Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and wide receiver Justin Jefferson take in a Minnesota Timberwolves playoff matchup against the Golden State Warriors in May 2025, cheering from courtside as the home crowd roared. The Timberwolves earned the victory that night, punching their ticket to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight year. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
The verdict is still out on J.J. McCarthy’s trajectory as a long-term starter for the Minnesota Vikings, but wide receiver Justin Jefferson believes McCarthy has youth on his side. When asked recently to describe McCarthy in two words, Jefferson didn’t hesitate, replying, “Young bull.”
Jefferson didn’t overthink it — his short answer landed as a real endorsement as Minnesota leans toward McCarthy.
McCarthy faces a crucial Year No. 3 in the NFL, and the 2026 campaign will tell all about his immediate future.
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Jefferson’s Two-Word Message for McCarthy
No one has ever questioned the man’s youth.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates with quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) after a second-half touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Dec 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. The two connected during a key stretch as Minnesota built momentum on the road. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Jefferson on McCarthy
Yahoo Sports caught up with Jefferson this week, asking him to play the Word Association Game, and the 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year obliged.
Between the interviewer and Jefferson, the conversation went like this: “J.J. McCarthy? Young bull. Sam Darnold? Doubted. Drake Maye? Unpredictable. Jaxon Smith-Njigba? Smooth. Puka Nacua? Feisty. Justin Jefferson? Icy.”
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Jefferson has been asked rather frequently in the last several weeks about McCarthy, and his answers remain consistent: Jefferson has his back.
“His Quarterback”
Kay Adams chatted with Justin Jefferson two weeks ago, and the conversation quickly turned to Minnesota’s quarterback conundrum. She asked about McCarthy’s future as the 2026 QB1.
Jefferson said, “That’s not my decision. I don’t care who’s throwing me that ball. That’s not my main priority. That person that’s throwing that ball needs to throw that ball, and lead us to into that big dance at the end of the season. As of right now, JJ is my QB. For me, it’s to get him to where we need to go; it starts off right now in the offseason and getting better now.”
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While that sounds like a vote of confidence for McCarthy, the “as of right now” caveat is notable. Jefferson’s statement leaves open the possibility, perhaps intentionally, that the team might pursue a quarterback through free agency or trade.
Jefferson added, “If you look at the film, he’s done very good things. Obviously, it wasn’t the most spectacular thing, those are things he understands that there are some things to work on. JJ is a really good QB.”
McCarthy’s Wacky 2025 Performance
McCarthy performed all over the board in 2025. He started the season with an absolute bang, winning the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award in his first-ever start after delivering a 4th Quarter comeback at the Chicago Bears. Fans rejoiced. A week later, he suffered a high ankle sprain and missed five games. He returned on the road at a hostile Detroit Lions house and played quite well in a crucial win.
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Then, the doldrums set in. McCarthy struggled with basic quarterback functionality, seeming to get hot only in the 4th Quarter with the game on the line. A brutal three-game stretch after the high ankle sprain ended with a concussion against the Green Bay Packers.
When McCarthy returned from the concussion, he tore apart lousy defenses, sponsored by the Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants, even looking like a fringe Pro Bowler in spots.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) stretches during pregame warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov 9, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ahead of a matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Jefferson prepared for another home test as the Vikings continued their regular-season push. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Of course, he sustained a hairline hand fracture at New York. The injury woes continued.
The Vikings finished 2025 knowing they had a young quarterback with the juice for big-time throws, questionable mechanics, a clutch gene, and an utterly alarming tendency toward injuries.
He May Have to Win a Battle
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When the 2025 season ended, head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke to reporters at his year-end press conference, proclaiming his team’s goal was to create a deep quarterback room this offseason. That seemed to put McCarthy on notice — or at least insinuate that a veteran quarterback was on the way to compete with McCarthy.
Most believe Minnesota will find a way to add a prominent quarterback in the coming weeks, a list that might include Kyler Murray, Mac Jones, Malik Willis, Kirk Cousins, Derek Carr, Aaron Rodgers, Tua Tagovailoa, or Geno Smith.
