ESPN insider Adam Schefter is perhaps best known for his ability to break NFL – and, as of recently, some golf – news. But he’s also an outspoken advocate for Type 1 diabetes.

As training camp ramps up across the NFL, Schefter joined USA TODAY Sports for a one-on-one interview where he discussed the latest news out of camps and the importance of screening for Type 1 diabetes.

Schefter’s wife, Sharri, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult, and he said seeing her experience managing the disease led to a partnership with pharmaceutical company Sanofi to raise more awareness around screening for it.

‘It’s so important to take that first step and make a plan,’ Schefter said. ‘Make that plan today. Advocate for yourself, for your family, and talk to your doctor about screening.’

Adam Schefter discusses training camp contract disputes

Through less than a week of training camp practices, there has been no shortage of intriguing storylines to keep an eye on.

Some of the biggest ongoing stories involve contract disputes between some star players and their respective teams. Schefter mentioned the talks between wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders as well as edge rusher Micah Parsons’ negotiations with the Dallas Cowboys as two storylines he’s keeping an eye on.

But perhaps the most notable disputes have been those occurring in Cincinnati, as the Bengals have struggled to finalize deals with two of their defenders. Veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson left the state of Ohio rather than showing up to camp, and incoming rookie edge rusher Shemar Stewart was one of the last remaining unsigned draftees in the entire 2025 class until he agreed to terms Friday.

The reason for each dispute is different, but the result has been the same: neither player has been practicing at training camp.

‘Most every contract dispute is resolved eventually,’ Schefter said. ‘It’s very rare that a full year goes by and a player doesn’t play. Now, when they get resolved and how they get resolved are entirely different questions.

‘All I know right now is Trey Hendrickson is in Florida. The Bengals have offered him one year of guaranteed money. He wants at least three years of guaranteed money like the other top pass rushers – Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt – have gotten. He hasn’t gotten that.’

Meanwhile, Stewart was holding out because he wanted the language in his rookie deal to reflect that of the previous rookie contracts the Bengals have given out.

The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway reported that the Bengals wanted the option to void future guarantees for their first-round pick. Stewart contested that it would be unfair to accept a deal like that after other recent Cincinnati first-rounders’ rookie contracts did not include that language.

Said Schefter: ‘To me, that doesn’t make sense for either side to prolong this and make him sit any longer. Figure out the language, get in the room, get it done. Somebody’s got to give up something to get that young man in camp and to begin to get him the reps that he needs.’

On Friday, USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon confirmed Schefter’s report that Stewart and Cincinnati had finally agreed to terms on his rookie deal.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Stewart agreed to accept the new language in his contract in exchange for an additional $550,000 in signing bonus money he’ll receive upon signing the deal.

Even with Stewart’s negotiations in the rearview mirror for the Bengals, their issues figuring out an extension for Hendrickson still loom large.

Schefter couldn’t say which contract dispute may get resolved first between Hendrickson’s issues with the Bengals or Parsons and McLaurin with Dallas and Washington, respectively. Things could change in a day, he said, so it’s very hard to predict.

Adam Schefter on the Browns’ quarterback battle

Evaluating rookie quarterback performances and their first-year outlooks is an annual training camp and preseason tradition.

This year features an extra bit of intrigue with Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders – Deion Sanders’ son – fighting for the starting job in Cleveland. He has his work cut out for him in a crowded quarterback room: veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, are also battling for the Week 1 starting job.

‘Could Shedeur Sanders win (the starting job)? Yes. Is that the most likely scenario? No,’ Schefter said. ‘I think it’s more likely that Joe Flacco or Kenny Pickett will be the opening day starter.’

That came with the caveat that either of those players would have to ‘play winning football…to keep that job.’ Should Flacco or Pickett falter, the leash on either quarterback likely won’t be long with Sanders (and Gabriel) waiting in the wings.

The odds may be long, but Sanders still does have a chance to win the starting job in the preseason. Schefter pointed to Cowboys starter Dak Prescott and Giants (former Seahawks) starter Russell Wilson as examples of late-drafted rookie quarterbacks who stole the show in training camp.

‘If Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders is going to find a way to win the opening day starting quarterback job of the Cleveland Browns, you’re going to have to see that particular quarterback light it up in the preseason. Like you’re going to have to watch them and say, ‘I don’t know how they’re going to keep this guy off the field.’ That’s what it’s going to take,’ Schefter said.

‘Is one of them going to do that? We’ll see. Probably not, but not out of the question.’

Who are other rookie quarterbacks to watch?

Outside of the Browns’ rookie quarterback situation, two other first-year quarterbacks are looking to make their mark in 2025: Saints second-round pick Tyler Shough and Giants first-rounder Jaxson Dart.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll has already announced Dart will start the year backing up the aforementioned Wilson, but Schefter thinks Shough’s got a good chance to start Week 1.

‘Their (the Saints’) other quarterbacks are Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler,’ he said. ‘Neither one of those is proven or established. So Tyler Shough clearly is going to have an opportunity to win that starting quarterback job. That is well within his reach.’

As for Dart, Schefter said there’s a high expectation that he’ll get an opportunity to play at some point during the 2025 season. The bigger question is when, exactly, that might happen.

Schefter said, ‘I think you could look at the schedule and you just never know. If the Giants defense is as good as they think it can be, and they can find a way to surprise and keep things competitive, maybe Russell Wilson’s leash is extended. If it’s not, and they’re struggling and they’re 0-3, 0-4, then maybe it’s shortened. I think a lot will be dependent upon their win-loss production early in the year.

‘I think that they feel really happy and confident and comfortable on the quarterback that they got in Jaxson Dart. But obviously Russell’s going to get the first opportunity and we’ll see what he winds up doing with it.’

Another big question for the Giants and Dart is whether Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen earned themselves more job security by drafting the rookie first-rounder.

John Mara, one of the co-owners of the G-Men, said after the 2024 season that he’d ‘just about run out of patience’ with the coach and GM, yet they still got the runway to stick around and draft a young gunslinger.

Schefter said it’s still too early to predict whether the decision to draft Dart has truly saved either person’s job just yet.

