Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is not fully participating in training camp as he seeks a new contract. Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski is not concerned about that.Asked about his own communications with Robinson, Stefanski declined to get into specifics, but he said he was confident that the two sides are doing everything they can."I don't think it's fair to share those types of things," Stefanski said. "We all trust in the process of what's going on."Stefanski says he doesn't hold it against Robinson that he is choosing not to practice until he gets the contract he wants."The NFL, you understand different things come up via all sorts of things, and contracts obviously are a part of that. It doesn't change relationships," Stefanski said.It is highly likely that the Falcons and Robinson will agree to a new deal before the season starts. Until then, Robinson will watch practice, and Stefanski sounds OK with that.

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We're on Day 42 in our countdown to the New Orleans Saints' season opener with the Detroit Lions, which means we had to make a difficult choice for the Saints Play of the Day. 42 yards is how far the first throw traveled in the infamous "River City Relay," getting the desperate New Orleans offense out of their own territory and putting the Jacksonville Jaguars defense on its heels as time ran out in Week 16. You can watch it for yourself right here.But it wasn't the only pass completed that afternoon. After Aaron Brooks went deep to Donte Stallworth, the wide receiver lateraled to his teammate Michael Lewis, who picked up 7 yards; by that time, running back Deuce McAllister had worked his way downfield to take the pitch. McAllister gained another 5 yards and found Jerome Pathon wide open with a clean path to the end zone. Pathon ran the last 21 yards to score a touchdown, stunning everyone in the stadium and watching from home.Of course we know what happened next. John Carney trotted out to kick what should've been the tying extra point to send the game to overtime. But he shanked it, Jacksonville won the day, and New Orleans left with an embarrassing loss.That wasn't the end of anyone's story. Carney spent the three years with the Saints and even appeared in eight games with the Jaguars later in his career, only to return to New Orleans in time for their Super Bowl run in 2009. He did a solid job filling in for Garrett Hartley early that season until the young pro got back on the field in December, at which point he stuck around as a "kicking consultant." At the time, Carney was just the sixth player in NFL history to appear in 300 regular season games. He made a lot of great memories with New Orleans, even if this afternoon in Jacksonville wasn't one of them.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: The 'River City Relay' is the Saints Play of the Day

Mario Gtze hits back at former Frankfurt coach Albert RieraMario Gtze has responded to recent remarks made by former Eintracht Frankfurt head coach Albert Riera after the Spaniard suggested that "not even a World Cup winner can do whatever he wants."Speaking to Bild, the 2014 World Cup winner rejected Riera's assessment, pointing out that the two hardly interacted during their time together in Frankfurt.If he thinks he has to say it like that, then he should do so. But it's let's call it interesting that he chose to put it that way."That would imply that we spoke to each other often or knew each other well. But that simply wasn't the case. If that's how he wants to interpret it from his own perspective, then he's welcome to do so."Riera took charge of Eintracht Frankfurt during the second half of last season and quickly relegated Gtze to a reduced role. The attacking midfielder lost his place in the starting lineup and was even left out of the matchday squad on several occasions. Despite that, Gtze opted to extend his contract with the Eagles earlier this year.The 34-year-old also made it clear that he has no plans to retire anytime soon.I'm still a footballer, and I'll remain one for a little while longer.

