Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart played one quarter against the Jets in his second preseason game.
Dart’s performance improved from his preseason debut against the Bills.

Another week and another game of action for New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.

The first-round pick got a full quarter of work in against the New York Jets Saturday night at MetLife Stadium. He got his first taste of NFL action against the Buffalo Bills in the Giants’ preseason opener Aug. 9.

New York traded up into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select Dart. His first live snaps as an NFL quarterback were promising against the Bills; New York scored points on three of the four drives he led with a touchdown and two field goals.

Dart ended up 12 of 19 passing for 154 yards and a touchdown in the Giants’ 34-25 win.

Giants starter Russell Wilson played the first four drives of the game, the final culminating in an interception to Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers. At the 5:56 mark of the second quarter, Dart came in for Wilson. Here’s how fared:

Jaxson Dart stats today

Dart played better statistically against the Jets than he did a week prior against the Bills. The Giants scored two touchdowns over his three drives before Jameis Winston entered the game with 3:04 left in the third quarter.

Here’s how the box score looked for Dart:

Completions/Attempts: 14/16
Passing yards: 137
Passing touchdowns: 1
Interceptions: 0
Fumbles (lost): 0
Rushing yards: 5
Rushing touchdowns: 1
Sacks: 1 (no yards lost)

Dart connected with tight end Greg Dulcich for his first touchdown of the night.

He called his own number for his second touchdown with a quarterback sneak on second-and-goal.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Lionel Messi’s right hamstring may not be 100%. But he’s still able to deliver highlight moments and give the impression he’s fully healthy.

Messi made his injury return, scoring a game-deciding goal in the 84th minute, Jordi Alba (43’) and Luis Suarez (89’) also scored goals, and Inter Miami beat the defending MLS Cup champion L.A. Galaxy 3-1 at Chase Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 16.

It appeared to be a laborious return to action for the Argentine World Cup champion, playing in his first match since suffering a right hamstring injury on Aug. 2.

Despite his highlight goal and a stellar heel assist to Suarez to cap his return, there were several instances where Messi was seen bent over, trying to stretch his hamstring during stoppages in play.

Messi waited by the closest part of the pitch near the locker room area and walked immediately inside the stadium corridor when the match concluded.

“He clearly wasn’t 100% comfortable,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi after the match. “Now, the reality is that as the minutes went by, he loosened up a little bit more. We’ll have to see how he ended up in terms of fatigue.”

The Galaxy match served as a barometer for Messi’s health before Inter Miami plays in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals against Tigres UANL, set for 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 20. Inter Miami’s next match in the MLS regular season is Aug. 23 on the road against D.C. United.

Messi entered Saturday’s match at halftime, walking onto the pitch and adjusting the captain’s armband around his left bicep as the second half began. He already caused a ruckus in the stadium, warming up before the first half ended.

Within two minutes, Messi fired his first shot in the 46th minute, which soared over the net. Ten minutes later, Messi sent a shot that was much closer to the net, barely above it.

Joseph Paintsil tied the match, 1-1, for the Galaxy in the 59th minute, setting the stage for Messi to decide the game in the final 10 minutes.

Messi finished the match, jogging close to full speed before providing a shifty finish around a defender to help Inter Miami secure the victory.

Messi became the second-fastest player in MLS history to reach 40 career goals, doing so in 44 league matches. Josef Martínez, the 2018 MLS MVP with Atlanta United who played alongside Messi on Inter Miami in 2023, did so in 42 matches.

“At the end of the day, he’s been out for two weeks with an injury. It was something very, very minor, and the three training sessions we had were good,” Mascherano said of Messi. “And I’ll say it again, the important thing is that he finished the game. I saw him get better as the minutes went by, but in the end, we’ll have to see how he is (Sunday), how he feels when he wakes up, and take it day by day.”

Messi’s injury caused him to miss two matches: Inter Miami advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage with a 3-1 win against Pumas on Aug. 6, then lost 4-1 to Orlando City in a regular-season match on Aug. 10. 

Mascherano said Messi wanted to play on the road in Orlando, but it was “impossible.”

Messi’s health will continue to be the focus for Inter Miami in the next week.

“You have understand why Leo is Leo, because he always wants to be on the pitch. He’s happy there,” Mascherano said. “Sometimes we try to explain to him to go slowly, but in the end when he feels good, he knows himself like no one (else). We tried to give him some minutes to start to find a good feeling for the next games.”