‘If (the Giants) come out, they’re flat, another disappointment, fans are angry, planes are flying more banners – ‘Fire Daboll,’ ‘Fire Schoen’ – then yeah, then the (owners are) going to be forced to make a move,’ he said.

Schefter discusses Travis Hunter, J.J. McCarthy expectations

As the 2025 season approaches, two players with the most uncertain expectations are Jaguars rookie two-way player Travis Hunter and Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

For Hunter, the biggest question is how Jacksonville – led by offensive-minded rookie head coach Liam Coen – will deploy the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. The Colorado product played both wide receiver and cornerback in college, but will he be expected to contribute on both sides of the ball in a similar way in the pros?

According to Schefter, the Jaguars likely will allow Hunter to play both offense and defense, but they’re prioritizing Hunter’s contributions as a receiver first.

‘They told me around the draft that they want to onboard him as a wide receiver, so it certainly sounds like he’s going to start out as a wide receiver,’ he said. ‘They’ll mix in defensive back, but maybe then they start shifting the scale and he’s more defensive back than wide receiver. It’s a lot for him to pick up and get adjusted to, but yeah, I think he’s definitely gonna have a role as a wide receiver.’

And as for McCarthy, he hopes to enter the 2025 season healthy after a knee injury during last year’s preseason robbed him of making his regular-season debut as a rookie. In his absence, veteran Sam Darnold stepped up and led the Vikings to a 14-3 season, nearly clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the process.

Minnesota’s decision to then let Darnold walk in free agency – therefore sticking with McCarthy instead – seems to say a lot about how highly the Vikings think of their 2024 first-round pick. However, last year’s results may also mean elevated expectations for the young quarterback in his first real season.

Those expectations get boosted higher when considering the rest of the talent in a stacked draft class for quarterbacks last year. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix were all fellow first-round quarterbacks last year who showed flashes of excellent potential in their 2024 rookie seasons.

Schefter said he expects McCarthy will ‘fit right into that group’ of young quarterbacks who have proven they can play.

The ESPN insider pointed out that McCarthy is in a great situation in Minnesota – he’s surrounded by offensive weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson and coached by quarterback guru Kevin O’Connell.

Schefter also said that McCarthy’s father, whom he spoke to earlier this week, is ‘over the moon about how things are going’ in Minneapolis.

‘Clearly there are a lot of people that feel really good about the way J.J. McCarthy looks and the potential he has for the future and what’s ahead for him this season,’ Schefter said. ‘So, I think the arrow’s pointed up.’

Finishing school: All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman wants to sprint through the tape of this year, proving he can sustain an .839 OPS at a position young players often wear down in the second half.

Avoiding ignominy: After a 9-50 start buried them in a historic hole, the Rockies have improved to the point they are right on the cut line to break the Chicago White Sox’s one-year-old modern record of 121 losses, a “chase” that should come down to the last week of the season.

And of utmost importance, taking steps to ensure it doesn’t get any worse in 2026.

“These next two months, obviously it doesn’t look like we’re making the postseason this year, but we gotta act like it,” center fielder Mickey Moniak tells USA TODAY Sports. “Act like we’re making that run just to grow as a team and get better.

“And make sure next year, we’re in a spot where we can compete and have something like this year not happen again.”

For now, this year remains to be fully defined. At 27-78, the Rockies’ .257 winning percentage puts them just ahead of the White Sox’s .253 mark, although that’s a little deceiving. Chicago was 27-82 before the trade deadline, then proceeded to lose 24 of 28 games after its roster was strip-mined, digging a hole that not even a respectable September could overcome.

The Rockies’ long, hard goodbyes have only begun: Third baseman Ryan McMahon, their best all-around player, was dealt to the New York Yankees on July 25, and more players could be on their way out before the July 31 deadline.

Uncomfortably numb

On the field, the Rockies will have to plug holes, shift roles and find production from new faces. Off it, the psychic drag of bidding their best farewell is yet another hurdle.

“It feels like it happens so often, you almost grow numb to it,” says reliever Jake Bird, who debuted in 2022. “Mac’s an awesome guy. It was great having him around. A great player, especially on the defensive end. It’s just the nature of the business. It’s almost next man up.

“It sucks, but it’s part of the business. A new day and you gotta go out and compete.”

Says Moniak, whose .865 OPS likely means he’s found a permanent home in Colorado: “Mac’s been a Rockie his whole life. I’ve been here for a few months, just this year, and you instantly get the feel how much he he meant to this organization and the guys in this clubhouse.

“He was probably the leader of this team. Losing a guy like that, we’re going to miss him. But also at the end of the day, the organization made a decision they felt was best for it.

“I’m very excited for Mac to have the opportunity to go play in New York and try to hunt down a postseason this year and a World Series.”

Interim manager Warren Schaefer echoes that, noting his charges’ happiness for McMahon’s opportunities – he hit a game-tying two-run double at Yankee Stadium on Sunday – while lamenting his departure.

“I think they’ve processed it well. I think they understand,” says Schaefer, who’s posted a 20-44 record after Bud Black got off to a 7-33 start, resulting in the firing of Colorado’s all-time winningest manager. “At the same time, there’s a part of every guy in that clubhouse – especially the ones who have been with him for a long time – there’s a bit of sadness that he’s gone.

“I think that’s natural with a friend. But it’s not like he’s gone forever.”

The four days to come before the 6 p.m. ET deadline will be curious. Colorado has a bevy of veteran starters, yet none of them – Antonio Senzatela (6.68 ERA), left-hander Kyle Freeland (5.24) and German Marquez (5.67, on injured list with biceps injury) – have consistently distinguished themselves.

Bullpen arms are always in demand, yet Bird and current closer Seth Halvorsen have multiple years of club control remaining, with peripheral stats that may not compel contenders to pay a premium for those future years.

It’s a similar situation with a handful of veteran position players, whose acquisitions wouldn’t necessarily make anyone’s list of “MLB Trade Deadline Winners,” but would nonetheless leave holes on an inexperienced team grasping for any sense of consistency.

‘We’ve gotta learn how to win’

It’s already a lineup filled with folks like DH Yanquiel Fernandez, who debuted on July 2, and first baseman Warming Bernabel, who was recalled after the McMahon trade and homered in his second career game.

