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Sports

The Vikings Receive an Early Gift for Week 1

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The Vikings and Packers line up at the line of scrimmage during a game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Players from the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers line up at the line of scrimmage during fourth-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the longtime NFC North rivals battled deep into the game as playoff positioning and divisional pride remained on the line late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

For only the third time in 66 years, the Minnesota Vikings will play the Green Bay Packers to start the season. During the showdown, otherworldly linebacker Micah Parsons will not partake.

Green Bay will take Parson’s ACL recovery slowly, and he’s already been ruled out for the month of September.

A Packers Problem Arrives at the Perfect Time for Minnesota

Micah Parsons warms up before a Green Bay Packers game against the Denver Broncos.
Green Bay Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons loosens up before taking the field at Empower Field at Mile High. During warm-ups on Dec. 14, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, Parsons prepared for a matchup with the Broncos while continuing to serve as the centerpiece of Green Bay’s defensive front and one of the NFL’s premier defenders. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

No Parsons Week 1

You can scratch Parsons off your bingo board for Week 1.

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ESPN’s Rob Demovsky wrote Wednesday, “Micah Parsons’ initial hope that he could return within the first month of the season was never realistic, and the Green Bay Packers’ star edge rusher has come to terms with that. Parsons said Wednesday that he’s just past the five-month mark from his ACL surgery, which he revealed also included a procedure on his meniscus, and that he won’t be cleared to be back on the football field — even for practice — until the nine-month mark.”

“That would put his earliest possible return to practice in late September, and the Packers likely would not allow him to play in a game until after several weeks of practice. Parsons is likely to open the season on the physically unable to perform list, which means he would automatically miss at least four games.”

Barryn Sorrell or Brenton Cox Jr. will presumably start in Parsons’s place.

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A Game-Changing Detail. Literally.

The Vikings are known for their cautious approach to injury recoveries, prioritizing long-term health. Green Bay operates similarly, which is relevant given Parsons’s status.

Parsons, arguably the best defensive player in football, will not be rushed into the Week 1 lineup simply because the calendar dictates it. Last season, the Packers clearly saw their Super Bowl aspirations diminish without him. Risking a long-term setback in September would be a grave error.

The conservative approach could immediately benefit Minnesota due to the NFL’s random scheduling. Given Parsons is already a five-time Pro Bowler, Green Bay’s patience is entirely logical. The Packers will not be unprepared at outside linebacker to start the season. The team typically has a robust backup plan, and its summer roster is not lacking talent.

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The full outside linebacker room, including Parsons, is as follows:

  • Micah Parsons
  • Lukas Van Ness
  • Brenton Cox Jr.
  • Barryn Sorrell
  • Dani Dennis-Sutton
  • Collin Oliver
  • Arron Mosby
  • Nyjalik Kelly

Dennis-Sutton is a rookie. If Parsons misses approximately four games in September, Packers fans will need Dennis-Sutton to be more prepared to play than an average first-year pass rusher.

One cannot avoid the fact, though, that Parsons is, by far, the Packers’ defensive MVP and best player on the team overall. Minnesota, facing a Parsons-less Packers squad, is an entirely different beast.

Vikings Injury Watch

Minnesota’s summer injury watch isn’t quite as vast as Green Bay’s, but it’s noteworthy nonetheless.

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Micah Parsons and Dak Prescott embrace after a game at AT&T Stadium.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott share a moment following a hard-fought contest at AT&T Stadium. On Sept. 28, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, the former teammates embraced after the game, highlighting the mutual respect forged during their years together in Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

All eyes are on left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who tore his ACL in October 2024 but did not encounter a seamless recovery thereafter. The Vikings even shut down Darrisaw last December, giving him more time to heal and be ready for 2026, which is three months away in regular-season speak. Thankfully, Darrisaw participated in organized team activities last week and looked great.

