This offseason, the New Orleans Saints were faced with the potential of major departures throughout the roster. Veterans who have commanded the team for years or young players who have the potential to be impact players on winning squads. In the end, the Saints did a pretty good job retaining the leaders such as Alvin Kamara and Cam Jordan, but ended up letting Alontae Taylor leave for the Tennessee Titans and Demario Davis go to the New York Jets.One of the other veteran players that the Saints could have re-signed is QB/TE/RB Taysom Hill, but that has still not happened. With Hill's injuries in recent years and the clear falloff in play, it would be risky to bring him back on really any deal. Yes, the type of flexibility that Hill could bring is something any team would be interested in, but the Saints tried forcing that last season, and we clearly saw how much it negatively affected the offense. It seems like the Saints agree with their lack of interest in the move.So, now with Hill set to be off the roster, the impact is going to be felt. First, just looking at it from a roster-building perspective, the Saints gained some flexibility here. Hill always felt like a player who didn't have one position, so now the Saints can actually designate one spot for one position. Might not be the biggest impact, but could make a difference.The other interesting impact that will happen with Hill on the roster is what Kellen Moore is going to do in situational moments. When Hill was out last season, the Saints had to rely on other players to convert short-yardage situations, but that didn't really happen consistently. So, when Hill came back, Moores attention went straight to him. It really didn't work, but Moores attention stayed with Hill. It was almost a distraction at times, but with Hill off the roster, Moore is going to be forced to find someone else, which may end up being a blessing in disguise.Hill also brought important veteran leadership in the TE room that will be missed. Right now, there really isn't that leader in that group that you would want for a rookie like Oscar Delp. Juwan Johnson could be that person, and with Hill out, it's the perfect time to prove that. But that may not happen. Even with Hill's recent struggles, he was always a great teammate to have and an important voice in the locker room.

Ferencvaros v Real MadridrAction infront of Canon board (Photo by Tony Marshall/EMPICS via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty ImagesReal Madrid return to the Hungarian capital on Saturday, August 8, when they face Ferencvros in a pre-season friendly at the Groupama Arena. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm local time.More than 30 years have passed since the two clubs last met. That game came on November 1, 1995, in the group stage of the Champions League, the season Ferencvros made their debut in the competition. Flrin Albert Jr put the hosts ahead in the 36th minute. A very young Ral Gonzlez equalized in the 73rd. It finished 1-1.The reverse fixture had been played two weeks earlier, on October 18, 1995, at the Santiago Bernabu, where Real Madrid won 6-1. Those two games remain the only meetings between the clubs in any competition.The 1995 match in Budapest was staged at Stadion Albert Flrin on lli Road, the ground that occupied the site before the Groupama Arena opened in 2014. The stadium holds around 22,000 fans.Real Madrid manager Jos Mourinho already knows the venue. He managed Chelsea in the arenas opening fixture in August 2014, a game his side won 2-1 against Ferencvros.Apart from Ferencvros, Madrid will play Fiorentina in Klagenfurt on August 1 and Deportivo La Corua in the Teresa Herrera Trophy on August 12.