The progress comes in the likely keepers the club has identified. Moniak, the No. 1 overall pick in 2016 by the Philadelphia Phillies, has, at 27, perhaps finally found a groove with his third team in four seasons.

While he lacks the All-Star berth McMahon once earned, he and other Rockies have seen some things in their career arcs that have value to the less experienced.

“Baseball’s kind of a revolving door of wisdom,” says Moniak. “All of us in here consider us family. Obviously, guys who have more time and been through more experiences can kind fo share that knowledge with the younger guys and pass on stuff that older guys pass on to them.”

For Goodman, it’s a matter of building on a season that, other than a soft May, has resulted in monthly OPSes of .829, 1.108 and .814. He’s caught 65 games and served as DH for 28 others, with an eye toward preserving his offensive vitality.

“I want to keep building off that. I want to play a full season, not just that first half,” says Goodman, a fourth-round pick in 2021 from the University Memphis who has stuck in his third season with Colorado. “Since the second half started, as a team we’ve started playing better. There’s a lot of confidence in the locker room.

“We’ve got a really young team. We gotta learn to play the game the right way and learn how to win some ballgames.”

Preferably, one more than 41, the better to avoid the wrong sort of history. It is what will pass as drama for outside observers as the schedule drains away

Within the Rockies’ realm, the growth chart is far more difficult to measure, particularly if the team becomes even less recognizable after the deadline. How best to measure an ethos when the record is so grim?

“Continuing to play baseball the right way. Stringing two months together of mostly playing nine-inning games, full games,” says Schaeffer. “Playing aggressive baseball. The goal when I’m evaluating on a day-to-day basis is the style of play. The intent of what we’re doing at the plate.

“Just seeing progress in all facets on a daily basis.”

And hopefully, never having to do this again.

COOPERSTOWN, NY. — The day was filled with passionate speeches, inspirational messages, and ended Sunday with a comedy show by the least suspecting Hall of Famer, with most of the audience unaware he even spoke English.

Ichiro Suzuki, the first Japanese Hall of Famer in baseball history, brought down the house with one of the most humorous speeches since the late Bob Uecker.

Suzuki, who has had a full-time interpreter since he arrived in the United States in 2001, delivered his entire speech in English, cracking jokes with a perfect delivery, entertaining the crowd of 30,000 at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He was one of five players inducted in the 76th induction ceremony, joined by CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner and the late Dick Allen and Dave Parker.

“People often measure me by my records,’’ Suzuki said. “3,000 hits, 10 Gold Gloves, 10 seasons of 200 hits. Not bad, huh?

But the truth is that without baseball, you would say, ‘This guy is such a dumbass.”

Suzuki’s comedy act was just beginning, reciting baseball stats, his 3,089 hits, his record 262-hit season, and saying how his career was recognized by the Baseball Writers Association of America, but it still wasn’t good enough for the one anonymous writer who didn’t vote for him, preventing him from joining Mariano Rivera as the only unanimous Hall of Famers in history.

He paused, listened to the laughter from the crowd, and then with a perfect delivery said, “Oh, by the way, and that offer for that writer to have dinner at my house has now … expired.’’

He thanked the Seattle Mariners and Hall of Fame GM Pat Gillick for believing in him and signing him in 2001, thanked the New York Yankees for his 2 ½ years with them, and Hall of Famer Derek Jeter for his valuable leadership. And then thanked the Miami Marlins for extending his career for three more years, but with a twist:

“Honestly, when you guys called to offer me a contract for 2015,’’ Suzuki said, pausing again, “I had never heard of your team.’’

Suzuki’s teammates all knew that he spoke perfect English, and had a delightful sense of humor, but now the baseball world became clued into his secret.

“I played with him for three years, so I knew he could do that,’’ Sabathia said. “I was just excited for people to get to know his personality and how funny he is.’’

In the press conference after the ceremony, Suzuki said there was never any thought to delivering his speech in Japanese, saying it was important to him to provide humor to the fans and baseball officials in attendance in Cooperstown, while also making sure everyone understood the importance of respecting the game.

“I always said that being a Hall of Famer wasn’t a goal,’’ Suzuki said, “but to make people laugh here was a goal of mine.’’

The only time Suzuki spoke Japanese during his entire speech was thanking Hideo Nomo for giving him the courage to play Major League Baseball.

“Because of Hideo’s courage,’’ Suzuki said, my eyes opened to the idea of challenging myself by going somewhere I never imagined.”

Nomo was the first Japanese player in 30 years to play in MLB in 1995, pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and was an inspiration to Suzuki, who wrote an essay when he was in the sixth grade that he wanted to be a professional baseball player.

“I think you can imagine, there was much doubt when I tried to become the first position player from Japan in MLB,” he said. “But it was more than just that. There was criticism and negativity. Someone even said to me, ‘Don’t embarrass the nation.’

“I encourage young players to dream, and dream big, but to also understand the difference between your dream and the goal. In order to make your dream your goal, you must be honest in thinking about what is important to achieve it.’’

CC Sabathia hopes to see more Blacks in baseball

Sabathia stressed throughout his speech and afterwards in a press conference, that he wants to do everything in his power to make sure he’s not the last Black pitcher inducted into the Hall of Fame. He wants to be a role model in hopes of increasing the Black population of baseball, declining to just 6% on opening-day rosters this season.

“When I first started watching baseball, and Dave Parker was crushing homers,’’ Sabathia said, “the number of black players in the major leagues was at its highest, about 18%. Me and my friends played the game because we saw all of those guys on TV. There was always somebody who looked like me in a baseball unfiorm.

“Baseball has always been a great game for Black athletes, but the baseball culture has not always great for Black people. I hope we’re starting to turn that around. …

“I’m sitting here and thinking about it now, “Who’s next? Who’s the next Black starting pitcher to win 20 games? Will there be another? I don’t want to be the final Black pitcher standing here giving a Hall of Fame speech. I think it’s on me and the next generation to find that next kid.’’

Sabathia’s speech also was effusive in praise for the women in his life, from his mother, Margie, to his aunts and grandmother, Ethel Rufus, raising him in Vallejo, California. He wouldn’t be on stage this day, he said, if not for the love and support of his wife, Amber.

