It's almost like ... they've been the beneficiaries of divine intervention.
On Thursday, Aug. 27, the team gave renowned fan and Chicago native Pope Leo XIV his own White Sox-branded mitre (the tall, ceremonial hat worn by the Pope), a solid offering to someone who perhaps was sending daily prayers to his favorite franchise.
Once the five-star dominoes start to drop, they often fall in heaps. That was the case with the 32 best in the 2027 cycle. All 32 are already committed, as of Aug. 27. A majority have been off the board for months with their recruitments shut down.
The old school recruiting timeline has vanished. The December signing period will, of course, come with its fair share of drama as flips and decommitments occur, but it’s not as if there will be many fresh decisions to be made.
The 32 five-stars — according to the Rivals Industry Ranking — have dispersed among 16 schools. Nine of those schools have landed multiple. Rivals takes a look at those programs that reeled at least two big fish over the spring and summer:
Mike Elko and the Aggies have the nation’s No. 1 class, according to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. They’ve assembled an elite haul that currently features a quintet of five-stars, three of whom are the top-ranked prospects at their respective positions.
Dorsey has been in the mix since last November and his stock has soared since. The hard-hitting safety is also the No. 3 senior in Georgia. Forstall was next to follow at the end of March. The IMG Academy standout one of three A&M five-star commits who plays in Florida, alongside Matthews and Henderson.
Matthews ended a high-profile recruitment with a May decision, choosing the Aggies over Miami and plenty others. He’s long been the top-ranked tackle in the cycle and forms an elite duo in the trenches alongside Brown, who committed in April and ranks as the No. 2 senior in the Lone Star State.
Then there’s Henderson, who jumped in the mix during official visit season in June. What really makes A&M’s class so stacked, though, is the additional six commits who rank inside the top 60 nationally. Cornerback Raylaun Henry and wide receiver Eric McFarland are both currently on the cusp of five-star status, too.
The Miami Hurricanes have formed the nation’s No. 3 class this cycle. No coaching staff have pulled off bigger flips than Mario Cristobal and Co. as two of their four five-star pledges were previously committed elsewhere.
It starts with Wright, the top-ranked senior in California. The Long Beach Poly playmaker made a very early commitment to Georgia, but Miami was among the many teams in pursuit throughout the spring. He flipped in May and has since shut down his recruitment and is also now the No. 4 prospect in the updated Rivals300.
Wright was then flanked by Sears at the end of July. Considered one of the top prospects in the 2028 cycle, Sears caught most off guard when he announced his decision to reclassify up to the senior cycle. He simultaneously set his commitment date with all arrows pointing toward Coral Gables. He’s a two-way standout at the high school level and could try to play both sides at the next level.
Bryant was the other massive flip back at the beginning of June. The one-time LSU commit opted to flip after logging his official visit. He’s the No. 1 overall prospect in South Carolina. Lennear was a classic Miami recruiting win. The in-state pass-catcher was trending toward The U for months before pulling the trigger on his commitment in March.
Ohio State now has the nation’s No. 5 recruiting class in the nation and No. 2 class in the Big Ten heading into the fall. The Buckeyes’ trio of five-star commits showcase how many different ways you can win a recruitment.
Brown is the best senior prospect in the state of Ohio. He was prioritized early by the OSU staff and made a very early commitment on Nov. 23, 2024. Despite the departure of longtime receivers coach Brian Hartline, Brown remains rock-solid.
Jacobs was a Miami lean heading into his Dec. 29 decision. It was known that Ohio State was still in the mix, but just minutes before he revealed his commitment, the Buckeyes overtook the Hurricanes and swiped one of the biggest pledges of the cycle. Making a switch like that would make one think that his recruitment would carry a few twists and turns down the stretch, but Jacobs has been rather quiet since coming off the board.
OSU then went out to the West Coast this summer to pluck Fakatou, the No. 3 senior prospect in the Golden State. He considered numerous high-profile programs and named multiple leaders throughout his recruitment, but the Buckeyes emerged as the team to beat leading into his June 29 commitment and they got over the finish line.
