A Texas native, Drew Brees wanted to play football in his home state. But like the rest of his football journey, Brees took a fortuitous detour to Indiana, where he went to star in college at Purdue. After lighting it up for the Boilermakers, Brees eventually ascended to a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. So, its no surprise that Brees will have plenty of people to thank in his induction speech, set to take place in Canton on Saturday. Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, his head coach at New Orleans, will introduce Brees at the ceremony. Joining Brees on stage as part of this years Hall of Fame class include Roger Craig, Larry Fitzgerald, Adam Vinatieri and Luke Kuechly. "The way I really look at it is, this is my opportunity to convey my appreciation, gratitude to so many of the people and places that were a part of this journey," Brees told reporters this week. "Thats what Im most looking forward to, is all the people Im going to have a chance to see and appreciate and let them know just how valued they are." Standing at exactly 6 feet tall and weighing 209 pounds, Brees did not have the ideal stature of a quarterback. But through grit, a relentless work ethic and cerebral approach to the game, Brees developed into a 13-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. Brees pointed to creating a culture of connectivity that led to sustainable winning during his time in the league, which included stints with the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints. "So much of my thought process each and every season was how do you recreate so much connectivity and chemistry with the guys that are on your side of the ball," Brees said. "And then the team dynamics. How are we feeding off each other and how are we complementing each other? To me, thats where a lot of the magic lies on a team is just how you build that chemistry. And how you build those relationships." Now, let's look at the 10 best moments from Brees' Hall of Fame career. 10. Winning Comeback Player Of The Year In 2004 Brees' tenure with the San Diego Chargers was a bit more successful than some might have remembered. After the Chargers took him with the first pick in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft, Brees earned the starting job a year later in 2002. He went 8-8 that year before going 2-9 as a starter in 2003. With Brees and the Chargers struggling in 2003, San Diego selected Philip Rivers in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. But Brees not only fended off Rivers for the starting job in each of the next two seasons, he also led the Chargers to the playoffs for the first time in seven years in 2004. He won the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year award for his play that season before going 9-7 as a starter in 2005. Brees finished his time in San Diego with a 30-28 record as a starter. He completed 62.2% of his passes for 12,348 yards, with 80 touchdown passes and 53 interceptions. 9. Gold Jacket Connection: Brees Catches TD From LT An underrated athlete and accomplished basketball player in high school, Brees got to show off his skills when he caught a 21-yard touchdown pass for a score from fellow Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson during a Week 4 contest against the Raiders in 2003. It was one of seven touchdown passes the multi-talented Tomlinson threw in his NFL career, and it was one of the eight receptions Brees made in his career. 8. Eclipsing Johnny Unitas Record For Consecutive Games With A TD Pass Breaking a record by Unitas that lasted in the record books for 52 years, Brees completed a touchdown pass in 54 consecutive games between the 2009 and 2012 seasons. Brees threw the touchdown that broke Unitas' record of 47 games against his former team, the Chargers, in Week 5 of the 2012 season with a 40-yard touchdown to Devery Henderson in the Superdome, giving him 48 at that time. His record of 54 consecutive games with a touchdown pass still stands. 7. Becoming The First QB To Throw For 5,000 Yards In Over 20 Years Dan Marino was the first quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards, totaling 5,084 passing yards in 1984. But Brees became the second quarterback to accomplish that feat when he threw for 5.069 yards in 2008. And he produced one of the most prolific seasons three years later, completing 71.2% of his passes for a career-high 5,476 yards, with 46 touchdown passes and a 110.6 passer rating in 2011. Brees holds the NFL record by eclipsing 5,000 passing yards in five different seasons. 