Javier Baez waited three long months for his ankle to let him feel like a baseball player again.There were setbacks, frustrating days, and moments when the Detroit Tigers veteran believed he was close, only for the injury to tell him otherwise. By the time Baez finally returned to the lineup Tuesday, his excitement was impossible to hide.It feels great. Hopefully everything goes well. Im really excited to be back on a big-league field, and Im ready to help this team.For Baez, the return was about more than getting activated from the injured list. It was the end of a recovery that tested his patience and reminded him how much he missed the game.Baezs Recovery Took Longer Than ExpectedThe Tigers initially believed Baezs ankle would heal relatively quickly. The process became far more complicated once he began increasing the intensity of his rehab work.It honestly was a completely different situation than we expected. We all thought it was going to heal really fast. I started doing my rehab, and then it kind of flared up again, so we had to slow it down.Baez admitted there were days when the ankle felt strong, followed by moments when it became clear he was not ready.It was tough, man. Ive been trying to get back as soon as possible. Sometimes I would feel really good, but when I tried to put a little pressure on my ankle during rehab, it was not ready yet.That uncertainty stretched the recovery to nearly three months.For a player who has built his career around instinct, movement and emotion, being forced to watch from the side was especially difficult.The Injury Could Have Been Much WorseBaez also reflected on the play that caused the injury.He said his left leg was not stable when he reached the bag, causing him to slip and lose his balance. His first concern was that the ankle had been fractured.I was surprised it wasnt fractured. That was my biggest concern. If I needed surgery, I was going to lose the year, and my plan was to avoid that.Avoiding surgery allowed Baez to keep the possibility of a 2026 return alive, but the long rehab still forced him to confront how quickly a season can change.One awkward step had taken him away from the Tigers for months.Baez Knew He Was ReadyBaezs confidence returned once he began testing the ankle during games in Lakeland and with Triple-A Toledo.I played a couple of games in Triple-A and in Lakeland. It was a slow process, but as soon as I started playing, I made a couple of plays that tested my ankle, and it responded pretty well.After completing his routine, Baez went directly to A.J. Hinch and made his feelings clear.Weve been trying to speed up the process now. I told him I wasnt trying to go on the road with the Triple-A team. I did my whole routine yesterday, and I told him I was ready to play.There was humor in the comment, but also plenty of honesty.Baez had spent enough time rehabbing, riding buses and watching the Tigers from a distance. He wanted his place back in Detroits clubhouse.Missing Baseball Changed His PerspectiveThe injury gave Baez time to think about his career and the uncertainty surrounding the sport.I just love being out there, man. With the situation in baseball and what could happen next year with the league and the games, we dont know what is going to happen. I was just trying to get back out here, have fun and help the team.That may have been the most revealing part of his return.Baez has accomplished plenty during his career, but three months away reminded him how much he still values the daily rhythm of baseball. The preparation, the clubhouse conversations, the pressure and the chance to compete all mattered more once they were taken away.Baez Believes He Can Lift the TigersBaez watched Detroits season unfold from the injured list, including the winning stretches and difficult losses.He still believes the Tigers have a chance to find their best baseball.Ive been watching the games, and Ive seen all the ups and downs. I think this team and this group have a good chance to keep getting better, play better and get that feeling of winning again. We have that feeling, and we always have. We just have to keep playing like a winning team.Baez knows his offensive numbers will be closely watched, but he also believes his value comes from the urgency he creates.I told him, I dont hit much, but I create pressure. I put pressure on pitchers, and I put pressure on our clubhouse to play really well.That is the version of Baez Detroit needs.Aggressive. Energetic. Unafraid to force the action.Bottom LineJavier Baezs return carried more emotion than a normal roster move.He spent three months dealing with setbacks, wondering whether the injury might cost him the season and fighting to regain trust in his ankle. Once the joint finally responded, Baez had no interest in waiting another day.Now he is back where he wanted to be, wearing a Tigers uniform and trying to help Detroit rediscover its winning edge.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 27: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with teammate Brandon Marsh #16 after hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins during the first inning of the game at loanDepot park on July 27, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesHere are the lineups for game two in Miami. Lets discuss.For the Phillies:Round 2 on deck pic.twitter.com/fZu3hUz3PO Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 28, 2026For the Marlins:Keep it going : @PNCBank: https://t.co/pMAEOPHNJ8: @MarlinsRadio, @radiomambi710, @1043wqam: 6:40 PM ET : Roof status: CLOSED#FightinFish// https://t.co/ZrOdIbYDTIpic.twitter.com/6JP7wlZ5rZ Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 28, 2026

