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William Nylander likely to play, as Sweden plays coy with goalie plan at Olympics

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Although the Swedish superstar missed Tuesday’s practice due to maintenance and has been battling a groin injury this season, he was a full participant at Wednesday’s morning skate ahead of Sweden’s opening game against host Italy.

“He looked good on the ice. He felt good before,” coach Sam Hallam said. “We’re positive that he was out on the ice today.”

While a case could be made to rest Nylander considering the opponent, the player has been yearning for this chance for years.

He took reps on the top line and top power-play unit.

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“Willy? Awesome. Great,” captain Gabriel Landeskog said. “He’s a very elite player, and when we play against him (in the NHL), he’s hard to read and he’s hard to knock off the puck. Therefore, just very exciting that he’s a part of our team.”

Added Lucas Raymond: “Kind of that X-factor that that every team wants. So, yeah, hopefully he’s feeling good and will be ready to go tonight.”

Hallam is playing coy with his goaltending plans for the event, refusing to announce Sweden’s Game 1 starter until his roster must be submitted.

But with a day off before facing Finland on Friday, Hallam suggested his Game 1 starter will also be his Game 2 starter.

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“Then it’s a back-to-back. That’s maybe a good opportunity to change and get a second goalie in,” Hallam said. “If we can get two goalies in during the round-robin, yeah. But I’m not looking to play three goalies, no.”

Filip Gustavsson was Sweden’s first goalie off the ice. The veteran Jacob Markstrom and upstart Jesper Wallstedt are the country’s other options.

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Tim Bradley says unbeaten fighter with 85% KO ratio is ‘something else’: “He’s going to the top”

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Former two-division world champion Tim Bradley has admitted that one undefeated contender is indeed the real deal.

Bradley defeated Junior Witter to become the WBC super-lightweight world champion back in 2008, before unifying the titles with a win over WBO titleholder Kendall Holt – defending the WBO crown against Lamont Peterson, Devon Alexander and Joel Casamayor.

The Californian then moved up to 147lbs and dethroned Manny Pacquiao, but lost the WBO welterweight world title in his rematch with the Filipino phenomenon two years later, retiring after losing in their 2016 trilogy scrap.

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Since hanging up the gloves, Bradley has become a respected commentator and fight analyst for Top Rank, and he told his YouTube channel that, in his opinion, undefeated heavyweight Moses Itauma is ‘something else’.

“Itauma is something else, he is something else. He got fighters doing the mannequin challenge! He had Franklin stuck in real time, he was stuck, then he came down with that mother****in’ right swooping jab!”

“He is cold, with that speed and power alone – cold. Oooh man. He impressed me, he’s something else… he’s going to the top.”

Itauma claimed a fifth round knockout win over Jermaine Franklin on Saturday, taking his unbeaten record to 14-0 with 12 knockouts.

Bradley then went on to reveal why he believes Itauma punches so hard, highlighting the 21-year-old’s Nigerian heritage as a reason behind his punch power.

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“When I heard [he is] Nigerian, I said ‘yep!’. That is where that damn power comes from. AJ [Anthony Joshua] is Nigerian too – power. S**t, Samuel Peter – power.”

“That is why he is knocking everybody the f**k out, all of that power. That Nigerian power is different, he got that Nigerian battery pack on his back.”

Itauma is expected to return to action in July, ahead of a potential world title challenge before the end of the 2026 calendar.

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Women’s Champions League: Sonia Bompastor left furious after Katie McCabe hair pull incident

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Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor says her players “deserve better” after she was sent off during her side’s 1-0 win against Arsenal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final, in a match which saw Katie McCabe appear to pull the hair of Chelsea’s Alyssa Thompson.

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Over 3 Million Tickets Released As 2026 FIFA World Cup Targets All-Time Record

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The fourth and final phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup in North America began on Wednesday, FIFA announced. The phase for the June 11- July19 event in the United States, Mexico and Canada involves more than three million tickets. This “last-minute” sales phase opened at 1500 GMT on the official website, FIFA.com/tickets, the global governing body stated in a press release. Tickets are being sold on a “first-come, first-served” basis and will remain available until the end of the competition on July 19, it added.

Tickets will be released for sale on a rolling basis — including, on occasion, for matches taking place on the very same day — according to FIFA.

