Jim Harbaugh’s strong message to Mike McDaniel despite the Chargers’ 0-3 start
The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-3 and one of just three teams in the NFL without a win entering Week 4.
However, head coach Jim Harbaugh has no plans to intervene with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel despite the poor offensive showing thus far.
“No. We trust Mike. We believe in Mike,” Harbaugh said when asked about intervening, via Kris Rhim of ESPN.
The Miami Dolphins fired McDaniel after four seasons as the team’s head coach, and the Chargers hired him as the new OC in what was supposed to be a major boost to the offense.
Yet, the Justin Herbert-Mike McDaniel QB-OC duo has disappointed. Through three games, the Chargers have scored a total of 46 points, and they have yet to score more than 16 points in a game this season.
The Week 1 flop to the Arizona Cardinals was bad, and they fell to 0-2 after a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders that matched a brutal NFL record not seen in 100 years.
Harbaugh also had a message for Herbert.
Jim Harbaugh on Justin Herbert's decision making this year:
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 28, 2026
"Be better. Be better. And that drives Justin, that drives me, that drives his position coach, that drives Mike, the coordinator. I mean, drives us all."
Herbert also hasn’t looked like himself. The star QB has just 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, although the lack of a true WR1 and a depleted offensive line have not helped in any way.
But, Harbaugh doesn’t plan on stepping in. Unfortunately for LA, the schedule is brutal, with the next three games coming against the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs before a Week 7 bye.
Zion Williamson makes a brutally honest admission ahead of the season
Zion Williamson can at least say at this point that he is not in denial.
The New Orleans Pelicans star Williamson spoke with reporters on Monday at team media day. During his remarks, Williamson got stunningly candid about his NBA career thus far.
“I am not where I want to be,” said Williamson. “I am just not where I need to be. I’m not where I need to be, not where I want to be.”
"I am not where I want to be… I am just not where I need to be and I'm not where I want to be.
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) September 28, 2026
— Zion Williamson on how he feels about his NBA career pic.twitter.com/CDwsTI291w
That was a surprisingly honest admission by Williamson and a very accurate one at that. Williamson was the No. 1 overall pick by the Pelicans in 2019 and did manage to make All-Star teams in 2021 and 2023.
But now at 26 years old, Williamson has still fallen well short of expectations. Though Williamson is a career 24-ppg scorer, he has been plagued by injuries, poor conditioning, and many other personal issues over the years that have derailed his potential as an NBA superstar. Even more jarring is the fact that Williamson still has never played in a single playoff game as a member of the Pelicans.
Williamson is probably nearing rock bottom at this point after back-to-back 55-loss seasons with New Orleans in addition to the disturbing lawsuit that the ex-Duke star is still facing. But Williamson has plenty left to play for with the Pelicans owing him $87 million over the next two seasons, and he is at least taking the first step of recognizing that there is a problem.
Stephon Castle takes a swipe at Knicks fans
The New York Knicks may have won the NBA championship last season, but Stephon Castle still has one piece of ammo against them.
Castle, the San Antonio Spurs guard, was the subject this week of a feature for GQ by Cam Wolf. At one point in the feature, Castle got in a shot at fans of the Knicks, whom the Spurs faced in the 2026 NBA Finals.
“It was underwhelming in that first game,” Castle said of the crowd at Madison Square Garden. “They made it seem like it was going to be way crazier in there.
“OKC was way louder than MSG,” added Castle, in reference to the Spurs’ prior Western Conference Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Castle did also admit though that Madison Square Garden after OG Anunoby’s famous game-winning tip-in during Game 4 was “the loudest I’ve ever heard an arena.” You can read his full GQ feature at the link here.
The 21-year-old Castle probably is not wrong here. After all, it was indeed a major storyline that many diehard fans were priced out of the building during the Finals at Madison Square Garden (leading to some Knicks players openly complaining about the prices).
Castle, who won an NCAA championship with UConn in 2024, is no stranger to playing in big games in front of huge crowds. He will be looking next season to build off his sophomore year averages of 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game (though he may have just given Knicks fans even more reason to hate on his team).
Chet Holmgren gets laughed at over his training camp measurements
Chet Holmgren appears to have eaten a nice peanut butter and jelly sandwich this offseason.
The Oklahoma City Thunder center Holmgren got laughed at by social media this week over his measurements in training camp. Holmgren was listed at 213 pounds last season but clocked in this season at [drum roll, please] … a whopping 215 pounds (per Thunder writer Clemente Almanza).
