Teddy Bridgewater is once again the enemy. The former Minnesota Vikings quarterback signed a deal with the Detroit Lions this week, set to serve as Jared Goff’s primary backup, a role he held in 2023 and 2024.

Detroit brought back a known veteran as its backup quarterback room took shape again.

If Goff goes down, the Vikings would face the man they drafted in Round 1 of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Bridgewater Returns to a Familiar Spot on Detroit’s Depth Chart

No more high school coaching for Bridgewater; just backup quarterbacking.

Bridgewater to DET

Bridgewater is back in the NFC North, a place he knows quite well.

Detroit Free Press‘s Rainer Sabin and Ryan Ford wrote Tuesday, “The Detroit Lions are bringing back a familiar face to play behind starter Jared Goff. Former backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is returning to the Lions, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, with a deal agreed to on Tuesday, March 10. The Lions needed to fill the spot behind Goff following the departure of Kyle Allen, who came to terms Monday with the Buffalo Bills on a two-year contract.”

“Bridgewater, who will turn 34 in November, initially was signed as Goff’s backup in August 2023, logging just three snaps in his lone appearance that year. He then retired from the NFL the following February and took a job as head coach at his high school alma mater, Miami Northwestern. In his first season, he guided the Bulls to the Florida Class 3A state championship.”

Like every offseason from the last five years, no one was too sure if Bridgewater would retire or be back for more. Alas, he returned to Dan Campbell’s team.

Goff, Teddy — and That’s It

Strangely, the Lions entered free agency with no other quarterbacks on the depth chart behind Goff. In that vein, a QB2 was required, and Campbell preferred an old friend in Bridgewater. While he may be quite recognizable to Lions fans, he’s taken just three snaps under center in Detroit. If he ever starts a game for the Lions, it will be a first.

The lack of quarterback depth could also signal an incoming draft pick. Detroit swung and missed on 3rd-Rounder Hendon Hooker in 2023 — a pick they obtained from the Vikings in the T.J. Hockenson trade — and this go-round, Campbell and friends could take the plunge on a mid-rounder like Carson Beck or Drew Allar.

Otherwise, one must wonder why the quarterback depth is so thin.

Pride of Detroit‘s Jeremy Reisman noted on Bridgwater’s return, “He is viewed as a very strong locker room presence and mentor. Back when the Lions first signed Bridgewater in 2023, Lions coach Dan Campbell tasked Bridgewater with helping mentor young Lions receiver Jameson Williams. As for how Bridgewater can handle the Lions offense is something happens to Jared Goff? Well, there’s not a ton of proof one way or another.”

“Bridgewater has thrown just 15 total passes in the past three seasons—going 8-for-15 for 62 yards in a single game appearance for Tampa last year. Regardless, Bridgewater is a good person to have in the locker room. And in the meantime, the Lions can continue to look for a longer-term, younger backup quarterback.”

Career to Date

Bridgewater last started full-time in 2021 with the Denver Broncos, leading the team to a 7–7 record as their QB1. Since then, he has remained a veteran presence in the league but has not reclaimed a permanent starting role.

His NFL career began in Minnesota, where the Vikings drafted him in 2014. He initially showed promise as the team’s offensive leader, but a severe injury during a 2016 practice derailed his progress and ended his time as Minnesota’s primary quarterback. At the time, Bridgewater represented the franchise’s future — a source of hope similar to what Minnesota now sees in J.J. McCarthy as they enter the mid-2020s.

All together, these are Bridgewater’s NFL stops through 12 seasons:

• Minnesota Vikings (2014–2017)
• New York Jets (2018)
• New Orleans Saints (2018–2019)
• Carolina Panthers (2020)
• Denver Broncos (2021)
• Miami Dolphins (2022)
• Detroit Lions (2023–2024)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2025)
• Detroit Lions (2026)

Lions Free Agency to Date

Detroit has been semi-busy — much more than the Vikings, of course, who have largely been dormant — in free agency after failing to reach the postseason in 2025.

Here’s a list of the transactions as of Wednesday afternoon:

• Larry Borom, RT (CHI → DET)
• Teddy Bridgewater, QB (TB → DET)
• Cade Mays, C (CAR → DET)
• Isiah Pacheco, RB (KC → DET)
• Malcolm Rodríguez, LB (DET → DET)
• Rock Ya-Sin, CB (LV → DET)

Theoretically, the Lions could also be involved in the topsy-turvy Maxx Crosby trade sweepstakes that has shaken the NFL this week.

