Desmond Watson, the 6-foot-6, 464-pound defensive tackle, made waves at Florida’s pro day, yet his most unexpected move may have been his unnoticed exit from the practice facility. Despite attracting attention from NFL scouts, teammates, and coaches, Watson managed to slip past media members following his workout. His exceptional performance has sparked discussions about the possibility of him becoming the heaviest draft pick in NFL history.
Watson’s Strength, Athleticism, and Dedication Impress Scouts Despite Weight Concerns
Watson’s sheer size has always been a talking point, but his workout numbers at the pro day made scouts take notice. He bench-pressed 225 pounds an impressive 36 times, surpassing all performances at the 2024 NFL Combine.
He also ran the 40-yard dash in 5.93 seconds and registered a 25-inch vertical jump, showcasing athleticism that defies his massive frame. Teammates, including fellow defensive tackle Joey Slackman, praised his movement and work ethic, emphasizing that he deserves a chance at the next level.
Desmond Watson (NFL)
Florida head coach Billy Napier described Watson as a “unicorn” due to his rare combination of size, intelligence, and personality. Although he looked winded during drills, Watson’s size and power stood out on a day that could shape his professional future.
His weight has been a challenge to manage throughout his college career, fluctuating from 385 pounds in 2021 to 464 pounds at pro day. Napier credited improved nutrition and training programs for Watson’s best season yet, highlighting his progress in discipline and conditioning.
Watson’s Unique Skill Set Could Overcome Weight Concerns and Make NFL History
While Watson’s overall stats may not be eye-popping, his impact on the field was undeniable. He played in every game during his four-year tenure at Florida, finishing with 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His highlight-reel moments include rag-dolling a South Florida running back in 2022 and forcing a fumble against South Carolina.
He even showed versatility by lining up at fullback in Florida’s Gasparilla Bowl appearance, proving his ability to contribute in unconventional ways.
The biggest question now is whether an NFL team will take a chance on Watson. At nearly 100 pounds heavier than the heaviest players ever drafted, he is an anomaly. However, teammates and coaches believe his rare combination of size, strength, and surprising agility makes him a worthwhile investment.
Defensive tackle Cam Jackson noted how Watson stunned scouts with his movement during the 40-yard dash and believes a team will give him an opportunity. If Watson can continue refining his fitness and conditioning, he may find himself breaking records as the heaviest player ever drafted into the NFL.
The Baltimore Ravens have extended head coach John Harbaugh’s contract through the 2028 season, ensuring stability at the leadership position. Harbaugh, who was entering the final year of his previous deal, has never coached a season in Baltimore on an expiring contract. The organization’s decision to grant him a three-year extension reflects their confidence in his ability to keep the Ravens competitive in the NFL.
Harbaugh’s Winning Legacy and Longevity Among NFL’s Most Respected Head Coaches
Since joining the Ravens in 2008, Harbaugh has become the winningest coach in franchise history, accumulating a record of 185-115. His tenure includes a Super Bowl victory in 2012 and 12 playoff appearances, the second-most of any coach since his hiring, trailing only Kansas City Chiefs’ Andy Reid. His ability to consistently guide Baltimore to the postseason underscores his value as one of the league’s elite coaches.
John Harbaugh (NFL)
Harbaugh’s longevity with the Ravens places him among the NFL’s most experienced head coaches. He is now the second-longest-tenured coach in the league, behind only Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Tomlin, who recently completed his 18th season. No other active coach has been with their current team for more than 12 years, emphasizing the Ravens’ trust in Harbaugh’s leadership.
Overcoming Early Struggles and Finishing Strong with a Dominant Season End
The 2023 season was not without its struggles, as Baltimore started 0-2, including a surprising home loss to the 4-13 Las Vegas Raiders. Harbaugh also had to navigate defensive challenges, particularly with first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr. To address these issues, he brought in veteran coach Dean Pees as a senior adviser, helping stabilize the team’s performance as the season progressed.
Despite midseason setbacks, including a tough Week 13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Ravens rebounded impressively. They won their final four regular-season games with a commanding combined score of 135-43.
Harbaugh’s leadership, strategic decision-making, and team-first mentality have cemented Baltimore as a perennial contender, boasting a .617 winning percentage, six AFC North titles, multiple No. 1 seeds, and four AFC Championship appearances.
The New England Patriots announced the release of veteran linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley on Friday. Bentley, a three-time team captain, was entering his eighth season with the Patriots.
Following the announcement, Bentley took to the social media platform X to express his gratitude, posting a farewell message thanking New England for his time with the team. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, during which he played a crucial role in the Patriots’ defensive unit.
Injuries, Roster Moves, and Financial Decisions Impact Bentley’s Future with Patriots
Throughout his time in New England, Bentley established himself as a key contributor, recording over 100 tackles in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons. His best statistical year came in 2022 when he posted a career-high 122 tackles.
Unfortunately, Bentley suffered a torn left pectoral muscle in Week 2 of the 2024 season, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. However, he recently announced at a season-ticket member event that he had been fully cleared to return to action. Despite his recovery, the Patriots opted to move in a different direction.