Social media had a field day with Holmgren’s modest offseason weight “gain.” Here were some of the funniest jokes at the seven-footer’s expense.
— BuffBoy (@skobuffss) September 28, 2026
Chet Holmgren showing up to training camp in 2025 vs. 2026 pic.twitter.com/XxXtcxraBz
— Onyx Odds (@OnyxOdds) September 28, 2026
Chet Holmgren has only gained 2 POUNDS since last training camp
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) September 28, 2026
His weight increased from 213lbs to 215lbs pic.twitter.com/LByQSFLSRQ
Chet Holmgren showing up to training camp with his new physique: https://t.co/m7nznbZPb4 pic.twitter.com/vzOfxfY3kP
— Lior (@LiorLampert1) September 28, 2026
Holmgren, 24, is entering his fourth career NBA season. Though he was an All-Star and an All-NBA selection last year (on top of being the starting center on OKC’s 2025 championship team), Holmgren has long been criticized for his lack of strength and muscle.
As a result of his slender physique, Holmgren tends to shy away from contact and drift more towards the perimeter in certain matchups. Holmgren’s one-on-one battles against rival San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama have proven to be particularly disastrous for him as well.
The Thunder still seem to be fully committed to Holmgren, who is just about to start a new five-year, $239.2 million rookie max extension with them. But there has been some talk about a potential Holmgren trade scenario, which the team just might have to explore if the former Gonzaga star cannot bulk up more than two pounds in an offseason.
Dante Moore shares heartfelt message after scary hit vs. USC
Oregon Ducks superstar quarterback Dante Moore left the game on a stretcher after a scary hit against the USC Trojans on Saturday.
On Monday, Moore shared a heartfelt message for the first time since the injury, and it was posted on his Instagram account.
“To my team, the community, and to the World, thank you. These past 2 days have been very difficult, but through all of your prayers I have made progress. There’s times I question myself and the Lord and say Why now? but I quickly remember Jeremiah 29:11,” Moore wrote.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. I can only worry about today, and making sure I give today it’s full attention. I’ll be back soon. Go Ducks!”
Moore took a dirty late hit in the first quarter from USC linebacker Desman Stephens II, who was suspended one game as a result of his actions.
Oregon then announced on Sunday that Moore had sustained a concussion, with head coach Dan Lanning saying that the star QB didn’t sustain any additional injuries.
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) September 27, 2026
Moore entered the season as a Heisman Trophy contender, and 14 NFL executives even selected the Oregon QB to be the first pick in 2027 over Texas star Arch Manning.
The good news is that Dante Moore is expected to return at some point, but it remains to be seen exactly when he will play. Oregon is off to a 3-1 start, and the Ducks have a Week 5 bye before a showdown against UCLA.
Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola will start for as long as Moore is sidelined.
Hornets move on from former top-10 pick just days after acquiring him via trade
The Charlotte Hornets have a lot of new faces entering the 2026-27 season, but 2024 first-round pick Rob Dillingham won’t be around to meet them.
On Monday, the Hornets decided to waive Dillingham just two years after he was selected in the top-10.
OFFICIAL: @hornets have waived guard Rob Dillingham
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) September 28, 2026
Dillingham was originally selected by the San Annoio Spurs at No. 8 overall, although they traded him to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night. Dillingham was then traded to the Chicago Bulls this past season in the move that sent Ayo Dosunmu to Minnesota.
Then, Dillingham was traded to the Hornets on Saturday in another move that saw Buddy Hield sent elsewhere.
So, it’s been a lot of moving around for Dillingham, and the former Kentucky Wildcats star now enters free agency right before training camps begin across the league.
Kentucky freshman Rob Dillingham has officially entered the NBA Draft.
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) April 9, 2024
Where would you draft him if you were a GM? 👀 pic.twitter.com/FKAf6AeCaK
Dillingham is still only 21 years old, and he showed plenty of flashes during his short NBA career, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get signed by another team.
The Hornets also traded away superstar LaMelo Ball this offseason, so there are a lot of changes in North Carolina right now.
Vikings announce Justin Jefferson injury update after early exit in Week 3
The Minnesota Vikings were holding their breath after superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson left after just six snaps in Week 3.
Jefferson suffered an ankle injury in the Vikings’ 23-16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but head coach Kevin O’Connell gave a positive update regarding their superstar.
