The trial will determine if Shilo Sanders can discharge an $11.89 million debt owed to a security guard he allegedly injured in 2015.
The key issue is whether Sanders inflicted a ‘willful and malicious’ injury, which would prevent the debt from being erased.
Sanders filed for bankruptcy after a default judgment was issued against him when he failed to appear for a 2022 trial.

A federal bankruptcy judge has set an Aug. 31 trial date to determine if former Colorado football player Shilo Sanders will be able to get out of more than $11 million in debt, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY Sports.

Judge Michael Romero set the date this week in Denver, more than two years after Sanders filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The trial is estimated to last five days and will focus on one particular dispute:

Did Sanders, son of Colorado coach Deion Sanders, inflict a “willful and malicious” injury on a security guard at his school in Dallas in 2015?

The answer to that question has high stakes. If the court determines the answer is yes, then Shilo Sanders will remain on the hook for the $11.89 million default judgment that he still owes to the security guard, John Darjean.

If the court determines the answer is no, then Sanders could discharge that debt and get out of the bankruptcy process with relatively little damage to his bank account.

Why is Shilo Sanders in bankruptcy?

Darjean sued Sanders in 2016, alleging he suffered severe and permanent injuries, including incontinence, when Sanders punched and elbowed him in the neck area when Sanders was 15. Sanders has claimed he acted in self-defense. Darjean said he was trying to confiscate Sanders’ phone as part of his job at the school.

Darjean was taken to the hospital that day. Sanders was taken to a juvenile detention center the next day after a separate incident, according to court records.

Darjean also sued Sanders’ parents for alleged negligence. But both Deion Sanders and Shilo Sanders’ mother Pilar were dismissed from the case by early 2019, leaving Shilo Sanders as the lone remaining defendant when he went off to college at South Carolina at age 19.

Sanders then dropped his attorneys and didn’t show up for the trial in 2022, when Darjean presented evidence to the court. The judge in that case issued an $11.89 million default judgment against Sanders as a result.

Sanders filed for bankruptcy in October 2023 after Darjean moved to collect on that debt. By doing so, Sanders’ goal is to get a “fresh start,” free from that debt.

What will the Shilo Sanders trial be about?

Bankruptcy law provides exceptions for when a debtor can get out of debt. One exception is if the debt stems from a “willful and malicious” injury.

Darjean wants to collect every penny owed to him from that judgment and is alleging that his injuries do in fact stem from a willful and malicious injury from Sanders. He is fighting to prevent the debt from being discharged so that he eventually can try to collect on it again.

His attorney, Ori Raphael, told the judge that they will make their case over three days at the trial.

But if Sanders’ attorneys can raise doubt about that by claiming Sanders acted in self-defense, Sanders could win and discharge that massive debt.

The trial will be pivotal. Other parts of his bankruptcy case remain pending in the meantime, including a separate complaint from Darjean.

What is Shilo Sanders doing now?

Sanders, now 26, said in a recent YouTube video that he had moved to Miami and was considering acting classes after getting out of football. He also recently appeared at a fashion modeling show in Paris with his brother Shedeur Sanders. He earned a master’s degree from Colorado in May after going undrafted in the NFL draft last year. He was waived by the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the 2025 season.

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

The Arizona Cardinals are releasing the quarterback, according to multiple reports. It was a decision that came on March 3, but had been a long time in the making. This split had been considered inevitable, dating back to the famous ‘independent study’ clause that was inserted into the quarterback’s extension in 2022.

It appeared the relationship was on borrowed time from that moment on, and it reared its head at the end of the 2025 season, when he was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury in December.

Since the offseason began, it was revealed that Murray and general manager Monti Ossenfort hadn’t talked since the season concluded, according to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss on Feb. 24.

Arizona also brought in a new coaching staff led by Mike LaFleur, signaling a changing of the guard.

The Cardinals looked to trade the quarterback before settling on releasing the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. It was considered the likeliest outcome for both sides following a report from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on March 1.

Murray faced plenty of questions and concerns during his time in the desert, mostly about work ethic, leadership and on-field struggles. He was drafted to be the team’s franchise quarterback just one season after they selected Josh Rosen with the No. 10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

The former Oklahoma Sooners star spent seven seasons with the Cardinals and started 87 games. He posted a 38-48-1 record and made just one playoff appearance.