Ja’Whaun Bentley (NFL)
The Patriots’ decision to part ways with Bentley was likely influenced by their recent financial investments in other linebackers. Earlier in March, New England signed former Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane to a three-year, $33 million contract, signaling a shift in their defensive personnel.
Additionally, the team matched Las Vegas’ offer for restricted free agent linebacker Christian Elliss, committing up to $13.5 million over two years. These moves suggested that Bentley’s role on the team was becoming increasingly uncertain.
Financial Factors and Scheme Changes Led to Bentley’s Departure from New England
Bentley was set to earn $4.35 million in base salary for the upcoming season, along with roster bonuses and a workout bonus. The Patriots’ financial restructuring at the linebacker position likely played a role in his release.
Furthermore, with first-year head coach Mike Vrabel implementing a more aggressive defensive scheme, Bentley’s skill set may not have aligned with the team’s evolving strategy. His strengths as a downhill, run-stuffing linebacker were more suited to the defensive philosophy employed by former coaches Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo.
Bentley was originally drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Purdue, where he was the first three-time captain in Boilermakers history. Over his seven seasons with New England, he became a respected leader and a reliable presence on the field.
While his tenure with the Patriots has come to an end, Bentley’s experience and proven production will likely make him a sought-after free agent for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps.
Colorado coach Deion Sanders has made it clear that he is not influencing his son, Shedeur Sanders, regarding his destination in the upcoming NFL Draft. Shedeur has openly shared details of his meetings with various teams, giving his father insight into his preferences. However, Deion Sanders remains supportive of any team that selects his son, stating that he trusts Shedeur’s ability to make a significant impact on any organization.
Deion Sanders’ current comments contrast with statements he made last year. Previously, he suggested that certain cities would not be an option for Shedeur, referencing the situation involving Eli Manning in 2004.
Manning refused to play for the San Diego Chargers after being drafted first overall, leading to a trade to the New York Giants. Sanders’ earlier stance implied that he might attempt to steer Shedeur away from certain teams, but he now asserts that he is open to any destination.
Deion Sanders (NFL)
When asked by Skip Bayless if he would try to orchestrate Shedeur’s draft outcome, Deion Sanders firmly denied any involvement. He emphasized that he believes in divine guidance and prefers for his son to embrace challenges and prove doubters wrong. According to Sanders, criticism and skepticism serve as motivation for Shedeur, pushing him to achieve greater success on the field.
Shedeur Sanders Emerges as a Top Prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft
Shedeur Sanders is projected to be a high first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Analysts, including ESPN’s Matt Miller, predict that he could be selected as early as No. 3 overall by the New York Giants. His strong performances in college have positioned him as one of the top quarterback prospects, making him an attractive choice for teams in need of a franchise quarterback.
Deion Sanders’ unwavering support for his son reflects his confidence in Shedeur’s abilities and work ethic. Regardless of which team selects him, Sanders believes Shedeur will bring value to the organization and continue to excel despite any doubts. With the draft approaching, Shedeur’s future in the NFL looks bright, and his journey will be closely followed by fans and analysts alike.
Kimbo Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, was a legendary street fighter from Dade County, Florida. He gained fame through viral videos showcasing his brutal backyard brawls in Miami. Despite his street-fighting prowess, few could have predicted that he would eventually make it to the UFC in 2009.
His rise to mainstream combat sports was remarkable, considering he had no formal training in mixed martial arts (MMA) until 2005. Even after receiving advice from boxing icon Mike Tyson to avoid turning pro, Slice pursued a career in professional fighting, making his MMA debut in 2007.
Kimbo Slice’s UFC Journey and His Potential in Bareknuckle Boxing
Kimbo Slice made an impact early in his MMA career, winning his debut fight against former boxing heavyweight champion Ray Mercer via guillotine choke. He continued his success by winning three of his next four professional fights.
This led to an invitation to compete in season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show produced by the UFC. Despite suffering a one-sided loss to Roy Nelson during the competition, Slice was signed to the UFC. However, his time in the promotion was short-lived, as he only fought twice, securing one win and one loss before parting ways with the organization in 2010.
Kimbo Slice (UFC)
Despite his short-lived UFC career, Kimbo Slice remained a fan favorite due to his aggressive and powerful striking ability. UFC commentator Joe Rogan has often spoken about Slice’s potential, particularly in bareknuckle boxing.
Rogan believed that Slice’s skill set was more suited for a pure striking sport like Bareknuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), which focuses solely on stand-up fighting. Without gloves and wrestling involved, Slice could have been a dominant force, with Rogan stating that he would have “f***** a lot of people up” in bareknuckle boxing.
Kimbo Slice’s Resilience and Lasting Legacy in Combat Sports
Even though MMA might not have been the best fit for Slice due to the grappling aspect, Rogan commended him for stepping into the Octagon despite being 35 years old with limited experience. Slice had a successful run in Bellator MMA later in his career, where he even defeated the legendary Ken Shamrock.
