Oct 29, 2000; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter (80) runs a route during game action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, showcasing his precise route-running and reliable hands in a matchup that highlighted his Hall of Fame-caliber consistency. Mandatory Credit: Paul Chapman-USA TODAY Sports
About three months ago, the Houston Texans walloped the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wildcard Round of the postseason, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers still hasn’t made a decision about returning to Pittsburgh or retiring. According to former Minnesota Vikings wideout and Hall of Famer Cris Carter, that’s selfish and weird.
Rodgers’ drawn-out timeline keeps pulling fresh reactions from former NFL voices.
Carter teed off on Rodgers this week, speaking to the Fully Loaded podcast.
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Carter Zeroes In on the Odd Rhythm of Rodgers’ Offseason
Will Rodgers eventually return to the Steelers? If so, when?
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers runs onto the field during pregame introductions at Acrisure Stadium, with Nov 16, 2025 capturing the atmosphere as fans filled the stands ahead of a divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, highlighting the anticipation and energy surrounding the veteran quarterback before kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Carter on Rodgers
Carter discussed an array of topics on the show, even opining on CTE, a condition deemed “fake” by New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo.
On Rodgers, Carter opined, “You know he wants to play, but he just didn’t want to make up his mind. You need some time away from the game. It’s been a couple months from the Super Bowl. Now’s that time, before the draft, the minicamps. They’re an average team in the league. Aaron Rodgers is like a lot of these quarterbacks when they get to this stage.”
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“They’re so … so selfish. They never want to be called that, but they’re so selfish, and they’re so self-centered. Aaron Rodgers wants to play. He’s got one place that he can play. That’s in Pittsburgh, the place he played in last year, that happens to have his ex-coach.”
One might argue that sums up the general public’s sentiment regarding Rodgers’s bizarre waiting game.
This Is How It Always Goes for Rodgers
Since the 2021 offseason, Rodgers has done this annually, teasing his employer about his intentions, whether to stick around, retire, or ask for a ticket out of town. This go-round, Rodgers is holding the Steelers hostage, waiting at least three months before making his decision.
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He’s the only quarterback who currently does this. Before Rodgers, Hall of Famer Brett Favre did the same thing, creating a suspense thriller about his offseason outcome, dating back to the early 2000s in Green Bay and proceeding for about a decade — every offseason.
All other quarterbacks throughout NFL history either return or retire, but Rodgers and Favre prefer drama to the max. In fact, last summer, Rodgers declared that 2025 would probably be his last. The season came and went, and after this team stunk up the playoffs, he claimed it was way too early to make an emotional decision.
He must be feeling emotional three months later because nothing has happened on the Rodgers cliffhanger front.
The Current Rumor Mill
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Most believe that because Rodgers has not retired, he’ll return for one more run in Pittsburgh, mainly because he would’ve retired by now.
The Athletic’s Mike Silver said about the situation this week: “I think time has kind of made them feel like ‘hey, that was a pretty good thing. We’ve been through a lot.’ And so Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers have been talking about this.”
“I think the Steelers organizationally are reasonably upbeat about the possibility of Aaron coming back and playing another season. They still don’t really have a great option for 2026 if Aaron says no or if he says, ‘You know what, I need a few more months.’ Cautious optimism in the building that Aaron Rodgers will come back.”
Betting markets suggest there’s about an 85% chance that Rodgers will return for Year No. 22.
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Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter speaks during the Winged Foot Scholarship Foundation’s 34th annual banquet, with May 15, 2023 in Naples, Florida marking the event at Naples Grande Beach Resort as attendees gathered to hear from the former Vikings star and keynote speaker. Mandatory Credit: Ed Reed-Naples Daily News / USA TODAY NETWORK
Steeler writer Tyler Maher added this week, “It’s April, and the NFL Draft is only two weeks away, but the Pittsburgh Steelers still don’t have a starting quarterback for next season. It sounds like they’re expecting it to be Aaron Rodgers, who is still debating whether he wants to return, retire or play elsewhere after spending 2025 with the Steelers.”