6. Setting The NFL's Single-Season Record For Completion Percentage Accuracy is an important statistic NFL scouts and talent evaluators consider when assessing if a quarterback can make the transition to the pros. And while smaller in stature, Brees was the gold standard for moving inside the pocket and finding throwing lanes between linemen to push the ball down the field. Brees holds the NFL record for completion percentage in a single season, completing 74.4% of his passes in 2018. Brees actually holds three of the top five season marks for completion percentage in a season. His 67.7% career completion percentage is the third-best mark in NFL history. 5. Leading Saints To Victory In First New Orleans Game After Hurricane Katrina Brees' first home game with the Saints was one their fans will remember for ages. After Hurricane Katrina displaced the Saints for the 2005 season, they returned to the Superdome for the first time in Week 3 of the 2006 season. They decisively defeated the Atlanta Falcons, 23-3, with Steve Gleason's punt block that led to a touchdown return serving as the memorable moment from that game. Brees didn't put up terrific numbers, but he gave New Orleans a steady hand that night. He threw for 191 yards, leading his team to four scoring drives. 4. Surpassing Peyton Manning For Most TD Passes Ever For about a year, no quarterback had more regular-season touchdown passes than Brees. In Week 15 of the 2019 season, Brees threw his 540th career touchdown pass on a throw to tight end Josh Hill. The touchdown pass broke Peyton Manning's record for the most regular-season touchdown passes in NFL history, and it came against one of Manning's former teams, the Indianapolis Colts. Brees' pass to Hill was also his 20th-straight completion in that game. Tom Brady wound up breaking Brees' record in 2020. 3. Breaking The NFL's All-Time Passing Yards Record A year before Brees set the touchdown passes record, he broke the NFL's all-time passing yards record. He also surpassed Manning for that record when he threw a 62-yard touchdown pass to Tre'Quan Smith in Week 5 of the 2018 season. Brees would finish his NFL career with 80,358 passing yards, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 80,000 yards. When he retired in 2020, Brees was the NFL's all-time leader in passing yardage, completions (7,142) and passing attempts (10,551). Brady wound up breaking those marks in the following seasons. 2. Helping Saints Reach NFC Title Game In Year 1 Brees' tenure with the Chargers ended with him suffering a devastating shoulder injury, leading the team to part ways with him as a free agent in the 2006 offseason. But that opened the door for a move that helped change the course of NFL history. After the Miami Dolphins were urged by team doctors not to sign Brees due to his recent shoulder surgery, the Saints picked up the quarterback in March 2006. The Saints were rewarded for taking on a significant risk. He led the team to a 10-6 record in his first year and was named first-team All-Pro. Brees threw for 243 yards and a touchdown in the Saints' 27-24 divisional round win, helping the team secure their NFC Championship Game appearance. They lost to the Chicago Bears in that game. 1. Delivering First Super Bowl To New Orleans and Winning MVP The defining moment of Brees' career came in the 2009 season. Four years into his New Orleans tenure, Brees helped the Saints get over the hump when they defeated the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. His 32 completions were tied for the most in a Super Bowl at the time, and Brees won Super Bowl MVP as he threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns in that game.

Starting pitcher Blake Snell is expected to make his return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers next week.The left-handed pitcher is expected to start for the Dodgers on Tuesday, Aug. 11, according to manager Dave Roberts.The two-time Cy Young winner made his way back from an elbow injury and recently participated in a minor league rehab assignment for the organization's Triple-A affiliate. He pitched 3 innings in the Aug. 4 game, striking out three in 73 pitches (41 strikes). But Snell also allowed five hits, two home runs and four walks during the outing.Blake Snell 2026 season statsSnell has pitched just three innings against the Atlanta Braves on May 9 and was credited with the loss in his only start this season. He struck out five runners but allowed six hits, five runs (four earned runs) and two walks this season.Blake Snell career statsThe 33-year-old pitcher is in his 11th season in the majors. He began his big-league career with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016 and played there for five seasons, winning the 2018 AL Cy Young Award.He was traded to the San Diego Padres following the 2020 season, adding an NL Cy Young Award in 2023 in his final season with the team.Snell then signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants ahead of the 2024 season before the Los Angeles Dodgers signed him as a free agent on Nov. 30, 2024.During his career, Snell has started 223 games and posted a win-loss record of 81-63 with a 3.17 ERA and 1,445 strikeouts. He holds the MLB career record with 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Blake Snell injury update: Dodgers pitching ace to return after long layoff