Bridgewater will turn 34 in November.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) had originally been due to kick off on March 17, with 16 nations from all over the continent set to compete in Morocco. But just 12 days before the opening game, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), postponed its biggest women’s football tournament until July.

In a statement, the body cited “unforeseen circumstances” but gave no details for the decision. In the absence of an explanation, rumors were soon circulating among fans and journalists alike. 

One rumor had it that the relationship between hosts Morocco and CAF had been severely damaged by events that occurred during the controversial final of the men’s tournament in January. Hosts Morrocco lost the final 1-0 to Senegal, whose coach had earlier led his team off the pitch in protest at a penalty decision. It was also noted that the WAFCON’s original schedule clashed with Morocco’s domestic league for which stadiums were needed.

“It is a combination of factors and it is not a decision taken lightly,” Luxolo September, CAF’s head of communications, told DW in an effort to set the record straight.

“There is a question of the host nation Morocco, requesting a postponement for a number of reasons. There has been a lot of interaction between Morocco, FIFA and CAF regarding the date. This is not a nice position for us, we have taken no joy from this. We would have loved to play in this window, it is a window we had requested.”

Bad timing

There’s been an outcry about how long CAF waited to make a decision. 

“The teams had prepared, the teams had played a lot of friendly matches, so it was such a short time and just unfair” Jackline Juma told DW. As head coach of Kenya‘s U-20 women she had an up-close view of the disruption the delay caused to the senior team.

Kenya has just played friendly games against Ivory Coast and Benin, while Nigeria was in Cameroon and Ghana had held a training camp in Dubai.

“Twelve days out, your team is ready to go, you are fine-tuning the last little bits, you are making sure the players understand what their roles are going to be,” Vicki Huyton, founder of the Female Coaching Network, told DW.

“It’s about keeping the team morale, so 12 days out, the teams have spent one or two years, the hard work is done.”

It is not just the teams and the players who were about to travel to Morocco – fans and journalists are complaining at being left out of pocket.

“People had booked the hotels, press had booked their hotels,” Collins Okonyo, a player agent, told DW.

“It shows how disorganized you are. CAF should sit down and bring their house in order.”

CAF spokesperson September rejects this criticism, insisting that they did all they could to avoid a postponement.

“The announcement came very late as all the parties were trying to find common ground that would advance the situation and ensure that the competition continues as it must,” he said.

“It is important for CAF that the tournament is played in the best possible conditions, we don’t just tick a box.”

Weeks of uncertainty

The postponement did not come as a complete surprise. As early as February, a South African politician said that her country could step in to host at short notice. The day before the announcement, the minister of sport for 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, made a similar statement.

“If they are not ready, we want to tell them we are not a country with no stadiums or infrastructure… We will not allow women’s football to be treated this way,” he said.

It is not the first time that WAFCON has been moved. Morocco had originally been due to host the tournament in 2024, but as it coincided with the Paris Olympics, it was delayed by a year – also at short notice. This and the latest postponement has led to accusations that CAF does not value women’s football as much as it does the men’s game.

“I don’t think AFCON men would be postponed, they are not treating women’s football with the respect that it deserves,” Juma said.

“It’s so frustrating and disappointing for women’s football in Africa, to postpone for no tangible reason. It’s very discouraging, women’s football is not as respected as men’s football.”

It is a charge that CAF denies.

“The facts speak for themselves,” September said.

“Look at the investment, don’t look at what people say. When the current president [Patrice Motsepe] of CAF arrived, he took the prize money for women’s football from $100,000 to $1 million (€86,000 to €860,000) in the space of four years. He introduced the Women’s Champions League. The advancement of women’s football is one of the top priorities for him and CAF.”

Potential silver lining but no consolation

Despite the late decision, some have tried to put a positive spin on things, noting that some national teams could benefit in terms of injured players being able to return to action by July.  There have also been reports in the South African media that the extra time coulc give the coaching staff there an opportunity to heal divisions that are currently damaging the team.

“If some of the teams have injury issues, it could benefit them,” Huyton conceded.

“But ultimately major tournaments like this have set dates. We are all aware they come around every two or four years and every team and coach works towards that.”