J.J. McCarthy celebrates after reaching the end zone as the Vikings seized early momentum against Dallas at AT&T Stadium on Dec 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. Minnesota leaned on McCarthy’s poise and timing during the opening stretch, energizing the sideline and quieting the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
SI.com‘sMark Morales-Smith wrote about the possibility of Murray joining the Vikings, “This would be an ideal landing spot for Murray. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has proven that he can get the most out of quarterbacks and was the coach who helped Sam Darnold turn his career around.”
“Murray has shown significantly more upside and potential than Darnold did before heading to Minnesota. If he landed in Minnesota, he would immediately sneak his way into the low-end QB1 conversation heading into the 2026 fantasy season.”
The Vikings could also add a better QB2 — they preferred Sam Howell, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer last season — like Jimmy Garoppolo or Gardner Minshew, instead of Kyler Murray or Mac Jones type.
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We shall see who enters the mix to challenge the Young Bull. Free agency is 17 days away.
A 70-year-old legend has praised Triple H but also revealed the one big problem with WWE. The Stamford-based promotion is gearing up for its biggest show of the year, WrestleMania, in a few weeks but has faced scrutiny over some of its creative decisions.
Now, Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff has offered his take on the current WWE product. Speaking on D-Von Dudley’s YouTube channel, Bischoff said while the in-ring action is great, the storylines haven’t captured his attention.
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He mentioned the storylines aren’t “rich enough”; however, he backed Triple H, saying he is the best man for the job when it comes to the creative.
“I think Paul Levesque is absolutely the best choice for that role. Paul is a traditional wrestling guy. He probably has much more respect for the old-school psychology, pacing, and match style than probably anybody in that company, other than maybe Shawn Michaels and Undertaker,” he said.
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Bischoff did have one complaint, though, as he pointed out the biggest problem with the current WWE product. He said the product suffers from a “sameness” across characters and storylines.
“I think if there’s a problem with the product, if it feels a little flat right now, I think it’s starting to feel flat for the same reasons it felt flat to me back in 2019 when I complained about there being a sameness. There’s just a level of familiarity in each one of the characters and each one of the storylines and each one of the presentations and each one of the promos,” he added.
Triple H revealed the challenges of backstage role in WWE
Triple H has been heading WWE’s creative as the Chief Content Officer since 2022. During this tenure, he has overseen major creative decisions of the promotion and has also faced criticism for some choices.
He said as a wrestler one has to focus only on onself, but that changes with being an executive. He mentioned that you have to deal with a lot of people and focus on everything.
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If you use quotes from this article, please credit D-Von Dudley’s YouTube channel and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.
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Liv Morgan debuted a new hairstyle on WWE RAW this past Monday. This caught the attention of former WWE Superstar, CJ Perry.
Morgan is feuding with Stephanie Vaquer on the red brand and will challenge her for the WWE Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42. On RAW, Morgan called out Vaquer and set up a trap by ambushing her with the help of the returning Roxanne Perez.
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On Instagram, Perry, who is a good friend of Liv Morgan, reacted to her new hairstyle and also seemed to be a fan of the merch she was wearing.
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“Wow !!!!!! The hair looks so good ! And I love the shirt !!!!!!!!!!!!” wrote Perry.
Check out a screengrab of Perry’s Instagram comment:
Jacy Jayne wants a dream match against Liv Morgan
Jacy Jayne has established herself as the top woman of the NXT women’s division. She is the reigning and two-time NXT Women’s Champion.
Speaking in an interview with Tim Hann Rivera, Jayne expressed her interest in a singles match against Morgan, claiming they have similar in-ring styles. Jayne believes she and Morgan have the potential to have great chemistry and could deliver a good match. She said:
“I’d love to work with Liv Morgan. We’re both from Jersey. We have very similar styles. I feel like we would just have really good chemistry. I’ve never actually touched her or wrestled with her, but I just have a feeling that we would have a really great connection,”
Liv Morgan won the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble Match and chose to challenge Stephanie Vaquer for the WWE Women’s World Championship. Things have gotten quite heated and personal between the two, with Vaquer reducing Morgan to tears. Morgan and Vaquer were also involved in an intense brawl after the champion ambushed the Judgment Day member while she was on her way to the ring with Dominik Mysterio.
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The challenger got her lick back by humiliating Vaquer on the latest edition of RAW, where she even mentioned the champion’s mother in her callout. Morgan and Roxanne Perez stood tall over Vaquer at Madison Square Garden.