Lincoln Riley said so earlier in the offseason. He said it again at Big Ten media days on Tuesday. Riley believes USC football is better equipped to compete for a College Football Playoff berth. "I do believe we're more equipped than at any point in the previous few years. That's not a hope or a wish, theres a lot of facts to back that up," Riley said. That's strong stuff. Asserting that a belief is a fact and not merely an opinion is bold. It's a display of confidence not matched by USC's track record. Riley, though, has convinced himself everything is going in the right direction at long last, in Year 5 of his USC tenure.Line playLincoln Riley says USC more depth and talent on the offensive and defensive line than the previous four years Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) July 28, 2026Alignment#USC HC Lincoln Riley: "When I think about this program going into our fifth year, I think about our alignment."Really for the first time he feels the program has the same alignment #Oklahoma had when he was there. Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) July 28, 2026Jayden MaiavaLincoln Riley on QB Jayden Maiava: Of all the guys that I've been fortunate enough to coach, I don't know that I've had anyone that has improved from day one to this point as much as Jayden has. Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) July 28, 2026Mike Ekeler#USC HC Lincoln Riley on Mike Ekeler: It was a huge addition for us."A guy like that makes you better the day he walks in the door." Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) July 28, 2026Gary PattersonLincoln Riley talking at Big Ten Media Days about his expectations for #USC's defense: pic.twitter.com/4SwlzmsFqM Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) July 28, 2026Jide Abasiri#USC HC Lincoln Riley on Jide Abasiri: "He's a guy that does everything right."Said he's an example for everyone that doesn't have that 'dream season right away.' Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) July 28, 2026Home-field advantageLincoln Riley expresses on the @Cover3Podcast that USCs home field advantage has grown in recent years.Home field advantage is really back in the coliseum right now.He says USCs final step to becoming champions is winning tough games on the road. Thats the challenge to pic.twitter.com/jjiai2sM2D Trojan Football (@TrojanFBx) July 28, 2026Bottom lineLincoln Riley didn't come to Big Ten media days to tell the press and a nation of fans that his team is incomplete in certain areas or that he doesn't know what kind of team he has. Some coaches will do that. Riley didn't. He obviously believes in this team and thinks something great is ready to happen. Talk, though, is cheap. It's long past time for Lincoln Riley to back it up. Moreover, if he doesn't, he might be gone.Contact/Follow@TrojansWireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage ofUSC Trojansnews, notes and opinion.This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Talk is cheap for Lincoln Riley at 2026 Big Ten media days

Anthony Smith mugshotAnthony Smith has been arrested in Nebraska and faces multiple felony charges. Following an initial report by TMZ Sports, MMA Fightings Damon Martin confirmed with court records that Smith was arrested on Monday evening at 8:44 p.m. and remains in custody in the Sarpy County Jail.Smiths arrest record indicates he faces felony charges for terroristic threats, false imprisonment in the first degree, and domestic violence causing serious bodily injury. Details of the arrest and the circumstances that led to it are not yet available.In Nebraska, domestic violence causing serious bodily injury is a Class 2A felony, carrying with it a maximum of 20 years imprisonment. The terroristic threats and false imprisonment in the first degree charges are Class 3A felonies, carrying a maximum of three years imprisonment plus 18 months post-release supervision, and up to a $10,000 fine.A former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, Smith retired last year at UFC Kansas City, when he lost by knockout to Zhang Mingyang. He ended his retirement earlier this year to compete at Jorge Masvidals Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event in April, submitting Chase Sherman. Smith also frequently serves as an analyst for UFC broadcasts.