“That said, Pittsburgh doesn’t have a good backup plan in place if Rodgers doesn’t return, as Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are the only quarterbacks on the Steelers’ roster at the moment. The Steelers have done a good job improving their roster this offseason, so time will tell.”
Rodgers’ Performance in 2025
In 2025, Rodgers passed for 3,322 yards with the Steelers, despite their conservative, run-heavy offensive scheme. He completed 65.7% of his passes, throwing 24 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions.
However, while his traditional statistics appeared strong, his efficiency metrics suggested a different story. Rodgers ranked around 19th in the league in EPA+CPOE, putting him in a similar tier to players like Jacoby Brissett and rookie Tyler Shough.
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Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland, IRL; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) gestures after converting a first down during second-half action against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park, reacting to the moment as part of an NFL International Series game played overseas. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The 2025 version of Rodgers was reliable, but he lacked the game-changing talent that defined his MVP seasons of 2020 and 2021.
Normally, one would surmise something to the effect of “Rodgers will likely notify the team of his plan before the draft on April 23rd,” but this is Rodgers, so all bets are off.
The two spoke about it after the poolside pictures went viral. They both denied anything nefarious happening. And now, we haven’t really heard a peep from anyone of importance since.
Until, of course, 97.5 the Fanatic in Philadelphia had Adam Schefter on their show Wednesday, and absolutely GRILLED ESPN’s top insider about the whole thing.
Broadcaster Adam Schefter of ESPN’s Monday Night Football Countdown is seen on the sideline prior to the NFL International Series game between the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, on Nov. 21, 2022.(Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
And I mean grilled. Poor Schefty. Or, I guess, not poor Schefty? I don’t know. He chose to go on the show, so I assume he knew what was coming.
Still, this is 10 straight minutes of absolute peppering, and 10 minutes of hemming and hawing from Schefter.
Take a look!
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Adam Schefter did his best, but the Big Js are taking on water
Thoughts? First impressions?
I don’t know. I think it’s fine, if we’re being honest. Again, what do we expect Adam Schefter to say here? At least he said … something? The Big Js are being real quiet on this one. Too quiet. They never shut up, and now all of a sudden nobody is really talking about it in the media? Seems fishy to me.
Now, Schefter didn’t really give us anything of substance. Like, at all.
“I didn’t report it. I saw it like everybody else did. And uh, I guess my thought would be, I don’t know what’s right. I don’t know what’s wrong. Uh, I feel bad for the families involved. It’s unfortunate, you know? Um, I know both individuals.
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“Um, and yeah, I guess my first thought would be they went to the families of the people involved and, you know, I just wish everybody the best and hope everything works out with everybody.”
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel walks on the field before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in New Orleans.(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Moving stuff, Adam. Poetic. Quite the wordsmith!
Again, I’m not sure what I’d say here, either. Russini isn’t an ESPN employee, so Adam certainly had runway to talk about this, and he sort of clammed up and kicked the can down the road every time these guys asked him about it.
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Obviously, Russini used to work at ESPN, so she and Schefter go way back. He probably doesn’t want to break some sort of Big J code by dragging her, which I understand.
But, let me just remind everyone here, that the Big Js LOVE to act holier-than-thou … when it’s convenient for them. They have no problem speaking up when they have the chance to virtue-signal about something, as long as it fits their narrative.
Remember the Liam Coen press conference incident back in January after the Jags got bounced from the playoffs? The sweet old lady reporter from some small Duval newspaper with a circulation of 10 told Liam Cohen how great he was after the season, and all the Big Js FREAKED out.
They acted like she had just committed murder. They wanted her banished from the beat FOREVER.
Dianna Russini attends the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, California, on Feb. 7, 2026.(Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
And now, three months later, when a fellow Big J is caught taking a swim with an NFL head coach at a romantic resort, they’re all quiet?
OK. Sure thing!