The Notre Dame class remains at No. 2 nationally thanks to three five-stars and five more top-100 overall prospects. The Fighting Irish also inked a top-two class in the previous cycle and continue to recruit at a truly elite level.
May was a massive month on the trail for Marcus Freeman and his staff. Olubobola pledged on May 12, choosing the Irish over a slew of blue bloods. The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder reminds Rivals’ Scouting and Rankings Team of former Notre Dame star Ronnie Stanley.
Olubobola, the No. 1 senior in New Jersey, was a classic Notre Dame target. So was Sesay, the No. 3 prospect in Pennsylvania. The Downingtown East standout was trending toward South Bend for some time before locking his commitment during OV season.
Simien joined Olubobola in the trenches at the end of June. The No. 3 prospect in Louisiana spurned the usual SEC suitors and is headed for the Midwest. Notre Dame’s class also features DL David Folorunsho, a five-star in the Rivals300 rankings.
This was expected. Nick Richards had been working out in the Heat facility for a while, it was just a question of timing.
Now with the Klay Thompson signing complete, the Heat and Richards have come to terms on a one-year deal for Richards to be a backup center behind Bam Adebayo, the team announced Wednesday. This contract is not fully guaranteed until the season opens, notes Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel. The Heat did the same thing a year ago with Precious Achiuwa, and it gives them flexibility if a player they are interested in becomes available.
Richardson will be the third center on the roster, playing behind Adebayo and Bobby Portis.
Richardson is a six-year NBA veteran, originally a second-round pick out of Kentucky. Last season, he split time between Phoenix and Chicago, appearing in 48 games and averaging 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
This signing also puts the Heat at 14 standard contracts, which could be their roster heading into the season. They have the cap space to add a 15th player on a minimum contract, and veteran guard Gabe Vincent has been mentioned, but the Heat may choose to keep that roster spot open and see what develops. The non-guaranteed nature of Richardson's contract, and the fact that only $500,000 of Myron Gardner's $2.6 million deal is guaranteed, gives the Heat flexibility.
The Heat also agreed to bring back Keshad Johnson on a two-way contract (he was on a standard contract with the team last season), Winderman reports.
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - MARCH 22: Kate Koval #13 of the LSU Tigers warms up prior to a game against the Texas Tech Lady Raiders in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 22, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you haven’t heard by now, Kate Koval is leaving the LSU Tigers. The former Notre Dame women’s basketball player was not happy that LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey signed a Russian player, and 10 days after… Koval decided to leave.
With Koval’s father being in the Ukrainian military and being part of the war aginst the Russian invasion — you can understand how she feels about all of this. Despite any offical statement from Koval on the matter, I think the reasons are fairly clear because it’s all so personal.
We can debate about Kim Mulkey being… well, Kim Mulkey, at any other time, but right now I’m wondering where Koval might end up. Given the timing of everything, Koval won’t be able to transfer and play this season and will have to wait until spring to decide where she will be going with the remaining three years of eligibility.
Is there a chance Koval returns to Notre Dame? To be honest, I don’t quite remember the reasons for her departure from Niele Ivey’s program, but she’s a 6’5” center with two years of experience playing big girl basketball. They don’t grow that on trees — so is there a chance?
Ukrainian player Kate Koval is leaving LSU's women's basketball program after Kim Mulkey signed a player from Russia.
Last week, Mulkey even suggested the two could help end the war between the countries. Days later, Koval, whose father is in the Ukrainian military, is leaving.
Retailers have pulled Good Good products from shelves
Garrett Clark says controversial skit was in ‘poor taste’
Callaway has ended its relationship with Good Good Golf amid mounting fallout from an advert that many believe made light of violence against women.
The golf equipment manufacturer announced the decision on Thursday, cutting ties with one of the world’s most popular YouTube sports channels effective immediately. Callaway also said it would donate $1m to organizations working to prevent violence against women and support survivors of domestic violence.
