The 2026 NFL preseason is winding down, and so two is the period during which NFL teams are allowed to carry 90 players on their active rosters.
The NFL's 53-man roster deadline will take place at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30. That means a total of 1,184 NFL roster spots will evaporate overnight as part of the annual culling of the league's work force.
Of course, many of the players cut will soon find jobs on practice squads. NFL teams are allowed to sign as many as 17 individuals to their practice squads, provided at least one player is part of the league's International Player Pathway.
Nonetheless, the decision-makers across the NFL's 32 clubs will be facing tough roster decisions in the lead-up to Sunday's deadline. And they will have less time than usual to make them, as the league moved up the 53-man roster deadline by two days from its usual Tuesday date.
Here's a look at the players released to date as the NFL's teams slowly but surely begin to trim their rosters.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 16: Braelon Allen #0 of the New York Jets in action during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New York Jets and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 16, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants won 31-12. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tonight’s preseason finale between the Jets and the Giants kicks off at 7:30 pm Eastern from MetLife Stadium. Although both teams call MetLife Stadium, this is technically considered a Jets home game.
In the past, only the home team has put on a broadcast. That has changed. Both teams will conduct broadcasts of this game.
The Jets feed will be on WCBS 2. Ian Eagle and Anthony Becht will call the game.
The Giants feed will be on WNBC 4. Bob Papa, Carl Banks, and Phil Simms will be in the broadcast booth. Unlike the Jets, the Giants have an expansive television network broadcasting their preseason contests. The Giants broadcast will also be shown on WNYT 13 in Albany, WSTM 3 in Syracuse, WPNY 11 in Utica, WETM 18 in Elmira, WWTI 50 in Watertown, and WTIC 61 in Hartford. (Jets, can we expand our preseason broadcast map a bit?)
The game can also be streamed. Fans in the New York area can watch the Jets feed of this game online on the official Jets app or newyorkjets.com and the Giants feed on the Giants app and giants.com.
If you are outside the local area, you can stream the game live on NFL+. A separate subscription is required.
Fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland can also stream the game live on newyorkjets.com.
If you cannot catch the game live using any of these methods, NFL Network will reair Jets vs. Giants on Sunday August 30 at 3:00 pm Eastern.
While on his official visit to Xavier, four-star small forward Markus Kerr has decided to commit to Richard Pitino and the Musketeers, his agent Nate Conley told Rivals.
The 6-foot-6 rising senior out of Wellington Sports Academy (FL) considered Baylor, Maryland, NC State, and Tennessee as his other finalists.
Kerr is ranked as the No. 62 overall recruit in the 2027 class and the No. 16 ranked small forward, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, an average of all three major recruiting media companies (Rivals, ESPN, 247Sports).
This summer on the Nike EYBL Circuit, Kerr averaged 15.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while playing with Team United.
More on Markus Kerr
Rivals National Recruiting Analyst Jamie Shaw has evaluated Kerr for a significant period of time. Here is what he recently had to say about his game:
You really have to lock in on Markus Kerr to understand his value. Over the past 18-plus months, he has never been the top option on his team; however, his ability to consistently find his role within the team construct and thrive has been so intriguing to watch. At Brewster (NH) Academy last season, he played more of an energetic four-man role, not having much run for him, but still able to average 13.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals while shooting around 48-percent from the field. This summer, with the Team United program on Nike’s EYBL Circuit, Kerr played more of a hybrid-forward role, alongside two top-five ranked players, and worked his way into 15.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 47-percent shooting from the field.
Then you find him with Garner Road in the Adidas 3SSB Championships, and you see Kerr in more of an on-the-ball role. His 3.0 assists per game were second on the team, and given his new spot on the roster, he came off the bench to also average 10.1 points. No matter the situation or the role, Kerr has always found a way to produce and make winning-type plays. A two-way player who is 6-foot-6, with explosive burst and ball skills; there is a lot of intrigue still left in the tank.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Todd Golden’s third raise in as many years will make him the second-highest paid basketball coach in the Southeastern Conference.
The 40-year-old Florida coach signed a one-year extension earlier this month that increased the total value of his deal to $49.5 million. It averages $8.25 million annually and keeps him under contract through the 2031-32 season.
Golden’s salary for next season jumps from $6 million to $7.5 million. He’s due a $300,000 raise annually, with the contract culminating at $9 million in its final year. Only Kansas’ Bill Self, UConn’s Dan Hurley and Arkansas’ John Calipari are slated to make more than Golden next season. New North Carolina coach Michael Malone also will make $7.5 million this season.
