Nov 23, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) throws the ball over Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Young DT Caleb Banks did have a nice day today, though.
By no means a finished product, Mr. Banks flashed at various points. He boasts a unique frame that allows him to be a menace within the trenches but has so far struggled to stand out despite immense potential. Some of that potential turned into production from within the second day of joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens.
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The Vikings’ 1st-Round Pick Did Well Today
Perhaps the most basic reason for optimism rests in the reality that Banks got a lot of work with the first-team defense. Likewise, fellow rookie DT Domonique Orange got tossed into the mix quite a lot with the starters.
Banks gives the team more agility and upside for penetration. Orange is going to be somebody who is very difficult to move (but he’ll push back against the insistence that there’s no pass rushing in his game). Getting inserted into the mix is a positive development, especially with the Vikings announcing that a veteran DT got shown the door.
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Caleb Banks (95) looks on during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A lot of my focus today was on Caleb Banks. Sometimes, the large lads can get lost in the shuffle, especially with a pair of teams doing battle. Seeing #95 run onto the field caused me to tune in. What he did was often impressive.
First, though, consider the negative.
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On several snaps, Banks got snagged up on his blocker. Sometimes he appears content to bench press his blocker but do little to shake free of the o-lineman’s mitts. At other times, Banks is just a hair slow, leaving him reaching his long arms for a tackle that aren’t yet quick enough to get the job done.
More positive is that Banks proved to be a handful on other snaps.
On a specific play in 11-on-11, Caleb Banks was working as a 3-4 defensive end. Andrew Van Ginkel was to the outside of him and chatting with the rookie DT prior to the play beginning. Sure enough, Banks dipped underneath his blocker to get into the backfield for a TFL on that precise play. Did Banks soak up a coaching point from Van Ginkel and then go make a play?
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) participates in a drill during spring football practice at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 1, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
On a different play, Banks didn’t get home for the sack on the passer. What he did do, though, was absolutely bully his blocker way into the backfield. Doing so crowds the pocket in a way that makes the quarterback very uncomfortable.
Banks gets moved to the left side and right side. He can be pushed outward and inward. Presumably, he’s nimble enough to get used on stunts. So, too, should he be capable of making a mess of a screen through hustle and be able to work as a backside tackler when scraping down the line. Suplexing the QB may be in his future, too.
Caleb Banks is going to be as good as he wants to be. He lacks for nothing by way of physical talent. DC Brian Flores is terrific at his job and Ryan Nielsen is super detailed when coaching up d-linemen. Banks needs to put in the work to unlock what appears to be limitless potential.
Atalanta have agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old Croatian defender Bartol Levačić from Varaždin, securing another promising talent for their academ byy.
Levačić, a centre-back born in 2010, has already represented Croatia at Under-16 level and attracted attention with his potential. The move is part of Atalanta’s continued strategy of investing in young players and developing them through their renowned academy.
The agreement was reported on August 6, with the defender expected to continue his development in Bergamo. Reports indicate that the transfer was set to be completed following the necessary formalities, including a medical and contract signing.
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Atalanta see Levačić as a long-term investment rather than an immediate first-team addition. The Croatian youngster will be given time to develop within the club’s youth system as he works towards potentially making the step up to senior football in the future.
The move further highlights Atalanta’s focus on identifying talented young players early and providing them with a pathway towards professional football.
Myles Gaskin is hanging up his NFL jersey, announcing his retirement from the game of football at 29 years old.
Gaskin, a former seventh-round pick by the Miami Dolphins who spent seven seasons in the NFL as a running back, announced his decision on social media on Thursday.
“Football…there will never be enough words to explain how I feel about you, so I won’t even try,” Gaskin’s social media post read. “What I will do is give all the game you gave me to the next generation of young players who dare to be great. Thank you. It’s been real.”
Seattle Seahawks running back Myles Gaskin looks on before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field in Seattle on Nov. 30, 2025.(Getty Images)
Gaskin’s last touch in the league was with the Seattle Seahawks during the 2025 Super Bowl-winning campaign. He played just one game, seeing action on offense with three snaps, while getting five special teams snaps. He totaled six yards on the three carries he had.
The Lynnwood, Washington native attended the University of Washington, staying in-state where he shined in their backfield. He was the first true freshman running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in school history in 2015 when he ran for 1,302 yards on 227 carries.
The Dolphins used the 234th overall pick to select Gaskin in the 2019 NFL Draft, and he would spend four seasons working his way up the depth chart to an eventual starting role.
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Gaskin’s best season came in 2021, where he rushed for 612 yards on 173 carries with three rushing touchdowns, while hauling in 49 receptions for 234 yards and four scores.
With the Dolphins using a running back by committee scheme in Miami, Gaskin played a versatile role during his early years in the league.
