Sports News

NORMAN, Okla. -- The emotion in his voice and on his face said it all for Tennessee coach Josh Heupel late Saturday night in his much anticipated return to his alma mater. Heupel, who 10 years earlier was stung by his firing as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator, said repeatedly that the No. 6 Vols' 25-15 win over the No. 15 Sooners was "never about me" in a game that saw Tennessee build a 22-3 lead going into the fourth quarter and dominate defensively the whole way. When it was over -- with family members, players, former OU teammates and coaches embracing him before he exited the field -- the normally stoic Heupel was clearly moved as Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava presented him with the game ball on the field. "This game was never about me coming back here, not for this football team," Heupel said in his postgame news conference. "I say all that, but they also understood that this one was a little bit different for me personally, too. That's not...

When Colorado lined up for the final play of regulation Saturday night against Baylor, the plan called for Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes' do-it-all star, to serve as ... a decoy? Colorado needed a Hail Mary touchdown to tie the score, and figured Hunter, who had six receptions for 126 yards, would attract the most attention. Hunter would run toward the middle of the end zone, ideally creating a more favorable matchup for LaJohntay Wester, a 5-foot-11, 167-pound wideout. "We put Travis backside, he's going to get all the attention, and then LaJohntay's just going to be there, outside, one-on-one," Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders said. "They're not going to think we're going to throw him the ball because he's a shorter guy, probably in that situation. So then I roll left, everybody went in the middle of the end zone and I just trusted God. I threw it up to God and God answered the prayer, for sure." Sanders' heave from the Baylor 49-yard...

AUSTIN, Texas -- Arch Manning threw for 258 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his first career start at Texas, leading a 51-3 win over UL Monroe in place of injured starter Quinn Ewers to push the No. 1 Longhorns to 4-0. After throwing an interception on his first possession, Manning settled in, and Texas scored touchdowns on six of his 10 drives for a 44-3 lead when he left the game early in the fourth quarter. The redshirt freshman competed 15 of his 29 pass attempts. Manning said there were several throws he'd like back, starting with his first interception, a second-down throw under pressure that ULM defensive back Carl Fauntroy snagged three minutes into the game. When asked how he'd grade his performance, Manning said, "Probably a C-plus, but a win's a win." "To think he was going to come out and play a perfect game, I don't think anybody in here thought that," Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. "I thought he was going...

SAN DIEGO -- The Chicago White Sox tied the American League record with their 119th loss Saturday night, when Xander Bogaerts and Elias Diaz each hit a two-run homer to help the San Diego Padres to a  6-2 win and move closer to a playoff spot. The White Sox (36-119) matched the AL mark set by the 2003 Detroit Tigers, who finished 43-119. One more defeat for Chicago over its final seven games would equal the post-1900 record of 120 losses by the 1962 expansion New York Mets, and two more would set a record. The 1899 Cleveland Spiders hold the overall major league record for losses at 20-134. Chris Flexen (2-15) remained winless in his past 23 starts for a White Sox club that lost its 20th straight road series. According to ESPN Research, Chicago, which is now 9-48 since the All-Star break, is on pace for 124 losses. "They've been playing some good baseball these last couple of days," Bogaerts said of Chicago. "Obviously, we...

SAN DIEGO -- The Chicago White Sox tied the American League record with their 119th loss on Saturday night, when Xander Bogaerts and Elias Diaz each hit a two-run homer to help the San Diego Padres win 6-2 and move closer to a playoff spot. The White Sox (36-119) matched the AL mark set by the 2003 Detroit Tigers, who finished 43-119. One more defeat for Chicago over its final seven games would equal the post-1900 record of 120 losses by the 1962 expansion New York Mets, and two more would set the new record. The 1899 Cleveland Spiders hold the overall major league record for losses at 20-134. Chris Flexen (2-15) remained winless in his last 23 starts for a White Sox club that lost their 20th straight road series. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, Chicago, which is now 9-48 since the All-Star break, is on pace for 124 losses. David Peralta also homered for San Diego (89-66), which maintained a two-game lead over...

AUSTIN, Texas --  Arch Manning threw for 258 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his first career start at Texas, leading a 51-3 win over UL Monroe in relief of injured starter Quinn Ewers to push the No. 1 Longhorns to 4-0. After throwing an interception on his first possession, Manning settled in, and Texas scored touchdowns on six of his 10 drives for a 44-3 lead when he left the game early in the fourth quarter. The redshirt freshman completed 15 of his 29 pass attempts. In the Longhorns' first game as the No. 1-ranked team in the AP Top 25 since 2008, Manning received plenty of help. Running back Jaydon Blue rushed for 124 yards and scored four total touchdowns, and Texas' defense held General Booty and the Warhawks (2-1) to 111 total yards on 2.2 yards per play. Ewers exited Texas' 56-7 win over UTSA last week after suffering an oblique strain. His status is considered day-to-day, and he could potentially return...

