Club Bolivar host Deportivo La Guaira at the Estadio Hernando Siles on Tuesday for their second game of the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores group stages. El Más Grande began their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Independiente Rivadavia on 8 April as Carlos Lampe’s second-minute own goal was enough to down them.
Adding insult to injury was a red card for Jesus Sagredo in the 72nd minute, as the defender will now be sidelined for matchday two.
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Flavio Robatto’s side picked themselves up over the weekend to beat Academia del Balompie Boliviano in the Bolivian Primera Division to make it two wins from two in the new season.
The La Paz outfit will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Copa Libertadores stage to pick up their first win and get their campaign up and running.
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Deportivo also failed to win their opening match of the group stages, drawing 0-0 with Fluminense, who endured a frustrating game despite dominating the proceedings. The Brazilian giants had 61% of possession, mustered 14 shots, of which seven were on target, but couldn’t find the back of the net even once.
Their Venezuelan rivals spent much of the time on the back foot and were fortunate due to some wasteful finishing from their mighty hosts.
Bolivar vs Deportivo La Guaira Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
This marks the first official meeting between Bolivar and Deportivo La Guaira.
Club Bolivar have faced a Venezuelan side on eight occasions, never losing. They’ve won six times and drawn twice (both against Minervae).
Meanwhile, Deportivo La Guaira face a Bolivian side for the first time.
Bolivar’s Jesus Segredo will be suspended from the clash after getting sent off on matchday one.
Since the beginning of Apertura in February 2026, Deportivo La Guaira are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions, winning six.
Bolivar vs Deportivo La Guaira Prediction
Deportivo have been a tough nut to crack this season, with no side being able to get the better of them.
Their stoic defense has made up for their lack of goals in 2026. Bolivar have the home advantage but may end up with a draw here.
NFL Draft prospect Jacob Rodriguez is going to have a pretty cool job to tell people about when he’s taken next week by an NFL team to begin his professional football journey.
But if you were to ask Rodriguez, his wife, Emma, has the coolest job in the family.
“Any time I get the chance to talk about her is the best. Every time I get the chance to tell people what she does for a living, they’re blown away, and rightfully so,” Rodriguez told Fox News Digital during a recent interview.
NFL prospect Jacob Rodriguez and his wife, Emma, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot for the United States Army, partnered with USAA, the official “Salute to Service” partner of the NFL.(USAA)
Emma Rodriguez is a 15A Aviation Officer in the United States Army. She flies the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. While Jacob was chasing his football dreams at the University of Virginia before transferring to Texas Tech, Emma, his high school sweetheart, was a West Point cadet.
So, it only seemed right for them to partner with USAA, the official “Salute to Service” partner of the NFL, ahead of Jacob’s start in pro football to help inspire all service members sacrificing for our country just as Emma does.
“I think they do a tremendous job, and they actually got to take us out to a simulator,” Jacob said of USAA. “I got to go, and my wife got to teach me how to fly, and that was a very fun experience. It’s something I didn’t think I would be able to do. Just partnering with them and being able to serve as many people as we can.”
On the gridiron, Jacob knows efficiency, strength, focus and more is needed to perform at a high level. But being in that simulator gave him a newfound appreciation for what his wife does when she goes to work each day.
“What she does is very hard work, and it’s very stressful. But she’s up to the task,” Jacob explained. “She’s always busy, always preparing, getting ready. And it just helps me out so much because I know somebody who’s working so hard and has so much on their shoulders that I get to do what I do for fun. I get to just have a lot of fun when I’m doing it. When I get to support her and show her all the appreciation I have for her, it means a lot to me.”
Their love story is one that certainly pulls at the heartstrings.
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Jacob Rodriguez and his wife, Emma Rodriguez, celebrate after the Big 12 championship game against the BYU Cougars at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 6, 2025.(John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
They grew up in North Texas, attending rival high schools but building a bond that would face adversity given their individual dreams. Emma was heading to West Point in New York, while Jacob was trying to become a quarterback at Virginia.
They each faced their own levels of adversity, with Jacob transferring to Texas Tech to become a linebacker without a scholarship at first, while Emma was fighting to get through her first year at West Point.