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Jul 26, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe (14) and pitcher Mitch Farris (70) celebrate defeating the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn ImagesSwept, sure. Six times now. But to sweep? Nah, it just aint to be.The San Francisco Giants are now 0-5 with the chance to sweep a 3+ game series after their 4-3 loss to the Angels. Its not just their opponents or their own self-sabotage keeping the broom in the cupboard the umpires are doing their part as well.With the tying run at second in the 9th, home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt decided an inside fastball was close enough and called Heliot Ramos out on strikes to end the game. View LinkNow, of course, in this brave new world of ABS and challenges, this wouldnt be such a big deal. A light tap on the head and any pitch-calling injustice can be swiftly adjusted within seconds if one of the teams challenges remained. If one doesnt, then youre living in baseballs stone ages, which these 2026 Giants might be.Willy Adames had burned the teams last challenge earlier in the 9th on a 3-0 sinker from reliever Sam Bachman. The pitchs natural movement appeared to take the ball out of the zone. It entered the catchers glove wide of the corner. Bachman had heaved some big misses earlier in the AB and when he walked Jesus Rodriguez. Given the scenario 9th inning, no outs, down by three, and another baserunner would bring the tying run to the plate it wasnt a bad challenge in terms of strategy. It was a bad challenge, a terrible one, in the sense that he was wrong. Upon review, a fiber of a seam scraped the inside corner. Wendelstedt reported with the biggest sh*t-eating grin on his face, Im sure that the call was confirmed, San Francisco has no more challenges remaining, hehe. That first strike got Bachman back into the at-bat and hed eventually get Adames to ground into a fielders choice forceout.View LinkThe no more challenges thing immediately became an issue in the next at-bat. Bachman got lost on his way to the plate again, and Wendelstedt went out of his way to reorient him. In a 3-0 count, a change-up that fell well below the zone was called a strike, and Cavanaugh, powerless to protest, could only tap his helmet quizzically. View LinkGiven a second life in the AB, Bachman worked the count full but ended up walking the rookie catcher anyway (Cavanaugh, 2-for-2 with 2 BB) bringing the Giants tying run to the plate.Manager Kirk Suzuki swapped the errant Bachman with the inexperienced lefty, Mitch Farris, who, despite his surname, had never pitched in a save situation before (my thinking: Farris Ferris Save Ferris). Farris got pinch hitter Daniel Susac to lineout on his first pitch and then had his heart jump into his throat on his second pitch to Luis Arraez when his 352 drive teased a game-tying 3-run home run for 95% of its time in the air. Missing a friendly push from the wind, the ball kicked high off the brick wall in right for a 2-run double.View LinkThe Angels were on the ropes. They had lost a MLB-leading 8 games so far when leading after the 8th inning with an inexperienced arm on the hill without a split advantage. Ramos, who had been scuffling as of late, put up a fight too. He fouled off three pitches, then in a 1-2 count and fully in swing-mode, spat on a change-up in the dirt. He didnt get baited by the subsequent fastball either. He read it out of the hands well maybe low, definitely inside, and he kept his bat on his shoulder. Who knows what he wouldve done with it, but Ramos had earned another pitch. He didnt get one.While Adamess failed challenge drew the quickest criticism because it was the most recent, the reason that challenge was San Franciscos last was thanks to a bad challenge by Grant McCray way back in the 5th inning.Down 4-0, Angels starter Jos Soriano with runners on first and second and nobody out, McCray saw a 1-0 fastball as off the plate and away. When Wendelstedt called it as strike one, McCray challenged it immediately. View LinkBesides the fact that he was wrong, theres some problems with McCrays thinking here. First off, the difference between a 1-1 count and a 2-0 count doesnt do much in terms of swinging the outcome of the at-bat. Reversing the call here doesnt save McCray from being called out, nor does it directly guarantee he reaches first. Secondly, McCray is hitting out of the 9-spot. Sunday was just his second start of the year, his eighth game, his seventh plate appearance, and hes yet to record a hit. No offense, but the likelihood of his bat providing no offense is high. While I get why a manager might not want to restrict any player from challenging specific balls and strikes, an unproven, bench piece should probably be discouraged from making split-second decisions in the heat of the moment.Save those challenges for the powerhouse guys!McCray got it wrong in the 5th, and the full consequences of that failed challenge wasnt known until four innings later.While Ramos got the bat, and challenge, taken out of his hands, that final strike-3 didnt sink the Giants. They were swinging from behind, hanging on by their fingernails, living in the fairy land of conditional ifs because while they had no trouble creating opportunities (like in the 9th), they struggled to capitalize on them (like in the 9th). Their lead-off batter reached base in 8 of the games 9 innings, but only once did the batter after him reach base. Their first hit with a runner in scoring position was Arraezs 9th inning double.Credit is due to Angels starter Jos Soriano and hisbowling ball arsenal of sinker, splitter, knuckle curve, who allowed one run (unearned) over 5 innings pitched. He surrendered just three hits, one of those being a sun-double by Adames. While he walked three, he buckled down when it mattered with well-located offerings eliciting weak batted balls and unproductive outs.A perfectly placed splitter in the 3rd got Bryce Eldridge swinging to end the inning and strand two runners. In the 5th, after the first two Giants reached base, he struck out McCray (again, thanks to a well-located sinker) then got Arraez to roll weakly to second for what shouldve been a double play if not for a throwing error by shortstop Zach Neto. Looking back on the quality of contact, its not surprising that the only run they managed against Soriano was thrown in rather than batted in.Even though he got hung with the loss and gave up four runs, the recently called-up Carson Whisenhunt held his own for the most part. He struck out 7 over 5 innings, including five in a row at one point. He had already bagged 15 whiffs by the end of the 3rd, the majority of those flails came on his signature change-up. By the end of his outing, 65% of the swings on the offspeed came up empty.View LinkAs dominant as he was at times, Whisenhunts youth showed through at crucial points. In the 1st, after Mike Trout doubled, the veteran advanced to third when Whisenhunt sailed a fastball. The wild pitch allowed Trout to cross the plate on a groundout to short.Then in the 4th, Jorge Soler socked the first pitch of the frame over the wall in center field. The knock rattled Whisenhunt. The old adage that solo homers wont beat you remains true but what will beat a pitcher is walking the next batter after a solo homer, then giving up another bomb. Whisenhunt struggled locating his slider and fastball against Nolan Schanuel. Uncomfortable with his secondary offerings, he predictably went back to his change-up after the walk, and Jo Adell launched one 446 feet.Adrian Houser took over in 6th and did an excellent job working around some errors to keep the Angels lead at three, but three runs was all they needed.Milwaukee, with the second best record in the National League, comes to town tomorrow. Sweep probably isnt likely. Swept though?

