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As Rumors Rage, Vikings May Have Shoehorned a J.J. McCarthy Hint into the Mix

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NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings
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Right now, the J.J. McCarthy rumors are red hot. Many foresee a trade after the news that he has been retained alongside Kyler Murray, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer (something a certain dork said wouldn’t occur).

What of the placement of McCarthy’s name in the 53-man roster announcement? The Vikings may have tipped their hand.

Admittedly, we’re not exactly discussing an exact science, but the order of the names does appear to reveal the hierarchy. At receiver, Justin Jefferson is listed at the front. The same can be said for Blake Cashman at linebacker, Josh Metellus at safety, and then various other entrenched starters at other positions.

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A disclaimer appears at the top stating, “Note: Players listed first at each position correspond with starters on the most recent unofficial depth chart, which will be updated for Week 1.” Nevertheless, there’s some care about the overall placement of names, creating a question or two about how the QBs get listed.

Vikings May Have Tipped Hand with J.J. McCarthy

At first, the question was whether J.J. McCarthy could overcome Kyler Murray to remain as QB1. Things went so poorly afterwards that the question shifted toward getting bumped down to QB3 rather than remaining as the QB2.

Based solely on the placement from within the team’s official roster announcement, McCarthy is the main backup. I know, I know: we’re not talking about an ironclad assessment of the backup quarterback position. Still, let’s run with the idea for a few moments. After all, we can be certain that seeing Carson Wentz behind Murray would have already led to a ginormous online kerfuffle taking place about what’s occurring at QB2.

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Carson Wentz gets ready before the Vikings’ home game against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, at U.S. Bank Stadium.
On October 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz went through pregame drills before the matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. The veteran passer, facing his former team for the first time in purple, displayed sharp focus during warmups as fans packed the stands for the highly anticipated reunion against one of the NFC’s top defensive units. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Every single position (without fail) opts to list the players in a manner that’s in accordance with the expected depth chart placement.

At running back, Demond Claiborne is behind the 1A and 1B options of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Dillon Bell sees his name at the end of the WR list, an accurate reflection of where the UDFA WR finds himself. Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel are the starters at edge rusher; Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers are the top pair of corners.

Go through the whole thing and it’s all as expected for the depth chart.

Of course, a football roster can be a fluid, dynamic entity that sees some change on a week-to-week basis. Jordan Addison is the WR2 and yet may not technically start Week 1 if the Vikings roll with 22 personnel (1 WR, 2 RBs, and 2TEs) on the opening play.

Moreover, factors such as performance and injury will impact where these guys find themselves. Things will change over the course of the season.

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Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy agains the Giants in 2025
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) practices before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Again, though, there’s that deliberate reality of typing “J.J. McCarthy” behind Kyler Murray. Doesn’t that count for something?

Kevin O’Connell (or somebody else from the coaching staff) didn’t write the piece that went live on the team website. However, one can only assume that the team’s employees did discuss how to allocate the digital ink at quarterback. Essentially anything that gets said right now about the QB spot creates an online hubbub. Listing J.J. McCarthy as the QB2 is no different.

Minnesota’s debut game of the 2026 season takes place on Sunday, September 13th at U.S. Bank Stadium. Green Bay’s Jordan Love will be looking to overcome Kyler Murray.

A guess based on today’s roster announcement: J.J. McCarthy will be the main backup if there’s a need for another purple arm in that game.


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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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NFL cutdown day: Where do Titans sit in waiver wire priority

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The Tennessee Titans will have one of the NFL’s best positions in the waiver wire pecking order when the league’s final roster cuts are finalized.

Tennessee reduced its roster to the league-mandated maximum of 53 players, and now the real fun will begin. Players who are subject to waivers as part of those final roster reductions will then be available for other teams to claim, with the claiming period expiring at 1:00 p.m. ET on Monday, August 31.

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The Titans enter the process with the No. 4 waiver priority, allowing general manager Mike Borgonzi and the team’s personnel department to add young talent released by other teams before most of the league gets a chance to do so. In looking at the initial 53-man roster, cornerback, edge, and offensive line could be areas to monitor.

