Training camp is an opportunity for long shots and feel-good stories to make their names, and there might be no lesser-known quarterback receiving first-team reps than Jack Strand.With the Atlanta Falcons top two quarterbacks, Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., held out of full-team practice on Thursday, Strand found himself handing off to Bijan Robinson and throwing to the likes of Drake London and Kyle Pitts.Not bad for an undrafted rookie who less than a year ago was facing Division-II defenses at Minnesota State Moorhead.When the Falcons opened camp, Tagovailoa was dealing with some back tightness and Michael Penix Jr. not yet cleared for full-team activities, it left Strand as the only fully healthy quarterback on the roster after the team released Trevor Siemian with a non-football injury designation."I didn't think about it too much," Strand told the Falcons official website. "I'm coming into training camp and everything just trying to take it day by day. Keep attacking every day. Keep getting better every day. Whether I'm getting a bunch of reps or I'm not getting as many reps. Whatever reps that I do get, whether it's in Indy, whether it's in RVA, whether it's in team, anything, I'm just going to try to attack those reps and try to keep getting with those. And then also from watching the guys around me."The Falcons were so short of arms on Thursday, in fact, that President of Football Matt Ryan stepped up to deliver some passes to receivers. No, Ryan isnt a QB option this season, head coach Kevin Stefanski joked, and it remains to be seen if Strand even will be.But for now, this relatively unknown quarterback is getting his chance to shine. Who is Jack Strand?Strand went through the 2026 NFL Draft process after a record-breaking career with the Dragons, finishing his career with 13,161 yards the 10th-most passing yards in Division-II history and 126 touchdown passes in 42 games.Despite possessing a big frame (6-foot-5, 240 pounds) and a quality arm and regarded as a smart, tough competitor, Strand went undrafted. He played at the American Bowl, a lesser pre-draft event, and wasnt invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but Strand had some fans in the scouting community. The Falcons signed him as one of their first priority free agents following the draft and gave him a respectable signing bonus reportedly $262,500 in guaranteed money.Clearly, Strands level of competition was concerning. Scouts also noted that his somewhat funky, three-quarters throwing delivery and lower-body mechanics might require some tweaking. He was also dinged for being a bit limited athletically, even as he was able to break a lot of tackles against DII defenders.Strand, who turned 22 years old last week, still faces an uphill battle for a roster spot in Atlanta, especially after they signed veteran Cooper Rush following Siemians release. But there might be enough intrigue in his game and a decent opportunity with all of Atlantas health questions for Strand to carve out a spot on the Falcons practice squad, at the very least.Sorting out Atlantas quarterback situationThere appears to be a runway for Tagovailoa to claim the job once hes fully cleared to return after missing Day 1 of camp and being limited on Day 2 on Thursday. He appears to be the best fit in the timing-rhythm passing game Stefanski is bringing to Atlanta. Assuming Tagovailoas back injury doesnt continue flaring up, hes expected to join his teammates on the field in the near future.Penix has been cleared for individual work, but not yet for 11-on-11 duty. Hes coming off the torn left ACL suffered in Week 11 of the 2025 season, which was Penixs third torn ACL after suffering two of those injuries in college. Hes a little more than eight months removed from surgery, and Penix said that he could return soon but that he could be held back for as much as four more weeks before hes cleared for 11-on-11.That opens the door for Rush and Strand to impress the new staff. Rush clearly has the experience edge, starting 16 games over his nine-year NFL career with the Cowboys and Ravens, although he struggled in two starts with Baltimore last season.Strands most likely path to making it in Atlanta (or elsewhere) would include a stop on the practice squad unless he can beat out Rush. But if Tagovailoa or Penix were to suffer a setback or land on injured reserve, there might be a job open on the active roster. We should know more about all of the quarterbacks by the time the Falcons line up for their preseason opener against the Broncos on Aug. 14. And depending on where they are especially Penix it should give us an idea of just how likely Strands chances are.For now, Strand is a feel-good preseason story. But there could be an opportunity for him to earn his spot in the league, and its about as good a chance as an undrafted rookie QB could hope for.