Golden’s deal is nearly fully guaranteed. Florida would owe him 85% of the remaining value if the school fired him without cause at any point.
Golden’s buyout to leave Gainesville starts at $16 million next season and drops annually: $13 million in 2027-28; $5 million in 2028-29; $3 million in 2029-30; $2 million in 2030-31; and $1 million in 2031-32.
However, Golden can leave for the NBA at a much lower price. His NBA buyout begins at $3 million next season and drops to $2 million (2027-29) and then $1 million in 2029-30.
Included in Golden’s annual compensation is a $500,000 annual longevity incentive and a $100,000 annual expense account. In addition to that, he gets 30 hours of free use of the university athletic association’s jet and other fringe benefits (cars, tickets, travel, etc.) valued at $62,000.
He would earn a $100,000 bonus for winning the SEC regular-season championship, a $50,000 bonus for winning the SEC Tournament, a $100,000 bonus for making the NCAA Tournament and a $50,000 bonus for every NCAA Tournament victory.
He also would get an additional $100,000 if his team’s academic progress rate reaches 965.
The Gators made it clear in May that they wanted to get another deal done with their brightest coaching star, and the sides had most of the details worked out months ago. The finishing touches were finalized this month, weeks before the start of fall practice.
Golden’s raise also makes him the highest-paid coach on Florida’s campus; first-year Florida football coach Jon Sumrall’s six-year contract averages $7.45 million annually.
Golden has done plenty to earn his latest payday. He is 103-41 (.715) in four seasons in Gainesville, including a 36-4 mark in 2024-25 while leading the Gators to the program’s third national title.
And Florida is the betting favorite to win it all again this season. Golden returns nearly 82% of his team’s scoring from last season, most notably front-line stars Rueben Chinyelu, Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh.
Golden joined Florida in 2022 after three seasons at San Francisco. He got his first contract extension after Year 2, signing a deal that bumped his annual salary to $4.1 million. He signed another one last year that raised his salary to $6 million.
New Hearts striker JJ Williams says he was ready to "run through a wall" for his new team-mates after watching them secure Conference League football until Christmas in dramatic fashion.
The American watched Wednesday's penalty shootout victory over Rapid Vienna from his hotel room after completing his move to the Tynecastle club from Rhode Island.
The 25-year-old was particularly impressed by goalkeeper Beau Reus and Calvin Miller, who battled through cramp before scoring his penalty in the shootout.
"I watched it in my hotel room and you talk about, I felt like a kid again because I was jumping on the bed," Williams said.
"The saves that Beau made at the end, but the performance and the absolute shift that the guys put in. Calvin was cramping everywhere possible and he was still running at 120 minutes and then steps up and smashes a penalty in the back of the net.
"You talk about a performance to watch for the first game, seeing as a signed player, I was ready to run through a wall for those guys, so it was good."
Williams has been on Hearts' radar for more than a year and arrives after playing in the United States. He will go straight into the squad for Saturday's Scottish Premiership meeting with St Johnstone and is relishing the prospect of playing in front of a packed Tynecastle.
"It was giving me goosebumps while I was there in an empty stadium," he said. "So, I can't even imagine whenever it's packed. I'm super excited.
"There are ups and downs along the way. It wasn't a straight path for me to get here.
"But I can tell you, because of all those ups and downs, you want it so much more now that I've landed in this spot."
After landing in sixth place on the top-20 defensemen in the NHL right now list, the Montreal Canadiens defenseman has made another NHL top-15 assists list for the last season. The puck-moving defenseman lands at number eight with a play that goes beyond the counter-attacking pass he made to sniper Cole Caufield.
This superb stretch pass from Lane Hutson clocks in at No. 8 on our list of the top assists of the season! 🍎 pic.twitter.com/Cd9gWpzgmv
In a home game against the Nashville Predators in which the Habs were trailing 2-1, coach Martin St-Louis had pulled his netminder Jakub Dobes for an extra attacker. Jonathan Marchessault had an empty net to shoot at, but Hutson made the save, and for a split second, it looked like he thought, “Ouch, that hurts,” but then his mind instantly shifted to attacking mode. It’s a perfect example of how Hutson will do anything to help his team win. If you need him to defend, he will; if you need him to make a save or a good first pass, he can do it too; and if he needs to do it all at the same time, he will.