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The initial waiver order is based on the 2026 NFL draft order and will remain in effect through the first three weeks of the regular season. Beginning September 29, after the third regular-season weekend, waiver priority will be determined by the current standings, with strength of schedule and additional tiebreakers used when necessary.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: NFL cutdown day: Where do Titans sit in waiver wire priority

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Navone upsets Djokovic in first round of US Open

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NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic grinded through physical and internal ailments, made one mistake after another and could not find what it took to beat a feisty, younger opponent who was not intimidated under the lights against tennis’ most decorated player.

The 39-year-old is out of the U.S. Open after a first-round defeat to Mariano Navone on Sunday night, losing 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. It was the longest opening match of a Grand Slam in Djokovic’s career and became his earliest exit in one in two decades, dating to the 2006 Australian Open. He had never lost in the first round at the U.S. Open.

“I didn’t enjoy myself,” Djokovic said. “I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me.”

The record holder with 24 major titles threw up at least once and later appeared to be cramping when he grabbed at his left foot. Djokovic swallowed pills brought to him by a doctor and had his lower back massaged during a medical timeout between the fourth and fifth sets, and he grimaced after several shots.

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Djokovic made 70 unforced errors in a painful performance that ended mere minutes before midnight.

“It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there,” Djokovic said. “Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.”

With this defeat, 21 years to the day of his U.S. Open debut, the question now lingers as to whether this was Djokovic’s final match at this or any Grand Slam. After the loss, he said he was “trying to address really what’s going on and how far I can go this way.”

It was clear Djokovic was not himself, and the wear and tear of sickness and soreness took its toll. The No. 4 seed from Serbia cruised to early 3-0 and 4-1 leads before blowing them and losing the first set — the first time that happened to him in the first round of the U.S. Open since ’06.

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“Just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match,” Djokovic said. “When it comes to match itself and overall feeling of how I felt with body and playing, it was really not enjoyable. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that.

With his wife, Jelena, watching from the stands with worried looks on her face, Djokovic had moments where he looked like one of the best to play the sport. His fist pump was reserved after winning the second set, and he put his hand to his ear and gestured to the crowd for applause on the way to taking the third.

But Navone — a 25-year-old from Argentina who earlier this year won his first ATP singles title — did not go away.

Neither did the frustration of not being healthy or at his best. After firing a shot wide in the fourth set, Djokovic landed awkwardly and dropped his racket.

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Djokovic all but conceded the fourth set. But he was unable to muster enough for what would have been his 43rd five-set victory as Navone picked up his first, calling it a dream come true.

“(It) was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court,” said Navone, who idolized Djokovic growing up. “For sure it’s the best thing I’ve had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It’s amazing, the way we play. I mean, five sets. … I’m very happy. I don’t know. What can I say?”

It extended a nightmare stretch for Djokovic, who also lost in the first round at the hardcourt tuneup in Cincinnati earlier this month. That was his first action since losing to top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the semifinals at Wimbledon.

Djokovic expressed hope Saturday that his early exit at Cincinnati gave him more time to prepare for the U.S. Open but acknowledged concern that the first match at any tournament has become challenging for him in recent years. Instead of overcoming the hurdle and building from there, he is left to contemplate an uncertain future.

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Jonathan Agnew: Ollie Robinson has Australia to thank for tactic behind success

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Robinson can also thank Australia for bringing back into the fashion the age-old tactic of the wicketkeeper standing up to the stumps to pace bowlers.

Alex Carey did it so effectively during the Ashes and England are now copying with Robinson.

It may seem obvious but that tweak is really playing into Robinson’s strengths.

If the wicketkeeper was stood back the modern batsman would be walking down the pitch to Robinson. With Jamie Smith up they can’t because of the risk of being stumped.

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It means Robinson can bowl a yard fuller, giving his deliveries more time to swing through the air and means more of Robinson’s deliveries would hit the stumps rather than bouncing over from a shorter length.

Of course, you cannot do any of this without a good wicketkeeper. Praise must also go to Jamie Smith.

After we saw Smith struggle badly through the Ashes, he has clearly improved his glovework. Wicketkeeping coach Sarah Taylor has been working him hard before play with a drill where she whacks tennis balls towards him with a racket.

The ball skids through and, with a batsman stood in front edging, missing and hitting the ball, Smith has to stay low and take them.

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The results speaks for themselves.

Now the next question for Robinson is whether he can repeat this success on harder, flatter pitches, or in hot conditions which will test those fitness levels. England will face them in their three-Test series in South Africa this winter.

They have often left Robinson out for Test on more batter-friendly pitches but it is time for them to throw him in. He has earned that right.

