Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was seen raising his middle finger during Dallas’ 37-22 win over the New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The 82-year-old will pay a hefty price for doing so.

The NFL is fining Jones $250,000 for his gesture, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Jones was asked about his actions during his weekly spot on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Tuesday. The octogenarian owner insisted his gesture was ‘inadvertent.’

‘That was unfortunate. That was kind of an exchange with our fans out in front of us,’ Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, per ESPN. ‘There was a swarm of Cowboys fans out in front – not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was brimming with enthusiasm of the Cowboys and certainly late in the game.

‘[The gesture] was inadvertent on my part because that was right after we made our last touchdown, and we were all excited about it. There wasn’t any antagonistic issue or anything like that. I just put up the wrong show on the hand. That was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can call it accidental. But it got straightened around pretty quick. I had a chance to look at it. It got straightened out pretty quick, but the intention was ‘thumbs up,’ and basically pointing at our fans because everybody was jumping up and down excited.’

This isn’t the first time an NFL owner has been fined for raising his middle finger to fans. In 2009, Bud Adams – then the owner of the Tennessee Titans – was given a $250,000 fine for making an obscene gesture after his team beat the Buffalo Bills 41-17.

Adams apologized for his actions at the time in a statement.

‘I got caught up in the excitement of a great day, but I do realize that those types of things shouldn’t happen,’ Adams said, per ESPN. ‘I need to specifically apologize to the Bills, their fans, our fans and the NFL.

‘I obviously have a great deal of respect for [Bills owner] Ralph Wilson and the history we have shared. I also understand there will probably be league discipline for my actions and I will accept those.’

Florida Panthers’ quest for third consecutive championship opens with win vs. Chicago Blackhawks.
Newcomers help Pittsburgh Penguins defeat New York Rangers on opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season.
The first fight of the 2025-26 NHL season featured Nick Foligno of the Chicago Blackhawks vs. A.J. Greer of the Florida Panthers.

The Florida Panthers raised their Stanley Cup banner on the opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season and showed the efficiency they need to push for a third consecutive championship.

The Panthers downed the Chicago Blackhawks, 3-2, on Oct. 7, dominating early by outshooting them 17-3 and in the first period and 37-19 for the game. Only the play of Chicago goalie Spencer Knight, traded by the Panthers last season, kept the game close.

Though the Blackhawks tied the game in the second period, Jesper Boqvist batted the puck out of the air in the third period to give Florida a 3-2 lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

The Panthers showed they had the depth they need with Aleksander Barkov out seven to nine months and Matthew Tkachuk out until December or longer.

And they avoided more injuries as Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues left briefly and A.J. Greer was slow getting up at one point. But all finished the game.

Exclusive book: Relive the Panthers’ latest Cup

The Pittsburgh Penguins shut out the New York Rangers, 3-0, in the second game of the opening night ESPN tripleheader behind offseason acquisition Arturs Silovs. Another newcomer, Justin Brazeau, scored twice, the first one on a Rangers defensive breakdown that left him alone in front.

Coach Mike Sullivan, in his Rangers debut, fell to his former team, now led by first-time NHL head coach Dan Muse.

In the final game of the NHL’s season-opening tripleheader, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings, 4-1.

Here are highlights from the NHL’s opening night:

Avalanche vs. Kings highlights

Final score: Avalanche 4, Kings 1

Martin Nečas scored two goals as the Colorado Avalanche picked up a season-opening road win over the Kings in Los Angeles.

Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski scored a goal apiece for Colorado, which is hoping its embarking on a ninth consecutive playoff season.

Rangers vs. Penguins highlights

Final score: Penguins 3, Rangers 0

Big night by Justin Brazeau, who had two goals in his Penguins debut. His first, late in the first period, was the game-winner. He then added an empty-netter, as did Blake Lizotte. Goalie Arturs Silovs also had a solid Penguins debut, recording a 25-save shutout.

All of the pregame focus was on new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan facing his former team, but Dan Muse ended up with the win in his NHL head coaching debut.

End of second period: Penguins 1, Rangers 0

The Rangers looked better in that period but they can’t get the puck past Arturs Silovs. He made a big save on Mika Zibanejad to keep the Rangers scoreless.

End of first period: Penguins 1, Rangers 0

Pretty evenly played period. Rangers could have escaped with a tie, but gave up a Justin Brazeau goal because of a defensive breakdown off a faceoff.

Who is Justin Brazeau?

Justin Brazeau, the Penguins scorer, signed a two-year contract and is in his first year in Pittsburgh. The 6-6 forward previously had played with the Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins. He had 16 goals in 95 games heading into the season.

Score update: Justin Brazeau gives Penguins lead

A Rangers defensive breakdown leads to Justin Brazeau’s goal with 32 seconds left in the first period. He’s left alone in front, takes a pass from Evgeni Malkin and makes a nice move to beat Igor Shesterkin.

Rangers vs. Penguins prediction

4-3 Rangers. Coach Mike Sullivan gets a win against his former team.

Panthers vs Blackhawks highlights

Final score: Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2

The Panthers showed a lot of speed to get past the Blackhawks in the opener. Chicago goalie Spencer Knight was called upon often and kept his team in the game. But though the Blackhawks scored first and tied the game in the second, Florida’s depth won out. Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar will be dangerous this season.

Panthers win

The plastic rats fly onto the ice as the Panthers open their defense of their Stanley Cup title with a 3-2 victory against the Blackhawks.

Spencer Knight goes to the bench

It took a while but the Blackhawks goalie is finally able to get to the bench for an extra skater.

Less than five minutes left

Chicago’s Spencer Knight makes a glove save on Brad Marchand to keep the score 3-2 Florida.