Liverpool legend claims price tag wont bother star attacker despite slow startAlexander Isak Faces Defining Liverpool Season Under Andoni IraolaAlexander Isak does not need a marketing campaign. He needs minutes, fitness and goals. That is the reality after a first Liverpool season that never got moving under Arne Slot and was then wrecked by injury. Now there is a reset under Andoni Iraola, and few players at Anfield need it more.On Sunday in Chicago, the 125m striker is set to pull on a Liverpool shirt for the first time since May. For him, that matters. For Liverpool, it matters more. This is not about hype or transfer fee chatter. It is about whether one of the most gifted forwards in the league can finally give Liverpool the version of himself they thought they were buying.Last summer was chaos. Isak was training alone at former club Real Sociedad after refusing to travel on Newcastle Uniteds pre-season tour of the Far East. Newcastle were furious, and with reason. A minor muscle injury was given as the explanation, but it was obvious he was forcing the issue. He wanted out, and he was prepared to make that clear.That push came from frustration. He believed promises had been broken, especially over a new contract that had been expected before the change in Newcastles internal structure. The result was a long transfer saga and a move that came too late to help either club. By the time Liverpool had him, the season had already started and he was behind physically.An international break followed immediately after his move on September 1, and more breaks arrived in October and November. Liverpool tried to manage him through a tailored fitness programme, but there was no rhythm to build on. It was stop-start from the beginning, and players who rely on sharpness suffer most in those conditions.Photo: IMAGOIsak injury setback derailed first Liverpool campaignHis first Premier League goal did not arrive until late November, away at West Ham. His second came in a 2-1 win over Tottenham on December 20. Then the season effectively ended. Micky van de Vens challenge left him with a broken leg, and the damage was serious enough to require surgery for an ankle injury with a fibula fracture.That sent him out until April. For a player with a known injury record, and with a World Cup on the horizon for Sweden, there was always going to be caution in the background. He did make it to the tournament, performed well, scored once and created three assists. Fine. Useful. Encouraging. But Liverpool did not spend 125m for decent cameos spread across club and country. They need a leading man.This is where Iraola comes in. He has inherited a squad in transition and a frontline with a glaring question. Mohamed Salah, Liverpools top scorer in eight of his nine seasons at the club, is no longer there to carry the goals. That burden shifts elsewhere, and the obvious candidate is Isak.Iraola was direct when asked about him in Chicago. Alex is exciting, he said. He has come to pre-season in a good place, had a good World Cup, feeling comfortable. He then added, His first training here, still early but I hope he can play against Leeds and have a proper pre-season. It is not long, but three or four weeks of quality training, I hope and he is in a good place because he is going to be massive for us.That last line is the point. He is going to be massive for us. Not helpful, not useful, not an option among many. Massive. Iraola knows it, and so does everyone else.Andoni Iraola needs Liverpool striker at full powerThere is no real mystery around Isaks ceiling. At Newcastle, he scored 44 Premier League goals across his final two league seasons there. He was quick, ruthless and technically cleaner than most central strikers. He could run channels, carry the ball at defenders and finish with either foot. When fit and confident, he looked like a forward defenders genuinely disliked facing.Liverpool have not seen enough of that player yet. Some of that was bad luck. Some of it was timing. Some of it was the simple fact that missing pre-season puts players behind, especially those changing clubs and systems. Still, excuses expire quickly at this level, especially when the fee is 125m and the shirt is Liverpools No.9.The encouraging part for Iraola is that this is the first proper chance to build Isak from the ground up. A full pre-season, even a short one, has value. Repetition matters. So does structure. So does a coach who clearly intends to use him as a central figure rather than an expensive addition trying to catch up.There is also the mental side. Missing months with a fracture can leave any striker half a yard short in thought and movement. A strong summer helps. So does hearing a manager publicly back you.Liverpool transfer fee pressure means little if goals arriveAs for the price tag, that is noise until it becomes substance. If he scores, nobody cares. If he does not, everyone does. It is that simple. Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler offered a straightforward view of it, saying, If it was me, the price tag would not bother me. The players are focused on doing well, it is left to others to talk about money.Price tags are only one thing the clubs put on a player. For me, it would not bother me, whether thats my mentality, I dont know some players dont have that.Alexander is world-class and the price tag wont bother him either. He has everything in the locker, exciting when he drives with the ball, he makes things happen. He excites the fans which is imperative for a club like Liverpool.That is well put. Isak has the tools. Nobody doubts that. The doubts are about availability, rhythm and whether he can shoulder the central scoring role over a full campaign.This next phase under Iraola gives him a cleaner runway than he had a year ago. There are no late arrivals, no improvised catch-up plans, no immediate sense of dislocation. There is simply a task. Stay fit. Lead the line. Score the goals Salah used to score, or at least enough of them to keep Liverpool competitive.That is the challenge, and it is a serious one. But for the first time since he arrived, Isak heads into a Liverpool season with a fair chance to meet it. If he does, the entire shape of this new era looks different. If he does not, Liverpool have a very expensive problem at centre forward.For more Liverpool updates and squad analysis, see the original report here.

