The Minnesota Vikings are fully committed to the Kyler Murray experiment. The Vikings didnt want to hand the job to Murray. They wanted him to earn it, and apparently, thats what he did in these first few weeks of training camp now set to start the season as QB1 in coach Kevin OConnells system. Murray beat out J.J. McCarthy, the 2024 10th-overall pick whose development has been startlingly minimal. And while he enjoyed the best training camp of his career, McCarthy couldnt edge out Murray. The QB competition ended how everyone expected. Even in March, when Murray signed with Minnesota, everyone could see this decision coming. Even safety Josh Metellus remembered that moment fondly. "Man, I loved it," Metellus told me last week at Vikings camp. "Kyler's a guy we've game planned for a couple times, and I know how much hell that was to not only game plan but to actually play against him. So to get a guy like that on your team, it only elevates your team. We're trying to be the best team in the National Football League." Theyll have to start with fighting to be the No. 1 team in the NFC North, a deep division that saw the Vikings finish third last season. But theres no denying this offenses potential. OConnell earned his clout as a QB whisperer by elevating Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold into next-level seasons. Now, hell have the opportunity to do the same with Murray. The former No. 1 overall pick may be far removed from his sensational 2020 season (3,971 passing yards, 26 passing TDs; 819 rushing yards, 11 TDs), but Murray is 29 years old and not yet out of his prime. The Cardinals parted ways with him this offseason deciding to go a new direction at QB. But that doesn't mean Murray can't resurface with a little help from O'Connell. As soon as Murray stepped into the offense, running back Aaron Jones admitted Murrays skills were different. Unique. Special. "The way he's able to speed up his arm and make throws," Jones told me last week. "If he sees something and he wants to get it there, you can see him, in real time, speed up his arm. I don't know if that's the baseball a little bit or what it is, but you can see him speed it up and get it there. I haven't seen that often, where it comes out and it's coming with zip, but somebody who can speed up their arm. So that was kind of new for me to see." This season will be new for everyone. For Murray. For OConnell. For the entire Vikings offense. The whole experiment with Murray is that the Vikings will do what the Cardinals could not. Minnesota will make football easy for Murray. In Arizona, the QB labored to win games. He made sensational plays but not often enough. Too regularly, he made game-wrecking mistakes. He injured himself doing everything for his offense. And it seemed like Murray finished his career with the Cardinals feeling that he had to do it all by himself. Thats not the case for the Vikings. Heres what passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown said about what he wants from his starting quarterback. "Don't feel like you have to put your Superman cape on and win this specific down for us. You're not going to win one game with one throw," he told me, adding later, "Kevin's an unbelievable play-caller, and so I tell these guys all the time: you got really great play-makers around you. You got a really great play-caller and good scheme, and so just play the law of averages. If it's not there, the next one might be. If that one's not there, the next one might be. Just play to that and protect the football." Under OConnell, the Vikings have never had a quarterback who is as mobile as Murray. Thats what he brings to the table thatll require OConnell to think differently about his system. Murray, however, hasnt had to take a step back. To remove the ego from the equation. And let his system, his coaches and his teammates take over. But there are millions of reasons why Murray, a former No. 1 overall pick, sees now as his chance to humble himself. He's standing on a razor-thin edge at this phase of his career. He has to succeed or risk irrelevance. If he's looking for an example, he needs only look at teammate Carson Wentz, who was once the King of Philly and who is now one of the backups for Minnesota. "I was with a team [the Eagles] for so long that I thought it was going forever," Wentz, a former No. 2 overall pick, told me. "And then I got kind of shipped out, so to speak, kind of like he was in a little bit. Just starting over. If anybody knows how that goes, I know what hes been through. I feel like I understand him. We're very different people with different interests off the field and all that. But it's been fun, just the little time we've had so far working together, get to know him, the quiet competitor that he is; I think he's done a good job." This is the chance for Murray and OConnell to get their grooves back. Their desperation and talent make them a hard duo to bet against.