However, his real reputation was built outside of the cage, with his raw power and brutal knockouts in street fights. His courage to compete in MMA at a later stage of life, despite injuries from his football days, earned him the respect of many, including Rogan.
While bareknuckle boxing did not gain mainstream attention until the foundation of BKFC in 2018, two years after Slice’s death, Rogan firmly believed that he would have thrived in that arena. Unfortunately, Slice passed away in 2016 at the age of 42 due to congestive heart failure.
Despite his passing, his legacy as a fearless fighter and a pioneer in viral street fighting remains strong. Though his MMA career had limitations, Kimbo Slice’s impact on combat sports, both in and out of the cage, continues to be remembered and respected.
Marathon Running Temporarily Depletes Brain Myelin but Recovers Within Weeks
While runners are familiar with the physical exhaustion and heavy legs that come with long endurance runs, new Spanish research reveals that the brain also endures significant stress during such efforts.
A marathon, for example, requires substantial energy not only from the body but also from the brain. Scientists have discovered that during prolonged physical exertion, the brain taps into its own protective fat layer as an energy source to sustain performance.
Impact of Endurance Running on Brain Myelin and Its Natural Recovery Process
To investigate the brain’s response to endurance running, Spanish researchers conducted MRI scans on ten marathon runners at different stages—before the race, immediately after finishing, and months later.
The scans revealed that after completing a marathon, the brain showed a decrease in myelin, a fatty substance that insulates and protects nerve cells. The most affected brain regions were those responsible for coordination, sensory perception, and emotional regulation. In some cases, myelin levels dropped by as much as 28 percent.
Marathon Running Temporarily Depletes Brain Myelin but Recovers Within Weeks
Despite the noticeable depletion of myelin post-marathon, runners need not be overly concerned. The study found that myelin levels began recovering within two weeks of the race, and by two months, they had returned to their original state. This suggests that while endurance running temporarily impacts brain function, the brain has a natural ability to heal itself over time.
Optimizing Brain Recovery After Endurance Runs: The Role of Nutrition and Rest
To support brain recovery, researchers recommend consuming healthy, high-fat foods such as fish, nuts, and avocados. These foods help replenish the myelin that is used during prolonged physical exertion. Additionally, getting adequate rest after a marathon or other endurance activities is essential to allow both the body and brain to recover effectively.
Although the findings are significant, the researchers emphasize the need for further studies. The study was conducted with a very small sample size—only ten athletes—which limits the ability to generalize the results. More extensive research will be necessary to fully understand how endurance running affects brain function and whether different training strategies or dietary approaches can mitigate the impact.
Josh Giddey made an incredible shot from beyond halfcourt as the final buzzer sounded, helping the Chicago Bulls come back from an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-117 on Thursday.
The Bulls were down 115-110 with 12.6 seconds left but made a strong finish with a series of key plays. Patrick Williams and Coby White hit 3-pointers for Chicago before Austin Reaves made a layup for Los Angeles with 3.3 seconds remaining, setting up Giddey’s clutch shot.
Giddey finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, marking his fifth triple-double of the season. White scored 26 points, and Kevin Huerter added 21 points for the Bulls, who won their fourth straight game.
Reaves scored 30 points for the Lakers, while Luka Doncic added 25 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Los Angeles suffered their fourth loss in five games.
Pacers 162, Wizards 109
Indiana set multiple franchise records in a blowout win over Washington, with nine players scoring in double figures.
The Pacers went on a 12-0 run in the first quarter, helping them score 83 points in the first half, just three short of a franchise record. Though they didn’t hit the half record, they set a new single-game record with 162 points, surpassing their previous high of 157 from last season.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 29 points, making 7 of 10 from 3-point range. The team as a whole set a record for most 3-pointers made, hitting 27 of 47 from beyond the arc. Alex Sarr scored 22 points for Washington in their biggest loss in franchise history.
Heat 122, Hawks 112
Tyler Herro scored 36 points on 13-for-17 shooting to help Miami defeat Atlanta.
Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell both added 16 points, and Bam Adebayo contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat, who won their third straight game.
Trae Young had 29 points and 12 assists for Atlanta, but they lost their second straight game. Caris LeVert scored 17 points off the bench.
Cavaliers 124, Spurs 116
Jarrett Allen scored 29 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, while Darius Garland added five key points in the final 1:16, helping Cleveland defeat San Antonio.
Donovan Mitchell contributed 25 points, 14 assists, and eight rebounds for the Cavaliers, who won their third straight game. Max Strus scored 18 points.
Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Devin Vassell also scored 22 points as the Spurs lost their second consecutive game.
Donovan Mitchell (NBA)
Mavericks 101, Magic 92
Jaden Hardy scored 22 points, and Anthony Davis added 15 points and seven rebounds to help Dallas win at Orlando.
Brandon Williams scored 14 points, and Klay Thompson and Max Christie each had 12 points. The Mavericks turned the game around with a 20-2 run to close out the third quarter.