With Congress soon to begin its August recess, the finalization of the Protect College Sports Act negotiations between lawmakers and college sports leaders remains at a standstill on Capitol Hill, leaving the bill's path to a Senate floor vote uncertain.The impasse comes as leaders from the Power Four conferences the Big Ten, the SEC, the ACC and the Big 12 meet Thursday with university presidents to review the latest revisions to the bill made by lawmakers. The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.).Late Thursday afternoon, NCAA president Charlie Baker released a statement saying that while no bill is "perfect," he "implores college sports leaders and Senators to support this bill now." Baker, of course, is hinting at the ticking clock on getting the bill passed this session. HOLDOUT: Why the Big Ten is stopping Congress' college sports fix"After speaking with conference leaders and university presidents in recent days, one thing is clear: there is overwhelming consensus that targeted intervention from Congress is necessary. I am grateful to Senators Cruz and Cantwell for making meaningful changes to strengthen this bill. This is the legislation we need now," Baker said in a statement. Baker continued to note that the bill will provide student-athletes with "unprecedented academic, health, and wellness benefits" while reining in "out-of-control agents, and stabilize transfer, eligibility, and revenue-sharing rules." "While no bill is perfect, I implore college sports leaders and Senators to support this bill now. It is our best chance to deliver the benefits and level playing field student-athletes deserve while providing the protections institutions need to sustain college athletics long-term," Baker continued in his statement. A committee aide told John Brice of USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday that while "major concessions" developed in deliberations on the language of the bill earlier in the week, the Big Ten and SEC "continuing to move the goal post" on has a floor vote in doubt before Congress leaves session on Friday, August 7.The Big Ten and SEC specifically want autonomy over their respective broadcast media rights and modifications to inducements/payments to high school student-athletes, particularly football and basketball, as well as the freedom for potential expansion, in part, in their demands to support the Protect Act.Yahoo Sports reported Thursday that the Big Ten did not cast a vote after conference presidents and athletic directors reviewed the revised Protect College Sports Act earlier in the day. The other three Power Four conferences were scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. ET, according to Yahoo!, to review the revised bill.Should there not be a vote on the bill before Aug. 7, the next legislative session for the Senate is not scheduled until Monday, September 14.USA TODAY's John Brice contributed to this article.The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NCAA president Charlie Baker on Protect College Sports Act: 'Support this bill now'

Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum told reporters on Thursday that she will return for the teams next game, scheduled for Sunday versus the Portland Fire. Plum, 31, added that she will come off the bench in Sundays game and will be on a minutes restrictions, per SB Nations Edwin Garcia. However, whether or not Plum suits up for the Sparks on Sunday could depend on her being traded. The WNBA trade deadline is on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, a half-hour before Los Angeles and Portland tip off. Kelsey Plum says she will be back for the Sparks next game against the Fire on Sunday. She also said she will come off the bench and be on a minutes restriction. Edwin Garcia (@ECreates88) July 30, 2026The belief is that Plum will be traded after The Athletics Annie Costabile reported that the feeling around the league is that she will not re-sign with the Sparks after this season. The Los Angeles Times Marisa Ingemi followed up with a report saying that the Sparks have received multiple calls regarding Plum and would most likely make a deal rather than risk losing her in free agency.However, Plum is proceeding as if shes going to play for the Sparks on Sunday. "Im not taking anything personal. Im gonna be where my feet are, she said, via Garcia. I play for the Sparks, so on Sunday, Im gonna suit up."There's a lot of things that are in the unknown, and those are things outside of my control, she added. For me, my control is to be here, to play the highest level of basketball I could possibly play, and help my team win games.Plum is in her second season with the Sparks after going to Los Angeles as part of a three-team trade that sent Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces and the No. 2 selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft, which became Dominique Malonga, to the Seattle Storm. Prior to suffering a lower-leg injury that has sidelined her since June 24, Plum was having a career-best season. averaging 23.9 points, 6.4 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 12 games. She was shooting 64% from the floor, including 38% on 3-pointers. Yahoo Sports Nekias Duncan broke down the best fits for Plum, highlighting the Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics as playoff contenders to whom she could provide a boost. (Additionally, the Phoenix Mercury, out of the playoff hunt, are an intriguing possibility.) But he zeroed in on the Golden State Valkyries, currently holding the No. 3 seed in the WNBA playoff standings at 19-9. The Valkyries are just a half-game behind the Aces, Plums former team, and 3.5 games back from the league-best Minnesota Lynx.