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If you watch tour pros around the greens, there’s one shot they rely on more than any other: the low, spinning wedge. When executed correctly, it comes out relatively flat and checks almost immediately. That predictability in both trajectory and spin gives players exceptional control and allows them to attack pins with pinpoint precision.
While it might look difficult, mastering this shot is easier than you’d think. According to Jason Sutton, a GOLF Top 100 Alumni, to add the low, spinning wedge to your arsenal you just need to dial in two set-up keys and learn the proper sequencing.
Step 1: Narrow your stance
To promote a lower ball flight, Sutton says to narrow your stance. As you set your feet, position them so your heels are close together while allowing your toes to flare slightly.
Step 2: Pressure on lead side
Next, Sutton says to pre-set your pressure into your lead side, focusing particularly on the heel of your lead foot. This forward pressure encourages a downward strike, which is key to producing a low ball flight and lots of spin.
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Step 3: Sequence your downswing
“I think of this [sequencing] as a four-horse race,” Sutton says.
The first “horse,” he explains, is your body’s center and hips. The second is your lead arm, followed by your hands as the third, and finally, the clubhead as the fourth.
“We need to have that order in the downstroke in order to hit that low, spinning wedge,” he continues.
If you can sequence the downswing in that exact order, you will set yourself up to produce the flight and spin that you’re looking for.
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With practice, this will become a dependable weapon around the greens, letting you attack pins confidently and convert more up-and-down opportunities.
Derek Chisora’s much-anticipated retirement fight against Deontay Wilder has been hit by “issues” with the gloves, according to promoter Kalle Sauerland.
British heavyweight Chisora is due to face former world champion Wilder on Saturday, with the pair headlining at London’s O2 Arena, but the lead-up to Friday evening’s weigh-in has brought reason for concern.
Saturday’s event is being organised by MF Pro, which is co-run by Wasserman chief Sauerland, who was asked about a potential glove issue on Friday. And the promoter confirmed that such a problem had arisen.
Derek Chisora (left) and Deontay Wilder exchanging words at their pre-fight press conference (Adam Davy/PA Wire)
“First of all, no panic on the Titanic here, it’s not our first rodeo,” Sauerland told iFL TV. “It’s also not the first time there’s been a big flare-up around big heavyweight fights and gloves.
“So yeah, it was all too plain sailing,” Sauerland continued. “Yes, there were some dramatics this morning at the weigh-in. There’s some issues around the gloves, I can confirm that.
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“I can’t really say much more to what those dramas were. Let me go and do my job!” Sauerland laughed.
The Independent understands that event organisers are “hopeful” the issues will be resolved, but that a resolution is yet to be confirmed.
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In his interview with iFL TV, Sauerland referred to the morning weigh-in, which took place behind closed doors as is customary, while a public weigh-in will take place on Friday evening.
Chisora, 42, has vowed to retire after Saturday’s main event, although retirement has seemed a daunting prospect to the former world-title challenger in recent years.
Chisora arrived at Thursday’s press conference in a tank, accompanied by Reform politician Nigel Farage (PA Wire)
Wilder previously accused Fury of tampering with the Briton’s own gloves during their three-year, three-fight rivalry. Wilder secured a controversial draw with Fury in 2018, before suffering stoppage losses to the “Gypsy King” in 2020 and 2021 – the first defeats of the American’s career.
Wilder has lost to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang since then, but he has also knocked out Robert Helenius and Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. As such, he will enter the O2 Arena on a 2-4 run in his last six bouts.
Chisora last fought in February 2025, dropping and outpointing Otto Wallin in Manchester. At the time, that fight was billed as Chisora’s final contest in the UK.
OTTAWA — The city of Ottawa gets a bad rap for being boring. Well, that narrative doesn’t carry over to its NHL team.
This season’s two main characters, Linus Ullmark and Brady Tkachuk, were excellent in thrusting the Ottawa Senators back into a playoff spot in a 4-1 victory over Buffalo on Thursday, despite the “outside noise” returning for what feels like the 100th time this season.
On Tkachuk’s end, he was a goal away from a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, while Ullmark stopped 21 of 22 shots, including a massive, monumental save that turned the game.