His mother used to put on catcher’s equipment to help him work on his pitching mechanics, and even talking about pitch selection in the garage. And he spent plenty of nights at his grandmother’s house where he would pick grapefruits from her tree and throw them at a folding chair used as a strikezone in the back yard. When he wanted to work at Marine World as a teenager, his grandmother wouldn’t let him, telling him he needed to focus on baseball.

“You’d be lucky to have even one of those women in your life,’’ Sabathia said, “and I had them all. A village of women who raised me, guided me, made me laugh, fed me, protected me, and a few times, literally save me, starting with my mom.’’

Billy Wagner’s wait finally ends

Wagner, who had to wait until the 10th and final year of eligibility to enter the Hall of Fame while Suzuki and Sabathia made it on the first ballot, thanked dozens of teammates from Jeff Bagwell to Russ Springer to his pitching coaches to bullpen catchers to managers to writers. Wagner, 5-foot-10, is the second pitcher to be inducted under six feet tall.

“I wasn’t the biggest, I wasn’t left-handed [until twice breaking his right arm], I wasn’t supposed to be here,” Wagner said. “Perseverance isn’t just a trait. It’s a path to greatness.

“Being up here today, I feel like my baseball life has come full circle.”

Dave Parker: Poet

Parker, who died last month after battling Parkinson’s since 2012, was able to let his son, David Parker II, present just what he wanted to say in his Hall of Fame speech, and wrote a poem before he passed.

Here I am, 39.

About damn time.

I know I had to wait a little,

but that’s what you do with fine aged wine.

I’m a Pirate for life.

Wouldn’t have it no other way.

That was my family,

even though I didn’t go on Parade Day.

I love y’all, the Bucs on my heart

because those two championships I got,

y’all played in the first part.

I’m in the Hall now,

you can’t take that away.

That statue better look good —

you know I got a pretty face.

Top-tier athlete,

fashion icon,

sex symbol.

No reason to list the rest of my credentials.

I’m him, period.

The Cobra.

Known for my rocket arm,

and I will run any catcher over.

To my friends, families: I love y’all.

Thanks for staying by my side.

I told y’all Cooperstown would be my last ride.’’

Dick Allen presented by his widow

Allen’s widow, Willa Allen, spoke for the Allen family, letting people know that her husband was a kind and passionate man, and was much more than just a Hall of Fame ballplayer. She told the story about the time a 16-year-old fan asked for his autograph at Dodger Stadium. They talked for two hours, and Allen wound up helping him throughout his life. He was in attendance Sunday at the age of 70.

‘It’s not about where you come from, but where you’re determined to go,’’ Allen said. “It’s about principle, passion and determination.’’

When the ceremony ended, the players retreated to the Otesaga Hotel where they had a dinner for Hall of Fame players only. No family members. No friends. Just the players and commissioner Rob Manfred.

But, before they got together and sat down, Suzuki had a request to his new Hall of Fame teammates.

“I hope I can hold the values of the Hall of Fame,’’ Suzuki said. “But please, I am 51 years old now. So easy on the hazing.’’

Follow Bob Nightengale on X @Bnightengale.

In the span of a few days, the New York Yankees lost 3 ½ games in the standings and the reigning MVP to the injured list.

So how was your week?

Probably a little better than the Bronx Bombers, who got schooled again by the Toronto Blue Jays and nearly swept at home by the Philadelphia Phillies, while along the way losing Triple Crown threat Aaron Judge for at least 10 days with a flexor strain in his right elbow.

And they remain mired at ninth in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings as the Blue Jays ascend to a season-high No. 2.

If this keeps up, a wild card berth might be the only thing the Yankees have left to play for – the Blue Jays are the hottest team in the AL and essentially added another game to their 5 ½-game East lead by winning the season series from the Yankees. And while the Yankees are optimistic Judge may miss the minimum 10 days or not much beyond that, he’ll be parked at DH for at least the short term, further constraining the team’s options.

With third baseman Ryan McMahon already in tow, it’s quite fuzzy how much more the July 31 trade deadline can help – after all, it can’t get the Yankees’ MVP back any sooner.

A look at our updated rankings:

1. Chicago Cubs (+1)

Went 5-1 against White Sox – and what if that schedule quirk was the difference in NL Central?

2. Toronto Blue Jays (+2)

Another unsettling development for rivals: Max Scherzer strikes out 11, throws 96 pitches.

3. Milwaukee Brewers (-1)

Huge week in MKE as Jacob Misiorowski starts opener of series vs. Cubs.

4. Detroit Tigers (-3)

Cold streak really not the worst development: Still have a huge division lead and they learn what to shore up before trade deadline.

5. New York Mets (+3)

Reel off seven in a row to ease past Phillies.

6. Philadelphia Phillies (+1)

Would be an interesting destination for Eugenio Suárez.

7. Los Angeles Dodgers (-2)

The Blakes Are Back, and not a moment too soon for beleagured pitching staff.

8. Houston Astros (-)

Getting swept at home by the A’s is, um, not a good sign.

9. New York Yankees (-)

You wonder what they really think of prospect Spencer Jones. We may find out this week.

10. San Diego Padres (-)

If you enjoy good performance art, it’s trade deadline week and AJ Preller is still the GM.

11. Boston Red Sox (-)

Aroldis Chapman exiting with back spasms a real deadline week stressor.

12. Texas Rangers (+5)

They’ve run down the Mariners and are primed to be trade deadline aggressors.

13. Seattle Mariners (-1)

Top priority is making sure Ichiro’s speech isn’t the biggest second-half highlight.

14. Cincinnati Reds (+1)

Vroom, vroom! Reds are season-high six over .500 as Speedway Classic looms.

15. San Francisco Giants (-1)

Rotation injuries may hasten the debut of noted pitching prospect Carson Whisenhunt.

16. St. Louis Cardinals (-)

Will it be four years in a row the Cardinals trade a player to eventual World Series champion?

17. Tampa Bay Rays (-4)

Have lost six of nine since break, enough ammo to convince front office to blow it up a bit.

18. Cleveland Guardians (+2)

A sweep of the Rockies just before the deadline would push them north of .500.

19. Kansas City Royals (+3)

Signing Seth Lugo to a contract extension takes some of the sting out of disappointing season.