STILLWATER, Okla. -- With veteran quarterback Cam Rising sidelined for a second straight week, No. 12 Utah turned to backup quarterback Isaac Wilson at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday then leaned on the true freshman passer to land a statement victory in the program's inaugural Big 12 game. In his second career start, Wilson went 17-of-29 for 207 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, delivering a series of key moments and lifting the Utes in a 22-19 win over No. 14 Oklahoma State to become the first true freshman quarterback starter to beat an AP Top 25 opponent in program history. "I like that he just kept hanging in there and never got down on himself," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "Threw a couple of picks. Didn't flinch. You saw his ability to run. He ripped off that 40- or 50-yard run. That was huge at that point in time. Dipped his shoulder and made another tough run down in the red zone that got us a first down. He's just...

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan kept pounding the ball and pounding the ball. And when it mattered most, No. 11 USC couldn't stop it. Powered by running back Kalel Mullings, who scored the winning touchdown in the final seconds, the defending national champion Wolverines rumbled to a 27-24 victory in their Big Ten opener Saturday. "That's a representation of who we are," Mullings said of Michigan's run-heavy game plan. "Just grit and grinding up ... grinding meat that whole time." The Wolverines rushed for 290 yards, including 79 on the final drive. Mullings got all eight carries and broke through a pair of tackles for a 63-yard run that put Michigan in the red zone. He finished off the drive with a 1-yard scoring plunge on fourth-and-goal with 37 seconds remaining. "A will to not give in," Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said of his senior back. "A will to want it more than them. To want it more than the man who's trying to tackle him." The No. 18 Wolverines...

Several teams have expressed an interest in trading for quarterback  Bryce Young, despite the fact coach Dave Canales said the Carolina Panthers do not intend to trade the former No. 1 overall pick, league sources told ESPN. The Panthers have been contacted by certain teams, according to league sources, while other teams have mulled a Young trade within their own organizations. Although the Panthers have said they don't plan to trade Young at this time, sources around the league believe it is only a matter of time before Carolina actually does complete a deal involving the second-year quarterback -- with the most likely time coming at some point in the offseason. For now, the Panthers still would like Young to back up their new starter  Andy Dalton and believe there is a chance they could turn to Young again later this season, depending on how the upcoming weeks play out, according to sources. Young, who was benched Monday in favor of Dalton, has...

Several teams have expressed an interest in trading for Bryce Young, despite the fact that coach Dave Canales said the Carolina Panthers do not intend to trade the former No. 1 overall pick, league sources told ESPN. The Panthers have been contacted by certain teams, according to league sources, while other teams have mulled a Young trade within their own organizations. Although the Panthers have said that they don't plan to trade Young at this time, sources around the league believe it is only a matter of time before Carolina actually does complete a deal involving the second-year quarterback -- with the most likely time coming at some point in the offseason. For now, the Panthers still would like Young to back up their new starting quarterback Andy Dalton and believe there is a chance that they could turn to Young again later this season, depending on how the upcoming weeks play out, according to sources. Young, who was benched Monday in favor...

Mack Brown told ESPN on Saturday he's not resigning after an emotional locker room scene with his players following North Carolina's embarrassing 70-50 loss to James Madison, which is in only its third season as an FBS school. Brown, a College Football Hall of Famer, said he told the players that it was his fault and would step away if he couldn't get things fixed. The 70 points were the most ever given up by the Tar Heels, who fell to 3-1. "I'm not resigning. I'll be back at work Monday," Brown told ESPN. Brown, 73, is in his sixth season at North Carolina. He told ESPN he was aware of some reports and that messages in emotional locker rooms can be misconstrued, but was adamant that he's not stepping down. Brown has led UNC to winning records in four of his five seasons. The Tar Heels won eight games last season and nine the season before when they finished first in the ACC's Coastal Division. Brown was at Texas for 16 seasons and won a national...

UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- The Indiana Fever enter the WNBA playoffs with a lot of firsts on tap. Sunday's first-round opener against the Connecticut Sun will mark the franchise's first postseason appearance since 2016, as well as the first playoff game for each member of Indiana's starting five, including star rookie Caitlin Clark. But the No. 6-seed Fever are channeling the levity and youth that have helped them emerge as one of the best teams in the WNBA after the Olympic break in hopes it will help them pull off the upset of the No. 3 Sun. "You can't get too tight; that's not going to let you play good basketball," Clark said Saturday. "I think that's what's brought us a lot of success here in the second half of the season, is the fun and energy that we play with and a light mood. So I think it's good that you see everybody with that. But at the same time, I feel like everybody's approaching this as this is the playoffs. This is very important to every single...