Score update: Panthers take lead

Mackie Samoskevich chips a pass to Jesper Boqvist, who bats in out of the air and past Spencer Knight at 9:40. Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2

Blackhawks power play

Luke Kunin called for high-sticking. Chicago 0-for-2 so far. Florida kills it off. Ryan Donato makes several nice moves but is stopped by Sergei Bobrovsky.

Third period underway

Score tied 2-2.

End of second period: Panthers 2, Blackhawks 2

The Blackhawks played better that period after getting badly outshot in the first period. Teuvo Teravainen tied the game early and drew a couple penalties, but the Blackhawks couldn’t convert on the power play. The Panthers played briefly without Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues after they were hit by pucks, but they returned. A.J. Greer was slow to get up late in the period.

Sam Reinhart injury update

He’s back on the ice after getting stitched up.

Blackhawks power play

Seth Jones goes off for slashing. Panthers kill it off. Sergei Bobrovsky makes a shoulder save on Connor Bedard.

Panthers injury updates

Evan Rodrigues is back on the ice. Coach Paul Maurice tells ESPN that Reinhart is getting sewn up and should be back soon.

Evan Rodrigues injury update

The Florida forward is helped off the ice after being hit by a puck in the leg. He joins teammate Sam Reinhart in the dressing room.

Blackhawks power play

Brad Marchand is called for holding the stick. Florida kills it off but Sam Reinhart heads off after being hit by a puck in the face.

Score update: Blackhawks tie it up

The Blackhawks come out strong in the second period with two breaks up ice. Teuvo Teravainen scores on the second chance off a 2-on-1 break with Frank Nazar. Nazar picks up his second point of the game.

Second period underway

2-1 Florida.

End of first period: Panthers 2, Blackhawks 1

Fun period, but it showed why the Panthers are Cup winners and the Blackhawks are expected to finish near the bottom of the league. Florida had a 17-3 edge in shot, but ex-Panthers goalie Spencer Knight is keeping it close with some big saves. Anton Lundell hit the post late to keep it a one-goal game. A.J. Greer has a goal and a fight. Needs an assist for a Gordie Howe hat trick.

First fight of the season

Chicago’s Nick Foligno vs. Florida’s A.J. Greer.

Score update: Carter Verhaeghe puts Florida ahead

Verhaeghe gets the puck at the side of the crease and beats Spencer Knight on the power play. 2-1 Panthers.

Panthers go on power play

Artyom Levshunov goes to the penalty box again, this time for tripping Brad Marchand.

Score update: Panthers tie game

The Panthers fourth line comes through as A.J. Greer scores on a rebound at 11:06. 1-1.

Score update: Blackhawks take lead

Chicago’s Frank Nazar gets a breakaway and beats Sergei Bobrovsky at 10:03. He just signed a big extension and is in the mix for Team USA at the Olympics. 1-0 Blackhawks.

Panthers go on power play

Artyom Levshunov is called for slashing. Blackhawks kill it off. Panthers get one shot on goal.

Game update: Scoreless so far

No score through the first five minutes. Connor Bedard hit the crossbar. Spencer Knight stopped a Panthers 2-on-1 break.

Puck drops

The 2025-26 NHL season is underway.

Blackhawks lineup

Panthers lineup

Panthers’ Stanley Cup banner raised

Panthers players watch as the 2025 Stanley Cup banner goes to the rafters. Now, it’s on to the 2025-26 season and an attempt for a third consecutive championship.

Panthers on the ice

Aaron Ekblad carries the Stanley Cup out onto the ice. Injured Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are on the bench in street clothes.

When is NHL opening day 2025?

The 2025-26 NHL season opens on Tuesday, Oct. 7 with three games:

Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers, 5 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers, 8 p.m. ET
Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m. ET

How to watch, stream NHL opening night

TV: ESPN
Streaming: Games can be streamed on ESPN Unlimited and on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.

Watch NHL games on Fubo

Where to watch Blackhawks vs. Panthers

The game is being shown on ESPN.

Blackhawks’ Spencer Knight makes homecoming

Goalie Spencer Knight will be playing in Amerant Bank Arena for the first time since he was traded to the Blackhawks on March 1. The 2019 first-round pick was sent to Chicago, along with a first-round pick, trade for defenseman Seth Jones.

T.J. Oshie joins ESPN studio panel

‘Finally got a good-looking guy on the panel,’ Marchand interrupted, laughing. ‘It’s nice having someone good to look at.’

NHL 2025-26 points projections

NHL teams’ home openers

The Panthers, Rangers and Kings are holding their home openers on Oct. 7. Here’s when the other 29 teams will hold theirs.

Anaheim Ducks: Oct. 14 vs. Penguins
Boston Bruins: Oct. 9 vs. Blackhawks
Buffalo Sabres: Oct. 9 vs. Rangers
Calgary Flames: Oct. 11 vs. Blues
Carolina Hurricanes: Oct. 9 vs. Devils
Chicago Blackhawks: Oct. 11 vs. Canadiens
Colorado Avalanche: Oct. 9 vs. Mammoth
Columbus Blue Jackets: Oct. 13 vs. Devils
Dallas Stars: Oct. 14 vs. Wild
Detroit Red Wings: Oct. 9 vs. Canadiens
Edmonton Oilers: Oct. 8 vs. Flames
Minnesota Wild: Oct. 11 vs. Blue Jackets
Montreal Canadiens: Oct. 14 vs. Kraken
Nashville Predators: Oct. 9 vs. Blue Jackets
New Jersey Devils: Oct. 16 vs. Panthers
New York Islanders: Oct. 11 vs. Capitals
Ottawa Senators: Oct. 13 vs. Predators
Philadelphia Flyers: Oct. 13 vs. Panthers
Pittsburgh Penguins: Oct. 9 vs. Islanders
St. Louis Blues: Oct. 9 vs. Wild
San Jose Sharks: Oct. 9 vs. Golden Knights
Seattle Kraken: Oct. 9 vs. Ducks
Tampa Bay Lightning: Oct. 9 vs. Senators
Toronto Maple Leafs: Oct. 8 vs. Canadiens
Utah Mammoth: Oct. 15 vs. Flames
Vancouver Canucks: Oct. 9 vs. Flames
Vegas Golden Knights: Oct. 8 vs. Kings
Washington Capitals: Oct. 8 vs. Bruins
Winnipeg Jets: Oct. 9 vs. Stars

Panthers vs. Blackhawks prediction

5-2 Florida. The Panthers are two-time champions and have plenty of talent, even without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk in the lineup. The Blackhawks are rebuilding and will be a lottery team.