In the first period, Tkachuk’s heavyweight fight with Logan Stanley got the Senators engaged — even if Tkachuk isn’t supposed to touch a Stanley until the playoffs.
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“Yeah, not surprising, he’s been stepping up lately,” Senators head coach Travis Green said. “I thought he was emotionally invested.”
Later, Tkachuk made an unreal dish to Dylan Cozens for a game-shifting, equalizing goal.
“It was a big response after they went up 1-0. Getting that tying goal was big,” said Green.
Ullmark made a ludicrous game-changing save, charging out from the net to confront an oncoming Bowen Byram in the dying seconds of the second period.
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“I think that chance at the very end in the second period won us the game. He’s stood on his head all night,” said Tkachuk.
When Ullmark and Tkachuk excel, so too does their team. But lately, the two of them have become known as much for chaos and drama as for performance on the ice.
Let’s start with Ullmark.
The Swede battled mental-health struggles that forced him to take leave for several weeks earlier in the season. Then, last week, the team said that he was unable to play in a crucial game against Tampa Bay due to fatigue.
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“I don’t have to talk about any of that,” Green said. “He needed rest and that’s fine.”
Ullmark echoed his coach in his first remarks to the media since the incident, which came after Thursday’s game. “No. We’re going to talk about that tomorrow.”
When he returned to play Tuesday, Ullmark gave up a goal eight seconds in and five goals overall in the first period against the Panthers only to be pulled. It wasn’t pretty.
Green was defiant when asked about it later: “(Ullmark) is our guy. Last game, I pulled him, but I pulled him more because the team was so s—–. Not because of him.”
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“I want him to play every night. He’s our No. 1 goalie. He’s been playing well since he came back (from mental-health leave). But, in saying that, everyone in the room understands that it’s been a bit of a rough year for him off the ice, on the ice and, I think, since he’s come back from his leave.”
Asked about the “outside noise,” Ullmark said, “We’re used to it, nothing new.”
The docuseries level of drama was revved up when Tkachuk’s father, Keith, an NHL veteran, made comments on the Wingmen podcast Brady co-hosts with brother Matthew, saying, “my pinky hurts. I’m out for 6-8.” Keith seemed to mock Ullmark.
“’I just had a bad sleep, so I can’t play today.’ Oh, my God, disgusting,” he said. “Can’t play back-to-back, rest management.”
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Brady Tkachuk denied that his father was talking about the Senators goalie: “I don’t know how that got twisted and (I) have to talk about it now, but I thought it was clear as day. He’s talking about the Florida Panthers.
“All those things didn’t come out of my mouth. And, I mean, I completely respect my dad. He’s going to be a Hall of Famer. So, I mean, I’m not going to put words in his mouth or explain what he said.”
Keith also had some spicy comments on Brady’s role in the Florida debacle.
“You didn’t play that much last game, either. I just wanted to throw that in there,” he said on the podcast, and went on to take what seemed like a shot at Green. “Why play him a lot in a big game? I’m just carving the coach right now.”
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Brother Matthew chimed in: “Why play him more at the Olympics than the regular season? That makes sense.”
Green replied on Thursday: “If I’m not mistaken, he’s probably in our top three or four on our team for ice time. He’s a big man. I think Brady’s minutes are perfect, to tell you the truth.”
Green said he knows Keith Tkachuk “really well.” “He’s a friend. Played with him, known (him) a long time. I know he’s outspoken,” Green said.
Brady Tkachuk didn’t hide his frustration with having to answer questions about his father after a critical triumph over the Sabres.
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“I’ve answered twice,” he said.
Although, there could be some gamesmanship, too.
“I’m so disappointed in your team right now. I’m disgusted,” Keith Tkachuk said on the podcast about the Ottawa Senators.
Back in 2023, Keith Tkachuk publicly called out the Panthers down the stretch while they were fighting for a playoff spot. It seemingly worked; they snuck into the playoffs, eventually making the Stanley Cup Finals.
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Regardless, it seems like no matter what happens, both “outside forces” and inside forces conspire against the Senators captain’s hope for tranquility this season. Stick to hockey, right? But he’s the one with the podcast.
After the win against the Sabres, Ullmark and Tkachuk made an emotional display of camaraderie with a huge on-ice embrace in celebration.