In a statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau, on Thursday, Aug. 27, Hellebuyck said, "Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options. With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.
"I appreciate everything Winnipeg Jets fans have meant to me throughout my career and hope that a resolution can be reached soon."
The Jets put out a statement in response to Hellebuyck's trade request.
“Connor has been open with us about his desire for a change," general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said. "He has been an important part of the Winnipeg Jets organization for many years and we have tremendous respect for what he has accomplished here. While we will continue to work through the situation in a thoughtful manner, there is no update at this time.”
What Connor Hellebuyck trade request means
Hellebuyck's confirmation means a game-changing goalie is on the market. He is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner who won the award for outstanding goalie back-to-back in 2024 and 2025. He was voted the Hart Trophy winner in 2025.
He also was named the best goaltender at the 2026 Winter Olympics and was particularly strong in the championship game, making 41 saves in a 2-1 overtime win against Canada that gave the USA its first gold medal since 1980. He wasn't as strong in the regular season as the Jets missed the playoffs one season after having the league's best record.
The goalie is entering the third year of a seven-year deal that averages $8.5 million a year.
The Jets signed Stuart Skinner to a two-year deal in the offseason and he would be the No. 1 goalie in Winnipeg unless the team lands a goaltender in a trade.
Cheveldayoff said at the draft that he had been listening to offers on Hellebuyck but didn't answers questions about whether the goalie had asked for a trade.
“What I’ve been hearing hasn’t made me act,” he said in June.
U.S. Olympians' trade requests
If moved, Hellebuyck would join Brady Tkachuk as a traded player from the 2026 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team. The former Ottawa Senators captain has joined brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers.
Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, another U.S. Olympian, also has requested a trade.
The Colts have signed one of their special teams players to a contract extension.
Indianapolis announced that punter Rigoberto Sanchez has signed a new deal on Thursday.
According to multiple reporters, Sanchez's extension is for two years. He was previously set to enter the last year of his contract.
Sanchez, 31, is about to start his 10th season after entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Hawaii. Having replaced Pat McAfee, he’s been the Colts punter ever since, with the exception of a few games in 2020 that he missed while dealing with a cancerous tumor. And he missed the 2022 season with a torn Achilles.
Last season, Sanchez averaged 48.8 yards on his 44 punts with a 44.7-yard net average. 50 percent of his punts were downed inside the 20.
Sanchez and the Colts will play their preseason finale on Saturday afternoon against the Lions.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 22: Baltimore Ravens tight end Josh Cuevas (85) warms up before 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
Baltimore’s second preseason game didn’t produce much offense on the scoreboard, but it gave us a better look at several young players who had smaller roles during the opener. Against Minnesota, Josh Cuevas showed why his athleticism and versatility make him an intriguing developmental tight end, offensive tackle Diego Pounds continued to strengthen his case for a roster spot with an impressive performance in the run game, and seventh-round guard Evan Beernsten finally received his first extended opportunity of the preseason.
Cuevas’ 36 snaps against Minnesota gave Baltimore an opportunity to use him in several different roles. That allowed the fifth-round pick to show the athleticism and versatility that made him an intriguing addition to the tight end room.
The most noticeable part of his performance was what he offered as a receiver. Cuevas flashed his straight-line speed on an underneath drag route, turning a short completion into a 23-yard gain once he got into space. That ability to create yards after the catch is an important part of his evaluation. Baltimore can manufacture opportunities for him underneath and allow his athleticism to take over once the ball is in his hands.
Cuevas also showed good awareness against zone coverage, understanding when to settle into open space rather than continuing to run himself into coverage. He also showed the ability to elevate and attack the football vertically, while making a difficult contested catch in traffic.
Josh Cuevas lead the Ravens receivers with 46 yards on 3 catches
Did a nice job finding soft spots in zone, flashed athletically climbing the ladder for a ball and moving in space. Also noticed his effort as a blocker. pic.twitter.com/V0pZgJS3AB
His effort as a blocker was another encouraging part of the performance. Cuevas isn’t going to consistently overwhelm defenders with raw power, but the willingness is there. He competed through contact and continued working to stay attached to defenders.