Arsenal coach crazy about signing Real Madrid superstar ahead of crunch talks with MourinhoVinicius Jr. is set to return to Real Madrid training next week, and as his return to the Spanish capital nears, the rumours around his uncertain future grow.As matters stand, he has two clear options compromise and agree to the clubs financial terms to stay with a renewal, or chase the finances he dreams of and push for an exit to Arsenal, who are the only major European giants who can afford the move.The player is reportedly keen on staying and is even open to compromise of some degree. However, the two parties are still far from reaching any form of agreement and Arsenal are looking to capitalise on the same.Arteta loves ViniciusAs reported by Mario Cortegana in a recent update, the Gunners manager Mikel Arteta loves Vinicius and would be delighted to have him in his plans for next season. The club, as a whole, are crazy about signing the player.Arteta loves Vinicius. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)The management have approved the signing and the budget required to bring the Brazilian star to England and are prepared to go all in for his acquisition.Arsenal have reportedly been working for months to try and convince the player that a change in scenery is the best move for his career, especially after Kylian Mbappes arrival at Real Madrid.They have even conversed with the players representatives and explained the project to them with Vinicius having a leading role under Arteta.Key negotiations this weekNow that the player is back in Madrid, developments are expected to unfold much faster than they have so far, and he will first meet with Jose Mourinho.Can Mourinho convince Vinicius? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)After talks between the player and the coach, Los Blancos will try to convince the forward to sign a new contract at the club, and all the aforementioned developments are expected to progress in a matter of days.Real Madrid, for their part, will not improve their offer. Their hope for a renewal rests on the idea that the player will compromise, and there is some growing optimism that an agreement can be reached.The coming days will be key, and Vinicius must make a decision soon given that the club will not hand him much prominence if he chooses to stay without renewing.

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 02: Isaiah Evans #3 of the Duke Blue Devils plays against the Florida Gators during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 02, 2025 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesWeve been talking about Johnny Dawkinss clutch plays for a couple of days now, and we thought that it was time to get closer to the present and take a look at one of the great clutch plays in recent history: Isaiah Evanss game winner last year against Florida, then the defending national champions. Duke was trailing 66-64 with time running out. As youll see or possibly remember, Evans screened for Cameron Boozer, who was obviously the first option. But the Gators naturally double-teamed him, so Evans swung over to the left, behind the three-point line, and was wide open. As the defenders followed the ball, he could have tossed it back to Boozer, who might have gotten a shot in the lane to tie it, but Evans, with the confidence of a deadeye shooter, stepped up and nailed the three, which gave Duke a one-point lead. Good defense wrapped the game up, but Showtime Slim gets full credit for a masterful clutch shot. Go to the DBR Boardsto find Blue Healer Auctions||Drop us a lineESP

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is quickly approaching, and one former Auburn Tiger is the center of many trade discussions. Casey Mize has flourished into a key piece of the Detroit Tigers' starting pitching rotation ever since he was selected No. 1 overall in the 2018 MLB Draft. Despite posting quality numbers this season in the Motor City, his team is sitting in fourth place in the American League Central standings and is deemed a "seller" ahead of the trade deadline. This means Mize has the chance to join a World Series-contending roster through a trade. Which teams are interested in Mize's services? USA TODAY's Casey L. Moore has listed five teams that appear to be great fits for Mize, including the local Atlanta Braves. The Braves need a boost in their starting pitcher rotation, and the Springville, Alabama native could provide the assistance the team needs as it looks to lock in a National League East championship. "The Braves remain in control of the NL East, but their starting pitching depth behind ace Chris Sale is shaky. With Spencer Schwellenbach recovering from elbow surgery and Spencer Strider still sidelined, Mize would provide some stability beyond Bryce Elder. And team president Alex Anthopoulos has never been shy to make a big deal," writes Casey L. MooreNot only would the move from Detroit to Atlanta benefit Mize, but it would be a refreshing sight for Auburn fans. Since most Auburn fans also consider themselves Braves fans, the Braves' potential trade for Mize would give them a chance to see a former Tiger lead the "hometown team" to the MLB Postseason. Auburn fans would also get the chance to see Mize enjoy the same success in Atlanta that fellow Auburn alums Tim Hudson and Josh Donaldson have in recent memory. Mize currently boasts a 4-6 record with an impressive 2.70 ERA in 16 starts with Detroit this season. He has also struck out 85 batters and allowed just five home runs. Mize's Detroit teammate, Tarik Skubal, was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers late Saturday night, and Mize is expected to be the next hot name in the trade market from the Tigers with the trade deadline approaching. The MLB trade deadline is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3, at 5 p.m. CT. This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Former Auburn ace linked to NL East leader ahead of MLB trade deadline