Then there’s one of the newest members of the roster. Minnesota drafted defensive tackle Caleb Banks from Florida in April, and the only knock on him is two foot injuries since the summer of 2025. Banks’s draft stock fell from Round 1 to Round 2 because he broke his foot at the NFL Combine in February, but that didn’t deter the Vikings from selecting him with the 18th overall pick. The Vikings coaching staff has since claimed that Banks will be ready from training camp in late July.

It’s Darrisaw and Banks Watch for injuries this summer.

All Eyes on Tucker Kraft, Josh Jacobs, and Zach Tom

Parsons isn’t the only star who Packers fans must monitor. Tight end Tucker Kraft is working his way back from a torn ACL in November. He may or may not be ready for Week 1. Josh Jacobs is accused of domestic violence crimes, and that storyline will dominate the Packers’ summer. Tackle Zach Tom also injured his knee last year, though Green Bay’s coaching staff is optimistic about his return sooner rather than later.

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Tucker Kraft walks off the field after a Packers game against the Cowboys.
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft heads toward the locker room after a road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Following the game on Sept. 28, 2025, in Arlington, Texas, Kraft exited the field at AT&T Stadium after contributing to another chapter in Green Bay’s ongoing NFC campaign. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

There’s a world where the Vikings face the Packers without Parsons, Kraft, and Jacobs, believe it or not.

From a June standpoint, Green Bay is an early 1.5-point favorite to defeat Minnesota at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 1 — even with Parsons ruled out.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

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Jay Bilas recalls NFL tryout offer after college basketball career

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This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke with ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Bilas discusses his participation in this year’s American Century Championship, which will take place July 10-12 at Edgewood Tahoe and air on NBC and Peacock. He recalled his unexpected NFL tryout offer after his college basketball career.

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“The people are amazing, not just the competitors, and being a fan boy, seeing all these people that you’ve admired for all these years,” said Bilas, “but being around the American Century Investments people, whether it’s the American Century folks or their clients, the events they have are amazing.”

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Bilas will be alongside Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and many other celebrities in this year’s tournament. The former Duke college basketball standout nearly considered a career in the NFL as a tight end after an unexpected invitation.

“Yeah, I never played any football growing up. I played baseball and basketball, and played a little bit of baseball in high school, in addition to basketball. “Still, back then in the 1980s, the NFL was using some players who had competed in different sports,” said Bilas. “There were several basketball players who played many, and ended up in the league that way.” Renaldo Nehemiah, the hurdler, played wide receiver for the (San Francisco) 49ers. It’s not terribly unusual, but after my senior basketball season ended, I got a call from Bobby Beathard of the Washington Redskins, who invited me to training camp. I thought about it for about 20 minutes, then decided I’d get killed if I went there, so I gave up and played professional basketball for a little while. Still, I definitely toyed with the idea for about 20 minutes before I decided those guys would kill me and wised up a little. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in traction.”

The annual tournament awards $750,000 in prize money, much of which the celebrity players donate to local and national charities. Over the years, over $8 million has been donated to non-profit causes. Network television exposure on NBC/Peacock and a first-place prize of $150,000 make the celebrity tournament one of the most prestigious in golf.

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LIVE: 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Game 7

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LIVE UPDATES: 2026 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals Game 7 (June 17) - Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings vs TNT Tropang 5G.

  • TNT Tropang 5G and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings clash for all the marbles in Game 7 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Game 7 – June 17, Wednesday – Mall of Asia Arena

  • 7:30pm – Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings vs TNT Tropang 5G

LIVE UPDATES: 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Game 7 – Ginebra vs TNT

TNT Tropang 5G's Chris McCullough during Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.TNT Tropang 5G's Chris McCullough during Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.

TNT Tropang 5G’s Chris McCullough during Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –PBA IMAGES

Just like the way they did a couple of nights back, Justin Brownlee and Chris McCullough are expected to come out with their A-Games on Wednesday with the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title on the line and no tomorrow left for the loser.

And who among the locals will step up or disappear for either Barangay Ginebra or TNT will be the biggest question begging for an answer going into Game 7 of what has been a very unpredictable series at Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

For Ginebra, coach Tim Cone believes the offensive struggles of RJ Abarrientos and former MVP Scottie Thompson are something they need to shake off in the most important battle of the conference set at 7:30 p.m.

