Carolina’s Jonathon Brooks missed his third straight practice with “general soreness,” but Panthers coach Dave Canales remains hopeful the team’s young running back will be ready for Sunday’s season opener against the Chicago Bears.

Brooks spent time working on the side with trainers Monday while his teammates went through a short, non-padded practice.

“We have to just keep taking it one day at a time,” Canales said. “He ran out there today. We’ll see (where he is) and compare it to what he looked like before and we’ll go from there.”

Canales said last week he was “very optimistic” that Brooks would be able to play in Week 1.

Brooks has missed 31 of 34 regular-season games since joining the Panthers, but the team remains high on his potential and believes he will be the perfect complement to starter Chuba Hubbard if he can stay healthy.

The Panthers finished 19th in the league in rushing last season, averaging 116.3 points per game. They’ll face a Bears defense that allowed 134.5 yards per game last season, which ranked 22nd in the league.

“He’s a guy who just makes plays in space down the field in the pass game, the screen game, and he has that the home run speed,” Canales said.

Canales said Brooks’ speed can be deceiving.

“Once he sets an angle, all of a sudden you see people start turning and realize he’s moving a lot faster than you think he is because he’s such a smooth, long strider,” Canales said. “You don’t realize that. So, it’s a factor. It’s a pretty special dynamic in that regard.”

Brooks was not made available to reporters on Monday during the team’s open locker room session.

Panthers guard Damien Lewis said he likes Brooks’ ability to hit the hole fast, saying he makes things easy on the team’s offensive linemen since they don’t have to hold their blocks as long.

“He’s really explosive,” Lewis said. “When he gets that ball, he sees the space, he gone. So, you know, I call him one play action.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Jamie Carragher has backed Erling Haaland to finish his career with more than 1000 goals after the Manchester City struck twice in the Champions League win over Porto.

Haaland’s double took Enzo Maresca’s side to a 2-0 success in their competition opener, with the 26-year-old now the club’s third leading goalscorer of all-time.

The Norwegian already has 322 goals in 407 club appearances at senior level, as well as 62 in 55 games for his country, with many years left at the top level.

And Carragher believes that a significant landmark is well within reach – particularly as he thinks that Haaland could still get better.

“I just can’t see Haaland not scoring 1000 goals or being the best goalscorer of all time,” the former Liverpool defender said on CBS Sports. “I have never seen anything like it in terms of goals and numbers and it is every game.

“But because he does it so often, it does not feel that big. He has just scored two goals away from home in the Champions League and any other striker does that it is an amazing night. It just feels like a normal night.

“I just can’t see how he does not end up being the greatest goalscorer or getting the most goals we have ever seen anybody get.”

The record for most goals by a male footballer is somewhat unclear, with Pele’s claim to have scored more than 1000 during his playing career heavily disputed given the inclusion of a number of friendlies and unofficial fixtures. The Brazilian’s career came at at time, though, where such games were of greater importance and competitiveness than now.

Cristiano Ronaldo is closing in on the landmark, though, having surpassed 900 goals in 2024 with Al Nassr.

Haaland is next in action in the Manchester derby as City travel to United on Sunday.

The Baltimore Ravens enter a new era of leadership with Jesse Minter leading a loaded roster built to return to the postseason immediately.

Baltimore strengthened its pass rush, retained several defensive cornerstones, and surrounded Lamar Jackson with an offense capable of controlling games in multiple ways. The roster carries legitimate championship potential, but a playoff return will depend on how quickly the new coaching staff establishes its identity and whether the Ravens‘ most influential players remain healthy.

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With Week 1 approaching, here are the 10 Ravens most important to Baltimore returning to the postseason.

1. Lamar Jackson

Jackson remains the foundation of everything Baltimore is attempting to build. His passing ability, mobility, and command of defensive attention make life easier for every player around him. Declan Doyle must preserve the elements that make Jackson unique while developing an offense that remains efficient when opponents limit explosive plays. If Jackson plays at an MVP level, Baltimore will remain difficult to keep out of the postseason.

2. Derrick Henry

Henry provides Baltimore with an identity and gives Jackson a backfield partner defenses must respect on every snap. Even as he advances further in his career, Henry’s power, vision, and ability to turn small openings into explosive gains remain essential. The Ravens must manage his workload without removing the physical element that separates their offense.