Murray completed 67.1% of passes, throwing 121 touchdowns to 60 interceptions and, of course, was a huge factor with his legs. He rushed 532 times for 3,193 yards and 32 touchdowns as a member of the Cardinals.

Now he’ll head to free agency when the new league year begins next Wednesday, March 11, to seek a new opportunity in a different city, where no shortage of suitors awaits.

Kyler Murray reacts to Cardinals release

Murray was quick to share a reaction on social media following the announcement:

‘To everyone that supported me and showed kindness to my family and I during my time in AZ, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

‘I wanted nothing more than to be the one to end the 77 year drought for this organization, I am sorry I failed us. I wish this community and my brothers nothing but the best.

‘I am no stranger to adversity, I am prepared for whatever’s next. I trust in God and my work ethic. I truly believe my best ball is in front of me and I look forward to proving it.

‘Godspeed.’

A critical decision day came and went for several NFL teams.

Ahead of the start of free agency next week, the deadline for organizations to issue the franchise tag Tuesday. Teams were forced to make up their minds on whether to use the expensive tool to protect their negotiating rights with top players. Using the tag can ensure that teams at least have a stopgap solution in contract talks, though it also provides an additional hurdle as organizations try to get under the salary cap in advance of the new year.

Here’s a look back at how it all went down:

Transition tag for Colts’ Daniel Jones

The Indianapolis Colts are hedging their bets with Daniel Jones, applying the transition tag to last year’s QB1. That means at least a $37.8 million placeholder as he and the team continue working toward an expected reunion − though the Colts would get nothing in return of another team signs Jones to an offer sheet they’re unwilling to match.

Tagging Jones, who ranks fifth on Nate Davis’ top 100 free agent rankings for USA TODAY Sports, also means Indianapolis WR Alec Pierce, who led the NFL in yards per catch the past two seasons and is coming off his first 1,000-yard campaign, will hit the market − unless he and the team can reach a new accord by March 11.

Trey Hendrickson in the clear

Trey Hendrickson is finally set for his long-awaited shot at a sizable multiyear contract.

Both ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Tuesday that the Cincinnati Bengals will not use the franchise tag on the four-time Pro Bowler.

Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said at the NFL scouting combine that he wouldn’t rule out the maneuver, but he also acknowledged that he didn’t want to tip his hand to other teams.

‘And in terms of the tag, we’re still moving through that,’ Tobin said. ‘I don’t have a definite answer there. We have resources, and how we deploy them are things that will come out.’

Hendrickson, 31, figures to be one of the most sought-after defensive players on the market after he failed to reach a long-term deal with the Bengals last season, which led to a stalemate between the two sides that ended early in training camp.

No franchise tag for Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III

Kenneth Walker III is about to go from Super Bowl MVP to hitting the open market.

The Seattle Seahawks will not use the franchise tag on the running back, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, setting him up to potentially cash in elsewhere on his title-winning run.

Walker, who ranks 17th on Nate Davis’ top 100 free agents, now could be the most attractive veteran free agent ball carrier after the New York Jets used the franchise tag on Breece Hall earlier on Tuesday. The four-year veteran logged a career high 1,309 yards from scrimmage last season.

If Walker departs, Seattle could have a significant need in the backfield. Backup Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a divisional-round playoff win over the San Francisco 49ers, leaving his availability for the start of the season in question.

Jets give franchise tag to Breece Hall

The New York Jets aren’t taking it down to the eleventh hour to make their plans known with running back Breece Hall.

The Jets have placed the franchise tag on Hall, according to multiple reports, keeping arguably the top potential free agent running back from hitting the open market.

Jets general manager Darren Mougey revealed last week at the NFL scouting combine that the team would look to retain Hall, who came in at No. 10 on Nate Davis’ top 100 free agent rankings, by using either the franchise or transition tag designation, if needed.

‘We’ll find a way to keep Breece here if we can’t get a deal done,’ Mougey told reporters. ‘The tags are an option. Ideally, we’d find a way to get a deal done and keep Breece around. I think I’ve said that for the last year since I’ve got here. Breece is a good player. We want to find a way to keep him around. We’ve been going through that process and are still doing so. We have a week to find out if we can’t get to an agreement which way we’ll go with that tag.’