Ravens running back Derrick Henry is 32. That's 2 years beyond where most running backs are run off. Henry, though, is defying the odds.In the two seasons since he turned 30 and joined the Ravens, Henry has rushed for 3,516 yards, averaged 5.6 yards per carry and scored 32 touchdowns. Henry is entering his 11th season with no thoughts of his career ending any time soon.I dont try to enter another season thinking about retiring and have that on my mind, Henry said after the Ravens training camp practice Thursday, via Jeff Zrebiec of TheAthletic.com. Thats not even my mindset. My mindset is: How can I get better, be the best I can be so we can be the best team we can be? But no, I havent thought about retirement at all.The five-time Pro Bowler, who has put together a Hall of Fame resume, still has plenty left to accomplish. He has never won a Super Bowl ring, which he says is "the No. 1 goal, always," and he has a chance to move up on the NFL's all-time rushing list.His 13,018 rushing yards rank 10th, and with another 1,500-yard season, he can pass Eric Dickerson (13,259), Jerome Bettis (13,662), LaDainian Tomlinson (13,684) and Curtis Martin (14,101) into sixth place.Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, was 35 years old in his final season of 2004. Henry isn't thinking about how long he's going to play, but has no thoughts of retirement.I love the game, and once I feel like that love is gone, then Ill hang it up," Henry said. "But Im just focused on getting better.

When Jalen Pitre was a freshman at Baylor, he remembered watching from the sidelines as David Montgomery piled drove past four different Bears defenders for a gain of 24.As a freshman, all Pitre could do was watch. He was stunned, watching as that combination of size, speed, elusiveness and power was all compacted into the body of a 5-foot-11 Cyclone who moved with the intent of destroying everything in his path. Montgomery would go on to rush for over 140 yards in a 23-13 win that afternoon. He'd go on to have a promising start to his career in the NFL with the Chicago Bears and later the Detroit Lions.The play i believe hes talking about pic.twitter.com/4QrHoz5oQJ AyooNoah (@AyooTexanNation) July 30, 2026But the image of pure pulverization stuck in the mind of Pitre throughout his career. He now gets to see it up close as the two Houston Texans serve as X-factors for their franchise entering 2026."I talked to him about that when I saw him in Detroit after the game," Pitre said of the Texans new lead back Thursday. "I was like, I've been watching you for a long time from afar. I had a little hit on him and I'm like, I can't slow down when I got to go hit him. I have to bring it. We've all seen the highlights that he's had. Hes a great back that can do everything. He can catch it, run it, spin it, truck it, juke it, whatever you want. He's one of them.Traded to Houston this offseason in exchange for a Day 3 pick, Montgomery gets a fresh start to prove he still has No. 1 potential. Over the past three seasons in Detroit, the former Iowa State star split carries with All-Pro Jahymr Gibbs, becoming the league's best 1-2 combination in both speed and power. But last season, Montgomery's role decreased. Gibbs blossomed into one of the league's best young runners, leading to head coach Dan Campbell oftentimes playing the hot hand on drives. This offseason, Montgomery asked for a trade and a fresh start. Jalen Pitre on David Montgomery:David, hes different. When I was a freshman in college and we was playing Iowa State, was the first time I ever seen somebody get completely ran over, as a true freshman, Im like is this for me?. I know hes gunna elevate the offense. I pic.twitter.com/sRxIzM8a2o Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 30, 2026DeMeco Ryans had interest in him and made sure that the two sides would be in talks to work out a potential deal. "You talk about a true professional. He shows up every day, prepared and ready to go," Ryans said. "Hes very attentive in meetings. Seeing his demeanor in on the field, its a business-like approach. "He hasn't changed from day one. It's a business-like approach." The Texans believe that Montgomery can still be a lead back. He'll take over that role in Houston after last season's debacle with Joe Mixon. Best of all, Pitre won't have to face off against Montgomery in 2026. Instead he'll call the longtime Big 12 foe a friend and watch other question on how they'll be able to slow him down. "It was the first time I ever saw somebody just get completely ran over as a true freshman," Pitre said reliving that game in Waco. "I'm like, Is this for me?Football was, but tackling Montgomery isn't for everyone. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans star Jalen Pitre recalls first memory of new Pro Bowl RB David Montgomery