The Senators goaltender and captain will define the team’s fortunes. Neither were good on their recent road trip but the two of them dragged Ottawa to victory Thursday. Whatever happens in the remaining seven games, the story of this Senators team will be narrated by Ullmark and Tkachuk.
32 Thoughts: The Podcast
Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.
Injury blow after blow:Tyler Kleven left the game after taking a puck to the face in the first period and did not return. The Senators found themselves without six defencemen who’ve played for the team since the start of March, with Jake Sanderson’s and Thomas Chabot’s injuries at the forefront. The only defenceman on the ice who started the season in the top six was Artem Zub.
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The Senators played the rest of the game with five defencemen who were all right shots led by Jordan Spence, who has flourished in an augmented role, playing a career high 30:48 on Thursday. If it weren’t for a little off-season trade by GM Steve Staios for the diminutive d-man, the Senators’ playoff hopes might already be dashed.
“Real unbelievable effort out of our defence, asking a lot out of a lot of players, some players we don’t know very well,” said Green.
There have been a ton of gutsy performances this season, but to win without four of your six best defencemen is astounding, especially against a great Buffalo team that would have clinched a playoff spot with a win.
It’s also a testament to the resiliency of the group, and the structure they play under Green.
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On the injury front, Sanderson could return on the weekend. Asked about Kleven’s injury, Green said: “Hope for the best; I’m not expecting it to be great news.”
Cozens’ revenge:Cozens was a force against his former team, with a pretty goal that helped vanquish Buffalo.
“I think any time you face your former team, it’s personal,” said Cozens.
His goal tied the game and turned it around for a banged-up and depleted Senators squad.
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“He’s a sneaky horse out there, the way he skates and the way he protects pucks, wins battles,” said Tkachuk, who has shared a line with him since early January. “And I told him that as a line that I really wanted to show up for him tonight, because I know how important this game is for him.”
Juxtapose that to Josh Norris exiting the game due to a 10-minute misconduct. The Senators had the last laugh Thursday night, but the Sabres have a virtual lock on the playoffs, while the Senators must soldier on.
Apr 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) celebrates a home run during the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
When Dominic Smith signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves in mid-February, it was hard envisioning him having much of a role with the team.
After all, Smith’s best defensive position is first base and the Braves feature Matt Olson at that spot, and Olson hasn’t missed a single game in four-plus seasons with the team. He has failed to start a game just once, back in 2022.
But Smith is finding ways to contribute and quickly impressing the organization as Atlanta enters the second contest of a four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night in Phoenix.
Smith homered and scored twice as the Braves routed the Diamondbacks 17-2 in Thursday’s series opener. It was the most runs Atlanta has ever scored in Phoenix, topping a 14-0 victory on July 29, 2007.
Smith, 30, is batting .375 with two homers and five RBIs in five appearances – four at designated hitter and one in the outfield.
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Of course, Smith etched himself into baseball history by hitting a walk-off grand slam in a 6-2 win against the Kansas City Royals last Saturday. That made him the first player to ever end a game in such a fashion in his team debut.
Smith will continue to get starts at designated hitter due to the season-long suspension of Jurickson Profar, who was disciplined for a positive test of performance-enhancing drugs for the second time in his career.
Suddenly, lots of at-bats were available.
“When the suspension happened, I said there would be an opportunity for some guys, and guys are going to step up and shine and he’s certainly doing that,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said after Thursday’s one-sided affair. “Dom is taking advantage of the opportunity and we always talk about him giving a professional at-bat. He’s showing off some power too.”
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The Braves are Smith’s sixth team and fifth in the past four seasons. Thursday’s homer was his 71st in 761 career games.
Olson also had a big game Thursday by going 3-for-5 with a homer, two doubles, three RBIs and three runs.
Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo also went deep as Atlanta won for the fifth time in seven games this season.
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Arizona had a three-game winning streak halted and the game got away when it allowed eight runs in the fifth inning.
“It’s about execution, that’s the bottom line,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “If you don’t execute, you’re going to have games like this.”
Jordan Lawlar slugged his first career homer for Arizona but later was hit by a pitch on his right wrist in the bottom of the seventh and exited at the end of that inning.
X-rays were negative, and Lovullo said Lawlar will undergo a CT scan on Friday.
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Lawlar preferred talking about homer No. 1.