Paolo Banchero had 35 points for Orlando, his fifth straight game scoring over 30 points, and grabbed 10 rebounds. Franz Wagner had 20 points and nine rebounds, but the Magic’s three-game winning streak ended.
Rockets 121, Jazz 110
Alperen Sengun scored 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, leading Houston to a win over Utah.
Jalen Green added 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. The Rockets won their 11th game in 12 tries. Amen Thompson and Tari Eason each scored 15 points, with Thompson also pulling down 10 rebounds.
Collin Sexton led Utah with 21 points, but the Jazz lost their fourth consecutive game. Brice Sensabaugh and Keyonte George each contributed 17 points off the bench.
Thunder 125, Grizzlies 104
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points to lead Oklahoma City to a win over Memphis, marking their eighth straight victory.
Gilgeous-Alexander also added six assists and three steals, with no turnovers. Jalen Williams, returning from a hip injury, scored 20 points. Isaiah Hartenstein scored eight of his 18 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 11 rebounds.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 27 points to lead Memphis, who have lost four of their last five games, dropping to fifth in the Western Conference standings. Scotty Pippen Jr. added 17 points.
Kings 128, Trail Blazers 107
Zach LaVine scored 29 points on 13-of-18 shooting to help Sacramento break a four-game losing streak with a win over Portland.
Domantas Sabonis recorded 22 points, 19 rebounds, and six assists, and DeMar DeRozan had 21 points and 10 assists for the Kings, who shot a season-best 64.9 percent from the field.
Deni Avdija scored 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Shaedon Sharpe added 22 points and seven rebounds for Portland, who ended their season with a third straight loss.
Cedric Mullins and Adley Rutschman each hit two home runs as the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 12-2 on Thursday afternoon in the season opener for both teams.
Mullins went 3-for-5, with a three-run home run and five RBIs, while Baltimore had 14 hits compared to Toronto’s four.
Tyler O’Neill hit a three-run home run, going 3-for-3 with two walks. Jordan Westburg added a solo home run for the Orioles. O’Neill set a record by homering on Opening Day for six straight seasons, adding to his major league record.
The six home runs hit by the Orioles set a new Opening Day record for the team.
Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin (1-0) gave up two runs and two hits in six innings, allowing a two-run home run by Andres Gimenez. Toronto’s starting pitcher, Jose Berrios (0-1), pitched five innings, giving up six runs, nine hits, and two walks.
Astros 3, Mets 1
Framber Valdez pitched seven shutout innings to help Houston beat the New York Mets.
Valdez allowed four hits, two walks, and had four strikeouts. The Astros took a 3-0 lead in the third inning with an RBI single by Yainer Diaz and a run scored on an error by Christian Walker.
The Mets scored their only run in the ninth inning on a sacrifice fly by Francisco Lindor. Juan Soto, the new free-agent signing, went 1-for-3 with two walks in his debut for the Mets. Clay Holmes, a converted reliever making his first start since 2018, allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and four walks, with four strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.
Padres 7, Braves 4
Jackson Merrill drove in four runs, and Gavin Sheets hit a homer in the seventh inning to help San Diego come from behind to beat Atlanta.
San Diego’s bullpen pitched 6 1/3 innings after Michael King struggled in his 2 2/3 innings, giving up three runs on four hits and four walks. Wandy Peralta (1-0) got the last out of the top of the seventh for the win, and Robert Suarez closed it out in the ninth for the save.
Ozzie Albies drove in three runs, including two with a home run, for Atlanta. Austin Riley also hit a home run. Braves starter Chris Sale left with a 4-3 lead after allowing six hits, a walk, and three runs in five innings, with seven strikeouts.
White Sox 8, Angels 1
Rookie right-hander Sean Burke pitched six scoreless innings in his first Opening Day start, and Austin Slater, Andrew Benintendi, and Lenyn Sosa all homered to lead Chicago to a big win over Los Angeles.
Burke (1-0) became the seventh pitcher since 1929 to start on Opening Day with fewer than 20 career innings pitched. He retired the last 14 Angels he faced, allowing three hits and three walks, and hitting one batter. Miguel Vargas hit a two-run double, Benintendi drove in three with his eighth-inning home run, and Sosa hit a two-run shot in the eighth.
Los Angeles pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (0-1) allowed three runs and five hits with five strikeouts over six innings. The Angels avoided being shut out in the ninth inning with a solo home run by Logan O’Hoppe against Cam Booser.
Chicago White Sox’s Andrew Vaughn and Justin Jirschele celebrate after a home run
Giants 6, Reds 4
Patrick Bailey singled in the tying run with two outs in the ninth inning, and Wilmer Flores hit a three-run home run to break the tie as San Francisco came back to win in Cincinnati.
Heliot Ramos hit a two-run homer for the Giants. Starting pitcher Logan Webb gave up three runs on six hits over five innings, with five strikeouts and three walks.
For the Reds, Jeimer Candelario had two singles and drove in three runs. Starting pitcher Hunter Greene struck out eight in five innings, giving up three hits and two runs, while walking one on 84 pitches.