England are working behind the scenes to get Robinson into the position where he maintains his pace around 82mph, rather than his current place of starting there before dropping to 77 or 78mph.

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If he does that, the extra bounce he will get as a result should negate the loss of movement.

And before then I desperately hope England do not rest Robinson, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson or Josh Tongue for the third Test in Edgbaston.

England’s new quartet has shown real promise. They may not have a frontline spinner but Robinson, who conceded runs at just 1.29 per over across the Lord’s Test, can effectively do the holding job of a slow bowler if needed.

Do not break things up now.

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After their poor run England just need to keep on winning matches and, just as importantly, this group needs to get used to bowling together as an attack.

Joe Root must also learn how to use each of them best.

This, with Robinson as the leader, is England’s best attack. Stick with it in Birmingham and beyond.

Jonathan Agnew was speaking to BBC Sport’s Matthew Henry

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East Zone 100/0 in 15.0 Overs

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Duleep Trophy Semi-final 1 Live Score: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi added another memorable chapter to his rapidly growing cricket story when the 15-year-old batting sensation briefly took over as captain of East Zone during their Duleep Trophy semi-final against Central Zone on Sunday.

East Zone captain Ishan Kishan won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that quickly paid dividends as Mukesh Kumar and Abhijit Sarkar led the bowling attack. The two right-arm pacers claimed three wickets each as Central Zone were bowled out for 266 in 80.1 overs. Mohammed Shami and off-spinner Md Kounain Quraishi chipped in with two wickets apiece.

Kishan was forced off the field midway through the morning session after being struck on his right wrist. With the regular captain away from the action, Sooryavanshi stepped in to lead East Zone for around an hour on either side of lunch before Kishan returned and resumed command.

The teenager showed impressive composure in his brief spell as captain. He successfully reviewed an on-field decision that initially went against East Zone, trusting his instincts after Aryan Juyal appeared to edge Mukesh Kumar behind. UltraEdge confirmed a spike, resulting in a crucial wicket.

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Central Zone’s innings was led by Rinku Singh, who scored 60 off 88 balls, while Juyal contributed 46. They slipped to 125 for five before Rinku and Harsh Dubey briefly revived the innings with a 55-run partnership. Once Dubey fell, Central Zone lost wickets regularly, despite a late 30 off 26 balls from Yash Thakur.

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Bay Area sports calendar, Aug. 31-Sept. 1

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MONDAY

BASEBALL

3p Giants at Atlanta NBCSBA (680, 104.5)

3:30p Miami at Washington FS1

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5p A’s at Texas NBCSCA (960)

CYCLING

5:30a Vuelta a España NBCSN Peacock

COLLEGE SOCCER

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4p Men: Indiana at Louisville ACC Net

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SOCCER

Noon EPL: Aston Villa vs. Arsenal USA

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5p NWSL: Angel City at Boston CBSSN

TENNIS

6a Tennis Channel Live at the U.S. Open Tennis Ch.

8:30a U.S. Open ESPN

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3p U.S. Open Match Point ESPN

4p U.S. Open ESPN ESPN2

TUESDAY

BASEBALL

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Giants at Pittsburgh NBCSBA (680, 104.5)

Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs TBS

A’s at Texas NBCSCA (960)

N.Y. Yankees at L.A. Angels MLB Net

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Minors: Salt Lake at Sacramento

CYCLING

Vuelta a España NBCSN Peacock

SOCCER

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Saudi League: Al Hilal vs. Al Ahli FS2

Canadian Championship FS2

TENNIS

Tennis Channel Live at the U.S. Open Tennis Ch.

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U.S. Open ESPN

U.S. Open Match Point ESPN

U.S. Open

ESPN2

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There’s more to San Francisco with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.

This article originally published at Bay Area sports calendar, Aug. 31-Sept. 1.

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Djokovic breaks down in tears during US Open first-round exit

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Novak Djokovic broke down in tears during a US Open first-round defeat by Argentina’s Mariano Navone which provided further evidence age is fast catching up with the 39-year-old great.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion was overcome by emotion in the deciding set of a dramatic match where he struggled physically throughout and had to vomit into a towel bin.

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Djokovic, seeded fourth in New York, showed the fight for which he has always been renowned before succumbing to a 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 loss.

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It was the first time the Serb had been beaten in the opening round at Flushing Meadows and the first time he had lost in the opening round of a Grand Slam tournament since 2006.