That matters for a player whose athleticism naturally makes him more appealing as a receiving tight end. The more functional he becomes as a blocker, the less predictable Baltimore becomes when he is on the field.
Postgame takeaway: Cuevas’ Week 2 performance provided a good look at his receiving profile. He found openings against zone coverage, picked up yards after the catch, and competed at the catch point. The effort he showed as a blocker was equally important. Cuevas doesn’t need to become a dominant in-line blocker, but becoming reliable enough in that area would give Baltimore considerably more freedom in how it deploys him.
Pounds’ pass protection stood out during Baltimore’s preseason opener, but against Minnesota, it was his work in the run game that became the most impressive part of his performance.
Pounds looked particularly natural working within Baltimore’s zone concepts. He showed the ability to run the train tracks, stay square while moving laterally and reach his landmarks without sacrificing control. His movement skills allowed him to get into position before contact, and once engaged, he showed enough power to displace defenders and create movement out of his gap.
Diego pounds performed well for a second week in a row
He allowed no pressure on 10 pass blocking snaps
Last week his pass blocking stood out, but to me this week his run blocking was seriously good. Looks like such a natural athlete in space and being able to work… pic.twitter.com/zOvwAMleHr
The effort after initial contact continued to stand out as well. On one rep, Pounds stayed attached to his defender and drove him roughly 15 yards downfield. Plays like that don’t necessarily tell us much about his technical development, but they do show the temperament Baltimore wants from its offensive linemen. Pounds consistently looks to finish rather than simply completing his assignment and moving on.
The grading reflected how effective he was. Pounds received a 92.9 PFF run-blocking grade, including a 95.7 grade on zone runs. More importantly, the film supported why those numbers were so high. His movement skills and comfort blocking in space make him a natural fit for what Baltimore is asking its offensive line to do.
Postgame takeaway: Pounds continues to strengthen his case for a spot on Baltimore’s 53-man roster. Allowing zero pressures was another positive step in pass protection, but his comfort operating in space in the run game was the story of Week 2. Given the Ravens’ lack of established offensive tackle depth, Pounds is putting together the type of preseason that could make him difficult to leave off the roster.
G Evan Beernsten (Round 7, No. 253 overall)
8 snaps | 77.6 offensive grade, third-highest on team
After not getting much of an opportunity during the preseason opener, Baltimore finally gave Beernsten his first real look against Minnesota. Eight snaps obviously isn’t enough to make any definitive conclusions, but there were still a few traits that immediately translated from his college tape.
The first was his hand quickness. Beernsten fired his hands immediately after the snap and consistently looked to initiate contact rather than waiting for defenders to attack him. His punch timing was solid, and he showed an understanding of how to establish his hands early in the rep.
That initial contact is important for Beernsten because he isn’t going to win consistently through overwhelming length or raw physical tools. His game has to be built around technique, timing and positioning.
Rookie Guard Evan Beernsten finally got his feet wet vs the Vikings
Impressed by his hand usage, one thing I noted on his report was his quick and active hands. Did a nice job timing his punches.
We saw some of that against Minnesota. Beernsten was quick out of his stance, established contact early and generally looked comfortable during his limited workload. He ultimately finished with Baltimore’s third-highest offensive PFF grade, an encouraging result considering these were his first meaningful preseason snaps.
The difficult part of his evaluation is opportunity. Baltimore has already given several other young offensive linemen significantly larger workloads this preseason, leaving Beernsten with very little time to separate himself before roster decisions are made. Eight snaps can give the coaching staff something to build on, but it isn’t enough on its own to dramatically change the roster picture.
Postgame takeaway: Beernsten made the most of a very limited opportunity. His quick hands, punch timing and urgency off the snap were all encouraging, and finishing with Baltimore’s third-highest offensive PFF grade gave him a positive starting point. His biggest problem isn’t necessarily his performance—it’s the lack of remaining opportunities. Unless Beernsten produces an exceptional final preseason game, his path to the 53-man roster remains difficult. At this point, he may be playing more to establish himself as a developmental player Baltimore wants to keep around than to outright win a roster spot.