Yankees 4, Brewers 2
Carlos Rodon pitched well into the sixth inning and got help from two early home runs as the New York Yankees won against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Austin Wells hit a leadoff homer just three pitches into the bottom of the first inning, and Anthony Volpe followed with a home run in the second. This helped the Yankees improve to 7-1 in season openers under manager Aaron Boone. Aaron Judge added an RBI double in the seventh, and Cody Bellinger, in his debut for the Yankees, had a sacrifice fly.
Vinny Capra, playing in his 21st career game, hit his first-ever home run in the third inning. The Brewers struck out 13 times, with Jackson Chourio, the leadoff batter, striking out five times.
Red Sox 5, Rangers 2
Wilyer Abreu went 3-for-3, hitting two home runs, driving in four RBIs, and scoring three runs to lead Boston to a win over Texas. Abreu, who was the top slugger among American League rookies last season, homered in the fifth and ninth innings, helping the Red Sox win their second straight season-opening game.
Abreu’s second home run broke a 2-2 tie in the ninth inning after Trevor Story walked and stole second. Kristian Campbell then got his first MLB hit with a single, and David Hamilton pinch-ran before Abreu hit the deciding homer.
Josh Jung and Kevin Pillar both had multiple hits for Texas, while the Red Sox took the game late after earning two runs on three hits and striking out nine times against Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi, who pitched six innings.
Phillies 7, Nationals 3 (10 innings)
Alec Bohm hit a tiebreaking two-run double in the 10th inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies went on to beat Washington.
In the 10th, with two outs and the score tied at 3-3, Bryson Stott stole third, and Bryce Harper walked against Colin Poche (0-1). Bohm then hit a double into left-center to score both runners, and JT Realmuto added a two-run triple to make it 7-3.
Harper and Kyle Schwarber both hit solo home runs for the Phillies in the seventh inning. Keibert Ruiz had two hits, including a homer, for the Nationals. Zack Wheeler allowed one run on two hits over six innings, with eight strikeouts and two walks. MacKenzie Gore pitched six innings, allowing just one hit and striking out 13, setting a new Nationals Opening Day record.
Philadelphia Phillies players celebrate after winning the game
Guardians 7, Royals 4 (10 innings)
Kyle Manzardo went 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs to help Cleveland beat Kansas City after a blown save by All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase.
In the 10th inning, Steven Kwan led off with an RBI double, and Manzardo added a two-run double, putting the Guardians ahead. Manzardo had earlier tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jhonkensy Noel to help the team come back from a 3-0 deficit.
Vinnie Pasquantino hit a three-run homer in the third inning and helped the Royals make a comeback in the ninth, with a leadoff double off Clase (1-0). Salvador Perez followed with a single to send pinch runner Freddy Fermin to third, and Fermin later scored on Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly.
Marlins 5, Pirates 4
Nick Fortes tripled to lead off the bottom of the ninth, and Kyle Stowers hit a walk-off single to give Miami a win over Pittsburgh.
This was Miami’s first walk-off win on Opening Day. After Fortes’ triple, Stowers hit the winning single off Pittsburgh closer David Bednar (0-1). Marlins reliever Jesus Tinoco (1-0) got the win after pitching a scoreless top of the ninth. Sandy Alcantara allowed two hits, two runs, and four walks over 4 2/3 innings, striking out seven.
Pittsburgh’s biggest offensive moments came from Bryan Reynolds’ two-run single in the fifth inning and Nick Gonzales’ two-run home run in the sixth. Paul Skenes, last season’s National League Rookie of the Year, allowed three hits, two walks, and two runs, striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings.
Dodgers 5, Tigers 4
Shohei Ohtani, Teoscar Hernandez, and Tommy Edman each hit a home run to help Los Angeles win against Detroit.
Blake Snell, in his Dodgers debut, pitched five strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits, with two strikeouts. The two-time Cy Young Award winner worked around four walks. Blake Treinen pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his first save.
In his first start since winning the American League Cy Young Award last season, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (0-1) gave up four runs on six hits over five innings, with one walk and two strikeouts. Spencer Torkelson hit a home run and walked four times for Detroit, while Manuel Margot had a sacrifice fly in his Detroit debut.
Cardinals 5, Twins 3
Lars Nootbaar hit a two-run homer and scored twice to help St. Louis beat Minnesota in their season opener.
Nolan Arenado hit a solo home run, and Brendan Donovan went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Starter Sonny Gray (1-0) allowed two runs on four hits in five innings to earn the win. Ryan Helsley, the sixth pitcher for the Cardinals, earned the save.
Minnesota’s Pablo Lopez (0-1) allowed four runs, two earned, on eight hits in five innings. Harrison Bader hit a two-run homer, and Willi Castro had an RBI double for the Twins.
Jiri Kulich scored two goals for the Buffalo Sabres in their 7-3 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, overshadowing Sidney Crosby’s record-setting night.