Watch MLS games all season long on Apple TV

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy highlights

Inter Miami 3, LA Galaxy 1: Luis Suarez scores goal

Inter Miami 2, LA Galaxy 1: Messi scores goal in return

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 1: Joseph Paintsil scores goal

Joseph Paintsil has scored for the Galaxy, finishing past Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari in the 59th minute.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi fires shot, nearly scores

Messi fired a shot over the net in the 56th minute, barely missing over the net. After the play, Messi and Jordi Alba each exchanged thumbs up to each other for the pass he was unable to finish.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi enters match in second half

When the second half began, Messi walked immediately onto the pitch with the captain’s armband around his left bicep. He was immediately substituted into the match after halftime. It didn’t take him long to fire his first shot, soaring a left boot over the net in the 46th minute.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi begins warming up before halftime

The crowd inside Chase Stadium erupted when Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, the Argentine World Cup champions, came off the bench to begin stretching just before halftime. Expect to see them both in the second half, with Messi making his return from injury.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Jordi Alba scores goal

As Lionel Messi came off the bench to begin warming up, two of his former FC Barcelona running mates secured a lead right before halftime. Sergio Busquets found Jordi Alba in space, and Alba provided the finish in the 43rd minute.

Inter Miami starting lineup vs. LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy lineup vs. Inter Miami

Is Messi playing tonight?

Yes, Messi is expected to play. He is a substitute for Inter Miami against the Galaxy.

What time is Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy match?

The match begins at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina)

How to watch Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy match?

The match is available to live stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and on Apple TV+.

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy betting odds

Here are the betting odds, according to BETMGM.

Inter Miami: -220
Tie: +380
Away: +475
Over/under: 3.5 goals

Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule

Aug. 20: Inter Miami vs. Tigres UANL (Leagues Cup quarterfinals) 
Aug. 23: D.C. United vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS regular season)
Aug. 26 or 27: Leagues Cup semifinals (if applicable)
Aug. 30: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS regular season)
Aug. 31: Leagues Cup final and third-place match (if applicable)

The Los Angeles Chargers will be down a wide receiver after today’s preseason game.

Quentin Johnston, the teams’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had to be carted off the field following a hard hit in today’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, per USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon.

Johnston took a shot from Rams safety Tanner Ingle on the play. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert couldn’t connect with Johnston on a deep pass down the right sideline on the play.

Johnston was able to walk to the cart under his own power. That was his only target of the game.

Quentin Johnston injury update

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said after the game that Johnston suffered a concussion on the play, via USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon.

Harbaugh added that Johnston was sent to the hospital for further evaluation out as a ‘precaution.’

A timeline for Johnston’s return to the field should clarify in the coming days.

This story will be updated with more information when available.

Football runs in the Jackson family.

After starring for the Los Angeles Raiders in the late 1980s, Bo Jackson remains a legend in team history. Now it’s his grand-nephew that is making plays for silver-and-black.

Shedrick Jackson is getting his chance with the Las Vegas Raiders during the preseason and shining bright thus far. He’s been a fixture at receiver, hauling in three receptions for 28 yards in Week 2 after posting four catches, 76 yards and a touchdown in Week 1.

Jackson signed as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023.

He only played five games with the Bengals in 2023, primarily starring on special teams. After being released by Cincinnati in September, Jackson landed on the Raiders’ practice squad in December.

The receiver will look to secure a roster spot in Sin City and add to the family tree with the Raiders.

He was one more chance to shine as Vegas concludes the preseason against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, Aug. 23.

The 2025 Little League Baseball World Series continued into the weekend as the pressure began to mount in the double-elimination tournament in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

All eight teams that took the field on Saturday had already suffered one loss but four will continue their journey after earning a victory.

Mexico produced a late rally to outscore Puerto Rico 11-5 and move on in the International bracket. Gregorio Madrid produced seven RBIs and scored two runs in a winning effort.

Australia is also moving on after a 5-3 victory over Czechia in the International bracket.

Illinois earned a victory over Pennsylvania in the final game of the evening, advancing in the United States bracket. Massachusetts also advanced in the tournament after a 7-3 victory against Texas.

Little League World Series Day 4 schedule and results

Saturday, Aug. 16

All times Eastern

Game 13 (International): Australia 5, Czechia 3
Game 14 (U.S.): Massachusetts 7, Texas 3,
Game 15 (International): Mexico 11, Puerto Rico 5
Game 16 (U.S.): Illinois 3, Pennsylvania 3

Final: Illinois 3, Pennsylvania 2

Brody Herold and Illinois are moving on. Herold led the way for Illinois, pitching six innings and contributing on offense with a run batted in.