Anthony Smith is in trouble in his home state of Nebraska.The longtime UFC analyst and one-time UFC title challenger was arrested Monday night by Nebraska authorities, TMZ first reported Tuesday. Smith, 38, is currently booked in county jail and faces three potential felony charges for terroristic threats, first-degree false imprisonment and domestic violence causing serious bodily injury.At the time of this writing, it is unclear what led to Smiths arrest. A bond for the former UFC light heavyweight contender has yet to be set.The combined weight of Smiths three charges, if convicted, carries a potential sentence of more than 20 years in prison.Smith (39-22) retired from UFC competition in 2025 following a nine-year, 24-fight run with the company that saw him unsuccessfully challenge Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight title in 2019. After a failed one-fight stint in the promotion in 2013, Smith rejoined the UFC in 2016 and proceeded to fight a whos who in both the 185-pound and 205-pound divisions, earning wins over former champions Rashad Evans and Mauricio Shogun Rua, plus top contenders Alexander Gustafsson and Volkan Oezdemir.Smith doubled as a television analyst on UFC broadcasts for much of his last chapter as an active UFC fighter, and has continued to do so in MMA retirement. Smith also returned to combat sports competition earlier this year with a first-round submission of Chase Sherman in a bare-knuckle MMA bout as part of Gamebred FCs ongoing $500,000 heavyweight tournament.Further details on Smiths arrest will be updated as they become available.

The Detroit Red Wings announced promotional giveaways and theme games for the 2026-27 season on Tuesday.Some fans, of course, circled dates on their calendars, while others had fun at the team's expense on the Red Wings' Facebook page.Here's a sampling of the punchlines with Detroit facing the possibility of 11 straight years out of the playoffs: Would one of those themes be winning? Break the 10-year drought night? Can we have a "let's win a game" theme night? Pick a new Captain night? How about "sell the team" night? Get ready for March collapse month! I think we can speak for almost everyone on this post. We aren't really concerned with theme nights at this point.Single-game tickets go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 4 for the team's 101st season after the centennial season last year.Here are some of the highlights of the giveaway and theme nights: Oct. 9 vs. Seattle We Are Hockeytown: Pride Night* / Pride Weekend Tumbler / Hello Kitty / Educator Appreciation Lunch Box (Presented by Coca-Cola) Oct. 13 vs. New Jersey Healthcare Appreciation Tote Bag / Chaldean Heritage Shirsey Oct. 15 vs. PhiladelphiaSisterhood Hat / Polish Heritage Shirsey Oct. 17 vs. San Jose Hockey Fights Cancer Night (Presented by Fifth Third Bank)* / Love Your Melon Beanie / Grand Valley State University Hat(Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) Oct. 29 vs. Chicago Original Six Matchup* / Star Wars Night Shirsey / Albanian Heritage Shirsey / Cleary University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) Oct. 31 vs. St. Louis Hockeytown Halloween* Nov. 5 vs. Vegas Military Appreciation Night (Presented by Chevrolet)* / Military Shirsey / Greek Heritage Shirsey / Northern Michigan University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) Nov. 18 vs. Boston Centennial Game The Original Faceoff (Presented by Meijer)* / Original Six Matchup* Nov. 21 vs. NY Islanders Zamboni Gravy Boat / Winged Wheel Podcast Beanie / Ferris State University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) Nov. 25 vs. Vancouver AnnualThanksgiving Eve Game* Dec. 1 vs. Calgary Hometown Heroes Police or Fire/EMS Shirsey / University of Detroit Mercy Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) Dec. 3 vs. Colorado Build-Your-Own-Fit Sweatpants / Adrian College Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) Dec. 11 vs. NY Rangers Original Six Matchup* Dec. 12 vs. Florida Ugly Sweater Dec. 20 vs. Tampa Bay Kids Day*/ Family Day Dec. 22 vs. Toronto Original Six Matchup* / Hockeytown Holiday Game* Dec. 31 vs. Carolina Annual New Years Eve Game (Presented by Planet Fitness)* Jan. 7 vs. UtahMichigan Tech University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) / Italian Heritage Shirsey Jan. 9 vs. Boston Original SixMatchup*/Grateful Dead Shirsey Jan. 17 vs. Minnesota Saginaw Valley State University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) / Swedish