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

Britain’s Sonay Kartal says it was “one match too many” as a lower back injury forced her retirement from a fourth-round Indian Wells match against world number three Elena Rybakina.

Receiving physio treatment between games, Kartal lost the first set to the Kazakhstani 6-3.

Then, in clear discomfort as she trailed 4-3 in the second having been broken when she stretched for a return, she made her way to the net to shake hands.

The 24-year-old had battled the problem through the tournament and said she had to “pull the plug” on Wednesday as the pain got more intense the further the match went on.

“As athletes you are super in-tune with your body, and I’ve had it pretty much the whole event, so I kind of knew that I could keep pushing,” Kartal told BBC Sport.

“But today it was unfortunately one match too many.

“[I played] a super-tough opponent, so you need to be at your best. I was far from that but still managed to make it competitive.”

Kartal, ranked 54, had become the first British woman to twice reach the fourth round in California.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice-President and Congress MP Rajeev Shukla on Thursday confirmed that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season will take place as scheduled, adding that the remaining match fixtures will be announced after the election dates are declared by the Election Commission of India. Speaking to ANI, Shukla clarified that the BCCI has already released the schedule for the initial phase of the tournament and will decide on the remaining fixtures once the poll schedule is announced for the states heading to elections.

“IPL will be held as per schedule. We have released the schedule for 20 matches. The schedule for remaining matches will be released after the Election Commission announces the dates for states going to the election,” Shukla said.

The West Asia Conlfict has put stress on player travel. The West Indian team’s departure post the T20 World Cup in India was delayed due to cancellation of flights to the region.

Earlier, the BCCI announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026.

As three states are scheduled to undergo State Assembly elections during this period, the full schedule of the tournament will be announced once the poll dates are announced.

The 19th edition of the biggest T20 league on the globe will commence when defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

A total of 20 matches will be played across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.During this period, the tournament will feature four double-headers, with the afternoon matches beginning at 03:30 PM IST and the evening matches commencing at 07:30 PM IST.

Following the opening encounter on Saturday, Mumbai Indians will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

The first double-header of the season will take place on April 4, 2026, when Delhi Capitals face Mumbai Indians in the afternoon match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, followed by Gujarat Titans taking on Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Rajasthan Royals will begin their home campaign in Guwahati, where they will host Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Punjab Kings (PBKS), meanwhile, will play their early home fixtures at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.

During the season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play five home matches in Bengaluru and two in Raipur. Punjab Kings will play four home matches in New Chandigarh and three in Dharamshala, while Rajasthan Royals will play three home matches in Guwahati and four in Jaipur.

Note: The matches scheduled in Bengaluru are subject to clearance from the Expert Committee constituted by the Government of Karnataka. The committee will conduct a meeting and inspection of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13, 2026, during which a full-scale mock demonstration of match-day arrangements will be carried out to assess the stadium’s preparedness for hosting IPL matches.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

As Mark Twain would say: The reports of Aaron Jones’s release were greatly exaggerated. The Minnesota Vikings had initially planned to release Jones this offseason, but that has changed on the third day of free agency. Jones has reportedly accepted a pay cut to stay in Minnesota.

The veteran stayed, though the backfield plan still looks like a work in progress.

Many wondered why the Vikings hadn’t signed any free-agent halfbacks this week. Well, they evidently wanted Jones back for Year No. 3 in the Twin Cities.

Jones Reworks Deal to Stay With the Vikings

Your Aaron Jones jerseys stay relevant.

Jones Back to MIN

NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero broke the news Wednesday, “The Vikings and RB Aaron Jones have agreed to a revised contract to keep him in Minnesota for the 2026 season, sources tell me and Ian Rapoport. Jones lowers his base salary to $5.5 million and will stay in Minnesota.”

“The Vikings never wanted to let go of Aaron Jones, who is a strong locker room presence and still effective when healthy at age 31. The sides worked towards a new deal and found common ground to keep in purple for another season.”

NBC Sports‘ Josh Alper added, “A report early this month said that the Vikings were set to release running back Aaron Jones, but he and the team have worked out a revised deal that will keep him in Minnesota. No other details of the changes have been reported, so Jones may have a chance to earn some of that money through incentives related to his production on the field.”

