I wish Enes Kanter Freedom did not take the bait from Chicago Sky’s Natasha Cloud.
During a game last week against the Indiana Fever, she shouted vulgar comments at the former NBA player, who was sitting in the crowd behind the basket.
Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) yells at Turkish-American former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom during the second half against the Indiana Fever at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He chirped back and showed off his massive wingspan and his T-shirt, emblazoned with the definition of the word “woman” (“adult human. female”).
Kanter Freedom was booted — and promptly became the story.
Critics have said that he’s using the protect women’s sportsmovement for clout. But some are using him to rewrite history.
Former basketball player Enes Kanter Freedom and Natasha Cloud of the Chicago Sky yelled at one another during a Fever Sky matchup. Though Cloud started the interaction, Kanter Freedom was booted. Getty Images
That’s ironic because, just a few sentences later, Brewer excluded all the women who are fighting this very battle.
“If the trans athlete debate were an organic, fully woman-led controversy, it could have prompted meaningful conversation, empathy in the pursuit of solutions and thoughtful measures taken after an extended process,” he wrote.
Either he been living under a rock or he’s willfully ignorant. My money is on the latter.
From the start, this has been an “organic, fully women-led” movement. Unfortunately, the ladies who have stuck their necks out haven’t been met with “empathy” or “meaningful conversation.”
In his column for The Athletic, Jerry Brewer ridiculously argues that if only the “trans athlete debate were an organic, fully women-led controversy” it would be treated thoughtfully.
They’ve been berated, dismissed and called transphobic.
It’s easier for the hypocritical be-kind brigade to call these women names instead of dealing with biological reality that shatters their bizarre progressive ideology.
Just ask the four high-school girls from Connecticut who, in 2020, after suddenly being smoked on the track by two boys identifying as girls, filed a lawsuit saying the boys’ participation was a Title IX violation.
It was tossed before being revived on appeals three years later.
Washington teen Ahnaleigh Wilson (left), who was bested in track by a male athlete, was berated by Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton for holding a sign thanking Sophie Cunningham for standing up for girls. Arwen Becker/ Instagram
Then came Riley Gaines, who was forced to compete against and change in a locker room with UPenn’s Lia Thomas. She came out against the obvious farce and was immediately slammed as a bigot and harassed by a mob of activists at San Francisco University.
On an episode of “Real Time with Bill Maher,” then-Congresswoman Katie Porter said Gaines was doing it for the “likes and clicks.”
To this day, the 12-time All-American is mocked by critics as a bitter loser.
Jennifer Sey, a former Levi’s executive and US gymnast who founded the activewear company XX XY, has also been called a right-wing grifter for speaking up for girls.
Paula Scanlan, a former teammate of Lia Thomas at the University of Pennsylvania, accused the university of silencing student athletes who had concerns about Thomas’ presence on the women’s swim team. Twitter / Matt Walsh
In February, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham was asked about males in women’s sports by an ESPN reporter. Her very compassionate and common-sense comments about protecting women’s sports led to her being called — say it with me now — a transphobe.
When this all started, many of these women tied themselves into knots to explain that they love trans people but biological differences are real. And in sports, that matters.
But no amount of throat-clearing saved them from being attacked by activists screaming that “trans women are women” and, therefore, entitled to women’s spaces.
Many, many people quietly agree with Cunningham and Scanlan and Gaines. But they see what happens to people who raise their voice.
Does Brewer know about the middle-school girls in West Virginia who were banned from competition after protesting a male participant? Has he heard about the Vermont high-school basketball team punished for forfeiting a game against a school with a male on the team? How about marathoner Natalie Daniels, who was harassed and kicked out of her running club after criticizing the Boston Marathon for allowing males who identify as women to compete in the female category?
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham spoke out for fairness — saying she is against males in women’s sports. Getty Images
He should read up on Washington high schoolers Francis Staudt and Ahnaleigh Wilson.
Staudt faced harassment for sitting out a hoops match against a team with a male player. Wilson, who was beaten in track by a biological male, found herself berated at a Seattle Storm game by co-owner Celeste Keaton after she dared to hold up a sign thanking Cunningham.
“Our decision to speak up has been costly,” they wrote for The Hill this week. “We have been called hateful, transphobic, bigots and bullies. We have both been harassed online and in person.”
There are far too many brave chicks to count. In fact, at many points in this debate, I have asked: Where are the dudes? Why won’t they help?
This has always been an organic fight from women. Brewer, like many in sports media, just didn’t want to listen.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 11: Danny Striggow #92 of the Jacksonville Jaguars practices during training camp at Miller Electric Center on August 11, 2026 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) | Getty Images
NFL Training camp is about two third over as the teams will play their final Preseason games this weekend prior to to the deadline for teams to cut down to their final 53-man roster on August 30th. Team will sign players to their practice squads beginning September 1st, and then teams will have about a week and a half of practice before their week one games. Below we update what has happened since our last update and edit our percentages for whether we think players will make a 53-man roster, a practice quad, or be on the outside looking in.