Myles Gaskin of the Seattle Seahawks looks on prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash., on Nov. 30, 2025.(Getty Images)
Gaskin signed a one-year extension with the Dolphins in 2023, but he was a roster cut before the start of the regular season. From there, he started to bounce around the league.
First, he landed with the Minnesota Vikings, who quickly signed him after the release. He eventually joined their practice squad and was elevated to the active roster, appearing on special teams in Week 2 of that season.
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The Los Angeles Rams signed Gaskin off the Vikings’ practice squad later that season, where he played one game in Week 8. He was waived shortly thereafter.
Gaskin returned to the Vikings, while also working with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, the Baltimore Ravens in 2025, and then joining the Seahawks in October 2025, where he was a part of their Super Bowl victory in Santa Clara.
Myles Gaskin of the Seattle Seahawks warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field on Nov. 30, 2025, in Seattle, Wash.(Getty Images)
India’s first Asian Games gold-winning heptathlete Swapna Barman has been provisionally suspended by the National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) after testing positive for a banned substance and disciplinary proceedings against her will go ahead despite her recent decision to retire. The 29-year-old has tested positive for banned anabolic-androgenic steroid Boldenone. Her name figures in the NADA’s latest list of provisionally suspended athletes. “The due procedure will be followed and she stands provisionally suspended despite her retirement. She will have to appear for a hearing and can seek a B sample test,” a well-placed source in the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) told PTI.
“If she decides to come out of retirement at any point in her life, all sanctions against her will stand in case she is found guilty in the formal hearing, a ban will be imposed. A retirement announcement does not absolve anyone of doping offences,” the source added.
Apart from Barman’s provisional suspension, hockey player Mayank Sharma was banned for four years for failing an out of competition test last year.
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In addition, 19-year-old runner Sanjana Singh, who won a gold in the women’s 1500m and 5000m races in the SAAF Senior Athletics Championships last year, was handed a five-year ban after testing positive for prohibited steroids last year.
Both Mayank and Sanjana were already serving provisional suspensions.
But Barman was the biggest name to emerge in the latest list of sanctions. She was the first Indian heptathlete to clinch gold at the Asiad when she finished on top in the 2018 Jakarta Games.
She announced her retirement at the beginning of this month, stating that her injury-plagued body could no longer take the rigours of competition.
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Boldenone is known to decrease testosterone levels and has no medicinal use for the human body.
In Barman’s case, it was detected through the Gas Chromatography-Combustion-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry, which is an advanced analytical technique to distinguish natural hormones from the synthetic ones.
A former Asian champion, who was born with six toes in each of her foot, Barman also represented India in the 2016 Olympic Games.
But her moment of glory was the Asiad gold following which sportswear brands came up with customised shoes for her.
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Barman had famously complained that having to squeeze her feet in the standard shoes meant for five toes had left her with blisters.
Barman, who grew up in extreme poverty in Ghospara village near Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, dabbled in politics recently when she fought and lost the state assembly elections on a Trinamool Congress ticket.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Spain’s World Cup Champions Celebrate Wildly At Cibeles Square
Carl Froch has rated the ability, rather than achievements, of Joe Calzaghe, who many would consider to be the greatest British fighter of all time.
The Welshman made a super-middleweight record of 21 consecutive world title defences, ending his dominant 10-year reign with a unanimous decision victory over Mikkel Kessler.
Another notable triumph at 168lbs came when he defeated the previously unbeaten Jeff Lacy, who many felt had the power to stop Calzaghe in 2006.
The southpaw technician then moved up to 175lbs and dethroned Bernard Hopkins – who, even at 43 years old, was still a serviceable operator – with a split decision victory for the Ring Magazine title.
It was around this time, too, that Froch became the WBC’s mandatory challenger 168lbs, only for Calzaghe to vacate his title and leave the Nottingham man to fight Jean Pascal.
Sure enough, ‘The Cobra’ claimed his WBC belt in 2008, just a month after Calzaghe completed his 46-0 record by unanimously outpointing a faded Roy Jones Jr.
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But while disappointed that he never fought the Welsh icon, Froch nonetheless said that he rates Calzaghe’s ability a 10/10, especially given his attributes of speed, toughness and stamina.
— Froch On Fighting Clips (@frochonfighting) August 14, 2026
For context, he gave both himself and former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis a 9.5, before backtracking and saying that he should probably give Calzaghe the same.
Most, however, would argue that the Welshman possessed a superior skillset to Froch, who only suffered defeats to Kessler and the great Andre Ward.
Rory McIlroy got the improved display he had demanded from himself with a fine six-under-par opening round for a share of the lead at the BMW Championship in St Louis, where Scottie Scheffler made a poor start.
