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ESPN Keeps Hope Alive for J.J. McCarthy

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J.J. McCarthy throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws during first-half action against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. On Dec. 14, 2025, McCarthy continued his first season as Minnesota’s starting quarterback while facing another playoff contender on the road. The young passer remained one of the franchise’s most closely watched players. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy faces a very pivotal year in 2026, his third season as a pro after Minnesota drafted him as the franchise quarterback solution in 2024. The club also has Kyler Murray in the mix to compete with McCarthy for the top job this summer, so much so that some have wondered if McCarthy has played his last game in Minnesota as a starter.

According to ESPN, McCarthy has done no such thing — and he might even win the battle over Murray.

Vikings QB Competition Has Room for a McCarthy Surge

J.J. McCarthy warms up during Vikings training camp practice in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy warms up during training camp practice in Eagan as preparations continued for the upcoming season. McCarthy took part in drills on August 2, 2024, while Minnesota evaluated the rookie quarterback during his first NFL camp and began building the offense around its future signal-caller. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Dan Graziano: Don’t Rule McCarthy Out Just Yet

Graziano of ESPN sized up hot takes around the NFL this week, evaluating whether they were overreactions. Along the way, he chimed in on McCarthy’s future.

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“J.J. McCarthy has started his last game for the Vikings. Verdict: OVERREACTION. McCarthy could prove to be the better option in camp. If that happens, the players on the roster will see that and buy into the decision. You could make the case that the best outcome for the Vikings is for McCarthy to win the job and become the player they thought he could be when they moved up to draft him,” Graziano opined.

“But even if that doesn’t happen in camp, Murray is far from a perfect solution, which is why the Cardinals are paying him $36 million this year to play for someone else. If McCarthy reacts to being thrust into a competition the way the Vikings hope he does, he could end up starting games for them this season.”

The Vikings have not had a genuine quarterback battle in a long time; the stage is set for July and August.

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Graziano continued, “He’s also under contract for 2026, whereas Murray is not (and Murray’s contract includes a no-franchise tag provision). Sure, it’s possible Murray thrives in O’Connell’s offense while McCarthy crumbles.”

“But either outcome is far from a sure thing. There’s a long way to go before the start of the 2026 season, let alone the end of it. And on some level at least, the Vikings hope there’s still a long way to go in McCarthy’s NFL story.”

Some Momentum in the Battle?

When the very first week of OTAs got underway, McCarthy turned heads with comments that some perceived as bizarre. He said welcoming Murray into the mix felt like a high school situation, while Murray offered a more diplomatic reply to the same question.

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Thereafter, when action actually translated to the field, McCarthy and Murray traded productive outings, with McCarthy even gaining momentum in a battle that most assume Murray will win. Murray threw some interceptions, and McCarthy looked sturdier.

It’s the cycle of a quarterback competition — ups and downs — and go-time at training camp is about five weeks away. Murray remains the frontrunner, but McCarthy isn’t a chump.

Teammates Believe in McCarthy

Vikings right tackle O’Neill said about McCarthy in early May, “Even through some of the low points, I mean, we were 4-8 at one point last year. We rattled off five straight. Like, guys believe in him, and guys wanted us to figure it out and be better as an offense. You hear the term ‘lose the locker room.’ He had the locker room more than anybody I’d seen ever.”

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“You want to root for him. You want to do well, and you want him to keep taking those next steps. If I was judged after my first 10 games in the NFL, I’m not playing right now. There’s a part of it where he’s still so fresh, and he’s only going to continue to get better. The whole attitude from us was, ‘How do we go there as an offense together?’”

J.J. McCarthy prepares before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy goes through pregame warmups before a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. McCarthy prepared on August 10, 2024, by working on mechanics and timing as Minnesota evaluated its rookie passer during one of his earliest NFL appearances under the home lights. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

McCarthy’s former teammate, Adam Thielen, echoed the sentiment, saying a few weeks ago, “He’s got all the traits to be a successful quarterback in this league. He has the skills. He has the strong arm. He has the mindset that not a lot of guys have, has this dog mentality that everyone wants to find. So, I love those two aspects of him. I think he’s a guy who loves football; he loves his teammates.”

