Sports
What Caleb Banks Needs to Do to Ensure He Doesn’t Follow the J.J. McCarthy Path
Rookie DT Caleb Banks is going to be as good as he wants to be. Part of what’s standing in his way is his pad level, a point that has already been made multiple times.
So, the onus shifts to the young lad to adjust. Getting coached up by Brian Flores and Ryan Nielsen means that the rookie doesn’t lack for guidance. Similarly, TCO Performance Center is a dream work environment, meaning he’s got an edge there, as well.
Nobody expected Mr. Banks to be a finished product by Week 1 of his rookie season. However, there have been several rough moments in training camp and the preseason, creating concern about how ready he is to contribute as a rookie. Worse yet, some of the ways in which he is being discussed brings back recollections of J.J. McCarthy insofar as the same point is being repeated for a gifted 1st-Round pick with promise.
Caleb Banks, J.J. McCarthy, & Being a Diamond in the Rough
Part of the plan was to get younger in the trenches. Moving on from Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen was with an eye toward saving money and adding a bit more youthful pop.
Double dipping along the defensive line involved sinking No. 18 into Caleb Banks and No. 82 into Domonique Orange. Of the two, Orange — who boasts the phenomenal nickname Big Citrus — appears ready for a heartier workload. A major part of the reason why is due to his capacity to address the shortcomings in his game (real or perceived).
Indeed, Orange is proving more slippery and effective as a pass rusher than many scouts insisted going into the 2026 NFL Draft. Back at training camp, Orange told Vikings Territory that he didn’t agree with the characterization that he offers zero pass rush. Several moments have proven that he’s got some upside here and won’t be a repeat of Harrison Phillips.
Again, Orange isn’t a finished product. But, to be sure, he’s a product who has shown that he’s able to get polished up.
Every so often, Caleb Banks looks far too lackadaisical on the football field. When partnered with getting too high, Banks becomes quite movable.
In the above clip, the issue isn’t simply that Banks is too high. More concerning, perhaps, is that he appears far too comfortable seeing Denver’s backup blockers ride him out of the play. Banks is a 6’6″ player who tips the scales at a hulking 325 pounds. He cannot allow himself to be pushed around so easily. The best football players play with controlled urgency.
Over and over again, McCarthy has been described as a talented player who needs to correct flaws in his game. In particular, there has been the focus on improving his “layered throws” as he learns to operate with “touch.”
Entering his third season, McCarthy is still a flamethrower looking for figure out how to activate his warm setting.
Caleb Banks is his own man and deserves to be judged as such. What’s nevertheless concerning is seeing the Vikings’ fixation with remarkable athletes in the opening round of recent drafts — Lewis Cine, J.J. McCarthy, and (to a much lesser extent) Dallas Turner — who fail to live up to their draft slots.
The task in front of Caleb Banks is to ensure he commits to his craft, pouring a pile of work into the game so that he can counter concerns by becoming the dominant force he’s capable of becoming.
Banks, 23, looks like he’ll be a backup in Week 1.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
Moses Itauma suffered the first defeat of his career this weekend in London, losing to Filip Hrgovic inside nine rounds, failing to capture the vacant IBF heavyweight world title. Frank Bruno, who became champion on his fourth attempt, has offered his verdict.
Itauma was comfortably outboxing Hrgovic in the early rounds, scoring a knockdown in the second while dazzling fans with agility and speed. The more seasoned heavyweight from Croatia displayed an incredible chin to stay in the fight, and it paid off when Itauma started to slow down.
In the ninth, the young Brit’s gas tank was completely empty, and his body threatened to betray him with every shot he threw. Hrgovic piled on the pressure and forced referee Howard Foster to step in and stop the action – this coincided with Itauma’s trainer, Ben Davison, throwing in the towel.
Reflecting on the action, Bruno compared it to his own firs loss.
“So, Croatian boxer Filip Hrgović becomes champion. When it got to the end of round 7, I said, ‘Moses is running out of gas.” You know, when I fought James Bone Crusher Smith, I had beaten everyone before him in early rounds. I was up for the World Championship, but I still had lessons to learn, and I lost the fight.
“Moses, I feel, will be part of Britain’s heavyweight he ritage, but this was a learning lesson for him and his team. It was a good fight, and I wish Moses a quick recovery. At one point, Filip looked like he was beaten. Good fight, but Moses will return, I am sure. Stronger and wiser.”
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As cruel as it sounds, Max Brosmer likely needed some sort of poor outcome to arrive for a different Vikings QB to get onto the final roster. Such as life for a QB4 trying to overcome more entrenched passers.
After last night’s Broncos beatdown, Kevin O’Connell took some time to answer questions from the media. Among the questions to get sent in his direction was one about what’s to come for Brosmer. He made the 53-man roster last year. What’s his status going into cut weekend?
