Month: September 2024

Detroit Lions Injury Report Reveals Key Players Questionable for Week 2 Against Buccaneers

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The Detroit Lions emerged from their Week 1 victory against the Los Angeles Rams with some injuries.

Heading into Week 2’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, several key players have shown up on the injury report. Offensive tackle Penei Sewell, defensive end Marcus Davenport, wide receiver Jameson Williams, and safety Kerby Joseph are among those affected. Sewell, Davenport, and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu missed their second consecutive practice on Thursday, while Joseph, who had missed Wednesday’s session, was back on the field. Sewell’s injury is an ankle issue from the opener, though he played the entire game. Davenport is dealing with a groin injury, Melifonwu has an ankle problem, and Joseph has a hamstring injury.

Williams was listed as limited on Wednesday but participated in practice again. He is also struggling with an ankle issue. Wide receiver Isaiah Williams joined the injury report on Thursday.

Cornerback Carlton Davis, defensive tackle DJ Reader, and Loren Strickland were full participants in practice. Reader is expected to make his Lions debut on Sunday. Strickland missed last week’s game with a thumb injury, and Melifonwu’s status remains uncertain after missing the opener.

Veteran Driver Parker Kligerman Announces 2024 as His Final Year in Full-Time NASCAR

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Parker Kligerman, a seasoned NASCAR driver, has revealed that 2024 will mark his final season competing full-time.

After debuting in 2009, Kligerman, 34, has spent the current season racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Big Machine Racing. With a career that boasts three victories in the NASCAR Truck Series, including a recent win in 2022, and 30 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, Kligerman’s racing journey has been noteworthy.

Reflecting on his decision, Kligerman shared his thoughts on The Money Lap podcast: “It wasn’t an easy decision, and it certainly didn’t happen overnight. There were months of going back and forth, considering one path and then another.”

He pinpointed a moment after the Portland race in June as a turning point. “I was on a run near San Francisco, standing on a mountain overlooking the water. It was then that I realized, ‘I think I’m good. I think I’m ready to finish this year and see what comes next.'”

Throughout his career, Kligerman always aspired to secure a full-time seat in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, after recognizing that opportunities in the Cup Series weren’t materializing, he started to reevaluate his future in racing. “I feel like I’ve been down this road before,” Kligerman remarked. “I may not have achieved the level of success I had hoped for, but my focus now is on winning races and contending for the championship with Big Machine Racing.”

Currently sitting 11th in the NASCAR Xfinity Series standings with four top-five finishes, Kligerman is determined to make his final full-time season count. As 2024 approaches, fans can expect him to give his all in his remaining races, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

Cowboys Face Tight End Dilemma: Ferguson Injury Spurs Tight End Committee Approach

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The Dallas Cowboys kicked off the season with a 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns, but their win came with a setback.

Star tight end Jake Ferguson suffered a knee injury during the game, leading to fears of significant damage. Ferguson himself felt a pop and worried about the worst.

Injury Update

Fortunately, further tests revealed Ferguson has a Grade 1 MCL sprain and a minor bone bruise. He is listed as day-to-day for practice this week and might be available for the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints. However, considering the Baltimore Ravens are set to visit Arlington in Week 3, resting Ferguson for an additional week might be prudent.

Tight End by Committee

If Ferguson cannot play, the Cowboys will adopt a tight end-by-committee approach. With no single backup capable of replicating Ferguson’s production, multiple players will need to step up.

Luke Schoonmaker

The primary candidate to fill the gap is second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker. Despite an underwhelming rookie season, Schoonmaker is now expected to take on a more significant role. With former teammate Peyton Hendershot now in Kansas City, Schoonmaker must demonstrate he can handle increased responsibilities and contribute effectively.

John Stephens Jr.

John Stephens Jr., another second-year player, also stands to benefit from Ferguson’s absence. However, Stephens is currently dealing with a strained hamstring and missed the game against Cleveland. Known for his unique athleticism and size—standing over 6’5″—Stephens has the potential to be a valuable asset if he can recover quickly.