Panthers championship rings details

The Panthers received championship rings Monday, Oct. 6, and they pulled another rat trick.

Like the rings from 2024, the latest edition includes an engraved rat, a nod to the fans’ tradition of throwing plastic rats onto the rink after victories.

The Panthers received the rings in a private event at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and they feature more than vermin. The rings, handcrafted in white and yellow gold, include more than 450 diamonds and genuine rubies, according to a press release issued by the Panthers. – Josh Peter

Panthers injury updates

The Panthers are missing two key players as they open defense of their back-to-back titles.

Captain Aleksander Barkov will miss seven to nine months after he had knee surgery in September. He was injured during practice and had his ACL and MCL repaired.

The Panthers also are missing Matthew Tkachuk, who had offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and a hernia. He’s out until ‘December-ish,’ general manager Bill Zito said.

Florida Panthers’ quest for third consecutive championship opens with win vs. Chicago Blackhawks.
Newcomers help Pittsburgh Penguins defeat New York Rangers on opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season.
The first fight of the 2025-26 NHL season featured Nick Foligno of the Chicago Blackhawks vs. A.J. Greer of the Florida Panthers.

The Florida Panthers raised their Stanley Cup banner on the opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season and showed the efficiency they need to push for a third consecutive championship.

The Panthers downed the Chicago Blackhawks, 3-2, on Oct. 7, dominating early by outshooting them 17-3 and in the first period and 37-19 for the game. Only the play of Chicago goalie Spencer Knight, traded by the Panthers last season, kept the game close.

Though the Blackhawks tied the game in the second period, Jesper Boqvist batted the puck out of the air in the third period to give Florida a 3-2 lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

The Panthers showed they had the depth they need with Aleksander Barkov out seven to nine months and Matthew Tkachuk out until December or longer.

And they avoided more injuries as Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues left briefly and A.J. Greer was slow getting up at one point. But all finished the game.

Exclusive book: Relive the Panthers’ latest Cup

The Pittsburgh Penguins shut out the New York Rangers, 3-0, in the second game of the opening night ESPN tripleheader behind offseason acquisition Arturs Silovs. Another newcomer, Justin Brazeau, scored twice, the first one on a Rangers defensive breakdown that left him alone in front.

Coach Mike Sullivan, in his Rangers debut, fell to his former team, now led by first-time NHL head coach Dan Muse.

The Los Angeles Kings hosted the Colorado Avalanche in the late game.

Here are highlights from the first two games of the NHL’s opening night:

Rangers vs. Penguins highlights

Final score: Penguins 3, Rangers 0

Big night by Justin Brazeau, who had two goals in his Penguins debut. His first, late in the first period, was the game-winner. He then added an empty-netter, as did Blake Lizotte. Goalie Arturs Silovs also had a solid Penguins debut, recording a 25-save shutout.

All of the pregame focus was on new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan facing his former team, but Dan Muse ended up with the win in his NHL head coaching debut.

End of second period: Penguins 1, Rangers 0

The Rangers looked better in that period but they can’t get the puck past Arturs Silovs. He made a big save on Mika Zibanejad to keep the Rangers scoreless.

End of first period: Penguins 1, Rangers 0

Pretty evenly played period. Rangers could have escaped with a tie, but gave up a Justin Brazeau goal because of a defensive breakdown off a faceoff.

Who is Justin Brazeau?

Justin Brazeau, the Penguins scorer, signed a two-year contract and is in his first year in Pittsburgh. The 6-6 forward previously had played with the Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins. He had 16 goals in 95 games heading into the season.

Score update: Justin Brazeau gives Penguins lead

A Rangers defensive breakdown leads to Justin Brazeau’s goal with 32 seconds left in the first period. He’s left alone in front, takes a pass from Evgeni Malkin and makes a nice move to beat Igor Shesterkin.

Rangers vs. Penguins prediction

4-3 Rangers. Coach Mike Sullivan gets a win against his former team.

Panthers vs Blackhawks highlights

Final score: Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2

The Panthers showed a lot of speed to get past the Blackhawks in the opener. Chicago goalie Spencer Knight was called upon often and kept his team in the game. But though the Blackhawks scored first and tied the game in the second, Florida’s depth won out. Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar will be dangerous this season.

Panthers win

The plastic rats fly onto the ice as the Panthers open their defense of their Stanley Cup title with a 3-2 victory against the Blackhawks.

Spencer Knight goes to the bench

It took a while but the Blackhawks goalie is finally able to get to the bench for an extra skater.

Less than five minutes left

Chicago’s Spencer Knight makes a glove save on Brad Marchand to keep the score 3-2 Florida.

Score update: Panthers take lead

Mackie Samoskevich chips a pass to Jesper Boqvist, who bats in out of the air and past Spencer Knight at 9:40. Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2

Blackhawks power play

Luke Kunin called for high-sticking. Chicago 0-for-2 so far. Florida kills it off. Ryan Donato makes several nice moves but is stopped by Sergei Bobrovsky.

Third period underway

Score tied 2-2.