Final: Mexico 11, Puerto Rico 5

Mexico is moving in the International bracket. Mexico’s Gregorio Madrid went 2-for-3 with seven runs batted in and two runs scored.

Illinois takes early lead

Illinois took a 3-0 lead over Pennsylvania in the bottom of the second inning.

Mexico, Puerto Rico tied

Gregorio Madrid hit a grand slam for Mexico in the top of the fifth inning to tie the game with Puerto Rico at 4.

Iker Castaneda adds to the lead with a two-run home run in the inning. Mexico has rallied back to take a 6-4 lead.

Pennsylvania and Illinois set to begin

The United States bracket elimination game is set to begin shortly.

Puerto Rico jumps ahead of Mexico

Puerto Rico scores a pair of runs in the bottom of the third inning to take the lead. Elias Martinez had a chance to make a catch in left field to end the inning, but dropped the ball.

Azariel Alvarado Medina hits a two-run home run during the next at-bat. It’s the first home run for Puerto Rico in the Little League World Series since 2018, according to ESPN’s Eduardo Perez.

Puerto Rico leads Mexico 4-0 at the top of the fourth inning.

Alvarado Medina doesn’t spend much time celebrating after going back onto the mound as the starting pitcher. He’s allowed three hits and a strikeout in three innings as a pitcher. He has walked four batters in the game.

Mexico loads the bases

Mexico appeared to have scored the first run of the game to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the third, but a challenge reversed the call after showing that Puerto Rico’s catcher had tagged the runner before reaching home plate.

Puerto Rico produced two more quick outs to get out of the inning while leaving three of Mexico’s runners stranded on base.

The game remains scoreless.

Mexico vs. Puerto Rico is underway

The third game of the day, the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico elimination game, has begun.

Final: Massachusetts 7, Texas 2

Sam Trotta went 2-for-2 with two RBIs in the victory for Massachusetts. Caden McCarthy contributed to the offense with a run scored and two RBIs after going 2-for-2 at the plate.

Massachusetts explodes on offense

Massachusetts doesn’t let off the gas in the bottom of the third inning, adding an additional two runs. Massachusetts leads 7-2 against Texas.

Massachusetts piles on the runs

Massachusetts increased their lead to 5-2 against Texas after a strong second inning in the second elimination game on Day 4.

Final: Australia 5, Czechia 3

Australia secured a 5-3 victory over Czechia in the elimination game, ending Czechia’s hopes of advancing in the Little League World Series.

Massachuetts battles back

Massachusetts quickly responded to errors made by Texas, as well as a hit by Sam Trotta that reached the back of the wall. Texas managed to secure an out at home plate to prevent another run. Massachusetts currently leads 3-2 in the elimination game.

Texas claims the early lead

Texas jumps ahead early, scoring two runs in the first inning. Texas leads 2-0 against Massachusetts in the elimination game.

Texas vs. Massachusetts is underway

The second game of the day, Texas vs. Massachusetts, is underway on ESPN, while Czechia vs. Australia has been moved to ESPN2.

Czechia vs. Australia expected to begin at 4:29 p.m. ET

Czechia and Australia will resume their match at 4:29 p.m. ET following a weather delay that interrupted Day 4 action.

Czechia vs. Australia in a weather delay

Despite a sunny Saturday, a lightning strike has forced the game to go into a weather delay.

Australia’s big second inning

Australia loaded the bases with Monica Arcuri at bat. She was then walked, adding another run to the scoreboard for her team. Czechia made a pitching change, bringing in Mikulas Binek, who took some time to warm up and allowed an additional run due to another walk. As a result, Australia leads 5-1 heading into the third inning.

Czechia quickly responds

Czechia capitalized on an error to score a run in the second inning. Australia leads 3-1 as the elimination game enters the bottom of the second inning.

Australia gets on the board

Australia takes an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, scoring three runs in the day’s opening game. Australia leads 3-0 heading into the top of the second inning.

Czechia vs. Australia is underway

The first game of Day 4 is underway as Czechia is looking for their second win ever at the Little League World Series while taking on Australia at Volunteer Stadium.

What time is the Little League World Series today?

The first game on Saturday, Aug. 16 starts at 1 p.m. ET with the final game starting at 7 p.m. ET. All games take place in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in either Howard J. Lamade Stadium or Little League Volunteer Stadium.