VERO BEACH Citing the desire to play an opponent before the regular season begins, the Okeechobee High and Master's Academy of Vero Beach football teams met in a scrimmage Friday to kick off the season.The Brahmans scored on both possessions in the second half to post a 14-10 come-from-behind victory over the Patriots at Master's Academy."This helps a ton. These scrimmages are huge," Master's Academy coach Stephen Boyer said. "I can't imagine going into next week without having this scrimmage. We would be extremely rusty and nowhere near as prepared as we will be."The teams played 12-minute quarters in the first half and a 10-minute running clock in each quarter of the second half. The teams went through special teams situations, but there was no blocking on kickoffs, extra-point attempts or field-goal attempts.More: Treasure Coast's top QB for the 2026 high school football seasonMore: 5 area quarterbacks to watch for the 2026 high school football seasonThere was, however, plenty of pad-popping hitting."I'm proud of their effort," Okeechobee first-year coach Antwan Blatch said. "We've got to get into shape. They got down early and didn't quit. They believed in what we were doing and eventually we came out and started to pop late."Overcoming an interception on a tipped pass on the first play of the game, Master's Academy came back and scored on its next two possessions. Capping a nine-play drive, freshman quarterback Jackson Fromag connected with sophomore Banks Swearingen for a 19-yard touchdown pass.After Swearingen intercepted a pass on the Brahmans' second play, the Patriots drove to the Okeechobee 9-yard line before senior Burt Lockhart booted a 25-yard field goal to make it 10-0."A tipped-ball interception on the first play of the game didn't affect the kids," Boyer said. "We stopped them in four plays and got the ball back. Even with a young team, it shows growth and maturity, which is promising."Using halftime to regroup, the Brahmans kept the ball for the entire 10 minutes of the third quarter. Sophomore quarterback Christopher Sneed scored on a 3-yard sneak.After holding Master's Academy to a three-and-out on its first possession of the fourth quarter, Okeechobee went 65 yards in 10 plays. Freshman Elijah Gordon scored on a 12-yard run. Senior John Immerfall kicked the second of his two PATs to make it 14-10. Sneed then iced the game with an interception on the final play of the scrimmage.Okeechobee takeaways1. The Brahmans used different offensive skill players in the second half. The left-handed Sneed played quarterback, and Gordon was the featured back. Gordon carried 17 times for 97 yards. Sneed completed 4 of 6 passes for 34 yards, including three completions to senior running back Ashton Mobley for 27 yards. Sneed also rushed twice for 8 yards.Mobley was the primary back in the first half, gaining 17 yards on nine carries. Noah Hazellief (1 of 3, one interception, minus-1 yard) and Wyatt Hazellief (0 of 1) played quarterback in the first half."We want to be up-tempo," Blatch said after Okeechobee graduated its top five running backs from a year ago. "We slowed down a little bit in the first half to get acclimated. But after halftime, they came out with a little more fire. They got after them and finished it off. We wanted to see everybody tonight. We wanted to see as many as we could and see what we really have because next week is live. It's full go next week. So we definitely wanted to see what we've got moving forward."2. Okeechobee's defense received tackles for loss from sophomores Nehemiah Minondo, Ayden Martinez and Raymond Massey and sacks from Martinez and Massey.3. The Brahmans finished 3-7 last season under William "B.J." Prior, who stepped down to take a job in Wisconsin. Prior went 11-28 in four seasons at Okeechobee. The Brahmans were 1-3 in Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4A-District 14 play.Okeechobee opens the regular season Aug. 14 at Glades Day and plays Aug. 21 at Suncoast before its first home game Aug. 28 against Space Coast.As for what's next for the Brahmans, Blatch said: "Prepare for Glades Day. We've got five days to prep for them and get rollin'."Master's Academy takeaways1. Fromag went 7 of 13 for 105 yards in the first half. Swearingen had four receptions for 55 yards, while senior Joshua Namvar had two catches for 28 yards and junior Troy Borcheller added two