USC wide receiver Makai Lemon exited Saturday's 27-24 loss to Michigan with an apparent injury after he was hit hard during a punt return in the first half. Lemon did not return to the game, and according to the CBS broadcast, he was taken away in an ambulance. USC did not provide an official update on Lemon's status before the end of the game.  The sophomore wideout spent an extended amount of time lying down on the field after the injury while surrounded by several members of USC's training and coaching staff before walking off under his own power. He entered the injury tent and then was taken into the locker room. Tight end Lake McRee and safety  Akili Arnold also exited the game in the second half with apparent left leg and arm injuries, respectively. The broadcast showed McRee visibly emotional on the bench before he walked into the tunnel to the locker room. USC head coach Lincoln Riley did not provide any updates regarding the injured...

LONDON -- Daniel Dubois left Anthony Joshua's career in disarray after knocking out his English rival with a right to the jaw in Round 5 in a first defense of his IBF world heavyweight title Saturday. Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) endured a nightmare as Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) floored him four times in Rounds 1, 3 and 4 before the savage finish after 59 seconds of Round 5. Despite being the champion, Dubois pulled off an upset to inflict a fourth professional defeat on Joshua who was denied becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, the biggest postwar crowd for a boxing event in the United Kingdom. Much was made of Joshua's knockout form, and he entered the fight on the back of a vicious stoppage of Francis Ngannou in March. But it was Dubois' power and aggression that emphatically determined Saturday's outcome as he swatted Joshua around the ring with ease. Dubois' victory sets up the possibility of him fighting for the...

PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers placed starting right tackle Troy Fautanu on injured reserve Saturday after he hurt his knee in practice the previous day.  The 2024 first-round pick was slated to make his second career start against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but fellow tackle Broderick Jones said Fautanu had "a little tweak" in Friday's practice and would be getting an MRI to evaluate the severity of the injury. "We really don't know what his status is going to be," Jones said of Fautanu. "I filled in for him and then just going to roll from there after he gets his MRI and stuff, and we'll just figure out what's going on from there." The IR move means Fautanu will miss at least four games.  With Fautanu sidelined, Jones, whom the Steelers traded up to draft No. 14 in 2023, will get an opportunity to start and rebound from a disappointing performance off the bench against the Denver Broncos. "It's nothing new," Jones said of stepping...

Cincinnati's Elly De La Cruz became the youngest player in major league history to hit 25 home runs and steal 60 bases in a season during the Reds' 7-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. De La Cruz, 22, hit the benchmark when he blasted his 25th home run of the season in the fourth inning, a three-run shot that struck the railing just below the upper-level bar in right field, to make the score 6-0. He finished the game with three hits, including a double, and four RBIs. De La Cruz joined Eric Davis and Barry Larkin as the only Reds players with 25 homers and 65 stolen bases in a season. "It means a lot to me, those are great players," De La Cruz said. "I feel great. I wanted to finish strong." De La Cruz stole his 65th base of the season on Friday night. It was his 100th career stolen base in his 251st career game. Also on Saturday, De La Cruz became the third player in major league history with 35 doubles, 25 homers and 60 stolen bases in a season,...

HOUSTON -- The Texans will be without their leading rusher in Week 3 as running back Joe Mixon will not travel to face the Minnesota Vikings. Mixon suffered an ankle injury on what appeared to be an illegal hip-drop tackle during the Texans 19-13 Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears. The injury happened with 11:57 left in the third quarter when Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud completed a pass to Mixon, who ran up the sideline before he was brought down by Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards. The refs did not penalize Edwards and Mixon left the game, shortly, before returning. Mixon finished the game with 11 carries for 25 yards but is seventh in the NFL in rushing yards (184) on the season. The Texans will also be without backup running back Dameon Pierce, who also missed Week 2 with a hamstring injury. Cam Akers is slated to receive the bulk of the carries for the Texans. Akers played for the Vikings in 2023 after being traded last...

NEW YORK -- Francisco Lindor wasn't in the New York Mets' lineup for the sixth straight game Saturday as he continues to deal with a back injury -- and it won't be the last time he misses a game in 2024. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the earliest Lindor will return is Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, meaning he'll also miss Sunday's series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies before the club's off day Monday. A return Tuesday, however, is far from guaranteed. Lindor on Friday said he received a facet injection in his lower back Thursday to treat the pain in hopes of accelerating the healing. Neither Lindor nor the Mets have specified what exactly is ailing Lindor, only calling it a lower back injury. Lindor took batting practice Friday for the first time since leaving Sunday's game in Philadelphia. The session was brief. He also played catch. He returned to the field pregame Saturday for more batting practice and baseball activities.   ...