At the scheduled time, prospective buyers were directed to a “waiting” page to “queue” while awaiting access to the site, a wait that could last several hours.

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“A countdown will appear before you can enter the ticket sales phase. Once the countdown is over, an ‘Enter’ button will be available for 5 minutes. Click it to access,” instructions specify.

In total, nearly seven million tickets are being offered for the competition, taking into account the capacities of the 16 stadiums hosting the global tournament.

More than three million of these tickets have already been sold during the first three sales phases — including over one million during the random selection draw phase alone (held in January and February), which received 500 million requests, according to FIFA.

The global governing body is likely to break the all-time record of 3.5 million tickets sold for a World Cup — a mark set during the 1994 edition.

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This summer, the tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, 78 of which will take place on American soil.

The issue of ticketing has sparked controversy, with FIFA facing accusations of offering tickets at exorbitant prices, in disregard of promises made when the tournament was awarded to the three host nations.

On March 24, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) — an organization representing European fans — and Euroconsumers — a group representing consumers across the continent — announced they had filed a complaint against FIFA with the European Commission.

They alleged abuse of a dominant market position and seek to compel the organization to abandon its “opaque and unfair” ticket purchasing procedures. FIFA has defended its ticket pricing, which, according to president Gianni Infantino, is driven by “crazy” demand.

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However, in December, the governing body did introduce a $60 ticket category reserved exclusively for official supporters’ clubs; yet, according to the FSE, this quota was virtually sold out before sales even opened to the general public.

Additionally, FIFA is set to reopen its official ticket resale and exchange platform on Thursday. This platform has also come under fire due to the equally prohibitive prices at which tickets are listed for resale.

The global governing body explained that it does not intervene in this “fan-to-fan market,” where the reseller “determines the listed price of each ticket” in Canada and the United States.

The legal framework differs in Mexico, however, where reselling a ticket for more than its original purchase price is prohibited.

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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Updated IPL 2026 Points Table After Delhi Capitals’ Six-Wicket Win Over Lucknow Super Giants

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Delhi Capitals recovered from a top-order collapse as Sameer Rizvi hit an unbeaten half-century to help secure a six-wicket win over the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL on Wednesday. South Africa seamer Lungi Ngidi took three wickets as Delhi bowled out hosts Lucknow for 141, a total the Capitals overhauled with 17 balls to spare. Delhi slipped to 26-4 before impact substitute Rizvi, who struck 70 not out, and Tristan Stubbs, who made 39, put on an unbeaten stand of 119 to steer the team home.

“I think the way Sameer plays naturally just against the spin, takes it on, so it made my job a bit easier,” Stubbs said.

“Just knock it around, get him on strike. And we always knew it was one over, and then it was down to run a ball, and then take the game away, the shots you need, and fortunately we got it there.”

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The win took DC to third place on Net Run Rate, leaving them level on two points with four other teams. Rajasthan Royals sit atop the table, followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings complete the top five following their respective victories over Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans.

Updated IPL 2026 Points Table:

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Mohammed Shami, in his debut season for Lucknow, dismissed KL Rahul for a duck with the first ball of the chase.

Fellow quick Prince Yadav struck twice in one over to send back Pathum Nissanka (1) and Axar Patel (0) to leave Delhi in trouble 4.3 overs into their chase.

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But Rizvi, who hit five fours and four sixes in his 47-ball knock, and Stubbs steadied the ship before unleashing as the target came into view.

The 22-year-old Rizvi, who was named player of the match, raised his fifty with a four off part-time spinner Aiden Markram and later hit the winning six.

“You know, one positive (is) that boys fought hard,” said Lucknow skipper Rishabh Pant. “The way we bowled, especially the way we started, definitely some good signs going ahead in the season.”

Pant opened the Lucknow innings with Mitchell Marsh but was run out for seven after a hit from his fellow batter grazed the bowler’s arm to hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end.

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Delhi skipper Patel bowled Markram for 11 and wickets fell at regular intervals.

Ngidi sent back Nicholas Pooran for eight with a well-disguised slower delivery that rattled the stumps.

Marsh attempted to pull things back with his 35 but fell in his attempt to attack left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and the batting then collapsed.

Abdul Samad’s 25-ball 36 boosted the total but the Lucknow innings lasted for just 18.4 overs after Ngidi struck with successful balls.