Arizona Cardinals
Jamison Geers—TE
Geers was injured in the Cardinals second preseason game and was placed on injured reserve. It’s possible he could receive an injury settlement and be waived and become a free agent, but if that does not happen he will spend the entire season on Arizona’s injured reserve list. Either way his chance of making any kind of roster for 2026 is gone.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 2% 0%
Percent Chance to make a practice squad: 20% 0%
Jack Gibbons-LB
Gibbons did not play in Preseason game #2 for Arizona along with most other starters giving the sign that his spot on the roster is guaranteed and they will save him for the regular season. He should find a good role in the middle of the Cardinals defense that will have a tough task week in and week out.
Biber started camp with his hometown Packers but was cut a week in. Last week he was signed by the Browns, but likely is only a camp body. He will see action on the third preseason game for the Browns vs the Patriots on Thursday night, but is guaranteed to be cut by the weekend.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 0%
Percent Chance to make a practice squad: 2%
Chicago Bears
Terell Smith—CB
Smith missed the first week and a half of Bears camp with an undisclosed injury, but did return to action late last week. He has not played in either of the first two preseason games for Chicago, so their third and final one at Tennessee on Saturday will be one to watch. Luckily for Smith the rest of the Bears secondary is banged up as well, so his chances of still making the roster are better than if everyone else is healthy. But it will be an uphill climb and reports find him in a three-way battle for one spot along with a brief one-time Minnesota teammate in Beanie Bishop. It’s gonna come down to the wire.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 85% 33%
Percent Chance to make a practice squad: 75%
Cincinnati Bengals
Boye Mafe—DE
Mafe did not play in the Bengals second preseason game and is being sat to be ready for the season. He’s a lock.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 100%
Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Johnson—WR
Johnson remains in a fight for one of the last wideouts on the Cowboys roster. In preseason game #2 he was in action along with players he is fighting for a spot against like Camden Brown and Jonathan Mingo. He didn’t looks great with only two receptions for 3 yards. Does he still have a chance to make the team, yes. Is it a good one? No.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 5%10%
Brevin Span-Ford—TE
Span-Ford sat out in Preseason week 2 and reports from camp have been glowing on the second year player. He’s safe on this roster as either TE2 or TE3.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 98%100%
Green Bay Packers
Benjamin St. Juste—CB
St. Juste has flirted with a starting role for the Pcakers in a preseason before getting slightly banged up with a hamstring injury in their second preseason game. All reports do not make it seem serious and he will be good to go when the season starts. What his role will be in the limited Packers secondary is uncertain, but he will have one.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 80%98%
Houston Texans
Aireontae Ersery—OT
Ersery is done for preseason action and will start at LT for the Texans in Week 1.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 100%
Indianapolis Colts
Justin Walley—CB
Walley is working his way back and did not play in Preseason Game #2 for Indy a sign that his roster spot is guaranteed. His exact role is yet to be determined but he will make his NFL debut in week one for the Colts.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 100%
Jacksonville Jaguars
Eric Murray—S
Murray was inactive for Preseason Week 2 and will likely start at safety for the Jags in Week 1.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 100%
Daniel Faalele—OG
Well so much for following his former head coach to NYC and playing alongside JMS once more. After the first preseason game the Giants didn’t love where Faalele stood so they traded him to the Jags for a 6th round pick. He now brings some depth to a very young Jacksonville OL where he likely will be a swing guard. It will be interesting to see if he sticks though. Most Jacksonville media does not have him making the squad, but instead being one of the final cuts. If that’s the case he also could easily be picked up off of waivers by another team as finding someone with four years of NFL OL starting experience is not always easy. But until cut day, Faalele sits squarely on the bubble.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 99% 50%
Danny Striggow—DE
Striggow saw action playing 11 defensive snaps in the second preseason game for the Jags and looked good against the run but did not do much in pass rush situations. He will make the final Jags roster and will be in a fight for playing time to see if he is the first DL off the bench.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 97% 99%
Las Vegas Raiders
Cody Lindenberg—LB
Lindenberg got the start at MLB for the Raiders in Preseason game #2 and was up and down but make several tackles. He looks to have earned to support of the coaching staff in the off-season and likely has a backup LB spot locked up.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 85%97%
Miami Dolphins
Jai’Onte’ McMillan—CB
McMillan signed with the Colts as a UDFA this past spring and was waived just 2 weeks into camp. He signed late last week with the Dolphins who needed to replace his former teammate in Ethan Robinson after his injury. McMillen is likely a camp body and will be cut, but could end up on someone’s practice said at some point this season.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 2% 0%
Percent Chance to make a practice squad: 25% 15%
Minnesota Vikings
Max Brosmer—QB
Brosmer has seen action as the QB4 for the Vikings in the preseason and seems he will be the odd man out unless the Vikings figure out some way to get significant trade value out of JJ McCarthy. He played in the second half of Minnesota’s week 2 preseason game, going 11/17 for 98 yards with an interception. He likely will play a majority of the third game in Denver on Friday night, but will likely be cut. Will a different team snap him up before the Vikings can add him to the practice squad? It’s possible but not likely, so would expect Brosmer to end up on the Vikings practice squad.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 4%