20. Miami Marlins (+3)

Remarkable surge fueled by starting pitching, as Eury Perez might win NL honor for July.

21. Arizona Diamondbacks (-3)

Zac Gallen perhaps the most intriguing figure this trade deadline.

22. Los Angeles Angels (-3)

Mike Trout notches RBI No. 1,000 and his 400th homer could come this week.

23. Minnesota Twins (-2)

Relievers Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax probably not available for suitors, as they’re years from free agency.

24. Baltimore Orioles (-)

Crazy timing for oft-injured Tyler O’Neill to run off three homers in three games.

25. Athletics (+1)

The distance on Nick Kurtz’s historic four home runs might have been enough to travel from Houston back to Yolo County.

26. Atlanta Braves (-1)

Just stunningly bad, given their annual expectations.

27. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1)

They win two Paul Skenes starts in one week.

28. Washington Nationals (-1)

Gather ’round for a tradition unlike any other: The Annual Josh Bell Trade.

29. Chicago White Sox (-)

Who knew Adrian Houser would become one of AL’s most dominant pitchers the past two months?

30. Colorado Rockies (-)

Ryan McMahon may be their lone impact player to get traded.

One of Muhammad Ali’s former wives, in attendance at Claressa Shields’ victory over Lani Daniels on Saturday, July 26, addressed a possible showdown between Shields and Laila Ali.

‘I think Laila needs to stay in the kitchen,’ Khalilah Camacho-Ali told Seconds Out after Shields beat Daniels by unanimous decision at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Camacho-Ali, the boxer’s second wife, repeated her kitchen comment during Shields’ post-fight press conference and also blurted out, “You the champ. You the champ.’’

Smiling, Shields responded, “Thank you. I am trying to whoop Laila Ali’s ass.’

Laila Ali is the daughter of the legendary boxer’s third wife, Veronica.

Shields has said her team put $15 million in escrow for Laila Ali — provided she agrees to fight Shields — in what is part of a simmering feud.

During an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Camacho-Ali expounded on her comments about Laila Ali.

‘Yeah, she’s a good cook,’ Camacho-Ali deadpanned. ‘I mean, she got all kind of spices in her name.’

Lailah Ali, 47, was 24-0 with 21 knockouts before she retired from boxing in 2007. But Camacho-Ali implied Laila Ali is more talented in the kitchen than she is in the boxing ring.

‘As a fighter, she’s not as good as Claressa,’ Camacho-Ali said. ‘She doesn’t have that bulldog attitude.’

Shields, 30, improved to 17-0 with three knockouts after her victory over Daniels. Camacho-Ali said she attended Shields’ last two fights, both in Detroit, because she already was in the city for other engagements.

Laila Ali indicated she wanted $15 million to $20 million to fight Shields. But Camacho-Ali said she doesn’t think it’d be worth it, speculating that a loss in the boxing ring could undermine Laila Ali’s success in business and reputation. She is married to retired NFL receiver Curtis Conway and has two teenage children.

‘I think she’s a great young woman with a beautiful family,’ Camacho-Ali said. ‘I think she needs to leave (boxing) alone. She’s too old for that and she’s not that good.’

The Dallas Cowboys have a propensity to take an inordinate amount of time to extend star players.

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb agreed to terms on an extension in late August of last year. Quarterback Dak Prescott didn’t get his lucrative-deal finalized until the day of the Cowboys’ Week 1 season opener.  

Jerry Jones is following a similar script with pass rusher Micah Parsons.

The expectation is the Cowboys and Parsons will finalize a record extension before the start of the regular season, a person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

However, the typical waiting game Jones likes to play is only costing the Cowboys owner more money.

Yesterday’s price isn’t today’s price.

The market for edge rushers has increased this offseason after the Cleveland Browns re-signed Myles Garrett to a four-year extension that averages $40 million per year and the Pittsburgh Steelers inked T.J. Watt to a three-year, $123 million extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback.

Parsons’ next deal is believed to exceeded them both.

Jones and the Cowboys could’ve saved millions of dollars if they re-signed Parsons last offseason, or even before Garrett or Watt got their contracts finished.

“I will never understand it,’ Parsons said in an interview with WWE wrestler Mark Calaway, better known as The Undertaker. ‘We wanted to do the contract last year – then you go out there and perform again. You would think, ‘All right, we’ll get it done early, we know some guys are about to get re-paid.’ There’s Myles [Garrett], Maxx [Crosby] is going, so you would think, ‘Hey, let’s get ahead of that.’

‘You can’t want us to take less (now) because you’re the one that decided to wait.’

Several members of Parsons’ 2021 draft class inked what at time were record deals. The Cincinnati Bengals made Ja’Marr Chase the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver, and the Los Angeles Chargers gave left tackle Rashawn Slater the richest contract in NFL history for an offensive lineman by average annual salary. Slater, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2021 draft, was selected one spot after Parsons in the 2021 draft.

Rams’ Jared Verse tested the legendary Aaron Donald: ‘Never doing that again’

Dallas even managed to get an extension complete for tight end Jake Ferguson on Sunday. Perhaps the contract negotiation saga(s) for Cowboys star players are strategic. The longer Parsons’ contract ordeal continues, the longer the situation stays in the news. Forbes named the Cowboys the world’s richest franchise, worth an estimated $10.1 billion in 2024. Much of the Cowboys’ value is because of the franchise’s unparalleled ability to stay relevant and in the media.

Parsons’ ongoing contract situation is one of the main (if not the top) stories in the league right now.

Jones is accustomed to high-profile contract situations. They tend to drag on longer than necessary. But it seems to be part of Jones’ playbook to keep “America’s Team” in the news.

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

It took an extra hour following a rain delay, but Bubba Wallace had enough energy – and fuel in the gas tank – to snap a long winless streak in the NASCAR Cup Series and capture a victory at one of the most legendary venues in motorsports.

The 23XI Racing driver held on with low fuel to fend off a charging Kyle Larson in overtime to win the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 27, then celebrated the monumental victory on the track with his wife and baby son.

‘This one’s really cool,’ Wallace said. ‘Coming off Turn 4, I knew I was going to get there – unless we ran out of gas. I was surprised I wasn’t crying like a little baby.’