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan star tight end Colston Loveland has been ruled out of Saturday's game against No. 11 USC with an undisclosed injury. Loveland suffered an apparent shoulder injury in last weekend's win over Arkansas State. Michigan coach Sherrone Moore hasn't specified the nature of the injury. A preseason All-American, Loveland leads the Wolverines with 19 catches for 187 yards; no other Michigan pass catcher has more than nine receptions. The No. 18 Wolverines also changed starting quarterbacks this week, moving from Davis Warren to Alex Orji. Warren had thrown six interceptions in three games, including three last weekend. He threw two picks in a 31-12 loss to Texas on Sept. 7. Orji has only seven career passing attempts but has rushed for 58 yards in a relief role this season. Moore said this week that he wants to see Orji "take the reins" of the Michigan offense with his opportunity. "Excited for him,"...

The Washington Nationals demoted All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to the minor leagues after he stayed out all night at a Chicago-area casino, leaving only hours before a Friday day game against the Chicago Cubs, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers. Abrams, 23, led off for the Nationals and went 0-for-3 with a walk and strikeout in Friday's game, which started at 1 p.m. CT. He will be sent to West Palm Beach, Florida, home of the Nationals' minor league complex. Nationals manager Dave Martinez confirmed the demotion but termed it an internal matter. Martinez said he spoke with Abrams for a significant time Friday and called it an emotional conversation, during which the two wept together. Martinez repeatedly emphasized his support of Abrams. "For me, it's about taking care of the person first, and not the player, and I'm going to do everything I can to help him," Martinez said after the Nationals' 5-1 victory over the Cubs. "I love the kid. He's a good kid. He's...

Jon Rahm is dealing with flu-like symptoms and elected to withdraw from the LIV Golf Team Championship on Saturday at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas. LIV Golf alternate John Catlin will replace Rahm as Legion XIII battles  Phil Mickelson's HyFlyers GC in the semifinals of the competition. Catlin will square off against Cameron Tringale in the first singles match. "Jon has been experiencing severe flu symptoms the last few days," Legion XIII posted on social media. "In the best interest of his team and under the [advice] of his medical team, he will not be playing this weekend. He will continue to provide full support to his team." Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt and the recently relegated Kieran Vincent also compete for Legion XIII. Rahm, 29, is one week removed from being crowned the 2024 LIV Golf League individual champion. The Spaniard is in his first year with LIV Golf after leaving the PGA Tour in December.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --  Jaguars tight end Evan Engram will miss Monday's game against the  Bills with a hamstring injury. Engram injured the hamstring during pregame warmups Sunday and did not play against the Cleveland Browns. Second-year player Brenton Strange started in Engram's place against the Browns and set career highs in catches (three) and receiving yards (65). He will fill the same role against the Bills. Engram, who had one catch for 5 yards in the Jaguars' season-opening loss at the  Miami Dolphins, had not missed a game with the Jaguars since signing with the team in March 2022. He caught 114 passes for 963 yards and four touchdowns last season. He has 188 catches for 1,734 yards and eight touchdowns in 35 games with the Jaguars.

SINGAPORE -- Max Verstappen refused to give full answers during a post-qualifying press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix in an apparent protest against the governing body's decision to penalise him for swearing during Thursday's media session. The three-time world champion was given F1's version of community service after using the word "f---ed" during Thursday's official FIA press conference. After qualifying in second place on Saturday evening in Singapore, he was required to attend the FIA's post-qualifying press conference to answer questions about the session. He gave seven brief answers to individual questions, before telling journalists "I would prefer if you ask these questions outside the [press conference] room." When the session, which included Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, came to an end, Verstappen agreed to talk to journalists outside of the room, which is located in the main pit building. Due to his commitment to go to speak to TV broadcasters...

Bayern Munich extended their perfect Bundesliga start when Michael Olise scored two goals and set up two more to give them a 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen in a one-sided contest at the Weserstadion on Saturday. Bayern, who suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Bremen when the sides last met in a league clash in January, ran out comfortable winners to move up to 12 points from four matches. Winger Olise, signed from Premier League club Crystal Palace for a reported fee of €60 million ($67m) in July, has quickly established himself in the first team. He once again repaid manager Vincent Kompany's faith as he was heavily involved in Bayern's attack. Bayern, who have scored 20 goals in three matches across all competitions, opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Harry Kane seized possession on the edge of the area and played the ball to Olise, who fired his shot past keeper Michael Zetterer. The  France winger then...

