The Browns have been rotating quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders with the first team from day to day at training camp, so any deviation from that schedule is sure to grab attention. Such a deviation came on Saturday. Head coach Todd Monken said before practice that it would be Sanders working with the first team, but multiple reporters shared that Watson received all of the work with the first team. Monken did not speak to the media after practice. A team spokesman said, via multiple reporters, that Monken changed the plans because he wanted to see Watson with certain personnel groups. Earlier this week, Monken clarified a report that both quarterbacks will get a start in the preseason by saying that "if its still a competition at that time, why wouldnt you start one and start the other" without targeting any date for the competition to end. The Browns play their first preseason game next Saturday, so the identity of the first guy up as the starter should come early in the week.

San Diego Padres SP Michael King (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe San Diego Padres looked to upgrade their depleted starting rotation at Mondays trade deadline. In the final hours, the front office acquired Robbie Ray from the San Francisco Giants and Casey Mize from the Detroit Tigers.However, both pitchers were less than impressive in their first start in new surroundings. Rays control betrayed him in last nights 6-3 defeat. The southpaw allowed four runs on seven hits, walked five batters and struck out two in five lackluster innings.With this loss, the Padres fall two games behind in the National League Wild Card race.Taking the mound: Peter Lambert (HOU) vs Michael King (SD)San Diego will turn to Michael King (6-8, 3.45 ERA) to get the team back on their winning ways in the second game of the three-game set. He has been solid all season, but King put together his best statistical month in July.In five starts, he went 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA. But one stat that should bring a smile to the Friar Faithful is that King went six innings in four of the five starts. His pitching repertoire is finally coming together and becoming an effective arsenal.Kings mix of the changeup, four-seam fastball, and sweeper has kept batters off balance during at-bats. You can tell the right-hander is pitching well when he induces ground-ball outs. King is near his normal career rate (43.3%).If he can generate swing-and-misses or weak contact, it will be a long day for the Stros hitters.The Astros are sending out Peter Lambert (8-5, 3.06 ERA) to secure a series victory today. The right-hander has been the one constant in an ever-changing starting rotation, as Spencer Arrighetti, Lance McCuller Jr., and Tatsuya Imai were either dealt away or shuffled out of the rotation this season.The road to becoming a quality starting pitcher has not been easy for Lambert. He struggled with the Colorado Rockies after they drafted him in the second round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft. The right-hander went 8-19 with a 6.28 ERA before the organization released him after the 2024 season.His return to the majors began with a season in Japan. Lambert made some adjustments to his delivery and began working from a different spot on the rubber. He has been outstanding, as lowering his arm angle has made his sinker and cutter more effective in the strike zone.The results increased his innings pitched, from 89.1 with the Rockies to 124.1 in Japan, and improved his strikeout numbers (111 batters in 24 starts). In 2026, Lambert has struck out 108 batters and held opposing teams to a .206 batting average in 19 starts.His signing may have been the best under-the-radar move this winter.Todays lineup8/8 Astros Lineup is Out!Provided by mlbstartingnine (@DailyMLBLineups for link) Live Line: Astros +107 O/U 8.0#Astros#AstrosLineup#MLBpic.twitter.com/5pzwSnMAmz MLB Daily Lineups (@DailyMLBLineups) August 8, 2026Saturday afternoon baseball. pic.twitter.com/TJ3BAESL5k San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 8, 2026