PS: the tampering question in this interview was among the dumber questions in the history of time. I’m with Schefter on that one. Unfathomably stupid question.
WNBA free agency is underway, and Friday provided our first big surprise: Nneka Ogwumike is leaving the Seattle Storm to return to the Los Angeles Sparks, according to ESPN. The Sparks selected Ogwumike No. 1 overall in the 2012 WNBA Draft, and in 2016, she was named the MVP while helping the Sparks win the title. Now, after a short sojourn in Seattle, she has decided to return to Los Angeles to team up with Kelsey Plum. The Sparks have not made the playoffs since 2020, which is the longest drought in the league. Ogwumike’s return will give them a real chance to get back to the postseason.
What will be the busiest and most expensive free agency period in league history began on Monday (April 6), when teams were first allowed to hand out qualifying offers and core designations.
On Thursday, the Aces retained another key piece of their core as they were finalizing a one-year deal to bring back Jackie Young, per ESPN. Additionally, ESPN reported that Alyssa Thomas will return to the Phoenix Mercury and Brionna Jones will return to the Atlanta Dream.
Here’s a look at the free agency schedule:
WNBA free agency key dates
April 6-7: Teams can make qualifying offers and “core” player designations
April 8-10: Teams can begin negotiating with free agents, but no deals can be signed
April 11: Players can officially sign contracts and offer sheets
With a new CBA agreed to by players and the league, this is the biggest free agency class in league history. Aside from Kalani Brown and Lexie Brown, every single player not on a rookie scale contract is a free agent, including Wilson, Collier and Stewart. This will also be the richest free agency class in history. Thanks to the new collective bargaining agreement, the minimum salary in 2026 will be more than $100,000 higher than the supermax in 2025.
The supermax in 2026 is set at $1.4 million, and players like Wilson, Collier and Stewart are expected to sign it and stay with their incumbent teams.
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2026 WNBA salaries
2025
$66,079
$120,000
$249,244
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2026
$270K — $300K (based on years of service)
$583,000
$1.4 million
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There will inevitably be some movement and some surprises, however. And we’ll be keeping track of the most notable moves right here during 2026 WNBA free agency. Below is our free-agent tracker for the top 50 players in the class.
Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Joe Huber (60) blocks New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
With the 2026 NFL draft now less than three weeks away, there will soon be an influx of new talent in Minnesota following this year’s Vikings draft. It will be a dream come true for the rookies entering the league, but after this year’s draft is finished, some current players will be looking over their shoulders.
Six Vikings Feeling Immediate Heat From Incoming Draft Class
When the time comes to cut down to a final 53-man roster in August, it would be a surprise if any drafted rookie didn’t make it, assuming they are healthy. That leaves those on the edge of the roster in jeopardy, as players are drafted at their position. There are several players currently on the Vikings roster that aren’t expected to be there come the start of the season, barring a phenomenal preseason performance.
However, there is a group of players who would be penciled in on the 53-man roster right now, but could be out come January, especially if this year’s Vikings draft sees rookies drafted at their position. There are six that should be watched carefully during the draft.
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Michael Jurgens — Center
The Vikings have confirmed that Blake Brandel is moving to center and looks set to be the starter as it stands. I’ve gone on record with my doubts about that and suggested drafting a center early is required to make that plan more viable. If Minnesota drafts a center on Day 2 it pushes Jurgens down to third choice, however, he has the versatility to play guard.
Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Michael Jurgens (65) anchored the line of scrimmage on Aug. 9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during second-quarter action of the preseason matchup against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The rookie center showcased his poise and technique in live reps as Minnesota’s offensive unit continued to evaluate depth and cohesion ahead of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Vikings look very weak at guard outside the two starters, which could give Jurgens a way to stay on the roster, but the Vikings probably need to look to strengthen the offensive line on Day 3. Jurgens has been in Minnesota for two years now and got the opportunity to start a couple of games last season. We didn’t see anything to suggest he was about to break through.