Wallace started Sunday’s race on the front row after qualifying second and had good pace all weekend. He was in contention with the leaders throughout the race and took the effective lead when Joey Logano lost his right rear tire on lap 135 of a scheduled 160 on the 2.5-mile oval.

Things were looking all but buttoned up for Wallace until a light shower hit one side of the track with just six laps to go. The race was then red-flagged, and the drivers stuck it out on pit road as the jet dryers went around the speedway.

Wallace and Larson led the field after the red flag lifted, but green flag racing didn’t last long, as Christopher Bell made an ill-timed move down the inside and caught Zane Smith’s rear bumper, sending him up to the wall. Smith collected Wallace’s teammate Tyler Reddick, and the yellow flags came out once again.

A second restart stayed clean, and the white flag came out for Wallace and Larson. Wallace stayed in front over Larson and took the checkered flag by 0.222 seconds over the Hendrick Motorsports driver and 2021 Cup Series champion.

‘This adrenaline rush is crazy. I’m worn out,’ an emotional Wallace said during a TV interview after the win. ‘To overcome so much and to put these people here in victory lane – these people who continue to push me and believe in me – I’m just so proud.’

The Brickyard 400 marked the third career win for Wallace in the Cup Series and ends a winless drought that dates back to September 2022, when he won the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. The victory also secures his spot in the Cup Series playoffs with just four races to go in the regular season.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway has perhaps been Wallace’s best track. In five Cup races on the oval, the 31-year-old now has three top-five finishes and four top-10s after today’s win. He also scored a top-five finish on the IMS road course in 2022.

Further down the pack, Ty Gibbs had to avoid Smith on the late crash, but made it through unscathed to win NASCAR’s inagural in-season challenge over Ty Dillon. Gibbs won the $1 million prize by finishing 21st while challenger Ty Dillon came home 28th.

“It’s great!’ Gibbs said after being presented the trophy and the check. ‘And, $1 million is a lot of money so I’m going to donate $10,000 to whichever charity Ty Dillon wants to give to. It’s his choice. … Thank you to TNT and NASCAR for this opportunity. It’s awesome to win it!”

Wallace becomes the 13th driver to secure a playoff spot with his victory today. Three spots are still open with Reddick, Alex Bowman and Chris Buescher in place to take them on points heading into next week at Iowa Speedway.

NASCAR Brickyard 400 extended highlights

23XI co-owners Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin react to win

Wallace’s victory marked the first for 23XI Racing this season and the first since Reddick made it to victory lane at Homestead-Miami Speedway last year. Team co-owner Michael Jordan wasn’t present in Indianapolis for the race but spoke with Wallace on the phone after the win.

‘[Jordan] just told me how proud he was,’ Wallace said during a post-race interview on TNT. ‘He’s going to have a drink or two for me tonight. We are going to celebrate in spirit.’

The other co-owner of the team, Denny Hamlin, came home third behind Wallace and Larson in his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Indianapolis remains the only crown jewel race of the NASCAR calendar Hamlin has yet to win but he still had reason to celebrate on Sunday evening.

‘I’m going to be kissing the bricks in street clothes rather than a driver suit,’ said Hamlin, who leads all drivers with four wins this season. ‘What a great accomplishment (for Wallace), that whole team now in the playoffs. I’m so happy for them.’

Brickyard 400 full results

(23) Bubba Wallace
(5) Kyle Larson
(11) Denny Hamlin
(60) Ryan Preece
(6) Brad Keselowski
(34) Todd Gilliland
(12) Ryan Blaney
(20) Christopher Bell
(48) Alex Bowman
(77) Carson Hocevar
(7) Justin Haley
(42) John Hunter Nemechek
(9) Chase Elliott
(17) Chris Buescher
(2) Austin Cindric
(24) William Byron
(19) Chase Briscoe
(78) Katherine Legge
(88) Shane van Gisbergen
(41) Cole Custer
(54) Ty Gibbs
(21) Josh Berry
(16) AJ Allmendinger
(62) Jesse Love
(8) Kyle Busch
(35) Riley Herbst
(99) Daniel Suarez
(10) Ty Dillon
(45) Tyler Reddick
(71) Michael McDowell
(38) Zane Smith
(22) Joey Logano
(4) Noah Gragson
(66) Josh Bilicki
(47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
(43) Erik Jones
(51) Cody Ware
(3) Austin Dillon
(1) Ross Chastain

Bubba Wallace holds on for victoy

The 23XI Racing driver earned his first win of the season by a slim margin over Kyle Larson.

White flag is out

Bubba Wallace leads Kyle Larson on the restart with low fuel and just one lap to go.

Zane Smith gets turned around, hits Tyler Reddick

The Front Row Motorsports driver took a tap from the rear from Christopher Bell, who was diving down to the inside, and turned up into the wall. Smith collected Tyler Reddick and took him out of contention as well. Caution flags are out again.

Overtime is underway

We’re back to green flag racing with Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson leading the field into turn 1.

Race moved to yellow flags

The race will go to at least one overtime as the jet dryers continue around the track and the field circulates the track behind the safety car. The race will go to at least lap 164.

Race red-flagged

Organizers have thrown the red flag due to light rain that has hit one side of the track. Jet dryers are out as the grid holds on in pit road. Bubba Wallace will lead the field when this gets back to green flag running.

Caution flags come out

With six laps left in the race, organizers have thrown the caution flag for potential rain. Leader Bubba Wallace was on the radio arguing that the conditions are fine but drops could be seen on the broadcast on Ty Gibbs’ windshield.

Kyle Larson closing in on Bubba Wallace

Wallace is holding on to a four-second lead over Larson at the front with 11 laps to go. Larson is lapping faster than him but time is running out.

In-season challenge update

Ty Gibbs looks to have things all but wrapped up as Stage 3 winds down. He’s running 16th with his foe in the bracket, Ty Dillon, two laps down in 30th.

Logano loses effective lead with flat tire

The defending Cup Series champion was in prime position for the effective lead but lost his right rear tire on lap 135. Bubba Wallace leads as we’re down to 15 laps to go.

Ryan Blaney wins Stage 2

The Team Penske driver stayed at the front of a busy restart to take the stage win. Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, William Byron and Brad Keselowski rounded out the top five.