receptions for 22 yards."We have to work on conditioning, but every team in the league has to work on that," Boyer said. "Ultimately, I'm extremely pleased. Our first half was solid with our starters. In the second half, they fought their backsides off."2. Senior Burt Lockhart and sophomore Colton Shirley combined for a sack. Sophomore Jesse Stone, senior Cortez Ramirez, sophomore Nicholas Polly and Swearingen recorded tackles for loss.Boyer didn't mind Okeechobee's up-tempo approach in the second half, but it took its toll on Master's Academy's limited roster and emphasized the need for better conditioning."Good for us for conditioning," Boyer said. "But overall, when you have a smaller roster, it can have an effect on you, which is smart on their end. It helps us coaches and players understand the importance of conditioning, which they do. But now they'll really understand."3. Master's Academy went 3-9 last season in its first year playing 11-man football. The Patriots lost their first five games before beating Oxbridge Academy and St. Edward's during the regular season.Master's Academy won an SSAA playoff game against Sarasota Christian in overtime before losing to Cambridge Christian in the second round.The Patriots open the season with road games at Oxbridge on Aug. 14 and at The Master's Academy of Oviedo on Aug. 21 before returning home to face Boca Raton Christian on Aug. 28."We're going to dig into film hard because more than half of our roster has never played," Boyer said. "The fact they got reps on the field means there's a lot of teaching ahead. Obviously we've got to hit the weights, condition and tune up a few things. But we'll be buried in film to help get them coached up."This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Football: Scrimmage answers questions for Okeechobee, Master's Academy

Oregon coach Dana Altman will get his first look and his rebuilt roster when the Ducks play three men's basketball games in Canada between Aug. 8-11.Altman brought in 10 new players during the offseason eight transfers and two freshmen to join lone returner Sean Stewart and a pair of returning walk-ons. The Ducks will open their exhibition run Saturday with a game against Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, B.C., followed by Trinity Western on Sunday in Langley, B.C. and then Thompson Rivers on Tuesday in Vancouver.Oregon's newcomers are transfer guards Fred Payne (Boston College) Jerry Easter II (Southern California), Jasper Johnson (Kentucky), Tyrone Riley IV (San Francisco) and forwards Dwayne Aristode (Arizona), Taylor Bol Bowen (Alabama), Pharaoh Compton (San Diego State) and Andrew Meadow (Boise State).The new freshman forwards Tajh Ariza and Seven Spurlock.Oregon men's basketball exhibition scheduleSaturday, Aug. 8Oregon vs. Fraser ValleySite: UFV Athletic Centre (Abbotsford, B.C.)Time: 7 p.m. Live Stats:https://gocascades.ca/sidearmstats/mbball/summaryLive Stream:https://canadawest.tv/upcomingSunday, Aug. 9Oregon vs. Trinity WesternSite: David E. Enarson Gym (Langley, B.C.)Time: 7 p.m.Live stats:https://gospartans.ca/sidearmstats/mbball/summaryLive stream:https://canadawest.tv/upcomingTuesday, Aug. 11Oregon vs. Thompson RiversSite: Collingwood Morven Campus (Vancouver, B.C.)Time: 4 p.m.Chris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, mens basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him at chansen@registerguard.comand you can follow him on X @chansen_RGThis article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Oregon men's basketball heads to Canada for exhibition games

Last season wasnt the return Marcus Colvin hoped for coming back to lead Chaminade Julienne after a three-year absence.The returning players he has this season are escalating excitement not just from him but also his team.Weve got a really good amount of players here with us that year growing up and ready to play, senior Jaiven Manley said.Manley is one of many key contributors coming back. CJs statistical leader in passing, receiving, scoring, kick returning, tackles, interceptions and fumble recoveries all are back. That only leaves rushing to fill and the next three in line from last year are all here again too.Devon Wilcox and Nigel Hertz, CJs only two first-team All-GCL performers last season, are two of those returners also making up the senior leadership.Just the way everybody cares for each other and the way that we are all on the same, cant wait to see how explosive we are, senior Triston McDonald, Jr. said.Colvin said he felt the focus from his players begin at the conclusion of last season. He said its been repetitive to stress the struggles of last season, but he can see it motivating his players on and off the field.The Eagles will get tested hosting Withrow and Bishop