“You feel that in the locker room with him. Now, was there some things that he needs to work on? Yes. Absolutely. He knows that. And I think he’s gone to the drawing board this offseason, I think he’s taken feedback from coach O’Connell, and coach, I think, was very candid with him of ‘This is what you need to improve on.’”

O’Neill and Thielen wouldn’t make that stuff up. As much as possible in a quarterback battle, McCarthy has the support of his teammates.

Besting Murray Still a Daunting Task

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In the end, let’s face it: Murray has more experience, and he didn’t sign with the Vikings to play backup quarterback. ESPN can remain hopeful about McCarthy, and that’s fine, but Murray will likely be the Week 1 starter.

J.J. McCarthy drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy drops back to pass against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. McCarthy worked through his progressions on November 9, 2025, during live game action as the Vikings offense developed around the young quarterback in his first season leading Minnesota’s attack. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

A more realistic best-case scenario is for McCarthy to shine if Murray gets hurt — which happens to Murray. The former Cardinal has missed about one-quarter of his career starts; there’s no reason to believe he’d suddenly become durable and healthy in Minnesota.

When that time comes, McCarthy will have his big moment. Theoretically, he could ball out, and the Vikings’ original draft plan from 2024 would just be on track.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

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Man City vs Inter LIVE confirmed squad members plus early team news and how to watch

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Goalkeepers: Marcus Bettinelli, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Jack Wint, Max Chabot

Defenders: Rayan Ait-Nouri, Vitor Reis, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Kaden Braithwaite, Max Alleyne, Rico Lewis, Matty Henderson-Hall, Stephen Mfuni

Midfielders: Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, Claudio Echeverri, Floyd Samba, Jaden Heskey, Xavier Parker

Forwards: Savinho, Jeremy Monga, Antoine Semenyo, Phil Foden, Ryan McAidoo, Divine Mukasa, Divin Mubama, Mahamadou Sangare

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Read more about the selections and who had missed out here>>>

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 16: Phil Foden holds the FA Cup trophy in the air as he sits on the shoulder of Gianluigi Donnarumma during the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester City on May 16, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

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Zavier Lucero laments lapses in close Magnolia loss

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Magnolia Hotshots' Zavier Lucero during a game vs Ran or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2026 PBA Governors' Cup

Magnolia Hotshots’ Zavier Lucero during a game vs Ran or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Magnolia forward Zavier Lucero was humble in defeat in the Hotshots’ heartbreaking 98-97 loss to Rain or Shine in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday.

Instead of playing the blame game, Lucero owned up to his mistakes and said he could’ve done better to help quell the Elasto Painters’ fourth-quarter rally.

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“Today, I feel like I let the guys down a little bit,” he told the Inquirer. “I didn’t produce as much as I hoped I would.”

“My role in this team is to defend… Tonight, I don’t think I did too good of a job but that’s basketball.”

Lucero finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, along with a steal and a block.

However, he couldn’t help stop not one, but two clutch baskets from Adrian Nocum in the paint that ultimately spelled doom for the Hotshots.

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Still, Lucero vowed to learn from the loss while tipping his hat to import KJ Buffen, who picked up the slack offensively.

“He draws so much attention as expected, he’s the import. He’s a really good player,” he said of Buffen, who also ended up with a double-double of 31 points and 17 rebounds.

“He’s really good and I’m just trying to pick up the pieces.”

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Lucero looks to bounce back on Sunday when Magnolia takes on Barangay Ginebra in the newest chapter of the “Manila Clasico” rivalry at Araneta Coliseum.



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Clark records triple-double in Fever’s victory over Fire

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PORTLAND, Ore. — Caitlin Clark had 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for her fourth career triple-double, and the Indiana Fever won their fifth straight with a 112-98 victory over the Portland Fire on Friday night. 

Kelsey Mitchell also had 26 points for the Fever (19-10), who have won nine of their last 11 and had five straight games with 100 points. 

Bridget Carleton had 26 points for the Fire (11-18), who have lost four straight.

The Fever pulled away in the third quarter, going up by 18 points to lead 90-72 heading into the fourth quarter. Makayla Timpson hit a layup that pushed the lead to 10 points to open the fourth. 