Little League World Series 2025: TV, time and how to watch

The Little League World Series began Wednesday, Aug. 13 and concludes on Sunday, Aug. 24. Games will be presented across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. Viewers can also watch with Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.

Times: Coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+ (international games), Fubo

Watch 2025 Little League World Series on Fubo

Little League World Series Day 3 results

Friday, Aug. 15

Game 9 (International): Venezuela 4, Canada 0
Game 10 (U.S.): Nevada (Mountain) 5, Washington (Northwest) 3
Game 11 (International): Aruba (Caribbean) 8, Panama 2
Game 12 (U.S.): Connecticut (Metro) 5, Hawaii (West) 1

Little League World Series Day 2 results

Thursday, Aug. 14

Game 5 (International): Japan 12, Czechia (Europe-Africa) 0
Game 6 (U.S.): South Carolina (Southeast) 13, Massachusetts (New England) 0
Game 7 (International): Chinese Taipei (Asia-Pacific) 3, Mexico 0
Game 8: (U.S.): South Dakota (Midwest) 2, Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic) 0

Little League World Series Day 1 results

Wednesday, Aug. 13

Game 1 (International): Venezuela 5 (Latin America), Puerto Rico 0
Game 2 (U.S.): Nevada (Mountain) 16, Illinois 1 (Great Lakes)
Game 3 (International): Panama 7, Australia 2
Game 4 (U.S.): Connecticut (Metro), Texas (Southwest) 0

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Lionel Messi’s right hamstring may not be 100%. But he’s still able to deliver highlight moments and give the impression he’s fully healthy.

Messi made his injury return, scoring a game-deciding goal in the 84th minute, Jordi Alba (43’) and Luis Suarez (89’) also scored goals, and Inter Miami beat the defending MLS Cup champion L.A. Galaxy 3-1 at Chase Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 16.

It appeared to be a laborious return to action for the Argentine World Cup champion, playing in his first match since suffering a right hamstring injury on Aug. 2.

Despite his highlight goal and a stellar heel assist to Suarez to cap his return, there were several instances where Messi was seen bent over, trying to stretch his hamstring during stoppages in play.

Messi waited by the closest part of the pitch near the locker room area and walked immediately inside the stadium corridor when the match concluded.

“He clearly wasn’t 100% comfortable,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of Messi after the match. “Now, the reality is that as the minutes went by, he loosened up a little bit more. We’ll have to see how he ended up in terms of fatigue.”

The Galaxy match served as a barometer for Messi’s health before Inter Miami plays in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals against Tigres UANL, set for 8 p.m. ET on Aug. 20. Inter Miami’s next match in the MLS regular season is Aug. 23 on the road against D.C. United.

Messi entered Saturday’s match at halftime, walking onto the pitch and adjusting the captain’s armband around his left bicep as the second half began. He already caused a ruckus in the stadium, warming up before the first half ended.

Within two minutes, Messi fired his first shot in the 46th minute, which soared over the net. Ten minutes later, Messi sent a shot that was much closer to the net, barely above it.

Joseph Paintsil tied the match, 1-1, for the Galaxy in the 59th minute, setting the stage for Messi to decide the game in the final 10 minutes.

Messi finished the match, jogging close to full speed before providing a shifty finish around a defender to help Inter Miami secure the victory.

“At the end of the day, he’s been out for two weeks with an injury. It was something very, very minor, and the three training sessions we had were good,” Mascherano said of Messi. “And I’ll say it again, the important thing is that he finished the game. I saw him get better as the minutes went by, but in the end, we’ll have to see how he is (Sunday), how he feels when he wakes up, and take it day by day.”

Messi’s injury caused him to miss two matches: Inter Miami advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage with a 3-1 win against Pumas on Aug. 6, then lost 4-1 to Orlando City in a regular-season match on Aug. 10. 

Mascherano said Messi wanted to play on the road in Orlando, but it was “impossible.”

Messi’s health will continue to be the focus for Inter Miami in the next week.

“You have understand why Leo is Leo, because he always wants to be on the pitch. He’s happy there,” Mascherano said. “Sometimes we try to explain to him to go slowly, but in the end when he feels good, he knows himself like no one (else). We tried to give him some minutes to start to find a good feeling for the next games.”

