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. 

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. 

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.

“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.

“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.

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.”

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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. 

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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. 

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.”

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

“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.

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.

The Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season got off to an exciting start as Matchday 1 produced goals, comebacks, penalty conversions and dramatic late finishes across the country.

Rivers United, Ikorodu City, Barau FC, Doma United and Niger Tornadoes were among the teams to begin the campaign with victories, while Rangers International and Kwara United scored very late goals to rescue points.

Heavy rain also disrupted the meeting between Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat in Aba.

Shooting Stars edge Inter Lagos

Shooting Stars began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos in a South-West derby in Ibadan.

Lucky Emmanuel put the Oluyole Warriors ahead in the 15th minute, but Uchenna Njoku equalised for Inter Lagos seven minutes later.

Shooting Stars regained the lead just before half-time after they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time. Sodiq Ibrahim made no mistake from the spot in the 45+2nd minute.

The goal proved to be the winner as the hosts claimed all three points.

Ikorodu City complete comeback

Ikorodu City came from behind to beat Ranchers Bees 3-1.

Chiedozie Jude Okorie gave Ranchers Bees an early lead in the seventh minute, but Umar Dan’Azumi levelled the scores in the 30th minute.

Abayomi Ayodeji then completed the turnaround in first-half stoppage time.

Ikorodu City sealed the victory in the 87th minute when Farouk Salami converted a penalty.

Barau FC defeat Nasarawa United

Barau FC recorded an impressive 3-1 win over Nasarawa United.

Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Abubakar Abdullahi equalised for Nasarawa United five minutes later.

Barau FC stepped up their performance late in the game, with Al’Amin Umar restoring their lead in the 78th minute.

Sugau Aliyu added a third four minutes later to complete the victory.

Bendel Insurance fight back against Warri Wolves

Bendel Insurance came from behind to beat Warri Wolves 2-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Eventus Itolowo gave Warri Wolves the lead in the fifth minute, but Kayode Oke equalised for Bendel Insurance from the penalty spot in the 20th minute.

Alex Oweilayefa completed the comeback just two minutes after the restart, scoring in the 47th minute to secure three points for the Benin Arsenal.

Rangers rescue point in stoppage time

Rangers International scored deep into stoppage time to earn a 1-1 draw against Katsina United.

Luis Dadong put Katsina United ahead in the 38th minute and the visitors looked set to hold on for victory.

However, Rangers refused to give up and were rewarded in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Chibueze Oputa’s free-kick caused confusion in the Katsina United defence, with goalkeeper Koroma unable to keep the ball out.

The dramatic equaliser ensured both sides shared the points.

Rivers United make winning start

Rivers United enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Plateau United.

Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Wasiu Falolu doubled the advantage in the 38th minute.

Plateau United could not find a response after the break as Rivers United secured a clean sheet and maximum points.

Kwara United stage late comeback

Kwara United and Kano Pillars shared the points after a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Kano Pillars took a commanding first-half lead through Shola Abdulraheem in the 12th minute and Rabiu Ali in the 29th minute.

Kwara United responded immediately after the break, with Alex Jerry reducing the deficit in the 47th minute.

Jerry then became the hero in the seventh minute of stoppage time, scoring again to rescue a point for the hosts.

Niger Tornadoes stun Enyimba

Niger Tornadoes claimed a 2-1 victory over Enyimba.

Aliyu Goyi gave Niger Tornadoes the lead in the 40th minute before Wonah Williams equalised for Enyimba in the 71st minute.

The hosts regained the advantage in the 83rd minute through Michael Olalusi, who secured an important opening-day victory.

Doma United defeat Sporting Lagos

Doma United started the season with a 2-0 win over Sporting Lagos.

Sadiq Rilwan gave the home side an early lead after just eight minutes.

Doma United remained organised and doubled their advantage through Daniel Simon in the 75th minute to complete a convincing victory.

Rain stops Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifat

The only Matchday 1 fixture that could not be completed was the meeting between Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat in Aba.

The game remained goalless until heavy rain forced proceedings to be stopped in the 73rd minute.

The remaining 17 minutes are scheduled to be played the following morning.

Euromatch NPFL Matchday 1 results

• Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos
• Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees
• Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United
• Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves
• Rangers International 1-1 Katsina United
• Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United
• Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars
• Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba
• Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos
• Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat (abandoned in 73rd minute)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Ryan Garcia makes the first defence of his WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn on September 12 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and Paulie Malignaggi does not believe it’s a hard fight to call.