On Oct. 6, 1979, the Des Moines Register and Harry Baumert (along with others) were present to document the fourth game of head coach Donnie Duncans first season in Ames.The container of original film was located on eBay several decades after the event and recently became the subject of a side quest to digitize the film at Parks Library. This archival effort aims to preserve an example of photojournalism from the 1979 season, providing a look back at what a game day in Ames looked like 47 years ago this fall.currently on a side quest pic.twitter.com/0VjvI5TdWP Wide Right & Natty Lite (@WideRtNattyLt) July 17, 2026By converting this Kodak Safety film 5063 into a digital format, the project ensures that the visual documentation of this game remains accessible for historical study and in no way does this website claim ownership of the following images.

The pressure is on the Minnesota Vikings and head coach Kevin O'Connell after a missed playoff appearance and significant offseason haul in the last year. It's time to get it done.The Vikings have had plenty of regular season success in the O'Connell Era of Minnesota football. They have had regular season success in past eras, too. The issue is what the Vikings are doing in the playoffs. So far, they are doing more of the same.O'Connell still has time to prove he can get it done. In fairness, he has not always been given "his guys" in the NFL draft. Still, it's time to see more proof of concept when the Vikings reach the postseason.ESPN NFL insider Kevin Seifert writes that it's time for O'Connell to finally have postseason success with Minnesota. Here's some of what he wrote on the topic."During his first four seasons, O'Connell won an NFL Coach of the Year award (2024) and collected 43 regular season wins, tied for fifth most in the NFL over that period. But he is winless in two playoff appearances, and there is a relatively short list of recent NFL coaches who made it to a sixth season without first winning a playoff game.The last three occasions have been Washington's Jay Gruden (2014-18), Houston's Gary Kubiak (2006-10) and Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis (2003-07), per ESPN Research. Gruden was fired midway through his sixth season. Kubiak continued with the Texans for an additional three seasons, during which he went 2-2 in the playoffs. Lewis famously made it through 16 seasons -- all without winning a playoff game (0-7).What would missing the playoffs mean for O'Connell? If owners Zygi and Mark Wilf give him a sixth season in that scenario, it would at a minimum be a display of confidence that few other NFL owners have delivered this century."Chance of winning the NFC North, per ESPN Analytics:Lions: 38%Packers: 33%Bears: 19%Vikings: 10% Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) July 20, 2026Seifert shares, per ESPN analytics, that the Vikings have just a 10% chance to win the NFC North behind the Lions (38%), Packers (33%) and Bears (19%). The Lions will have the benefit of facing a last place schedule, which means they will face other NFC teams that finished last in their respective divisions. In an NFC North where everyone had a winning record last season, that is a tremendous advantage.Still, the Vikings face a third place schedule, and they have what figures to be a more complete roster than they had a year ago. Perhaps that perception is skewed by having an anticipated quarterback upgrade over J.J. McCarthy in Kyler Murray despite losing key players on the defensive line and at receiver and safety.The Vikings need to make the playoffs and they need to win this season. They will hope to start with a season opening regular season win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.

Angel Reese had a blast during the WNBA All-Star weekend. The Atlanta Dream star posted a carousel of photos on Instagram on Sunday, showing her enjoying during different moments from the festivities. Her boyfriend, Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr., gave her some love in the comments section.The snaps included Reeses introduction before the All-Star Game, her pregame look and a picture with Barack Obama, among others.MORE: Angel Reese enters WNBA All-Star Barbie era with candid poolside photosCarter dropped a short but sweet message, expressing his pride for her.Proud of you !! Carter wrote.Reese only played nine minutes during the game and was held scoreless. However, she recorded five rebounds and didnt show signs of being hampered by any injury. The three-time All-Star exited the Dreams game versus the Chicago Sky on July 19 early after appearing to hurt her knee. She looked healthy during the exhibition game and could return to action on Wednesday when Atlanta takes on the Dallas Wings.Angel Reese and Wendell Carter Jr.s relationship timelineJul 2, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) waits for play to start against the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn ImagesReese and Carter first sparked romance rumors in May 2025. They further fueled speculation during last years All-Star Game as Carter was courtside wearing a custom T-shirt featuring Reeses face. She then returned the favor by watching Magic games last season. On June 6, the Dream faced the Washington Mystics at Gateway Center Arena, and Carter was once again in attendance wearing a custom Reese jersey.They went public with their relationship in November on FanDuel TVs Run It Back, with Carter calling Reese my girl. The couple continues to support each other during WNBA and NBA games.,