Percent Chance to make a practice squad: 90%
Blake Cashman—LB
Cashman sat out week 2 and will do the same Friday. He’s gonna start for the Vikings until he gets hurt.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 100%
New Orleans Saints
Jordan Howden—S
Howden played early in the week 2 preseason game before being pulled out. If he doesn’t play in Week 3 at Dallas on Friday, he should be a roster lock. He’s likely safe to earn a backup safety spot unless the Saints find someone on waivers after the initial cuts they like better.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster:80% 90%
New York Giants
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 99%
John-Micheal Schmitz—C
JMS is the Giants starting center. He returned to action after missing the early part of camp with a concussion, but he will start Week one for the Big Blue.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 100%
Tyler Nubin—S
Nubin played week in the week 2 preseason game with 17 snaps, three tackles and a pass breakup. He is on the roster for sure, and probably has the inside edge at a starting spot.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 100%
Pittsburgh Steelers
Kyler Baugh-DT
Baugh is pretty much a depth body at this point and is not discussed at all as an actual roster player. The biggest question is if h gets a practice squad slot or not.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 2% 0%
Percent Chance to make a practice squad: 75% 50%
Jack Henderson-S
Henderson has had a decent camp, but doesn’t really have a chance to make the active roster. He is a decent practice squad candidate though as he has played multiple roles.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 4% 2%
Percent Chance to make a practice squad: 75%
Esezi Otomewo—DT
Otomewo is in a dog fight for the last DL spot on the Steelers roster. Unfortunately for him 6th round rookie Gabe Rubio from Notre Dame has impressed and seems to have the inside track on the final spot. Never say never, but it’s likely Esezi is on the wrong side of the cut line come this weekend.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 50%25%
Seattle Seahawks
Deven Eastern—DT
It’s not been a good start to Eastern’s NFL career. After starting camp on the PUP list he has been active the last few weeks but only played seven snaps in the Week 2 preseason game and is behind a lot of bodies in the chase for a roster spot. If he really impresses in the Week 3 game that might set him up for a practice squad slot, but there is just as good a chance he becomes the next Jah Joyner and is gone from the league as quickly as he appeared.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 20% 2%
Percent Chance to make a practice squad: 85% 50%
Nick Kallerup—TE
Kallerup is going to come down to the bubble. If Seattle keeps four tight ends on the roster, he will be there. If they decide to keep only three, he likely is the last man cut and ends up on the practice squad. His chances were helped when fullback Robbie Ouzts suffered a neck injury and is out for the season. Kallerup seemed to fill that role in practice, but it will come down to whether Seattle feels they can keep four TE’s on the roster or need the spot elsewhere.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 70% 50%
Percent Chance to make a practice squad: 90% 97%
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ko Kieft-TE
Kieft caught a pair of passes for four yards and a TD in Preseason game two for Tampa. He’s a fan favorite and does his job including being a beast on special teams. He should be on the final roster.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 95%98%
Antoine Winfield, JR—S
Winfield obviously will start at safety. No worries here.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 100%
Free Agents:
Le’ Meke Brockington—WR
Brockington signed as a UDFA with the Falcons, and was injured in camp and was waived with an injury settlement. He is a free agent, but with his undisclosed injury his chance of getting picked up by someone is virtually zero.
Percent Chance to make a 53-man roster or Practice Squad: 0%
Ethan Robinson—CB
Robinson spent most of the 2025 season on the Dolphins practice squad before being called up to the main roster at the end of the season. He was injured in Dolphins camp a week ago and this week was waived with an injury settlement making him a free agent. He will not be picked up for an active roster, but if his injury is not too serious he could be a guy who gets added to a practice squad later in the season after injuries happen to other teams.
Percent Chance to make the 53-man roster: 15% 0&
Percent Chance to make a practice squad: 85% 20%
Tyler Cooper—OG
Cooper signed with Washington in January after ending the season on their practice squad. Unfortunately he was cut just a week into camp after the Commanders signed Stephon Diggs to play wide out. He didn’t catch on with anyone else so he will need to hope someone calls after some injuries later in the season.
Percent Chance to make a 53-man roster or Practice Squad: 0%
UConn football made waves on Wednesday by revealing a new red alternate jersey. It’ll be the first time any team at the school has ever worn a uniform with red as the primary color.
Reviews have been mixed online. Some people love them — the players certainly reacted positively in a video posted by the team — but those who don’t have been vocal in their displeasure. That same split occurred among The UConn Blog’s hierarchy with Dan Madigan supporting the new look and Daniel Connolly among the opposition.
Let’s embrace debate.
Initial thoughts
Connolly: I’d rather have a team go bold and fail when designing a jersey or uniform than do something that’s safe but boring. UConn absolutely went bold with red jerseys, which I can respect. I’m just not sure I like them. As someone who’s been clamoring for an alternate jersey for years, I was thrilled when the team teased such on social media earlier in the week. But when I saw the reveal, I was immediately disappointed. It just doesn’t look like a UConn jersey. I’m willing to reserve judgement until I see them on the field in game action, but I’m giving them a thumbs-down for now.