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Portland closed the gap, pulling to 98-88 on Carleton’s 3-pointer with 4:08 left. She had a layup that made it 100-93 to get the Fire even closer. Clark hit free throws to make it 110-96 with just a minute to go and the Fire ran out of time. 

There was a pregame rally outside of the Moda Center in support of Sophie Cunningham and her recent comments about barring transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports. A similar rally was held before the Fever’s 105-94 victory at the Seattle Storm on Tuesday. 

Cunningham was booed by the Moda Center crowd when she came into the game midway through the first quarter. Shortly thereafter, she hit a three-pointer that put the Fever up 14-8. Cunningham finished with 13 points.

Megan DiLeo’s three-pointer put the Fire up 36-30, but the Fever clawed back a 56-47 lead at the half. Clark led the Fever with 17 first-half points. 

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The game was a sellout with a Fire-record 19,959 in attendance. 

Fever: At Minnesota on Sunday.

Fire: Host Los Angeles on Sunday. 

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Redblacks one loss away from tying modern-era CFL record for longest losing streak

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New coaching staff, same old results for the Ottawa Redblacks.

Despite bringing in two-time Grey Cup-winning head coach Ryan Dinwiddie this season, the Redblacks fell to 0-7 with a 34-13 loss to the Montreal Alouettes on Friday in the nation’s capital.

Dating back to last season, it marked the 13th consecutive loss for a Redblacks team that has not won a playoff game since 2018. It was also Ottawa’s 13th loss in a row against its closest geographical rival.

The latest loss puts the Redblacks just one defeat away from tying the modern-era — since the creation of the CFL in 1958 — league record for most losses in a row.

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The record was set by the Shreveport Pirates, who lost their first 14 games in their expansion season in 1994.

The Pirates were owned by former Ottawa Rough Riders and Renegades owners Bernie and Lonnie Glieberman, who presided over some dismal days in Ottawa football.

The Gliebermans bolted from Ottawa late in the Rough Riders era to start the Pirates franchise, which lasted two years in Louisiana before the CFL gave up on its American experiment. The father-son duo returned to Ottawa in 2005 for the final year of the Renegades before that franchise folded. Bernie passed away in 2024.

The Redblacks, who brought Ottawa back to the CFL in 2014, will have their hands full avoiding the record book. They play their next three games on the road, starting next Friday in Saskatchewan, followed by contests in Winnipeg and Montreal.

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Six other teams also lost 13 games in a row before avoiding a 14th consecutive defeat.

The Redblacks still have a ways to go to match the all-time Canadian football record, set by the Ottawa Senators and Rough Riders, who lost 25 in a row from 1928 to 1932. The Hamilton Wildcats sit second, with 16 straight defeats from 1948 to ’49.

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Chris Newsome urges quick turnaround for Meralco after loss

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Meralco Bolts' Chris Newsome and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings' Riley Grigsby during a game in the 2026 PBA Governors' Cup.Meralco Bolts' Chris Newsome and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings' Riley Grigsby during a game in the 2026 PBA Governors' Cup.

Meralco Bolts’ Chris Newsome and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Riley Grigsby during a game in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Meralco guard Chris Newsome knows the Bolts can’t afford to dwell on another setback in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup.

The veteran guard stressed the importance of moving on quickly after the Bolts fell to Barangay Ginebra, 84-75, at Mall of Asia Arena on Friday.

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“We got to have short-term memory. It’s tough when you lose a game like that. We didn’t have momentum, we didn’t shoot well, it was one of those nights that you want to try and forget quickly,” he told the Inquirer.

“With a game on Sunday, that’s exactly what we have to do. We have to find a way to erase this one.”

Playing with a depleted lineup, the Bolts trailed from start to finish after falling behind, 18-10, at the end of the first quarter and never matched the Gin Kings’ intensity.

With a 2-3 card and a long break looming, Newsome hopes Meralco quickly shifts its focus to Sunday’s matchup against a surging Rain or Shine squad at Araneta Coliseum.

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“We have to stay positive in the things that we do. We have to continue to trust what we do even if it didn’t show up today,” he said.

“Things aren’t gonna go your way all the time but we have to stay strong and keep pushing forward.”