Hartley before entering the always tough GCL portion of its schedule.For me to sit here and look at our schedule and in these 10 games we have and say were just going to win would be idiotic because weve got a tough schedule, Colvin said. But the goal is for us to be better and do our best to keep these kids healthy and strong so theyre available every Friday night.Chaminade Julienne Eagles2025 Record: 1-9 (1-4, 5th), did not make postseasonCoach: Marcus Colvin (13th year, 66-61)League: GCL Co-EdNeed to know: This will be the 100th combined year of the former Chaminade and current CJ football programs the two schools merged in 1973. The Eagles enter the season with an all-time record of 570-389-26.Players to watchHenry Arnett, RB/DB, 5-10, 175, sr. (36ATT, 54YDS, 1TD, 21TKL, 1TFL, 1INT)Anthony Clemens, TE/DE, 6-3, 220, sr. (54TKL, 6.5TFL)Nigel Hertz, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, sr. (38TKL, 1.5TFL, 1FR)Triston McDonald, Jr., RB, 5-5, 155, sr. (30ATT, 100YDS)Jaiven Manley, QB, 5-11, 210, sr. (72/147, 757YDS, 3TD, 7INT)Jalen Shipp, LB, 5-9, 180, sr. (54TKL, 1.5TFL, 1SACK, 1PB)Devon Wilcox, WR/DB, 5-9, 167, sr. (21REC, 241YDS, 8TKL, 2PB)ScheduleAug. 21 - at MiamisburgAug. 28 - WithrowSept. 4 - Bishop HartleySept. 11 - at BellbrookSept. 18 - EdgewoodSept. 25 - at BadinOct. 2 - McNicholasOct. 9 - at FenwickOct. 16 - CarrollOct. 23 - at Alter

The top of the fourth inning for the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, Aug. 6, was a long one. Typically, to give the Reds starting pitcher a chance to get a bit of a break, hitters take a few pitches to open the bottom half of that inning.Sal was leading off, Reds manager Terry Francona said. It was after a long inning. He asked if he should take one because a lot of times after a long inning you dont want to have a quick inning. I said I want you to hit one into the right-field stands.Stewart homered to left field.Francona joked, He never listens.Ahead of games Friday, Aug. 7, Stewart was tied for 12th in baseball in homers, and second in the league with 87 RBI. He was leading the Reds in most statistical categories. Hes aiming to become the fourth Major League rookie since 1920 to lead his team in home runs, RBI, walks, and hits.Im just doing my job, Stewart said.He has become one of the faces of the Reds, and his at-bats are one of the most fun to watch things going for the Reds right now.He knows the zone, so that limits chase, Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott said. He has a pretty good idea of what pitches that pitchers will throw in what counts. He shortens his swing up and shoots it to right a lot, and you cant plan for that. You cant blow a fastball by him. Hell foul it off and get a pitch that he likes and hammers it. When you put that all together, it makes for a really hard at-bat.With his terrific season, Stewart is establishing his case as an NL Rookie of the Year frontrunner. Among qualified NL rookies, he ranks first in homers and RBI and in the top five in OPS.At this point last year, Stewart was in Triple-A. At that time, he was learning the ropes at first base, fine-tuning his process at the plate and hoping to be a difference maker at the big league level down the stretch of the 2025 season. He accomplished that. Just one year later, any playoff hopes for the Reds would be dead without him. Stewarts production has helped keep the season alive.Sal is showing a lot of glimpses of greatness, reliever Pierce Johnson said. Hes young. Hes talented. Hes thirsty for knowledge. He wants to get better every day. He wants to play every day. Its really, really cool for a young guy to have those aspirations.Stewart is on pace to set a new Reds rookie record with 123 RBI, which would surpass the previous mark of 100 set by Jim Greengrass in 1953. One-hundred-twenty-three RBI would also be the most by any Reds player since Dave Parker (125) in 1985.Stewart has proven to be a clutch run producer.He certainly looks forward to those situations, and he certainly thrives in them, Francona said.His defense and his versatility have also been important assets for the Reds. A year ago, he had barely played first base. Now, hes the only first baseman on the big league roster. During the summer, with KeBryan Hayes on the injured list, Stewart played a solid third base. At the start of the season, he was the Reds backup second baseman.Stewart does whatever is asked, and he does it with a confident flare.With the confidence he has in himself and the confidence we have knowing hes going to give a good at-bat every time, that stuff matters, Abbott said. You have that confidence in him. We know he has the confidence in himself. Theres no doubt. Hell fight the best he can. And if you beat him, hell get you the next time.