Hunter Luepke

Unexpectedly, fullback Hunter Luepke could play a role in replacing Ferguson. Luepke has worked as a tight end in practice and has shown promise. His versatility allows him to block, line up as an inline tight end, or even function as a receiver. Despite being the Cowboys’ third-leading receiver against the Browns, his expanded role could help mitigate the impact of Ferguson’s absence.

Brevyn Spann-Ford

Rookie undrafted free agent Brevyn Spann-Ford is another option. Although he did not receive a target in the game against Cleveland, he played more snaps than Schoonmaker. Standing 6’7″, Spann-Ford presents a matchup challenge but needs to refine his receiving skills to approach Ferguson’s level of production.

With Jake Ferguson’s status uncertain, the Cowboys will rely on a combination of tight ends to fill the void. Schoonmaker, Stephens, Luepke, and Spann-Ford will each play a role in maintaining the team’s offensive efficiency.

Lakers to Celebrate Jerry West’s Legacy Throughout the Season with No. 44 Tribute Band

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The Los Angeles Lakers will kick off their season on October 22, paying tribute to basketball legend Jerry West as they face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena

. To recognize West’s immense impact on the team, both as a player and executive over 30 years, the Lakers will don a special No. 44 band on the left shoulder of their uniforms throughout the season.

West, who passed away earlier this summer at the age of 88, will be honored for his storied career. Over 14 seasons with the Lakers, West earned All-Star recognition every year, along with 12 All-NBA and five All-Defensive selections. After the team’s relocation to Los Angeles, West helped secure the Lakers’ first championship in Southern California during their iconic 1971-72 season. In 1979, West was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, marking the first of three Hall of Fame inductions in his name.

Following his retirement from playing, West took on an active role within the Lakers organization, becoming general manager in 1982. He was instrumental in building the championship teams of the 1980s Showtime era and played a crucial role in assembling the “three-peat” squad of the early 2000s, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. West famously helped bring O’Neal to Los Angeles by convincing him that Bryant, whom West had drafted out of high school, would be his long-term teammate—a prediction that proved accurate.

West’s influence extended beyond the Lakers. After leaving the team in 2000, he managed the Memphis Grizzlies for five years before retiring from full-time executive duties in 2007. He later consulted for the Golden State Warriors (2011-16) and the Los Angeles Clippers (2017 until his death).

Few figures have had as significant an impact on the Lakers as Jerry West, making the team’s tribute this season a fitting homage to his legacy.

In addition to the Lakers’ tribute, West Virginia University’s football team, where West played his college basketball, is honoring him by sporting No. 44 patches on their helmets this season, mirroring the Lakers’ gesture.

Indy NXT Champ Foster: Winning Drives Me, but Losing Fuels My Fire

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Indy NXT champion Louis Foster is relishing his recent triumph as he sets his sights on a future in IndyCar.

With seven wins out of 13 races this season, the Andretti Global driver clinched the title after a victorious run at the Milwaukee 100. His success secures him a prize of $850,000 (£645,532), earmarked for participation in an oval test, the Indianapolis 500 rookie orientation, and one additional IndyCar race in 2025.

Reflecting on his season, Foster shared, “I’d love to keep winning. Moving up to the big leagues next year will definitely make victories harder to achieve. This might be my last season where I can win frequently.”

IndyCar hasn’t seen a rookie winner since Colton Herta in 2019, and no rookie has won an oval race since 2016. Foster, however, remains undefeated on ovals this season, attributing his success not to individual brilliance but to team collaboration.

“Team chemistry is crucial on ovals,” Foster explained. “Andretti is a fantastic group, and we work hard together to figure things out.”

Fresh off his championship victory, Foster reiterated his passion: “I love winning, but losing hurts even more.”

“We faced some challenges early in the season, but we stayed focused and kept pushing forward. I’m beyond thrilled.”

As the fourth Andretti driver to claim the Indy Lights title, Foster praised the team’s influence, especially their close ties to IndyCar. “Being part of Andretti has been incredible. They’ve worked closely with me, and I’ve had the privilege of standing on Colton’s pit stand every weekend,” he said.