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Judo gold rush, Neeraj Chopra claims silver, Tejaswin Shankar scripts decathlon history

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Team India enjoyed a landmark ninth day at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday, July 31. Highlighted by a historic double gold sweep on the judo mat, a podium finish in the men’s javelin throw, and a groundbreaking medal in athletics, the Indian contingent added significantly to its collection as the Games hit their climax. Team India’s medal tally stands at 23 won medals after day 9, along with 10 guaranteed medals locked in for upcoming finals.

Here is a full breakdown of how Team India performed across venues on Day 9.


Judo: Twin Commonwealth Games golds and silver mark red-letter day for Indian combat sports

Judo - Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Day 8 - Source: GettyJudo - Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Day 8 - Source: Getty
Judo – Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: Day 8 – Source: Getty

India’s judokas produced a standout performance at the venue, delivering one of the finest single-day displays in the country’s Commonwealth Games history.

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Asmita Dey scripts Golden Score drama

In the women’s 48kg final, young judoka Asmita Dey displayed remarkable resilience against Canada’s Heidi Quach. After a tight bout during regulation time, the contest moved into Golden Score overtime, where Asmita executed a decisive throw to score a Yuko and secure India’s first judo gold medal in Glasgow.

Harsh Singh doubles the gold tally

Minutes later in the men’s 60kg final, Harsh Singh completed a flawless tournament run. Taking on Australia’s Joshua Katz, Harsh remained composed before scoring a crucial point in the closing moments to bag India’s second judo gold medal of the day.

Yamini Maurya earns silver

In the women’s 57kg final, Yamini Maurya added to India’s combat medal count with a hard-fought silver medal. Yamini reached the final following an emphatic 98-second Ippon victory in her semi-final bout before falling short against England’s Acelya Toprak.


Track & field: Javelin double podium and historic decathlon medal at Commonwealth Games

Neeraj Chopra takes silver; Yash Vir Singh claims bronze

The marquee event of the evening took place at the stadium in the men’s javelin throw final. Two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra registered a season-best effort of 85.83m to claim the silver medal. Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage captured gold with a massive 89.75m throw.

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Joining Chopra on the podium was teammate Yash Vir Singh, who launched a personal best throw of 85.41m on his final attempt to snatch the bronze medal and secure a 2-3 finish for India.

Tejaswin Shankar scripts decathlon history

Multi-event athlete Tejaswin Shankar turned in a heroic two-day performance across ten grueling disciplines to claim the bronze medal in the men’s decathlon with a total of 7,976 points. Shankar’s podium finish marks India’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal in the decathlon.


Boxing: Unbeaten semi-final sweep sends ten Indians into finals of Commonwealth Games 2026

India’s boxing squad put together a dominant session, winning all scheduled semi-final bouts to guarantee ten spots in the gold medal clashes:

  • Women’s 54kg: Preeti Pawar defeated Zambia’s Catherine Mwape via a unanimous 5-0 decision.
  • Men’s 80kg: Ankush Panghal controlled his bout against Canada’s Joshua Ofori to advance.
  • Women’s 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria notched a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) victory over Lesotho’s Rapelanf Maselela.
  • Women’s 70kg: Arundhati Chaudhary comfortably defeated Rosie Eccles of Wales.
  • Men’s 55kg: Jadumani Singh outpointed Namibia’s Philip Haoseb via unanimous decision.
  • Women’s 51kg & 60kg: Sakshi Chaudhary and Priya Ghanghas sealed victories over their respective semi-final opponents.
  • Heavyweight bouts: Lovlina Borgohain, Sachin Siwach, and Narender Berwal closed out the day with semi-final wins.

Lawn bowls and track cycling at Commonwealth Games

Here is the performance of Indian athletes at lawn bowls and track racing on day 9:

  • Lawn bowls: The men’s pairs duo of Navneet Singh and Dinesh Kumar extended their unbeaten run by defeating the Falkland Islands 2-0 in sectional play to move into the knockout rounds. In women’s singles, Nayanmoni Saikia posted a convincing 2-0 win over Zambia’s Mildred Mkandawire.
  • Track cycling: Harshveer Sekhon and Dinesh Kumar competed in the men’s 4000m individual pursuit qualification rounds but missed out on advancing to the final heat.