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) William Byron said there can be a good feeling when he returns to a track where he has won recently.Whether that changes his fortunes of this season remains to be seen.Byron is back at Iowa Speedway, where he won last years NASCAR Cup Series race. He has only won once since then, and doesnt have a win this season.I wouldnt say that you come in here like, Oh man, this is going to go so great because of last year, Byron said. But yeah, maybe you just drive in feeling a little better about the place.Byron, who will start 19th in Sunday's 350-lap race, comes in ranked 12th in the season standings with 568 points. He has four top-five finishes and nine top-10s.Byrons win last season came after he opened the year by winning the Daytona 500, then he didnt win again until Iowa, a span of 21 races. He is now in a stretch of 22 races without a victory, dating to his win at Martinsville in the next-to-last race of last season..Byron paused when asked to describe this season.I dont know, Byron said. I mean, its just kind of under how we would want to perform. But I think the new car has been a learning curve, and were just trying to get a hold of it. Were just trying to get it all figured out and get better.Byron won last seasons race with fuel strategy, stretching his final tank of gas to lead the final 74 laps.It just worked out for us that it was fuel mileage and we had a pretty good car, Byron said.Byron has three wins overall at Iowa Speedway he won an OReilly Auto Parts Series race in 2017 and a Truck Series race in 2016. He finished second in the inaugural Cup Series race in Iowa in 2024.I dont know, but it sure seems like its been a good track for us over the years, Byron said.Hamlin's strugglesPoints leader Denny Hamlin hasn't had the best of luck at Iowa Speedway he has finished 24th in each of the first two races.Those struggles continued during Saturday's practice and qualifying, when he dealt with brake issues. Hamlin ran just 24 practice laps, then was 29th in afternoon qualifying.Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Chase Briscoe both had brake issues.The first five laps, I went out and everything was checking out, Hamlin said. Everything was okay. I thought the car had decent speed and had a good balance to it. Certainly better than what weve been here in the past, and but unfortunately just didnt get more practice in that.A repave is comingIowa Speedway will undergo a complete repaving before next seasons race, and its something that drivers think is long overdue.Part of you as a racer is like, man, why would you repave somewhere? Ryan Preece said. But you can see the separation in some of the lanes, and it definitely is going to need it.The project at the .875-mile track is scheduled to begin next week and the plan is for it to be finished by late fall. Next seasons race is scheduled for July 4.Parts of the track were repaved before the inaugural race in 2024, with the new surface in the bottom groove of the turns.I just hope they really bank up the third and fourth lane because then I think its going to be a heck of a race track where its not locked on the bottom with new pavements, said Ryan Blaney, who won the 2024 race. So time will tell.New stage break rulesA new stage break procedure will begin with Sundays race.If a caution flag is waved with 10 or fewer laps remaining in the stage, the stage will be considered complete, and the caution period will be the scheduled stage break. The leader of the race will receive the green-and-white checkered flag, along with the yellow flag, when the field returns to the start/finish line. The move is to cut the time drivers are under a yellow flag at the end of the stage.If a caution does come out four or five laps before the stage is over, and you know youre not going to restart it right around there for double the time, thats no fun for anybody, Blaney said. Thats no fun for anybody watching. Its not fun for us either, sitting around there cruising around for extra laps and taking time up.___AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing

BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 03: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns talks with Shedeur Sanders #2 during the Cleveland Browns OTA Offseason Workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 03, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty ImagesWith the Cleveland Browns, you never really know what to expect. That statement has been true across coaching staffs, front offices, and ownership, no matter who was in those roles. Throughout the offseason, including in training camp, the Browns quarterback competition had seen Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders alternating time with the first team. Whether there was a signal that Watson had taken the lead or the veteran came into camp with a leg up, Cleveland HC Todd Monken was consistent with his messaging and, generally, how the reps were distributed. Both of those things changed on Saturday.First, Monken informed the media before practice that the plan was to continue with the alternating at quarterback, with Sanders next up to take reps with the first team:Todd Monken before practice: (Deshaun) might end up with a 7-on-7 (rep with the 1s) but Shedeur will take the majority of the 1 reps today.The Browns are off Sunday, and Monken isnt scheduled to speak to reporters again until Monday. https://t.co/61crf3LiQ7pic.twitter.com/8cIWe56250 Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 8, 2026When practice started, Monkens words were not followed up with action as Watson took all of the first-team reps, with Sanders splitting time with the second team, along with Dillon Gabriel. As seen in the infamous QB tracker, Watson attempted 34 passes on Saturday, with Sanders throwing 20 and Gabriel throwing 12.A majority of the time, Watson was followed by Gabriel, not Sanders, in each drill.Following practice, when asked about the change in reps from what the media was told prior to practice and what actually happened on the field, we were told that There were personnel groupings (Monken) wanted to see Deshaun with.Prior to practice, Monken noted that the team was starting to whittle things down to what would be considered game preparation in advance of the Chicago Bears.The team is off on Sunday before returning to the field on Monday. There is a lot of speculation as to what led to todays changes. Whether Monken is close to naming Watson the starter, something happened in the few minutes between the media session and practice, the coach is trying to motivate Sanders, or any other suggestion that you can come up with, for one day Watson was clearly the Browns starter, and Sanders was demoted.What do you think todays practice means?Share your thoughts belowJoin the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!