Utilizing the franchise tag designation would come at a price of $14.3 million for one year if a multiyear contract can’t be reached.

Which NFL players have already received the franchise tag?

Dallas Cowboys WR George Pickens: The Cowboys officially placed the non-exclusive tag on Pickens last Friday. The receiver had ranked as the No. 1 player on USA TODAY Sports’ top 100 rankings, but he will not hit the open market. Instead, he’s been provided a tender of $27.298 million – a relative one-year bargain amid a booming market for receivers.

Atlanta Falcons TE Kyle Pitts Sr.: The No. 4 overall pick in 2021 had a tumultuous five-year run to start off his career in Atlanta, but the new regime made it a priority to not let him depart. ‘We’re not in the business of letting go (of) really good players,’ first-year general manager Ian Cunningham told 92.9 The Game last week. Pitts is coming off a season in which he posted career highs of 88 receptions and five touchdown catches, and he could play a vital role in helping third-year signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. find his comfort zone in new coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense.

New York Jets RB Breece Hall: Gang Green could be in for plenty of changes this offseason, but losing Hall doesn’t appear to be one of them. The Jets on Tuesday placed the franchise tag on the running back, giving him a one-year tender of $14.293 million if he can’t come to terms on a multiyear contract with New York by the July 15 deadline.

What is a franchise tag?

The franchise tag is a mechanism by which teams can prevent one impending free agent per offseason from hitting the open market. The degrees of protection and potential compensation for the team vary by designation:

Non-exclusive franchise tag: By far the most popular category for teams, this serves as a deterrent for other teams but still provides a window for a potential exit. Players who receive this may still negotiate and sign an offer sheet with outside teams. The organization that issues the tag, however, has the right to match the terms of any agreement, and it would receive two first-round picks from the team that signed the player if it lets him depart. Given that cost, it’s rare for players to receive this designation and still exit in that manner, though sometimes tag-and-trade scenarios are executed at a lower cost for the acquiring organization.
Exclusive franchise tag: This provides the assigning team with absolute protection, as any player receiving this cannot negotiate or sign an offer sheet with a competitor. Yet it comes at a heightened cost, which can be prohibitive for any franchise considering utilizing it.
Transition tag: Like the nonexclusive franchise tag, it still allows for players to negotiate with other teams while providing the issuing franchise the opportunity to match any offer sheet. Refusal to do so, however, will not yield any draft compensation.

When is the NFL’s franchise tag deadline?

NFL teams have until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday to decide whether to issue a franchise or transition tag on one player. If they do, they may continue negotiating toward a long-term contract, or the player can sign his one-year tender. A multiyear deal must be reached by July 15, or the player only has the option of playing the upcoming season on a one-year deal.

Iowa State University has announced plans to discontinue its women’s gymnastics program.
The decision follows the abrupt cancellation of the team’s season due to what ISU’s athletics director called ‘unreconcilable differences.’
Coaches’ contracts will not be renewed, and athletes can either transfer or stay at ISU with their scholarships honored.

Iowa State University announced March 3 that it is cutting its women’s gymnastics program, weeks after abruptly canceling the remainder of the season due to what athletics director Jamie Pollard said were ‘unreconcilable differences’ in the program.

Cyclone gymnasts were informed of the decision to cut the program by ISU associate athletics director Shamaree Brown in a meeting on Tuesday morning, two people with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports Network.

Iowa State gymnastics head coach Ashley Miles Greig and her three assistant coaches were told that their contracts would not be renewed, the university’s news release stated. Miles Greig’s contract was set to expire after the season on June 30, 2026.

Cyclones gymnasts will have the option to remain at Iowa State to finish their degrees, or to transfer to another NCAA school to compete in gymnastics. If they stay at Iowa State, ISU will honor their scholarships. Iowa State’s release said its compliance department would work with the NCAA on waivers to help gymnasts receive an additional year of competition.

Tuesday’s announcement ended weeks of speculation about the program’s future that began when Iowa State canceled its gymnastics season on Feb. 8. In a statement at the time, Brown said the decision was because the Cyclones did not have enough athletes available to compete. In a letter to the gymnastics team and alumni on Feb. 17, Pollard wrote that the cancellation resulted from ‘a series of complex internal conflicts between individual teammates, coaching staff members, and parents,’ language that Iowa State repeated in Tuesday’s release.