Cheyanne Bowers went from almost getting submitted to submitting her opponent, Elora Dana, in just a matter of seconds.That's right. Bowers (8-3) submitted Dana (8-3) after nearly getting submitted herself with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their women's flyweight contest at PFL Charlotte, which took place Friday at Bojangles Coliseum in North Carolina. Bowers survived an early back take and submission attempt to then take the back of Dana and tap her at the 3:36 mark of Round 1. It was an impressive finish that got Bowers her first win under the PFL banner, having lost her PFL debut in May.You can watch Bowers' rear-naked choke win in the video below:CHEYANNE BOWERS WITH NO REMORSE FIRST ROUND FINISH#PFLCharlotte | Prelims LIVE NOW on the ESPN App | Main Card 10PM EST on ESPN pic.twitter.com/Dr9W2KKpIn PFL (@PFLMMA) August 8, 2026Up-to-the-minute PFL Charlotte results:Cheyanne Bowers def. Elora Dana via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 3:36Landry Ward def. Michael Boylan via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)Bruno Cappelozza def. Valentin Moldavsky via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)Jonathan Martin def. Wilson Lopshire via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-27)Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Eduardo Neves via TKO (punches) Round 3, 2:01Trey Waters def. Trukon Carson via TKO (punches) Round 1, 4:37This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL Charlotte video: Cheyanne Bowers turns tables, taps Elora Dana in first

Every season, the Oregon Ducks have a roster stacked with elite talent and seasoning at every position. Sometimes it can seem nearly impossible for a freshman to break through right away and snag a regular role.Well, last season proved the Ducks aren't afraid to let the freshmen run if they can help the team. Even in a loaded wide receiver room, the Ducks have a couple of freshmen who have stood out in the first few days of fall camp, including a talented pass-catcher who wasn't around to make an impression in the spring.Five-star freshman Jalen Lott enrolled in the summer and is playing catch-up with the rest of the offense. Fortunately, Lott isn't just quick on the field. He's picking up the playbook and wowing the coaching staff at Oregon's first three practices.Oregon has raked in premier recruits at wide receiver in recent years, and Lott is among them. Entering a room with returners like Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart and Jeremiah McClellan, there is plenty of competition for targets. Defensive coordinator Chris Hampton is getting the Ducks' defense off to a good start in practice, but the freshman wideout has been a problem early on, which could be a good omen."He has a ton of potential," Hampton said of Lott on Thursday. "He has a tremendous catch radius and can accelerate. He has really good hands, can start and stop, and has good burst. Going against all of our receivers in practice is a challenge. They make some plays against us, and you think, 'I am glad they are on our team. They challenge us each and every day. Jalen has looked really good so far."Oregon is making some tweaks to the offense this season under new offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, but that also means there is a chance for Lott, as well as fellow freshman Gatlin Bair, to prove themselves worthy of a role when the Ducks take the field for the first time on Sept. 5. The summer represented Lott's first chance to stand out and gear up for fall camp, and so far, he hasn't wasted an opportunity.Mehringer referenced the infamous Wally Pipp story when speaking to the media on Friday. The former New York Yankees first baseman missed a game with a headache. Who stepped in? Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig, who took his spot and started 2,130 consecutivegames. Mehringer uses it as a reminder to all of his players that things can change on a dime."For the young guys in the wide receiver room, I think they've got to continue to grow and see where they're at," Mehringer said on Friday. "At this point in fall camp, they just came off a great summer. (Strength coach) Wilson Love did an unreal job with those guys. They look completely different, which is awesome to see. It's a testament to him and what the players did over the summer."Jalen Lott making a play in his first practice pic.twitter.com/oNc3HRjIhs Oregon Updates (@oregon__updates) August 6, 2026While Moore, Stewart and McClellan are widely expected to top the depth chart for the Ducks this season, the battle rages on down the board. Bair and UAB transfer Iverson Hooks present elite speed and quickness, similar to Lott. The Texas native can separate himself with his ability to win with acrobatic catches in the air, which he has already showcased in fall camp.Mehringer has made it clear that experience in the offense won't secure any receiver a job at this point, given how loaded the room is. The door is open. Lott just needs to find a way to step through."I think coach Ross Douglas has done an unbelievable job of bringing in good players," Mehringer said. "We tell everybody that if you're good enough, you're old enough. There are no jobs that have been solidified or anything like that. You've got to go out and earn it every single day."Contact/Follow@Ducks_Wireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon freshman WR Jalen Lott showing a 'ton of potential'