He spotted Caufield racing his way to the Preds' territory, fed him the puck, and the winger came down the wing at full speed, beating Juuse Saros with a wrist shot down low to tie the game. The sniper would go on to score the game-winning goal in overtime at 4:57, showing just how clutch he can be.
That game-tying goal certainly won’t be the last one we see Caufield and Hutson score and orchestrate; both players will be with the Canadiens for a long time and play important roles for the organization. And one day, sooner or later, the American pair will make their way onto Team USA. The Americans might have won gold at the Milano Cortina Olympics, but had it not been for Connor Hellebuyck’s clutch performance, the result could have been very different. At the end of the day, goals are needed to win a hockey game, not just grit.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 20: Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley smiles as he speaks to the media during a New York Giants and Miami Dolphins joint practice at the Miami Dolphins Training Camp on August 20 2026, at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Phinsider Mailbag is back to answer your questions ahead of the Miami Dolphins’ Preseason Week 3 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Tonight’s game is the last chance for roster bubble players to show the coaches they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster. It is also the last tune up the Dolphins get before they head into the regular season and start playing games that actually matter.
This week, we asked for your questions and you responded. You asked questions about Miami’s backup quarterback, the importance of preseason results, and the ghost of Joe Philbin hanging over the team. It is time to get into the answers. As we did last week, Marek Brave and I had a round table like discussion to bring you our thoughts to your questions.
MB: I’m on record as saying that I don’t believe Miami’s QB2 is currently on the team’s roster. Quinn Ewers has been abysmal outside of Mike McDaniel’s offense — and he wasn’t all that good in that offense either. Cam Miller has gotten slightly better as the preseason has progressed, but he’s got a long way to go. Jon-Eric Sullivan needs to be scouring the waiver wire after cut-down day this Sunday.
KN: I think I am in the “show-me” crowd. Ewers is the backup until the team makes a move. Do I think they will make a move? I am probably 50/50 on that. If this team were in “win-now” mode, I would absolutely be screaming that they have to address the position as soon as possible, but since this team is looking toward the future, rather than a Super Bowl run this year, I do not know if Ewers being the backup actually matters. If the Dolphins are relying on Ewers for any stretch this year, they probably are in the market for a new quarterback in 2027 and an earlier draft choice might be a better option. I want this team to win now, and I am never going to be someone who advocates for a “tank” season, but I also think the Dolphins have to be smart about how they use their already limited salary cap space, and I am not sure a move at quarterback is the one I would make.
MB: I don’t give any importance to them at all.
KN: Absolutely agree.
MB: We’ve seen Miami’s starting offense for a single drive this preseason, and they scored a touchdown. Does that mean the Dolphins will be an offensive juggernaut this season? Umm… no. But, I think Malik Willis will be an impressive player, the team will show heart and fight each week, we’ll find out we have the right head coach and GM moving forward, we’ll be happy with our rookie class and we’ll earn the right to have some hope heading into the 2027 season. If you’re expecting much more than that from this team this season, you are probably setting your expectations too high.
KN: I do not think head coach Jeff Hafley has put any time into preparing for the specific games Miami has played this summer. He is more concerned with the players on the roster and their individual and group performance. Even when the Dolphins are getting trounced, the individual player responsibilities and performances are what Hafley is trying to see. Do I want to feel better about the team because they won this weekend? Of course. But I do not think Hafley and the rest of the coaching staff are looking at the scoreboard at all. And, like the question said, everything that happened in these three games will be forgotten as soon as Week 1 starts.
KN: We as fans live and die by the week when it comes to the Dolphins. This year for the Dolphins, the weekly results do not matter. They need to grow. Are they looking like a better team in Week 18 than the one that took the field in Week 1? That is the true measure. This team is pieced together with rookies, new free agents, and younger players seeing extended playing time for the first time; they will need time to get everyone on the same page. I expect rookie mistakes – even out of the veterans – early in the season because they are still growing together. I want to see those cleaned up throughout the year and a more competitive product on the field late in the year.
MB: Jeff Hafley has said himself that wins and losses won’t be the measure of success for Miami this season, so it shouldn’t be for Malik Willis either. Hafley wants to see leadership from the QB position. I think Willis has already shown a high level of leadership through the way he speaks with the media, in addition to the way he has taken accountability for getting the offense on the right page during practices and team meetings. Also, I’m a believer in all three rookie wide receivers, so to say there’s a lack of receiving talent without letting those guys attempt to prove themselves in meaningful games is a bit premature for me.