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“You’re not going to see that very often,” Cone said after Abarrientos and Thompson combined for only nine points on 2-of-18 shooting in Game 6 when the Gin Kings fell short in their first crack at the crown last Sunday.

TNT Tropang 5G's Chris McCullough vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings' Justin Brownlee during Game 5 ofthe 2026 PBA Commissioner's Cup FinalsTNT Tropang 5G's Chris McCullough vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings' Justin Brownlee during Game 5 ofthe 2026 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals

TNT Tropang 5G’s Chris McCullough is guarded closely by Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Justin Brownlee during Game 5 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–How Justin Brownlee and Chris McCullough perform in Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals may play a deciding role in which among Barangay Ginebra or TNT end up taking home the title.

Brownlee and McCullough are expected to carry the load for their respective teams in Wednesday’s decider at Mall of Asia Arena, especially after the two almost turned Game 6 into a one-on-one battle.

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TNT forced a winner-take-all on Sunday after McCullough dropped a PBA career-high 53 points while Brownlee wound up with 52, two short of his output during Ginebra’s overtime victory in Game 5.

“I still feel like I have a lot left,” Brownlee said when asked about the fatigue factor, especially after carrying much of the load for Ginebra amid the lack of local support.

“This series is not over, and I’m still very confident. I got a lot left in the tank.”

TNT Calvin Oftana Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser PBA Finals Game 7TNT Calvin Oftana Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser PBA Finals Game 7

TNT opted not to field in Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who are both dealing with injuries, in Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. Their status is still up in the air for Game 7.–PBA IMAGES

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MANILA, Philippines—TNT key cogs Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser are both game-time decisions ahead of Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Both Oftana (calf) and Ganuelas-Rosser (ankle) sat out Sunday’s Game 6, which saw the Tropang 5G pull off a gritty win over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings to force a title decider.

“Our PTs (physical therapists) are working double time on them,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “Calvin has a calf strain, so that’s very hard. Brandon I think, has a better chance because it’s an inversion ankle sprain. So that’s really a point of concern for us.”

Ailing, Oftana didn’t plan to miss Game 6, but he just couldn’t go against the team’s orders.

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WoW Midnight Void Incursions guide (Naigtal and Val)

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One of the new features in WoW Midnight is the Void Incursions in Naigtal and Val. These are new mini zones that are available on a weekly basis, and allow players to challenge themselves, as well as pick up incredible new loot. There’s so much to do in the Midnight expansion, and this is one of the features added in the 12.0.7 update.

This zone is more challenging than the normal Void Assaults, and features a brand new difficulty for the Retail version of WoW, and that’s Heroic World Tier. If you’re looking to farm new gear, fight powerful foes, and explore the world (of Warcraft), here’s what you need to know about Void Incursions.


How to begin Void Incursions in WoW Midnight (how to get to Naigtal and Val)

If you want to kick off Void Incursions, you’ll find it right next to where you begin the Omnium Folio in WoW Midnight, so I recommend at least unlocking that first. Head to the coordinates via TomTom (/way #2393 47.6 51.0), and speak to Riftblade Maella, and complete the quest The Time to Strike by speaking to her.

You can start the Void Incursions with Riftblade Maella. She's the key NPC for this game mode (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)You can start the Void Incursions with Riftblade Maella. She's the key NPC for this game mode (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)
You can start the Void Incursions with Riftblade Maella. She’s the key NPC for this game mode (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)

You will also need to complete a pair of quests, Veterans of the Great Dark and Stalkers of the Stars. These are easy quests, and will unlock a portal that will let you transport yourself to the zones later.

  • Stalkers of the Stars: Speak to the NPCs, ride over the black smoky objects on the ground in the boxed off area.
  • Veterans of the Great Dark: Speak to the NPCs, interact with the Lightveil Tether and walk as far as you can.