But their bond grew stronger despite the distance and personal struggles, and on July 1, 2023, they didn’t just get engaged. They got married on the same day.
Since then, they’ve been each other’s rock, and Jacob couldn’t be more grateful to have someone like Emma by his side as he looks ahead to next Thursday’s draft.
“We try to be there as much as we can,” he said. “It helps that she’s doing what she’s doing, and I’m doing what I’m doing. She understands how high-performing my environment is, and now I can understand the environment she has. You have to always be efficient, on your toes, be ready to go, be prepared.
“Just being able to support each other, knowing what we have to do and knowing how much work needs to be put in, we can both really be efficient with our communication. We can both know there’s more to it than just work. It’s a true, special connection, and we’re just so thankful for each other. And I’m so thankful for everything she does and the way she supports me.”
While Jacob is anxious waiting to see where his NFL journey begins, Emma is also set to deploy in a few months. But while the long-distance relationship may have to continue, they will be together next week to experience the draft together.
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Jacob Rodriguez of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates with his wife Emma Rodriguez after the Big 12 championship game against the BYU Cougars at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 6, 2025.(John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
“With the NFL Draft coming up, she’ll be right there to support me. But if anything comes up on her side, I’ll be right there to support her. It’s nice when you have that coming from the house and being around each other.
“What I do is something I can really appreciate and something I never take for granted.”
Punjab Kings (PBKS) extended their unbeaten run in IPL 2026 by claiming a dominant seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) on Thursday, April 16. PBKS won the toss and elected to field first at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
MI were without Rohit Sharma in the clash. The veteran opener missed the game due to a hamstring injury, and Quinton de Kock was added to the playing XI. The South African keeper-batter shone with the bat, slamming a stunning century in his first match of the season.
De Kock remained unbeaten on 112 off 60 balls. Naman Dhir supported him with a crucial 50-run knock from 31 balls. The hosts fell short of the 200-run mark despite a 122-run stand between the two for the third wicket.
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MI couldn’t finish their innings on a high note and posted 195/6 in 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers with his 3/22 in four overs. PBKS chased the target comfortably in 16.3 overs.
Prabhsimran Singh scored a dazzling 80* off 39, while skipper Shreyas Iyer contributed 66 off 35 deliveries. Afghan spinner Allah Ghazanfar picked up two wickets for MI.
The win took PBKS to the top of the IPL 2026 points table. They have four wins and one no result to their name after five games. MI, on the other hand, suffered their fourth defeat on the trot. The five-time champions are languishing in the ninth spot with just one win from five games.
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Here, we take a look at three moments from the match that generated a buzz among fans.
#3 Jasprit Bumrah’s dropped catch proves costly
PBKS opener Prabhsimran Singh took the game away with his attacking batting. The wicketkeeper-batter struck two sixes and 11 fours, finishing with a strike rate of 205.13.
Notably, MI skipper Hardik Pandya almost dismissed the dangerous batter in the powerplay when he was on 11 off five balls. Prabhsimran attempted the cut shot off a slower short ball on the first ball of the fourth over.
However, he failed to clear the infield, and the ball went to Jasprit Bumrah at short third man. The speedster failed to hang onto the catch, giving the 25-year-old a reprieve. MI had to pay for the costly mistake as Prabhsimran played a match-defining knock.
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#2 Arshdeep Singh rattles MI with early twin strikes
Arshdeep Singh gave PBKS an ideal start by taking two wickets off successive balls in the third over. Opener Ryan Rickelton (2 off 8) was the first one to perish. The southpaw got a decent connection on the flick shot, but it went straight to Shashank Singh at deep square leg. It was also the left-arm seamer’s 100th IPL wicket.
The onus was on senior batter Suryakumar Yadav to rescue his team after the early breakthrough. However, he fell for a golden duck. The right-handed batter got the outside edge while going for the drive and was caught at short third man by Yuzvendra Chahal.
#1 PBKS captain’s jaw-dropping effort ends Hardik Pandya’s stay at the crease
Shreyas Iyer produced a terrific effort in the deep to dismiss opposite number Hardik Pandya in the 18th over. Hardik went for a big hit down the ground but got the bottom of his bat.