End of second period: Panthers 2, Blackhawks 2

The Blackhawks played better that period after getting badly outshot in the first period. Teuvo Teravainen tied the game early and drew a couple penalties, but the Blackhawks couldn’t convert on the power play. The Panthers played briefly without Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues after they were hit by pucks, but they returned. A.J. Greer was slow to get up late in the period.

Sam Reinhart injury update

He’s back on the ice after getting stitched up.

Blackhawks power play

Seth Jones goes off for slashing. Panthers kill it off. Sergei Bobrovsky makes a shoulder save on Connor Bedard.

Panthers injury updates

Evan Rodrigues is back on the ice. Coach Paul Maurice tells ESPN that Reinhart is getting sewn up and should be back soon.

Evan Rodrigues injury update

The Florida forward is helped off the ice after being hit by a puck in the leg. He joins teammate Sam Reinhart in the dressing room.

Blackhawks power play

Brad Marchand is called for holding the stick. Florida kills it off but Sam Reinhart heads off after being hit by a puck in the face.

Score update: Blackhawks tie it up

The Blackhawks come out strong in the second period with two breaks up ice. Teuvo Teravainen scores on the second chance off a 2-on-1 break with Frank Nazar. Nazar picks up his second point of the game.

Second period underway

2-1 Florida.

End of first period: Panthers 2, Blackhawks 1

Fun period, but it showed why the Panthers are Cup winners and the Blackhawks are expected to finish near the bottom of the league. Florida had a 17-3 edge in shot, but ex-Panthers goalie Spencer Knight is keeping it close with some big saves. Anton Lundell hit the post late to keep it a one-goal game. A.J. Greer has a goal and a fight. Needs an assist for a Gordie Howe hat trick.

First fight of the season

Chicago’s Nick Foligno vs. Florida’s A.J. Greer.

Score update: Carter Verhaeghe puts Florida ahead

Verhaeghe gets the puck at the side of the crease and beats Spencer Knight on the power play. 2-1 Panthers.

Panthers go on power play

Artyom Levshunov goes to the penalty box again, this time for tripping Brad Marchand.

Score update: Panthers tie game

The Panthers fourth line comes through as A.J. Greer scores on a rebound at 11:06. 1-1.

Score update: Blackhawks take lead

Chicago’s Frank Nazar gets a breakaway and beats Sergei Bobrovsky at 10:03. He just signed a big extension and is in the mix for Team USA at the Olympics. 1-0 Blackhawks.

Panthers go on power play

Artyom Levshunov is called for slashing. Blackhawks kill it off. Panthers get one shot on goal.

Game update: Scoreless so far

No score through the first five minutes. Connor Bedard hit the crossbar. Spencer Knight stopped a Panthers 2-on-1 break.

Puck drops

The 2025-26 NHL season is underway.

Blackhawks lineup

Panthers lineup

Panthers’ Stanley Cup banner raised

Panthers players watch as the 2025 Stanley Cup banner goes to the rafters. Now, it’s on to the 2025-26 season and an attempt for a third consecutive championship.

Panthers on the ice

Aaron Ekblad carries the Stanley Cup out onto the ice. Injured Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are on the bench in street clothes.

When is NHL opening day 2025?

The 2025-26 NHL season opens on Tuesday, Oct. 7 with three games:

Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers, 5 p.m. ET
Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers, 8 p.m. ET
Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m. ET

How to watch, stream NHL opening night

TV: ESPN
Streaming: Games can be streamed on ESPN Unlimited and on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.

Watch NHL games on Fubo

Where to watch Blackhawks vs. Panthers

The game is being shown on ESPN.

Blackhawks’ Spencer Knight makes homecoming

Goalie Spencer Knight will be playing in Amerant Bank Arena for the first time since he was traded to the Blackhawks on March 1. The 2019 first-round pick was sent to Chicago, along with a first-round pick, trade for defenseman Seth Jones.

T.J. Oshie joins ESPN studio panel

‘Finally got a good-looking guy on the panel,’ Marchand interrupted, laughing. ‘It’s nice having someone good to look at.’

NHL 2025-26 points projections

NHL teams’ home openers

The Panthers, Rangers and Kings are holding their home openers on Oct. 7. Here’s when the other 29 teams will hold theirs.

Anaheim Ducks: Oct. 14 vs. Penguins
Boston Bruins: Oct. 9 vs. Blackhawks
Buffalo Sabres: Oct. 9 vs. Rangers
Calgary Flames: Oct. 11 vs. Blues
Carolina Hurricanes: Oct. 9 vs. Devils
Chicago Blackhawks: Oct. 11 vs. Canadiens
Colorado Avalanche: Oct. 9 vs. Mammoth
Columbus Blue Jackets: Oct. 13 vs. Devils
Dallas Stars: Oct. 14 vs. Wild
Detroit Red Wings: Oct. 9 vs. Canadiens
Edmonton Oilers: Oct. 8 vs. Flames
Minnesota Wild: Oct. 11 vs. Blue Jackets
Montreal Canadiens: Oct. 14 vs. Kraken
Nashville Predators: Oct. 9 vs. Blue Jackets
New Jersey Devils: Oct. 16 vs. Panthers
New York Islanders: Oct. 11 vs. Capitals
Ottawa Senators: Oct. 13 vs. Predators
Philadelphia Flyers: Oct. 13 vs. Panthers
Pittsburgh Penguins: Oct. 9 vs. Islanders
St. Louis Blues: Oct. 9 vs. Wild
San Jose Sharks: Oct. 9 vs. Golden Knights
Seattle Kraken: Oct. 9 vs. Ducks
Tampa Bay Lightning: Oct. 9 vs. Senators
Toronto Maple Leafs: Oct. 8 vs. Canadiens
Utah Mammoth: Oct. 15 vs. Flames
Vancouver Canucks: Oct. 9 vs. Flames
Vegas Golden Knights: Oct. 8 vs. Kings
Washington Capitals: Oct. 8 vs. Bruins
Winnipeg Jets: Oct. 9 vs. Stars

Panthers vs. Blackhawks prediction

5-2 Florida. The Panthers are two-time champions and have plenty of talent, even without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk in the lineup. The Blackhawks are rebuilding and will be a lottery team.