The Houston Texans only have one punter remaining on the roster.According to the recent transaction list, the Texanshave released rookie punter Jack Stonehouse. In a corresponding move, Houston plans to add veteran running back Owen Wright.A former All-ACC first-team specialist, Stonehouse averaged a school-record 47.1 yards per punt, which also ranked in the top five among FBS punters. He also set a school career record with a 45.8-yard-per-punt average over his four seasons with the Orange.It's not like Houston doesn't have a punter. Earlier this offseason, the Texans traded a future seventh-round pick to theNew Orleans Saintsfor former South Carolina star Kai Kroeger. Last season, he averaged 44.8 yards per punt and had 18 punts downed inside the 20. Kroeger also had two punts blocked, which led the NFL.We have signed Owen Wright and made other roster moves. pic.twitter.com/GPCEUhDdAJ Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 8, 2026This doesn't mean Kroeger will be the starting punter, but the Texans are starting this season with him controling special teams. Houston returns to practice on Saturday evening. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans waive rookie punter after quick battle at training camp

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 8: Head Coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers on the field during Rookie Minicamp at SAP Performance Facility on May 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesSan Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan took to the podium for the first time in training camp to answer questions, and fans may get to see him a bit more frequently. In addition to answering questions regarding the car accident that led to his absence to start camp, Shanahan said he will be coaching the 49ers preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, August 13. Oh yeah, Shanahan said. Im doing the same stuff, guys. I just try to not come in here every day [the media room].Shanahan elaborated, saying his reasons for interview absences were to not throw off his routine of watching film. Its unclear what specifically Shanahan will be coaching during the game. Last year, he let his offensive coordinator, Klay Kubiak, call the offensive plays. There might be other responsibilities he may delegate as well so hes not overwhelmed. It sounds like Shanahan plans on doing everything hed normally do coaching a game. Shanahans absence at the start of training camp was due to a concussion sustained from a car accident on July 14. Shanahan dropped his phone, and it fell to the back seat. While the Tesla he drove was on autopilot, the automation failed, and he collided with an SUV. Shanahan suffered the aforementioned concussion in addition to a broken nose and three ribs. At one point, he was at risk for losing his right eye. Shanahan has also claimedand emphasizedbeing at fault. Shanahan said he is no longer sensitive to noise and has only been dealing with headaches and fatigue. The 49ers face the Titans on Thursday, August 13 at Levis Stadium.

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 29: Auburn Tigers Running Back Justin Jones (35) runs the ball during a game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Jason Homan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesWith just hours to go before Seahawks Football Fest at Lumen Field, we have a pretty strong idea about Jadarian Prices availability to practice on Saturday night.Seattle signed running back Justin Jones to the active roster, one day after Price missed practice with what is lower body soreness. Unfortunately, we must bid adieu to linebacker Power Echols, whose awesome name (and real birth name, at that!) lasted just one day on the Seahawks roster. Echols practiced on Friday and evidently thats that.To be very nice, Jones career at Auburn can best be described as lightly used. He had 16 total carries for 110 yards over three seasons with the Tigers, but he did block a punt last season and was regularly used on special teams. Seattles running back room is a bit banged up due to injuries to both Price and Jacardia Wright, whom Field Gulls Bryce Coutts observed rehabbing his leg injury on the practice field on Friday. Zach Charbonnet is obviously on PUP likely through the start of the regular season. Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, Velus Jones Jr, and the recently signed T.J. Harden are the other backs.

Former Indianapolis Colts' kicker Adam Vinatieri has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon was the presenter for Vinatieri. Vinatieri enters the Hall of Fame as the NFL's all-time leader in career points. He also holds the record for most consecutive field goals made with 44, career field goals made with 599, and most postseason points as well.He spent14 seasons with theColts, where he made85.3 percentof his field goal attempts. In the playoffs, Vinatieri made 81.2% of those attempts.Vinatieri was a three-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro in his career. Vinatieri also won four Super Bowls, including one with the Colts in 2006.Adam Vinatieri receives his Gold JacketAdam Vinatieri receives his Gold Jacket @HaggarCo@Patriots@Colts@adamvinatieripic.twitter.com/qx01HcPlzw Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2026Adam Vinatieri sees his statue for the first time#Colts co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon helps former kicker Adam Vinatieri reveal his Pro Football Hall of Fame statue during the ceremonies in Canton today. pic.twitter.com/HUFNnGRd1y WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) August 8, 2026Adam Vinatieri's speech"Dad, I can't tell you how special it was to have you as my coach throughout my childhood."This moment between Adam Vinatieri's father, Paul, and his son, who is now a member of the Hall of Fame pic.twitter.com/tfFHLgymnQ NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 8, 2026.@adamvinatieri shares the true meaning of greatness @Patriots | @Coltspic.twitter.com/Y8PsJoLcWD NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 8, 2026This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Former Colts' K Adam Vinatieri inducted into Hall of Fame, gets Gold Jacket