Some of the biggest World Cup stars are finally back to kick off the European soccer season

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Qwan'tez Stiggers is in his third season as a cornerback for the New York Jets, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2024 draft. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)Michael Owens via Getty ImagesAn ambulance took New York Jets cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers to a local hospital Tuesday during a joint training camp practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of Fridays preseason game between the teams at MetLife Stadium.Stiggers, a 24-year-old DB in his third season with the Jets, was conscious and talking by the time he was transported, according to head coach Aaron Glenn, who explained to reporters following practice that Stiggers had passed out.From what I know, he came to the sideline after a play, and he actually fell out, Glenn said. The good thing is, he was conscious. And our guys did a hell of a job, just like most medical staffs around this league do in situations like that.They took the necessary steps just to make sure that we do everything we can to be on board when it comes to those situations.Glenn added: He was able to talk, and I want to make sure that I go and see him after this, just to make sure Im good with everything. But for the most part, he was good.Coach Glenn provides an update on CB Qwan'tez Stiggers pic.twitter.com/oQMFzfSA0p New York Jets (@nyjets) August 11, 2026It remains unclear what specifically happened to Stiggers, whom New York selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft. Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said that the word he and his teammates got, though, is that things are on the up and up, as reported by The Athletic.Stiggers made 27 total tackles last season, including 17 solos and one for loss. He also registered three passes. He was on the field for 247 defensive snaps and 287 special teams snaps, per Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot, 197-pound corner appeared in 15 games and recorded four starts in the process. Three of those arrived successively in Weeks 15, 16 and 17.Altogether, he gave up 13 receptions and 176 receiving yards on 23 targets during the 2025 campaign, according to PFF.Stiggers path to the NFL was unconventional, to say the least. He didnt play college ball. While most of his eventual draft classmates starred at that level, Stiggers worked several jobs to help support his family during that time, as chronicled by Yahoo Sports Jori Epstein, who penned that Stiggers went from washing trucks to becoming an unorthodox draft pick.Along the way, he played arena-league 7-on-7 football and Canadian football, notably turning heads as an impact rookie for the CFLs Toronto Argonauts in 2023. When he was selected 176th overall two years ago, he etched his name in NFL history as the leagues fifth player to be drafted without playing college football since 1970.

Mike Maddux has experienced a lot of success as a pitching coach over his career. But even his advice couldnt save the Los Angeles Angels. Maddux as well as assistant pitching coach Darryl Scott and bullpen coach Dom Chiti was reportedly fired by the Angels on Tuesday, according to ESPNs Jeff Passan. The Los Angeles Angels fired pitched coach Mike Maddux, assistant pitching coach Darryl Scott and bullpen coach Dom Chiti, sources tell ESPN. Maddux joined them in the offseason and was working on a one-year contract. Angels pitchers have a 4.53 ERA and the most walks in MLB. Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 11, 2026Maddux, who took a one-year deal with the team in the offseason, was just a few months into that contract before being let go.The Angels are mired in yet another miserable season. With the team sitting at 45-74 entering play Tuesday, the front office apparently decided Madduxs approach wasnt working and that he didnt need to stick around for the rest of his deal.Entering play Tuesday, Angels pitching ranks 24th in MLB with a 4.53 ERA. This story will be updated.

Rangers Identify This Aston Villa Defender As A Summer Target: Why McInnes Must Sanction The TransferIf a recent transfer update from The Daily Record is believed to be true, Rangers are eyeing a move for Kosta Nedeljkovi. They would prefer a permanent deal for the Aston Villa right-back but are also open to a season-long loan with an option to buy contract.The 20-year-old Serbia international progressed through Red Star Belgrades academy ranks before being loaned out to Grafiar in the second division for first-team football. He made 20 senior appearances for Red Star during the 2023-24 season and was eventually roped in by the Villans for 8m.After a sporadic start in the first six months, Nedeljkovi joined RB Leipzig on loan for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. He rejoined the Bundesliga giants last summer, but was hardly involved, primarily due to injury concerns. He has now returned to Villa Park, only to find himself behind Matty Cash, with the latter being the preferred choice on the right.LEIPZIG, GERMANY MAY 03: Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Kosta Nedeljkovic of RB Leipzig during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern Mnchen at Red Bull Arena on May 03, 2025 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)Unai Emery has often deployed Ezri Konsa and LamareBogarde as makeshift fullbacks and, therefore, does not fancy the Serbian in his immediate plans. The youngster, too, should seek a fresh challenge for regular gametime, and a transfer north of the border could earn him assured minutes, given their conundrum in the defensive third.Why Rangers Should Bring Him In As The First-choice Right-backThe Light Blues have snapped up nine new names as part of their ongoing transition under Derek McInnes. Yet the squad look incomplete and unbalanced across the pitch. After a draw against Dundee United in the opening gameweek, the Light Blues have suffered back-to-back defeats against Jagiellonia Biaystok and Hibernian across competitions, and their frailty at the back must be remediated to avoid more misery in the coming days.Despite having Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie among right-back options, Rangers aim to secure further reinforcements to find stability and balance between defence and attack. Sterling has often struggled with injuries, whereas McCrorie should be deployed flexibly as a utility player across defence and midfield.Hailed for his high work ethic, explosive pace and physical projection, Nedeljkovi would find it easy to attune to the demands and aggression of Scottish football. He possesses great recovery speed and dynamic burst to join the attack or track back against quick wingers. Also, his tenacity during one-on-one situations and challenges demonstrates the traits of a modern-day fullback. While the young ace needs to work on his concentration and consistency in terms of crossing precision and final third deliveries, spells with Villa and Leipzig should help him develop for the next phase of his career.