In a video released by the school, Pollard said Iowa State would take the next several months to decide which women’s sport would replace gymnastics so that the athletics department remains compliant with Title IX, a federal law that requires NCAA schools to provide proportional participation opportunities to men and women.

“I also want to say, this is not a financial decision. This is a student-athlete experience decision,’ Pollard said in the video. ‘Adding another women’s sport will probably cost equal or more than what we’re already spending on the gymnastics program. This is about student-athlete experience.” 

Pollard said that Iowa State conducted reviews of its gymnastics program in 2018 and 2023 stemming from unspecified issues. The 2023 review, conducted by an external law firm, led Iowa State to part ways with then-head coach Jay Ronayne. Miles Greig was hired in April 2023.

Iowa State on March 3 denied USA TODAY Network’s public records request for the findings of the university’s 2018 and 2023 gymnastics probes. In an email denying the request, Ann Lelis, a member of Iowa State’s office of general counsel, cited portions of state open records law that prevent the disclosure of personal information of students or public employees. Lelis also said the requested records were not subject to disclosure because they contained confidential attorney privileged documents.

Pollard said he asked his senior leadership team ‘to meet with those individuals in our department that work really closely with our gymnastics program and make a recommendation to me about what we should do going forward.’

The leadership team recommended to Pollard that the school discontinue the gymnastics program, Pollard said, and use those resources for a different women’s sport. Pollard accepted the recommendation from his staff, and he spoke with university leaders. ‘We are all on the same page,’ he said. ‘This is the right decision for our athletics program and for our student-athletes.’

Iowa State’s annual financial report submitted to the NCAA for fiscal year 2025 showed the gymnastics program generated $287,392 in total operating revenues with $1.69 million in expenses, a gap of about $1.4 million. Iowa State allotted 14 scholarships to gymnastics.

Cyclone gymnastics recruits who had committed to the program for the 2026-27 season can commit to a different school or attend Iowa State and have their scholarship agreements honored.

Miles Greig could not be immediately reached for comment when contacted Tuesday morning by USA TODAY Sports.

Former Iowa State gymnast Shea Mattingly, whose last name was Anderson when she graduated in 2012, said she had been in contact with other former members of the team after Tuesday’s announcement.

‘We’re all frustrated. We’re all angry,’ Mattingly said. ‘That (Pollard) video made us all really mad, honestly. … It places all the blame on these student-athletes whereas the administration’s accountability in this, they hired these coaches that maybe it seems like they couldn’t handle the program.’

Mattingly said she and other alums aren’t giving up hope on the future of the program.

‘I think we’re still going to fight,’ she said. ‘So we’re going to send emails. We’re going to call. We’re going to do all we can, even though it seems his mind has been made up.’

This story will be updated.

March free agency madness is just days away.

NFL teams are allowed to contact free agents starting at noon ET on March 9. Free agents can officially sign contracts when the new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET March 11.

Linebacker Devin Lloyd, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, quarterback QB Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Mike Evans are some of the top free agents available. But where are the best landing spots for the marquee free agents?

USA TODAY Sports explores the best fits for the top 25 free agents before the free agency period kicks off.

Best fits for Top 25 free agents

1. LB Devin Lloyd (2025 team: Jaguars)

Best fit: 49ers

Imagine a 49ers defense with Lloyd and Fred Warner in the middle at linebacker. San Francisco would instantly form this generation’s version of Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. Lloyd would also help ease the load off Warner, who is set to return from a 2025 season-ending ankle injury.

2. Edge Trey Hendrickson (2025 team: Bengals)

Best fit: Commanders

The Commanders were rumored to be interested in Hendrickson when he requested a trade following the 2024 season. Washington’s been in the market for a game-changing edge rusher. The Commanders ranked in the bottom half of the league in pass rush win rate in 2025 and has more than $70 million in salary cap space, per Over The Cap, more than enough to take some big swings during free agency.

3. C Tyler Linderbaum (2025 team: Ravens)

Best fit: Chargers

Linderbaum is set to cash in as the best offensive lineman available. The Chargers by many metrics had the worst offensive line in football last season. Chargers C Bradley Bozeman, who was often exposed when d-lines performed stunts, announced his retirement in February. The Chargers have more than $85 million is salary cap space, per Over The Cap.

