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  • Mets Notes: Bullpen dominant again, Brett Baty playing like an everyday player

    Mets Notes: Bullpen dominant again, Brett Baty playing like an everyday player


    After the Mets' 8-5 win over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night at Wrigley Field, manager Carlos Mendoza and players spoke about the bullpen and Brett Baty's performance…

    Mets bullpen continues to come up clutch

    Mets starters have not given the bullpen any breaks for most of the season, but although length has not been had, the relievers have come up clutch of late.

    In Thursday's win over the Cubs, Nolan McLean could only give the Mets 5.1 innings and the bullpen had to get the final 11 outs. Similar to Tuesday's win, the bullpen was dominant, not allowing a run over the final 3.2 innings that they had to pitch. Going up against a high-powered offense like the Cubs was no easy task and the bullpen was up for the challenge.

    "They’ve been through ups and downs, but they were able to bounce back," Mendoza said. "We’ve been asking a lot of them…We’re going to continue to rely on those guys. They know where we’re at. They know where we’re at and they’ll continue to ask for the baseball."

    Brett Baty playing like an everyday player

    Arguably, the biggest hit of the night came off the bat of Brett Baty. With the team up 3-0, Baty took southpaw Shota Imanaga deep for a three-run shot that gave the Mets a six-run cushion that they would not relinquish. 

    The three-run blast proved to be the difference on Thursday, but it wasn't just the offense that impressed Mendoza. In the third, Baty made a nifty barehanded play that helped McLean finish the inning. 

    "It’s pretty impressive," Mendoza said of Baty's growth this season. "It hasn’t been easy for him, but he feels like he’s an everyday player at this level. The defense at third, defense at second base, but some of the left-on-left at-bats, like what we saw today. Confident player now, having good results, playing with joy and with confidence."

    Baty went 2-for-4 with that three-run blast on Thursday and is now hitting .289 with an OBP of .333 and slugging .533 over his last 15 games. But it's his numbers against left-handers that's pretty impressive. He's slashing .247/.301/.377with an OPS of .678, which isn't that much lower than when he takes on right-handers.

    "I think just hanging in there, not trying to do too much with them," Baty said of his success against lefties of late. "And really just trying to stay on the slider [of Imanaga] there."

     

    Francisco Lindor joins 30-30 club

    Lindor joined the offensive barrage with a solo shot, his 30th of the season.

    The blast allowed the Mets shortstop to reach 30 homers and 30 stolen bases this year, the second time he's done it in his career. The milestone had more significance when looking at the entire 2025 Mets team. He and Juan Soto are just the third pair of teammates to have 30-30 seasons at the same time, joining Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks of the 1996 Rockies and Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry of the 1987 Mets. 

    It's also the first time in franchise history that three players have had 30 home runs in the same season, joining Soto and Pete Alonso.

    "Pretty impressive. Not easy to do," Mendoza said. "Elite players, guys at the top of the lineup all year. Lindor today reaching 30 homers to go along with 30 stolen bases is pretty impressive. Goes to show the type of players we have here and they’ve been caring us the whole year. They’ll continue to lean on those guys and they will step up."

    Lindor didn't make too much of his milestone but chose to praise Soto and Alonso for being the best at what they do.

    "I’m blessed to be around good teammates, good people who are elite and at the top of what they do," Lindor said. 





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  • How Cincinnati Reds make MLB playoffs in final series

    How Cincinnati Reds make MLB playoffs in final series


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    • The Cincinnati Reds enter the final three games of the season one game behind the New York Mets who own the final National League wild card playoff position.
    • The Reds hold the tiebreaker over the New York Mets and would earn the final playoff spot should the two teams tie at the end of the season.
    • The Reds have lost 13 consecutive series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

    An hour or two after their dramatic win over the Pirates in the final home game of the season, the Cincinnati Reds found out who they would play in the first round of the playoffs when the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Arizona to clinch the National League West title.

    Now all they have to do is erase a one-game deficit in the next three days to beat out the New York Mets for the league’s final berth to earn their flight to Los Angeles.

    Reds Pirates NL wild card Noelvi Marte How Cincinnati Reds’ Noelvi Marte made leap in July that led to catch of playoff race

    Reds Pirates NL wild card The Reds pulled out a win vs. the Pirates. Here’s where the playoff race stands

    Reds Pirates Watch Noelvi Marte catch Watch Noelvi Marte’s incredible game-winning catch as Reds top Pirates

    This is where nearly six months of ebbs, flows, ups, downs, debuts, departures, trades, aches, pains, thrills and hard knocks have led this team in its first year under manager Terry Francona.