CHICAGO Seven years ago, the NCAA and conferences marched to Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to pass federal legislation to regulate an unruly ecosystem.On Thursday, at least two of those conferences rebuffed Congress most bipartisan product yet.The SEC and Big Ten remain opposed to the U.S. Senates Protect College Sports Act, thrusting the legislation into an uncertain and perilous place.The U.S. Senate adjourned on Thursday without beginning the procedure of scheduling the bill for a vote next week the final week that lawmakers are in session before a monthlong recess. While the bill's chances of a vote next week are in peril, there remains a very narrow and somewhat unlikely path: Majority Leader John Thune could still file cloture for the act on Monday evening once the Senate's session begins, potentially scheduling it for a late-week vote.But the opposition from the industrys two most valuable stakeholders stands as a significant impediment to Congressional passage.Big Ten and SEC university presidents and chancellors met, separately, on Thursday and did not formally vote a signal that their monthslong opposition remains for legislation that they believe doesnt provide enough legal protection and doesnt close a cap circumvention loophole.As Big Ten coaches cycled through Day 3 of the leagues football media days here at the Chicago Hilton, commissioner Tony Petitti and his executive team worked on congressional matters from the hotels second floor on Thursday.It was a somewhat wild scene here.As the Senate bill potentially met its fate and media days unfolded, young people poured into the hotel lobby as one of the countrys largest music festivals, Lollapalooza, kicked off across the street. An activism march even arrived in the hotel lobby as a couple dozen protesters chanted amid partygoers and media day participants.Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, the Congressional effort to regulate college athletics again met one of its biggest obstacles: the SEC and Big Ten.Conference officials, opposed to the bill since its introduction in May, have spent several days embroiled in intense negotiations with legislative staffs and the co-authors of the bill itself, Sens. Ted Cruz, Maria Cantwell and Eric Schmitt. The senators believe theyve made major concessions to appease the two leagues, a Senate staff member said this week in a statement.However, conference executives disagree.They expressed discontent with a provision in the legislation that, while raising the revenue-share cap from $21.3 million to $48.8 million, did not completely close a circumvention loophole. Conference commissioners and school administrators wanted stricter language to prohibit schools from exceeding the revenue-share cap by using associated entities, such as corporate sponsors and multimedia rights partners, to redirect athletic department funds to their rosters.Senators themselves pushed back against that notion. In a post on X, in fact, Cruz claimed that commissioners want to bar third-party companies associated with schools from striking any and all NIL deals with athletes, even kosher endorsement contracts. He contends language in the latest bill creates the hardest cap possible beyond violating a persons NIL rights.The cap is a hard cap. Full stop. That loophole is closed, Cruz wrote.Theres confusion about how the cap and Associated Entity language work in the Protect College Sports Act. Let me clear it up.The cap is a hard cap. Full stop. That loophole is closed.Once a school hits the cap, a player can still do NIL deals on the open market if the deal Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) July 30, 2026Later in the day, a Senate staff member sent a memo to conference commissioners outlining the ways that the bill closes the loophole, writing that the NCAA and College Sports Commission has clear authority to establish and enforce rules ensuring that associated entity compensation is counted against the cap.SEC administrators have gestured toward another issue: The bill doesnt preempt enough state laws and doesnt protect the NCAA and leagues from enough legal challenges.We cant support it in its current form, said one league administrator.The two leagues stand mostly alone.Most other NCAA Division I conferences supported the act, including the NCAA itself, whose president, Charlie Baker, released a statement on Thursday imploring college leaders to support the bill now.The ACC did not take a formal vote during its presidents call. While there is overwhelming support for the legislation within the league, a small group of members expressed a level of opposition, presumably over an expansion provision that caps power conference membership at 19 and requires those schools moving from one power conference to another to operate as an independent for five years.Notre Dame, meanwhile, informed the ACC that it was supportive of the bill as both a member of the ACC and as an independent in football, sources tell Yahoo Sports.At a meeting Thursday, Big 12 presidents and chancellors reaffirmed their support for the