Panthers championship rings details

The Panthers received championship rings Monday, Oct. 6, and they pulled another rat trick.

Like the rings from 2024, the latest edition includes an engraved rat, a nod to the fans’ tradition of throwing plastic rats onto the rink after victories.

The Panthers received the rings in a private event at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and they feature more than vermin. The rings, handcrafted in white and yellow gold, include more than 450 diamonds and genuine rubies, according to a press release issued by the Panthers. – Josh Peter

Panthers injury updates

The Panthers are missing two key players as they open defense of their back-to-back titles.

Captain Aleksander Barkov will miss seven to nine months after he had knee surgery in September. He was injured during practice and had his ACL and MCL repaired.

The Panthers also are missing Matthew Tkachuk, who had offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and a hernia. He’s out until ‘December-ish,’ general manager Bill Zito said.

The Ravens have agreed to trade edge rusher Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Chargers
Baltimore receives safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick in the deal.
Oweh was originally a 2021 first-round pick by the Ravens. Gilman was a 2020 sixth-round selection by the Chargers.

The Harbaugh brothers made a deal.

The Baltimore Ravens have traded edge rusher Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick (via the Rams) to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick, the teams announced on Oct. 7. The deal is contingent on the passing of physicals.

Oweh was originally a 2021 first-round pick by the Ravens. Gilman was a 2020 sixth-round selection by the Chargers.

The Ravens and Chargers each addressed areas of need in the deal. Here are USA TODAY Sports’ grades for both teams after Tuesday’s trade.

Baltimore Ravens: C+

The Ravens have the NFL’s worst scoring defense and the team is dealing with a slew of injuries on both sides of the ball. On defense, linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), safety Kyle Hamilton (groin) and cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie (hamstring) and Marlon Humphrey (calf) were all inactive in Week 5.

Gilman has played in 87% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps this season, and he’s played in over 90% of the team’s defensive snaps the previous two seasons. He’s a solid veteran safety option, especially for a Baltimore team with a banged-up secondary. Pro Football Focus gave Gilman a 65.5 overall safety grade, which ranks him 56th among 134 qualified safeties. He’s produced 22 tackles and three passes defensed this season.

The sixth-year safety has 252 tackles, 21 passes defensed, five interceptions and four forced fumbles in 73 career regular-season games.

Gilman will likely serve as a depth option once Baltimore’s secondary gets healthy. He’s in the final year of his contract, so he has extra incentive to perform well in Charm City.

Los Angeles Chargers: B-

Much like Baltimore, the Chagres are dealing with multiple injuries on both sides of the ball. Their biggest injury on defense has been to veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack, who is on injured reserve with an elbow injury.

The Chargers are on a two-game losing streak and have been unable to find a player to create consistent pressure outside of edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, who leads the team in sacks (4) and pressures (27). No other Chargers player has more than eight pressures.

Oweh doesn’t have a sack this season, though he has registered 12 pressures. Pro Football Focus gave him a 72.3 pass rush grade, which ranks him 36th among 169 qualified edge defenders.

Oweh is coming off a career-high 10-sack season in 2024. He’ll likely start immediately on the opposite side of Tuipulotu once he gets up to speed. Oweh probably will be the Chargers’ third edge rusher once Mack returns.

Akin to Gilman, Oweh is on an expiring contract, so he’s got extra incentive to produce, too.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders is undergoing surgery for blood clots but does not expect to miss Saturday’s game.
Sanders stated his health issues are hereditary and not related to his work demands.
Sanders’ contract includes a disability provision that could lead to termination if he is unable to perform his job’s essential functions.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders said Tuesday he is undergoing a four-hour surgery that day to address blood clots in his lower body but hoped to return to football practice the next day and didn’t expect to miss Saturday’s game against Iowa State in Boulder.

‘We found what we found,’ Sanders said at a news conference Tuesday in Boulder. ‘We knew what it was.’

Sanders dismissed any notion he needs to ‘slow down’ because of his health issues. His team is 2-4 this season.

‘It has nothing to do with me working in the level that I’m trying to compete at,’ Sanders said. ‘It’s hereditary. It is what it is.’

Sanders, 58, said he was “hurting like crazy” during his team’s 35-21 loss at TCU on Saturday, Oct. 4. He was seen on the sidelines sitting down and wearing only one shoe.

He said afterward he suspected blood clots had returned in his leg after undergoing surgery in 2023 to remove similar clots in his lower body.

What type of surgery is Deion Sanders undergoing?

The school confirmed Sanders was undergoing an aspiration thrombectomy for the left popliteal and tibial arteries. That means blood clots are being removed from his left leg, which is already missing two toes and much of his calf. His Instagram account showed him at the hospital with his son Deion Jr. and former NFL cornerback Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones.

“I’m gonna go in there, and I’m gonna get some of the best sleep in the world for I think, four hours the surgery’s gonna be,” Sanders said.

He previously said blood clots were an issue in his family. His said his mother told him one uncle died from such complications, another one almost did and that his mother also had issues with it.

“I cannot wait to go get past this hurdle,” Sanders said Tuesday. “But thank you for your well wishes, for your sentiments, everybody out there.”

He has a history of blood-circulation issues, dating to 2021, when he was coach at Jackson State. At one point he missed three games that season while he stayed in the hospital and nearly died. He suffered from compartment syndrome and ended up having two toes amputated from his left foot. Parts of his left calf also were removed before he returned to the sideline in a motorized wheelchair.