Final Thoughts
Baltimore’s offense didn’t generate many points against Minnesota, but Week 2 still provided useful information about several rookies fighting to establish roles.
Cuevas’ performance was encouraging because we saw more of the athleticism that gives him developmental upside as a receiving tight end. His 23-yard catch showed what he can provide after the catch, while his work against zone coverage and effort as a blocker demonstrated that his game isn’t entirely dependent on athletic traits.
Pounds continues to be one of the more interesting offensive developments of the preseason. After his pass protection stood out in Week 1, he showed how naturally his movement skills translate to Baltimore’s zone-running concepts against Minnesota. The 92.9 run-blocking grade and 95.7 zone grade were impressive, but the more important takeaway was how comfortable he looked reaching landmarks, creating displacement and finishing blocks downfield.
Beernsten finally got his opportunity, even if it was only eight snaps. His quick hands and timing showed up immediately, and he performed well enough to earn one of Baltimore’s highest offensive grades. The challenge now is turning a promising eight-snap sample into something significant enough to alter a difficult roster outlook.
The way San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky handles rookies is well-documented at this stage. Outside of Macklin Celebrini, rookies often have limited ice time to start their first season, are occasionally healthy scratched to avoid fatigue, and have their playing time ramp up as the season progresses and they're more familiar with life in the NHL. We've seen it with Will Smith, Michael Misa, and Sam Dickinson, but is it really necessary for Ivar Stenberg?
Stenberg is different from the aforementioned prospects in a very important way, he's already been playing professional hockey. Last season between the Swedish Hockey League's regular season, playoffs and international play, Stenberg played a total of 77 hockey games. Unlike in the collegiate and major junior ranks, he also played on a schedule that was fairly similar to the NHL in terms of timing. Travel across North America will undoubtedly have a toll compared to the travel in Sweden, but it shouldn't be a major issue.
Talent-wise, Stenberg has already played against men, many of whom have NHL experience. Not only did he succeed in that environment, he had one of the best seasons by an 18-year-old in SHL history. He put himself in the same boat as the Sedin twins, Markus Naslund, and Tomas Sandstrom, all of whom went on to have phenomenal careers. None of those players immediately made the jump to the NHL, but times have changed. Stenberg has all of the required skills to thrive immediately.
While there will be some major differences for Stenberg as he adapts to life in the United States, such as the smaller North American rink, for example, it's nothing that can't be worked through with game experience. Fatigue shouldn't be an issue, nor will be adapting to the level of play at the NHL level.
All things considered, while the Sharks may use a development plan for Stenberg simply because it's the precedent that they've set in recent years, it seems truly unnecessary in this situation. If he struggles at the NHL level, it could be implemented later on, or he could even spend some time in the American Hockey League. Right out of the gate though, the Sharks should put their faith in Stenberg and see if he sinks or swims. While the tide will be strong, Stenberg seems like he could pull through.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will wrap up their preseason slate Thursday, Aug. 27 with a visit to the Buffalo Bills and their brand new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.
The matchup will be a final showcase for young quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard before Aaron Rodgers takes command of the offensive huddle for the regular season. Both are looking to leave lasting positive impressions after excellent outings in the opener against Green Bay Packers, then comparative duds last week against the New York Jets.
Howard threw a pair of interceptions as the starter last time out. The mistakes short-circuited drives that had reached deep into New York territory. Allar, meanwhile, battled receiver drops, penalties and his own indecision en route to a scoreless second half for the offense.
Also of note will be the possible NFL debut of 2026 first-round NFL draft pick Max Iheanachor. The offensive tackle returned to practice this week after missing about half of training camp and all of the preseason to this point because of an arm/shoulder injury.