Madigan: When UConn teased this reveal earlier in the week, I told our blog chat with Dan and Aman Kidwai that I would love to see a red jersey, but I was convinced that this would be the light/powder blue uniform they teased last April Fool’s Day. I was pretty surprised to actually see the red jersey on socials on Wednesday, but I like the look. This uniform template of the past few years is quite literally as boring as it gets — there’s no piping, striping or accents anywhere — so it’s a lot of red and it’s certainly bold. It’s definitely not a subtle way to introduce the color, but I think it will look much better in real life on the Rentschler Field grass. I still wish there was more going on with these UConn uniforms overall, but I am all for this red look, and I think it will look great if they ever pair it with navy helmets and navy pants.
Connolly: My favorite color is red — anyone who knows me even a little is well-aware of that. Having said that, I don’t think UConn should use it as a primary look. I think it’s great as a secondary or tertiary color — the women’s soccer team’s jerseys from the Rachel Hill era remains a favorite of mine — on a uniform that’s mostly national flag blue or white. Again, maybe this football jersey will grow on me when I see it in action and I’ll want more teams to adopt red uniforms. But I just don’t think UConn when I see that much red.
Madigan: Jim Penders may disagree, as the UConn baseball coach famously loves his Huskies in national flag blue and white, but I think red should be involved. I wouldn’t mind seeing more red jerseys in other sports, especially basketball and hockey. It’s part of the color palette, so it’s fair game in my opinion. UConn football has worn gray before (famously in its big win over Houston in 2015) and the men’s basketball team has (rather infamously under Dan Hurley) worn gray and black. The women’s team used to rock pretty sweet gray uniforms at the XL Center and crisp whites at Gampel. The precedence is there to mix it up, and I think more red would be a great modern look for all of the teams.
Side note: There is not a more perfect UConn uniform than the women’s soccer one Dan mentioned. It’s a very clean look, and the red really ties it all together.
UConn football needs a uniform overhaul
Connolly: This is something we can certainly agree on. UConn football needs a new look. In fact, that’s been the case for a long, long time.
The Huskies’ current set isn’t bad, it’s just boring. It’s not very fun to play with UConn on EA Sports’ College Football video game franchise because the uniform options are so limited. There’s only so many times you can mix-and-match the color of the helmet and pants. These are at least a slight upgrade, though. The previous uniforms were both bad and boring. They looked like the first option that comes up in create-a-team.
But isn’t college football supposed to be fun? That’s what defines it from the NFL — the history, the pageantry, the tradition, the different styles of play. The sport’s popularity is centered on being more entertaining outside the lines than its professional counterpart. UConn’s uniforms should reflect that.
Madigan: UConn football was a punchline for the past few years before Jim Mora came in and got things relatively back on track. While there is a lot more success in the team’s 20-plus years at the FBS level than the national media is willing to give them credit for, the Huskies are not a college football institution like the likes of Michigan, Alabama and Penn State — three schools with history but also very plain uniforms. There’s no reason for UConn to have such a plain base uniform template. I think the school got so put off by the reaction to the Bob Diaco-era helmets that they played things ultra boring and safe. It’s time to mix it up a little! Even a freshened-up return to the jerseys from the first few seasons in FBS would be a massive step up.
Free ideas
Madigan: I would love to see UConn lean into its past and use the aforementioned early-FBS era jerseys, but updated with red instead of silver/gray. As much as I love the block C, I would love to see the wishbone “C” or bubble script UConn make an appearance on a helmet at some point too. If you’re going to have such a boring uniform, you might as well have some cool helmets, and there is a pretty good historical backlog to pick from.
I wouldn’t mind some more off the wall uniform ideas either. Lean into the Rentschler/East Hartford/Pratt & Whitney connection and throw some jets on some helmets and jerseys. Or loop in the Avery Point campus too and put some nearby submarines on there. Could be a nice tribute for Veteran’s Day, if it is done right. UConn could lean into its agriculture roots and do a cow theme. Ever since Utah State did a cow out at their basketball game, I feel like it could work on a uniform. I imagine it could be a tough sell for the linemen though.
As boring as UConn’s current uniforms are, I do love that the team can theoretically mix and match them in any combination and it all can look pretty good. Now they just need to release the light blue jerseys for real!
Connolly: In an idea world, UConn would have four uniforms: Standard national flag blue home and white aways (where the helmets and pants can be mixed and matched), an alternate jersey (if we’re doing something other than blue and white, I would’ve preferred light blue over red) and a throwback. There’s so much room for creativity there.
UConn has also used a lot of alternative helmet decals over the last few years. It should continue to lean into that and feature a different logo every game. Roll out the standard Husky logo or Block C, but why not throw Hook C on a helmet — if hockey can put it on a jersey, football can use it on a helmet — or the script UConn word mark, or the interlocking UC logo used by the men’s basketball team for years. Why not think outside the box, too? Use the academic logo with the oak leaves. Make a helmet that resembles Gampel’s roof. Do something involving the Dairy Bar. Have a local artist create a design involving an iconic buildings on campus like Wilbur Cross, the water towers or the Jonathan statue (similar to when Navy had hand-painted ships on their helmets for the Army-Navy Game).
It’s not the easiest time to be a college sports fan. Why not use the uniforms as a way to connect with the fanbase and community?