In May, he also had his bladder removed after a cancerous tumor was discovered during a medical appointment related to these vascular issues. He since has had to adjust to lifestyle changes because of that, including wearing Depend adult diapers.

What does Deion Sanders’ contract say about health issues?

Sanders agreed to a new contract in March that pays him at least $10 million annually.

It has a disability provision:

“If after engaging in the interactive process with the University’s Center for Disability & Access, Coach is deemed unable to perform the essential functions of his job with or without reasonable accommodation, this Agreement will automatically terminate, and Sanders’ salary and all other benefits shall end in the month of such termination notice.”

If he decided to retire from coaching, it says he wouldn’t have to pay liquidated damages to the university to buy out his contract. But he would owe some damages if he retired and then changed his mind to coach somewhere else.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

The Arizona Cardinals fined their coach, Jonathan Gannon $100,000 for a sideline altercation the 42-year-old had with running back Emari Demercado during the team’s Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

The incident occurred when Gannon approached Demercado after the 26-year-old running back inexplicably lost the ball just ahead of the goal line for what should have been a 72-yard touchdown. Instead, the ball rolled out of the back of the end-zone for a touchback.

Gannon delivered a heated message to Demercado before hitting him hard on the right arm as he walked away.

Gannon told reporters Monday he had apologized to both Demercado and the team for his actions.

‘I woke up this morning and didn’t feel great about it, honestly,’ Gannon said.

‘I just told them, I kind of let the moment of what happened get the better of me there,’ Gannon added of his message to the team. ‘Obviously, I try to be emotionally stable and calm because my job is to solve problems during a game and lead the charge on that. So, it’s not really who I am, who I want to be, and I told the guys that today.

‘So, it’s a mistake by me, and it’s just like everybody in there, everybody made some type of mistake yesterday, which culminates to why we didn’t win the game. We can’t let it happen moving forward.’

Gannon becomes the first NFL coach to be fined for an altercation with a player since 2022, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Then-Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians was fined $50,000 for striking Philadelphia Eagles safety Andrew Adams in the helmet during a wild-card playoff game.

The NFL will not be taking any action against Gannon after the Cardinals fined him, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

‘We have been in contact with the NFLPA, and the club which addressed the matter,’ the NFL said. ‘There is no further action from the league.’

The university released a plethora of new logos on Tuesday, Oct. 7 that will be used beginning in spring 2026. Most notably, Texas Tech’s primary ‘double T’ logo has a new look. The current iteration is beveled with red, white and black on it to give it a 3D look. The ‘modernized’ one released is rather flat with red and white, similar to the school’s old look used through the 20th century.

‘The clean, flat design of the new Double T logo combines many of the traditional aspects of the Texas Tech’s primary mark with a modernized twist that features proportional design elements and updated colorways,’ the university said in a statement.

Other logos introduced include a new Red Raider look, updated ‘guns up’ logo and Raider Red-sports specific marks.

The updated logos come after Texas Tech said it did a brand audit done with creative agency LDWW, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, as well as Adidas. It plans to introduce a new branding and style guide in spring.

Reaction to Texas Tech new logo

Normally, people applaud when teams or universities embrace tradition and retro looks. While that’s what the Red Raiders did, not everyone on social media loved the new look Texas Tech will go with. People noted it doesn’t look modern and seems rather plain compared to what it currently has.

However, not all reactions were bad, with some people loving the design, as well as the secondary logos that feature the Red Raider and the Texas state outline. The retro look was also something fans had been wanting for some time, so it seems the people that really care about Texas Tech are happy.

The SEC used to feature college football’s most powerful bullies. Not anymore.
Texas squanders NIL riches, fails to live up to frontrunner status.
SEC still full of playoff contenders, but teams playing catchup to Ohio State, Miami.

Blame NIL if you must, but that’s not the full telling of this story.

Blame transfer free agency. Blame Nick Saban’s retirement. Blame the combination of these ingredients that spawned an uprising of parity.

The SEC lacks a clear-cut national championship frontrunner. How come? Well, assign blame to whichever culprit suits your narrative.

Just don’t forget to also blame Texas.

Because, the NIL landscape is tailor-made for Texas. In this pay-for-play era, who’s outspending the Longhorns, the supposed crown jewel of this past round of conference realignment?

“We’re navigating the NIL space, I think, as good or better than anybody,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” before the season.

Well, bravo, Bevo. The Longhorns can thump their chest as NIL champions. Does that come with a trophy? It’ll be the only one this team wins.

With Texas flopping, the SEC lacks a dominant frontrunner

If Ohio State became the first program to openly buy a national championship, then Texas was supposed to be the second.

Then, the games started, and Texas revealed itself to be a pricey pretender. The Longhorns went the way of Pets.com, an overhyped investment gone splat.

The five-star quarterback named Manning looks overwhelmed. The offensive line is feeble. The defense is permeable.

The SEC once supplied 13 national champions in a 17-year span and trumpeted its superiority ad nauseam, but this iteration of the conference lacks a bully.

Oh, where art thou, Saban?

Texas might possess the SEC’s most talented — or, at least, the most expensive — roster, but it’s not performing like the conference’s best team. With the SEC’s preseason frontrunner playing like a paper tiger, the SEC is left battling for fourth place, staring up at Ohio State, Miami and Oregon. Those three programs are crushing it in the NIL space, and their stars are playing like stars.

SEC teams chasing Ohio State, Miami, Oregon

The SEC is no land of paupers. It takes more than a few shekels to assemble the transfer hauls like the ones amassed by Mississippi and LSU, the latter of which joins Texas in failing to deliver a return on investment.

It takes a war chest to amass a five-star-studded roster like the one at Texas.

The SEC, though, surrendered some of its advantage after the rules of engagement evolved to allow above-board pay-for-play and transfer free agency.