“It didn’t really feel like anything coming off the bat,” Lawlar said. “… I ran around the bases and got the silent treatment in the dugout. That was pretty cool.”
Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the season for the Diamondbacks.
He received a no-decision in his first turn when he was charged with one unearned run and four hits in five-plus innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Saturday.
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Rodriguez, who turns 33 on Tuesday, is 1-0 with a 5.59 ERA in two career starts against Atlanta.
Right-hander Grant Holmes (0-1, 5.40) gave up three runs and five runs over five innings in a Atlanta’s loss to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.
Holmes, 30, has a 6.08 ERA in four appearances (two starts) against Arizona. Both starts occurred last season when he gave up nine runs in nine overall innings.
The 41-year-old rapper, who recently released his seventh studio album, “The Fall Off,” will be playing professional basketball in China, he recently announced.
ESPN reported that the two-time Grammy-Award winner, whose real name is Jermaine Cole, signed a contract with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association.
Jermaine Cole of the Patriots Basketball Club dribbles the ball against Marcus Christopher Crawford of Union Sportive Monastirienne during the second half at Kigali Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on May 22, 2021.(Nicole Sweet/BAL/Basketball Africa League/Getty Images)
Cole has played professional basketball overseas before, suiting up for the Basketball Africa League’s Rwanda Patriots in 2021 and the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League the following year.
The Fayetteville, North Carolina native hinted at the news last week in an interview with Revolt.
“The basketball s— is like me just trying to scratch a last itch of, yo, let me see if I can do this,” Cole said during the interview. “Could I train and be able to go play professional because these teams in these leagues are looking at it like, ‘He’s not a–. He can come be on the court, and he can give our league some publicity.’”
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Cole said the Monkey Kings were offering him to play for them last year.
Jermaine Cole of the Patriots Basketball Club passes the ball against the Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club during the second half at Kigali Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on May 16, 2021. The game marked the start of the inaugural regular season of the 12-team league, a partnership between the NBA and FIBA.(Nicole Sweet/BAL/Basketball Africa League via Getty Images)
“I’m looking at the clock like, boy, I’m getting older. This might be my last shot. I’m going to keep my word to them and show up and play a couple of games, although I know I’m not in the best of shape because the album. I’m going to go out there and have fun with it.”
Cole joined the mainstream rap game in the early 2010s, with his debut album, “Cole World: The Sideline Story,” coming out in 2011 that featured hits like “Work Out” and “In The Morning” with fellow basketball fan Drake.
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Jermaine Cole of the Patriots Basketball Club is congratulated by teammate Brandon Costner during the second half against the Rivers Hoopers at Kigali Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on May 16, 2021, the start of the inaugural Basketball Africa League regular season.(Nicole Sweet/BAL/Basketball Africa League via Getty Images)
Jubilee Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 5 NRL game between St. George Illawarra Dragons and
North Queensland Cowboys. The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with North Queensland Cowboys heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the St. George Illawarra Dragons vs.
North Queensland Cowboys
game and give you our free tips and bets.
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys Odds
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview
St George Illawarra take on Brisbane in a matchup that offers contrasting styles. The Dragons will look to establish control through structured play, while the Broncos’ attacking weapons pose a constant threat. Defensive discipline and edge containment will be crucial for both sides. Expect a physical contest, with momentum likely to shift throughout. For the Dragons, it’s a chance to assert themselves, while Brisbane will aim to maintain their attacking rhythm and secure a strong result.
St. George Illawarra Dragons vs North Queensland Cowboys Teams
Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Valentine Holmes 5. David Fale 6. Lyhkan King-Togia 7. Daniel Atkinson 8. Emre Guler 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Luciano Leilua 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Hamish Stewart 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Blake Lawrie 16. Jacob Halangahu 17. Hame Sele 18. Josh Kerr 19. Tyrell Sloan 20. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 21. Kade Reed 22. Setu Tu
Cowboys team: 1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Braidon Burns 3. Jaxon Purdue 4. Tomas Chester 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Jake Clifford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Coen Hess 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Heilum Luki 12. Sam McIntyre 13. Reuben Cotter 14. Soni Luke 15. Griffin Neame 16. Thomas Mikaele 17. Matthew Lodge 18. Harrison Edwards 19. Zac Laybutt 20. Kai O’Donnell 21. Kaiden Lahrs 22. Robert Derby
Optus Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 4 AFL game between West Coast Eagles and
Sydney Swans. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Sydney Swans heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the West Coast Eagles vs.
