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3 Up and 3 Down with Ravens in Town

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Brian O’Neill waits with Levi Drake Rodriguez and Blake Cashman before facing the Packers.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill waits with teammates Levi Drake Rodriguez and Blake Cashman near the tunnel at Lambeau Field before facing Green Bay. On Nov. 23, 2025, the group prepares to take the field as Minnesota completes its final pregame routine ahead of the NFC North road matchup that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

Some do a stock report. Allow me to pivot in a minor way toward a baseball metaphor.

Vikings training camp involved a well-attended day of work under blue skies and warm sun. At times, the practices got chippy as both sides jostled to win reps. Consider some of the players to have played well versus those who weren’t so impressive. Do so with the understanding that the Vikings had a ton going on, meaning I missed much.

Moreover, I’m not a trained scout or coach, so my take on things isn’t nearly as significant as what the Vikings’ decision makers think. Oh, and another thing: even if I’m bang on with a correct take, what took place earlier was just a single day of work. The Vikings will be assessing the totality of the work.

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Vikings Training Camp Update After Debut Ravens Day

Up No. 1 — LB Blake Cashman

Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard force a fumble by Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during a game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings defenders Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard converge on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during NFC North action at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Minnesota pass rush created havoc throughout the contest, forcing a key turnover that helped swing momentum early. The play occurred on Dec. 16, 2024, during a divisional showdown in Minneapolis. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

He was a menace out there. Has he been lost in the shuffle somewhat?

Recently, so much of the discussion has focused on the draft haul, the perceived lack at edge rusher, and then Chuck Demmings proving capable of playing corner and rapping (don’t forget those quarterbacks, either). Blake Cashman has remained. Better yet, he played well, proving to be quite frisky in a day full of feisty moments. Seeing today’s trend continue means that the veteran has a great contract year.

Down No. 1 — DT Caleb Banks

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To begin, consider a caveat: there’s a lot going on when a pair of teams are battling. Oftentimes, my focus was on watching whichever side was rolling with the starters and Banks was mostly with the backups.

What I did see, though, wasn’t super encouraging.

He looks long out there, which is a good thing. He can long-arm the offensive tackle with a stab move but is too often slowed down before driving his man back or shaking free of the blocker’s hands. Indeed, he looks a hair slow getting off his blocks. Maybe that’s to be expected but there’s room for growth here. Being just okay isn’t good enough for a No. 18 selection.

Up No. 2 — Levi Drake Rodriguez

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Levi Drake Rodriguez in 2024. Vikings DT.
Vikings defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez celebrates with Bo Richter in 2024 after an impactful play. Mandatory Credit: Alli Rusco, Vikings.com

He’s a jack-in-the-box just waiting to explode out of his 3-point stance. Mr. Rodriguez is going to earn a nice workload.

He got through for a sack at one point when I was watching (or, at least, what counts for a sack in a training camp setting). Seeing him work off Jalen Redmond means boasting two DTs entering their prime NFL years who have the capacity to create plays behind the line of scrimmage. I like him and you should, too.

Down No. 2 — WR Dontae Fleming

In some ways, Fleming is working against the clock. I didn’t see him do anything egregiously bad but the huge plays weren’t there.

What was sometimes apparent was that Minnesota was leaning on Jeshaun Jones, Tai Felton, and Myles Price a lot when rolling out 11 personnel with the backups. That’s not a good outcome for a player who is looking to snatch away a WR5 or WR6 job. He’s down to less than two weeks before there’s a roster cut, so plays are precious.

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Up No. 3 — CB James Pierre

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Jacob Thomas (39) and cornerback James Pierre (23) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

At one point, James Pierre had a chance for a kill shot on Zay Flowers. Wisely, the veteran corner pulled up rather than wallop Baltimore’s WR1 in a hospital ball over the middle.

Later on, Pierre had a great rep in one-v-one special teams. He’s long and speedy. So, too, does he offer some snarl. Good pickup who looks like he’ll make the corner crew more well rounded.