So yes, this is a long way of saying UConn should absolutely slap the derpy Jonathan logo on a uniform.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 20: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 20, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees have actually looked pretty good — bullpen aside — in this series against the Astros, and again if not for that bullpen should probably be playing for the sweep tonight. Still, a series win over a division leader is never something to turn down, and that’s exactly what New York has the chance to do tonight in the finale of this three-game set.
Gerrit Cole gets the ball in the Bronx, looking to continue what’s been a very strong if abbreviated campaign, especially for a 35-year-old. He’d be on a 4.5-win pace if he was playing a full season, and hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in a start since July 22nd against the Pirates. In those subsequent five outings he’s failed to pitch six full innings just once, a 5.2 IP effort at the start of the month. This is significantly better than we could have hoped for coming off of Tommy John surgery at his age, and he always seems to bring a little extra facing his former club.
Former Yankee farmhand Hayden Wesneski is also in the midst of a return from TJS, but it hasn’t gone quite so smoothly for the righty. He doesn’t strike many men out, just 19.5 percent, but he does keep the ball in the yard which has helped keep his FIP 0.6 runs lower than his ERA. A 6.1-percent HR/FB rate is going to jump eventually though, and the Yankees have found their power stroke recently. Some of that lefty power we’ve seen this week could make it a long night but a short outing for Wes.
The Yankee lineup is unchanged from the previous two nights, presenting seven of nine hitters that will bat lefty against Wesneski. The offense seems to be getting itself into a groove, so if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
HENDERSON, NEVADA - JULY 29: Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks to pass during the first practice of the team's training camp at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on July 29, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Las Vegas Raiders close out the preseason when they host the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night at 5 p.m. PT.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 21: Drew Allar #16 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the preseason game against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on August 21, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Just one more game until the regular season…
The Steelers will kick off their third preseason game of the year at 7 p.m. EST Thursday in Buffalo against the Bills.
Like every Steelers preseason game this year, the game will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network and NFL+, as well as locally on KDKA-TV (CBS). You can view the full list of viewing and listening options here on Steelers.com.
Starters normally don’t get much playing time in Week 3 of the preseason, but with the Steelers getting a list of names including Jalen Ramsey and DK Metcalf back in practice this week, some prominent names still might see the field to knock some rust off. Also, expect rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor to finally get some preseason playing time at right tackle.
On the Bills’ side of things, Pro Football Talk reported some starters are expected to play, but not quarterback Josh Allen — who could end up calling some plays instead.
Make sure to stay caught up on the latest Steelers news here at BTSC this preseason:
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 10: Hayden Wesneski #39 of the Houston Astros pitches against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on August 10, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (66-67) and New York Yankees (75-57) will play their final regular season game tonight at Yankee Stadium.
RHP Hayden Wesneski (3-1, 4.23 ERA) will start for the Astros vs. Yankees RHP Gerrit Cole (7-6, 3.11 ERA).
First-Timer: Wesneski, who was drafted by the Yankees in the 6th round of the 2019 Draft, will be facing his former organization for the 1st time tonight. It is also his 1st career app. at Yankee Stadium.
ASTROS-YANKEES: The Astros are 2-3 vs. NYY this season, with the Yankees taking 2 of 3 at Daikin Park, April 24-26. In their last visit to the Bronx, the Astros took 2 of 3 from the Yankees, Aug. 8-10 of 2025.
All-Time: In the regular season, the Astros are 38-55 vs. NYY.
Postseason: The Astros have won all 4 postseason series that they have played vs. the Yankees (2015, ‘17, ‘19, ‘22) and have a combined record of 13-5 (.722) in those games.
NY STATE OF MIND: Tonight is the 3rd game of a 6-game road trip for the Astros, with all 6 games being scheduled in the Big Apple. After this 3-games series vs. the Yankees in the Bronx (Tues.-Thur.), the Astros will take on the Mets for a 3-game series at Citi Field in Queens over the weekend (Fri.-Sun).
Last Time It Happened: The Astros had a similar road trip in NYC, June 23-29 of 2022, during which they played 4 games at Yankee Stadium (2-2) and 2 games at Citi Field (2-0), respectively.
BIG WES: Tonight will be RHP Hayden Wesneski 6th start of the season for the Astros. He re-joined the Astros rotation on July 29 at LAA after missing 14 months while recovering from Tommy John surgery. In his most recent start on Aug. 21 vs. ATH, he had his best outing of the season, allowing just 1 hit over 5.0 scoreless innings, earning the win in a 4-0 Astros victory. Wesneski has pitched through 5th inning in 4 of his 5 starts and through the 6th inning in 2 of them.
Local Product: A Houston native, Wesneski attended Cy Fair High School as well as Sam Houston St. He was acquired from the Cubs along with Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith in exchange for Kyle Tucker, Dec. 13, 2024.
LAST NIGHT’S RECAP: The Astros dropped the 2nd game of this series in the Bronx last night, 9-3. The score was tied at 3-3 going into the bottom of the 7th inning until the Yanks rallied for 4 runs in that 7th and 2 more in the 8th. RHP Peter Lambert had ND, but was solid (5.2 IP, 2 ER). Daulton Varsho had a good night, going 2×4 with a HR and double.