From the 2006 through the 2022 seasons, five SEC programs won at least one national championship. In that span, just three programs not within the SEC won a national title: Florida State. Ohio State. Clemson (twice). That’s it.

If you’re scoring at home, that’s SEC 13, and everybody else four.

Saban had a big hand in that. His Crimson Tide delivered six of those 13 national championships, but the SEC’s dominance didn’t stop at the GOAT.

The SEC ruled the four-team playoff, and the Bowl Championship Series that preceded it, with a well-honed strategy: Sign and stockpile talent, retain talent, develop talent. It’s a Jimmies and Joes game, as Darrell Royal used to say, and the SEC attracted the richest supply of five-star Jimmies and four-star Joes.

Sure, someone like Jimbo Fisher would wisecrack about what maybe did or didn’t go on under the hood during this run of dominance, but let’s not diminish the SEC’s reign of terror or how it pulled it off.

In the SEC, recruits could expect to find gleaming facilities, elite competition, accomplished coaches who built a track record for developing NFL talent, and fan bases with unbridled passion. Games are played in cathedrals full of 100,000 screaming fans.

Who could blame blue-chippers for staying in the South or flocking there from other parts of the country?

“They say girls are prettier here, air’s fresher and toilet paper is thicker,” then-Missouri wide receiver T.J. Moe said before the Tigers’ first season in the SEC.

Elite prospects wanted to play for Saban and Alabama so badly, they waited their turn on the second string before a starting spot opened. In some seasons, Alabama’s ‘B’ team probably would have been a Pac-12 frontrunner.

You know what happened next. Transfer rules relaxed, and who wants to sit the bench when another school dangles an NIL deal and a starting opportunity? It’s not just that, though.

Miami didn’t go from the Pinstripe Bowl to the penthouse just by buying up second-stringers. It plundered Carson Beck, one of the nation’s best quarterbacks, off Georgia’s roster, and installed elite receivers around him, better receivers than Beck had at Georgia.

There’s money everywhere, not just in the South. Out in West Texas, billionaire oil tycoon Cody Campbell tried to buy a playoff bid for Texas Tech, and he might just pull it off.

The deepest collection of talent remains in the SEC. Texas A&M — oh, sweet crude! — is staging an uprising. Ole Miss keeps rearing its head. Even as Texas stumbles, Georgia wobbles and Alabama searches for its cloak of invincibility, the league, top to bottom, is sturdy.

Arizona State could attest to that. The Sun Devils lost to Mississippi State this season.

Missouri turned back Kansas. LSU beat Clemson. Tennessee walloped Syracuse. Texas A&M toppled Notre Dame.

There were a few gaffes, sure. There’s bound to be in a 16-team conference, but, six weeks into the season, the SEC has 10 teams ranked in the US LBM Coaches Poll. The conference enjoys an advantage on the Big Ten in the quest to stockpile the most playoff bids.

Even after NIL, free agency and conference realignment reshaped the sport, the SEC’s well runs deep as ever. It just lacks a superboss.

Blame two-loss Texas. The Longhorns wasted their war chest.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

For the first time in 16 days, the Detroit Tigers will play a home game Tuesday afternoon when they host the Seattle Mariners in Game 3 of their American League Division Series.

The Tigers finished the regular season on the road with series against the Guardians and Red Sox before returning to Cleveland for the wild-card round and playing the first two games of the ALDS in Seattle. And my how things have changed over those 16 days.

When they last took the field at Comerica Park, the Tigers were hearing the boos during what would be an eight-game losing streak that cost them the Central division title. Now, they’re looking to take care of business at home and reach the AL Championship Series.

But first things first. The ALDS is tied after the Tigers took one of two in Seattle. They’ll have veteran Jack Flaherty (8-15, 4.64 ERA in regular season) on the mound against fellow right-hander Logan Gilbert (6-6, 3.44) of the Mariners.

However, one thing could derail the homecoming excitement in Detroit. A band of thunderstorms is expected to move through the area this afternoon, putting the possibility of a delay or postponement in play.

Where to watch Tigers vs. Mariners Game 3

Game 3 of the American League Division Series is being televised on FS1. Adam Amin will handle play-by-play duties with A.J. Pierzynski and Adam Wainwright as analysts and Tom Verducci reporting from the field.

TV: Fox Sports 1
Streaming: Fox Sports app, Fubo (free trial)

Watch Mariners vs Tigers on Fubo

What time is Tigers vs Mariners game today?

The first game of the American League Division Series doubleheader is scheduled for 4:08 p.m. ET from Detroit.

First pitch coming soon! FINALLY!

At long last, the prophecy has been fulfilled! We will have baseball in Detroit today.

MLB announced that first pitch is now expected to come at 7 p.m. ET.

The game will air on FS1 until the start of Blue Jays-Yankees at 8 p.m. ET. From that point on, the game will air on FS2. It can also be viewed on MLB Network and the FOX One App.

Fans glad about the rain delay?

Although this game has been delayed several hours at this point, many fans have expressed excitement regarding the delay.

The game was originally scheduled to start at 4:08 p.m. ET/1:08 p.m. PT. That was at least an hour before most fans get off work, meaning they would have had to miss part of the game. West coast fans would’ve run the risk of missing the whole game.

However, the delay has not only given fans a better opportunity to watch their favorite games, but has in turn showcased the absurdity of MLB scheduling games when several fans would be unable to attend or watch.

Game could swap to FS2 if rain delay keeps going

The rain delay in Detroit has gone on much longer than anticipated, and it could even start cutting into air time for Game 3 of the series between the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees (Blue Jays lead 2-0).

Should that happen, Game 3 of the Mariners and Tigers will shift to FS2, allowing Toronto vs. New York to play out on FS1.