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman enters the last year of his rookie contract in need of a breakout campaign to earn an extension.While we have seen glimpses of Tillman's ability during the 2024 season, he has since struggled to make an impact and even missed a large number of games recovering from a concussion. He needs 17 games and a consistent output to prove his worth to the Browns.However, will he even get that opportunity? After drafting two wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, Tillman's role appears diminished. As a result, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox has tabbed Tillman as a trade candidate, in need of a change of scenery away from the Browns.Here are Knox's thoughts on the Browns' fourth-year wide receiver: "2023 third-round pick Cedric Tillman was once looked like a long-term contributor for the Browns, but now, he appears to be on the roster bubble. While Tillman could potentially stick as a fourth or fifth receiver and a core special-teamer, he should be hoping for a better opportunity to play. He's still only 26 years old, and he'll get his first taste of free agency in 2027. Teams lacking receiver depth and in position to bet on a younger receiver should be interested."Why a Tillman trade makes logistical sense for the BrownsIt is worth mentioning that right tackle Dawand Jones restructured his contract in the final year of his deal to take less money, but guarantee that money to lock in his roster spot. Tillman has not reconfigured his contract to meet the same criteria. This means the Browns can trade him and save a massive $3.65 million while incurring only $270,100 in dead money.After the selection of Denzel Boston, another massive-bodied wide receiver, it sure seemed like Tillman's role was taken. Do the Browns feel the same?This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: One Browns WR tabbed as clear training camp trade candidate

FOXBOROUGH, Mass Being a veteran in the room last season, Mack Hollins was someone many of the younger receivers relied on and asked questions of. That includes Efton Chism, a 2025 undrafted rookie who endeared himself to New England Patriots fans and earned a spot on the 53-man roster.Now, Hollins is entering his second year with the Patriots, while Chism is going into his second season in the NFL. And their bond is stronger than ever. "I told him, 'Take everything I do and then change it to what's best for you.' And that's what I've seen him do," Hollins said of his advice for Chism. "If I'm doing something and he's not doing it, he's going to hear it He's getting a little big. He can start saying stuff to me when I'm not doing it, so he keeps me honest too."But it's been, it's been really cool to watch him grow, not only as a player on the field, but off, and understanding how to be a pro and things it takes to be great and sustain that for more than a season and not just be like, 'Oh it's a guy who's shining in a training camp for one year because he's small and white.' Efton's a baller, that's why he's shining."And the love they have for each other was on full display as, after Hollins' press conference, the veteran wide receiver ran over to Chism, who was waiting for him so they could walk back to the locker room together.Follow Patriots Wire onTwitterandFacebook.This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Mack Hollins details close bond with fan-favorite second-year receiver

Las Vegas Aces forward Stephanie Talbot (7) akes the ball down the court during first half of WNBA preseason game on Sunday April 26, 2026 at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.While the Las Vegas Aces are expected to be heavy contributors to the rosters for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, another lesser-known player is going back to represent her country once again.On Sunday, it was confirmed that Aces forward Stephanie Talbot would be a part of Team Australia for the World Cup, which is set to go from Sept. 4-13 in Berlin.It has been something of a challenging season for Talbot in her first go-around in Las Vegas, averaging only 3.5 points and three rebounds per game despite starting all but one of her 26 games and averaging 18.5 minutes.However, Talbots international experience was what drew interest from the Aces, and Australia boasts one of the top womens basketball teams in the world, with their most recent triumph being a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics.More holdovers from that bronze medal team include head coach Sandy Brondello (Toronto Tempo), as well as Isobel Borlase (Atlanta Dream), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm), Jade Melbourne (Seattle), Alanna Smith (Dallas Wings) and Sami Whitcomb (Phoenix Mercury). The team is also confirmed to include another WNBA player in Chloe Bibby (Chicago Sky) to their ranks.Talbot has been a part of Team Australia since 2015, participating in three Olympics and two World Cups so far. She played a part in the Australians taking home silver medals in the 2018 World Cups and bronze in the 2022 rendition, where she was also named to the All-Star five of the tournament.Back in somewhat more familiar and friendlier territory, a good tournament could be what Talbot needs to find her footing and gain some momentum when the Aces begin their likely playoff push.