“It’s an ankle sprain — avoided anything long-term,” O’Connell said on Monday while speaking to reporters. “It’s just going to be about progressing throughout the week and where we can get him to from the standpoint of getting the swelling out and then what kind of work week he can have. But was very encouraged to get that news today.”
Kevin O'Connell provides injury updates on TE Josh Oliver, WR Justin Jefferson, and CB Charles Demmings. pic.twitter.com/nLw8AqnQTt
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 28, 2026
Jefferson had 2 catches for 32 yards before the quick exit, but this is certainly positive news for both sides.
This appears to be the play where Jefferson suffered the injury.
🚨 Justin Jefferson is currently being evaluated for an ankle injury.
— Maddox McCloud, PT, DPT (@MaddoxMcCloudPT) September 27, 2026
On this angle, the ankle appears to be forced into eversion during the tackle.
Differentials include a medial ankle/deltoid ligament injury, syndesmotic (“high ankle”) sprain, or less likely an associated… pic.twitter.com/w4dgcrNdv1
Jefferson had 8 catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings are off to a hot 3-0 start with Kyler Murray as the starting QB, which led to JJ McCarthy being traded to the New York Giants earlier on Monday.
Minnesota is hopeful that Jefferson can play in Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins, and there should be a clearer indication as the week goes on.
Joel Embiid looks ridiculously slim in a new offseason video
Joel Embiid is officially on “best shape of his life” watch.
The Philadelphia 76ers star center Embiid drew attention on Monday’s team media day with a workout video. Embiid was getting up shots in the gym and looked absurdly slim while doing so.
Chris Haynes of NBA TV shared the video on X. Haynes added that Embiid had lost a “considerable” amount of weight this summer.
Here is the video.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has dropped a considerable amount of weight. pic.twitter.com/Of1rI0aZS6
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 28, 2026
Embiid, who is officially listed at 7-feet and 270 pounds, appears to be fully committed to his physical conditioning this offseason. About six weeks ago, Embiid’s body transformation was already on display in a viral workout photo.
Now it looks like the former league MVP Embiid has successfully managed to cut even more weight heading into training camp. At 32 years old and having failed to hit even 40 games played in any of the last three seasons, that should certainly help Embiid better hold up over the course of the 2026-27 campaign.
Embiid is facing what might be his most important year yet now that LeBron James and Jaylen Brown have arrived in Philly, giving Embiid his very best opportunity to finally make a conference finals appearance for the first time. James was notably said at one point to have some big concerns about playing with Embiid, but now Embiid is clearly making a concerted effort to get his act together.
49ers sign four-time Pro Bowler amid rash of injuries
The San Francisco 49ers continue to add to a lengthy list of injuries, and they have now added a veteran piece to their defense.
On Monday, the 49ers agreed to sign veteran defensive end Matthew Judon to the practice squad with a chance for him to be elevated soon to the active roster.
The 49ers are signing veteran pass rusher Matt Judon to the practice squad with early chance for elevation, per sources.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 28, 2026
Judon has 72 career sacks and four Pro Bowls. pic.twitter.com/iW9ZKzi6r0
Judon revealed over the weekend that he was expected to sign with SF, and a big reason why is that Raheem Morris is the team’s defensive coordinator.
Morris was the head coach for the Atlanta Falcons when Judon was there in 2024.
Matthew Judon is expected to sign with the 49ers on Monday. The 4x Pro Bowler reunites with former Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris, who is now Defensive Coordinator for San Francisco. With injuries piling up, Judon looks forward to pass rushing & playing a high level of football pic.twitter.com/Eatty1Vg3J
— Arabia ⛈️ (@ALL32NFL_) September 27, 2026
One big injury on defense for San Francisco is star pass rusher Nick Bosa, who suffered an injury during practice leading up to Week 3 that will sideline him for a big chunk of time.
Fellow defensive end Romello Height and defensive tackle James Thompson Jr. also missed the Week 3 game due to injuries.
Judon made four straight Pro Bowls from 2019 to 2022, with two appearances each as a member of the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots.
Judon was selected in the fifth round in 2016 by the Ravens, and he spent five seasons there before going to the Patriots.
New England then traded him to the Falcons prior to the 2024 season after he spent three seasons in Foxborough. Judon then played 13 games in 2025 with the Miami Dolphins before being waived near the end of the season, and the Buffalo Bills signed him, although he never suited up for Buffalo.