Watch MLS games all season long on Apple TV

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy highlights

Inter Miami 3, LA Galaxy 1: Luis Suarez scores goal

Inter Miami 2, LA Galaxy 1: Messi scores goal in return

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 1: Joseph Paintsil scores goal

Joseph Paintsil has scored for the Galaxy, finishing past Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari in the 59th minute.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi fires shot, nearly scores

Messi fired a shot over the net in the 56th minute, barely missing over the net. After the play, Messi and Jordi Alba each exchanged thumbs up to each other for the pass he was unable to finish.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi enters match in second half

When the second half began, Messi walked immediately onto the pitch with the captain’s armband around his left bicep. He was immediately substituted into the match after halftime. It didn’t take him long to fire his first shot, soaring a left boot over the net in the 46th minute.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Messi begins warming up before halftime

The crowd inside Chase Stadium erupted when Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, the Argentine World Cup champions, came off the bench to begin stretching just before halftime. Expect to see them both in the second half, with Messi making his return from injury.

Inter Miami 1, LA Galaxy 0: Jordi Alba scores goal

As Lionel Messi came off the bench to begin warming up, two of his former FC Barcelona running mates secured a lead right before halftime. Sergio Busquets found Jordi Alba in space, and Alba provided the finish in the 43rd minute.

Inter Miami starting lineup vs. LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy lineup vs. Inter Miami

Is Messi playing tonight?

Yes, Messi is expected to play. He is a substitute for Inter Miami against the Galaxy.

What time is Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy match?

The match begins at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina)

How to watch Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy match?

The match is available to live stream on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and on Apple TV+.

Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy betting odds

Here are the betting odds, according to BETMGM.

Inter Miami: -220
Tie: +380
Away: +475
Over/under: 3.5 goals

Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule

Aug. 20: Inter Miami vs. Tigres UANL (Leagues Cup quarterfinals) 
Aug. 23: D.C. United vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS regular season)
Aug. 26 or 27: Leagues Cup semifinals (if applicable)
Aug. 30: Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m. ET (MLS regular season)
Aug. 31: Leagues Cup final and third-place match (if applicable)

Titans won rookie QB’s second preseason start, but his numbers weren’t pretty.
Ward completed just two passes Friday but didn’t get much help from teammates.

ATLANTA – Cam Ward’s best throw during his abbreviated preseason shift on Friday night came at the right time with the perfect aim. The Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback scanned the defense, set his feet and lofted a second-and-long spiral with precise arc. It hit the intended target in his hands. Textbook.

One problem: Van Jefferson dropped it.

But man, was that a beautiful throw.

“Really, next play, that’s all you can do,” Ward reflected. “I’ve got to throw the ball better.”

When the rookie went on to explain that he might have put the football a tad out of reach, it sounded more like a team leader serving up some cover for his veteran receiver.

In any event, it was another lesson for Ward, 23, to absorb from a second preseason lab test that was filled with adversity. Ward only played 11 snaps over three series, leading his unit to just one first down. Inside a ho-hum stat line – he completed 2-of-7 passes for 42 yards, with a scant passer rating of 52.1 – there were misfires on back-to-back third downs that would’ve made for difficult catches. Even more glaring were the two penalties by offensive lineman that stunted drives.

“What I learned from this game is to not shoot ourselves in the foot with penalties,” Ward said. “I think we had a chance to score the three times I was out there, but we always had to overcome something.”

Brian Callahan knows. The Titans’ second-year coach is “very encouraged” by the progress he’s seen with Ward as they head into the final week of the preseason. He gave his rookie high marks for the operational elements of playing quarterback, which says something about absorbing X’s and O’s, calling plays in the huddle and making certain that the unit is lined up properly. And there’s no question about the zip in Ward’s arm.

Yet Callahan also knows that it is much bigger than the progress of one man – even one as dynamic as Ward, whose college resume includes a record 158 touchdown passes.

Callahan couldn’t fully assess Ward’s night without bemoaning the early penalties.

“That’s not really on him,” Callahan said. “That’s one of those things where we need to do better around him.”

That speaks to a big takeaway as the development of Ward commands attention. It is going to take a village. As much as Ward may make strides during his NFL transition, there’s a possibility that it could be dwarfed by the growing pains of the whole unit.

Of course, the snapshot from Friday night needs proper context. It was only an exhibition, with vanilla schemes and game plans. And Ward’s top two receivers, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett, sat out as proven veterans tend to do this time of year.

Still, Ward’s confident words after two days of joint practices with the Falcons – he was noticeably sharper on Wednesday after sputtering on Tuesday – bear repeating.