He'll look to give a boost to an offensive line that has struggled both with pass protection and run blocking through two games. While it's unlikely he can win a starting job after missing the amount of time that he has, eyes will be on starters Troy Fautanu and Dylan Cook to see whether they give him any openings.
USA TODAY will provide live updates on all the action that you can follow along with below.
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Steelers' negotiations with Joey Porter Jr. at 'impasse'
05:23 PM ET, August 27 2026
As the Steelers prepare to face the Bills on the field, they're running out of time to reach a deal with one of their most important players off of it.
Coach Mike McCarthy said this week that the team is at an "impasse" with cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who has been a starter for each of the past three years and is entering the final season of his rookie deal.
Porter has not been practicing with the team during training camp or the preseason. The team has blamed an injury in the past, but McCarthy's comments this week by hold-in negotiation tactics as well. You can read more about what McCarthy had to say regarding the situation here.
In the hours before facing the Bills, the Steelers have freed up a $18 million in salary cap space by restructuring the contract of receiver DK Metcalf, according to ESPN's Field Yates.
The deal could potentially help as negotiations on an extension with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. continue. The Steelers acquired Metcalf in a trade with Seattle last offseason and signed him to a five-year, $150 million contract.
Neither he nor expected No. 2 receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has played yet this preseason, as both have dealt with nagging injuries.
After facing opponents' top quarterbacks the past two weeks, the Steelers are not expected to see Buffalo's Josh Allen line up across from them in this one. Coach Joe Brady ruled him out earlier in the week. Nevertheless, the Bills get an edge from sports books as the home team for this exhibition.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Head coach Brad Underwood’s Illini went hunting for promising additions this offseason, and succeeded at doing so, landing multiple elite freshmen and a proven transfer. But with a chunk of Illinois’ veteran core returning to Champaign, Underwood will have to figure out how to carve minutes out for the new faces without disrupting the chemistry of the established vets.
Quentin Coleman & Stefan Vaaks: 26-30 minutes
Illini fans assume five-star freshman Quentin Coleman will step right into the starting lineup, filling the point guard role that Keaton Wagler left. Alongside him, Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks, coming off an Estonian League Championship and Big East All-Freshman Team selection, will likely step into the shooting guard role after averaging 15.8 points per game while shooting 35% from 3-point range with the Friars last season. 26-30 minutes per game is a realistic expectation for both of the newcomers in the starting five.
David Mirkovic & Andrej Stojakovic: 28-30 minutes
After his standout freshman campaign in orange and blue last season, David Mirkovic has virtually locked down his spot in Underwood’s ideal starting lineup. Mirkovic started 35 out of Illinois’ 36 games last season.
Stojakovic though, sat on the bench for 11 games behind Jake Davis during the back end of last season after returning from injury. There’s a question mark as to whether Underwood will replicate that rotation, but given Stojakovic’s scoring production as Illinois’ second-leading scorer last season, it still would be somewhat of a surprise to see him start the season on the bench if he’s fully healthy. Jake Davis earned that spot through rebounding and defensive grit, high IQ spacing and consistent 3-point shooting. But if Stojakovic used this offseason to develop his rebounding and defensive abilities, his ceiling is much higher. 28-30 minutes per game for Stojakovic is a realistic prediction.
Jake Davis: 18-20 minutes
Additionally, Vaaks’ entrance in the starting lineup changes the lineup dynamic. Vaaks and Davis offer spot-up shooting, but a lineup with Vaaks and Stojakovic gives the Illini a late-clock creating option. Davis looks like Illinois’ ideal sixth man this season if he doesn’t start. Keeping him around for at least 18-20 minutes per game will preserve Illinois’ perimeter spacing and defensive discipline.
Tomislav: 22 minutes; Zvonimir: 18 minutes
Although Tomislav Ivisic likely has his spot in the starting lineup locked down, having started two seasons at the center position for the Illini, Underwood may be a little more generous to Zvonimir than he was last season regarding minutes. Tomislav’s pick-and-pop spacing, 3-point threat, low-block scoring and playmaking abilities should grant him around 22 minutes per game. That leaves an 18-minute window for Zvonimir to utilize his elite rim protection, vertical rim running and stretch-five threat from the wing to offer a completely different playstyle. Zvonimir averaged 17 minutes per game last season, and it’d be a shock to see those numbers decrease.