    In Milwaukee. With a chance. On the final weekend of the season.

    They trail the Mets by one game, but they own the tiebreaker in every remaining possible two- and three-way tie scenario as they take the field Sept. 26.

    That means they have three days to swing one game and they’re in – with the Diamondbacks trailing the Reds by a game and needing a near miracle to make up two games on both teams in front of them (again, a tie for the final berth with Arizona puts the Reds in the playoffs).

    The only added hurdle for the Reds is the opponent is a Brewers team they haven’t beaten in a series in more than three years.

    They’ve lost 13 consecutive series against their white whale of Wisconsin and 32 of their past 42 games against the Brewers.

    “It’s exactly what we want,” Reds first baseman Spencer Steer said. “They’ve had our number for the last couple years. If we go in there and beat them, that would be pretty big for us. I’m excited for the opportunity.”

    How the three-team race stacks up for the third NL wild-card berth with each team’s remaining three-game series:

    • New York Mets (82-77) – at Miami (77-82)
    • Cincinnati Reds (81-78) – at Milwaukee (96-63)
    • Arizona Diamondbacks (80-79) – at San Diego (87-72)

    As the Reds headed out from their final homestand of the season, they had no way of knowing whether they would be returning home for good after three days or moving on to the west coast for a first-round of the playoffs — and possibly even Philadelphia after that for the first two games of a Division Series round.

    They would not have a home playoff game until Game 3 of the Division Series if they make it that far.

    Pack for 10 days? Three?

    “I would say that this would be a very good test to see who believes,” Francona said. “Because if we see people with like 10 underwear, they believe. If you see people with two, might wanna filter them out.”



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  • Lakers coach JJ Redick hasn’t decided on starting lineup yet

    Lakers coach JJ Redick hasn’t decided on starting lineup yet


    Conventional wisdom seems to say that the Los Angeles Lakers‘ starting lineup this season will consist of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at guard, LeBron James and Rui Hachimura at the forward spots and Deandre Ayton at the 5.

    However, there has been some debate about what would be the best starting five for the Lakers. Some feel that newcomer Marcus Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, should start, and that Hachimura or even Reaves should be reassigned to the bench to make room for Smart.

    At a press conference on Thursday, head coach JJ Redick said he hasn’t decided on a starting lineup yet and that he feels he has as many as eight players who are good enough to start.

    Via ESPN:

    “It’s not that important to me,” Redick said when asked about the starters. “I haven’t spent a ton of time thinking about it. We certainly have a number of players — seven or eight starter-level players in the NBA. I do know this: I did say that last year. And that starting lineup started eight games together to start the season, and we started 24 lineups throughout the year.

    “Not going to spend too much time banging my head against the wall on that before we have a practice.”

    Another starting-level player the Lakers have who is new to the team is forward Jake LaRavia. He established himself as a deadly 3-point shooter and a promising defender last season, and Redick spoke highly of him on Thursday.

    Media day for the Lakers will be this Monday, Sept. 29. Their first preseason game will take place four days later against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert, Calif.





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  • Marvin Harrison Jr.’s struggles continue, as he drops a pass that is intercepted

    Marvin Harrison Jr.’s struggles continue, as he drops a pass that is intercepted


    Last week Marvin Harrison Jr. had a bad drop. He was wide open downfield, Kyler Murray delivered a good pass and Harrison simply had it go through his arms.

    At least that one hit the ground and was incomplete.

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    Harrison’s struggles early in his second season were on full display for a big audience that turned in for Thursday night’s game, and a big mistake became a turnover. The Arizona Cardinals receiver had a perfect pass hit him right in the hands over the middle of the field, but it bounced off his hands and when he tried to gather it, the ball caromed in the air and right to Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV for an interception.

    Harrison was supposed to be a transcendent player coming out of Ohio State. He was viewed as one of the top receiver prospects in a long time, and was taken fourth in the NFL Draft after three quarterbacks went off the board. It has not worked out anywhere close to how he or the Cardinals had hoped.

    Harrison had an uneven rookie season, but was still good enough that bigger things were expected his second season. He had a solid opener but then had just 71 yards in Arizona’s next two games, everyone saw his embarrassing drop against the 49ers, and then he had the drop on Thursday night that led to an interception. Before that, Harrison and Murray had a big miscommunication that led to Darnold throwing to nobody on the right side as Harrison continued to run upfield.