Joe Huber — Guard
As stated above, the depth at guard in Minnesota is weak and desperately needs attention. Joe Huber got limited playing time during last season’s OL injury crisis, and last year’s undrafted rookie struggled.
He may show development during his second preseason, but the Vikings absolutely need to bring in some depth and competition at this position. Huber should only be on the final roster if he’s earned it; right now, he’s getting on there by default.
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Ben Yurosek/Gavin Bartholomew — Tight End
TJ Hockenson will remain the Vikings’ TE1 this year, but his reworked deal sees him as a free agent at the end of the season. Josh Oliver is a good TE with excellent blocking ability, but not the dynamic passing TE that Kevin O’Connell’s offense needs.
Rather than waiting until next year, the Vikings could look to draft that player a year early if the board falls the right way during the draft, giving them a Kenyon Sadiq or Eli Stowers.
If that did happen, it would leave at least one of Ben Yurosek or Gavin Bartholomew facing the chop. Both entered the league last year, Bartholomew as a sixth-round pick and Yurosek undrafted. Bartholomew lost his rookie season to injury, allowing Yurosek to jump ahead of him.
Whether it is for a final spot on the roster or to determine who is TE3, this could be an interesting training camp battle.
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Dwight McGlothern — Cornerback
Another of the many undrafted players who have gotten onto the Vikings roster in recent seasons. There was a lot of hope surrounding Dwignt McGlothern, but despite cornerback not being a strong position for the Vikings, he has seen minimal playing time.
McGlothern doesn’t play much special teams either, often finding himself inactive on game day. With the signing of James Pierre in free agency, if the Vikings look to add at CB in the draft, McGlothern’s days could be numbered.
Theo Jackson — Safety
Theo Jackson has done a solid job as a good depth player in Minnesota over the last four seasons. 2023 fourth-round draft pick Jay Ward has developed to a point that he should be ahead of Jackson now. While the future of Harrison Smith still seems uncertain, safety is the favored position for the Vikings to select in the first round of this year’s draft, according to most draft analysts.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Whether that is the case or not, I would expect a safety to be drafted at some point. With Tavierre Thomas re-signing as a special teams specialist, it would leave Jackson on the edge of the roster bubble.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
The Houston Rockets’ best-laid plans to extend their current winning streak into the playoffs while simultaneously easing the workload on their starters took a bit of a detour on Thursday.
The Rockets nearly coughed up a 28-point lead against the Philadelphia 76ers before holding on for a 113-102 victory that extended their winning streak to eight games. Houston, set to complete its final back-to-back on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, had to reinsert its starters down the stretch after the 76ers pulled to within five points in the waning moments.
While mathematically still in the chase for the third seed in the Western Conference, the Rockets (51-29) are in a more pressing battle for home court in the first round of the playoffs. Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers appear likely to finish fourth and fifth in the West, with the order yet to be determined, while the red-hot Denver Nuggets zero in on securing the third seed.
However the standings shake out, the Rockets are poised for a dogfight once the playoffs commence. The cluster of teams outside of the top two seeds but clear of the play-in tournament are evenly matched, excluding the Lakers’ recent health concerns.
“I would say more so this year, it feels like there is some balance, parity, and whoever is in those spots will be about who’s playing well and health, probably over seeding,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.
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“I don’t put a ton of stock in home and away and home court and all that. Moreso, there will be matchups that are probably more beneficial to other people, but at the same time, anybody can beat anybody.”
The Timberwolves (47-33) lost for the fourth time in five games on Wednesday when they fell 132-120 at Orlando. Minnesota was down five rotation players, including a trio of starters: Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle (hand) and Rudy Gobert (rest). Edwards has missed 10 of 12 games, as the Timberwolves are prioritizing health in advance of the playoffs.
Minnesota did welcome back Jaden McDaniels from a six-game injury absence (knee). McDaniels posted 18 points and grabbed two rebounds while logging 19 minutes in the loss.