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3. Kyle Hamilton

Hamilton is Baltimore’s most versatile defensive player and one of the league’s most difficult matchups. Anthony Weaver can deploy him as a deep safety, slot defender, linebacker, or pressure player. That flexibility will be especially valuable as Baltimore adjusts its weekly game plan around different quarterbacks and offensive personnel groups.

4. Trey Hendrickson

The Ravens acquired Hendrickson to solve one of their most persistent problems. Baltimore needs a pass rusher capable of winning individual matchups and finishing plays when quarterbacks are forced to hold the football. Hendrickson’s presence should create opportunities for Mike Green, Nnamdi Madubuike, and the rest of the front.

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5. Ronnie Stanley

Stanley’s importance goes beyond protecting Jackson’s blind side. His availability stabilizes an offensive line featuring multiple moving parts and allows the Ravens to avoid reshuffling the entire unit. Baltimore needs Stanley to remain healthy while continuing to perform as one of the league’s most dependable pass protectors.

6. Roquan Smith

Smith remains the voice and emotional center of Baltimore’s defense. He is responsible for communicating calls, correcting alignments, and setting the physical tone against the run. The Ravens will rely on several young linebackers alongside him, making Smith’s leadership and diagnostic ability even more valuable.

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7. Zay Flowers

Flowers gives Baltimore the separation, quickness, and yards-after-the-catch ability needed to punish aggressive defenses. Doyle must find ways to manufacture touches for him without making the offense predictable. A significant step forward from Flowers would help Jackson attack every area of the field and prevent opponents from crowding the line of scrimmage.

8. Nnamdi Madubuike

Madubuike remains Baltimore’s most proven interior pass-rushing threat. Hendrickson should command considerable attention off the edge, creating favorable situations for Madubuike inside. If he consistently collapses the pocket, opposing quarterbacks will have fewer places to escape Baltimore’s rebuilt pass rush.

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9. Nate Wiggins

Wiggins possesses the speed and coverage ability to develop into Baltimore’s top cornerback. The Ravens will ask him to handle difficult assignments against a schedule filled with accomplished receivers. His development would allow Weaver to be more aggressive with Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, and the defensive front.

10. Mark Andrews

Andrews remains one of Jackson’s most trusted targets and a critical presence on third down and in the red zone. Baltimore has younger pass catchers deserving opportunities, but Andrews’ understanding of leverage and coverage remains difficult to replace. A productive season from the veteran tight end would provide stability while Doyle installs his offense.

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Final analysis

The Ravens also need meaningful contributions from Malaki Starks, Mike Green, Teddye Buchanan, and their reworked offensive line. Baltimore’s roster is deep enough to withstand ordinary adversity, but its playoff ceiling will ultimately be shaped by Jackson and the established veterans surrounding him.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 10 Ravens players most important to a return to the playoffs in 2026

Just a day after UEFA reportedly agreed to remove their threat of boycotting FIFA tournaments, European football’s governing body has launched a new wave of pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign.

UEFA has asked a US federal court for permission to obtain testimony and documents about the creation of the failed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) subsidiary. FFE was Infantino’s plan to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial rights linked to ‌men’s ​and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup.

“UEFA and its counsel are contemplating a Swiss criminal proceeding against Infantino and possibly other FIFA officials for criminal mismanagement under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code,” UEFA’s lawyers said in a 56-page document cited by several news agencies.

The association, which has been pushing against Infantino staying in power since early August, states that Infantino’s development of FFE was not compliant with FIFA’s usual governing processes and without consultation with the FIFA Council.

FIFA has not yet responded to UEFA’s legal advance.

What do we know about the UEFA complaint against Infantino?

UEFA alleges that Infantino developed his infamous FIFA Forward Enterprise plan in secret with a small group of advisers and investors, bypassing FIFA’s normal governance processes. 

The European association also alleges that the valuation included in the plan significantly undervalued FIFA’s commercial rights, arguing it was not subjected to an open auction or tested by an independent valuation.

UEFA is seeking access to a list of documents pertaining to the background of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. These include a meeting held in a New York City hotel on the eve of the World Cup final last month, where several senior FIFA directors were reportedly apprised of the plan.

The New York Times reported that two of the five directors attending refused to endorse the plan, including chief operating officer Kevin Lamour who has since left FIFA.

“Specifically, UEFA seeks documents and communications from FIFA Americas and from FWC2026 concerning…..the governance and internal approval process for the FFE proposal, including all materials presented to the FIFA Council, FIFA Congress, FIFA Bureau, or FIFA Management Board,” the document read.