KN: I skipped over that part, but you are right. There is a ton of potential talent on the roster for Miami this year. You do not select 13 players in a single draft and not come away with potential talent. We as fans have to be content with letting them have the time to develop and blossom. We all want immediate results and we are ready to call a player a bust the first time we see him get beaten on the field. This year has to be about patience. The wide receivers have the potential to be stars. Maybe we should let them turn the potential talent into talent.
MB: I think he’s more of a practice squad candidate for my money. He’s an intriguing player and someone you want to keep around for sure, but I don’t know if he’s ready to be a primary backup just yet. Maybe he makes the team initially to keep him off of the waiver wire through the first round of claims, but I’m not so sure he’s on the main roster once the regular season kicks off.
KN: I am probably a bit higher on Mulbah than you are. I think he does have a shot at making the roster. He is right on the bubble for me – though in today’s 53-man roster projection, I have him on the wrong side of the cut line. I agree he is a practice squad option, especially since I think he is battling Matthew Butler for one roster spot. But, if he plays well tonight, I could see Miami looking for a way to keep him on the roster.
MB: Whoa, whoa, whoa… Calm down. In my opinion, Hafley and Philbin couldn’t be any more different. Don’t judge the new head coach on a mostly meaningless preseason game. The Dolphins lack depth. That’s because the Dolphins lack money. Their highest paid player will be playing AGAINST them in tonight’s preseason finale. Let’s give the new guy a bit of a grace period before we start comparing him to Mr. Queasy himself — this is a rebuild after all.
KN: I am so glad you answered this question first. The only comparison between the two is Green Bay. I have not seen or heard of Hafley walking around at practice picking up trash. Just based on personality alone, I think Hafley seems more like a head coach than Philbin ever did. I also go back to, I do not think Hafley had any interest in trying to scheme to win that game. I think the coaches knew what they wanted to see from the players on the field, and they called the game to get that film, not to win the game. The play calling, player packages, and formations will be different when the games matter. But, like you said, this is a rebuild. The coaches and front office know they are here to clean up a roster and a salary cap that had gotten out of control. There will be growing pains this year, and there will be times when the Dolphins simply cannot matchup to the opponent, but that is the nature of a rebuild.
The FBI has arrested and charged two men, one of whom posed as a San Francisco 49ers player, for scamming at least 26 women out of more than $1.3 million. The alleged scam took place across four states – California, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.
Daejon Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, were arrested by federal authorities on Aug. 24 at the Boise Airport in Boise, Idaho, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY Sports. Love has been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The documents allege the duo has engaged in the scheme since Feb. 2022.
Love posed as a 49ers player while courting victims, primarily meeting middle-class women in their 20s and 30s through online through dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Facebook Dating. He claimed to be a wide receiver for the team, as well as a wealthy real estate developer and investor from Switzerland.
Chan played the role of Love's financial advisor.
"Love convinced many of his victims that they were in sincere romantic relationships with him and that he was financially savvy and successful to gain their trust," an affidavit obtained by USA TODAY Sports read. "Love advertised nonexistent investments, which Love claimed would generate massive returns, to his victims.
"Victims sent Love and his co-conspirator, Taylor Jamie Chan, money believing they would invest the money in legitimate investments on the victims’ behalf. Some victims also loaned Love large amounts of money believing Love would easily pay the money back."
Fraud plot included posing in San Francisco 49ers gears
Love kept up that persona on social media, posting pictures of himself in 49ers gear and even wearing the team's helmet. He claimed to sign with the Niners because they "offered me the most money" and "they in hunt of winning the Super Bowl every season."
Love also claimed to attend all home games, practices and team meetings with the 49ers in addition to receiving his signing bonus.
In an effort to show some evidence of his investing prowess, Love posted fake screenshots of his bank account balance to show over $30 million in his account.
"In at least one instance, Love falsely claimed that since he began investing with Chan, Love increased his net worth from $300,000 to $17 million in a matter of a few years," the affidavit read.
For those that didn't have money to invest, the alleged fraudsters assisted their victims in taking out personal loans. Once they ran out of money or began asking too many questions, Love would cut them off and keep the money.
Investigators allege that Love used various names during the scheme including: Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love.
After interviewing representatives from the 49ers and the NFL, investigators were able to confirm that Love was never employed by the team or the league.