Green flag racing once again

Ryan Blaney and Brad Keselowski lead the field back up to speed on lap 97. Four laps to go in Stage 2.

Caution flag out for Erik Jones’ wheel

Jones lost a wheel after hitting pit road and brought out a caution flag on lap 91. Many of the frontrunners could pit under this caution flag with nine laps to go in Stage 2. Chase Briscoe leads over Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney.

Cindric loses lead because of flat tire

Cindric built a six-second lead over Joey Logano as drivers across the field pitted but his right rear tire gave out on lap 84. He’s dropping down the order as he makes his way to pit road.

Briscoe wins Stage 1

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver crossed the line ahead of Bubba Wallace and William Byron to earn his first stage win since Pocono. Stage 2 begins with 110 laps to go in this race.

Briscoe takes the lead again

Austin Cindric hits pit road on lap 43, ceding the lead to polesitter Chase Briscoe. He crucially got back up to speed on the lead lap with seven laps to go in Stage 1.

Cindric stretching out gap in front

The No. 2 Team Penske driver has built a four-second lead to Joey Logano in second ahead of Chase Briscoe in third. Both Cindric and Logano need to pit as their fuel ticks down to close Stage 1.

Back to green flag racing

We’re back up to speed on lap 23 with Austin Cindric in the lead after leader Briscoe went to pit road. Cindric leads Joey Logano in second.

Ross Chastain brings out caution flag

The No. 1 Trackhouse Racing driver kept to the inside against Michael McDowell to block him making a run. McDowell hit his left rear bumper and Chastain spun up and into the wall, bringing out the caution flag on lap 18.

Briscoe leads green flag running at Brickyard 400

Polesitter and hometown hero Chase Briscoe leads the opening laps of the Brickyard 400 over Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace.

NASCAR at Indianapolis: Brickyard 400 start time, TV, streaming

Date: Sunday, July 27
Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Start time: 2 p.m. ET
TV: TNT with an altcast on truTV
Live stream: WatchTNT, Max and Sling TV

Stream the Brickyard 400 on Sling

Who is on the pole for the NASCAR Brickyard 400?

Weather report for NASCAR Brickyard 400

It’s a cloudy but warm day in Speedway, Indiana for today’s Cup Series race. Accuweather forecasts predict temperatures will stay in the mid- to high-80s with humidity around 70%. There’s at least a 30% chance of rain for much of the afternoon with the highest chances clearing out before green flag racing.

What is the lineup for the Brickyard 400?

(Car number in parentheses)

(19) Chase Briscoe, Toyota
(23) Bubba Wallace, Toyota
(43) Erik Jones, Toyota
(45) Tyler Reddick, Toyota
(54) Ty Gibbs, Toyota
(24) William Byron, Chevrolet
(17) Chris Buescher, Ford
(77) Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet
(16) AJ Allmendinger, Chevrolet
(2) Austin Cindric, Ford
(88) Shane Van Gisbergen, Chevrolet
(8) Kyle Busch, Chevrolet
(5) Kyle Larson, Chevrolet
(6) Brad Keselowski, Ford
(22) Joey Logano, Ford
(20) Christopher Bell, Toyota
(21) Josh Berry, Ford
(4) Noah Gragson, Ford
(34) Todd Gilliland, Ford
(3) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet
(48) Alex Bowman, Chevrolet
(71) Michael McDowell, Chevrolet
(60) Ryan Preece, Ford
(12) Ryan Blaney, Ford
(35) Riley Herbst, Toyota
(10) Ty Dillon, Chevrolet
(38) Zane Smith, Ford
(7) Justin Haley, Chevrolet
(41) Cole Custer, Ford
(9) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet
(99) Daniel Suarez, Chevrolet
(47) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Chevrolet
(1) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet
(51) Cody Ware, Ford
(62) Jesse Love, Chevrolet
(42) John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota
(66) Josh Bilicki, Ford
(78) Katherine Legge, Chevrolet
(11) Denny Hamlin, Toyota

How many laps is the NASCAR Cup race at Indianapolis?

The Brickyard 400 is 160 laps around the 2.5-mile track for a total of 400 miles. The race will have three segments (laps per stage) — Stage 1: 50 laps; Stage 2: 50 laps; Stage 3: 60 laps.

NASCAR In-Season Challenge final round matchup

It took over a month but we’re down to the final round of NASCAR’s inaugural in-season challenge. Thirty-two Cup Series competitors entered the tournament starting at Atlanta, and the field was subsequently cut down to 16 for Chicago, eight for Sonoma and four for Dover.

Our final two challengers share a goal and a first name. No. 32 seed Ty Dillon won the top half of the draw and No. 6 seed Ty Gibbs made it through the bottom half of the draw to contend for the $1 million prize.

Final round matchup

No. 6 Ty Gibbs vs. No. 32 Ty Dillon

Who won the NASCAR Cup race at Indianapolis last year?

It took multiple overtimes, but Kyle Larson won the Brickyard 400 over Tyler Reddick last year. Two months after he failed to complete NASCAR-IndyCar double duty by attempting to race both the Coca-Cola 600 and Indy 500, Larson made it through a final yellow flag for a Ryan Preece crash to secure the win. A stellar fuel strategy made the difference on the day for the former Cup Series champion. Reddick, Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell and Bubba Wallace rounded out the top five.

When was the first NASCAR Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

NASCAR has raced at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1994 when Indiana native Jeff Gordon won the inaugural Brickyard 400. The Cup Series raced on the IMS oval every year from 1994 through 2020. Beginning in 2021, the series used the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for three years before switching back to the oval in 2024.

Which NASCAR driver has won the Brickyard 400 the most?

Indiana native Jeff Gordon is the king of the Brickyard, winning the race at his hometown track five times in his Hall of Fame career (1194, 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2014). His former Hendrick Motorsport teammate Jimmie Johnson ranks second for Brickyard 400 wins. The Hall of Famer and seven-time Cup Series champion won the Brickyard 400 in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2012.

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Trout recorded his 1,000th career RBI with a 2-run home run in the Los Angeles Angels’ 4-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, July 27, He became just the third Angel to get his first 1,000 RBIs entirely with the franchise, along with Garret Anderson and Tim Salmon.