Tage Thompson, Peyton Krebs, Tyson Kozak, and Alex Tuch each scored a goal and added an assist for Buffalo. Defensemen Bowen Byram and Rasmus Dahlin both recorded two assists, and James Reimer made 23 saves. Buffalo has now won five of their last seven games.
Crosby scored to set an NHL record with his 20th season of averaging at least one point per game, breaking a tie with Wayne Gretzky. Blake Lizotte and Kevin Hayes also scored for the Penguins, who have now lost three straight games. Tristan Jarry stopped 8 of 12 shots before being replaced by Alex Nedeljkovic, who made 15 saves.
Wild 4, Capitals 2
Frederick Gaudreau scored twice to help the Minnesota Wild beat the Washington Capitals in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Matt Boldy had a goal and an assist, and Jon Merrill added a goal for the Wild, who snapped a two-game losing streak. Brandon Duhaime and Matt Roy scored for Washington, which lost in regulation for the second time in its last 12 games.
Washington’s Alex Ovechkin had three shots on goal in 19:03 of ice time but didn’t score. Ovechkin remains at 889 career goals, five short of matching Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record.
Stars 5, Flames 2
Four players for the Dallas Stars each scored a goal and added an assist in their 5-2 win over the Calgary Flames.
Matt Duchene, Mikael Granlund, Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen all had a goal and an assist. The Stars are on a four-game winning streak and are now four points behind the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the Central Division. Wyatt Johnston also scored, and Casey DeSmith made 46 saves.
Nazem Kadri scored both goals for the Flames, who had their four-game winning streak snapped. Dustin Wolf made 14 saves.
Flyers 6, Canadiens 4
After firing their head coach earlier in the day, the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Montreal Canadiens 6-4 at home.
The Flyers had been on a six-game losing streak (0-5-1) before firing John Tortorella, with Brad Shaw taking over as interim coach. Sean Couturier and Matvei Michkov each scored twice and added an assist. Tyson Foerster and Nicolas Deslauriers also scored. Samuel Ersson made 26 saves, handing Montreal its fourth straight loss (0-2-2). Alex Newhook, Cole Caufield, Christian Dvorak, and Patrik Laine scored for the Canadiens, while Jakub Dobes made 24 saves.
Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Senators 4, Red Wings 3
The Ottawa Senators took a 3-0 lead and held off a strong comeback from the Detroit Red Wings.
Thomas Chabot, Tim Stutzle, David Perron, and Michael Amadio scored for Ottawa. Linus Ullmark made 31 saves as Ottawa, which leads the Eastern Conference wild-card race, won the season series 3-1.
Lucas Raymond scored a goal and added an assist for Detroit, and Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored. Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot combined for 28 saves.
Lightning 8, Utah Hockey Club 0
Jake Guentzel scored two goals, and Andrei Vasilevskiy earned his sixth shutout of the season as the Tampa Bay Lightning crushed Utah 8-0.
Guentzel scored his NHL-leading 16th power-play goal in a four-goal second period, and Nikita Kucherov added a goal and three assists. Vasilevskiy made 25 saves for his 40th career shutout.
Brayden Point scored his 300th career goal and added an assist. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice, and Victor Hedman had a goal and two assists. Gage Goncalves also scored. Utah’s goalie Karel Vejmelka allowed four goals on 11 shots before being replaced by Jaxson Stauber, who stopped six shots.
Avalanche 4, Kings 0
Martin Necas and Logan O’Connor scored in a 92-second span during the second period, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 22 saves as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-0 in Denver.
Necas finished with two goals and an assist, and Jonathan Drouin had a goal and an assist. Cale Makar had two assists for Colorado, which has now won four in a row. Nathan MacKinnon picked up an assist to extend his home point streak to 23 games.
David Rittich made 22 saves for the Kings, who had their four-game winning streak snapped.
Blues 3, Predators 2
Dylan Holloway scored twice, including the game-winning goal with 7:41 left, as the St. Louis Blues extended their winning streak to eight games with a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators.
Cam Fowler scored to tie the game for the Blues less than a minute before Holloway’s winner. Robert Thomas had two assists, and Joel Hofer made 16 saves for St. Louis.
Fedor Svechkov and Brady Skjei scored for the Predators, who have lost six of their last eight games (2-5-1). Juuse Saros made 18 saves.
St. Louis Blues players celebrates after scoring
Kraken 6, Oilers 1
Jaden Schwartz scored twice as the Seattle Kraken defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-1.
Jani Nyman, Andrei Burakovsky, and Jared McCann each had a goal and an assist, while Matty Beniers also scored. Joey Daccord made 36 saves. The Kraken set a franchise record for goals in a period during a home game and ended a three-game losing streak (0-2-1).
Zach Hyman scored for the Oilers, who have lost three of their last four games. Calvin Pickard stopped 24 of 29 shots, and Olivier Rodrigue made 7 saves on 8 shots in his NHL debut.
Sharks 6, Maple Leafs 5 (SO)
Macklin Celebrini scored the shootout winner as the San Jose Sharks beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-5 after Toronto scored twice in the final minute to force overtime.