It initially seemed that he might have just gotten enough distance to clear the ropes. However, Iyer had other plans. He ran from long-on and leapt in the air to take the catch.
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Iyer would have landed outside the boundary ropes. He showed great presence of mind, tossing the ball towards Xavier Bartlett, who completed the relay catch. Even the MI dug out looked stunned by the PBKS captain’s brilliance.
The former Arsenal and Villarreal boss brought with him his own backroom staff, with many of the old guard departing.
Former Sevilla goalkeeper Monchi also joined as Villa’s president of football operations in June 2023 – having previously worked with Emery at Sevilla and winning three Europa League titles together.
Emery immediately made an impact, imposing structure, clarity and belief on a Villa side that was once again flirting with relegation to guide them to a top‑seven finish and European qualification in his first season.
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The following campaign proved the progress was no fluke.
Turning Villa Park into a fortress, they established themselves as a top‑four contender during 2023-24 while also reaching the semi-finals of the Conference League, where they were beaten 6-2 on aggregate by Olympiakos.
“The first year we got here in the Conference League, a lot of us hadn’t played in Europe so when we got to the latter stages there was a lot of pressure,” Watkins said.
“Each year we’ve learned and taken something from it. And to trust the manager because he’s so experienced in this competition. He’s won it numerous times so we believe in what he tells us and keep going.”
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A first taste of top-tier European competition since 1982-83 came last season when they reached the Champions League quarter-finals against Emery’s former side Paris St-Germain.
And on their way to the last eight, they posted memorable league-stage wins against Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig while also holding Juventus to a goalless draw.
And this season’s run on the continental stage further underlines their upward trajectory under the Spaniard.
“It’s an amazing achievement for us to progress to the semi-finals and to go one step further than last year in the Champions League,” Watkins said.
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“We’re really enjoying being in this competition and this is where we want to be, in the semi-finals.”
Emery told TNT Sports: “I’m very happy. We were organised and tried to impose our ideas and style, which is not easy against Bologna.”
“We are so happy with the way we are performing in this competition. It was fantastic. We are in the semi-finals, but there is still work to do.”
Kabuni, an AI-powered sports technology platform redefining cricket training, on Thursday appointed former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as one of its “Super Coaches”.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly had joined hands with the UK based start up last year.
“This collaboration brings together Kabuni’s cutting-edge technology with Watson’s deep cricketing expertise, creating a powerful blend of data-driven insights and real-world experience for aspiring cricketers,” said Kabuni in a statement.
The coaching platform is designed to transform traditional net practice by capturing player movement and ball tracking in real time, translating it into simple, actionable feedback.
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“With its unique “1% improvement” approach, the system focuses on small, immediate corrections that lead to meaningful performance gains over time.
By integrating voice, video, and visual cues, Kabuni ensures that feedback is not just data-heavy but intuitive and easy to apply, particularly for young and developing players,” the statement added.
On his association with Kabuni, Watson said: “What excites me about Kabuni is how it simplifies improvement. Cricket is a game of small margins, and the ability to identify and act on those 1% changes can make a huge difference. Kabuni brings clarity to training in a way that players at any level can understand and benefit from.”
Nimesh Patel, Founder & CEO, Kabuni, said: “Having Shane Watson join Kabuni as Super Coach is a huge milestone for us. His experience at the highest level of the game, combined with our technology, allows us to deliver a more complete and credible training ecosystem.
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“Our goal has always been to ‘put a professional coach in every player’s kitbag’, and this partnership brings us even closer to that vision.
Mike Trout couldn’t stop rounding the bases at Yankee Stadium during the Los Angeles Angels’ four-game series, and he made history doing so.
The future Hall of Famer crushed five home runs, including a blast in the Angels’ 11-4 win Thursday afternoon, and tallied nine RBIs in the series, which Los Angeles split with New York.
The 34-year-old Trout entered the series with only two home runs and seven RBIs on the season, but he’s heading back home this weekend looking like his prime self after what transpired in the Bronx.
Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels before a game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., April 13, 2025.(Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)
He also heads back with some history as the first visiting player to hit a home run four straight days at Yankee Stadium, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.