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers starting right tackle Troy Fautanu injured a knee in practice Friday and is sidelined indefinitely, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 2024 first-round pick was slated to make his second career start against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, but fellow tackle Broderick Jones said Fautanu had "a little tweak" in Friday's practice and would be getting an MRI to evaluate the severity of the injury. "We really don't know what his status is going to be," Jones said of Fautanu. "I filled in for him and then just going to roll from there after he gets his MRI and stuff, and we'll just figure out what's going on from there." On Saturday. the Steelers officially downgraded Fautanu to out against the Chargers.  With Fautanu sidelined, Jones, whom the Steelers traded up to draft No. 14 overall in 2023, will get an opportunity to start and rebound from a disappointing performance off the bench against the Denver...

Utah quarterback Cam Rising is a game-time decision with an injury to his throwing hand, sources told ESPN, with the expectation that he will attempt to start. No. 12 Utah plays at No. 14 Oklahoma State on Saturday, one of the biggest games of the season in the Big 12. Rising has been limited in practice this week with the injury, and he is not expected to be 100% if he does play. He will be monitored closely to see how his injured fingers impact how he throws. The fingers play a huge role in both spin and velocity, which will impact his effectiveness in the passing game. He injured his hand Sept. 7 against  Baylor in the second quarter when he threw a ball away and was pushed out of bounds and landed awkwardly on the water coolers on the Bears sideline. Rising warmed up with a glove on his hand before last week's game against Utah State but did not play, and he was spotted with two fingers wrapped on the sideline against Baylor. It's uncertain if...

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers are likely to be without three of their best offensive players and could be missing two of their best defenders on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. After missing practice Thursday and Friday, tight end George Kittle (hamstring) has been listed as doubtful for Sunday. If Kittle does not play against the Rams, he would join running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles tendinitis) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) as key offensive options ruled out. On the other side of the ball, defensive end Nick Bosa and cornerback Charvarius Ward, two of the Niners' top defenders, are listed as questionable. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Bosa suffered a rib injury during a one-on-one period Thursday and was limited in that practice and again on Friday. Ward also missed Thursday's practice with hamstring and knee soreness, but he participated in Friday's practice on a limited basis. Kittle...

NEW YORK -- The only remnants of a clinched postseason appearance Friday night was the champagne on a table in the middle of the visiting clubhouse at Citi Field. The customary debauchery was absent. Goggles weren't worn because they weren't needed. Alcohol wasn't chugged nor was it sprayed. There was music, but nothing out of the ordinary. It was mellow because the Philadelphia Phillies expect more than just a spot in the playoffs. "This is the standard," manager Rob Thomson said. "The goal is now firmly entrenched that it's to win a World Series. And that's it. And that's good to feel. It really is." The Phillies met their standard Friday night with a 12-2 trouncing of the New York Mets. Afterward, following a subdued on-field celebration, Thomson gave a toast. He thanked everyone involved in the accomplishment, from the front office to the support staff to the players, and everyone went on with their night. With the win, the Phillies clinched a playoff berth...

OAKLAND, Calif. --  New York Yankees star right fielder Juan Soto was scratched from Friday night's lineup a day after hurting his left leg sliding into a wall to make a catch, but later appeared as a pinch hitter, hitting an RBI double in the 10th inning of a 4-2 win against the Athletics. Soto was originally in the lineup for the series opener but was pulled after reporting soreness and swelling in the leg. Manager Aaron Boone said X-rays were negative and Soto would not need additional testing. Soto entered a 1-1 game in the 10th, and after Jasson Domínguez scored on a passed ball, the star slugger made it 3-1 with a double to left. He was then removed for a pinch runner.  Soto hurt the leg Thursday in Seattle when he slid into the short wall in foul territory down the right-field line while making a highlight-reel catch. He remained in the game. Boone noted that he wasn't "overly concerned" that the injury will linger into the postseason. The...

NEW YORK -- The only remnants of a clinched postseason appearance Friday night was the champagne on a table in the middle of the visiting clubhouse at Citi Field. The customary debauchery was absent. Goggles weren't worn because they weren't needed. Alcohol wasn't chugged nor was it sprayed. There was music, but nothing out of the ordinary. It was mellow because the Philadelphia Phillies expect more than just a spot in the playoffs. "This is the standard," manager Rob Thomson said. "The goal is now firmly entrenched that it's to win a World Series. And that's it. And that's good to feel. It really is." The Phillies met their standard Friday night with a 12-2 trouncing of the New York Mets. Afterward, following a subdued on-field celebration, Thomson gave a toast. He thanked everyone involved in the accomplishment, from the front office to the support staff to the players, and everyone went on with their night. With the win, the Phillies clinched a playoff...