If it successfully obtains the documents, UEFA’s plan is then to submit them as part of a complaint it wishes to lodge in Switzerland, where both the European football association and FIFA are based.

“Swiss counsel has confirmed, on the factual record described in this application, that the proceeding is within reasonable contemplation for purposes of Swiss law,” it said. “On information and belief, Infantino’s actions described herein rise to the level of criminal mismanagement.”

Amid considerable pressure led by UEFA — but also from other continental federations like the AFC in Asia and CONCACAF in North and Central America — Infantino and FIFA abandoned the FFE plans altogether. But pressure on Infantino has nonetheless endured.

Edited by: Rana Taha

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East Zone vs South Zone, Duleep Trophy Final Live: Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi failed to score big in East Zone’s second innings against South Zone, on Day 4 of the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai. Sooryavanshi departed for just 8, getting stumped out. After securing a 372-run lead, East Zone have reached 32/2 in 11 overs in their second innings, with skipper Ishan Kishan and Shikhar Mohan at the crease. Earlier in the day, East Zone bowled South Zone out for 336, taking the decisive first innings lead that could ensure they win the title if the match ends in a draw. South Zone captain Tilak Varma departed for 99, missing  out on a century by just one run. Resuming on 242/6, Tilak and Chama Milind (43) started the day off strong, but once the latter departed, four wickets fell in the space of 18 runs. In the first two days, East Zone captain Ishan Kishan laid the platform for his side with a superb 270, as they posted a total of 708. (Live Scorecard)

East Zone vs South Zone LIVE Score, Duleep Trophy 2026 Final Scorecard: Follow Live Updates from MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

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The European Union’s sports commissioner has criticized world football’s governing body FIFA over its controversial and now-aborted plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Speaking to DW at his Brussels office, Commissioner Glenn Micallef labeled the plans “another episode in a series of poor governance decisions that excessively commercialize the sport,” adding: “It’s damaging to football.”

However, Micallef stopped short of calling on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign, amid growing pressure on him to step down. Asked whether FIFA was fit for purpose under Infantino, the commissioner insisted it wasn’t for him to decide.

“That’s a decision that belongs to national associations and federations,” Micallef said. “I hope that they will have the chance to have an open process where they can discuss these things, where they can ensure accountability and responsibility for these issues.”

Infantino faces ethics complaint

Micallef’s comments come as the human rights group FairSquare submitted an updated complaint against Infantino to FIFA’s ethics committee, joined by more than 100,000 signatures as part of its “Reboot FIFA” campaign.

The complaint details eight instances, four of them new, in which Infantino allegedly broke FIFA’s ethics rules. These include the World Cup privatization plans and the reversal of US player Folarin Balogun’s red card ban. All of the instances are linked to Infantino’s relationship with US President Donald Trump.

In the complaint seen by DW, FairSquare state: “at a minimum, [Infantino] abused his power, violated his duty of political neutrality and his duty of loyalty in his efforts to ingratiate himself with the US president. The evidence that he sought to gain personally from this pattern of behaviour adds to the seriousness of the allegations.”

Nicholas McGeehan, director of FairSquare, told DW that European football’s governing body UEFA — among Infantino’s fiercest critics — should get behind the complaint.

“I think [the ethics committee] is a paper tiger, but it is a mechanism that could be usefully deployed,” McGeehan said. “You have a mechanism within this organization that could be used to get this guy out. So why aren’t you supporting these complaints?”

World Cup for sale

FIFA’s plans to sell 20% of the World Cup’s commercial rights to private investors caused widespread outrage when they became public in July.

“Football is not for sale,” Micallef told DW. “Yes, football needs investment, but that investment does not mean that football has to sell itself. The FIFA leadership is there … to make sure that football grows and reaches more people, but not to profit from it. Football belongs to us, the fans.”

Despite the controversy, Infantino has confirmed he will stand for a fourth term as FIFA president next March. The governing body, which didn’t respond to DW’s request for comment, has closed ranks around its leader, saying previously that there was a “concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its president.”

With no sign of Infantino budging, McGeehan called on the EU to intervene, questioning the ability of sports organizations to regulate themselves.

“I think there are a lot of football supporters who are dreadfully concerned about the way the game is run, but think that there is no way to fix it,” McGeehan said. “And of course, there’s always a way to fix it, and the way to fix it is politics.”