bill, but are suggesting clarifying language related to the associated entity provision.The legislations future is now murky, at best.Next weeks Senate agenda is busy. Even if Thune believes the bill has the votes to file cloture on Monday evening, a plethora of issues clog floor time, including a spending bill, budget resolution, Russia sanctions and administrative nominations.Without reaching the floor next week, the legislation faces long odds once the Senate returns in September as the mid-term election cycle cranks up.In fact, a Senate staff member quipped to Yahoo Sports on Thursday that if the SEC and Big Ten did not support the bill and wish to punt to September, that the leagues will have to find new senators. It is an indication that Cruz, Cantwell and Schmitt are on their last gasp with the legislation.So, what happens without Congressional legislation?Sens. Ted Cruz (left), and Maria Cantwell (right) are co-authors of the proposed Protect College Sports Act which now hangs in limbo.Bill Clark via Getty ImagesPetitti said on Tuesday that the next solution for bringing regulation to the industry is striking a compromise with the other power leagues over changes to the College Sports Commission (Plan B) and the athlete revenue-share cap, which is far below the current compensation market. However, this is a lengthy process and one that likely need unanimous agreement among multiple parties, including the power leagues, Pac-12, NCAA, House settlement plaintiff attorneys and the House judge herself, Claudia Wilken.If a compromise isn't reached, a self-governance model (Plan C) is necessary, Petitti suggested, where leagues create and enforce their own rules. That doesnt mean youre not going to play anybody else, he said.In fact, Big Ten athletic directors gathered here in person on Wednesday, where Plan B and C were discussed. Neither path is preferred over Congressional legislation.It would be a bit of a stopgap, Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said. OK, lets do this for two or three years while we continue to work out the kinks of a more national solution. I dont think doing it conference by conference promises a lot of longevity.SEC officials have seriously discussed for months now a self-governing model as a way to enforce rules and evade antitrust scrutiny with a smaller group of programs (16 schools vs. the 350-plus in Division I). But some attorneys believe that the leagues still hold market power and may not escape all legal challenges.Its not our first option, Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz said. When youre in a competitive environment, its really hard to execute self-regulation and enforcement. How do you navigate those waters?At SEC football media days last week, commissioner Greg Sankey said any self-governance model would feature a league enforcing penalties on its own members, something he described as very difficult.Petitti echoed that here this week.Theres no easy path, he said.Seven years after the NCAA and conferences began lobbying Congress, the leagues themselves provided the hurdle to the latest path.

Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins said "a worry for me is if we do not move to summer football, then it is never going to improve" after his side's 8-0 aggregate defeat by HJK Helsinki ended their Uefa Conference League qualifying hopes.HJK had a comfortable five-goal lead after the first leg and, at Inver Park, displayed more ruthlessness in front of goal to register a 3-0 win.Coleraine are the third Irish Premiership team to bow out of the Conference League qualifiers after Linfield and Glentoran exited in the first round, with Larne the only Northern Irish side who still have a chance of securing a European group stage spot this season. The Irish Premiership campaign currently takes place over the more traditional months of August to early May, but Higgins believes a switch to summer football would benefit the league."I've been a big believer in summer football," Higgins told BBC Sport NI after the game."I have to be honest, I think that to stop these kinds of results, to help our teams in Europe and we are potentially going to lose a European place, we have to change that."And how do you change it? You have to be more matched up and in better condition for this level of game going forward. There is a worry for me that if we don't move to summer football, then it's never ever going to improve. We need every advantage that we can get."Clinical HJK end Coleraine's European hopesIrish Premiership transfers Higgins previously managed League of Ireland side Derry City, whose European aspirations also came to an end on Thursday night after they lost against Croatia's Rijeka.However, Shelbourne and Bohemians advanced to the third qualifying round with Higgins adding that League of Ireland has strengthened since moving to the summer football model.The League of Ireland is played primarily over the summer months with