The move felt like a total swerve because in the Vikings fans’ minds, Jones was as good as gone. He apparently tested the waters on the open market, determining a pay reduction in Minnesota would be more than a fresh contract with a new team.

Running It Back .. at Running Back

What does this mean for Minnesota in 2026? Well, the Vikings are running it back. Full stop. In 2025, they embarked on Week 1 with Jones, Jordan Mason, Zavier Scott, and Ty Chandler in their roster orbit, with Jones on deck as the RB1.

Minus Chandler, who remains a free agent, Minnesota will feature the same veteran threesome in the offensive backfield.

As recently as two days ago, the only tailback in the mix for Minnesota was Mason, as Scott held a restricted free-agent status, and news had already leaked that Jones would be dropped. Now, just a few days into free agency, all three are back.

One must wonder if the other players “released” by the Vikings, defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, might accept the same arrangement. Stay tuned.

Jones in 2025

Jones appeared in 12 games last season, battling injuries, which is a part of his modus operandi and what prevented him from having a superstar’s career in Green Bay from 2017 to 2023. But — he logged 747 yards from scrimmage in 2025, with 3 touchdowns. That isn’t nothing.

The year before, Jones’s first in Minneapolis, he tabulated 1,546 yards from scrimmage and 7 scores. Ironically in that season, Justin Jefferson and Jones both banked 1,546 yards from scrimmage on the nose.

In 2026, Jones will hope to remain upright and healthy. He’ll turn 32 in December.

It’s also worth noting that Minnesota will retain a core leader in the locker room. From the jump, and even in Green Bay, Jones has created his reputation as a “locker room guy,” and “one of the good ones” to have on a football team. With players like fullback C.J. Ham retiring and possibly safety Harrison Smith, the Vikings risked losing a large faction of its veteran leadership.

Wednesday’s news regarding Jones changed that.

The New Plan?

Jones and Mason are now expected to compete for the RB1 role in 2026. However, Minnesota may still bolster its roster in the draft, as that venue will provide another avenue to acquire a running back.

While Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame might be unavailable by pick No. 18, Minnesota could consider other prospects. Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Emmett Johnson (Nebraska), Jonah Coleman (Washington), Nick Singleton (Penn State), and Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas) are projected to be Rounds 2–4 selections.

Ultimately, drafting a rookie running back appears to be the most likely path for Minnesota. The team hasn’t drafted a successful tailback since Dalvin Cook in 2017 and Alexander Mattison in 2019, a drought they will likely end this year.

Minnesota met with Johnson (Nebraska) at the NFL Combine, and Washington Jr. (Arkansas) bedazzled all general managers, scouts, and coaches with his size and speed at the same event.

Singleton (Penn State) would provide a blend of youth, size, speed, and big-game experience and is likely available in Round 3 or 4.

In other news, Manchester City were crushed by Real Madrid thanks to an unlikely hat-trick from Federico Valverde. In his post-match press conference, Pep Guardiola was realistic, saying his team would “try” to make up the three-goal deficit in the second leg in Manchester.

Meanwhile, Arsenal failed to win in the Champions League for the first time this season, and Norway‘s Bodo/Glimt’s crazy adventure continues… This follows their impressive victory over Sporting Portugal. 

At Rosehill, Vauban looks to commence the autumn carnival identically to last year by capturing the Sky High Stakes.

Co-trainer Adrian Bott noted the choice to mirror the preparation from 12 months previous, particularly for the first couple of appearances.

“It’s the race he won twelve months ago, so we tried to do a similar prep for him,” Bott said.

“He is well placed, and he seems in good shape.”

Vauban succeeded in the Sky High Stakes (2000m) last year, then was third behind Dubai Honour and Duke De Sessa in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m).

Both contests are planned again, alongside potential Brisbane winter carnival targets further ahead.

“Last year we went to the Tancred, which he was a touch unlucky in. If he resumes as well as he did last year, all things being equal we will look at that race again,” Bott said.

“If not, there are other targets we can look at.

“He’s not confirmed for a Sydney Cup path this time through, we might just keep him at that 2000, 2400 and then potentially look at some options in Queensland as well.”

Vauban last raced when sixth in the Melbourne Cup but boasts three trials sharpening him for reappearance.

While spring Cup efforts test equine stamina, Bott reports Vauban has excelled afterward.

“It’s amazing. He has thrived off the back of it,” he said.