Despite the injuries, the 49ers are 3-0, and they face the Denver Broncos in Week 4.
Aaron Judge is making his case to play in the Yankees’ Wild Card opener
The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox begin their Wild Card series on Tuesday in the Bronx, and Aaron Judge is doing everything he can to play in that game.
Judge landed on the IL again in September after a short stint back from his initial injury, and Aaron Boone indicated that the Yankees were planning to be without their star.
Judge then said his plan was to be ready for Game 1, and the reigning American League MVP doubled down on Monday with a strong message.
“I’ve been doing a lot of convincing out there, so I’m gonna keep doing that,” Judge said, via Greg Joyce of The New York Post Sports. “I think they all know I want to be out there, especially that first game.”
Judge returned from a lengthy injury absence in September, but he left the game early on September 16 and was placed right back on the IL.
Boone said on Monday that Judge is “making progress,” although he didn’t announce whether the superstar slugger will be on the roster.
Aaron Boone was asked how realistic it is to have Aaron Judge play right field at this point:
— SNY Yankees (@snyyankees) September 28, 2026
"I don't know. We'll continue to evaluate and I'll listen to trainers and medical and see where we're at." pic.twitter.com/2Hvud0RJ74
Judge has played just 66 games this season, but having the reigning MVP back would be huge for New York.
The Yankees and Red Sox play Game 1 on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, and the roster should be announced anytime before the game.
Warriors’ Kristaps Porzingis is dealing with another mystery health issue
The saxpohones are once again getting louder for Kristaps Porzingis.
Golden State Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy revealed to reporters on Monday’s team media day that Porzingis is dealing with another health issue. Dunleavy added that Porzingis is now set to miss the start of training camp and will be out indefinitely.
That is obviously a big concern for the Warriors as it appears that Porzingis’ health issue popped up unexpectedly. Dunleavy had previously told reporters last week that Porzingis was on the court and fully cleared but then revealed on Monday that he had been informed of Porzingis’ health issue over the weekend.
Porzingis, now 31, is a former NBA All-Star and won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024. He was acquired by the Warriors in a trade last February and re-signed with the team on a two-year, $40 million contract earlier this offseason.
But the 7-foot-2 Porzingis has been battling health problems for the last couple of years now. During the latter part of his tenure with the Celtics, Porzingis was plagued by a mysterious illness that was later revealed to be “POTS” (postural tachycardia syndrome). “POTS” is an non-curable condition that can cause heart palpitations, dizziness, and extreme fatigue when going from sitting or lying down to standing up.
Porzingis has since had subsequent bouts with the illness, limiting him to 32 total games played last season. While the Warriors were feeling confident enough in Porzingis’ health to give him a multi-year extension over the summer, his condition has now apparently taken another unfortunate turn.
Nikola Jokic makes another definitive statement on his Nuggets future
Nikola Jokic has repeatedly said that he intends to spend his entire NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, and he doubled down on that sentiment during the team’s media day on Monday.
Jokic sure made it clear that he would sign an extension with the Nuggets if they want him.
Nikola Jokic on his extension:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) September 28, 2026
"I'm gonna sign next year"
Followed by…
"If they want me" 😂 pic.twitter.com/nFE6vT6qDa
Reports surfaced over the summer that Jokic was expected to hit free agency in 2027, although the future Hall of Famer made it clear that he wants to remain in Denver.
“My idea and my wish is to stay in Denver,” Jokić said in July. “I will most probably sign next summer. The decision is strictly business oriented. My wish is to stay and play for Denver the rest of my career. It’s on them if they want me.”
A Greek basketball team even reportedly made an offer to Jokic, although it consistently seems that the Nuggets superstar will stick around in Denver when it is time to sign a new deal.
The projections show that Jokic could sign a five-year, $360 million deal next summer, which would mark the largest-ever NBA contract.
Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP, certainly doesn’t appear to be thinking about playing anywhere else, at least not right now.
Mariners move on from 4 more coaches after Dan Wilson decision
The Seattle Mariners missed the playoffs in 2026 despite making the ALCS a year ago, and they decided to relieve manager Dan Wilson of his duties after the final game of the regular season.
On Monday, Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto and General Manager Justin Hollander announced that four more coaches were also let go: Bench coach Manny Acta, first base coach Eric Young Jr., infield coach Perry Hill and hitting coach Kevin Seitzer.