Foster also highlighted the mental growth he experienced this season, crediting his father, former touring car racer Nick Foster, for helping him stay composed. “Last year, I made some rookie mistakes from being too hotheaded. This year, I’ve learned to keep calm and see the bigger picture.”

Despite discussions with IndyCar teams, Foster has yet to secure a deal ahead of next weekend’s season finale at Nashville Superspeedway. “I’m hopeful that something will materialize around Nashville or shortly after. I’ve done everything I can this season to show I’m ready for an IndyCar seat.”

Foster remains optimistic about his chances but acknowledges the difficulty of breaking into IndyCar. When asked if his performance this season sent a message to IndyCar teams, he confidently responded, “I think we’ve already made our statement. Seven wins this year—it’s enough of a statement.”

Lakers’ Pursuit of Cedi Osman Hits a Surprising New Development

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A recent report suggested that Cedi Osman, former teammate of LeBron James, turned down an invitation to join the Lakers’ training camp, opting instead to sign with European team Panathinaikos. According to Eurohoops’ Nikola Miloradovic, Osman rejected the offer because it lacked sufficient guarantees.

However, renowned NBA insider Marc Stein has since refuted this claim. Writing in his substack, Stein stated, “It has been reported in Europe that Turkish swingman Cedi Osman turned down a training camp invite from the Lakers before signing with Panathinaikos in Greece, but sources close to the situation told The Stein Line that no such offer was extended by L.A. despite LeBron James’ well-known fondness for Osman dating to their days as Cavaliers teammates.”

Stein also confirmed that Osman’s contract with Panathinaikos is for a single season, with an option to return to the NBA if a suitable offer comes his way.

The Lakers, already at their 15-man roster limit after retaining players like D’Angelo Russell, Christian Wood, Cam Reddish, and Jaxon Hayes, would have needed to make a trade to clear space for Osman. Therefore, any potential move would have been complicated.

Osman, who played the last six seasons with the Cavaliers, shared the court with LeBron during the 2017-18 season. Last year, he briefly played for the Spurs, but his production dropped to an average of 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game across 72 appearances—his lowest stats since his rookie season.

Lions Kick Off New Era Without Rams’ Defensive Powerhouse

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The Detroit Lions play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football to kick off one of their most anticipated seasons. This Week 1 battle is crucial since both clubs are hoping to make the NFC playoffs.

There are five main areas to be aware of:

1. Updated Secondary

From the team that competed in the NFC Championship, Detroit’s secondary appears significantly different. Up to four new starters might be on the field, with Brian Branch moving to safety, Carlton Davis III, a rookie, and Terrion Arnold at cornerback and nickel, respectively. The lone returning starter is Kerby Joseph. Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator, is optimistic about the work made in improving a defense that is ranked 27th against the pass.

“This group hasn’t had much time together, but we have talented players, and it’s up to us to ensure they communicate well,” Glenn said. Facing the Rams’ offense, led by Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford, will be a significant test for this new-look unit.

2. As the No. 2 Receiver, Williams

As the Lions’ second receiver after Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, who is expected to have a breakout season, assumes a more significant position. Known for his deep threat talent, Williams had a strong offseason, and offensive coach Ben Johnson is optimistic about his development. Williams’ speed gives Detroit’s offense an explosive element, especially with an extended route tree and more snaps anticipated.

3. Not in the presence of Aaron Donald

With his retirement this offseason, Aaron Donald, a crucial member of the Rams defense, left a big hole up front. In spite of this, the Rams are confident in their youthful defensive line, which has youngsters Braden Fiske and Jared Verse in addition to standout Kobie Turner. It should be a competitive game since Lions coach Dan Campbell believes both teams will improve this season.

4. Hutchinson Ready for a Major Season

After an excellent training camp, Aidan Hutchinson is prepared to advance. Hutchinson wants an even better season, one that includes greater support on the defensive line and a stronger secondary behind him. Increasing his sack count could be vital for the Lions’ defense as he was second only to Micah Parsons with 101 previous season.