Lincoln Williams & Lucas Morillo: 10-12 minutes
A problem Underwood might face is deciding how to balance minutes for the first seven with minutes for the rest of the incoming freshmen. There’s been quite a good bit of hype around wings like Lincoln Williams and Lucas Morillo, but will Illinois fans get to appreciate them on the court this season? Or will they have to wait until the returning core departs? What gives them both a chance to get rotational minutes is the fact that they can both fill in at guard and wing. Williams offers explosive vertical ability and transition scoring, while Morillo offers patient ball-handling and playmaking. If both of them can offer disciplined defense and rebounding, they may be able to carve out 10-12 minutes per game if they maximize their opportunities.
It won’t be easy for Underwood to dish out 200 minutes for a roster this deep, but it’s a good problem to have. TCR readers, what are your minutes per game predictions?
This might be the last we see of Fernando Mendoza for a long time.
While the Las Vegas Raiders rookie is expected to have some level of playing time this season, the final preseason matchup between the Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers (8 p.m. ET) will be the last in-game action the rookie gets until he gets the keys.
Mendoza has appeared in both preseason games and the rookie has played like, well, a rookie. Mendoza has gone 10 of 16 passing for 193 yards, with 1 touchdown and 1 interception in limited action. While preseason isn't real, Mendoza's performance certainly adds some justification to the team wanting to take it slow with the neophyte.
On the 49ers' sideline, it's been another preseason of dodging landmines as the team tries to get healthy for Week 1. Plainly, nothing that happens in preseason Week 3 matters for a team that has its eyes on another run at the Lombardi Trophy this season.
For now, it's all about getting the entire band back together for Week 1, including tight end George Kittle and pass rusher Nick Bosa. Kittle is recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered in the playoffs, while Bosa is still eyeing a return to practice from ACL surgery.
USA TODAY Sports provides live updates, highlights and more from the Raiders-49ers matchup below. All times are Eastern.
Don't panic about Fernando Mendoza's preseason challenges
05:15 PM ET, August 27 2026, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
After completing a trying joint practice with the Houston Texans this week, Fernando Mendoza couldn't keep his ebullient energy from bubbling to the surface.
Speaking about the challenges of operating in the Las Vegas Raiders' precision-driven offense that feels as though it's yet to have all its players operating in the same time zone, the No. 1 overall pick launched into a soliloquy that more closely resembled a TED Talk than an NFL news conference.
"If it's tough, it's worth it, and that's why it works at the highest level," Mendoza began on Tuesday, Aug. 18, in a clip that quickly went viral. "It's great because (as) teammates, we rely on each other. ... There are just so many different variables to it."
Make no qualms about it: Don't panic about Mendoza. Here's why.
NFL games today: Thursday, Aug. 27
05:00 PM ET, August 27 2026, Joe Rivera
There are four NFL games scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27. Here's who's playing:
Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 7 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots, 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers, 8 p.m. ET (Local markets only)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Los Angeles Rams, 10 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
NFL+, the NFL's proprietary streaming and content service, will carry this game and the remainder of preseason games. A subscription is required.
For those in local markets, Fubo carries CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action on Thursday and all season long with the streaming service. Fubo also offers a free trial.
What time is Raiders-49ers?
04:30 PM ET, August 27 2026, Joe Rivera
Start time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT
The Raiders-49ers matchup is scheduled for kickoff at 8 p.m. ET. It's one of four matchups scheduled for Thursday.
Raiders vs 49ers TV channel
04:01 PM ET, August 27 2026, Joe Rivera
TV channel(Las Vegas market): Fox 5
TV channel (San Francisco Bay Area): KPIX CBS 5
The Raiders-49ers matchup won't air over national airwaves for all. Instead, it will only be broadcast in local markets.