He proclaimed that the Titans have the makings of a Top 10 NFL offense and that his wide receiver group is among the five best in the league.

You can’t knock a man for talking up his teammates. That’s part of the appeal with Ward, who is full of can-do spirit, supported by his rise from being a zero-star recruit to the top pick in the draft. He believes. He wants to speak it into existence. Yes, it starts with the mind.

Yet there was a reason the Titans had that No. 1 pick. They finished with an NFL-worst 3-14 record in 2024. They ranked 27th in the league in scoring, averaging 18.3 points per game. Quarterbacks took 52 sacks last season, fourth-most in the league.

In other words, there’s a lot to fix around Ward. It will take time, along with a significant talent upgrade. If Ward can survive the process, then that Top 10 vision can come to life. Perhaps. Someday.

In the meantime, patience.

“I’m excited for the real football to start,”  Ward said.

The Titans open the regular season on Sept. 7 at the Denver Broncos, who have one of the best defenses in the NFL – and the receipts to prove it.

The rookie learning curve for Ward is just beginning, and promises to get even tougher.

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on social media:

On X: @JarrettBell; On Bluesky: jarrettbell.bsky.social

Another week, another rookie quarterback makes his debut for the Cleveland Browns.

One week after Shedeur Sanders shined in his pro debut, it was Dillon Gabriel’s turn to run the offense for Cleveland in Week 2.

Gabriel remained at the controls for the entire first half as the Browns possessed the ball five times in the opening 30 minutes. Tyler Huntley came on in relief for the former Oregon quarterback at the start of the second half, closing the book on Gabriel’s debut.

The third-round rookie undoubtedly faced some added pressure coming into this contest, especially after Sanders’ performance in Week 1.

As the Browns quarterback battle heats up, Gabriel made sure to throw his hat into the ring. Here’s how the rookie fared in his first NFL action.

Dillon Gabriel grade: Browns rookie solid in debut

Gabriel completed 13-of-18 pass attempts, finishing with 143 yards, an interception and a lost fumble. He targeted 10 different receivers in his debut.

After taking a sack on his second play from scrimmage, Gabriel kept his poise in the pocket, stepping up and delivering a 3rd-and-10 completion to Blake Whiteheart. There were some happy feet at times as he bounced around behind the line, however.

Gabriel did seem hesistant to scramble, which is understandable considering his hamstring injury – bringing some extra attention to his arm talent.

The rookie showed off his accuracy in his first preseason action, which was highlighted by the ball placement on a 3rd-and-5 completion to Jamari Thrash on the opening drive.

Cleveland would march for a touchdown on the opening drive. More important, the quarterback wasn’t a passenger in his first series.

The second drive would look like a lot more of the same, until it didn’t. Gabriel delivered another on-time pass to Cedric Tillman – the good on this possession.

The bad was how he opened the second quarter. Gabriel tossed a pick-six to Andrew Mukuba – a throw that the quarterback will want back.

Gabriel didn’t get any help from his teammates on this play, who shied away from the ball as it was headed their way. However, the rookie can’t make that throw in traffic and will learn that throwing it away is a better decision in that situation.

The quarterback would later cough up a fumble on a handoff, which we’ll likely attribute to his hindered mobility. Still, that is something that will need to be cleaned up.

In a two-minute drill to end the half, Gabriel marched the Browns into field goal range before the end of the half, highlighted by a 29-yard connection to Kaden Davis.

The Browns rookie had no shortage of action in this contest, getting some extended run given the injuries facing the team’s quarterback room.

Grade: B

Gabriel’s performance had some highs and lows, but it was still a solid day at the office. The mistakes will need to be cleaned up, but we’ll consider his limited mobility from the hamstring injury as something that balances the score.

The quarterback flashed accuracy and timing, unfazed by concerns about his lack of size. Despite pressure from the Eagles defense, he remained mostly poised throughout. The Browns and their fans should be pleased with Gabriel’s outing. Now the hope will be that both Gabriel and Sanders can suit up in the preseason finale to allow for a better comparison between the two.

The third day of the BMW Championship ended as the first two days did, with Robert MacIntyre in the lead.

The Scottish golfer bogeyed the first hole but was solid afterward to finish with a 68 and 16 under for the tournament. He has a four-stroke lead on Scottie Scheffler after leading by five shots heading into Saturday, Aug. 16, at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland.

Ludvig Aberg is two shots behind Scheffler.