Trout’s five homers are also tied for the most in a single series against the Yankees. Only three others — George Bell, Darrell Evans and Jimmie Foxx — have done so in past seasons.
The latest home run from Trout was a solo blast that traveled 446 feet off Yankees reliever Angel Chivilli in the top of the seventh inning Thursday to make it a 7-4 game. Jo Adell’s grand slam later in the game blew it open for Los Angeles to even the series in the end.
Before that, Trout kicked off the series with two home runs and five RBIs in a wild Monday night contest that ended with the Yankees walking it off. Aaron Judge also belted two home runs in the game, as did Trent Grisham, whose game-tying two-run blast in the ninth inning kept the Yankees’ hopes alive.
Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium April 15, 2026, in New York City. (Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
But Trout and the Angels got the job done Tuesday night, and the veteran outfielder’s only hit was a solo homer. Then, in Wednesday night’s loss, Trout went 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs.
Yankee Stadium in general has been a pleasant place for Trout, a South New Jersey native, as he’s hitting .346 with 13 homers in his career there. He also homered in five straight games against the Yankees if you include the Angels’ last meeting in 2025. That also took place in Yankee Stadium.
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“He’s the greatest, the greatest of all time,” Judge said of Trout after Monday’s game. “I know he’s had some tough injuries over the years, but to see himself back in a better spot this year – every time he comes to the Bronx, man, he puts on a show. I hate to see it, but it’s fun competing against a guy like that.”
As Judge mentioned, the Angels are just happy Trout is playing injury-free to start the season, and perhaps this Yankees series has him hitting his stride.
Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels hits a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York City on April 13, 2026.(Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The three-time league MVP is heading to Cooperstown one day, but there is always the thought among baseball fans about what could’ve been for his career had injuries not gotten in the way. Trout played 130 games last season for the first time since 2019.
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Now 10-10, the Angels are hoping they can get that output from Trout once more in 2026. They’re looking to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Sunny Mehta, formerly an assistant with the Florida Panthers, has been hired by the Devils as general manager, the team announced on Thursday.
Mehta was also reportedly a candidate in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ executive search.
The 48-year-old, who was raised in Wyckoff, N.J., spent the past six seasons with the Panthers, winning two Stanley Cups. Over the past three years, he served as head of analytics as well as assistant GM.
“This is a dream come true for a New Jersey kid, who grew up watching Devils practices just 20 minutes away in Totowa,” Mehta said in a press release. “New Jersey has a tremendous young core that will be looking to get back to being a contender, a complement of young assets and draft picks, and a passionate fan base hungry for success. I was fortunate enough to watch the New Jersey Devils raise three Stanley Cups and am excited to get to work to return to that level.”
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Mehta, who will be introduced with a media availability on Tuesday, becomes the sixth general manager in Devils history. New Jersey is coming off its second straight year missing the post-season, placing seventh in the Metropolitan Division with 87 points in 82 games.
He will take time to evaluate the status of head coach Sheldon Keefe, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported.
Devils star forward Jack Hughes missed chunks of the season due to injury, but scored the golden goal for the U.S. in the Olympic men’s hockey tournament.
“We quickly realized this job was in high demand and were incredibly fortunate to meet with many qualified candidates,” managing partner David Blitzer said in a statement. “Sunny’s familiarity with our organization and experience with a two-time Stanley Cup-winning team are characteristics that will serve as a foundation for future success. Our expectations are to be a perennial playoff team and compete for the Stanley Cup, and I look forward to Sunny leading us there.”
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Mehta previously spent four seasons with the Devils from 2014-15 to 2017-18 under Lou Lamoriello and Ray Shero.
Prior to joining the NHL, Mehta was a professional musician and poker player. He studied Jazz Guitar and Studio at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and later wrote two books on poker strategy called Professional No-Limit Hold ‘Em, Volume 1 (2009) and Small Stakes No-Limit Hold ‘Em (2007).
With the Devils having filled their GM vacancy, it leaves the Maple Leafs, Seattle Kraken and Nashville Predators as the remaining openings.
The Devils fired previous GM Tom Fitzgerald earlier in April.
Cal’s athletic department is reportedly going to cut dozens of jobs from within its administrative ranks, a potential result of increased travel costs in the ACC.