In a press release Monday, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate unveiled its full 50-game season for 2026-27.
Long Island starts its season on Friday, November. 6 against the Greensboro Swarm, and plays two more games on the road before its home opener on Friday, November 13 against the College Park Skyhawks.
The official schedule also confirms that LI will head back to Canada for the third straight season, as Vice President of Business Operations Morgan Taylor first told us exclusively.
Long Island will play a total of four “home” games at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. Their first slate will be against cross-country rivals, the Raptors 905 on Janiary. 8 and 9 before returning in March against the Noblesville Boom, the Pacers affiliate, on March 4 and 7.
The Nets have played to sellout crowds in the Montreal suburb six times in the past two years. Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment is unabashed about building a fanbase in French-speaking Canada and Long Island’s new head coach, Shawn Swords is a French-speaking Canadian.
So far, Long Island has filled few roster spots for the season. Their training camp opens at the end of October. Brooklyn has so far filled two of three two-way packages with forwards Chaney Johnson and Tyler Bilodeau, the UCLA product they took with the 43rd pick.
They also signed Nick Pringle, a 6’9” Arkansas forward-center to an Exibit 10 deal, meaning he too will be spending time in Uniondale. In addition, there was a report overnight in Chinese media that Grant Nelson, who played for Brooklyn and Long Island last year, has agreed to a training camp contract but there is no commitment beyond that to the 24-year-old 7-footer who’s been troubled by patellar tendonitis aka shooter’s knee. Attempts at confirming the report with the Nets failed.
Long Island also took Tidjiane Dioumassi, a 6’4” shooting guard in the G League’s international draft earlier this month.
Overall, the Nets will play 20 of their 24 home games at Nassau Coliseum, with the remaining 24 on the road, including two contests at the annual NBA G League Winter Showcase in Orlando during early December.
Once again, Long Island will have multiple season-long promotions. Headlining the promotions is “Nets Value Nights” every Monday, Wednesday and Friday home game, which accounts for 10 of the team’s 20 games at the Coliseum and features $5 concession specials.
Furthermore, students can also purchase $10 tickets in Section 19 of the Coliseum through the team’s Student Section program, which is available to all college students and fans with a valid .edu email address.
The full 2026-27 schedule can be found at longislandnets.com. Tickets for all Long Island Nets home games at Nassau Coliseum are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
In its press release, the organization notes more information about ticket memberships and group experiences, contact info@longislandnets.com, call 934.948.2546, or visit longislandnets.com.
The Indiana Fever look to complete the season sweep of the Connecticut Sun when the teams meet for the third and final time of 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, Aug. 28.
Connecticut’s “Sunset Season” has been one to forget, and Caitlin Clark will take full advantage of the visiting team’s poor defense as the Fever win in blowout fashion.
Read on in my free WNBA picks & Sun vs. Fever predictions to see why I’m taking Clark and Co. to cover a massive spread and why I’m climbing the ladder on a plus-money combo line for the superstar guard.
Sun vs Fever prediction
Sun vs Fever best bet: Caitlin Clark to Record a Double-Double +121
Caitlin Clark has been more productive at Gainbridge Fieldhouse than any other location this season, averaging 23.9 points, 9.1 assists and 3.6 rebounds at home compared to 20.4 points, 7.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds on the road.
Clark has 12 double-doubles, reaching that milestone in eight of 17 home games but just four of 18 road games.
Clark’s 31 double-doubles are the 9th-most in the WNBA since she joined the league in 2024.
I price this one at +110, making it a profitable value at +121.
COVERS INTEL:Improved production at home isn’t a new trend for Clark. She’s recorded a double-double in 35.2% of her 88 career games, reaching that mark in 42% of home games but just 27.9% of road games.
Sun vs Fever same-game parlay
This is a monster spread, but the team disparity warrants it. The Indiana Fever lead the league with 96.6 ppg, while the Connecticut Sun are dead last at 78.8. Connecticut is 3-8 ATS as a double-digit dog, and the Fever won the last meeting 123-88 at home. Play to 19.5.
Indiana sports the league’s best Offensive Rating at home (116.9), and Connecticut’s 10th-ranked defense will have a tough time getting stops. Blowouts offer a clear Under risk, but the Fever’s offense is so potent that it can propel this line to 179+ points. Play to 179.5.
The odds are long here for a great reason — triple-doubles are hard to come by in the WNBA. Only eight players in league history have recorded multiple, and only four players have recorded 4+.