The three-time American League MVP sent a ball 443 feet into center field to increase the Angels’ lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the 5th inning.

Trout, who will turn 34 on Aug. 7, has produced 47 RBIs this season, the most he’s had since 2022 after injury plagued seasons in 2023 and 2024.

What is the next Mike Trout milestone?

Trout is approaching 400 career home runs. He is currently at 397 after his home run on Sunday, July 27,

The 11-time MLB All-Star has 19 home runs this season.

When will Mike Trout play next?

Trout and the Angels will remain at home in Anaheim, California, to start a 3-game series with the Texas Rangers on Monday, July 28.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Quarterbacks may not carry the same value in fantasy football as they do in real life, but it’s still important for owners to find the right fit at the position.

Increasingly, quarterbacks are moving up fantasy draft boards. Top signal-callers in 2025 are seeing their average draft position (ADP) climb into the low-20s, putting a handful in the second- and third-round range of draft boards.

The age-old question for fantasy owners is whether to take a top-tier quarterback early or wait until the middle rounds to address the position. Is it better to pay the piper for Josh Allen, or can you load up on running backs and receivers while targeting a high-upside mid-rounder like Dak Prescott or Justin Fields?

Each owner will decide on their draft strategy, but their respective goals will be identical: to land either a high-volume passer or a dual-threat quarterback who can be a lineup anchor for a championship fantasy team.

Who are the best fantasy football quarterbacks in 2025? Here’s a look at USA TODAY’s preseason fantasy QB rankings.

Fantasy football rankings: QB

2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens. Jackson outproduced Allen in terms of total yardage (5,087) and touchdowns (45) last season. He could do so again in 2025, but he finds himself just behind the Bills signal-caller because of Derrick Henry’s presence. Jackson had just four rushing scores last season because of the bruising back’s presence.

3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow led the NFL in pass attempts, completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns in 2024, a season during which Cincinnati often played from behind thanks to a leaky defense. The Bengals didn’t markedly improve that side of the ball during the offseason, so Burrow should once again be asked to serve as a high-volume passer in an offense featuring one of the best one-two receiver punches (Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins) in the NFL.

7. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys. Is this a little high for Prescott? Maybe, but Dallas had the third-worst rushing offense in the league last season in terms of EPA per play (-0.12) and didn’t discernibly upgrade its talent at the running back position. Prescott could end up being a high-volume passer as a result and will now work with George Pickens at receiver in addition to CeeDee Lamb. So long as his hamstring is back to full strength, Prescott should have a big year.

8. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mayfield is set to work with yet another new offensive coordinator in 2025. He handled the transition from Dave Canales to Liam Coen with ease and hopes to enjoy the same success with Josh Grizzard. Mayfield once again gets to work with a loaded receiving corps, highlighted by Mike Evans, and will look to log a third consecutive 4,000-yard season for the Buccaneers.

11. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers. Speaking of Purdy, he and Nix should be neck-and-neck in any fantasy rankings. The 49ers signal-caller may not be overly exciting for fantasy owners, but after averaging 29 total touchdowns across the last two seasons, he is a steady starting option. The only question is whether he can continue to thrive with Brandon Aiyuk injured and Deebo Samuel gone.

15. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers. Herbert was efficient for the Chargers last season, racking up 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions in his first year under Jim Harbaugh’s tutelage. That said, Herbert isn’t likely to be a high-volume passer since Los Angeles wants to utilize a run-heavy approach under Greg Roman. The team had the 10th-highest run play percentage last season and may see that rise again after it added Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton during the offseason.

17. Drake Maye, New England Patriots. Maye completed 66.6% of his passes for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a rookie despite having one of the league’s worst receiver rooms. The presence of Stefon Diggs and new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels should give Maye significant upside, especially after he ran for 421 yards on a 7.8 yards per carry average last season.

21. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams. Stafford made 16 starts for the Rams last season. He recorded multiple touchdowns in just six of those games. Perhaps that will change with Davante Adams in tow, but Stafford looks more like a solid QB2 than a true fantasy starter at this stage in his career.

27. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans. Ward figures to win the Titans job out of the chute with Will Levis out for the season. The 2025 NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick will have Calvin Ridley at his disposal, but that may not be enough to make him fantasy-relevant in the early stages of his career.

29. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons. Penix improved across each of his three starts last season and plays in an offense with plenty of weapons. But with Kirk Cousins lurking on the sidelines, Penix will have little room for error as a starter. The Falcons may also lean on Bijan Robinson in the red-zone, which could limit Penix’s touchdown upside.

30. Russell Wilson, New York Giants. Wilson was a viable streamer at times with the Steelers but also had his share of fantasy clunkers. It’s hard to imagine him finding a lot of consistent success in New York, even with a top target like Malik Nabers at his disposal.

A scary moment unfolded at the San Francisco 49ers practice on Sunday, July 27 as defensive lineman Tarron Jackson collapsed on the field.

The incident happened toward the end of the practice, NBC Sports Bay Area reported. Jackson was blocked during an 11-on-11 play and then suddenly collapsed. Trainers came to Jackson’s aid quickly and were with him on the field for a few minutes before he was taken off the field on a stretcher and taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he didn’t see what happened on the play and it’s ‘always scary’ to see someone get taken out on a stretcher. But he got a positive sign from Jackson after practice concluded.

‘He is conscious, inside communicating with us, can feel all his extremities, and they’re taking him down to Stanford now just for further testing,’ Shanahan said. ‘Hopefully, we cleared the real scary stuff, and hopefully we’ll get some good news on his neck.”

The 49ers coach added that they could hear Jackson talking and moving while he was being assisted on the field, which helped the team relax and finish practice in what was a tense situation. It was a non-padded practice that took place.

Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir said it’s hard to see a fellow defensive player go down like that and ‘you kind of like put yourself there.’

‘We’re praying for him, and we hope everything’s going to be all right and he gets back to us safe and sound,’ Lenior said.

A sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Jackson has appeared in 24 games and registered 17 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble in his career. The former Coastal Carolina player played in three games with the Carolina Panthers in 2024 before he was waived.

Jackson signed with San Francisco in January to the team’s practice squad. Jackson is competing for a roster spot for the 2025 season.