Should they have stayed in the Pac-12 with Stanford?
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and ‘Locked On Buffs’ host Kevin Borba discuss takeaways from Colorado’s Spring Game.
Did QB JuJu Lewis do enough to prove he’s the starter for Deion Sanders?
Ohio State enters 2026 with very few questions and one of the best rosters in the country.
What will the Buckeyes be keeping an eye on at their Spring Game this weekend?
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00:00 Cal athletics cutting staff 04:10 Cal and Stanford join ACC 06:31 Cal’s ACC travel challenges 15:19 Evaluating Colorado’s offensive and defensive lines 16:57 Deion Sanders’ secrecy and draft discussion 24:21 Questions about Arthur Smith’s offense 29:37 Freshman wide receiver’s early progress
Former Arsenal player and Austrian goalkeeper Alex Manninger died tragically on Thursday after the vehicle he was driving was struck by a train at a railroad crossing in Salzburg, police said. He was 48.
Manninger was not immediately identified by law enforcement, but a number of his former teams released statements on social media confirming the news of his tragic passing.
Goalkeeper Alexander Manninger reacts during the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and 1899 Hoffenheim at SGL Arena in Augsburg, Germany, on Feb. 1, 2015.(Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)
“Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger,” the team’s statement read. “All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex.”
Police told The Associated Press of a fatal “traffic accident involving a local train and a car” at a railroad crossing early Thursday morning.
“Upon arrival, emergency responders found that the car’s driver, a 48-year-old man from Salzburg, had already been freed from the vehicle by first responders and was undergoing CPR. Police assisted with resuscitation efforts, including the use of a defibrillator. Despite further efforts by paramedics and an emergency physician, resuscitation was unsuccessful. The man from Salzburg succumbed to his injuries.”
Alexander Manninger, goalkeeper of Augsburg, celebrates with fans after the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and Hamburger SV at SGL Arena in Augsburg, Germany, on May 14, 2016.(Micha Will/Bongarts/Getty Images)
The details of what led to the fatal wreck were not immediately known, but police said the car was struck and dragged by a train. There were no additional injuries reported.
The death of the former English Premier League pro sent shockwaves throughout the soccer community.
“We mourn the loss of our former player Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident,” FC Red Bull Salzburg wrote on X. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
“Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48,” Liverpool added in a separate post on X. “The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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Juventus goalkeeper Alex Manninger watches the action during their Europa League Group A match against Manchester City in Manchester, England, on Sept. 30, 2010.(Scott Heppell/AP)
“Today is a terribly sad day. He has left us not only as a great athlete, but as a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an extraordinary professional seriousness,” Juventus said in a translated statement. “Juventus expresses its condolences for the passing of Alex Manninger and stands with the family in this moment of grief.”
Manninger won the 1998 Premier League and FA Cup with Arsenal and was also a Serie A winner with Juventus. He made 33 appearances for Austria.
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter walks the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony, Jan. 31, 2015, at Symphony Hall in Phoenix, appearing at the annual event celebrating the league’s top players and achievements during Super Bowl week festivities. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Hall of Fame Minnesota Vikings wideout Cris Carter was rather obviously not a huge fan of J.J. McCarthy, using his platform to criticize the passer a few times during the 2025 regular season. But in the 2026 offseason, Carter thinks McCarthy will eventually get a chance to prove himself.
Minnesota has a new QB1 for now, but Carter clearly believes McCarthy still has meaningful time to reclaim the job.
The Vikings now have Kyler Murray on the roster for QB1 duty, yet Carter says not to count out McCarthy just yet.
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The Vikings’ Quarterback Timeline Still Leaves Room
A fresh take from the Vikings legend.
Cris Carter reacts during the Enshrinees Gold Jacket dinner, with Aug 2, 2019 marking the event at the Memorial Civic Center and Cultural Center in Canton, Ohio. The Hall of Fame wide receiver took part in the annual ceremony honoring the newest class ahead of enshrinement weekend festivities. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Carter on McCarthy
Carter spoke to Heavy this week, and to the surprise of some, he unloaded an optimistic McCarthy take.