their season running from mid-February to early November."I think 25 years ago the League of Ireland and the Irish League were on a level playing field and there was nothing between the two leagues," he continued."Since the League of Ireland has gone to summer football it's got better and nobody can argue that point. It's overtaken this league and results in Europe have proven it. I don't think that things are going to change if we don't change."People don't like change but what is best for the league is for me, in my opinion, that we go to summer football for a load of different reasons, European results being one of them."'Score was very, very harsh on us' Coleraine made a bright start to the second leg in Larne and had multiple half chances before HJK further extended their lead through Toivo Mero, Alfie Cicale and Mouhamed Gueye.The Bannsiders were also denied by the post in the closing stages as they pushed to give the home fans something to cheer about before the full-time whistle."HJK are just elite attacking players and boys that are seasoned playing in Europe," Higgins added."The score definitely doesn't reflect the course of the 180 minutes, absolutely not. They've [HJK] even said that themselves."The score was very, very harsh on us. It was a lot closer than what it might suggest."It has been a challenging few weeks for Coleraine after club captain Mark Coyle ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] and Aidan Wilson also picked up an injury in Helsinki. Higgins added that the side are now going to be without stopper Ryan Schofield and will need to bring more personnel in before the Irish Premiership season starts."We're having a few issues body-wise."Ryan Schofield has to have an operation in the next 24 hours. He had a training ground collision yesterday and that's another injury in that area of the pitch."We're having problems in the defensive side of the pitch in terms of injuries and stuff like that, so it's something that we need to sort out and we will."

Amid a series of injuries, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is taking a break. The two-way player was left out of the Dodgers lineup ahead of Thursdays series finale against the Seattle Mariners.With Ohtani resting, Teoscar Hernndez is stepping in as the designated hitter. Utility player Kik Herndez, who was activated off the injured list earlier this week, will slot in at left field.Tonight's #Dodgers lineup vs. Mariners: pic.twitter.com/HvSxNqgvMv Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 30, 2026Ohtani has been dealing with several injuries in recent weeks, missing the All-Star game due to irritation in his left knee. The injuries had kept the normally two-way player off the mound for almost a month, with Ohtanis last start coming on July 3.Though he returned to the Dodgers lineup after receiving a lubricant injection in that knee, a regression led the team to delay Ohtanis return to the mound this past weekend. On Tuesday, Ohtani revealed that he was also dealing with a bicep issue.Ohtani, who had hoped to chase his first Cy Young award this season, is seems unlikely to pitch much the rest of this year. However, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman downplayed the severity of Ohtanis bicep injury on Wednesday, saying that the four-time MVP would be pitching if his knee was at 100 percent, and that the Dodgers plan to get him back on the mound this season, via The Athletics Fabian Ardaya.The injury appears to be severe enough to give Ohtani a break from taking the plate as well, at least for now.This story will be updated.

The MLB trade deadline is 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 5, which means the rumors are in full swing across baseball. There are a handful of former Florida Gators who could be dealt at the deadline, with a pair of well-known right-handed pitchers at the top of the list.The most likely trade candidate is Brady Singer, whose contract with the Cincinnati Reds is set to expire this offseason. Singer was traded by Kansas City in the 2024-25 offseason, swapping teams with former college teammate Jonathan India. In 53 starts with the Reds, Singer has a 4.15 ERA, 8.24 K/9, 3.12 BB/9 and 3.6 fWAR.Singer is a consistent presence for MLB teams looking to strengthen their starting rotations, and his last two months of work have helped boost his trade value after struggling in the early part of the season. A return to the AL Central could be on the table, with the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins both in need of pitching. The Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres are National League teams that are also in the mix to trade for a pitcher.Brandon Sproat is another former Gator who could be moved by next week. He's 25 years old and still developing into a reliable starter at the major-league level. The Milwaukee Brewers might not be excited to trade a key piece of last offseason's return for Freddy