UP TO THE CHALLENGE: Astros hitters are tied with the Yankees and Reds for the most successful ABS challenges in the Majors, all with 84. The Astros 55% success rate is T-1st in the AL and T-3rd in the Majors. Among players, Jose Altuve’s 20 successful challenges are T-1st in the AL.
MEASURING UP: The Astros are 24-14 (.632) vs. teams currently at .500 or above. Some clubs that they have winning records against include BOS (5-1), CHC (3-0), CWS (2-1), CLE (4-2), MIA (3-0), and TB (2-1). HOU is 9-4 vs. TEX, who are in 2nd place in the AL West.
ON THE OFFENSIVE: Among AL teams, the Astros rank T-1st in SLG (.412), 3rd in HR (177) and runs scored (608) and 4th in OPS (.730).
TRIPLE THREAT:Yordan Alvarez, who is a solid candidate for the AL MVP Award, currently leads the AL in several categories, including all three Triple Crown categories. He enters tonight leading the AL in batting avg. (.322) and HR (36) and T-1st in RBI (91). Additionally, Alvarez also leads the Majors in OPS (1.051), SLG (.614), OBP (.437) and TB (290).
Rare Feat: Since Carl Yastrzemski won the AL Triple Crown in 1967, there has been just one Triple Crown winner in the Majors, Miguel Cabrera in 2012 (AL).
SLOW AND STEADY RECOVERY: Since starting the season with a 20-31 record after 51 games, the Astros are 46-36 (.561) in their last 82 games (since May 22)…. That is the 2nd-best record in the AL in that span, behind only the Red Sox (51-33).
ROAD WARRIORS: Since posting a 1-9 record on the 1st road trip of the 2026 season, the Astros have been one of the best road teams in the Majors. They are 32-23 (.582) on the road since April 14, which is 3rd-best in the AL in that span. More recently, they are 16-11 (.592) on their last 5 road trips combined (includes current trip). Overall for the season, HOU is 33-32 on the road.
THE HIT MAN: Jose Altuve enters tonight’s game needing just 10 hits to reach 2,500 for his career. Among active players, his 1,490 hits rank 2nd to Freddie Freeman’s 2,578.
IN GOOD COMPANY: In MLB history, Altuve is one of just 3 players with a .300 career batting avg. to reach both 250 HR and 300 SB. The other 2 are HOFers Willie Mays and Derek Jeter.
WALK OF FAME: Yordan Alvarez’ ML-high 28 intentional walks this season are a franchise record. Jeff Bagwell had held the club record with 27 IBB in 1997. Alvarez was intentionally walked 3 times on Sunday vs. ATH (has drawn no walks vs. the Yankees in 5 games thus far this season).
ROOKIE LEVEL AWARDS/ALL-STARS: Today, Minor League Baseball announced their Rookie Level League Awards and All-Star Teams. 19-year-old Astros RHP Adrian Ardines was named both FCL Pitcher of the Year and as an All-Star after posting a 5-1 record with a 3.42 ERA in 12 G (8 GS) with a 1.08 WHIP and 56 K’s in 52.2 IP. He also had a CG shutout. Astros C/1B Luis DeLeon was also named to the FCL All-Star team after his stellar season in which he hit .390 (46X118) with a 1.041 OPS (482 OBP/.559 SLG). DeLeon is also 19 years old.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2023 – The Astros tie a franchise record by tallying 25 hits in a 17-4 thrashing of the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Jeremy Peña leads the way with a career-high 5 hits. Overall, the Astros compiled 4 doubles, a triple and 4 HR.
2006 – In a 13-1 shelling at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Willy Taveras hits safely in his 30th straight game, which is a club record that still stands today. Taveras wasted no time in extending his record streak, singling to lead off the game.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Thursday, August 27, 6:05 p.m. CT
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; KTRH 740 AM; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 22: Cleveland Browns quarterback Taylen Green (15) warms up prior to the National Football League preseason game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on August 22, 2026, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Cleveland Browns are playing their final preseason game tonight against the New England Patriots on Amazon Prime. The main drama is out of the way: Deshaun Watson will start the regular season, with Shedeur Sanders as the backup. None of the starters are expected to play in this final preseason game.
However, this is the last chance for some of those bubble players or practice squad candidates to make an impression. The most intriguing thing about this preseason game is the chance to see rookie QB Taylen Green in action. QB Dillon Gabriel will start the game, with a chance to improve his trade stock, and then Green should follow.
This season, we’re going to be having one game thread for the entire game, so this will be your home to discuss the game for all four quarters!
VS.
Game: New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns Date/Time: Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET Location: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH National Television: Amazon Prime (Al Michaels & Kirk Herbstreit) Local Television: WEWS (Channel 5.1) Local Radio: ESPN 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 FM WNCX
The Cincinnati Bengals front office went all in this offseason to rebuild the defense as quickly as possible going into 2026.
The Bengals traded for Dexter Lawrence and also brought in multiple free agents like Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, Jonathan Allen, and others.
Cook is an exciting addition after playing college football for the Bearcats and winning multiple Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Cook has been dealing with a minor hamstring injury the past few weeks but is back in action now as the final week of preseason approaches.
“I’m buzzing with a lot of excitement right now,” Cook said.