Akshay Bhatia helped his cause by picking up his first career hole-in-one on Saturday and tying for the second-best round at 4 under. He’s projected to finish 28th in the FedEx Cup standings. The top 30 advance to the Tour Championship next week at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.

Here are the leaderboard and updates from the third round of the PGA Tour’s second FedEx Cup Playoffs event:

BMW Championship leaderboard

1. Robert MacIntyre: -16
2. Scottie Scheffler: -12
3. Ludvig Åberg: -10
T4. Sam Burns -8
T4. Harry Hall: -8
T6. Maverick McNealy -7
T6. Tommy Fleetwood: -7
T8. Rickie Fowler -6
T8. Viktor Hovland -6
T8. Michael Kim -6

BMW CHAMPIONSHIP: Updated tee times, full leaderboard

Sunday tee times

All time Eastern

9:05 a.m.: Andrew Novak
9:12 a.m.: Sungjae Im, Jhonattan Vegas
9:23 a.m.: Brian Campbell, Ryan Fox
9:34 a.m.: Thomas Detry, Ryan Gerard
9:45 a.m.: Chris Gotterup, Sam Stevens
9:56 a.m.: Xander Schauffele, Bud Cauley
10:07 a.m.: Denny McCarthy, Lucas Glover
10:23 a.m.: Shane Lowry, Tom Hoge
10:34 a.m.: Si Woo Kim, J.T. Poston
10:45 a.m.: Justin Rose, Daniel Berger
10:56 a.m.: Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley
11:07 a.m.: Patrick Cantlay, J.J. Spaun
11:18 a.m.: Nick Taylor, Matt Fitzpatrick
11:34 a.m.: Brian Harman, Collin Morikawa
11:45 a.m.: Hideki Matsuyama, Akshay Bhatia
11:56 a.m.: Kurt Kitayama, Taylor Pendrith
12:07 p.m.: Ben Griffin, Jason Day
12:18 p.m.: Rory McIlroy, Jacob Bridgeman
12:29 p.m.: Russell Henley, Corey Conners
12:45 p.m.: Cameron Young, Harris English
12:56 p.m.: Viktor Hovland, Michael Kim
1:07 p.m.: Tommy Fleetwood, Rickie Fowler
1:18 p.m.: Harry Hall, Maverick McNealy
1:29 p.m.: Ludvig Åberg, Sam Burns
1:40 p.m.: Robert MacIntyre, Scottie Scheffler

Robert MacIntyre finishes day ahead by 4

MacIntyre birdied on the final hole to take a four-shot lead on Scottie Scheffler heading into the final day of the BMW Championship. He finished the day with three birdies after bogeying the first hole of the third round.

Scheffler had four birdies and a bogey to gain one stroke during the third round.

Scottie Scheffler trails by 3

He has four birdies and one bogey and is three shots behind Robert MacIntyre.

Rickie Fowler done for the day

He bogeys the 18th hole to finish with a 67 for the day. He’s projected to finish the tournament 32nd.

Robert MacIntyre increases lead

He birdies on the ninth hole to improve to -15 for the tournament. He has a four-shot lead on Scottie Scheffler.

Robert MacIntyre continues to lead

MacIntyre bogeyed on the first hole on Saturday but birdied on No. 4. Scottie Scheffler has pulled to within three with two birdies, including on the seventh.

The top 10 gets going

The leaders are starting to make their way to the course, starting with golfers at the bottom or near the top 10. Rickie Fowler (3-under) and Rory McIlroy (4-under) have begun, with the group tied for 8th (Viktor Hovland, Sam Burns, Harry Hall) right behind them, starting their third round.

Akshay Bhatia gets first career ace

FedEx Cup bubble watch

Akshay Bhatia is 3-under for the round and is inching closer to the top 30 threshold to compete next week. Lucas Glover also has a low score of 3-under and is 5-over the tournament.

As the clock strikes noon, a couple of golfers, including Nick Taylor and Cameron Young, have a chance to get under par. Both are comfortably in the Tour Championship field for now.

Moving day struggles

About 15 golfers have teed off in the 3rd round, and most are struggling in the beginning stages of moving day. Lucas Glover is off to a good start at 2-under through his first six holes. He sits at 30th in the FedEx Standings, but is projected to finish outside of the top 30.

Ryder Cup placement for the United States is also on the line, with Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, and others yet to secure their spots on the team and needing big weekends to do so.