Clark is a member of the elite second group, and she ranks third all time with four triple-doubles. She reached that mark in only 88 games, becoming the fastest player in history to do so.
Clark is a strong bet to record a double-double with points and assists, but rebounds will be the deciding factor. Over the last two games, Connecticut has surrendered the third-most boards to opposing guards, and with Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aliyah Boston banged up, more opportunities will be available on the glass.
Returning home after five games on the road and jockeying for playoff position, I expect Clark to be at her best, so I’ll take a shot on this lottery-ticket prop.
Zak Hanshew's 2026 Transparency Record
Best bet:31-36, -7.91 units
SGP:7-60, -23 units
Player prop:17-24, -9.05 units
Sun vs Fever odds
Spread: Sun +17.5 | Fever -17.5
Moneyline: Sun +1100 | Fever -2100
Over/Under: Over 178.5 | Under 178.5
Sun vs Fever trend
Indiana has won and covered in both matchups with Connecticut this season. Find more WNBA betting trends.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Brandon Staley is heading into his second season as the Saints' defensive coordinator, but his previous experience as an NFL head coach has him thinking about what a second chance in that spot might look like.
Staley earned a reputation for being ultra-aggressive while going 19-15 in his first two seasons as the head coach of the Chargers, but the weight of some of those decisions misfiring and a blown 27-point lead against the Jaguars in the playoffs put him on the hot seat when the 2023 season started badly. The Chargers wound up firing him after Week 15 and Staley spent the 2024 season with the 49ers before joining Kellen Moore in New Orleans.
Staley said "as tough and impossible as it was at the end" of his time with the Chargers, he feels he has to use them the right way to grow as a coach. He shared what he thinks he would do differently if given another opportunity to run a team.
“I would have a lot more poise and composure in terms of knowing when to push and when to pull,” Staley said, via Jeff Howe of TheAthletic.com. “I was trying to push it, and I was trying to get us there as fast as we could. When you have more experience, you know when to do both of those things. You just have a better feel and understanding, and that’s in all aspects of being a leader. That’s why the next time, I just have so much more experience now — I didn’t have any back then. I could have done a better job. I know for a fact I would do a better job just with more turns at it, living through more — little decisions and big decisions.”
There's high hopes for the Saints heading into this season thanks to a strong finish to last year after handing the offensive reins to quarterback Tyler Shough. If Staley's defense can help push the team even further this fall, he could get a chance to expand on his new coaching philosophies with teams looking for a new head coach.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 26: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres is tagged out at the home by Rafael Flores Jr. #43 of the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at Petco Park on August 26, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Diego Padres desperately needed a win to get back their momentum. After sweeping the Minnesota Twins, they were on the verge of being swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates thanks to an uncharacteristically quiet offense. That offense returned just enough to edge out the Buccos and stave off the sweep.
What was more impressive was the pitching staff’s ability to navigate themselves out of some difficult jams. After starter Randy Vásquez pitched three perfect innings, he ran into trouble in the fourth, loading the bases on a single and two walks. With two outs, Vásquez struck out Nick Gonzales to end the trouble.
Then, in the sixth, Kyle Hart allowed the first two batters to reach before inducing a lineout from Bryan Reynolds. In almost any other world, Reynolds’ lineout would have been a hit. Instead, Jake Cronenworth dove and caught the ball, keeping the Pirates off the board. Hart got the final two outs to end the inning.
In the seventh, Griffin Canning walked the first batter and hit the next before striking out Rafael Flores Jr. Yuki Matsui took over and gave up a single to load the bases. He struck out the next two batters. In the eighth, Bradgley Rodriguez gave up back-to-back singles before striking out the next two batters and ending the inning on a forceout.
All in all, Pittsburgh went a ridiculous 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position, but got blanked by the Friars. It was an incredible performance that (though quite long to regale here) deserves a full explanation in order to appreciate it.
Taking the mound
Shane McClanahan (TB) v. Casey Mize (SD)
McClanahan has stormed back into the league after his Tommy John surgery in 2023. When he was rehabbing his way back, he suffered a freak nerve injury that kept him out for the 2025 season as well. That pushed his return to this year, and he has been fabulous. McClanahan has been a major part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ stellar starting rotation.