“He has just looked looked tremendous this campaign, so hopefully that’s a good indication.”

In the Sky High, the stable runs Just Fine too, with Bott expecting fitter form than his midfield run in the Parramatta Cup (2000m) three lengths away.

After a 10-month layoff, his home efforts have been encouraging.

“He’d had a while off the scene so he will be better for that run,” Bott said.

“He finished alongside Campaldino the other day, who then came out and won well.

“I was really pleased with him going into that run, and I still have been.”

Tulloch Lodge joins just one other stable in the Sky High Stakes, Chris Waller with seven entrants.

Discover racing betting markets for Vauban in the Sky High Stakes.

First Published: Mar 12 2026 | 12:16 PM IST

Team USA can breathe a sigh of relief, and they can thank Team Italy, the squad that put their World Baseball Classic hopes in limbo, after their win over Team Mexico on Tuesday night. 

With Italy’s 9-1 victory at Daikin Park, they have won Pool B with a perfect 4-0 record and earned a spot in the WBC quarterfinals. 

But Italy also ensured that Team USA’s run in the tournament continues despite handing the star-studded group a shocking 8-6 defeat on Monday night. 

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Vinnie Pasquantino of Italy hits a solo home run in the 6th inning against Mexico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic – Pool B at Daikin Park on March 11, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Houston Astros/Getty Images)

Team USA knew going into this game they would be big fans of Italy, one of the more surprising teams of the tournament thus far, but a thrill to watch. They have the fun espresso home run celebration, which has been used a ton including Tuesday night’s game, and a mixture of veterans and top prospects who have been giving their pool fits on the field. 

However, Vinnie Pasquantino, the team’s captain who stars for the Kansas City Royals, came into this contest without a single hit through three games. Luckily for Italy – and indirectly the U.S. – his first three hits of the tournament were difference makers. 

Pasquantino belted three solo home runs in the win, marking the first time in WBC history that a player went yard three times in a single game. 

TEAM USA’S WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC HOPES TAKE MASSIVE HIT WITH ITALY UPSET

He got Team Italy on the board first in the top of the second, hitting a 342-foot blast to right field. Then, in the top of the sixth inning, he hit a towering shot that stayed fair down the right field line to take a free trip around the bases again. 

As he stepped to the plate in the top of the eighth inning, Pasquantino, already two espresso shots deep after his first two longballs, got just enough to get it over the right-field fence one last time. 

Jon Berti of the Italy reacts after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning against Mexico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic – Pool B at Daikin Park on March 11, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Houston Astros/Getty Images)

But, just like the other three games, there wasn’t only one Italy hitter showcasing his power. Jon Berti, who has had a great tournament thus far, made use of the Crawford boxes in left field, hitting one just far enough in the top of the fourth inning to extend Italy’s lead to 2-0. 

Meanwhile, Mexico couldn’t get the bats going against veteran hurler Aaron Nola, the reliable Philadelphia Phillies starter who had his patented knuckle-curve working in Houston. He tossed five innings, allowing just four hits while striking out five over 69 pitches. 

The game started to get away from Mexico, too, in the top of the fifth inning, when nine-hitter Dante Nori dropped a perfect sacrifice bunt that scored Pasquantino’s Royals teammate, Jac Caglianone, to make it a 3-0 game. Then, Miami Marlins outfielder Jakob Marsee came in clutch with a two-out, bases-loaded single that scored two runners before he was picked off at first base to end the inning. 

With a 7-0 lead, Mexico, facing desperation, saw some offensive life in the bottom of the seventh with bases loaded and no outs. But after Alek Thomas’ groundout to first, and Rowdy Tellez hitting a liner right at Pasquantino for the second out, Jarren Duran struck out as they were only able to get one run out of a potentially game-changing situation. 

Vinnie Pasquantino of Italy runs the bases after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against Mexico during the 2026 World Baseball Classic between Italy and Mexico at Daikin Park on March 11, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

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Pasquantino’s third home run flipped momentum right back to Team Italy, and they rode it into the final frame where they sealed victory. 

As Italy soars into the quarterfinals, Mexico is eliminated as their players will head back to their respective big league camps to finish out spring training.

Team USA’s quarterfinal matchup will be against Team Canada, the winners of Pool A, at 8 p.m. ET in Daikin Park on March 13. 

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