After these, complete To the Voidstorm and Beyond!, via the portal to the Voidstorm in Silvermoon City. This will get you closer to Void Incursions in WoW. Next is Through the Mana Rift, which opens the portal.

From here on, you can head to whichever zone is available for the week at this location, or in Silvermoon City with Riftblade Maella. If you need the Voidstorm coordinates, it’s (/way #2405 51.7 71.0). Once inside, and after completing the introductory quests, you can use the Lightforged Beacon to return to Silvermoon or the Voidstorm.


What to do in Naigtal and Val Void Invasions in WoW Midnight

Each week, either Naigtal or Val will be available in WoW Midnight for Void Incursions. At launch, you’ll have access to two difficulties, each with a minimum Item Level you should have before considering them:

You have a few entry points to get into the Void Incursion maps, but at first, you use the Voidstorm (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)You have a few entry points to get into the Void Incursion maps, but at first, you use the Voidstorm (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)
You have a few entry points to get into the Void Incursion maps, but at first, you use the Voidstorm (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)

The Heroic version has enemies with more health, more damage, and additional affixes that you’ll have to deal with. Of course, the Heroic version also has much better rewards (more Field Accolades, 4/6 Warbound Champion gear, Heroic items from World Boss). It’s up to you which version you take part in. Upon arriving for the first time, you’ll also have a few quests to complete to get you acquainted to the zone, so take the time to do these as well.

While you’re in the Void Incursion, you receive Field Accolades for defeating Rares, popping open treasures, events, and World Quests. There are also Weekly Quests to complete, that reward you with valuable caches, so if you’re looking for something else to do, you can find it here.

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If you’re doing content in the Heroic version, there’s also a four-week quest, Knocking Off the Top, which requires you to defeat a Heroic Void Invasion World Boss each week, and loot the Void Commander’s Emblems. Your reward will be a Myth-track cloak, belt or bracers. However, if you don’t do it each week, you can pick up the boss item from the Weekly Quest too, so you don’t fall behind.

There are a few Vendors you can take advantage of, though some require you to complete achievements to make specific purchases (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)There are a few Vendors you can take advantage of, though some require you to complete achievements to make specific purchases (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)
There are a few Vendors you can take advantage of, though some require you to complete achievements to make specific purchases (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)

There are also Umbral Base Camps, where you can find an NPC to sell you mounts, pets, and a wealth of other items. Kifaan sells the mounts/pets/cosmetics/miscellaneous, Fieldsmith Ventem sells Void-themed weapon transmogs and purple/black recolors of gear, Zuronar sells Lightforged weapons and decorations.


All known World Bosses and Rares in Naigtal and Val in WoW

There are quite a few Rares to hunt in both Naigtal and Val on the WoW Void Incursion maps, as well as a World Boss for each zone. However, we only have access to Naigtal, so that’s the only map we can provide at this time.

We’ll update next week with Val, once it opens up, so you will have everything you need. If you have tracking addons like RareScanner, that helps as well. Below you’ll also find all the coordinates necessary. The World Boss will be circled on the image.

Here's the map of Naigtal and its Rares/World Boss (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)Here's the map of Naigtal and its Rares/World Boss (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)
Here’s the map of Naigtal and its Rares/World Boss (Image via Blizzard Entertainment || Sportskeeda)

Naigtal World Boss and Rares

  • /way #2600 77 70 Nexus-Captain Leth’ir and Adjutant Mertei (World Boss)
  • /way #2600 29 63 Auredar
  • /way #2600 45 52 Broxion (Patrol)
  • /way #2600 77 38 Flickering Swalewing
  • /way #2600 53 50 Indomitable Mk XII (Patrol)
  • /way #2600 38 63 Interminable Uarn (Patrol)
  • /way #2600 65 60 Lomelith (Patrol)
  • /way #2600 57 63 Slaipaan (Patrol)
  • /way #2600 29 18 Warbringer Thal’kuur
  • /way #2600 49 59 Warp Riders (Patrol)
  • /way #2600 70 76 Xi’Grivr

Check out our other WoW guides and features