Djokovic managed to raise a smile as he congratulated 25-year-old Navone on what will rank as one of the biggest victories of the world number 49’s career.

But, after showing grace and class while congratulating his opponent, a disconsolate Djokovic was unable to keep a brave face for long and appeared close to tears again as he trudged back to the locker room.

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The defeat ended Djokovic’s latest bid for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title and further harms his chances of moving clear of Australia’s Margaret Court.

Djokovic had reached at least the semi-finals at six of the previous seven Grand Slams going into the US Open, but the manner which he struggled in the humid conditions was a worrying sight for his supporters.

Djokovic looked nauseous throughout a tense encounter and he appeared to be dealing with a similar issue to the one which affected the former world number one at the Cincinnati Open a fortnight ago.

In his only appearance on the North American hard courts before heading to New York, Djokovic wilted in humid conditions as he suffered a shock early exit at the hands of Argentina’s Thiago Tirante.

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After losing there to the world number 50, Djokovic revealed he had been hampered by a “health condition” which has been “bothering” him in oppressive conditions over the past couple of years.

How dramatic night in New York unfolded

Djokovic made a promising start as he broke Navone’s serve at the first attempt for a 2-0 lead, only to see that advantage wiped out in the seventh game as he begin to struggle in the humid conditions.

The catalyst for the former world number one’s troubles appeared to be a lengthy rally which sapped him of energy and left him struggling to recover.

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A flustered-looking Djokovic seemed to drop speed in both his serve and groundstrokes, calling out the doctor after the ninth game for some tablets to help alleviate what was bothering him.

Djokovic continued to look distressed as the opener moved into the tie-break – wearily bowing his head and bending over double between points – as Navone maintained his focus to strike first after one hour and 13 minutes.

As Djokovic toiled, an eerie hush fell around Arthur Ashe Stadium which indicated the crowd’s growing concern for the four-time champion.

So often Djokovic has found a way to win in moments of adversity. Was this going to be another example?

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The physical problems did continue to linger, but Djokovic perked up enough – seemingly helped by the cooler conditions under the roof – to create the only break points of a finely-poised second set.

After missing chances in the third and fifth games, he dug deep to strike for a 6-5 lead and served out to love as he levelled the match.

Djokovic becoming more animated in the early part of third set was a surefire sign he was starting to feel more like his old self – although not for too long.

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With the set locked on serve at 3-3, Djokovic looked unsteady on his feet again before pouncing on a poor service game from Navone to break for 5-4 and holding serve to move into the lead.

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These are the positions from which prime Djokovic would usually go on to win, even when he was struggling physically.

The fact he was unable to do that against Navone, who has never gone past the second round in New York, was another indication of his declining powers.

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What had been a tight match quickly ran away from Djokovic and became a difficult watch for the thousands still inside Ashe as local time fast approached midnight.

The atmosphere became subdued again as it became clear that Djokovic was not going to be able to wriggle out of trouble on this occasion.

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2026 US Open results: Novak Djokovic suffers stunning first-round loss to Mariano Navone

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The first shocking result of the 2026 U S Open came on Sunday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium when No. 4 seed and four-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic lost in five sets to Mariano Navone (7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1). 

Djokovic looked visibly ill during the match and wore down considerably as the match stretched beyond the third set. Djokovic, who has long dominated the later sets due to his fitness, found himself fading late and struggling to even win games against Navone. 

It’s by far the biggest win in the 25-year-old Argentinian’s career, and he’ll advance to the second round of the US Open for the second consecutive year. Navone was able to take advantage of his legendary opponent’s struggles, pouncing on an incredible 70 unforced errors from Djokovic in the match — with 29 of those coming in the final two sets. Over the fourth and fifth sets, Navone won an incredible 63.3% of the points as Djokovic failed to mount much of a challenge late. 

For Djokovic, Sunday’s loss snaps the longest streak of opening round wins in grand slam events in men’s or women’s tennis in the Open era. He came into the US Open with 78 consecutive first round match wins. The last time Djokovic lost in the first round of a grand slam was more than 20 years ago at the 2006 Australian Open, and he had never lost before the third round at the US Open. 

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The 39-year-old has been chasing his 25th grand slam title for three years, and Sunday’s shocker guarantees that wait continues into 2027 — if he chooses to continue playing. Djokovic has now gone 12 consecutive grand slam events without a title, tied for the longest drought of his career (2005-07). 