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“Six games is a lot for me,” McDaniels said of his hiatus. “It felt long, but I think it was a gift and a curse. Get to rest a little bit and then, using these last games to get my rhythm back, find a flow back with the teammates.”
With the Timberwolves locked into the sixth seed, the final two games of the regular season might serve as an opportunity to fine-tune the details. Following back-to-back trips to the Western Conference finals, the Timberwolves have a clear idea of how to prep for the playoffs.
“Certainly, game-plan execution is one,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said of the final weekend objectives. “The playoffs are all about game-plan execution.
“We need to get some guys back like Jaden. We’ve got to get Anthony back. We’ve got to get these guys back and playing up to the (requisite) level fitness-wise and touch and sharpness. That’s the priority right now. And then we’ve got to find our physicality and keep our physicality.”
Rajasthan Royals (RR) won the toss and elected to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 16 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. Rajasthan Royals made a change to their XI with Brijesh Sharma coming in for Tushar Deshpande, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru bolstered their pace attack by bringing back Josh Hazlewood in place of Jacob Duffy, adding experience and control to their bowling lineup. Riyan Parag said the pitch was expected to be dry, but rain could leave early moisture, while stressing that his side has been clinical and focused on playing strategic cricket as planned before the tournament. Parag also noted he is content having less to do personally as long as the openers continue their strong form at the top.
“We are going to be bowling first. It was supposed to be a dry wicket, but it has been raining, and there will be some moisture on this pitch. We would like to extract the most from the pitch,” said RR captain Parag.
Rajat Patidar said the strong crowd support is making it feel like a home game for his side, while confirming that Duffy has missed out with Josh Hazlewood coming into the lineup, describing him as an experienced addition. However, just as he spoke, rain returned to interrupt proceedings, halting momentum after it seemed the weather had cleared.
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“This is the first away game. Thanks to everyone. You are making us feel that it is a home crowd. We all love you. Unfortunately, Duffy misses out on this game. Josh Hazlewood is in the team in place of Duffy. Duffy also bowled brilliantly in the last two games. We know Josh is an experienced player. His presence will definitely put us in a good frame of mind,” said RCB captain Patidar.
Real Madrid are reportedly considering France head coach Didier Deschamps as their potential head coach option this summer. Los Blancos could consider changing the leadership if Alvaro Arbeloa fails to lead them to any significant titles in this campaign.
Arbeloa took over the helm after former boss Xabi Alonso parted ways with Real Madrid mid-season in January. However, his stint has been a mixed bag so far. Los Blancos bowed out of the Copa del Rey and are seven points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga table. As such, Arbeloa’s future at the club may depend on how the Spanish giants end the season. They still have a fair chance of winning the Champions League and could make a comeback in LaLiga, but winning neither could spell trouble for the current coach.
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According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins (h/t One Football), Real Madrid are considering France head coach Didier Deschamps as a potential option to replace Alvaro Arbeloa this summer. Deschamps is set to leave the France national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will be available.
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The report states that Los Blancos are specifically impressed by Deschamps due to three factors. The Frenchman has an exceptional record of winning with Les Blues, having led them to two consecutive World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022, and winning the first time. He also boasts a stellar record with clubs like AS Monaco, Marseille, and Juventus.
Secondly, Didier Deschamps’ closeness to Kylian Mbappe is reportedly another factor behind considering his candidature. Mbappe will remain an integral part of Real Madrid’s plans, and Deschamps’ close relationship with him could help the side. Finally, Deschamps is well-experienced in handling big dressing rooms, which is essential for the Spanish giants.
The final decision could depend on how Arbeloa handles things for the rest of the season, with both the Champions League and LaLiga at stake.
Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane set to take over the France national team as head coach after Deschamps’ departure: Reports
Zidane – Source: Getty
Reports from French outlet Le Parisien last month suggest that Real Madrid legend and former coach Zinedine Zidane is set to succeed Didier Deschamps as the France head coach after the World Cup. He has reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation to take over the helm.