HENDERSON, Nev. --  Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce is out for the season due to a knee injury suffered in practice three days before the team's season opener, a team source confirmed Friday night. Koonce, coming off a career-best eight sacks and three forced fumbles in 2023 and entering a contract year, was placed on injured reserve Sept. 8.  Charles Snowden started the team's first two games in Koonce's place opposite three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher  Maxx Crosby. With second-year defensive end Tyree Wilson suffering a knee injury in the opener at the Los Angeles Chargers and missing Week 2 at the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas signed former first-round draft pick K'Lavon Chaisson to the practice squad. Chaisson was elevated to the 53-man roster and played against the Ravens before being reverted to the practice squad, though he could be elevated again. Wilson, the No. 7 overall pick of the 2023 draft,...

Washington Spirit and United States women's national team forward Trinity Rodman left the field in a wheelchair on Friday after she suffered a back injury in the Spirit's 3-0 loss to the Kansas City Current. Rodman fell to the ground on the sideline in the 75th minute after shielding the ball from Kansas City forward Temwa Chawinga. Rodman lay on her stomach and held her back before receiving treatment from Washington's training staff. She attempted to walk to the bench with assistance from two members of the training staff before sitting down in a wheelchair to be taken to the locker room, five minutes after the injury. Spirit head coach Jonatan Giráldez confirmed after the match that Rodman felt something in her back but said he had "no information." He stated that the team would need to return to Washington for further evaluation. The sellout crowd in Kansas City chanted Rodman's name as she left the field. Rodman returned to the bench...

RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks running back Ken Walker III is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins as he continues to deal with an oblique injury that sidelined him in Week 2 against the New England Patriots.  But coach Mike Macdonald said he's "very optimistic" that Walker will return in Week 4, noting the running back will benefit from having an extra day before Seattle plays the Detroit Lions on "Monday Night Football."  The Seahawks will be without at least two other starters Sunday against Miami, with outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (knee) and right tackle George Fant (knee) both ruled out. Another starter, inside linebacker Jerome Baker (hamstring), is listed as doubtful. Nwosu will miss a third straight week because of the MCL sprain he suffered in the Seahawks' final preseason game. Macdonald said Nwosu is optimistic about playing next week and is "progressing really...

NEW YORK -- Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies clinched their third consecutive playoff appearance Friday night with a 12-2 victory over the New York Mets. Assured at least a National League wild card, the Phillies can secure their first NL East title since 2011 with one more win this weekend against the second-place Mets at Citi Field. Following the win, players shook hands on the field and walked back to the dugout as though it were any other regular-season victory. Moments later, manager Rob Thomson gathered his players in the clubhouse and thanked them during a tempered champagne toast acknowledging their significant achievement. But no wild party, with grown men spraying booze and guzzling beer and soaking each other in glee. Not just yet, anyway. "Pretty calm and relaxed from what it usually turns into," All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm said with a chuckle. Seeking their third World Series championship, the Phillies overtook...

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The  A's began their final homestand of their final season in Oakland on Friday night, and nobody can predict what might take place over the next six games and seven days. After 57 seasons in the Coliseum, there will be emotion, but how that emotion will manifest itself is the main question on everyone's mind. "We've heard some rumblings, and we're going to have some more meetings about it," said left fielder  Seth Brown, who, in his sixth season, is the longest-tenured Athletic. "The fans have always supported us, and we just hope they support us in a positive manner. We want everyone to come out and enjoy the time and give it its last hurrah, and at the same time we're hoping it's done the right way." The A's will play three games against the  New York Yankees before finishing the home portion of their schedule with three games against the  Texas Rangers. The final game, on Thursday afternoon, will be the final major...

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The  A's began their final homestand of their final season in Oakland on Friday night, and nobody can predict what might take place over the next six games and seven days. After 57 seasons in the Coliseum, there will be emotion, but how that emotion will manifest itself is the main question on everyone's mind. "We've heard some rumblings, and we're going to have some more meetings about it," said left fielder  Seth Brown, who, in his sixth season, is the longest-tenured Athletic. "The fans have always supported us, and we just hope they support us in a positive manner. We want everyone to come out and enjoy the time and give it its last hurrah, and at the same time we're hoping it's done the right way." The A's will play three games against the  New York Yankees before finishing the home portion of their schedule with three games against the  Texas Rangers. The final game, on Thursday afternoon, will be the final major...

East Carolina senior cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., one of the top cornerback prospects in the upcoming NFL draft, tore an ACL in practice this week and will miss the remainder of the season, sources told ESPN. Revel has been one of the most productive corners in the country for the Pirates. Since the start of 2023, he has 11 pass breakups and two defensive touchdowns. That includes a 50-yard interception return against Appalachian State last week. A source called it a "freak injury" to his left knee that occurred in practice on Wednesday. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Revel as the No. 2 cornerback prospect in the upcoming draft behind  Michigan's  Will Johnson. ESPN's Jordan Reid ranked him as the No. 14 overall prospect in his rankings. Revel defied convention by staying at East Carolina this season, turning down lucrative opportunities to transfer to some of the top programs in college football. "He has a chance to be this year's  Quinyon...