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Left-arm quick T Natarajan also took three wickets.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Man City hero has wild World Cup nightclub celebration with arm still in sling

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Bosnia and Herzegovina secured their second-ever World Cup appearance after beating Italy on penalties and ex-Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko celebrated through the night despite suffering a shoulder injury

Manchester City hero Edin Dzeko led the euphoric celebrations with the Bosnia and Herzegovina team after they clinched a thrilling World Cup qualification. The squad triumphed over Italy in Zenica, securing a 4-1 victory in a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

This signifies Bosnia’s second-ever World Cup appearance, their first since Brazil 2014. Despite sustaining a shoulder injury in the final moments of extra time after being fouled by Davide Frattesi and receiving treatment, Dzeko persevered through the full 120 minutes but was unable to participate in the shootout.

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He observed from the sidelines with his arm in a sling. Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez expressed afterwards: “I hope that it is not a great injury to Edin Dzeko and that he will be able to be with us at the World Cup because he does not have much time.”

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That didn’t deter the 40-year-old from celebrating into the early hours, dancing and singing in a bar. He later posted footage on Instagram, showcasing the squad revelling in their historic accomplishment.

He also shared images from the bustling streets of Sarajevo, where the Bosnia squad celebrated on top of a rooftop bus surrounded by thousands of supporters.

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Despite being unable to take a penalty for his country, the striker said it felt like destiny.

“I keep saying it must have been fate, for it to happen in the last second of the match, and then for me not to be able to take a penalty,” he said.

“Someone else stepped up instead of me, scored, and in the end we won.

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“Who knows, maybe if I had taken it, I wouldn’t have scored, so it all feels like it comes from above.”

Regarding his arm injury, Dzeko added: “We’re all relieved about the arm, it’s not the worst case scenario. Most likely it won’t need surgery.

“So I hope that in maybe a month, month and a half, I should be back.”

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Bosnia progressed into Group B, where they will meet Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in the tournament staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

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Dzeko spent five years at the Etihad Stadium, making 189 appearances for Manchester City. He is remembered as a club hero for reigniting their Premier League title hopes in 2012.

With City trailing 2-1 to QPR on the final day, he came off the bench to score a crucial 92nd‑minute equaliser – the goal that kept the title race alive before Sergio Aguero struck moments later to win the club’s first Premier League crown.

He won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Community Shield before completing a permanent move to Roma.

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Correa’s 3-run blast powers the Astros past the Red Sox 6-4 for a sweep

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HOUSTON (AP) — Carlos Correa put Houston on top with a three-run homer and Christian Vázquez added a solo shot to lead the Astros to a 6-4 win over the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday to complete a three-game sweep.

It’s the fifth consecutive win for the Astros and gives Boston five straight losses since an opening day victory.

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Pinch-hitter Roman Anthony homered off Bryan Abreu to start the ninth and get the Red Sox within two. But Abreu struck out the next three batters to get his first save.

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Houston starter Mike Burrows (1-1) allowed five hits and two runs in five innings for the win after giving up nine hits and five runs in his Astros debut Friday after an offseason trade from Pittsburgh.

The game was tied with one out in the fifth when Jose Altuve singled before Garrett Crochet (1-1) hit Yordan Alvarez in the ribs with a pitch. There were two outs with a 1-2 count when Correa smacked an off-speed pitch into the seats in left field to make it 5-2.

Crochet allowed six hits and five runs — four earned — in five innings after throwing six scoreless innings in the opening day win over the Reds.

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Vázquez connected off Danny Coulombe to open Houston’s seventh and push the lead to 6-2.

Wilyer Abreu hit his third home run this season on a solo shot that cut the lead to 6-3 with one out in the eighth.

Willson Contreras’ RBI single with one out in the first gave Boston an early lead.

Alvarez hit a one-out double in the bottom of the inning before a double by Isaac Paredes tied it. Correa reached on a fielding error by Trevor Story before an RBI single by Christian Walker put Houston up 2-1.

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The Red Sox tied it when Isiah Kiner-Falefa scored on Jarren Duran’s groundout in the second.

The Red Sox played without catcher Carlos Narváez after he was scratched from the lineup Wednesday. Manager Alex Cora didn’t say why he was taken out of the lineup.

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Both teams are off Thursday before the Red Sox open a series against San Diego on Friday night and the Astros begin a series with the Athletics in Sacramento.