After labouring to an eight-over finish at last week’s St Jude Championship, while Scheffler coasted to an impressive victory, world number two McIlroy had admitted just signs of a positive display again at Bellerive would ‘feel like a win’.
It has been a run of uninspiring performances from the back-to-back Masters champion, who had returned to action in Memphis for the first time since he tied for 40th at The Open.
Rory McIlroy recovered his form at Bellerive Country Club (Jeff Roberson/AP) (AP)
McIlroy, though, showed signs of getting back into his groove as part of the early afternoon wave, with birdies at the fourth and then on eight to turn at two under.
A fine tee shot on the par-three 13th then left the Northern Irishman to roll in a seven-foot putt and he picked up another shot following a lengthy drive on the 492-yard 15th.
McIlroy – sitting 13th in the play-off standings, so assured of making to the 30-man season-ending Tour Championship – continued his momentum to finish with successive birdies and sign for a welcome 64.
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McIlroy revealed a bit of “good work” with swing coach Michael Bannon and caddie Harry Diamond after returning home from Memphis had helped him rediscover his touch.
“I felt at least like I got myself back going in the right direction, and what I wanted to do with my swing, but still you never know when you turn up here,” McIlroy said on the Golf Channel.
“This golf course sets up a lot better for me than Memphis did last week. You can miss it a little bit off the tee, and the playing corridors are a lot wider, so you can get away with it, which I needed to get away with it a couple of times today.
“But this set-up suits my game a little bit better, and I definitely feel a little bit more comfortable on this golf course than I did last week.”
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Scottie Scheffler endured a nightmare opening to the defence of his BMW Championship title (Jeff Roberson/AP) (AP)
World number one Scheffler had been in fine form last week with a final round of 66 to claim his first win since January.
Scheffler was looking to defending his title from last year’s 15-under victory at Caves Valley, Maryland – but was soon slumped at the other end of the leaderboard after a run of four bogeys through the opening seven holes.
After recovering a stroke before heading into the turn, Scheffler then dropped a shot on the 10th.
Two more birdies around a run of pars helped steady the ship to leave Scheffler at two over, with only three of the field of 50 behind him.
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American pair Gary Woodland – who slotted in a superb 99-yard eagle on 11 – and Wyndham Clark, having made birdie on five of his last six holes, are both at six under with McIlroy.
JJ.Spaun, another former US Open champion, looked set to be clear on his own before a bogey at the 18th saw him also in a tie for the lead along with late finisher Chris Gotterup.
Matt Fitzpatrick finished with two birdies to sit at five under with Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune, while his brother Alex is in a group a shot back.
Allianz Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 25 NRL game between Sydney Roosters and
Wests Tigers. The game kicks off at 4:05 pm with Sydney Roosters heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Sydney Roosters vs.
Wests Tigers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
Sydney enters the round on top of the ladder after eight consecutive victories, with gritty wins over Canterbury and Penrith confirming its premiership credentials. James Tedesco returns at fullback after a two-game absence, adding another threat to a side that has balanced attacking power with improved composure. Wests Tigers has lost eight straight and must replace the injured Adam Doueihi, bringing Jock Madden back into the halves. Alex Twal returns in the pack, while Jeral Skelton starts on the wing and Sunia Turuva moves to the interchange. The Tigers did spring a 30-28 upset in last season’s meeting at Allianz Stadium, but recent performances against leading teams have exposed their defence. With the minor premiership in sight, the Roosters should dictate territory and create sustained pressure.
Meanwhile, Sindhu, a two-time world champion, made a strong fightback after losing the opening game but could not sustain the momentum in the decider. Wang kept her composure in the closing stages to seal a hard-fought victory and advance to the semifinals.
The Indian had been chasing a sixth medal at the prestigious championships, having previously won gold in 2019, silver in 2017 and 2018, and bronze in 2013 and 2014. Her exit also brings an end to India’s hopes of a women’s singles medal at the championships.
The latest Manchester United injury news ahead of their first match of the 2026/27 Premier League season against Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday lunchtime
United visit the MKM Stadium on Saturday lunchtime, a week on from their final pre-season friendly against Milan in Wroclaw, Poland. Multiple squad members missed that 4-2 defeat to the Serie A side, including Benjamin Sesko, Karl Darlow, Mason Mount, Matthijs de Ligt and Tom Heaton.
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Manuel Ugarte also remains a long-term absentee after sustaining a knee ligament injury while playing for Uruguay at the World Cup this summer. However, there is more positive news elsewhere.
Benjamin Sesko
United have been without Sesko during the entirety of their pre-season preparations because of a shin injury that cut short his debut season with the club in early May. The striker has continued to recover from that issue this summer, which he played through last season before aggravating it during their win over Liverpool at Old Trafford, and has returned to full training at Carrington this week.