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, is among the venues selected to host games at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with FIFA targeting an announcement on the full list of locations in the upcoming weeks, sources told ESPN. Other sites under consideration, sources said, include Seattle's Lumen Field, Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium, Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, though none of these has been confirmed. The Guardian was the first to report the Club World Cup venues, while also noting that MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, and an undisclosed venue in the Philadelphia area are also set to be named. The Club World Cup has long been pushed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in an effort for world soccer's governing body to garner more of the revenue pouring into the club game. FIFA had planned to launch the expanded version of the tournament, initially with 24 teams, in 2021 in China,...

The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, is among the venues selected to host games at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with FIFA targeting an announcement on the full list of venues in the upcoming weeks, sources told ESPN. Other venues under consideration, sources said, include Seattle's Lumen Field, Orlando's Inter.Co Stadium, Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, though none of these have yet been confirmed. The Guardian was the first to report the Club World Cup venues, while also mentioning that MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, and an undisclosed venue in the Philadelphia area are also set to be named. The Club World Cup has long been pushed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in an effort for world soccer's governing body to garner more of the revenue pouring into the club game. FIFA had planned to launch the expanded version of the tournament, initially with 24 teams, in 2021 in...

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers are likely to be without three of their best offensive players and could be missing two of their best defenders on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. After missing practice on Thursday and Friday, tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday. If Kittle does not play against the Rams, he would join running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles tendinitis) and receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) as key offensive options ruled out. On the other side of the ball, defensive end Nick Bosa and cornerback Charvarius Ward, two of the Niners' top defenders, are listed as questionable. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Bosa suffered a rib injury during a one-on-one period Thursday and was limited in that practice and again on Friday. Ward also missed Thursday's practice with hamstring and knee soreness, but he participated in Friday's practice on a limited basis....

CINCINNATI -- One of the  Bengals' top wide receivers is eyeing his season debut. Cincinnati wideout Tee Higgins said that he is planning on playing against the Washington Commanders on "Monday Night Football." Higgins, who has missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, said that he feels 100% healthy and he should be able to play at full strength. "I feel great," Higgins said after Friday's practice. "Obviously, unfortunate with the injury, sat out the first two weeks but finally ready to get my feet wet this season and ready to go." He felt good going through warmups before last week's game against Kansas City. However, he wanted to be cautious so he can operate at a full workload whenever he stepped onto the field. Higgins has been limited at practice throughout this week, including Friday's practice. However, the fifth-year receiver noted that the prep for Washington (1-1) has gone well and he has gotten enough plays to feel good and...

Los Angeles Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon, a leader in the WNBA's social justice initiatives, the league's first openly transgender and nonbinary player and a 2017 All-Star, announced their retirement Friday on Instagram. Clarendon, 33, has not suited up for the Sparks since Aug. 15 against the New York Liberty. They averaged 7.6 points, 3.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game during their 12-year WNBA career. "It just felt right," Clarendon told ESPN. "I've done a lot of healing in my life the last five years. It was just the culmination of my mind, my body and my spirit telling me that it was time to move on. I just had a deep knowing in my intuition that now is the right time, and I had a really open heart and readiness to let go." "Layshia has made a huge impact on and off the court throughout their outstanding basketball career," Sparks coach Curt Miller said in a statement. "Lay was a true professional, showing up each day with a desire to help our...

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- For the second straight Friday, the Green Bay Packers listed Jordan Love as questionable on their injury report. Don't expect the same Saturday downgrade to doubtful as last week's. After not practicing at all last week, Love took part in all three practices this week -- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, albeit in limited fashion -- and coach Matt LaFleur said they will take it right up until inactives are due 90 minutes before Sunday's kickoff at the Tennessee Titans if necessary. When asked after Friday's practice whether Love had been medically cleared to play, LaFleur said: "We're working through that." While that's the first step in a return to game action for the first time since Love sprained the MCL in his left knee late in the Sept. 6 season opener against the Eagles, it's not only the only factor. "I think there's definitely a lot that's up to him," LaFleur said. "You don't want to put somebody in that position, but...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said Friday that doctors diagnosed him with a high right ankle sprain. He said that his status for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers is "yet to be decided." Herbert said the pain in his ankle "is not great," and he walked with a limp after his news conference. "Thankfully, it's only Friday," Herbert said. "It is what it is. It's all about getting treatment and making sure that it's at its best and doing everything I can to limit the swelling, limit the pain and just keep things moving forward." The Chargers listed Herbert as questionable for Sunday's game. He didn't practice on Wednesday or Friday this week and was limited on Thursday. Coach Jim Harbaugh said Herbert not practicing Friday wasn't a sign of any regression in Herbert's recovery but rather was part of the plan set out by the athletic training staff. "Every day, it's been getting better," Herbert said. "It's just...