4. QB Daniel Jones (2025 team: Colts)

Best fit: Colts

It’s hard to see a scenario where the Colts let Jones walk, especially after the team gave Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade. Jones’ career was revitalized in Indy. He enjoyed career-highs in completion percentage and passer rating despite his year being cut to 13 games due to an Achilles injury.

5. WR Mike Evans (2025 team: Bucs)

Best fit: Bucs

It’d be odd to see Evans in another uniform. Evans has played all 12 of his seasons in Tampa Bay. He’s the Bucs’ all-time leading receiver and, even at 32, still has a role as Tampa Bay’s X receiver.

6. RB Kenneth Walker (2025 team: Seahawks)

Best fit: Seahawks

Walker displayed his value during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run. He put an explanation point on his worth during his Super Bowl MVP performance. Furthermore, Zach Charbonnet’s postseason knee injury makes Walker’s Seattle return essential.

7. Edge Jaelan Phillips (2025 teams: Dolphins/Eagles)

Best fit: Patriots

There is a world where Phillips re-signs in Philly. After all, he said he likes playing with the Eagles. But what about joining another contender in the Patriots? The Patriots have a talented defensive interior but lack sizzle on the edge. New England doesn’t have the cap flexibility of last year, but the Pats have enough to make a deal work.

8. Edge Odafe Oweh (2025 teams: Ravens/Chargers)

Best fit: Chargers

Oweh shined in a Chargers uniform after the Ravens shipped him to Los Angeles. The pairing of Tuli Tuipulotu and Oweh gives the Chargers a young and talented duo on the edge. He also serves as much-needed insurance in the event veteran Khalil Mack departs.

9. OT Rasheed Walker (2025 team: Packers)

Best fit: Browns

The Browns acquired right tackle Tytus Howard in a trade, but they still have a vacancy at left tackle. Dawand Jones is recovering from a serious leg injury. Cleveland ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in both pass block and run block win rate, per ESPN. Walker is the top tackle available.

10. QB Aaron Rodgers (2025 team: Steelers)

Best fit: Steelers

If Rodgers does return for a 22nd season, it’ll likely be to reunite with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh. The four-time MVP isn’t the QB he once was, but he’s still a capable starter who helped lead the Steelers to the playoffs.

11. WR Alec Pierce (2025 team: Colts)

Best fit: Raiders

The Raiders must supply presumptive No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza with more weapons. Pierce is a vertical threat who can help open the middle of the field up for TE Brock Bowers, and he’s a capable blocker, which will aid RB Ashton Jeanty.

12. QB Malik Willis (2025 team: Packers)

Best fit: Dolphins

The rebuilding Dolphins seem like a natural fit for Willis. New coach Jeff Hafley and new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan know Willis well from their time together in Green Bay. Willis deserves another chance to be a starting quarterback after successful spot duty with the Packers.

13. OT Braden Smith (2025 team: Colts)

Best fit: Texans

Houston needs help across its O-line. Smith could slide in at right tackle, filling the void created by the Dawand Jones trade. The Texans ranked 30th in pass block win rate and last in run block win rate in 2025, per ESPN. C.J. Stroud’s been sacked 113 times in three seasons.

14. RB Travis Etienne Jr. (2025 team: Jaguars)

Best fit: Cardinals

James Conner is coming off a season-ending foot injury and will be 31 years old in May. Arizona had the worst rushing attack in the NFC last season. New coach Mike LaFleur needs to add more players no matter who plays QB.

15. WR Rashid Shaheed (2025 teams: Saints/Seahawks)

Best fit: Seahawks

Shaheed told USA TODAY Sports that he “absolutely” wants to re-sign with the Seahawks. He’s arguably the best return man in the league. He was the only player in the NFL in 2025 with both kick return and punt return touchdowns.

16. LB Quay Walker (2025 team: Packers)

Best fit: Titans

Cedric Gray finished fourth in the league in tackles (164). He had more than double the amount of tackles than any other Titans player. Defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh hopes to build Tennessee’s defense in his image. Walker has compiled more than 100 tackles in four straight seasons. Plus, the Titans have the most salary cap space in the NFL.