Sydney Swans
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Revitalised under new leadership, this side has shown encouraging signs of improvement and cohesion. Their ball movement has become more fluid, and confidence is building across the group. However, consistency remains the next hurdle as they face an opponent capable of exploiting lapses. The midfield contest will be crucial, with clearance work and pressure acts likely to shape the outcome. Expect a competitive clash, with both teams looking to establish control and dictate terms. This match presents a strong opportunity to reinforce early progress and continue building momentum.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) secures a reception while Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) closes in during second-half action on Nov 2, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, as St. Brown fights for extra yardage in a tightly contested divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK-Imagn Images.
Roughly a month ago, the Jonathan Greenard trade rumors got off the ground.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news: “Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Geeenard, per sources. They would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues they’re working through that have led to these trade conversations.”
Fast forward from March 3rd until April 3rd. Nothing has happened.
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There has been speculation, rumor, and dot connecting. Kevin O’Connell has expressed his desire to keep the veteran edge rusher in town. Likewise, there has been broader conversations detailing how Minnesota really likes him. A path nevertheless exists for trading him away
The Jonathan Greenard Trade & The 2026 NFL Draft
By definition, a trade needs two parties.
Minnesota could search around the NFL for a willing trade partner, but the other team would need to agree to terms. Similarly, the league’s other 31 teams could call Minnesota, each sending an offer for the pass rusher. Minnesota would need to agree for a trade to take place. A whopping 31 trade offers don’t mean anything unless the Vikings’ leadership chooses to accept one.
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Jul 29, 2025; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43), linebacker Dallas Turner (15) and linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) talk during the teams training camp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
So, a minimum of two things need to occur. There needs to be the Vikings’ willingness to trade away Jonathan Greenard alongside another team sending back a compelling offer for Jonathan Greenard.
For the Minnesota Vikings, what may need to occur is choosing a promising pass rusher. If, for instance, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk gets chosen at No. 18, is there renewed willingness to ship out the well-paid (but still underpaid) Greenard?
In that scenario, the Vikings would rally around Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner as the starters. Faulk is the EDGE3 (possibly) and then there could be a low-level add in free agency after the draft concludes. Minnesota could choose another edge rusher later on while searching for more help among the UDFAs.
On the other end of things is the interest of a team (or teams) around the NFL.
Quite possibly, there are teams that have ongoing, consistent offers on the table. All they’re waiting for is for the Vikings to do business. That’s a scenario that is plausible, reasonable, and not hard to imagine. This possibility involves the Vikings choosing Faulk and then agreeing to the trade offer that already exists. It’s a possibility.
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Alternatively, there could be teams that have renewed interest in Greenard if they miss on their preferred pass rusher in the draft. Envision a scenario where a team sees the 1st Round finish off without being able to scoop up the coveted player since he got stolen away by a different squad. Could that same team — still desiring help at edge rusher — call Minnesota with the offer of a 2nd, a 3rd, or other draft picks to pry away the talent?
Jonathan Greenard and Harrison Phillips react after bringing down C.J. Stroud in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the play recorded on Sep 22, 2024 during Minnesota’s late defensive surge against Houston. Kenyon Green and Harrison Smith frame the moment as the group resets near the line of scrimmage, capturing a clean snapshot of coordinated pressure in a key sequence. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Very possible, folks. Not certain, but possible.
What’s going to be fascinating to watch is (obviously) who gets chosen with the Vikings’ 1st-Round pick. Seeing someone like Keldrick Faulk, Akheem Mesidor, or another promising edge rusher get scooped up by the Vikings will necessarily change the dynamic at edge rusher.
That’s not to say that a trade involving Jonathan Greenard is a locked-in reality if Minnesota goes EDGE at No. 18. Rather, it’s simply to note that a trade involving Jonathan Greenard becomes easier for Minnesota to manage. Rival teams may be more inclined to pickup the phone to check in on Greenard’s availability (or lack thereof) if a pass rusher goes purple early.
Keep an eye on how things unfold. Jonathan Greenard is still likelier to be a Vikings defender in 2026, but the NFL Draft is the event when trades fly.
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