Peralta, but Sproat could be packaged in a deal for a high-end starter, such as Detroit's Tarik Skubal. There's certainly plenty of upside with Sproat, but a proven starter even one on a rental may be more valuable for a team chasing a World Series.Florida Gators in minor leagues who could be tradedThe two names that come to mind among former Gators in the minors are left-handed starter Hunter Barco and right-handed reliever Philip Abner. Barco has made seven appearances as a reliever since making his major league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates last September. He's been optioned back to the minors twice but was called back up on Wednesday. Similar to Sproat, Barco is a 25-year-old, high-upside arm with good minor league numbers, but he's approaching his fifth professional season. The Pirates are set up as buyers ahead of the deadline, and Barco is the kind of prospect who gets included in blockbuster packages. Abner is a similar story, being called up and optioned four times this season. The Arizona Diamondbacks didn't need to start his major league clock last season, but now he's taking up a space on the 40-man roster. The numbers aren't great, but more consistent opportunities out of an MLB bullpen could help him stabilize. Finally, outfielder Jud Fabian is a nice defense-first center fielder in a Baltimore Orioles organization that is full of good outfielders. He's expendable at this point, and he could warrant a decent return playing a premier defensive position. Follow us@GatorsWireon X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Five former Gators who could be traded at MLB deadline

Green Bay Packers safety Javon Bullard (7) greets fans as he walks to practice at training camp this week.Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.The Green Bay Packers held their second training camp practice on Thursday, another non-padded workout that lasted roughly 1 hour, 40 minutes.Heres the good, bad and ugly from practice No. 2.THE GOODBULLISH ON BULLARD: Green Bay third-year safety Javon Bullard played 64.6 % of the snaps last season.I played more as a rookie, said Bullard, who played 72.8% his first season.Look for new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to use the gifted Bullard more and in more ways than former coordinator Jeff Hafley did.Bullard could be featured in a hybrid role, in which he can show off his coverage skills, speed and tackling ability.On Thursday, Bullard made one of the biggest plays of the day when he forced a fumble after a short pass to wideout/return ace Skyy Moore early in practice. Bullard delivered a perfectly timed punch to the ball and knocked it free.It's definitely a skill, Bullard said of forcing fumbles. It's definitely something that I'm trying to put in my bag, just watching guys, especially linebackers. Like Fred Warner, I think he's a pro at it. But really just keeping your mind on the ball at all times. I gotta get the ball. We need the ball as a defense.According to Pro Football Focus, Bullard finished in the top-12 in passer rating allowed last season. He doesnt have an interception in. his first two years, though, hasnt forced a fumble and has two career fumble recoveries.To help improve his turnover production, Bullard took up boxing this offseason. While Bullard didn't do any live sparring, he believes the hand-eye coordination from boxing will help his timing in forcing fumbles.Its one of those things you really cant explain, Bullard said. Its kind of like boxing. Like, I cant tell you he going to do this and then you knock his ass out, you know what I mean? When he trying to get it really right, you got to see exactly the point of the ball you punching at.I punched my ass off last year and I didnt get nothing out. Im hitting helmets, Im hitting everything but the ball. Its really about precision and accuracy. You only got a split-second where that ball is at its open point, basically. So, that timing is impeccable. You got to be right on point.ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD-EN: Second-year wideoutMatthew Golden had a tremendous training camp in 2025, but a somewhat quiet rookie year.Hes off to a terrific start again, and hopes it leads to a big 2026.On day two of practice, Golden had a 24-yard reception against Carrington Valentine and a 20-yard catch vs. Keisean Nixon.I think just the experience, Packers coach Matt LaFleur said of Golden. He's been in big moments, he's had some big time plays and big moments, and just can hopefully continue to build upon what he did. Early indications are promising.Golden had 29 receptions for 361 yards and no touchdowns in the regular season last year. Golden then had his best game of the year in the Packers biggest contest a 31-27 Wild Card loss to Chicago. Golden finished that night with four receptions for 84 yards and a breathtaking 23-yard touchdown.I feel like for me its just a little bit of what I can do, Golden said of the playoff game