17. Edge Khalil Mack (2025 team: Chargers)

Best fit: Ravens

Mack contemplated retirement but decided to play in 2026, a person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. The Chargers would welcome Mack back, but former Chargers DC and current Ravens head coach Jesse Minter could lure Mack to Baltimore. The Ravens have a Super Bowl-caliber roster that could entice Mack to come east. 

18. WR Romeo Doubs (2025 team: Packers)

Best fit: Titans

The Titans have the salary cap flexibility to be aggressive this offseason. Tennessee had the third-worst pass offense in the NFL last season. Calvin Ridley, Chig Okonkwo and Doubs would be a nice trio of pass catchers for second-year QB Cam Ward.

19. TE Isaiah Likely (2025 team: Ravens)

Best fit: Commanders

The Commanders have questions at tight end. Zach Ertz’s future is uncertain, as the 35-year-old Ertz is a free agent and is recovering from a torn ACL. The Commanders should upgrade the skill position players around Jayden Daniels. Likely would provide Washington with a younger and more explosive replacement at tight end.

20. Bradley Chubb (2025 team: Dolphins)

Best fit: Panthers

Miami informed Chubb of his imminent release. The Panthers defense produced 30 sacks last year, a number that put them near the bottom of the league. Panthers DC Ejiro Evero has done a good job with Carolina’s defense, but they lack a standout edge rusher who can complement defensive lineman Derrick Brown.

21. LB Nakobe Dean (2025 team: Eagles)

Best fit: Rams

Nate Landman was a good addition for the Rams last offseason, but Landman doesn’t provide much coverage flexibility. Dean is versatile option who would give the Rams a solid one-two punch at linebacker.

22. WR Tyreek Hill (2025 team: Dolphins)

Best fit: Chiefs

Chris Jones is already publicly recruiting Hill. A Hill and Chiefs reunion makes a ton of sense. The Chiefs haven’t adequately filled Hill’s void since they traded him. Kansas City would provide Hill a comfortable and familiar place to rehab his knee injury and revitalize the back half of his career.  

23. OG Wyatt Teller (2025 team: Browns)

Best fit: Giants

The Giants have multiple linemen entering free agency, including guard Greg Van Roten. Teller is a guard you can plug in and play right away. He allowed three sacks and 24 pressures in 765 snaps for the Browns last season.

24. CB Riq Woolen (2025 team: Seahawks)

Best fit: Cowboys

Joining the Cowboys would be a homecoming of sorts for Woolen. The cornerback is from nearby Fort Worth, Texas. Woolen would provide much-needed help for Dallas in the secondary. The Cowboys had the worst pass defense in the NFL last season. Woolen’s registered 12 interceptions and has allowed 54% completion percentage when targeted through four seasons.

25. CB Alontae Taylor (2025 team: Saints)

Best fit: Bears

Taylor has the versatility to play in the slot or outside corner. His seven career sacks rank first in Saints history for sacks by a cornerback. The Bears ranked 29th in total defense, the worst among all playoff teams in 2025.

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

U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes has said Trinity Rodman is ‘fine’ after a back injury scare in the team’s SheBelieves Cup opener.

Rodman suffered the injury late in a 2-0 win over Argentina on Sunday, March 1.

Argentina midfielder Milagros Martin went into Rodman’s back with a tough challenge that left the star attacker on the ground for several minutes.

Rodman eventually got to her feet and tested out the injury with some slow jogs down the sideline. With the game already in second-half stoppage time, Rodman did not return before the final whistle.

Trinity Rodman injury update

At a press conference on Tuesday, March 3, Hayes provided some good news on Rodman — though the situation wasn’t as good for left back Lily Reale, who exited the game against Argentina just 15 minutes after coming on as a halftime sub.

‘Lily Reale has a foot injury and has gone home back to Gotham [FC],’ Hayes said. ‘And Trinity Rodman is fine and training today.’

Rodman has dealt with back issues for much of her career. After suffering a recurrence in 2024, Rodman returned for the start of the 2025 NWSL campaign only to be sidelined again just four games into the season.

The 23-year-old returned for the Washington Spirit in August, playing out the remainder of the campaign. Due to her back issues, Rodman only managed one USWNT appearance in 2025.

The USWNT will face Canada on Wednesday, March 4 in Columbus, Ohio and will close out the tournament against Colombia on Saturday, March 7 in Harrison, New Jersey.