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Golf influencer Paige Spiranac supports Tiger Woods as he seeks treatment

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Golf influencer Paige Spiranac shared some encouraging words for Tiger Woods, who announced this week he would be stepping away from golf to “seek treatment” after his DUI arrest in Jupiter Island, Florida Friday. 

Spiranac reacted on social media after seeing Woods’ statement and the whole situation unfold after his rollover car crash. 

“I think we are all rooting for Tiger,” she posted on X. “Not as a golfer but more importantly as a person. None of us can fathom what he’s been through both emotionally and physically. 

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“Not excusing any behavior, but I hope he’s able to get the help he needs in peace without the whole world dog piling on him in a very difficult situation.”

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Paige Spiranac hits a tee shot

Paige Spiranac hits a tee shot during The Creator Classic prior to the Truist Championship at The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) May 7, 2025, in Flourtown, Philadelphia.   (Tracy Wilcox/PGA Tour via Getty Images)

Woods entered a not guilty plea in court Tuesday, waiving his right to an arraignment and demanding a trial with a jury. He later released the statement, saying he would seek treatment and focus on his health. 

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in the statement posted on social media. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. 

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“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

Woods’ attorney, Douglas N. Duncan, did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Fox News Digital. 

Tiger Woods' mug shot with a photo of his crash

Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge after a crash in Florida March 27, 2006. (AP/Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

Woods was arrested in Florida, and prescription opioids were found in his pocket after he was involved in a rollover crash Friday, according to court documents.

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The 15-time major winner was arrested on charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a blood alcohol level (BAL) test after law enforcement said his vehicle collided with another while driving impaired.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported observing several signs of impairment after the crash. They noted Woods was “sweating profusely,” his movements appeared “lethargic and slow” and his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” as well as “extremely dilated” after removing his sunglasses. Woods admitted to being distracted before the crash. 

“Woods stated he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station and did not notice the vehicle in front of him slowing down,” deputies wrote in the affidavit. 

Tiger Woods car flip accident aftermath

Golfer Tiger Woods stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026.  (Jason Oteri/AP)

After Woods was placed under arrest, authorities found “two white pills inside Woods’ left side pant pocket,” which were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription pain relief opioid.

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This marks the second DUI arrest for Woods in the last decade. He was also taken into custody on Jupiter Island in 2017 after being asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle at 3 a.m. after taking prescription drugs. 

Woods was also involved in a 2021 rollover crash that resulted in serious leg injuries and emergency surgeries, which is what he was alluding to during the field sobriety tests. 

Woods just returned to The Golf League earlier this month for his first round of competition since undergoing more surgeries on his back while also needing to repair a torn Achilles. 

Paige Spiranac on course

Paige Spiranac plays the 17th green during the Creator Classic at Philly Cricket Club prior to the Truist Championship at The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) May 7, 2025, in Flourtown Philadelphia.  (Ben Jared/PGA Tour via Getty Images)

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While Woods was reportedly trying to get in shape to play in the Masters Tournament, his statement confirmed he won’t be participating in this year’s field. Woods also signed up for the U.S. Senior Open, according to TGL teammate Kevin Kisner, which is scheduled for early July. 

Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley also confirmed Woods will not be at The Masters next week.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Steal Gary Woodland’s subtle power move for longer drives

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Bulls Waive Jaden Ivey following controversial comments

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The Chicago Bulls have waived Jaden Ivey after a series of comments made by the guard on social media drew widespread attention.

In a brief announcement, the team said:

“The Chicago Bulls announced today that the team has waived guard Jaden Ivey due to conduct detrimental to the team.”

  • D’Tigress fall to Germany in FIBA World Cup QualifierD’Tigress fall to Germany in FIBA World Cup Qualifier

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The decision comes after Ivey made a number of public statements during livestreams, including his views on Pride Month:

“They proclaim Pride Month… to celebrate unrighteousness.”

He also addressed the reaction to his comments, saying:

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“How is it that one can’t speak righteousness?”

Those remarks quickly circulated online and became a major talking point.

Following his release, Ivey responded directly, rejecting the way the situation was handled:

“They’re liars… this is lying.”

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“All I’m preaching about is Jesus Christ and they waived me.”

He also added:

“[Championships] are not gonna matter on judgment day.”

The Bulls have not issued any further explanation beyond their initial statement.