The Seattle Mariners also fire most of their veteran coaches one day after dismissing manager Dan Wilson pic.twitter.com/ePUAe4JRZC
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 28, 2026
The expectation for the past few weeks was that the Mariners would move on from Dan Wilson, although the door is open for Wilson to remain with the franchise in a different role.
Wilson took over in August 2024 after the Mariners fired Scott Servais, and Wilson put together a 187-171 record in two-plus seasons as the skipper, including an American League West title and a run to the ALCS.
As far as the other coaches go, both Young and Seitzer had only spent two seasons on the big-league staff. Hill was there for eight seasons, and Acta was around the franchise for more than a decade.
Seattle is expected to cast a wide net for its new manager, and there are already plenty of changes in the Pacific Northwest just one day after the conclusion of the regular season.
LeBron James drops a reality check on why he passed on playing for the Knicks
LeBron James’ free agency ended with him signing a two-year deal to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, it turns out that James once envisioned himself playing with the New York Knicks, but their NBA Finals victory ended those dreams, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James said during media day. “One of the best places I’ve ever played. I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, ‘Hey, I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it.”
James left after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, and the five finalists were said to be the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and the 76ers.
James’ camp reportedly reached out to the Knicks during the process, but New York had no interest in signing him. Now, James said that the Knicks winning the NBA title changed his mind on going there, although the thought of playing at Madison Square Garden was an intriguing one.
James answered many questions during his media day with the 76ers, including one about whether or not the two-year contract will be his last in the NBA.
While James wanted to play at Madison Square Garden, the 76ers open the regular season at MSG against the Knicks in James’ first game as a member of the 76ers.
Buccaneers get concerning Baker Mayfield injury update after winless start
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to 0-3 with a 23-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Raymond James Stadium, and now they will be without quarterback Baker Mayfield for at least the next few weeks.
On Monday, head coach Todd Bowles announced that Mayfield will be out for three weeks after suffering a thumb injury.
Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles said QB Baker Mayfield will miss three weeks due to his thumb injury. pic.twitter.com/7KNayRlvzJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 28, 2026
Mayfield left the game in the fourth quarter after hitting his finger on Blake Cashman’s arm. Bowles said Mayfield had a dislocated thumb, and the initial timeline surfaced on Monday.
That means that Jalon Daniels will start, and he was undrafted after playing college football at Kansas.
Mayfield landed a new three-year, $165 million deal right before Week 1 after months of contract discussions, so this is a huge blow to both sides.
This season, Mayfield has thrown for just 615 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions as Tampa Bay is the last remaining winless team in the NFC, and they join the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers as the winless NFL teams.
Daniels replaced Mayfield on Sunday, but he went 0-for-3 with an interception in limited action, and the only other option for them right now at QB is Easton Stick, who is on the practice squad.
Tampa Bay faces the Green Bay Packers at home in Week 4.
LeBron James addresses whether the Sixers deal could be his last
LeBron James signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency as he begins another new chapter in his legendary NBA career.
Many assumed this two-year contract would mark James’ final run in the NBA. At Media Day on Monday, James was asked about that and the future Hall of Famer made sure not to give a straight answer.
“I’m not focused on that. That would take away from focusing on this season,” James said, via Keith Smith of Spotrac.
Here was the full answer James gave to that question.
Sixers superstar LeBron James was asked if he believes this is his last contract in the NBA. LeBron said he’s very much focused on the day to day and staying in the present. pic.twitter.com/sYMs8Bv2Tf
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) September 28, 2026
James also said at the press conference that he had a list of five teams, but he chose the 76ers, in part because of his relationship with Tyrese Maxey.
Others who were involved with James until the end were the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jame ultimately joins a loaded 76ers roster that includes Maxey, Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown, who was acquired for Paul George in a blockbuster trade in the summer.
Right now, LeBron James isn’t sure when his career will end, but his 76ers’ debut will be on Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, who are the reigning NBA champions.
JJ McCarthy has been traded by the Vikings
JJ McCarthy has been traded after less than three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.
On Monday, it was reported that McCarthy is going to the New York Giants, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The exchange is a fifth-round pick going to Minnesota.
However, Schultz said this is a move for the Giants to “bolster the backup position” behind Jameis Winston.