Todays roster move: HereSaturday notesUNDER THE LIGHTS: The Cubs are 42-26 in night games, a winning percentage of .618. They finished last season 49-38, .563. At night on the road, they are 26-14, .650. They finished last season just 28-27, .509. (Courtesy BCBs JohnW53)SATURDAY IN THE PARK: At 11-7, the Cubs already have lost as many games on Saturday as they did all of last season, when they were 20-7. They are 5-3 on the road on Saturday this year. Last year, they were 11-2. (Courtesy BCBs JohnW53)NOT SCORING FIRST: The Cubs have given up the first run in six consecutive games, each in the first three innings, including the first inning of the the last three. They have not scored first in eight of nine games, after having done it in five straight, seven of eight and 11 of 13. The Cubs have taken the first lead in 55 games and fallen behind in 62. They are 40-15 when they score first and 28-34 when they do not. (Courtesy BCBs JohnW53)TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Jim Edmonds homers twice, including a game-tying blast in the seventh, and Henry Blancos walk-off single wins the game over the Cardinals 3-2 at Wrigley Field. It happened 18 years ago today, Friday, Aug. 8, 2008.Cubs lineup: Holmes on the bump. Tune in on @WatchMarquee. pic.twitter.com/iGkTFI8Dar Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 8, 2026Royals lineup:Powder blue Saturday. pic.twitter.com/CtF8JW9oPd Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 8, 2026Clay Holmes, RHP vs. Seth Lugo, RHPClay Holmes was having a fine year with the Mets when he suffered a fractured fibula on this play against the Yankees May 15:He has made three rehab starts. In the most recent one, Aug. 2, he threw 43 pitches for the Mets High-A affiliate. Hed thrown 59 pitches in the rehab start before that.So Id think hell be on a pitch limit tonight, maybe 75 or so? The Cubs do have Colin Rea and Javier Assad ready for long relief.Below youll find Holmes pitch mix. As youll note, he relies on a sinker which, we hope, will induce lots of ground balls to the excellent Cubs defenders.Seth Lugo was a big Royals free-agent signing before the 2024 season. He was very good that year (second in AL Cy Young voting), a bit worse last year, and not very good this year, especially over his last eight starts (5.82 ERA, 1.477 WHIP, eight home runs in 43.1 innings). Hes also walked a lot of guys in those eight starts (8.9 percent walk rate).He has, however, held current Cubs to a .167 BA (14-for-84) with one home run (Seiya Suzuki). Hopefully Cubs bats are ready for him tonight.Here is the weather forecast for the area around Kauffman Stadium.Todays game is on Marquee Sports Network.Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.MLB.com GamedayBaseball-reference.com game previewPlease visit our SB Nation Royals siteRoyals Review. If you do go there to interact with Royals fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.Youll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads. It will contain every post related to that particular game.The Live! (formerly First Pitch) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats inthis section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.Discuss amongst yourselves.Join the conversation!Sign up for a user accountand get:Fewer adsCreatecommunity postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!

Former Washington Huskies star Michael Penix Jr. appears to be getting closer to a full return from a partially torn ACL ahead of his third NFL season.The No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft was selected by the Atlanta Falcons to potentially be the future of the franchise, but with his injury, the organization chose to bring in veteran free agent Tua Tagovailoa to compete with him for the starting job. According to the 2023 runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, a battle to be QB1 is the last thing on his mind."I cant worry about a starting job until Im worried about getting back on the field," Penix told the media. "If I cant be on the field, how am I going to be the starter? Thats all my focus is right now...just trying to get back and get healthy so that whenever that time comes, then we can talk about the whole starter thing, but thats not my focus right now."Touchdown, @DrakeLondon_ pic.twitter.com/dJDKy9fXUz Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 7, 2026Even though Tagovailoa has been dealing with tightness in his back, the issue won't keep him from playing in Atlanta's first preseason game against the Denver Broncos on August 14. Penix, on the other hand, is unlikely to be medically cleared in time for the contest, but is willing to be patient with the process."Im not really chasing a timeline," he continued. "Im just chasing trying to be better every day. Each and every day I get out there, I look forward to being better than I was the day before. That comes with obviously just the reps, time on task, and also just what Im doing in the rehab and the treatment room as well, so I can get to where I want to be."Penix has been cleared to return to 7-on-7 drills, where he has made a major impression during training camp, pushing the ball downfield with his signature arm talent and velocity, and appears to be getting to where he wants to be after dealing with a pair of knee surgeries during his time in college."I'm just getting stronger and getting more confident in my knee and everything," Penix said. "My body has been feeling really good. I'm hitting all my weight goals and making sure I'm taking my diet seriously. I'm doing everything I can to help my knee get better faster. I'm definitely better than where I was last week."This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington football star prioritizing health over starting job