Djokovic losing in the first round throws the men’s draw further into chaos. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is already sitting out due to a lingering knee issue and No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz is a question mark in his first tournament back since missing the French Open and Wimbledon due to a wrist injury. 

Djokovic has been a fixture in the second week of grand slams for two decades, but now his quarter of the draw will open considerably. That creates an even greater opportunity for the Americans in the field to finally snap the 23-year grand slam drought since Andy Roddick won the 2003 US Open, with Brandon Nakashima the American player directly impacted as part of Djokovic’s quarter. 

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Ruoning Yin returns to winner’s circle with emotional victory in Boston

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NORTON, Mass. — After two years without a victory, Ruoning Yin finally had her moment again.

Yin closed out a hard-fought final round Sunday at the FM Championship with a 2-under 70, including a two-putt birdie on the par-5 18th to win by two and capture the sixth LPGA Tour title of her career.

The victory was Yin’s first since 2024 and came after a week in which she repeatedly found herself battling for the lead with Hyo Joo Kim and Sei Young Kim. She stayed patient throughout the final round, even as the leaderboard shifted, and finished the week with 24 birdies—the most of any player in the field.

More significantly, Yin joined a prestigious club, one that only five other players have managed to crack. With Sunday’s win, she became just the sixth player in the last 15 years to win at least six LPGA Tour events, including a major championship, before age 24.

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“It’s been so long since my last win,” Yin said. “And then I know I work hard and also my team, my mom is here. Just everything just comes together.”

And everything did come together for Yin.

She opened her round with a birdie and two bogeys over her first four holes before settling in. Back-to-back birdies on 6 and 7 moved her back into contention, and after a bogey on the par-4 10th, she answered with another birdie on No. 12.

Then came the final hole. Yin went for the green in two, and it paid off, leaving just 18 feet putt for eagle. She rolled it close, securing a two-putt birdie and, with it, the championship.

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“I hit a good shot and I was telling myself, just slow down and make a good tempo, make a good swing, and then I did it,” Yin said.

For Yin, the win meant more than another trophy or paycheck. After spending the past two seasons searching for a win, Sunday provided a reminder that she still belongs in the winner’s circle.

“I think this one definitely boosts my confidence a little bit more, and, you know, I just want to enjoy the moment,” she said.

While Yin celebrated a return to the top, Sunday also marked the end of an era for another player.

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Anna Nordqvist, who announced her retirement earlier in the week, played the final round of her LPGA Tour career at TPC Boston. As she walked off the 9th green — her 18th hole of the day — Nordqvist was overcome with emotion, surrounded by fellow players, caddies and friends who had been part of her 18-year career.

“I’m not really sure how to feel,” Nordqvist said afterward. “Nothing ever prepares you for this moment. I’m definitely going to miss it.”

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Could The Cowboys Miss The Postseason? Predicting Every NFC Division Winner

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NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Will the Seattle Seahawks be able to fend off the Los Angeles Rams and win the NFC West again? Who will win the tight battle for the NFC North? 

With the regular season quickly approaching, Colin Cowherd provided his division predictions and projected playoff field for the NFC on Wednesday’s edition of The Herd. 

Highlighting a mix of returning contenders and rising rosters, Cowherd forecasted three new playoff teams across the conference while breaking down all four divisions.

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“I’ve got three new playoff teams in the NFC: the Lions, the Saints, and the Giants,” Cowherd said.

Here’s how Cowherd predicts the placement of all four divisions in the NFC.

National Football LeagueNFC East

1.

Philadelphia Eagles

Starting with the NFC East, Cowherd picked the Philadelphia Eagles to retain the division crown, pointing to roster continuity along the offensive line and past success under Jalen Hurts. 

“Jalen Hurts, since he became a full-time starter, has the winningest record in the NFL. I’m just going with this very, very well-run organization,” Cowherd said.

Despite losing A.J. Brown, Philadelphia added Dontayvion Wicks and drafted USC receiver Makai Lemon, returning all five offensive line starters with the seventh-easiest schedule in the league.

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2.

New York Giants

Behind Philadelphia, Cowherd projected the New York Giants to finish ahead of the Dallas Cowboys for second place, should Jaxson Dart stay healthy.

