Sports news summaries — Page 39
Essential facts and source links for recent sports stories.
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Ian Rapaport: Zay Flowers unlikely to play against Cowboys
Ravens receiver Zay Flowers, dealing with a hamstring injury, was not suited up for Baltimore’s final practice before facing Dallas in Brazil. NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport reported he is unlikely to play this week, with a Week 4 return more likely. -
Writer projects Ohio State to beat Illinois 45-13 in Big Ten opener
Ohio State is picked to beat Illinois 45-13 in its Big Ten opener and is favored by 27.5 points. The writer cites short-yardage, receiving and pass-rush issues but still sees Ohio State as a national-title contender. Illinois is 2-1; kickoff is listed for noon ET on FOX. -
Fred Warner says 49ers are still learning a new run-defense system
Warner said the 49ers’ run defense is still learning a new system. Through two games, San Francisco ranked 17th in run success rate and 12th in EPA per rush, but allowed just three carries of 10-plus yards, tied for second-fewest in the NFL. -
Ter Stegen says Bayern’s Urbig has room to develop behind Neuer
Marc-André ter Stegen says Jonas Urbig is not yet Bayern Munich’s No. 1 because Manuel Neuer remains there, but the young goalkeeper is in a strong position to develop. He called Neuer a role model and said Urbig is not under maximum pressure. -
UTSA faces Colorado State as Rams QB Hauss Hejny's status remains unclear
UTSA (2-1) hosts Colorado State (2-1) Saturday at noon ET on ESPNU, with Rams quarterback Hauss Hejny's availability uncertain after a hamstring injury. The preview expects a close game at the Alamodome and picks the Roadrunners to win 31-28. -
Cowboys’ line faces Ravens pressure, with the run game a possible opening
Dallas’ offensive line faces Baltimore’s fifth-ranked pressure rate (43.8% of dropbacks) in Brazil. A preview singles out right tackle Terence Steele and recommends testing the Ravens’ run defense with carries and quick passes. -
The Dodgers may find their easiest 2026 playoff matchup in the World Series
A major league GM told ESPN’s Jeff Passan he would take every 2026 NL playoff team over every AL playoff team. The Sporting News argues the Dodgers could find their easiest 2026 postseason matchup in the World Series—if they reach it for a third straight year. -
Jorge Jesus confirms Cristiano Ronaldo will start against Wales
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will start against Wales in tonight’s UEFA Nations League opener, his first competitive match in charge. The match launches Portugal’s title defense in Lisbon, with kickoff scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET. -
Andrei Kuzmenko returns to Moscow after father's fatal bear attack in Siberia
Andrei Kuzmenko has returned to Moscow and will be away from the Penguins after his father, Alexander, 62, died in a bear attack while fishing in southern Siberia. The team confirmed the attack; Sport24 reported Alexander was airlifted to a hospital. -
Melton and Lopez miss practice in Cardinals’ first weekly injury report
The Arizona Cardinals’ first injury report of the week has defensive starters Max Melton and Roy Lopez not practicing: Melton has a toe injury, while Lopez’s groin injury is still lingering from last week. Froholdt also appeared with a knee issue. -
Andrei Kuzmenko to return to Moscow after father’s death in reported Siberian bear attack
The Penguins announced Thursday that Alexander Kuzmenko, father of forward Andrei, had died; Russian outlet Sport 24 reported a bear attacked his fishing party in Siberia and bit him in the face. Andrei will return to Moscow to be with family. -
Josh Heupel takes an 8-5 record against Texas into his first matchup as a head coach
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel is 8-5 against Texas across his playing and assistant-coaching career at Oklahoma. Saturday’s matchup will be his first against the Longhorns since 2014 and his first as a head coach. -
Arizona State hockey coach declines questions on Matthew Mayich's collapse
Arizona State hockey coach Greg Powers declined to answer questions about Matthew Mayich, who collapsed during an outdoor workout on Aug. 20 and was left on life support. Mayich’s attorney told ESPN he suffered exertional heat stroke and had “zero chance” of recovery. -