Kevin O’Connell Discusses Max Brosmer’s Roster Spot
“I think Max has shown some growth,” O’Connell began in response to the sophomore passer’s standing on the roster.
The skipper went on: “That’s definitely going to be a conversation. We’ll see what the final numbers look like. I don’t think it’s out of the question that we try to keep all those guys. But at the same time we’ve gotta do what’s best for our team. So we’ll work through that and that will definitely be part of the conversation.”
“There was a reason why we wanted to have a deep quarterback room, and all four of those guys had their moments,” O’Connell said toward the end of his Brosmer answer.
O’Connell’s answers boasts all the hallmarks of an upcoming roster cut. Tepid but genuine praise, some evasiveness, and a broader acknowledgement of the roster crunch.
Partnering the O’Connell answer with some common sense and then a simple evaluation of the quarterback’s performance further clarifies where things are going.
For starters, there’s the common sense part of things. Seldom do the Minnesota Vikings carve out four roster spots at quarterback. If, for instance, one of those passers was a player akin to Taysom Hill, then the move could be defensible since that’s a player who can help in other ways.
A QB4 on the final roster is hard to justify otherwise, especially since Brosmer doesn’t look like he’ll develop into a long-term weapon. Rather, his ceiling appears to be that of a rock-solid backup who thinks the game at a high level and who works very hard. He’s chasing down a future that ends up somewhere between Sean Mannion and Nick Mullens.
Partner the number crunch with what the kid has done on the field.
Last year, Max Brosmer was put into a position he was never intended to be in. He had to start several times as an undrafted rookie. His final stats showed going 1-1 behind 66.2% passing for 328 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.
Go ahead and consider his more recent work from the 2026 preseason:
- Giants: 1/2, 6 Yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
- Ravens: 11/17, 98 Yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
- Broncos: 20/35, 165 Yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Do these statistics point toward somebody who is going to force the Vikings into an uncomfortable position? Put differently, is there enough promise here to suggest that Minnesota ought to burn a roster spot keeping a fourth passer rather than try sliding him down to the practice squad?
If, in the end, the Vikings opt to trade J.J. McCarthy, then the QB3 job will be vacant. In that scenario, Brosmer would be the lead candidate to remain as the emergency QB3 for games. Short of that scenario, though, it’s hard to envision him demanding some roster real estate.
Max Brosmer is 25. Look for him to be kept around as the QB4 on the practice squad.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
A day expected to be full of movement in the NFL world is underway.
The Atlanta Falcons acquired defensive tackle Gervon Dexter from the Chicago Bears for cornerback Clark Phillips III and a fifth-round pick, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday.
Dexter, 25, spent the first three seasons of his career in Chicago after joining the team as a second-round pick in the 2023 draft.
In 17 games last season, the six-foot-six, 326-pound Florida product had 44 tackles, including a career-high six sacks, to go with two fumble recoveries.
Over 49 career contests, Dexter owns 115 tackles, 13.5 sacks and four fumble recoveries.
NFL rosters have to be down to 53 players from 90 before 6 p.m. ET Sunday, spurring movement across the league.
Offensive tackle Broderick Jones, quarterback Quinn Ewers and defensive lineman CJ Okoye changed teams in separate deals on Saturday.
QBs J.J. McCarthy and Anthony Richardson are among those who also could be on the move.
The most accomplished player on the roster bubble is three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who is attempting a comeback with the Giants.
More than 1,100 players will be cut in all. Many will rejoin their teams on the practice squad. Others will go to new teams. Some will reach the end of their NFL career.
–with files from The Associated Press
Former India pacer Javagal Srinath has caught the attention of fans with his recent act of simplicity. A picture of Srinath opting for a metro ride instead of luxury transport is being widely circulated on social media. The post, originally shared on LinkedIn, has garnered thousands of likes and comments. In the photo, Srinath can be seen standing in the corner of a metro coach, holding his trolley bag in one hand. He is dressed in a sky-blue shirt tucked into a pair of denim jeans and complemented by semi-formal brown leather brogues.
Fans took to social media to praise Srinath’s simplicity, choosing metro travel over luxury transport.
This picture of Javagal Srinath has become viral for travelling in a metro even after being so successful and well to do.
Generally humans have a tendency to judge people based on their social status.