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Tom Pelissero Drives the Final Nail in the Coffin

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Tom Pelissero reports from the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero appears on site during media coverage at the NFL Scouting Combine inside the Indiana Convention Center, Feb. 25, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pelissero reported on league developments as executives, coaches, and scouts gathered to evaluate prospects and shape offseason decisions ahead of free agency and the draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

In Minnesota, Tom Pelissero is ol’ faithful. The national insider has plenty of connections to the Minnesota Vikings, making him uniquely-qualified among league-level voices to weigh-in on the QB pecking order.

Pelissero chatted with Tatum Everett, who works for the Vikings Entertainment Network. The reporter for The NFL Network described the team’s reluctance to move through another year without ample passer depth given the injury turmoil that undermined 2023 and 2025. Afterwards, there’s the clincher: “They love Carson Wentz, he’s coming in, I think it’s pretty clear as QB3. It’s going to be J.J. McCarthy versus Kyler Murray.”

Tom Pelissero Clarifies QB Depth Chart

Dustin Baker wrote about the issue yesterday, describing Kevin O’Connell’s assessment of Wentz being valued depth.

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What needs to be remembered is that Minnesota was undermined last year due the QB position having both a low ceiling and a low floor. As a result, the decision was to onboard passers who could elevate both areas. Murray is someone to raise the ceiling as a high-upside option; Wentz is in town to solidify the floor as a low-maintenance option.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy and head coach Kevin O'Connell in Dallas in 2025
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) slaps hands with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell after a made field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Sitting between those two is J.J. McCarthy, the 23-year-old quarterback who got chosen at No. 10 in the 2024 NFL Draft (a lifetime ago).

Pretty consistently, Kevin O’Connell and Rob Brzezinski have clarified that the desire is alive and well: the franchise wants the Michigan passer to be the long-term starter. No team, short of the truly foolish squads, gives up on a young arm so quickly, especially when there hasn’t been any nefarious off-field issues to demand a divorce.

Moreover, so much of what has hindered McCarthy has been plain old bad luck. Getting and staying healthy could be the key.

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The other part of the equation is the competition that’s taking place, something that Tom Pelissero circles around to in his answer. Not only is there a clarification about Wentz coming in at 3rd within the hierarchy, but Pelissero goes on to describe the situation as “a real competition,” a conclusion he has arrived at “based on everything that I’ve been told.”

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero in 2026
Feb 4, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Tom Pelissero on the NFL Network set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

If the only criteria is who is the best quarterback at this precise moment, then Kyler Murray is a near certainty to start. What gets missed in that too-simple criteria is that J.J. McCarthy is improving.

If Murray takes a step forward, then McCarthy needs to take two or three steps forward within the same timeline. Do that enough times and the sizable QB chasm that exists on April 1st could get shrunk down in time for September 1st.

The young fella was out in California working with a private quarterback coach, continuing on his pilgrimage toward airtight mechanics. He’s now in the Twin Cities, building up his body with the Vikings’ staff at TCO Performance Center. Being healthy, owning good technique, and getting into the best shape of his life, McCarthy could very well become a very good passer.

Based on who offers the most upside over a long-term time horizon, J.J. McCarthy is the clear answer. He is younger, has better size, and has a contract that’s much easier to manage over the next several years. So, too, did he demand a far more expensive form of investment from the team.

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At the end of the day, there’s training camp and the preseason for a reason. The competition is already underway no matter how much O’Connell tries to say that May and June are about class on the grass (mastering the scheme). Evaluation is a constant in the NFL, but O’Connell is correct that July and August are going to be what matter most as it relates to who starts in Week 1.

J.J. McCarthy and Kevin O'Connell at the New York Giants in 2025
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and head coach Kevin O’Connell hug before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Guessing who comes out on top is precisely that: a guess.

What isn’t uncertain is whether Carson Wentz is now being looked at as a legitimate challenger for the QB1 job. That’s simply not the case. Rather, he’s a low-maintenance QB3, somebody who can help the team win without demanding much of a workload leading up to games. Something funky could happen that’s totally unforeseen, creating the conditions for Wentz to be the starter, but that’s going to take an anvil or grand piano falling from the sky.

In late July, Kyler Murray will be looking to hold off J.J. McCarthy within a two-horse race. Stay tuned.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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