Tyler Toffoli scored twice in regulation and added an assist, and William Eklund had a goal and an assist for the Sharks. Collin Graf and Alexander Wennberg also scored. Alexandar Georgiev made 30 saves for San Jose.
William Nylander scored twice, John Tavares had a goal and an assist, and Auston Matthews and Scott Laughton also scored for the Maple Leafs. Mitch Marner had three assists, Matthew Knies added two assists, and Joseph Woll made 30 saves.
The Philadelphia Eagles are bringing back offensive lineman Matt Pryor, according to a report by Jeff McLane of the Inquirer. Pryor, originally drafted by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, returns after spending time with multiple teams.
His previous tenure with the Eagles saw him make 10 starts in 27 games before being traded to the Indianapolis Colts in a deal that indirectly helped the Eagles acquire star defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
Pryor Brings Experience and Depth to Eagles’ Offensive Line Rotation
After leaving Philadelphia, Pryor spent two seasons with the Colts, where he made 14 starts in 33 games. He then had brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears, where he saw the most playing time of his career, starting 15 games in 2023. Despite bouncing around the league, Pryor has accumulated significant experience, with 40 career starts in 93 total games, including playoff appearances.
Matt Pryor (NFL)
While Pryor has not secured a long-term starting role, his experience makes him a valuable depth piece for the Eagles. Last season, he was ranked 21st out of 79 guards by Pro Football Focus (PFF), suggesting he could be a solid backup or even challenge Tyler Steen for the starting right guard position. His return provides the Eagles with a veteran option who can step in when needed.
Pryor’s Versatility Strengthens Eagles’ Offensive Line Depth and Flexibility
One of Pryor’s biggest assets is his ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line. Over his career, he has logged snaps at left tackle, left guard, right guard, and right tackle, making him a flexible piece for the Eagles’ offensive front. His versatility ensures that he can serve as an emergency option at various positions, increasing his value as a depth signing.
Pryor’s signing comes just days after the Eagles added another veteran lineman, Kendall Lamm, to strengthen their offensive line depth. While these moves improve the team’s roster, they do not rule out the possibility of Philadelphia selecting an offensive lineman early in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Eagles are known for prioritizing strong line play, and they have reportedly been evaluating top prospects to ensure long-term stability in the trenches.
Jessica Pegula hits a backhand shot in the 1st round
Jessica Pegula ended the streak of upsets at the Miami Open by defeating Britain’s unseeded Emma Raducanu on Wednesday night.
The fourth-seeded Pegula won 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2 in a match that lasted two hours and 25 minutes. With the win, Pegula advanced to her third Miami Open women’s semifinal in four years. She will play teenage wild card Alexandra Eala from the Philippines on Thursday.
Pegula’s match finished at 11:23 p.m., which led to the postponement of the men’s quarterfinal between Novak Djokovic and Sebastian Korda until Thursday.
Raducanu, who won the 2021 U.S. Open, came into the match ranked 60th after dealing with multiple coaching changes and injuries.
Pegula took the first set, but Raducanu showed her power in winning the second set. However, she seemed to struggle physically in the Miami heat, which reached 70% humidity. Raducanu grimaced during points and showed signs of overheating, having five set points on Pegula’s serve but failing to convert. Pegula then held her serve to lead 5-4.
At that point, medical staff took Raducanu’s blood pressure and pulse. The chair umpire called for a medical timeout, and medical officials applied ice bags to Raducanu’s legs and placed cold towels around her neck.
After the break, Raducanu played well and won the tiebreaker 7-3.
In the third set, Pegula bounced back, breaking Raducanu early at 2-0. On her third break point, Pegula finished the match by breaking Raducanu at love.
In a nearly three-hour men’s quarterfinal, Grigor Dimitrov, seeded 14th, battled through cramps and the heavy humidity to defeat Francisco Cerundolo, who is seeded 23rd, 6-7 (6), 6-4, 7-6 (3).
Dimitrov had to be helped off the court by a tournament doctor and ATP physio after sitting in his chair for more than 25 minutes, feeling dizzy.
Dimitrov, a Miami Open finalist in 2024, saved a match point while trailing 5-6 in the third set, eventually forcing a tiebreaker. He had lost the first set’s tiebreaker 6-4 after wasting seven set points.
Emma Raducanu reacts after winning the match
Dimitrov will face the winner of the Djokovic-Korda match in the semifinals.
Earlier on Wednesday, several top seeds fell.
Unseeded wild card Alexandra Eala stunned No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek in a straight-set women’s quarterfinal. In the men’s tournament, top seed Alexander Zverev was defeated by No. 17 seed Arthur Fils of France, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, in a fourth-round match that had been delayed by rain.
Fils, who beat American Frances Tiafoe in a long three-set match, will play Jakub Mensik in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
In the third set, Fils broke Zverev at 3-3 and kept the German moving. Fils won the match with a powerful shot down the left sideline that Zverev couldn’t reach.