If someone is wealthy then he can’t be humble. If someone is poor then he… pic.twitter.com/TDy8MuDUzy
— Neetu Khandelwal (@T_Investor_) August 29, 2026
Standing quietly in a corner of the metro with Earbuds on, a trolley bag beside him, glasses in his pocket and absolutely no VIP attitude
At first glance, 99% of people would think-Just another teacher or private-sector employee
But wait… you’ll be shocked to know who he… pic.twitter.com/xn7VXdSc5n
— Dr Priyanka (@Dr_Priyanka0) August 30, 2026
The #man you see standing quietly in a corner of a Metro coach, with a trolley bag and hardly drawing any attention, is Javagal Srinath. @iamjavagal
The younger generation may recognise him more as the ICC match referee they see during international cricket. But for our… https://t.co/YRAvBGbHRq
— Sivasubramaniam Jayaraman (@JsivaUrbantranz) August 30, 2026
Javagal Srinath travelling on the Metro like any other passenger.
No special treatment, no fuss-just pure simplicity.
A cricket legend who still carries himself with incredible humility. pic.twitter.com/7F7Z0r8JvH
— Asmita (@AuraXsync) August 29, 2026
Currently an ICC match referee, Srinath represented India in 67 Tests from 1991 to 2002, taking 236 wickets at an average of 30.49, with 10 five-wicket hauls and a ten-fer, with best figures of 8/86. He is India’s 10th-highest wicket-taker in Tests.
He also played 229 ODIs for India, taking 315 wickets at an average of 28.08, with three five-wicket hauls and best figures of 5/23. He is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in ODIs and the highest wicket-taker amongst Indian pacers in the 50-over format.
In 296 international matches, he has taken 551 wickets in 296 matches at an average of 29.11, with 13 five-fors and a ten-fer and is the seventh-highest wicket-taker for India.
Speaking at an event earlier this week, Srinath called Test cricket the “mother of all cricket”, encouraging youngsters to take the format more seriously, saying that someone who can play the longer format finds it easy to play T20s.
Srinath said, “IPL is important, but you need depth in cricket, which is there in Tests. Test cricket is a five-day format, which is why it is called the ‘mother of all cricket.’ A player who plays Test cricket can also find it easier to play T20 cricket, but for someone who only plays T20 cricket, playing Test cricket is not as easy. Stick to Test cricket, the longer version of the game. Alongside that, you can also play T20,” he said.
(With ANI Inputs)
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Sep 7, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) kisses the trophy after defeating Jannik Sinner (ITA) (not pictured) in the final of mens singles at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images The United States Tennis Association has answered player demands for greater compensation with record-breaking prize money at the U.S. Open that starts on Sunday in Flushing, N.Y.
The creation of a new player support program and the Grand Slam Player Advisory Council also has been received positively. One issue at the heart of any upcoming discussions, however — a larger revenue share from Grand Slam tournaments — appears to be a non-starter for the USTA.
Craig Tiley, who officially became USTA CEO last month, said at a press conference on Saturday that the grand slam tournament does not determine prize money based on revenue.
“We don’t use that number as a form of calculating how we compensate, because it can be fairly arbitrary from one event to another,” Tiley said, per Front Office Sports. “I believe the tours use profit, so we look at it very differently. We say, what’s a fair share that the players need to be compensated on, and what can we do, because even outside of just the compensation package, what other things can we do to help support the players, not just during the event but also year-round.”
The U.S. Open has boosted the prize pool by 20%, including a Grand Slam-record $5.5 million to this year’s singles champions. The overall compensation is a record $108 million, up from $90 million last year and a whopping 44% jump from $75 million in 2024.
Every player who makes the 128-player main singles draw will earn at least $140,000, the largest in tennis history. Quarterfinalists will earn $780,000 and semifinalists will get $1.45 million, with $2.8 million going to the runners-up.
Last year’s champions — Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus — each earned a winner’s check of $5 million.
By comparison, the prize pools for the other 2026 Grand Slam tournaments were: Wimbledon (about $87.5 million), French Open (about $71.7 million) and the Australian Open (about $79.3 million).
According to Front Office Sports, Grand Slam tournaments don’t have a fixed share of revenue in place, instead generally paying out about 15% of revenue to players.
The players, however, are targeting a 22% share by 2030. Top players have said that the goal of higher Grand Slam purses is to help lower-ranked players who are trying to start or sustain their careers.
Also among the players’ demands are improved retirement benefits and a better focus on player welfare during the two-week Grand Slams.
“You will see the U.S. Open continue to be a very player-friendly event,” Tiley said Saturday, per Front Office Sports. “I think our desire to increase the amount that we put on the table was driven really within the organization, the sense that we need to give the players a fair share.”
Jessica Pegula, the No. 3 women’s singles player in the world, told Front Office Sports on Friday that revenue sharing will be a key topic for the Grand Slam Advisory Council.
“That’s something we’re still pushing for, and so I think hopefully with this council, that we’ll be able to continue those discussions because I know from our side, we still do believe that a revenue share is the best way, and now we’ll just have much more open communication,” said Pegula, a member of the WTA Players’ Council.