Heritage Shirsey Jan. 19 vs. Anaheim Build-Your-Own-Fit Socks / Filipino Heritage Shirsey / Eastern Michigan University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) Jan. 23 vs. Tampa Bay Faith Day Shirt (Presented by The Walk) / Lake Superior State University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) Jan. 27 vs. Toronto Original Six Matchup* /Build-Your-Own-Fit Vest Jan. 29 vs. Florida Central Michigan University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) Feb. 18 vs. Montreal We Are Hockeytown Night: Black History* / Original Six Matchup* / Michigan State University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) Feb. 21 vs. Buffalo Kids Day* /Union Day / Western Michigan University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) March 4 vs. New Jersey Build-Your-Own-Fit Hat / Lawrence Tech University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) March 6 vs. Dallas Winged Wheel Podcast Beanie / Educator Appreciation Lunch Box (Presented by Coca-Cola) March 12 vs. Buffalo St. Patricks Day Tailgate (Presented by Michelob Ultra)/ St. Patricks Day Shirsey / Northwood University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) March 18 vs. Columbus We Are Hockeytown: Girls & Women in Sports Night* / Oakland University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) March 20 vs. Montreal Original Six Matchup* /French Heritage Shirsey March 24 vs. Washington We Are Hockeytown: Hockey Without Limits* / Healthcare Appreciation Tote Bag / University of Michigan Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) March 30 vs. Ottawa Margaritaville Tote Bag (Presented by Kona Big Wave) / Irish Heritage Shirsey / Wayne State University Hat (Presented by Michigan First Credit Union) April 9 vs. Pittsburgh Fan Appreciation Night (Presented by Coca-Cola and Meijer)*This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Red Wings unveil theme nights. Fans supply the punchlines

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) As Klint Kubiak oversees his first training camp as a head coach, he is faced with the daunting task of figuring out how to juggle going with Kirk Cousins as the Raiders' starting quarterback for now while getting the most out of overall No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza.Kubiak made clear Tuesday that when Las Vegas takes the field early Wednesday for its first training camp practice that Cousins will run the first-team offense.But there also will be plenty of focus on Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to the national championship last season and whom so many fans have placed their hope that he is the long-awaited franchise quarterback. Mendoza operated the third-team offense in offseason practices behind Cousins and Aidan O'Connell, so the Raiders initially eased him into the lineup.Now it comes down to performance.Its important for me to be fair to the players and to put the best player out there, Kubiak said. "When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback. Hes the guy, and hes going to get a ton of reps. He deserves them because he has played really good football, but I want Fernando and I want Aidan to push him.Kubiak and his coaches enter camp with a plan for how to navigate the quarterbacks' competition early, but they are ready to make adjustments depending on how it plays out.We have a starting point on where those reps want to be for the guys," Kubiak said. "Were really thoughtful about how many reps each guys getting up against what defense. Theres going to be times where it moves and certain guys are with the twos, certain guys are with the threes. Well get the second guy with the ones. We have an early-on plan, but its always a moving target.Crosby is back with the startersKubiak had said he expected star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who underwent knee surgery in January, to be ready to go once camp begins.That is indeed the case.Hes ready to practice, Kubiak said. "As practice unfolds and were watching our players, its always a moving target. But as of right now, tomorrow is a pretty short workday, hour and 30 minutes. So, were expecting (Crosby) to be ready to take all those reps.Crosby's surgery was to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee that caused him to miss the final two games last season.He was traded to Baltimore in March only to have the Ravens nix the deal four days later over a failed physical, someone with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press