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    Harrison’s struggles are becoming such an issue that on the Amazon Prime Video pregame show, former NFL tight end Tony Gonzalez said he talked to Harrison about his own issues with drops his second season.

    It’s far too early to consider Harrison a bust. But his lack of production and mistakes are overshadowing any production he has had.



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  • For October Success, Padres need to end ‘Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ offensive production

    For October Success, Padres need to end ‘Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ offensive production


    The 2025 San Diego Padres’ offense has developed two distinct personas, much like the fictional characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Why such a wide range of discrepancy from a team heading to the postseason? Let’s identify what is and what is not good offensive baseball, because the latter is not conducive to October success.

    Hello Dr. Jekyll, so glad to see you

    Dr. Jekyll represents an offense that can score runs in bunches with timely hitting. No deficit is insurmountable as the bats are ready to put up a big inning and claim the lead.

    The Padres are at their best when they’re punching runs across the plate by taking advantage of the opponents’ misfortunes. The lineup is having good at-bats and putting the pressure on the pitcher to become perfect and limit the damage.

    Mr. Hyde embodies what is bad about the Friars’ offense. The bats are incapable of putting two hits together, as runners are left stranded on base with nothing to show for their effort on the scoreboard. The fans feel helpless with no hope in sight.

    The Friar Faithful have seen enough offensive futility to last a lifetime this season. Often, the crowds exit Petco Park befuddled by what they witnessed.

    Padres’ trouble converting with RISP

    The biggest problem area has been the lineup’s inability to plate runners in scoring position. The team is hitting .258 with RISP, which ranks 12th in the majors this season. The average is an improvement from last season’s final number. However, those same inconsistencies from a year ago creep back into prominence when the bats go silent.

    The Friar Faithful know when things are going badly at the plate. The lineup struggles to score runs despite hitting several pitches with authority. Often, potential scoring rallies end with a strikeout, deep fly ball caught at the warning track, or hard-hit ground ball for a double play to end the threat.

    The Padres cannot afford to go through another stretch of missed scoring opportunities. If so, then their offseason vacation plans will begin earlier than expected.

    Lack of power hurts in close games

    Another problem area for the Friars has been their record in extra-inning games (0-10) and one-run contests (3-9). The lack of power hitting late in close games has contributed to the poor record.

    The Friars’ power numbers have significantly dropped from last season’s totals. Currently, the team is ranked 27th in the majors. Struggling to hit the ball out of the ballpark or for an extra-base hit makes it difficult to win close games or extra-inning affairs.

    To be successful in the postseason, the Padres must become more aggressive at the plate. However, it is hard to string multiple hits against the top bullpens in baseball today. Most teams rely on one big swing to change the momentum of playoff games in their favor.

    For their sake, the Friars are not good enough to expect their power supply to carry them through the postseason. Thus, the offense must be as potent as possible heading into October baseball.

    Anyone can shine under the bright lights of October baseball

    In the postseason, it does not matter who becomes productive at the plate. Often, someone emerges from the shadows and takes the opportunity to shine in the moment. The result is a memorable playoff performance. Each player in the Friars lineup can seize this moment and win a game with their bat.

    Major League Baseball is a results-based business. October baseball offers no time for excuses. A crushing defeat feels like a day in the dentist’s chair. Teams need to have short memories to turn their fate around.

    The 2025 Padres offense has shown flashes of brilliance, but it has several flaws that could impact postseason success. All you need to do is outscore your opponent by one run to win the game.

    The task will not be easy, but do not count out the Friars.



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  • Oregon’s Dan Lanning has poor take on Penn State whiteout

    Oregon’s Dan Lanning has poor take on Penn State whiteout


    Oregon head coach Dan Lanning already understands what the Penn State whiteout game is all about. And perhaps he is already trying to find a way to undermine it a bit.

    Lanning had some thoughts about preparing for the whiteout, which he shared in an interview with Zach Gelb of SIRIUSXM this week. Asked about how he prepares his team to enter Penn State’s iconic whiteout in Beaver Stadium on Saturday night, Lanning mentioned that the best way to control the noise is by controlling the game. This, of course, is sound logic (pun somewhat intended). But something Lanning said may ruffle a few feathers of Penn State fans a bit.

    “[It’s] a whiteout cause we’re playing in it, right? It’s cause Oregon’s there,” Lanning asked rhetorically.