"I'm buzzing with a lot of excitement right now."
Two straight days of work now for Bryan Cook after dealing with a hamstring injury. He can't wait for week one and told us he's "ready to go."#Bengals@FOX19pic.twitter.com/OwKzkiu3lx
When asked about preparing for Week 1, Cook had some fun comments.
“It feels phenomenal. I am looking forward to it, especially as a hometown kid. I’m ready for that first chance to actually put on the uniform.”
Cook comes in with fantastic experience and leadership, something that the Bengals defense has desperately lacked since the departure of Jessie Bates a few years ago.
Having Cook running the show in the secondary should drastically improve a defense that was the worst I have ever seen.
Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh was not happy about a hit levied on Wan'Dale Robinson by former Titans safety Xavier Woods during joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Thursday, Aug. 27.
Saleh had a brief reaction when asked about Woods' hit on Robinson – which occurred while the veteran receiver was trying to make a catch over the middle of the field – following practice.
Members of the Titans immediately sprang to Robinson's defense following Woods' hit. That led to a shoving match between the two teams on the field, and several players eventually had to be separated by staffers.
Robinson was eventually able to get up and walk off the field under his own power despite the hit. However, the 25-year-old receiver was evaluated for a head concussion and did not return to practice because of it.
"We're checking Wan'Dale for a concussion," Saleh said.
Robinson spent the first four years of his career with the New York Giants before joining the Titans on a four-year, $70 million free-agent contract. The 26-year-old played under Brian Daboll, who the Titans hired to be their offensive coordinator during the offseason, across his four seasons with the Giants.
Robinson is coming off a career-best 1,014 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 92 catches. He is expected to be a high-volume safety valve for second-year quarterback Cam Ward.
If Robinson is sidelined for any amount of time by his injury, rookie Carnell Tate and veteran Calvin Ridley would be expected to see a majority of the snaps at receiver. More playing time would also be available for second-year wide-outs Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike.
Robinson has played in 48 of a possible 51 games over the last three seasons. He missed one game at the end of the 2025 season because of fractured ribs while he missed the first two games of the 2023 campaign while continuing to recover from a torn ACL.
Robinson played just six games as a rookie in 2022 because of a couple of knee injuries, including the ACL tear.
Week 3 of the preseason is treating Atlanta like a full-blown dress rehearsal, which is why we're riding them hard in our Falcons vs. Dolphins picks.
Atlanta rolls into Friday as 61% favorites at Kalshi over Miami, and they should steamroll right through the -3.5 spread. Smash the Falcons, lock in the value, and cash the check before kickoff.
Let's dive into my NFL picks and build our bankroll before the regular season begins.
Falcons vs Dolphins prediction
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TOP PICK
Who will win Falcons vs Dolphins: Falcons -3.5
Kalshi probability: 52%
Kevin Stefanski said that the Atlanta Falcons starters will get their reps in Week 3 as a regular-season dress rehearsal, though Tua Tagovailoa is slated to play the first quarter against his old team.
Behind him, Cooper Rush and Jake Strand will see playing time. The duo combined for 298 yards after going 22 of 28 passing — they might see 300-plus in this matchup.
Meanwhile, Jeff Hafley confirmed Quinn Ewers will see heavy action, and the Miami Dolphins' lack of depth is a concern — making the Falcons the safer pick.
Falcons vs Dolphins Over/Under pick: Under 36.5
Kalshi probability: 53%
The lack of depth on the Dolphins is alarming — as is its inability to move the ball through two weeks; there's a chance that unit doesn't find the end zone after putting up just 10 points through two games.
I see this being mostly one-sided, with Rush doing most of the damage for the Falcons.
The Under is 3-1 between these two teams as the preseason finale approaches, and we shouldn't have an issue seeing a fourth hit.
It'll be a perfect night for football in Miami, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures reaching 87 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather should have no impact before or during the game.
How to watch Falcons vs Dolphins
Location
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Date
Friday, Aug.28, 2026
Kickoff
7 p.m. ET
TV
WAGA, WFOR
Falcons vs Dolphins latest injuries
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.
The Tampa City Council voted 4-3 Thursday morning to approve the city's $80 million share of a $2.36 billion Rays ballpark, sending the deal to Hillsborough County Commission on Friday.
The team, which returns to Tropicana Field after a long road trip on Friday, is holding up its end of the marketing plan for the stadium. They have the best record in the American League at 79-54 and a division lead that has shrunk from six games to 3½ in two weeks. By first pitch against the Padres, they may finally know where they'll be playing in 2029.
The vote took all day with vociferous and colorful public comment and some contentious comments between council members.
The structure that was voted on was rebuilt by Council Member Bill Carlson, who is running for mayor, and who had been a no vote on previous agreements. In that deal, Tampa is responsible for $80 million and it was earmarked for building roads and sidewalks around the ballpark. The city expects to earn it back through property taxes on the private development the Rays say they will build alongside the stadium.
The county commissioners' vote is a whole other obstacle for the Rays to get over. They approved a non-binding version 5-2 in May and now two of the yes votes have wobbled.
This is the fourth ballpark the Rays have announced and they have yet to break ground.