at the time.Crosby said in June he had moved on and was focused on playing for the Raiders.McCoy gets his chanceThe Raiders traded up a spot into the first selection of the fourth round of this year's draft to take cornerback Jermod McCoy.He was thought to be a first-round talent before a torn ACL forced McCoy to miss all of last season at Tennessee.Now McCoy will begin to show whether the Raiders' risk was a good one.The plan is to get him reps early and see how he responds in his recovery," Kubiak said. "It is a moving target with him. Hes a guy thats worked extremely hard and has been dedicated to the program that weve put in front of him. Jermod hasnt played football in a year, and were aware of that, but hes ready to go practice tomorrow. Were also going to be really smart with him and develop him the right way.First training camp in charge for new coachKubiak was hired in February after serving as offensive coordinator of Seattle's Super Bowl champions, and the 39-year-old hired some veteran assistants who can help his transition to running his own team.He specifically mentioned Mike McCoy, Joe DeCamillis and Rick Dennison as coaches he could rely on.Those are guys that I lean on every day, Kubiak said.Few questions about healthAll the players, Kubiak said, are set to practice when camp opens.He also said the conditioning tests were encouraging.Guys did a great job there, but playing football is a whole lot different than running 60 yards, Kubiak said. So well find out who the most self-motivated people were.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

The Cincinnati Bengals arent taking any risks with tight end Erick All.As Bengals training camp gets underway, All has been cleared to get back to work. After an encouraging showing in 2024 after arriving via the fourth round, he missed all of 2025 after complications from asurgery.But the Bengals arent rushing All.According to WLWTs Charlie Clifford, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin told reporters at the start of training camp that they have a specific progression process in place.Translated: Dont panic if All starts training camp working off to the side with trainers, or even on a rehab field. They know what he brings to the table and actually want him out there in the base offense when the games matter.Alls, well, all-around game is a big key for the Bengals in 2026. With Mike Gesicki more of a pass-catcher and Drew Sample a blocker, his ability to do it all across most formations is a key element.So, All is a hype point to watch during training camp for the Bengals, even if hes not making the big highlight splash plays.This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals unveil slow injury comeback plan for key player

The San Francisco 49ers are set to add another defensive player after Tuesday's tryouts. Former Miami Dolphins LB Quinton Bell is joining the club according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Bell was part of a four-player tryout for the 49ers on Tuesday. Defensive end KJ Henry is also going to join the team after that tryout. The 49ers will utilize Bell as a defensive end to help them mitigate Nick Bosa's limited reps and Mykel Williams' absence on the PUP list. They also had rookie Romello Height exit a practice early because of cramps. San Francisco also had a practice Tuesday, although there's no injury news yet from that session.Bell joined the NFL in 2019 as a seventh-round pick of the Oakland Raiders. He debuted in 2020 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He didn't play in 2021 and caught on with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. After not playing during the 2023 campaign, Bell caught on with the Miami Dolphins for the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. He faces a steep climb to a role on the 49ers in 2026, much less a roster spot. If he plays very well in camp he could land a spot on the back of the roster or on the practice squad. The more likely outcome is one where he eats training camp reps and perhaps some preseason games. Overall Bell has played in 33 games with three starts. In those 33 games he has 38 tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.0 sacks. More 49ers: Palo Alto PD: No preferential treatment for Kyle Shanahan after crashThis article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers to add more defensive help, will sign journeyman Dolphins LB

Ward already topped the cornerback earnings leaderboard when he signed his previous deal