Down No. 3 — QB J.J. McCarthy

To be sure, the kid QB wasn’t all bad. Nor, for that matter, was every tough rep solely on him. He may have nevertheless desired a better day of work.

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The QB1 job isn’t coming back before Week 1. The Vikings are going to go with Kyler Murray when hosting Green Bay. Maybe something opens up down the road but that’s where the Vikings find themselves.

Some are now questioning whether the third-year 1st-Round passer slides down to QB3. Count me among those who doesn’t think it makes sense but he hasn’t been great.


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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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Toronto FC’s Walker Zimmerman shown red card vs. Charlotte

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Toronto FC have lost an experienced defender to a red card.

Walker Zimmerman was shown the red in the 56th minute of a game against Charlotte FC in Toronto on Wednesday.

The veteran centreback was penalized for a hard tackle on Charlotte’s Idan Toklomati near midfield.

Zimmerman will now be unavailable for Saturday’s game against Inter Miami.

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Marcus Rashford responds to Jamie Carragher outburst after Gary Neville Man United question

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Marcus Rashford is expected to stay at Manchester United beyond the summer after spending last season on loan at Barcelona

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Marcus Rashford has sided with Jamie Carragher after Gary Neville continued pressing him about the Manchester United forward following his return to the club. Neville raised the topic on a new Stick to Football episode – a line of questioning that appeared to irritate the former Liverpool captain.

Neville asked: “Marcus Rashford, what do we think? Last question,” to which Carragher fired back: “Oh ***********. Can we do a podcast without mentioning Rashford? Stop it! Oh my god. It’s like the Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and Rashford – there was like a little part of the podcast – the Trent part or the Rashford part.”

Neville then moved on and asked: “How is Trent?” prompting Carragher’s exasperated response: “Oh my God!”

Neville tried to clarify, saying: “No, but he’s come back to United,” but Carragher wasn’t having any of it, concluding: “So what? Oh my God. He’s just a good player for Man United!”

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Rashford has since reposted the clip on X, where he appeared to agree with Carragher’s remarks. “Thanks, Jamie,” he wrote. “It would be great to be able to get my head down and play football without my name being mentioned every day,” followed by a crying emoji.

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With the Premier League season just days away, it had seemed likely that Rashford would not be at the club, given how strongly it appeared his future was elsewhere. Barcelona, where he spent last season on loan, had the option to sign him permanently for £26million but chose not to activate it, instead moving for Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.

However, his return to Manchester has been a positive one. He pulled on a United shirt for the first time in nearly two years when he came off the bench in their recent friendly defeat to AC Milan. The 28‑year‑old now appears to be relishing life back at Old Trafford, acting as a mentor to several of the club’s younger players.

Although the summer transfer window does not close until September 1, the likelihood of Rashford staying at the club is understood to be increasing by the day. Michael Carrick has already held lengthy talks with the England international, who could play a significant role for the club this season.

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“He’s our player, you know, and he’s come back great. He’s just like any other player,” Carrick said. “I’ve known Marcus a long time and, you know, he gives us something a little bit different. And he’s been in great spirits since he’s been back.

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“He’s been back two or three days training and it’s just pretty normal, to be honest. And we’re looking forward to the start of the season.”

But until the summer window closes, speculation over his future will continue, even though the attacker’s recent comments suggest he is focused on the season ahead and simply keen to play football. He has not featured in a Premier League match since December 2024.

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Last season, Rashford’s standout performances earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the recent World Cup. During his spell at the Camp Nou, he produced 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances and his contributions helped deliver La Liga – the first league title of his career.

Carrick’s side will begin their campaign away at newly‑promoted Hull City on Saturday, August 22 (12:30pm BST).

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

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Will the Seahawks ever finalize their agreement to sign Terrion Arnold?

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It’s been six days since the Seahawks reached an agreement to sign cornerback Terrion Arnold. They’ve yet to sign him.

Now that the Seahawks have signed cornerback Trevon Diggs, it’s more than fair to wonder whether the Seahawks will ever be consummating the Arnold deal.