Fils, 20, received treatment on his back after the first set but came back strong, winning the next two sets in two hours. “I was feeling not great in the rallies,” he said. “I’ve had a little problem in my back since I was young, so sometimes it hurts me a little bit. I had to find a rhythm, be more aggressive, and come into the court to play my game and not let him play. Because when you let him play, he is one of the best tennis players in the world. I’m really happy about the way I did it.”
Eala, ranked 140th, is on the verge of becoming the first major tennis star from the Philippines after her win against Swiatek 6-2, 7-5.
Eala became the third wild card to reach the Miami Open semifinals, following Justine Henin in 2010 and Victoria Azarenka in 2018.
She stayed calm throughout the match, with the first four games going to at least one deuce, and five of the first six games having service breaks. Swiatek only held serve twice in the match and committed 32 unforced errors in the one hour, 39-minute contest.
Eala has now beaten three major winners during her incredible run: Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion from Poland.
“There is a lot of emotions, definitely,” said Eala, who had never beaten a top 40 player before. “Happiness has to be on the top of the whole list.”
Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning the Miami Open Tennis Tournament
Novak Djokovic is starting to play better in South Florida after a slow beginning to 2025.
Djokovic, aiming for his seventh Miami Open title, defeated American Sebastian Korda 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) on Thursday in a quarterfinal match that lasted one hour and 24 minutes.
The match was moved from Wednesday night because the women’s quarterfinal between Jessica Pegula and Emma Raducanu ran late, ending after 11 p.m. and starting around midnight, which would have violated new ATP rules.
Djokovic advanced to the semifinals and will play against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov on Friday. Djokovic has a 12-1 record against the 33-year-old Dimitrov, who reached the final of the tournament in 2024.
Djokovic, who has won all six of his titles at the previous Miami Open venue in Key Biscayne, is aiming for his 100th career title.
“I’m getting great support,” Djokovic said. “I feel I have a really good chance to go all the way here. …I’m playing the best I have in some time.”
With the fans at Hard Rock Stadium cheering for the 37-year-old, Djokovic came back in the second set from 4-1 and 5-2 down to win in a tiebreaker.
He served an ace on match point and had an 83% first-service percentage against Korda, who is seeded 24th. After the victory, Djokovic let out a yell and played his racket like a violin.
“One word — serve,” Djokovic said when asked about his performance in the second set. “I was serving very well — best serving performance in a long time.”
The 37-year-old, who holds the record for most Grand Slam titles at 24, has been struggling with his form this year, starting with an injury that forced him to retire at the Australian Open in January. Earlier this month, he lost his first match at Indian Wells to Botic van de Zandschulp.
The women’s final will be set for Saturday with No. 3 Jessica Pegula facing top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka. This is a rematch of the 2024 U.S. Open final, which Sabalenka won.
In the women’s semifinal held late Thursday, Pegula showed great resilience to stop the 19-year-old lefty from the Philippines, Alexandra Eala, who had been making history in the tournament.
Pegula won 7-6 (7-3), 5-7, 6-3 in a match that ended at 12:40 a.m. Friday. Eala demonstrated her skills with drop shots, clever volleys, and a powerful forehand.
Sebastian Korda serves in the game
The Hard Rock Stadium fans cheered for Eala, who had already beaten major champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek.
Pegula fought off a set point in the first set, coming back from being down a break twice to force a tiebreaker, which she dominated.
Eala had played aggressively in the first set, moving Pegula around and attacking the net at the right times to show off her volley. But Eala’s game suddenly faltered. She served for the first set at 5-3, but at set point, she hit two straight double faults and made an unforced error with her forehand. She lost eight straight points as Pegula took control.
In the second set, Eala hurt her ankle and needed medical treatment while trailing 2-1. However, Eala, who had upset Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals, fought back and managed to break Pegula at 4-3. Pegula then came back, but Eala was two points away from losing at 5-4 before finding her form and winning the set.
Eala’s serve speed dropped to the 70’s in the second set, which seemed to frustrate Pegula.
In the first women’s semifinal, Sabalenka easily beat sixth-seeded Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2 in just 71 minutes.
Paolini, who was a finalist at the 2024 French Open, sometimes smiled at Sabalenka’s impressive shot-making.
Sabalenka hasn’t lost a set yet in the tournament. “I think I was so focused and everything went smoothly,” she said.
In the first men’s quarterfinal of the day, unseeded teenager Jakub Mensik beat 17th-seeded Arthur Fils 7-6 (7-5), 6-1. The 19-year-old Mensik, from the Czech Republic, advanced to his first semifinal at an ATP 1000-point event.
Mensik, ranked 54th, will play third-seeded American Taylor Fritz on Friday. Fritz won his match against No. 29 Matteo Berrettini 7-5, 6-7 (9-7), 7-5 in a three-set battle that lasted two hours and 44 minutes.
Fritz wasted six match points in the second set, including in the tiebreaker, but he survived in the third set to make his first Miami Open final. “Now I can sleep tonight and not worry about the chances I blew,” said Fritz, who lives in Miami. “You have two options – one of them is to regroup.”