Derek Falvey joins Mets as senior advisor; Kris Gross promoted to assistant GM of scouting
The Mets appointed Derek Falvey senior advisor of baseball operations and promoted Kris Gross to assistant general manager of scouting. Gross will also contribute to major-league transactions, alongside amateur talent acquisition. -
Six Arizona staffers pick Wildcats to beat Washington State
All six SB Nation writers predict Arizona will beat Washington State on Saturday afternoon in Pullman, with score picks ranging from 24-21 to 45-17. The 2-1 Wildcats are 10.5-point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, but have yet to cover a spread this season. -
Blue Jays and Mariners set to be first prior-year ALCS pair with losing records since 1987
Toronto and Seattle, the 2025 ALCS teams, are set to miss the 2026 playoffs and finish with losing records. OptaSTATS says it would be the first time since 1987 that both prior-year ALCS participants have losing records; their maximums are 80-82 and 78-84, respectively. -
Mac and cheese and lemonade top NJ.com’s new Prudential Center food ratings
NJ.com rated new concessions at Prudential Center for the 2026-27 Devils season. Melba Wilson’s macaroni and cheese and State Fair lemonade led the tasting at 9.3 each; the crispy treat scored 9.2, followed by a pork roll-and-egg cheeseburger at 9.1. -
Fury and Joshua to fight for vacant WBA (Super) title in Cardiff on Dec. 11
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will meet Dec. 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with the vacant WBA (Super) heavyweight title at stake. Ring-walk times are unofficial, but the first bell is expected between 9 and 10 p.m. ET on Netflix. -
Saleh says 49ers nearly selected Cam Skattebo in 2025 draft
Titans coach Robert Saleh said the 49ers were about to draft Giants running back Cam Skattebo in the 2025 NFL Draft, but New York took him 105th overall, eight picks before San Francisco's No. 113 selection. Saleh said Kyle Shanahan liked him. -
Rivals sets $500 fee for high school athlete evaluation program
Rivals announced it will charge high school athletes $500 through Rivals Recruits for a scout evaluation, report, grade and ranking consideration. The site says payment does not guarantee a rating, ranking, star designation or any specific evaluation result. -
Cam Schlittler can reach rare Yankees sub-2.00 ERA milestone Thursday
Schlittler has a 1.94 ERA through 32 starts before Thursday’s season finale against Tampa Bay. Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports the Yankees right-hander can become the third starter in franchise history to finish a season below 2.00. -
Raiders may consider Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in a trade
The 2-0 Las Vegas Raiders could seek wide receiver help before the November 10 trade deadline, with Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. floated as a possible target. The article cites speculation about Raiders interest, not a confirmed trade plan. -
Roebuck gets a Week 4 start call; Reed is a sit against LSU
Eric Froton’s Week 4 college fantasy advice: start Washington WR Dezmen Roebuck against Minnesota after his nine-catch, 121-yard game, but bench Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed at LSU, citing his poor downfield passing and two interceptions against Kentucky. -
Presti backs Cason Wallace for a bigger Thunder role after Lu Dort trade
After the Lu Dort trade, Cason Wallace is the Thunder's top perimeter defender and could start in 2026-27, though Ajay Mitchell is also competing. GM Sam Presti called the move a gesture of confidence and said the team believes Wallace can fill a major role. -
Padres lead wild-card race as Phillies face several playoff paths
Philadelphia fell 4-1 to Milwaukee, going 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position, and is tied with Chicago at 87-71, one game behind San Diego (88-70) with four games left. The Phillies could still host a wild-card series or travel to Chicago, San Diego or Atlanta. -
Barcelona’s eight-win start brings a work-rate edge and sharper finishing
Barcelona have won their first eight games of 2026-27, while Raphinha set a club record with 12 goals in the first eight La Liga matches. Over the first seven league games, Barça covered about 21km more than Real Madrid and averaged 4.5 goals per game against 3.67 xG.