    To be fair, Lanning is not wrong. Penn State typically uses the whiteout for the biggest game of the home schedule, and that typically comes against the top-ranked team scheduled to pay a visit to Happy Valley. Over the years, the whiteout has been reserved for home games against Ohio State or Michigan, and schools such as Auburn, Alabama, and Iowa have been welcomed by a whiteout crowd on occasion. This being Oregon’s first trip to Beaver Stadium as a Big Ten member made this game the most likely game to be given the full-blown whiteout treatment. And yes, this being a Big Ten championship game rematch against a legitimate playoff contender is a big part of the decision-making that goes into selecting the whiteout game.

    So Lanning is not exactly out of line with suggesting the whiteout is because Oregon is in town. But he went on to suggest his team is helping to create the atmosphere, and that may be a good line in the sand for Penn State fans to draw.



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  • Top stars, individual performances from Week 3 of Louisiana high school football

    Top stars, individual performances from Week 3 of Louisiana high school football


    Week 3 in Louisiana high school football featured several key performances on offense and defense.

    Here’s a look at those top individual performances from Week 3.

    Top performances from Week 3 in Louisiana high school football

    Quincy Adams, Terrebonne: Adams led the Tigers to a 28-8 upset win over St. James with 287 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries.

    Caiden Bellard, Lafayette Christian: Bellard rushed for 225 yards and two touchdowns as the Knights took care of Westgate, 45-21. Bellard added an 18-yard receiving touchdown.

    Cole Bergeron, St. Thomas More: The Virginia Tech commit passed for five touchdowns in the Cougars’ 39-35 comeback win over Acadiana.

    Grant Braxton, Leesville: Braxton rushed for 156 yards and five touchdowns in the Wampus Cats’ 48-15 win over Many.

    Jeremiah Bushnell, Iowa: Bushnell had five touches for 143 yards and three touchdowns in the Yellow Jackets’ 42-13 win over Parkview Baptist.

    Wesley Bushnell, Vandebilt Catholic: Bushnell made 22 tackles and blocked a field goal in the Terriers’ 44-14 win over Sulphur.

    Markus Cannon Jr., East Feliciana: Cannon passed for 279 yards and two touchdowns in East Fel’s 47-24 win over Albany.

    Colby Casey, Mangham: Casey was nearly flawless in the Dragons’ 55-7 win over Caldwell Parish – passing for 297 yards and five touchdowns on 11 of 12 aim. Casey added 56 rushing yards for 353 total yards.

    Keaton Cason, Logansport: Cason accumulated 198 total yards and four touchdowns in the Tigers’ 40-12 win over Bossier.

    Jaden Celestine, Comeaux: Celestine rushed for 320 yards and five touchdowns in the Spartans’ 42-28 win over New Iberia.

    Jamilton Coleman, Southwood: The Cowboys are on a two-game winning streak thanks to Coleman’s 281 passing yards and four touchdowns in a 50-28 win over North Caddo.

    Vashaun Coulon, St. Augustine: Coulon went 13-for-21 passing with 276 yards and seven touchdowns in the Purple Knights’ 68-40 win over Legacy (Texas).

    Ty Curtis, Buckeye: Curtis racked up 24 tackles (14 solos) in a 27-26 win over South Beauregard.

    Malachi Dabney, Destrehan: Dabney had 198 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 27-21 loss to Alexandria.

    MJ Dade, Ouachita Parish: Dade rushed for 174 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries in the Lions’ 33-22 win over Sterlington.

    Kenny Darby, Airline: The LSU commit caught 13 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Vikings to a 34-19 victory over Union Parish.

    Nathan Driggs, St. Edmund: Driggs had 164 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries in the Blue Jays’ 60-0 win against Morgan City.

    Skyler Edwards, St. Charles: Edwards guided the Comets to an upset win over No. 19 Dunham with 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 38 carries.

    Devin Ellis, West Ouachita: Ellis went 5-for-7 passing with 166 yards and three touchdown passes to lead the Chiefs to a 57-32 win over Winnfield.

    Dezyrian Ellis, Franklin Parish: Despite the 33-30 loss to Calvary, the LSU commit had another strong game with 289 total yards and three passing touchdowns. Ellis went 17-for-28 passing with 233 yards.

    Braylon Garrick, Westlake: In 25 carries, Garrick rushed for 169 yards and three touchdowns as the Rams defeated Washington-Marion, 34-6.