Is FIFA breaking EU competition law?

FIFA’s role as both competition organizer and football’s global regulator has long raised concerns about a conflict of interest.

It is already the subject of a complaint to the European Commission’s competition watchdog over its control over the international match calendar. The complaint, filed by the umbrella group representing Europe’s domestic football leagues, alleges FIFA abuses its role to favor its own competitions. On Tuesday, the complaint was widened to include the women’s game.

Micallef, meanwhile, did not rule out further action.

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“The fact that sport is autonomous does not absolve it of its responsibilities under the law,” he said. “So I don’t exclude competition policy. Competition policy is a tool in our war chest, but I would much rather prefer to address these issues through dialogue than through competition lawyers.”

Pointing to the EU’s role last year in opposing Spanish and Italian league matches being played outside Europe — proposals heavily criticized by fan groups — Micallef expressed hope for change.

“The football community should never be underestimated. When those who are passionate about football and institutions come together and send a strong message, then we are a power to be reckoned with,” said Micallef. “We deserve proper governance. That’s not too much to ask.”

Matt Pearson contributed reporting to this article.

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Edited by: Jonathan Harding

Ben Shelton stunned Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set epic to storm into the US Open semi-finals on a late night in New York.

The American pulled off his greatest victory in his career to send the defending champion out after four hours and 31 minutes before the match concluded in the grand slam’s latest-ever finish at 3:35am ET.

Shelton, who prevailed 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6, delighted the home crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium to secure a third grand slam semi-final appearance in his career and just a second final four appearance at Flushing Meadows following his 2023 run.

Alcaraz, showing grit following his return from a nasty wrist injury, in a bid for an eighth slam and third title in New York had first blood after taking a nail-biting tiebreak.

But Shelton showed courage in front of a raucous home crowd, and the world No 9 took the following two sets (6-1, 6-3) to move to the brink of a stunning upset.

But the marathon match, which started after 11pm ET following a lengthy run of matches leading up to the blockbuster quarter-final, was the latest finish in US Open history, beating a 2:50am ET conclusion in the 2022 meeting between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, entered a fifth set after the Spaniard ruthlessly claimed the fourth set 6-1.

After both men settled in the fifth, Shelton rallied with a gutsy hold to lead 4-3 before bringing up two break points in the eighth game to rock Alcaraz.

But the first slipped away after a backhand drifted long before the seven-time grand slam winner pummelled a forehand at the net to bring up deuce.

And Alcaraz held his nerve to move level at 4-4, letting out a roar as the match crept into a fifth hour.

But Shelton, behind his powerful serve, routinely delivered at more than 130mph, delighted the home crowd by holding to love and forcing Alcaraz to serve to stay in the match.

He did so at the first time of asking before another swift Shelton hold pushed him to do so once again at 5-6 and the sleep-deprived crowd were soon gifted a 10-point tiebreak.

Alcaraz claimed the initiative by securing a mini-break at 5-3, but Shelton refused to fade, pulling level at five points apiece before hitting the front at 7-6 with a 146mph unreturned serve.

Shelton refused to pass up this opportunity, sending down an ace to clinch the tiebreak 10-7 and emerge victorious on an unforgettable night in New York.

Shelton now faces Frances Tiafoe, who overcame his own marathon contest, with the No 11 seed prevailing in five sets against Alex Michelsen.

The Houston Texans boast a fantastic roster, in no small part due to some of the former Vikings players who are putting in work for DeMeco Ryans (an excellent coach). Can a former Vikings lineman help push Houston over the top?

Aaron Wilson does his reporting for KPRC2. The reporter can commonly be found commenting on league-level news but his main focus is as a Houston reporter. Check out the news about what’s taking place in his own backyard: “#Texans signed center Gavin Gerhardt to practice squad in addition to quarterback Mark Gronowski and released Dom Bailey and Ka’ena De Cambra.”

Vikings Lineman Gavin Gerhardt Snagged by Texans

Most expected the Minnesota Vikings to draft a center in the 2026 NFL Draft. What was surprising was that Minnesota waited until the 7th Round to do so.

In that final round, Gavin Gerhardt was the choice. He was the center at Cincinnati, proving to be a strong leader and gritty player even if there were concerns about his upside. All along, the projection appeared to be of a player who would settle in as a depth lineman as a best case.