“They were one and seven last year in those one-score games, worst in the league,” Cowherd said about the Giants. “And in fact, they blew five games in which they had a fourth-quarter lead. That is going to, even if it evens out, even if it doesn’t totally flip, it will even out. If Jackson Dart can stay out of the blue tent, I think it’s a playoff team.”

Following a tough year in close games in 2025, Cowherd thinks the scales will balance out for the Giants in 2026.

3.

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Dallas Cowboys

Cowherd pointed to a trend from last season as the reason why he thinks the Cowboys could hold themselves back.

“Here’s the other thing, which has become a disturbing trend for the Cowboys. They were the most penalized team in the NFL last year. They did some big things well, like scoring. They did a lot of little things poorly. I have the Cowboys better, but not a playoff team.”

4.

Washington Commanders

Washington was placed fourth in the division, pointing to roster turnover at key positions like left tackle and overall roster age as major obstacles for their prospects.

“Washington just doesn’t have enough talent. They lost Laremy Tunsil, their left tackle, who’s a beast. Second-oldest roster in the NFL. I just don’t like Washington right now going forward,” Cowherd said.

National Football LeagueNFC North

1.

Detroit Lions

Moving to the NFC North, Cowherd went with the Detroit Lions to win the division, citing offensive firepower and draft adjustments.

“I think the Lions have a combination of the best roster in the division and the easiest schedule in the entire league this year,” Cowherd said. “I would argue quarterback, running back, tight end, wide receivers, they have the best group in the NFL.”

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Cowherd added last year was considered a down year for Detroit and the offense still wound up amongst the league’s best.

“They were the only team to have a top-five scoring offense in the last four years. Even last year, when they struggled, it was top five.”

2.

Chicago Bears

Last year’s NFC North champions, the Chicago Bears, were picked to finish second in 2026 by Cowherd.

“They were a great fourth quarter team last year. They probably can’t quite equal that magic, but when they won the turnover battle, and nobody talks about this one, Chicago, they were 10-1 when they won the turnover battle,” Cowherd said. 

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Cowherd also pointed to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who does not have a history of turning the ball over.

“Caleb Williams doesn’t turn the ball over. He didn’t in high school. He didn’t in college. Even in the Eberflus year, 20 touchdowns, six picks. He is not a turnover quarterback. I have them for second.”

3.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers were picked by Cowherd to finish third in the division, despite the number of key pieces they have slated to return, ahead of the Minnesota Vikings.

“Not only do they get Michael Parsons back in October, but they also get Tucker Kraft back, who looks to be a star young tight end in the NFL for years to come. Christian Watson got hurt. Jaden Reed got hurt,” Cowherd said.

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Cowherd also suggested the Packers may have reached their ceiling.

“They’ve not been a great September team, but they’ve been a wild card team in the last three seasons,” Cowherd said.

4.

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota landed in fourth place in Cowherd’s prediction, but he said this shouldn’t discredit what the Vikings are capable of.

“Minnesota is going to be the best fourth-place team in the NFL,” Cowherd said. “Christian Darrisaw is back at left tackle. I love the coach and the defensive coordinator. There’s not a lot here I don’t like, but Kyler Murray’s backup is either J.J. McCarthy or Carson Wentz. I don’t trust either.”

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Despite an established coaching staff and offensive line talent, backup quarterback depth creates vulnerability behind starter Kyler Murray. Cowherd also pointed out how prone to turnovers and the injury history of all three quarterbacks on the roster. 

National Football LeagueNFC South

1.

New Orleans Saints

The NFC South featured a surprise pick from Cowherd, with the New Orleans Saints taking first place behind quarterback Tyler Shough, thanks in part to a favorable schedule.

“Second easiest schedule in football is the Saints,” Cowherd said. “I thought they played very well at the end of last year. Tyler Shough, nobody paid attention, but they won four of their last five games.”

Cowherd added that the NFC South is usually unpredictable most seasons.

“This is a division where you see teams go from last to first on a regular basis.”

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2.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers were picked for second place, highlighting leadership under Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan alongside offensive line stability for Bryce Young.

“I think Carolina has the coach and the general manager for the future. Dave Canales and Dan Morgan are excellent. I think they’ve given Bryce Young a lot to work with.”

Cowherd also pointed out the inconsistencies on the offensive line last year.

“They had 11 different starting O-line combinations last year, so it was a bit of a mess in front of Bryce Young. I think they’ll get that corrected,” Cowherd said.