In an interview with Le Figaro, FFF President Phillipe Diallo mentioned that they’ve already finalized Deschamps’ replacement, although he did not mention Zidane.
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“Yes, I know his name. We need a profile that ticks many boxes and that can also garner the support of the French people, since this French national football team is the team of the French,” he said.
Zinedine Zidane has been away from management since working with Real Madrid in the 2020-21 season, which marked his second managerial stint with the club. The midfield legend boasts a stellar record with Los Blancos both as a player and as a coach, having led them to three consecutive Champions League titles in his first stint.
Jiri Prochazka can become a two-time UFC titleholder this weekend if he can snap Carlos Ulberg’s nine-fight winning streak.
The light-heavyweight contenders are set to meet in the main event of UFC 327 with the winner going home as the organization’s new 205-pound champion.
Alex “Poatan” Pereira vacated the title earlier this year after deciding to move up to the heavyweight division, so the UFC paired No. 2 contender Prochazka and No. 3 contender Ulberg.
Before they step into the cage at Miami’s Kaseya Center on Saturday night, Prochazka and Ulberg needed to weigh no more than 205 pounds on the scale Friday morning during the official weigh-in.
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All non-title competitors are afforded a one-pound allowance, so any other light-heavyweight fighter on the card could weigh up to 206 pounds. Prochazka stepped on the scale with two pounds to spare and Ulberg came in one pound under the limit to make the championship bout official.
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UFC 327’s co-main event is another pivotal matchup at 205 pounds with undefeated Azamat Murzakanov welcoming former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa to a new division. Fan favourites and frequent finishers Dominick Reyes and Johnny Walker are set to clash in another light-heavyweight contest.
Trash-talking heavyweight prospect Josh Hokit is looking to shake up the rankings when he faces the biggest test of his young career in No. 5 contender Curtis Blaydes.
The main card kicks off with Cub Swanson’s farewell fight. The 42-year-old featherweight stalwart has announced his scrap with Nate Landwehr will be the final fight of his two-decade career.
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A meeting of former Bellator MMA stars Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico headlines a preliminary card that also features strawweight contenders Tatiana Suarez and Loopy Godinez, plus standout lightweights Mateusz Gamrot and Esteban Ribovics.
Watch UFC 327 on Sportsnet+
A new era at 205 pounds begins when Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg compete for the vacant light-heavyweight title. Watch UFC 327 on Saturday, April 11 with prelim coverage beginning 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, and pay-per-view main card starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
Only one of the 24 fighters scheduled to compete on the card missed weight Friday morning.
Chris Padilla initially weighed two pounds above the non-title lightweight limit. Padilla was 158, while his opponent MarQuel Mederos was an even 155. Padilla, who accepted the matchup on short notice, was given an extra hour to shed the additional pounds but he did not cut any additional weight and as a result forfeits 20 per cent of his purse to Mederos. The fight will proceed as scheduled.
Below are the official UFC 327 weigh-in results and projected bout order (subject to change):
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— Jiri Prochazka (203) vs. Carlos Ulberg (204)
— Azamat Murzakanov (205) vs. Paulo Costa (205)
— Curtis Blaydes (261) vs. Josh Hokit (233)
— Dominick Reyes (205) vs. Johnny Walker (205)
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— Cub Swanson (146) vs. Nate Landwehr (145)
— Patricio Pitbull (145) vs. Aaron Pico (145)
— Mateusz Gamrot (156) vs. Esteban Ribovics (155)
— Kevin Holland (171) vs. Randy Brown (171)
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— Tatiana Suarez (116) vs. Loopy Godinez (116)
— MarQuel Mederos (155) vs. Chris Padilla (158)*
— Kelvin Gastelum (185) vs. Vicente Luque (185)
— Charles Radtke (170) vs. Francisco Prado (170)
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*Fighter missed weight, fined 20 per cent of purse, fight proceeds as scheduled
Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows spent the night in a hospital following a frightening collision with teammate Riley Greene on Thursday.