    Jelandon Gray, Barbe: The Sporting News’ Louisiana Week 2 Player of the Week accounted for 337 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Bucs past Northwest, 40-19. Gray passed for 262 yards and four touchdowns on 18 of 26 aim.

    Christian Green, Southwood: Green caught two passes and scored on touchdown receptions of 74 and 47 yards in Southwood’s 50-28 win over North Caddo. Green added six tackles on defense.

    Jase Harris, Ferriday: Harris was 13-for-20 passing with 199 yards and six touchdowns in the Trojans’ 69-24 win over Delta Charter in the Battle of Ferriday.

    Elijah Haven, Dunham: Haven accounted for 420 yards and three touchdowns in the Tigers’ 27-21 loss to St. Charles.

    Peyton “Pop” Houston, Evangel: Houston accounted for 569 total yards and five touchdowns in a 43-36 win over Byrd. The LSU commit passed for 344 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 225 yards and two touchdowns.

    Braylun Huglon, Calvary: Hughlon’s 10 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns propelled the Cavaliers to a 33-30 win over Franklin Parish. Huglon also returned an interception for a 100-yard touchdown.

    Lucas Jefferson, St. Augustine: Jefferson caught four passes for 128 yards and three touchdowns as the Purple Knights defeated the Legacy School of Sport Sciences (Texas), 68-40.

    Cayden Jones, Live Oak: Jones passed for 420 yards and had six total touchdowns in a 55-28 win over Ponchatoula.

    Mason Jordan, Montgomery: Jordan accounted for 435 yards and six touchdowns in the Tigers’ 64-62 loss to Elton. Jordan passed for 310 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 125 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries.

    Sawyer Kuypers, Barbe: Kuypers hauled in 10 passes for 187 yards and three touchdowns in Barbe’s 40-19 win over Northwest.

    Zion Lee, Bunkie: Needing only 11 carries, the Navy commit rushed for 180 yards and three touchdowns in the Panthers’ 53-6 win over Avoyelles.

    Makelin Lemoine, Elton: Lemoine rushed for 379 yards and four touchdowns as Elton defeated Montgomery, 64-62.

    Terrius Lemons, Barbe: Lemons intercepted three passes – one for a touchdown – in Barbe’s 40-19 win against Northwest.

    Khlil Lewis, St. Augustine: Lewis rushed for 221 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries as St. Aug defeated Legacy (Texas), 68-40.

    Trey Martin, Franklin Parish: Martin had 178 yards and three touchdowns on 20 touches as the Patriots lost to Calvary, 33-30.  Martin hauled in five passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

    Cace Malone, Tioga: Malone was 12-for-21 passing with 222 yards and three touchdowns to lead Tioga to a 56-14 win over Pineville. Malone added a rushing touchdown.

    Christian Maxie, Byrd: Maxie rushed for 272 yards and three touchdowns as the Yellow Jackets fell 43-36 to Evangel.

    Ryan Moore, East Feliciana: Moore caught five passes for 215 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Tigers to a 47-24 win over Albany.

    Hugo Morales, Delcambre: Morales rushed for 250 yards and three touchdowns in the Panthers’ 28-6 win over Beau Chene.

    Jude Morrison, Catholic (Pointe Coupee): Morrison rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Hornets to a 36-35 victory against Archbishop Hannan.

    Bryson Phoenix, Alexandria: Phoenix had 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks in the Trojans’ 27-21 win over Destrehan.

    Lannie Reed, St. Edmund: Reed forced three turnovers on defense – two interceptions and a fumble recovery – as the Blue Jays’ defeated Morgan City, 60-0.

    Bryce Restovich, Loyola: Restovich went 14-for-17 passing with 327 yards and five touchdowns in Loyola’s 64-13 win over Cedar Creek.

    Hudson Simon, St. Edmund: Simon caught four passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns in St. Ed’s 60-0 win over Morgan City.

    Marcus Soule, Young Audiences Charter: Soule completed 23 of 29 passes for 262 yards and two touchdowns in the Yaks’ 36-35 victory over Livingston Collegiate.

    Tuff Street, LaSalle: Street rushed for 165 yards and three touchdowns, while making five tackles, an interception and a forced fumble on defense. The Tigers won 30-22 over Merryville. Street finished with 243 all-purpose yards.