During the cuts down to 53, the Vikings opted to move on from Gerhardt. Doing so wasn’t a surprise.

Afterwards, the move was made to keep Gerhardt on the practice squad. That call came within the context of learning that Michael Jurgens — a different 7th-Round lineman — got shuffled over to the IR. What was a three-headed monster at center got brought down to Blake Brandel on the active roster alongside Jurgens on the IR and Gerhardt on the practice squad.

Oh, and then Joe Huber proved he could be flexible, moving inward from his natural home at guard to snap the ball. Still, there appeared to be a need for more help at center.

Nolan Teasley’s next step involved reinforcing the in-house talent along the offensive line. Doing so meant welcoming Trevor Keegan (a guard) and Nick Samac (a center) to the roster via waivers. Adding those two to the active roster meant feeling more liberated to fully move on from Gerhardt despite just welcoming him to town in April.

As a Texan, the former Vikings lineman will join forces with some other former Minnesota Vikings players. Most notable is edge rusher Danielle Hunter, who is still underrated. So, too, are guard Ed Ingram and corner Fabian Moreau putting in work for the AFC team with a legit chance at claiming the Super Bowl.

In Minnesota, the bulk of the news has focused on the presence of Kyler Murray at QB1. The former No. 1 selection is getting a chance to reinvigorate what has been a disappointing career. A touch obvious, perhaps, but the point to consider: getting the snap cleanly every single time is the sort of thing that a team only misses when it’s gone.

So, watch for how Brandel and Murray work together in Week 1 and onward from there. In an ironic way, the most encouraging development for the Vikings would involve seeing onlookers forget about the exchange between the C and QB.

The Vikings and Texans aren’t scheduled to play each other in 2026. Due to playing in opposite conferences, Minnesota could take on Houston for the Lombardi Trophy in February 2027.

Gavin Gerhardt is listed at 6’4″ and 310, meaning he boasts a general build that’s similar to Ryan Kelly.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Frances Tiafoe, of the United States, right, and Alex Michelsen, of the United States, embrace after Tiafoe won their match during the quarterfinal round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

NEW YORK — Frances Tiafoe knew Alex Michelsen needed a shoulder to cry on.

So after handing his fellow American a crushing defeat in the US Open quarterfinals Tuesday, Tiafoe held Michelsen in a long embrace while the 22-year-old sobbed into his shoulder.

“I really like Alex. I really, really do, and I just wanted to come up there and just dap him up,” Tiafoe said. “I didn’t think it was going to be as long as it was, but I understand the moment. He was definitely crying on my shoulders. Yeah, we just had some words for each other, and that was it.”

READ: Tiafoe comes back to beat Michelsen and reach US Open semifinals

Michelsen was playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal and was just a few points from winning it after taking the first two sets. The No. 11-seeded Tiafoe came back to win 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6), starting his turnaround after Michelsen failed to serve out the match with a 5-4 lead in the third set.

Michelsen said he didn’t speak much when they met at the net.

“I was trying to keep it together and I didn’t do a good job of that,” Michelsen said. “He was saying a lot of nice personal things. ‘You’ll be there. When I’m older, you’re going to be here, and we’re going to play it again in this type of circumstance.’ All that good stuff. He’s a great guy for consoling me in that moment.”

This was the third pro match between the two, with Tiafoe winning both previous encounters. Michelsen said after his fourth-round victory that Tiafoe was an “unbelievable guy and a very good friend of mine,” and said similar after Tuesday’s defeat.

“I don’t think anyone else could have made me cry in that moment, to be honest,” Michelsen said.

READ: Arthur Fils tops Tiafoe to claim first ATP Masters title in Cincinnati

Tiafoe is 28, one of the leaders of American men’s tennis and a fan favorite at the US Open, where he has reached his third semifinal. He said Sunday in looking ahead to the match that he had developed a good relationship with Michelsen.

Jessica Pegula said she watched the end of the match before she took the court for her quarterfinal victory over Emma Navarro.

“Just seeing Alex hug him at the end, I started crying in the locker room,” the No. 3-ranked American said. “It was so heartbreaking. My heart hurt so much.”

Michelsen left the court with a towel on his head, raising his arm to acknowledge the cheers from the crowd. Tiafoe told those fans what he thought of Michelsen’s performance.

“I mean, he easily could have won today so shout out to Alex Michelsen,” Tiafoe said.