The #Giants’ addition of JJ McCarthy is viewed as a move to bolster the backup position behind Jameis Winston, not to supplant him.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 28, 2026
New York did not feel confident in its options behind Winston and could not afford to go another 15 games without upgrading at QB2. https://t.co/wdXN0QLiSq
Giants star quarterback Jaxson Dart was ruled out for the season after suffering an injury in Week 2. And, John Harbaugh admitted that plenty of options were on the table.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reportedly wanted to keep working with McCarthy, but he lost the starting job to Kyler Murray, and even Carson Wentz took over as the QB1 after Murray’s early-season injury.
The Vikings selected McCarthy at No. 10 overall in 2024, although he missed his entire rookie season due to an injury. He played 10 games in 2025, but now he is on the move.
The Giants managed a 12-7 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 3, although Winston threw for just 118 yards in another underwhelming performance, so maybe JJ McCarthy gets his shot really soon.
Jalen Duren, Pistons’ stalemate takes new turn despite $200 million offer
At this point, there is a legitimate chance that All-Star center Jalen Duren won’t play for the Detroit Pistons this season.
On Monday, Duren was not at the team’s media day or the start of training camp, as questions about his future remain.
All-NBA center Jalen Duren is not attending Detroit Pistons media day Monday nor the start of training camp, declining the team’s five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed offer in restricted free agency so far, sources tell ESPN. The sides remain at a stalemate ahead of Thursday… pic.twitter.com/kcraJThcTi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 28, 2026
The Pistons reportedly offer Duren a deal in the ballpark of $35 to $38 million per year, and Shams Charania reported that Duren declined the five-year, $200 million offer in restricted free agency.
The clock is ticking for a decision. At this point, Duren has until Thursday to sign the one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer, and that would allow him to hit free agency in 2027.
It was revealed that the Sacramento Kings and Milwaukee Bucks would be willing to give Duren a max contract at that time, but it’s still a large gamble for Duren to take.
At the same time, the Pistons are shutting down all trades for Duren, and they hope the center can return and play this upcoming season.
League sources told @ClutchPoints this morning that the Pistons are still not interested in any Jalen Duren trade avenues and want the 22-year-old center back to begin the 2026-27 season.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) September 28, 2026
To this point, all the signals from Duren, especially after turning down $200M is that he…
So, the Jalen Duren and Pistons stalemate continues, and who knows what happens next.
Tyler Loop, Brandon Aubrey turn heads with their interaction after Ravens-Cowboys game
Even after such a heartbreaking loss, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey never forgot what “game recognize game” truly means.
Following the Cowboys’ stunning and painful 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aubrey made sure to meet his Ravens counterpart, Tyler Loop, on the field before heading into the locker room.
Here is a video of the brief interaction between the two NFL kickers.
Brandon Aubrey came over to congratulate Tyler Loop after his game-winning FG 🙌 pic.twitter.com/iB2mIE2Rg4
— NFL (@NFL) September 28, 2026
Loop was undeniably Baltimore’s hero in the game, redeeming himself and atoning for his missed field goal in Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which left the Ravens missing the boat to the playoffs.
Several months later, Loop nailed a 56-yard field goal as time expired to give Baltimore the win in Week 3.
Aubrey tied the score at 31-31 with a 23-yard field goal with seven seconds left in the fourth quarter. But just when it looked like the game was going to overtime, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson connected with wide receiver Zay Flowers for a 27-yard gain with a second left.
After a timeout, Loop stepped up and delivered the game-winning field goal, ending one of the most memorable finishes in recent memory.
Dolphins’ season gets even uglier after star suffers season-ending injury
The Miami Dolphins’ 2026 NFL season just keeps on getting worse.
Still without a win after three weeks of football, the Dolphins face a tougher road ahead following the devastating news that star running back De’Von Achane suffered a season-ending injury during Sunday’s 24-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported Monday that the former Texas A&M Aggies star running back has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, a saddening development for a Miami team still searching for its first win under new head coach Jeff Hafley.
Achane, who will turn 25 on Oct. 13, left the Chiefs game during the opening drive. He exited with 17 rushing yards on three carries, as the Dolphins struggled to get anything going on offense the rest of the way.
Without Achane, Miami can be expected to increase the workload on the ground for running back Ollie Gordon II and dual-threat quarterback Malik Willis.
Miami’s offense has been a disaster so far, and its outlook is surely not brighter without Achane, who ended up with only 127 rushing yards and zero touchdowns on 34 carries in his fourth season in the league.
Through Sunday, Miami is last in the NFL with only 12.0 points per game and 28th with 98.3 rushing yards per contest.



