The lefty has surged back, with a 3.10 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across 107 1/3 innings. It’s not otherworldly numbers, but for a guy who hasn’t pitched in two calendar years, it’s a fantastic comeback story. McClanahan has been even better lately, with a 2.67 ERA in his last seven starts. Hopefully the Friars will be able to turn their offense around and string some hits together.
Mize is expected to make his scheduled start after twisting his ankle on the dugout steps during his last outing. That forced him to exit his start early, but everyone in the organization felt confident that it wouldn’t affect him too much. That remains to be seen, but it seems like San Diego dodged a bullet on that front.
The righty has been fantastic this season, splitting time between the Detroit Tigers and the Padres. Since being traded to the Friars, Mize has looked electric. He’s one of the most consistent staters in the game and has looked just as good in the brown and gold. All eyes will be on Mize as he pitches his first outing since his ankle injury.
Batter up!
The lineup has been quiet lately, scoring just six runs against the Pirates after scoring 21 versus the Twins. They’ll need to regain their previous form in order to best Tampa Bay, who has been one of the best teams in baseball this season. Their rotation is lethal, and could easily sweep San Diego if the Padres aren’t careful.
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Manny Machado, DH
Ty France, 1B
Jackson Merrill, CF
Luis Campusano, C
Luis Rengifo, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Dustin Harris, LF
After a tough stretch. Merrill won the Friars the game on Wednesday afternoon. The center fielder went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and a walk. It was a resurgent performance it what has been a two-faced second half for the Padres’ young star. San Diego will need this version of Merrill in order to get where they want to go.
Relief corps
With the off day on Thursday, the Padres should have everybody available to pitch in the series opener against Tampa Bay. That said, they used plenty of arms in the series finale against Pittsburgh, so some will be used ahead of others. Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, David Morgan and Wandy Peralta will be readily available to pitch once Mize departs.
Morgan was just called up to San Diego on Wednesday to replace Jeremiah Estrada on the roster. Estrada was sent to the injured list for the third time this season as he continues to struggle through the year. Morgan hasn’t looked great in Triple-A (5.79 ERA, 18.2 IP), but he was fantastic in his most recent stretch with the team, authoring a 2.08 ERA in his last seven big-league appearances.
Jalon Daniels will start tonight’s preseason finale against Jacksonville and will play the first half and possibly into the third quarter, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
The Bucs are giving the undrafted rookie from Kansas a chance to win the backup job to Baker Mayfield.
Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak will follow Daniels tonight.
Daniels rallied the Bucs to come-from-behind wins against the Jets and Chiefs the past two weeks, and in two weeks, he is 19-of-20 for 182 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. He also has rushed for a score.
Daniels took the majority of reps during the Bucs' seven-on-seven period after Mayfield today, per Stroud.
OXNARD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 18: Spencer Rattler #2 of the New Orleans Saints throws during joint practice against the Dallas Cowboys at River Ridge Playing Fields on August 18, 2026 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New Orleans Saints face the Dallas Cowboys in the final game of the 2026 NFL Preseason. This game is Kellen Moore’s final chance to evaluate talent to round out the 2026 roster, so don’t expect any starters to play any type of significant time. The certified starters, who have their roster spots locked up, will likely not see any time on the field today as the Saints should be expected to protect their stars for the regular season opener on September 13th.
The Saints will need to use today’s game to decide who will ultimately round out the Week One roster as the regular season is finally upon us. Here’s to a safe game for both teams, and here’s to the end of another Saints preseason.
Here are your links to follow all of today’s preseason action:
Game time:
Friday, August 28th – 5:00pm PST / 7:00pm CST / 8:00pm EST
Location:
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
Weather Forecast:
80º – Clear (Retractable roof likely to be closed)
After a long off-season, Vancouver Canucks hockey is almost back. Vancouver will kick off its 2026 training camp in a few weeks, once again hosted in Penticton. This year's event will take place from September 17-20 and will include the annual blue vs. white scrimmage.
Fans who want to attend training camp can buy tickets at
ValleyFirstTix.com. As per the Canucks press release, "tickets for Thursday, Friday and Sunday practices will be $10.00. Fans can purchase tickets for Super Saturday's scrimmage for $20.00. A select number of Full Training Camp Packages, featuring tickets to all four days through the event, will also be available for $30.00."
Vancouver's training camp will take place at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Doors are scheduled to open every day at 9:00 am PT. As per the press release, there will also be "a Q & A with select members of the team's leadership group."
Apr 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; The Vancouver Canucks celebrate their victory against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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