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3.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay was picked to finish third by Cowherd, who pointed to recent offensive slumps, defensive regressions, and coaching pressure following late-season struggles.

“You got a coach on the hot seat. You got a new offensive coordinator, 20th-ranked defense last year. No Mike Evans. Lost seven of the nine games down the stretch,” Cowherd said. “So they were a bit of a mess offensively, and they weren’t great defensively.”

4.

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta rounded out the division in fourth place, with Cowherd citing early road schedule challenges and unanswered questions at quarterback.

“I like the coach, like the owner. I think the GM is pretty sharp. There’s a couple of players like Drake London, a Bijan Robinson I love, but who’s the quarterback? We don’t know,” Cowherd said. “Cross my fingers with Michael Penix, but they start with three of their first four games on the road.”

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National Football LeagueNFC West

1.

Seattle Seahawks

In the NFC West, Cowherd selected the Seattle Seahawks to claim the division title over the Los Angeles Rams, praising Seattle’s performance in road games and young core talent.

“Here’s what I love about Seattle: the last two years best road team in the league, and I mean a fantastic road team, 15 and two,” Cowherd said. “They’re returning all their best players. All of them are in their prime.”

Cowherd went on to highlight the Seahawks’ ability to win away from home and performance against other playoff teams as key factors.

2.

Los Angeles Rams

Cowherd placed the Rams second as Super Bowl contenders, acknowledging both Seattle and Los Angeles rank among the top teams in the league.

“They return all 11 offensive starters. There’s no reason to debate this. They could win the Super Bowl. I think these two teams, in my opinion, are the best two teams in the NFL: Seahawks, Rams, one and two in my book,” Cowherd said.

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However, the hype surrounding the Rams is not enough to convince Cowherd.

“I’ll take Seattle to win over the Rams. Everybody in the world’s telling me the Rams are going to win the Super Bowl. The team is hearing that. You know what?” Cowherd said. “They’re going to be a really really good team and win 11 games. I think Seattle could win 12.”

3.

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco was picked to finish third by Cowherd, pointing to an aging roster coming off major surgical recoveries and defensive pass rush struggles.

“They were 20th ranked in defense. They struggled to get to the quarterback. They have the oldest roster,” Cowherd said. “They are highly reliant at left tackle, running back, edge rusher, linebacker on veteran players who are coming off injuries.”

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4.

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona was projected to finish fourth in the division as the team undergoes a rebuild while playing in arguably the toughest division in football.

“Arizona, bit of a mess. 0-6 against the division last year,” Cowherd said. “They’re playing like the Jets for next year’s draft. Arizona at fourth place.”

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US Open 2026 results: Toby Samuel earns first Grand Slam main-draw win but Cameron Norrie suffers early exit

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British qualifier Toby Samuel broke more new ground with a dominant victory over Tomas Machac on his US Open main-draw debut.

The 23-year-old came from a set down in each of his three qualifying matches in New York this week to guarantee a third Grand Slam appearance of the year.

However, he had no such issues against former world number 20 Machac, wrapping up a 6-2 6-3 6-2 victory in just over 90 minutes to register his first win at a Grand Slam.

“It means everything to me. It’s what I dreamt of as a kid watching these big tournaments,” Samuel told BBC Radio 5 Live.

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“Being able to win my first Grand Slam match is unbelievable.”

Just two years ago, Samuel fell to almost 2,000th in the world rankings as bone bruising in his right arm ruled him out of much of the 2024 season.

He now sits inside the top 100 in the live ATP rankings, along with earning $140,000 (£103,000) in prize money in the biggest payday of his career so far.

Samuel won 36 of 39 matches on the ATP Challenger Tour to return to the top 300 last year, but has reached new heights in 2026.

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The Winchester native came through qualifying to make his Grand Slam debut at the French Open, having never previously contested a single match on the ATP Tour.

He continued that momentum with a run to the semi-finals at Eastbourne, a Wimbledon wildcard, and a third Challenger crown of the year on Winnipeg’s hard courts.

Samuel’s new ranking would secure automatic qualification for next January’s Australian Open, completing the set of major appearances a year after making his top-250 debut.

He is joined in the second round in New York by compatriot Katie Boulter, who battled past American wildcard Carol Young Suh Lee 6-4 3-6 6-0.

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