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As one league source explains it — and as comments from G.M. John Schneider in the second episode of Hard Knocks made clear — the Seahawks believed when they reached an agreement with Arnold that he’d be available to participate in practices and games in the preseason. The Seahawks have since learned that he won’t be available to do anything if/when he’s signed, since he’ll immediately be placed on paid leave.

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So where’s the benefit in signing him? Yes, they’d secure dibs on his rights if/when he’s cleared to play. But they could always sign him later, once the eight felony charges are resolved and Arnold can return to the league.

At this point, they’re kicking the can. It’s possible that they’re simply waiting until the preseason ends, when they’d cut a player and put Arnold on the 90-man roster until he’s sent to the Commissioner Exempt list. Even then, Arnold wouldn’t be available to play until he’s removed from paid leave, and until he serves any suspension that could be added to the time he misses with pay.

It’s unknown when the criminal case will end. His next court appearance is set for October 5, and there’s no trial date. It’s hard to imagine the case ending before the conclusion of the 2026 season, if it goes to a full-blown trial.

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A plea deal is always possible. But the league would then figure out Arnold’s punishment, if any, after the plea is finalized. Is it possible he’d be available late in the season? Sure. Again, they could sign him then, without paying him until that day arrives.

Of course, Arnold could choose if/when he’s cleared to return to sign with another team. That’s the biggest risk the Seahawks would take if they don’t sign him. With the date on which the Seahawks would realize a reward for having Arnold on the team currently murky at best, they may decide to save the money they’d spend on paying Arnold to not play and wait to sign him once he’s able to practice and play.

Again, Schneider called the allegations as outlined by The Athleticvery shocking.” No amount of references from Nick Saban or former teammates will change the possibility that prosecutors will prove Arnold’s guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If that happens, Arnold may not be available to play for the Seahawks or anyone else. Ever.

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NFL fans mock Jalen Hurts for showing “signs of brilliance” with 3 INTs and pick-6 vs. Patriots

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had an underwhelming outing against the New England Patriots’ defense during a joint practice session on Wednesday. Hurts and the rest of the Eagles’ offense came under scrutiny as they sought to find a rhythm under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.

However, Hurts’ poor performance, conceding three interceptions and a pick-six, became the highlight of the afternoon, as fans poured onto social media to share their reactions.

Matvei Michkov Enjoyer wrote:

“Worst QB in the league.”

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@Underdog @UnderdogNFL Worst QB in the league

Kittyoberoi remarked:

“Hurts showing signs of brilliance.”

@Underdog Hurts showing signs of brilliance

Kirkland commented:

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“And let me guess, of the 19 completions, more than half of them came 10yds from or behind the line of scrimmage?”

Rust wrote:

“I can’t wait til we’re smoking everybody in the regular season. Hurts has taken better care of the ball than your favorite QB over the last few years, guaranteed. It’s the offseason. He will be sharp and ready to go when the time comes. Always is.”

DG Bandz posted:

“I don’t see this team winning more then 6 games.”

Snakequon commented:

“Dart clears this bum. Glorified running back and without the tush push is nothing.”

How Jalen Hurts’ performance affected the Eagles’ offense

The Eagles’ offense struggled to make an impact against New England’s starting defense. Hurts’ passing was greatly limited during the two-minute drill by the Patriots’ well-executed blitzes.

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The Eagles’ drive was effectively disrupted by a Kevin Byard pass breakup and a sack by defensive end Christian Barmore to end the practice.

Meanwhile, former Eagles star wide receiver AJ Brown dropped a dominant performance against his former teammates. He connected with quarterback Drake Maye for a team-high seven catches.

Brown added a layer of intrigue to the reunion during his interview after the practice. He admitted that he hasn’t spoken to Jalen Hurts since he got traded.

Hurts and the Eagles have another opportunity to redeem themselves with a second joint session scheduled for Thursday. It is a window for the team to clean up its sloppy execution and find its footing before Saturday’s preseason matchup.

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The stakes are high for Jalen Hurts entering the new season. Tasked with leading an offense that’s essentially in a transition period, the 28-year-old has much to prove.

A major talking point will be his ability to perform without Brown in front of him.