Liverpool closes out its American tour on Sunday against Leeds at Soldier Field in Chicago, the last of three preseason friendlies in the States.The Reds have won both so far under new head coach Andoni Iraola, beating Sunderland 4-2 in Nashville and Wrexham 1-0 at Yankee Stadium.Iraola took the job after Liverpool's title defense ended in a fifth-place finish. He used 21 players against Wrexham and has close to 28 available in Chicago.Watch Liverpool vs. Leeds on ESPN+Leeds is on a much shorter turnaround. Daniel Farke's side beat Sunderland 1-0 in New Jersey on Thursday, giving it under three days between matches.Farke's team finished 14th in the Premier League last season and reached the FA Cup semifinals. Harry Wilson, who came up through Liverpool's academy, is among its summer signings.Both league meetings between these two ended in draws last season, including a 3-3 thriller at Elland Road.Liverpool vs. Leeds prediction, pickLiverpool has the deeper squad and the fresher legs, though Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are just getting integrated back into the squad. Leeds played 72 hours ago and will likely rotate their lineup.Prediction:Liverpool 3, Leeds 1Liverpool vs. Leeds channel, start time, streamingWhen:Sunday, August 2Where: Soldier Field (Chicago, Illinois)Time:4 p.m. ETChannel/streaming:ESPN Deportes (Watch LIVE on Fubo), ESPN+ (WATCH HERE)This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Liverpool vs. Leeds friendly prediction, start time, how to watch

After being granted a fifth year of eligibility, former Wisconsin Badgers guard AJ Storr has decided to enter the transfer portal.The Illinois native began his career in 2022-23 at St. John's. Storr averaged 21.1 minutes per game, having started 17 of the 33 he appeared in for the Red Storm.In 2023-24, Storr came to Madison. Head coach Greg Gard started him in all 36 games, but that wasn't good enough for the 6-foot-5 guard as he set his sights on Kansas.After averaging a career-high 28.8 minutes and 16.8 points per game, Storr would earn just 15.7 minutes per game, scoring a career low 6.1 points per game during his time with the Jayhawks.From there, Storr once again entered the portal. He went to Ole Miss where he earned 26.3 minutes and averaged 15.5 points per game. Even though he only started 15 of the 35 games he appeared in, those numbers were much closer to what he had at Wisconsin.NEWS: Ole Miss guard AJ Storr plans to enter the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3.The 6-5 senior was recently granted an injunction, allowing him to receive an additional year of eligibility. He averaged 15.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game this past season. Made pic.twitter.com/2XIBGLqO7j Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) July 31, 2026Despite all of that, On3's Joe Tipton reported that he plans to enter the transfer portal for a fourth time. Just hours after learning that he's good to go for the 2026-27 season, Storr decided to dip his toes in the water once more. There's a chance he ends up staying at Ole Miss, but the odds of that happening seem to be slim to none. This deep into the offseason, it's a true mystery as to where he'll end up.Contact/Follow@TheBadgersWireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage ofWisconsin Badgersnews, notes and opinion.You can also follow Jordon Lawrenz on X @jordonlaw_pxp.This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Former Wisconsin guard enters portal, eyes fifth team in five years