vs. Chicago. Obviously Ive got great teammates around me. I had a couple guys make some blocks for me and all I had to do was make some guys miss to get in the end zone.But Ive always got confidence in myself, everything I can do, just going out there and having that attack mindset. I know whenever Im on the field, having that mindset, I feel like I can do a lot of good things for the team.KEY RETURNEE: Veteran cornerback Keisean Nixon returned to practice after missing Day 1 with hamstring tightness.I just woke up and my (expletive) was tight, so I just really wanted a scan, Nixon said. So they told me I had to chill for a day, go get a scan. So I was ready to go today for real though.Nixon, the Packers No. 1 cornerback, is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $6 million this season. Some speculated Nixon was trying to make a statement about his contract by missing Day 1, but he said that wasnt the case,Nah, I tweaked my hamstring, he said. Like literally waking up, it was sore. They just told me to go get it scanned. They wasnt really trippin about me practicing yesterday.JACK OF ALL TRADES: With long snapper Matt Orzech sidelined due to a calf injury, center Sean Rhyan handled long snapping duties with aplomb.It was kind of something we were just training last year for emergencies, and what do you know? Rhyan said. I was told I was the backup, so I might as well be able to do it.Rhyan certainly showed he can do it, handling the snapping as rookie kicker Trey Smack went 3-for-3 on 25-yard field goals.Rhyan said he didn't start long snapping until last season, but hes been a quick study and would handle those duties if Orzech went down in a game.I was trying to not be bad, you know, Rhayn said. But No. 1 rule is just get it back there.MAKING SOME NOISE: Jonathan Baldwin, who spent most of last year on the practice squad, is hoping to win a roster spot. Baldwin helped his cause by intercepting No. 2 quarterback Tyrod Taylor late in practice and returning it for a touchdown.It definitely boosts my confidence, but I got do it again tomorrow, you know what I mean? Baldwin said. One play dont define me. So, as long as Im being consistent and stacking days, thats really all that matters.Baldwin, who played mostly safety last year, has been the No. 2 nickel corner to open camp.I ain't going to lie, Jonathan my dawg, man, nickel back Javon Bullard said. I love John-O. I think he's a hell of a player. I think he can help us. I think he's a sponge that's always willing to learn. He's always asking questions and I think he's a special player. I think he can really, really help us.THIS AND THAT: Defensive end Lukas Van Ness stuffed an end around to Savion Williams for no gain ... Defensive end Barryn Sorrell whipped tight end Luke Lachey and dumped running back MarShawn Lloyd for a loss. Earl Dotson (1993-2002) and Tramon Williams (2007-14, 18-19) were inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame Thursday night.THE BADFROM THE INFIRMARY: The following Packers did not practice due to injury: left guard Aaron Banks, tight ends Tucker Kraft (knee) and Luke Musgrave (neck), defensive tackles Jordon Riley (Achilles) and Javon Hargrave (knee), edge Micah Parsons (knee), running back Chris Brooks (hamstring), cornerback Kamal Hadden (ankle), long snapper Matt Orzech (calf), center/guard Jager Burton (hamstring), and offensive tackle Brant Banks (hamstring).Banks was given the day off for maintenance, and right tackle Zach Tom is being eased slowly back into the lineup after offseason knee surgery. With those two starters out, the No. 1 offensive line was (from left) Jordan Morgan, Jacob Monk, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton and Darian Kinnard.NEAR PICKS: Rookie quarterback Kyron Drones narrowly escaped back-to-back interceptions.On the first play, Drones put up a lollipop that was nearly intercepted by safety Murvin Kenion III. Drones then made an ill-advised throw that safety Kitan Oladapo nearly picked off.THE UGLYTURNOVER TIME: The offense had three turnovers which was ugly for them, but also extremely attractive for a defense that needs more takeaways in 2026.The Packers forced just 14 turnovers last season, which tied for 26th in the league. Green Bay also had only seven interceptions a year ago, tied for the fewest in franchise history. On Thursday, the Packers forced two fumbles and Baldwin had an interception.Thats an emphasis for us regardless, safety Xavier McKinney said of creating turnovers. Even when we have times we take the ball away at a high level, were still preaching takeaways. We got the guys, too. Thats really why its such a high emphasis because we know we have the personnel to take the ball away. Were preaching that now. We trying to get the ball out whether its punchouts, whether its picks. Whatever it is, were trying to get the ball because we know we got the playmakers to be able to do so.This article was originally published on Forbes.com