Garcia claimed the belt in February with a wide unanimous decision over Mario Barrios, having previously lost his first fight at 147lbs to Rolando Romero. The victory over Barrios secured the first full world title of Garcia’s career and set up a high-profile maiden defence against mandatory challenger Benn.

For Benn, the contest brings a very different challenge. The Brit has not fought at the welterweight limit since stopping Chris van Heerden in April 2022 and has since competed as high as middleweight in two fights with Chris Eubank Jr.

He has already admitted that the cut back down to 147lbs has been ‘brutal’ and confirmed that the Garcia fight will be his final appearance at welterweight before moving back up. His most recent outing came at a 150lb catchweight against Regis Prograis in April.

Former two-weight world champion Malignaggi has now given his verdict to Fight Hub TV on the match-up, and was particularly dismissive of Benn’s credentials at the top level.

“I think [Garcia] knocks [Benn] out, only because Ryan’s strong. Conor’s a tough kid, but he’s not good. And I don’t see how he avoids eventually just getting knocked out. Ryan’s not the kind of guy that will assault you, but he will put hands on you and hit you with a sneaky shot you don’t see.

“Conor doesn’t have the skills to be in there, man. He doesn’t hit hard enough. He wants to hit hard enough, but, I’ll say it bro, after the whole steroids scandal – I know he was cleared and all that – but the guy [was] hitting hard before that, and he hasn’t hit hard after that. It’s kind of self-explanatory in some ways if you want to think about it and generate a pretty strong opinion. I don’t think he’s strong enough or good enough. Ryan, streamer or not, he still had 200 amateur fights and he’s world class.”

The fight will be Benn’s first world title opportunity, while Garcia will be looking to strengthen his position at 147lbs with a successful first defence. The bout headlines a Zuffa Boxing card in Las Vegas and will be shown live on Paramount+ globally, with DAZN carrying it in the UK and Ireland.

Scottie Scheffler secured the FedEx Cup for the second time in his career as he won the Tour Championship by three shots from Viktor Hovland at East Lake.

Scheffler’s closing round of 66 lifted him above overnight leader Hovland, who struggled on the greens, making three bogeys in a round of 72.

There was one late scare for Scheffler when he found the thick rough with his tee shot on the 18th, but by the time he did so Hovland had just bogeyed the 17th to give the world number one extra breathing space – and Scheffler recovered to make par regardless as he added to the FedEx Cup he won in 2024.

It was a day when most players struggled to score well, but Scheffler showed his class with the joint best round of the day alongside Xander Schauffele.

“The golf course got a bit firmer, there was some wind – I feel like for Atlanta this feels like a lot of wind,” Scheffler said. “With the way the rough is, when it gets firm the fair starts to play a little bit more narrow.

“Today was a day when I was able to get off to a good start and I was able to make some birdies late in the round to seal the deal.”

Hovland started the day with a three-shot advantage over Scheffler but opened with a bogey and quickly saw his advantage disappear as a number of near misses on the greens proved costly.

Rory McIlroy had given himself a chance of contending with a superb round of 63 on Saturday, but three bogeys in the first five holes quickly showed he was in for a more difficult final day.

The Northern Irishman reversed some of that damage with an outstanding eagle on the par-five sixth, hitting a superb second shot to within 12 feet of the hole, but another bogey followed on the fourth on a frustrating day as he finished five shots off Scheffler in a tie for fourth.

Justin Rose hit a superb hole in one on the par-three nine, but it was needed as damage limitation on a day when he carded five bogeys in a round of 71 that dropped him five places to a share of 18th.

The San Francisco 49ers announced their initial 53-man roster Sunday. Emphasis on initial. 

Among their moves, the 49ers placed Brett Toth, in line to be the backup center, on injured reserve but without a designation to return. This helped further explain their acquisition of an interior offensive lineman (Jarrett Patterson) via trade earlier in the day. Punter Corliss Waitman and long snapper Jon Weeks were among the players released, but as vested veterans, they could be re-signed as soon as Monday when additional injured players who did make the team get moved to injured reserve. And as a temporary remedy for a log-jammed linebacker room, seven were kept, more than they could be expected to actually roster on a given game-day.

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In other words, this is not the roster the team will feature in the Sept. 10 season opener in Australia against the Rams. The game of Tetris has only just begun. Plenty more shuffling will take place in the coming days.

Injury designations

Defensive end Mykel Williams (ACL), a presumed starter when healthy, and running back Isaac Guerendo (pec) were moved from the active/physically unable to perform list to the reserve/physically unable to perform list. This means they are both required to miss at least four games but don’t count against the active roster. 