2025 BMW Championship purse, prize money

Total purse: $20 million

1st: $3,600,000
2nd: $2,160,000 
3rd: $1,360,000
4th: $990,000
5th: $830,000
6th: $750,000
7th: $695,000
8th: $640,000
9th: $600,000
10th: $560,000
11th: $520,000
12th: $480,000
13th: $441,000
14th: $402,000
15th: $382,000
16th: $362,000
17th: $342,000
18th: $322,000
19th: $302,000
20th: $282,000
21st: $262,000
22nd: $245,000
23rd: $229,000
24th: $213,000
25th: $197,000
26th: $181,000
27th: $174,000
28th: $167,000
29th: $160,000
30th: $153,000
31st: $146,000
32nd: $139,000
33rd: $132,000
34th: $127,000
35th: $122,000
36th: $117,000
37th: $112,000
38th: $108,000
39th: $104,000
40th: $100,000
41st: $96,000
42nd: $92,000
43rd: $88,000
44th: $84,000
45th: $80,000
46th: $76,000
47th: $72,000
48th: $70,000
49th: $68,000
50th: $66,000

Round 3 underway

The third round of the BMW Championship is underway, with Ryan Gerard being the first golfer to tee off. Gerard has some ground to make up to make the Tour Championship as he sits 32nd in the FedEx Standings and begins the round at 11-over. The top 30 golfers advance to the next round.

What time is BMW Championship Round 3?

The third round of the 2025 BMW Championship starts at 9 a.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 16, with the first player scheduled to tee off at 9:10 a.m. ET.

How to watch BMW Championship: TV channels, streaming

The 2025 BMW Championship, the second event of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs, will be televised nationally on the Golf Channel and NBC. It can be live streamed via ESPN+, Peacock and Fubo depending on the time. Here’s the broadcast schedule for the final two rounds:

All times Eastern

Saturday, Aug. 16

9 a.m.-6 p.m. on ESPN+
1-3 p.m. on Golf Channel, Fubo
3-6 p.m. on NBC, Peacock and Fubo

Sunday, Aug. 17

9 a.m.-6 p.m. on ESPN+
Noon-2 p.m. on Golf Channel, Fubo
2-6 p.m. on NBC, Peacock and Fubo

Watch the leaders at the BMW Championship on Fubo

BMW Championship tee times, pairings

Third Round – Saturday

All times Eastern

9:10 a.m. — Ryan Gerard
9:17 a.m. — Sam Stevens, Andrew Novak
9:28 a.m. — Brian Campbell, Lucas Glover
9:39 a.m. — Thomas Detry, Ryan Fox
9:50 a.m. — Sungjae Im, Jhonattan Vegas
10:01 a.m. — Xander Schauffele, Akshay Bhatia
10:12 a.m. — Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas
10:28 a.m. — Tom Hoge, J.T. Poston
10:39 a.m. — Keegan Bradley, Chris Gotterup
10:50 a.m. — Brian Harman, Bud Cauley
11:01 a.m. — Corey Conners, Justin Rose
11:12 a.m. — Nick Taylor, Matt Fitzpatrick
11:23 a.m. — Cameron Young, Kurt Kitayama
11:39 a.m. — Daniel Berger, Jacob Bridgeman
11:50 a.m. — Ben Griffin, Si Woo Kim
12:01 p.m. — Shane Lowry, Patrick Cantlay
12:12 p.m. — Denny McCarthy, J.J. Spaun
12:23 p.m. — Harris English, Jason Day
12:34 p.m. — Rickie Fowler, Taylor Pendrith
12:50 p.m. — Rory McIlroy, Russell Henley
1:01 p.m. — Sam Burns, Viktor Hovland
1:12 p.m. — Maverick McNealy, Harry Hall
1:23 p.m. — Tommy Fleetwood, Michael Kim
1:34 p.m. — Ludvig Åberg, Hideki Matsuyama
1:45 p.m. — Robert MacIntyre, Scottie Scheffler

FedEx Cup playoff standings

Here are the top 10 golfers in the FedEx Cup playoff standings entering the BMW Championship. Only the top 30 in the FedEx Cup standings after Sunday’s final round qualify for The Tour Championship. For a full list of standings, click here.

Scottie Scheffler: 5,456 points
Rory McIlroy: 3,444 points
J.J. Spaun: 3,344 points
Justin Rose: 3,220 points
Sepp Straka: 2,783 points
Russell Henley: 2,579 points
Ben Griffin: 2,555 points
Tommy Fleetwood: 2,433 points
Justin Thomas: 2,395 points
Harris English: 2,269 points