Meadows was left bloodied in the outfield and had to be helped off the field in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins after appearing to hit his head during the collision with Greene.
Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows collided with left fielder Riley Greene on a fly ball hit by Minnesota Twins designated hitter Josh Bell in the eighth inning at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minn., on April 9, 2026. Meadows left the game after the collision.(Bruce Kluckhohn/Imagn Images)
“It’s a terrible feeling. I still feel terrible,” Greene said after the game. “He hit my head. I don’t know where I hit him, to be honest, but I just really hope he’s OK.”
The two collided when Twins first baseman Josh Bell, who already had one home run and two singles, hit a shallow fly to left-center field. Greene and Meadows collided hard enough that their caps flew off.
Greene made the catch as Meadows lay on the ground. The broadcast caught blood coming from Meadows’ mouth.
Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows is helped off the field after colliding with left fielder Riley Greene during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis on April 9, 2026.(Matt Krohn/AP)
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch joined medical personnel on the field as Meadows eventually got up and was taken off the field on a cart. MLB.com reported that he would be held for observation overnight.
“We’re going to get him checked out for everything, but this one worries me,” Hinch said, confirming that Meadows did suffer a concussion.
Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 1, 2026.(Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Meadows has started 11 of 13 games in center field for the Tigers this season. He went 0 for 3 in the 3-1 loss on Thursday and is batting .250 with two extra-base hits.
Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics will have another chance to secure the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Boston (54-26) could have clinched second place by beating New York on Thursday night, but the Knicks scored nine of the final 11 points to earn a 112-106 victory.
The Celtics and Knicks each have two games to play, and any Boston victory or New York loss will give Boston the No. 2 seed. The Knicks will host Toronto on Friday night.
“Obviously we have to take care of the first round first, and I don’t think we can play them (the Knicks) in the first round, so that’s where our focus is,” Boston guard Payton Pritchard said. “If we see them again, we’ll be ready.”
Baylor Scheierman’s performance was a bright spot for Boston in the loss to New York. On a night when the Celtics didn’t have leading scorer Jaylen Brown (left Achilles tendinitis), Scheierman made 6 of 7 3-point attempts and tied his career high by scoring 20 points.
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“Obviously, shot-making is the easiest thing to see and helps us on the scoreboard, but he just does a lot for us,” Boston coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Whether it’s his crashing or his defense, but his instincts on both ends. … He just continues to get better and better, and that’s what we need, hitting that stretch there.”
Thursday’s game was the first time Jayson Tatum played at New York since he ruptured his right Achilles tendon in a road game against New York during the playoffs last season. Tatum collected 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in Thursday’s loss.
“It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me,” he said. “I was nervous and anxious to come back here.”
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New Orleans (26-54), meanwhile, is coming off Tuesday’s 156-137 feel-good win against Utah. The Pelicans set a franchise record for points scored in a game with the win, which ended an eight-game losing streak.
Jeremiah Fears scored 40 points against Utah to set a Pelicans record for most points in a game by a rookie. Fears, the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, made 17 of 29 shots from the field.
“Really just proud of his growth,” New Orleans coach James Borrego said. “From training camp to where he’s at today — he’s taken a massive step. This franchise is in a really good place because of players like him. … I see a clear pathway for this team to be successful moving into the future.”
New Orleans won even though it played without starters Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey.
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Murphy (right ankle sprain) and Murray (left hand contusion) were injured. Williamson, Jones and Bey were active but didn’t leave the bench in the team’s final home game.
The Pelicans have ruled out Williamson, Jones and Bey for Friday’s game.
New Orleans, which will miss the playoffs for the second straight season, will wrap up the regular season Sunday at Minnesota.
“We have two more games to play,” Borrego said. “I want to honor those two games. Go play the best basketball possible for those two games.”
Rain has returned to Guwahati right after the toss! The covers are being rushed back on, and the match will not start at 8:15 PM as scheduled. In the meantime, let’s take a look at the Playing XIs and Impact subs!
Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting-first XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Abhinandan Singh
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