    Aymaud Sykes, Grant: Sykes got back on track with 20 carries for 268 yards, four touchdowns and a two-point conversion in the Cougars’ 49-34 loss to D’Arbonne Woods.

    Calvin Thomas, Elton: Thomas gained 198 yards on 13 carries and five total touchdowns in Elton’s wild 64-62 win over Montgomery.

    Kenny Thomas, North DeSoto: Thomas rushed for 197 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Griffins to a 39-28 win over West Monroe.

    Owen Trosclair, Covenant Christian: Trosclair accounted for 221 yards and four touchdowns in CCA’s 35-6 triumph against Ascension Christian.

    Javon Vital, Hamilton Christian: Vital accounted for 450 yards and six touchdowns in the Warriors’ 48-22 win over Vinton. Vital passed for 232 yards and rushed for 218 yards and five touchdowns.

    Justin Whitaker, Huntington: Whitaker went 19-for-25 passing with 354 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Raiders to a 32-29 win over Benton. Whitaker added 54 yards and a touchdown rushing to finish with 408 total yards and five touchdowns.

    Xzavier White, Alexandria: The Trojan captain made 17 tackles (11 solos) to help lead ASH to a 27-21 win over Destrehan.

    Chase Williams, Airline: Williams passed for 294 yards and three touchdowns on 24 of 38 aim in the Vikings’ 34-19 win over Union Parish.

    Kason Williams, Alexandria: The sophomore running back scored all four of the Trojans’ touchdowns and had 161 total yards in a 27-21 win over Destrehan.

    Wilbert Ricky Williams, Slidell: In a wild 64-49 loss to Warren Easton, Williams passed for 414 yards and three touchdowns on 15 of 27 aim. He added 55 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

    Preston Willis, Buckeye: Willis rushed for 297 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 31 carries in a 27-26 win over South Beauregard.

    Hudson Wright, Metairie Park Country Day: Wright passed for 409 yards and six touchdowns against Episcopal (Baton Rouge) in a 66-57.

    MORE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS NEWS

    Top stars, individual performances from Week 1 of Louisiana high school football

    Top stars, individual performances from Week 2 of Louisiana high school football

    Four-star QB Peyton “Pop” Houston commits to LSU to play college football

    The Sporting News Top 25 Louisiana high school football Week 2 rankings



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  • OL reshuffles with starter out

    OL reshuffles with starter out


    The New England Patriots had some good news and bad news at Thursday’s practice.

    Edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson returned to practice after missing on Wednesday as a limited participant, while rookie guard Jared Wilson remained out with an ankle/knee injury. The Patriots are now faced with the very real possibility that they might have to start Ben Brown at left guard in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

    Brown was seen taking the starting reps in Wilson’s absence. The Patriots have started and played the same combination of linemen through the first three games of the season. So the possibility of a change-up is a big deal that deserves attention.

    If the Patriots fail to protect quarterback Drake Maye or open up running lanes, it will be another long day at the office for the offense in this matchup. There is still a chance for Wilson to return to the practice field on Friday and put the offensive line concerns to bed.

    The injury report for both teams is as follows:

    Patriots Injury Report:

    DID NOT PARTICIPATEG Jared Wilson, Ankle / Knee

    LIMITED PARTICIPATIONLB K’Lavon Chaisson, KneeCB Christian Gonzalez, HamstringLB Anfernee Jennings, HamstringLB Marte Mapu, Neck

    FULL PARTICIPATIONDT Christian Barmore, Not Injury Related / OtherCB Carlton Davis III, AchillesTE Hunter Henry, KneeWR Mack Hollins, Hand

    Panthers injury report:

    DID NOT PARTICIPATEOLB Pat Jones II, HamstringWR Xavier Legette, HamstringTE Ja’Tavion Sanders, AnkleOLB D.J. Wonnum, Hip

    LIMITED PARTICIPATIONRB Chuba Hubbard, CalfWR Tetairoa McMillan, CalfDT Turk Wharton, Hamstring

    FULL PARTICIPATIONRB Rico Dowdle, Not Injury Related / RestCB Jaycee Horn, Not Injury Related / RestT Taylor Moton, Not Injury Related / RestWR Hunter Renfrow, Not Injury Related / Personal

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  • Shedeur Sanders says he’s ‘capable of doing better’ than some quarterbacks in the league right now

    Shedeur Sanders says he’s ‘capable of doing better’ than some quarterbacks in the league right now


    It’s been a tough start to the NFL season for some quarterbacks. But Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is clearly itching to get out on the field, thinks that he can measure up with the rest of the league.