Former Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante is getting another opportunity in the NFL after being signed by the Arizona Cardinals on Monday.After spending the spring with the Houston Gamblers of the United Football League, Asante impressed the Cardinals enough to add them to their preseason roster. While with the Gamblers, he collected 34 total tackles and 18soloin nine games played. The Gamblers finished with a 4-6 record and missed the postseason. The Houston franchise will berelocatedfor the 2027 season.Asante was a fan favorite while a member of the Auburn Tigers from 2022-24. While on the plains, he had 134 tackles and 13 tackles for loss along with 7.5 sacks. His best season for the Tigers was in 2023 when he had 86 tackles and five tackles for loss. He was theteam'sleading tackler that season. Prior to joining Auburn, beplayedthree seasons at North Carolina before arriving as a transfer.After his time at Auburn, Asante went undrafted inthe2025 NFL Draft but was signed by the Miami Dolphins. He was released by the team in late August during roster cuts. He was picked up twice during the 2025 NFL season as a practice squad player for the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Falcons. He will now get another chance with the Cardinals. They will play their first preseason game on Thursday when they travel to Las Vegas to matchup with the Raiders.Eugene Asante career as an Auburn TigersContact/Follow us @TheAuburnWireon X (Twitter), and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Phillip on Twitter@PJordanSportsThis article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: NFC West squad signs former Auburn LB Eugene Asante before season

While expectations for Duke football this season are down following the Blue Devils surprise run to the ACC title last year, there is one player who is getting some preseason hype: Jeremiah Hasley.The tight end was named first-team All-ACC at conference media days while also receiving some All-American honors. As a junior last season, the Pennsylvania native recorded 40 receptions for 454 yards and six touchdowns, breaking through as a reliable target for Darian Mensah.With Mensah and leading receiver Cooper Barkate now gone, Hasley will continue to be one of the main targets for either Walker Eget or Dan Mahan.The Athletics Bruce Feldman knows how crucial Hasley will be for Dukes offense, recently naming him to his Freaks List heading into the 2026 season.Hes made huge improvements since coming to Duke in the summer of 2022. Hasley has added 18 pounds to his current 6-3 1/2, 251-pound frame, and hes added almost eight inches to his vertical jump (now 37 inches). His L-drill time this offseason was 7.23 seconds (improved from 7.69) and his shuttle time is 4.28 (improved from 4.59).His 10-yard split of 1.59 (improved from 1.70) wouldve only been topped by Oregons super freak Kenyon Sadiq at last years combine. His bench press is 425 pounds, up 95 pounds since arriving at Duke. He bounced back from a season-ending knee injury in 2024 to make 40 receptions for 454 yards and six TDs.But dont just listen to Feldman. Take the word of Duke strength coach David Feeley.He has battled his way back better than ever, Feeley said. This dude is tough.This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Jeremiah Hasley named to The Athletic's 2026 Freaks List

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Market Overview Polaris Market Research’s latest research report, titled Peracetic Acid Market, offers a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of the market landscape. Designed for decision-makers, strategists, and industry participants, this in-depth study offers critical insights into current trends, market dynamics, competitive strategies, and growth projections. In a market...