In 2007 the team proposed a waterfront park in St. Petersburg and withdrew it after residents revolted. In 2018 there was a roughly $900 million plan to put a ballpark in Ybor City, Tampa's historic Cuban neighborhood. That fell apart that same year when the Rays and Hillsborough County couldn't reach a financing deal.
In 2024, the Rays proposed a $1.3 billion ballpark inside a $6.5 billion redevelopment of the historic district next to the current ballpark, Tropicana Field. St. Petersburg's council approved $290 million in bonds in December 2024. Pinellas County approved $312.5 million. The Rays put up billboards with the slogan "Here to stay." The team abandoned the project on March 13, 2025.
The current plan was tagged with the logo "Forever Home," and comes under new ownership. Stu Sternberg sold controlling interest in the team to a group headed by Patrick Zalupski, a politically-connected Jacksonville businessman.
The history is a reminder that even a clean sweep this week isn't a guarantee that the Rays will be christening their new home in April 2029, but it's an important step.
On Thursday, Aug. 27, the Dream announced that they signed the two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star to a rest-of-season contract. ESPN and The Athletic reported that Bonner's deal is worth the prorated max of $116,000. Atlanta waived guards Aaliyah Nye and Jaylyn Sherrod in corresponding moves. Sherrod, who joined the team on June 29, was signed to a developmental contract.
The new Atlanta forward joins the team in her 17th season. Her arrival comes on the heels of a buyout after 37 games (including 26 starts) with the Phoenix Mercury, where she averaged 10.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. During her career, Bonner has spent time with the Mercury, Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever, averaging 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game for her career.
She won championships with Phoenix in 2009 and 2014 and is the only player in league history to win Sixth Player of the Year three times. The 39-year-old is currently third on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list (8,200) and is just one of three players in league history to reach at least 7,000 points, 3,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists.
"It's been super exciting. I was really excited to have her here. She's probably been trying to get here for a couple of years now, and finally (her) being here when I'm here is really cool. She's kinda been like a big sister to me while I've been in this league, always checking in," Dream forward Angel Reese said.
Reese gleefully told media on-site Thursday that Bonner is a "fashion girlie" and into a lot of things that she is, and she looks forward to the fun relationship the pair will build in Atlanta. However, the Dream star also mentioned that Bonner will only make the team, which hopes to win a title this season, better.
"I think (she brings) the veteran leadership first. She's a two-time champion. So, that also helps as well. Knowing what it takes to be a champion. Me, also, for my first time going into the playoffs, understanding what it's gonna look like for me," Reese said. "But also just being able to see her versatility on the court. She's played three, played the four, played the two. She can do it all. She also plays well defensively, too. So I just think (she) brings more size, more length, and I'm sure she's excited to come here and be here, too."
Bonner was not on-site Thursday, but Atlanta general manager Dan Padover said she is expected to join the team on Friday, Aug. 28 following a physical and more logistical items she needs to complete. She will then likely attend Atlanta's Friday evening matchup at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, as a spectator against the Portland Fire. Atlanta, which has already secured a spot in the playoffs, will let Bonner practice first and then determine when she will make her Dream debut.
The team only has two matchups (Friday vs. the Fire and Sunday, Aug. 30 against the Minnesota Lynx) before the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup break. When the World Cup ends, the Dream will only have four regular-season games remaining, beginning Sept. 17, before the postseason begins. Padover noted that the break comes at a good time because it will give Bonner a chance to get up to speed and then begin the postseason push.
"(We're) really just fortunate that (Bonner) even became available, and we think we're in a spot where, adding a player of (Bonner's) caliber, experience, and obviously, the way she plays the game, is really complementary to our group right now," Padover said.
"As you're gearing up for the postseason, anything to help you get that final push can really go a long way, and we felt (Bonner would) be a good addition this time of year."
Bonner brings a wealth of knowledge and postseason experience to Atlanta. She has appeared in 98 career playoff games, averaging 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per matchup. The 6-foot-4 forward is also the league's all-time postseason rebounds leader (668) and ranks second in WNBA playoff history in points (1,291) and steals (116).
"We've had a strong nucleus here (in Atlanta). A lot of players have that have been here for a little while, and we've had an ability to sprinkle some pieces in throughout. And a lot of our group is young, so when you have an opportunity here to bring in some veteran presence, I think you can really help these players grow and help our team get more competitive," Padover said.
Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox both scored fifties as England recovered from a top-order collapse against Pakistan to reach 248-9 when bad light ended Thursday’s opening day of the second Test at Lord’s — as a heated diplomatic incident hit the match.
A.J. Ewing – CF Francisco Lindor – SS Carson Benge – RF Luis Robert – LF Jared Young – 1B Marcus Semien – 2B Brett Baty – 3B Christopher Morel – DH Francisco Alvarez – C
SP: Sean Manaea – LHP
Brewers lineup
Jackson Chourio – LF Luis Lara – CF William Contreras – DH Andrew Vaughn – 1B Gary Sanchez – C Joey Ortiz – 3B Sal Frelick – RF Cooper Pratt – SS David Hamilton – 2B
SP: J. Misiorowski – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 7:10 PM ET TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