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett said he is dealing with the same injury to both his feet and will play through it but might require a procedure in the future. "Don't feel 100 percent, but feel good enough to go out there and make a difference," Garrett said Friday. Garrett, the NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday but returned to practice Friday. He was not listed with a game status for Sunday's matchup with the New York Giants and Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Garrett "looked like himself" at practice. Garrett appeared on the injury report with a foot issue last week but played in the Browns' win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording a strip sack in the game. Garrett took a few plays off in the victory but said after the game that he would continue to play through the injury. "We talk about [surgery after the season] but that's something that we'll talk about...

Hundreds of boxing fans packed London's Trafalgar Square on Friday to watch Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois weigh in and face off for the final time before their IBF heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) weighed in at 252 pounds, slightly heavier than Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs), who topped the scales at 248 pounds. After stepping off the scales, Joshua made a plea to fans, most of whom were cheering for him over his opponent. "If I can ask you one favour, go home tonight and make a prayer for me, for success tomorrow, that I will become three-time heavyweight champion of the world," Joshua said. "I look at myself as a gladiator, and I'm about to step into an arena tomorrow to perform for the people who love to see blood, guts and glory." Dubois was slightly more reserved and appeared laser-focused. "I'm ready to fight, just time to get in the ring and fight. I'm ready to go. A lot of work going into this, a lot of training. I win by...

MIAMI --  Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert is a long shot to play in the team's game Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, coach Mike McDaniel said, as he continues to work his way back from a chest injury. Mostert missed last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills with a chest injury he picked up in Miami's season opener. Despite Mostert turning in limited practices throughout the week, McDaniel was skeptical about the team's leading rusher from a season ago. "I am an optimistic person and so I would say I'd be pessimistic that he'd play," McDaniel said. "Which is telling, but I can't rule it out." Running back De'Von Achane leads the team with 46 total touches in two games and is likely headed for another heavy workload with quarterback Skylar Thompson set to make his fourth career start in place of the injured Tua Tagovailoa. McDaniel said he feels good about where rookie running back Jaylen Wright is at this...

East Carolina senior cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., one of the top cornerback prospects in the upcoming NFL draft, tore an ACL in practice this week and will miss the remainder of the season, sources told ESPN. Revel has been one of the most productive corners in the country for the Pirates. Since the start of 2023, he has 11 pass breakups and two defensive touchdowns. That includes a 50-yard interception return against Appalachian State last week. A source called it a "freak injury" to his left knee that occurred in practice on Wednesday. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Revel as the No. 2 cornerback prospect in the upcoming draft behind  Michigan's  Will Johnson. ESPN's Jordan Reid ranked him as the No. 14 overall prospect in his rankings. Revel defied convention by staying at East Carolina this season, turning down lucrative opportunities to transfer to some of the top programs in college football. "He has a chance to be this year's  Quinyon...

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said Friday that Jacoby Brissett remains the team's starting quarterback, praising his toughness despite a flurry of protection breakdowns in Thursday's 24-3 loss to the New York Jets. Mayo's declaration came a day after he inserted rookie Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, into the game late in the fourth quarter so he could experience his first regular-season action. "Jacoby is our quarterback until I say he is not the quarterback," Mayo said Friday morning. "I thought he showed a lot of toughness, a lot of grit." Brissett, who finished 12-of-18 for 98 yards, was sacked five times and in-game statisticians charted that he was hit 15 times as the Jets turned to a blitz-heavy approach to exploit the Patriots' short-handed offensive line. In the first three games, he is 42-of-69 for 368 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. The Patriots are 1-2. Immediately...

East Carolina senior cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., one of the top cornerback prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft, tore his ACL in practice this week and will miss the remainder of the season, sources told ESPN. Revel has been one of the most productive corners in the country for the Pirates. Since the start of 2023, he had 11 pass break-ups and two defensive touchdowns. That included a 50-yard interception return against Appalachian State last week. A source called it a "freak injury" to his left knee that occurred in practice on Wednesday. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Revel as the No. 2 cornerback prospect in the upcoming draft behind Michigan's Will Johnson. ESPN's Jordan Reid ranked him as a Top 15 overall prospect. Revel defied convention by staying at East Carolina this season, turning down lucrative opportunities to transfer to some of the top programs in college football. "He has a chance to be this year's Quinyon Mitchell," said an NFL scout who has seen Revel this year,...