“J.J. McCarthy, he’s still going to get an opportunity because most quarterbacks aren’t going to stay healthy for 17 games, so there will be an opportunity for him not only to learn and get better, but also to watch and learn from a guy like Kyler Murray … But I’d expect Kyler to be the starter this season,” Carter said.
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He added about the Vikings’ offense, “Kevin O’Connell has proven with this offense when he’s had a healthy QB, he’s been able to win 12, 13, 14 games during the regular season. If you look at the nucleus of players they do have coming back … you’d have to be looking at the Vikings to be back in the playoffs and competing for the NFC.”
“Their offensive and defensive lines are more fortified than they were 2 years ago; they just need consistent quarterback play and the ability to allow that defense to be able to turn the ball over and get after the quarterback.”
For the most part, Carter was spot-on.
McCarthy’s Whirlwind 2025 Campaign
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McCarthy showcased his potential late in 2025 in games against Detroit, Washington, Dallas, and New York, demonstrating confidence and effective offensive leadership.
However, the rest of his record is less promising. Recurring injuries hampered his performance and prevented him from achieving week-to-week consistency. By the end of 2025, he ranked last in EPA+CPOE, highlighting an underwhelming first season as a starter.
Ultimately, McCarthy’s availability is the major concern. Since entering the league in 2024, he has missed 24 of 34 possible games, resulting in a 70% absence rate over two seasons. He started the season with a memorable moment at Soldier Field, struggled the following week, got hurt, returned with a vengeance, got hurt, got hot in December, and then got hurt again.
Carter Is Correct on QB Injuries
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One thing is certain from Carter’s musings: Murray isn’t necessarily an Iron Man. He’s missed 26% of all games in his career, translating to a pattern of staying under center 12 or 13 games per season. If his history catches up with him in 2026, well, McCarthy will be ready to step in as the QB2, assuming he keeps Carson Wentz at bay, whom Minnesota signed last month for more depth.
There’s a world where Murray gets hurt — again, he’s not known for extreme durability — and McCarthy enters the lineup. Then, you know, he could just stay there if his mechanics have improved and his maturation mirrored that of an NFL starter.
McCarthy’s story doesn’t have to be over in Minnesota. It might just require some serendipity if the form of a Murray injury, as morbid as that sounds.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) exchanges words with Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) following the game, with Dec 7, 2025 marking the matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. McCarthy showed visible emotion during the postgame interaction after a hard-fought contest. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Zone Coverage‘s Wyatt Wade wrote last month, “While Murray’s signing helps the Vikings in 2026, it could create an issue in the future. McCarthy and Brosmer have only one more year on their contracts beyond this season. As a first-round pick, McCarthy has a club option after 2027, and Brosmer would be a restricted free agent.”
“The Vikings also haven’t signed Wentz yet and seem hesitant to bring in another quarterback to challenge McCarthy for the backup spot. If Murray stays healthy and chooses to leave after this season, the team is right back where they started before this offseason, if not in a bit worse situation.”
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Vikings’ Life Easier if McCarthy Is Good
Minnesota picked McCarthy with a purpose in 2024 — to be the franchise quarterback after Kirk Cousins. That plan has not worked. Injuries have spoiled the forecast.
But that doesn’t mean anyone has to be low on his future. His stock took a major hit when Murray signed the dotted line, rest assured. Yet, the Vikings’ long-term outlook would be so much easier if McCarthy arrived to 2026 as an improved and healthy man. It wouldn’t matter if Murray worked out, and the Vikings wouldn’t need to eye young quarterbacks in 2027 or 2028.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrates after a road win over the Chicago Bears, with Sep 8, 2025 marking the game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. McCarthy reacted with energy after helping Minnesota secure an early-season divisional victory in a hostile NFC North environment. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.
In that vein, Minnesota might have two favorable outcomes churning: a chance for Murray to get back on track as a Pro Bowl quarterback, and if he does not, a hope that McCarthy develops and matures, as was the plan in the spring of 2024.
Carter is right that McCarthy will probably get a chance to strut his stuff in 2026. Given Murray’s history, it might be weird if he stays 100% healthy in all 17 games.
Did QB JuJu Lewis do enough to prove he’s the starter for Deion Sanders? 
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