Game 3 still in rain delay

Although Game 3 was supposed to start at 4:08 p.m. ET, it appears that time will not happen. The tarp is still on the field and the rain is still coming down hard.

Per the National Weather Service, the forecast predicts that rains in Detroit will continue through 5 p.m. local time.

Game 3 pitching matchup

In a best-of-5 series, Game 3 tends to be the most pivotal of them all.

Here are the starting pitchers for today’s game:

Tigers: RHP Jack Flaherty (8-15, 4.64 ERA)
Mariners: RHP Logan Gilbert (6-6, 3.44 ERA)

Gilbert pitched against the Tigers twice this year. He did not record a win or loss in either game. That said, the Mariners went 1-1 in those games with the Mariners scoring nine total runs, and the Tigers scoring eight. Gilbert allowed five runs (three earned) across 10.1 innings pitched in those two games.

Flaherty, meanwhile, pitched just one game against Seattle all year, an 8-4 loss. Flaherty surrendered two earned runs in five innings in that matchup.

Mariners lineup today vs Tigers

Randy Arozarena (R) LF
Cal Raleigh (S) C
Julio Rodríguez (R) CF
Jorge Polanco (S) 2B
Josh Naylor (L) 1B
Eugenio Suárez (R) 3B
Dominic Canzone (L) DH
Victor Robles (R) RF
J.P. Crawford (L) SS

Tigers lineup for ALDS Game 3

Kerry Carpenter (L) RF
Gleyber Torres (R) 2B
Colt Keith (L) DH
Riley Greene (L) LF
Spencer Torkelson (R) 1B
Zach McKinstry (L) 3B
Dillon Dingler (R) C
Parker Meadows (L) CF
Javier Báez (R) SS

Detroit weather updates

Tigers vs Mariners schedule for ALDS

Series tied 1-1

Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 4 – Tigers 3, Mariners 2 (11 innings)
Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 5 – Mariners 3, Tigers 2
Game 3: Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Mariners at Tigers, 4:08 p.m. ET
Game 4: Wednesday, Oct. 8  – Mariners at Tigers, Time TBA
Game 5: Friday, Oct. 10 (if necessary) – Tigers at Mariners, Time TBA

The New York Yankees will attempt to keep their season alive on Tuesday, Oct. 7, as they host the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 3 of their American League Division Series.

Toronto took the first two games at home to be on the verge of advancing to the championship series round. The unlikely hero in Game 2 was rookie right-hander Trey Yesavage, who was making just his fourth major league start. He struck out 11, walked just one and allowed no hits in 5 ⅓ innings as the Jays rolled to a 13-7 victory.

Toronto turns to trade deadline acquisition Shane Bieber (4-2, 3.57 ERA in the regular season) as it looks for the clincher in Game 3. Needing a win to force a Game 4, New York counters with veteran lefty Carlos Rodón, who was tied for second in AL with 18 of them during the regular season.

Where to watch Yankees vs Blue Jays Game 3

Game 3 of the American League Division Series is being televised on FS1. Joe Davis will handle play-by-play duties with John Smoltz as analyst and Ken Rosenthal reporting from the field.

TV: Fox Sports 1
Streaming: Fox Sports app, Fubo (free trial)

What time is Yankees vs Blue Jays game today?

Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET in New York

Blue Jays lineup today

George Springer (R) DH
Davis Schneider (R) LF
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R) 1B
Alejandro Kirk (R) C
Daulton Varsho (L) CF
Ernie Clement (R) 3B
Anthony Santander (S) RF
Isiah Kiner-Falefa (R) 2B
Andrés Giménez (L) SS

Yankees lineup today

Trent Grisham (L) CF
Aaron Judge (R) RF
Cody Bellinger (L) LF
Ben Rice (L) 1B
Giancarlo Stanton (R) DH
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L) 2B
Ryan McMahon (L) 3B
Anthony Volpe (R) SS
Austin Wells (L) C

John Schneider’s message for pundits who thought Yankees would cruise

“Don’t have one. I think we’re just focused on playing our game really. I think that we’re confident when we’re playing our game. It was a good weekend at home, we’re treating this as if it’s a 0-0 series. You can’t take your foot off the gas.

‘I think we do a really good job of kind of worrying about what is important to us, and that’s kind of how we’ve done it all year. That’s kind of how we’ve gotten here. It’s a tight knit group. I think that they’re just going to continue to worry about them.”

Aaron Boone on Yankees’ mindset for Game 3

‘The good thing here down the stretch is we’ve really latched onto this win today. Win today. We almost scratched our way back to win a division, and it was kind of that mindset and that mantra, the final month, six weeks is what happened yesterday. We talk about it in our advance and hitters meeting and things like that or things that come up.

‘But it’s like that’s over with. We won another series, whatever, we didn’t. It’s like let’s go win today. That’s as simple as our focus is, and that’s as small as I want us to keep it regardless of what happened. These guys have done a really good job with that, and whatever happens tonight, I expect they’ll go out and do the same.’

Blue Jays’ good luck charm?

In the past two weeks, the Blue Jays have worn the same hats as the 1992 team, the year of the franchise’s first World Series, five times.

They haven’t lost yet, including the first two games of the ALDS, where they routed the New York Yankees in both games.

They will be sporting that retro cap look tonight as they look to advance to the ALCS with a Game 3 victory over their division rivals.

Yankees vs Blue Jays schedule for ALDS

Blue Jays lead series 2-0

Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 4 – Blue Jays 10, Yankees 1
Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 5 – Blue Jays 13, Yankees 7
Game 3: Tuesday, Oct. 7 – Blue Jays at Yankees, 8:08 p.m. ET
Game 4: Wednesday, Oct. 8 (if necessary) – Blue Jays at Yankees, Time TBA
Game 5: Friday, Oct. 10 (if necessary) – Yankees at Blue Jays, Time TBA