She lauded the USTA for creating the new council but said Friday that more information is needed. Tiley said on Saturday that about 10 players have expressed interest in joining the council.
“We think, again, the voice of the players, we believe, is important,” Tiley said, per Front Office Sports. “Many of us have been spending a lot of time and energy individually talking to the players. Not just the last week — it’s been going on for years. The Slams having a close player relationship is critical to the success of the Slams and the success of the relationship that we have with the fans, as well.”
–Field Level Media
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan practices during Fan Week ahead of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 26, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP
Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina says things are “all good” for the US Open after a heel injury forced her to retire from her Cincinnati WTA quarterfinal last week.
“I started to practice, so I feel well,” the Kazakh said Saturday. “We’re still making some adjustments, but overall I’m happy how we dealt with the problem. We worked hard and likely it’s all good right now and it’s just a matter of a couple more practices and then, yeah, going on the match.”
READ: Elena Rybakina beats Sabalenka in tense Australian Open final
Rybakina can supplant Aryna Sabalenka atop the world rankings if she reaches the semifinals at Flushing Meadows — regardless of whether the Belarusian can win a third straight title.
For weeks she’s said she isn’t focused on the ranking, and her injury only reinforced that approach.
“From media mostly I know where I should get, how the others should play — all the different scenarios,” she said. “But for me, especially now when I had this injury last week, I feel like the most important (is) just try to stay healthy, play match at a time.
“I’m trying not to think about it at all and just play match at a time.”
After hobbling out of her Cincinnati clash with Iga Swiatek, Rybakina said she didn’t play for a week and saw several doctors.
“It wasn’t easy because we didn’t know exactly how the foot is gonna react, since it was very painful for me to go and serve on that match in Cincinnati … then for a couple of days it was painful to even walk.
“After, we managed to do everything possible for it to get better, and I’m glad how the process is going for now.”
Rybakina said fear of aggravating the injury won’t hinder her in the final Grand Slam of the season.
“I’m quite confident with the decision we are making each day how to practice, what to do, and especially what can happen worst-case scenario.
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“So all these things I feel quite confident.”
Lionel Messi produced a brilliant performance as Inter Miami ended their poor run with a huge 7-1 win over Montreal in Major League Soccer.
Miami had won only once in their previous seven matches in all competitions since Messi returned from the World Cup earlier this month. But the Argentina captain inspired a big comeback to winning ways.
Messi put Miami 2-1 ahead before half-time with a deflected free-kick before taking over the game after the break.
The 39-year-old scored his second after a brilliant run, completed his hat-trick with a clever chip over the goalkeeper and added his fourth goal in added time with another trademark free-kick.
Messi also provided an assist for Luis Suarez, while Casemiro and Alexander Shaw completed Miami’s seven goals.
It was Messi’s first four-goal game in MLS and the ninth time in his career that he has scored four or more goals in a single match.
The result also took his MLS tally to 18 goals this season, moving him ahead of FC Dallas’ Petar Musa as the league’s top scorer.
Inter Miami remain second in the Eastern Conference, 10 points behind Nashville FC.
Inter Miami interim coach Guillermo Hoyos was left struggling to find words to describe Messi’s display.
“There are no words to describe such footballing beauty,” Hoyos said.
“He is constantly looking for that goal, that play, that pass. I don’t think he’s an ordinary footballer.”
Earlier this month, Messi admitted he was unsure how much longer he would continue playing football following the death of his father, Jorge.
Australia’s Anthony Dell’Orso during a game against Jordan in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—There’s still no stopping Australia in the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The Boomers continued their dominance after burying Jordan, 126-93, to remain the only unblemished team in the tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“We saw how Jordan played the other night and saw how well they can run their offense when given a chance,” coach Jacob Chance said.
READ: Fiba Asian qualifiers: Australia pummels Syria to stay unbeaten
“To come out and be as disruptive as we were early was a pleasing sign.”
The Aussies, who whipped Syria, 123-64, on Friday night, improved to 8-0.
Jordan, which was coming off a tough 82-81 overtime loss to Gilas Pilipinas on Friday night, dropped to 0-2 in the second round and 5-3 overall.
Australia flaunted its depth with seven players tallying at least nine points. Anthony Dell’Orso led all Boomers in scoring with 19. Angus Glover added 16, Josh Bannan had 15, while Tom Wilson posted 13. Elijah Pepper, who registered 32 against Syria, struggled to find the target but still wound up with 14 on 5-of-16 shooting.
The Boomers shot 52 percent from the field, including 14-of-31 from the 3-point area.
The Falcons dropped to 5-3 in Group E but not without Amin Abu Hawwas had 21 for the Falcons, who also drew 19 each from their backcourt Abdullah Olajuwon and Jalen Harris.
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