Only players who opened training camp on active PUP can be placed on reserve PUP. And under a new NFL rule, Williams and Guerendo (on reserve PUP) could have their 21-day practice window opened as soon as Week 3 even though Week 5 would mark the earliest either could play in a game.

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Among a slew of other injured players, the 49ers placed four on IR by the cutdown deadline.

A maximum of two IR players could be designated to return Sunday. Wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf), an offseason depth signing, and offensive lineman Austen Pleasants (knee), a swing tackle who also repped at left guard during camp, were given that designation by the 49ers. It means Kirk and Pleasants can return after missing a minimum of four games, similar to those on PUP.

The 49ers also put two other players on IR who did not get a return designation, including Toth (concussion) and offensive lineman Nick Zakelj (undisclosed), effectively ending their seasons. This comes as a particular letdown for Toth, who when healthy seemed likely to be the backup center with some guard versatility as well.

Players with known injuries on the 53-man roster

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The reason the 49ers could confidently “cut” the only punter and long snapper on their roster was because both were vested veterans.

Players with four years of service or more are not subjected to the waiver wire, which means they have the freedom to sign with any team if released. As the 49ers did last year with former punter Thomas Morstead, it is a common practice to release a vested veteran on cutdown day and then re-sign him the next day when more room can be made on the roster by another IR placement or two. 

Remember: Only two players, max, can go to IR and be designated to return on cutdown day.

A total of 15 players on the initial 53-man roster have a known injury, including cornerback Renardo Green (hamstring), wide receiver Mike Evans (groin), safety Malik Mustapha (hamstring strain), wide receiver Jacob Cowing (groin), quarterback Kurtis Rourke (ribs), nickel back Upton Stout (hip flexor), nickel back Nate Hobbs (groin), fullback Kyle Juszczyk (finger), linebacker Nick Martin (hamstring), linebacker Luke Gifford (hamstring), offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (ankle), guard Dominick Puni (concussion), rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton (ankle), rookie defensive end Romello Height (ankle) and defensive end Nick Bosa (soreness). 

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Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted a number of the aforementioned players could return to practice this week. Shanahan also considered Lowe, as an example, to be an injured reserve candidate after he missed most of camp with a high ankle sprain.

Surprise cut

Robert Jones was released despite being firmly in the mix at left guard for the better part of camp. Jones had missed the past couple of weeks with a calf injury. His departure leaves rookie Carver Willis and 2025 seventh-round draft pick Connor Colby as the two other candidates who repped at left guard this camp. 

Patterson is also capable of playing left guard, though offensive line coach Chris Foerster has previously voiced hesitation in starting his backup center at another position along the offensive line.

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Shanahan said after the preseason finale in Las Vegas that Willis was “making a push” to win the starting left guard job.

The youngsters

As predicted, rookie defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. was included on the initial roster. Thompson emerged as a promising depth piece during camp despite going undrafted out of Illinois. 

Along with Thompson, every member of the 49ers’ past two draft classes except for Junior Bergen (2025 seventh round) made it past Sunday’s cuts.

Martin, a 2025 third-round draft pick, was among those who appeared on the bubble. A crowded linebacker position group did not help. But the 49ers found a short-term remedy by keeping seven, an unusually high number for that position. Five is typical. Six is still doable. Expect movement there in the coming days as the 49ers rearrange what was essentially a rough draft of their actual 53-man roster, still to be revealed.

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Initial 52-man roster (pending the Patterson trade)

Quarterback (3): Brock Purdy, Mac Jones, Kurtis Rourke
Running back/fullback (4): Christian McCaffrey, Kaelon Black, Jordan James Kyle Juszczyk
Wide receiver (6): Mike Evans, De’Zhaun Stribling, Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins
Tight end (4): George Kittle, Jake Tonges, Luke Farrell, Brayden Willis
Offensive line (8): Trent Williams, Dominick Puni, Colton McKivitz, Jake Brendel, Carver Willis, Vederian Lowe, Connor Colby, Enrique Cruz Jr.
Defensive line (9): Nick Bosa, Osa Odighizuwa, Alfred Collins, Keion White, Sam Okuayinonu, CJ West, Gracen Halton, Romello Height, James Thompson Jr.
Linebacker (7): Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Jaden Dugger, Tatum Bethune, Garret Wallow, Luke Gifford, Nick Martin
Cornerback (6): Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, Upton Stout, Jack Jones, Ephesians Prysock, Nate Hobbs
Safety (4): Ji’Ayir Brown, Marques Sigle, Malik Mustapha, Siran Neal
Specialist (1): K Eddy Piñeiro

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This article originally published at 49ers’ initial 53-man roster announced, but more moves ahead before opener.