Packers Family Night returned to Lambeau Field for its 25th year on Friday, Aug. 7, giving fans an opportunity to spend the evening watching the team practice inside the stadium.Prior to the 7:30 p.m. practice, Family Fest was held across the Titletown District from 3-6:30 p.m. A place for fans and families to hang out and spend their afternoon before entering the stadium.The fest had yard games, face painting, food trucks and drink tents. Some families tailgated, grilling up dinner before the practice. Titletown was a sea of green and Packers jerseys as families made their way around the grounds.Julie Butschli came with her son, Tom White, for the second consecutive year."We just carry on the Packer tradition," Butschli said, about honoring her father and brother, who have died.Butschli was raised a Packers fan in Illinois and now her son lives in Green Bay carrying on the team spirit. White described Family Night as the "first kickoff" to Packers season that brings people together to experience Lambeau Field."Just seeing the stadium, the inside of the stadium, the field, the players, and the tradition that goes along that," White said. Packers Family Night attracts fans from all over. Marcus Allen drove three and a half hours from Chicago for Family Night. It is the third consecutive year he has come with his son and daughter.Allen said Family Night gives fans a chance to be a part of the Packer environment and spend more of their money on gear rather than seats. Tickets including fees and tax cost $12.42 each."You can take something with you every year when you go home," Allen said. People began funneling into the stadium for Family Night around 5:30 p.m. to get situated before the practice. Kathryn Byrnes is a reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. You can reach her at kbyrnes@gannett.com or 920-431-8526.This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Packers season is in the air as Family Night brings fans together

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 07: Former Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. talks with Greg Amsinger (L) and Harold Reynolds prior to a game between the Mariners and the Tampa Bay Rays at T-Mobile Park on August 07, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesAfter yesterdays shellacking at the hands of the deadline-selling Tigers during a series where they were outscored 4054 4, the Mariners limp into their 50th Anniversary Weekend to face the best team in the AL, the Tampa Bay Rays. Were already brainstorming names for what well nickname this potential debacle, in the grand tradition of Lollablueza, Deadgar Weekend, and the Big P.Unit Weekend. I favor Golden Poopilee, but I also have the taste level of a toddler, so I welcome your suggestions in the comments.Lineups:No lineup graphic from the Rays. #Rays lineup vs. #Mariners, RH Gilbert: pic.twitter.com/rNnWpZH6lP Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) August 7, 2026News:The Mariners announced that Cole Wilcox, who was injured pitching in yesterdays blowout, has been placed on the 15-day IL with an oblique strain. RHP Nick Davila has been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma.#Mariners RHP Nick Davila was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma today.A few days ago, I caught up with Davila to talk about his Major League debut earlier this season, handling the nerves that came with it, and the players he's learned the most from so far. pic.twitter.com/Vw94L06Rb6 Kristilyn Hetherington (@khetherington21) August 7, 2026Those of you hoping to see former Mariner Ben Williamson in this series will unfortunately be disappointed; the Rays placed him on the 10-day IL yesterday with a hamstring injury. INF Carson Williams has been recalled to take his place.The Yankees have signed recently-released Mitch Garver to a minor-league deal as catching depth. We wish Mitch luck in pinstripes, and with the famously kind and patient Yankees fanbase.Tonights game information:Game time: 6:45 PTTV: Apple TV, with Alex FaustandRyan Spilborghson the call andTricia Whitakerserving as field reporterRadio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.Postgame, the Mariners will air their first-ever Alumni Home Run Derby on Mariners.TV (free to stream), called live on air by Aaron Goldsmith and Gary Hill Jr.The derby participants will include Ichiro, Mike Cameron, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Ryon Healy, Stefen Romero, Austin Nola, and Bucky Jacobsen. Julio Rodrguez will DJ the event as DJ Pleno and MLB Network studio hostGreg Amsingerwill host the event. Ken Griffey Jr. will serve as the events Commissioner, and the two team captains are Jay Buhner and Nelson Cruz.