Carrick said during his press conference on Thursday: “Ben [Sesko] is back training, so that’s another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well.”
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Karl Darlow
Summer signing Darlow has yet to make his United debut as the goalkeeper continues to recover from having surgery at the end of last season. The former Leeds United goalkeeper played for them through to the expiry of his contract and also represented Wales in early June before being sidelined over the summer.
Dermot Mee has deputised for Senne Lammens in his absence as of late, with Radek Vitek signing for Middlesbrough and Tom Heaton also being sidelined. Carrick, however, now has a more positive update, saying: “Karl has trained this week. He’s back training, so he’s in good shape.
Manuel Ugarte
Knee ligament surgery for an injury sustained while representing Uruguay at this summer’s World Cup leaves Ugarte as United’s sole long-term absentee to start this season. The club confirmed his operation was successful, adding that he “will now begin the rehabilitation stage of his recovery and will be carefully managed by the club’s medical and performance staff”.
Ugarte said in the aftermath: “I’m incredibly grateful to Uruguay and Man Utd for being there for me from the moment it happened. A huge thank you as well to my family, my friends, and everyone who has sent me messages of support during this time. I’ll be back stronger.”
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Countdown to Kickoff: The Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle
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Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.
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This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.
Mason Mount
A foot injury sustained during the 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain has sidelined Mount since early this month. The midfielder had to limp off 20 minutes into that friendly and was replaced by Tyler Fletcher in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Mount has missed the two matches since, with the latter starting alongside Andrey Santos in midfield against Leeds. Youri Tielemans then came in to partner with his fellow summer signing last weekend.
Carrick, however, suggested Mount could be back this weekend, saying: “We are managing Mason [Mount] a little bit, but he’s very close, so it’s touch-and-go for the weekend, really, if not going into next week.”
In defence, De Ligt is training again after back surgery earlier this year, having missed the final six months of last season. However, his first appearance since late November will not come on the opening day of this season.
Clarifying the situation, Carrick has said: “Matt [De Ligt] has obviously been out for a long period of time, but he’s training and great to have him back. Well, he won’t be involved, but he’s in good shape and moving in a good direction, so that’s really a good bonus for us, really, at this stage, to have him back.”
Tom Heaton
This weekend is when Tom Heaton is due to find out the extent of the innocuous-looking injury sustained against PSG a fortnight ago. Despite there being no great concern at the time when Mee replaced the 40-year-old, the setback has proved more serious than first suspected.
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Heaton is set to face at least a few weeks on the sidelines, which makes Darlow’s return to training even more timely. Carrick sounded optimistic about the summer signing being back on the bench against Hull this weekend and would, presumably, replace Mee as a substitute if now fit enough to do so.
The Indian women’s hockey team will look to secure its place in Round 2 of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup when it takes on England in its final Pool D match today.
India and China have four points each, but India sit at the top of the pool courtesy of a superior goal difference. The Indian side has scored eight goals and conceded only three so far. England, on three points, face a must-perform situation, with anything less than a positive result putting their qualification hopes under serious pressure.
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For India, however, the equation is relatively straightforward: a draw will be enough to guarantee progression to the next round.
India aim to finish pool stage unbeaten
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India enter the contest with considerable confidence after a strong campaign so far. Their 6-1 victory over South Africa showcased the attacking depth within the squad, with six different players finding the net.
The team’s attacking threat has been spread across the forward line, with Deepika and Navneet Kaur scoring twice each. Lalremsiami and World Cup debutant Sunelita Toppo have also impressed with their pace and ability to create openings.
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India’s defensive organisation has been equally encouraging. The side conceded only two penalty corners against South Africa, while goalkeeper Bichu Devi and veteran Savita Punia provide plenty of experience behind a relatively young group.
England face pressure to deliver
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England enter the final pool match knowing that they cannot afford another slip-up. With three points from their opening matches, they need a strong result against India to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
India, meanwhile, will be keen to avoid complacency despite having the cushion of a draw. A positive result would allow the team to progress while maintaining the momentum built during the opening two matches.
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India vs England Women’s Hockey World Cup: Live telecast and streaming
When will India vs England women’s hockey match be played?
The India vs England FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup match will be played on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
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Where will India vs England women’s hockey match be played?
The match will take place at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands.
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What time does India vs England women’s hockey match start?
The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM IST.
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Where can I watch India vs England women’s hockey live on TV?
The FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup is being broadcast live on the Star Sports network in India.
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Where can I watch India vs England women’s hockey live online?
The match will be available for live streaming on JioHotstar through its app and website.
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Can India qualify for Round 2 with a draw?
Yes. India need at least a draw against England to guarantee their place in Round 2, based on the current Pool D standings and qualification scenario.
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