    After a competitive race for the Browns’ QB1, Sanders and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel lost out on the starting job to Joe Flacco. While waiting on the bench, Sanders — who has yet to play a regular-season snap — said Thursday that he thinks he could do better than some of the other NFL starters.

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    “If you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” Sanders said, via ESPN Cleveland.

    Sanders, who had a solid preseason debut but struggled during the rest of the preseason, has been listed as the team’s QB3 on its depth chart throughout the season, behind Gabriel. But Sanders said that he’ll be ready to take the field whenever his moment comes.

    “I don’t think playing (or) not playing is in my hands,” Sanders said, via ESPN Cleveland. “Based on the situation … I’ll be out there and I’ll be ready to play. I’m ready to play right now.”

    The ever-confident Sanders does have some grounds here, with a wave of starting NFL quarterbacks under scrutiny. Though Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski says he’s sticking with Flacco despite a rough Week 3 performance, other starters are finding themselves in hot water.

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    Michael Penix Jr., a second-year with the Atlanta Falcons, was replaced by Kirk Cousins after some struggles in Sunday’s game. And in the most high-profile move, the New York Giants benched veteran Russell Wilson in favor of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, just before a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Then there’s the more subtle struggles: Over in Jacksonville, Trevor Lawrence is seemingly waving off his coach, while Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota is accidentally colliding with his.

    It’s unclear whether Sanders, a once-promising QB candidate who slipped to the fifth round, would actually be able to walk the talk on the NFL stage.

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    But if playing and proving himself is his most important goal, it does seem to be a good thing that Sanders reportedly turned down the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles in the draft. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts are two QBs who are starting the season off strong, without any signs of getting benched anytime soon. Jackson in particular has been dominant, with 722 pass yards and nine passing touchdowns in the first three weeks.

    For now, Sanders will have to wait and see how things shake out in Cleveland.



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  • Liverpool receive encouragement to complete £35m deal in January


    Liverpool Weigh up Fresh January Move for Marc Guehi

    Liverpool are once again considering a move for Marc Guehi, with Crystal Palace preparing for life without their England international defender. The 24-year-old centre-back has been a long-term target at Anfield and remains firmly on the radar ahead of the January transfer window.

    Crystal Palace braced for Guehi departure

    Crystal Palace accept that Guehi’s time at Selhurst Park is approaching its conclusion, and the likelihood of a transfer in 2025 has increased. The club are resigned to losing him either in January for a fee or as a free agent in the summer. With just six months left on his contract when the winter window opens, Palace’s position is increasingly vulnerable.

    As reported: “Crystal Palace realistically accept that Marc Guehi’s time at the club is coming to an end. There’s a sense that he is equally likely to leave in January as he is to depart as a free agent next summer. A fresh approach from Liverpool in January cannot be ruled out.”

    Liverpool defensive concerns grow

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who guided the club to the Premier League title in his first season, has been forced into a rethink after Giovanni Leoni suffered a serious ACL injury. That setback has left the squad with only three senior centre-backs in Virgil van Dijk, Ibou Konate and Joe Gomez.

    The Reds agreed a £35 million deal to sign Guehi in the summer, but negotiations collapsed on deadline day. With the team pushing to defend their league crown, the shortage of defensive cover has become a pressing issue. Slot and the recruitment team are exploring options, and Guehi’s situation makes him one of the most attractive candidates.

    Guehi’s profile fits Liverpool

    Guehi has established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League. Strong in duels, comfortable on the ball and capable of playing across different systems, he has been a consistent performer for Crystal Palace. His leadership qualities have also been praised, and his familiarity with high-intensity football aligns well with Slot’s philosophy.

    At 24, Guehi is entering the peak years of his career. For Liverpool, a January deal would not only address their immediate concerns but also secure a long-term solution in defence. The potential competition from other top clubs cannot be ignored, however Liverpool’s history of moving decisively in the market may play to their advantage.

    January window promises key decisions

    Palace will weigh up whether to accept a fee in January or risk losing Guehi for nothing in the summer. For Liverpool, the situation has shifted from an opportunity to a necessity following Leoni’s injury. Supporters are watching closely, aware that defensive reinforcements could prove decisive in maintaining momentum in the title race.

    The next few months will be crucial. Guehi’s future looks increasingly set to lie away from Selhurst Park, and Liverpool are among the leading contenders to provide his next chapter.

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