5. Special teams coordinator Jake Bates makes a thrilling debut 

Kicker Jake Bates, a rookie, is, in Dave Fipp’s opinion, the most gifted kicker he has ever worked with. Bates’s innate talent and leg strength offer considerable promise even though he is still growing. His first significant test to see if he can emerge as the Lions’ dependable number-one kicker will be tonight.

 

When his Rams play again at Ford Field, Matthew Stafford says he wants to hear it all from Lions supporters.

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Matthew Stafford is eager for the Detroit Lions supporters to raise their voices once more.

When the Los Angeles Rams quarterback, who spent 12 seasons as a quarterback in Detroit, went to Ford Field in January for an NFC wild-card game, he was booed loudly and frequently.

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The Lions defeated the Rams by a point, ending a 32-year playoff success drought and ushering in a former fan favourite to his new home. Cheers transitioned to applause.

Stafford claimed the taunts inspire him, even though his wife Kelly and their three daughters have decided not to go to the rematch to avoid hearing what supporters have to say from the stands.

He said, “I want to hear it all.”

When the Rams play in Detroit on Sunday night, Stafford’s ears might be ringing because the team’s supporters are ecstatic at finally having a Super Bowl-contending squad to cheer for.

The defending NFC North champions, who have two postseason wins under their belt since winning the NFL championship in 1957, made an effort to improve both sides of the ball in the offseason.

“Our expectations were the same last year as they are now,” said Detroit quarterback Jared Goff, who was acquired along with first-round picks for Stafford in 2021. “Obviously externally, we’ve got a lot more attention.”

Calling an Audible

Jonah Jackson, an offensive lineman who played for Detroit for the previous four seasons, is also returning home for this game. Coach Dan Campbell of the Lions does not want the Rams to benefit from Jackson’s ideas.

“We’ve changed a number of things for that,” Campbell said.
After being selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jackson went on to start 57 games in four seasons, one of which he shared with Stafford.

A three-year contract worth $34 million was signed by Jackson with guarantees. Detroit added a Pro Bowl player with 181 career starts when they signed 34-year-old Kevin Zeitler to a one-year contract to replace Jackson.

Following the preseason, the Rams declared that Steve Avila, who had played center during training camp, would stay at guard and that Jackson would start for the team. With veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein sidelined by an ankle injury and Joe Noteboom standing in for the suspended Alaric Jackson at left tackle, Los Angeles has worries throughout its offensive line.

A Hole To Fill

One of the league’s most disruptive players was removed from Detroit’s scouting report in March when Aaron Donald, the three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, announced his retirement.

“You’re not ever replacing an Aaron Donald, and that’s not what we’re asking of our guys,” McVay said. “I do miss him, but I’m excited about the opportunity for these guys to go do their thing and start to etch their names in this thing.”

Unsung Actor

Former Rams executive turned general manager Brad Holmes of the Lions extended the contracts of offensive tackle Penei Sewell and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown during the offseason, giving them a combined value of over $230 million.

Alim McNeill, a defensive tackle in Detroit’s 2021 draft class, is the third player that may be the next to sign a new contract.

“McNeil, I think, is one of the best players in this league that people don’t talk about enough,” McVay said.

She Said It

Owner of the Lions Sheila Ford Hamp stated that her ambition going into the season is to hoist a Super Bowl trophy—an unprecedented level of expectation for a franchise.
“You always hate to say that out loud,” she told The Associated Press durian training camp. “I don’t want to jinx anything. I am pretty superstitious, like we all are, right?”

Rams, fresh off their victory in the injury report game, are prepared for Week 1.

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The Los Angeles Rams face significant injury concerns heading into their season opener against the Detroit Lions, especially with key players like Rob Havenstein and Cobie Durant.

According to Jordan Rodrigue of The Athletic, Sean McVay, the head coach of the Rams, has been carefully evaluating the team’s injury situation. Rob Havenstein, the starting right tackle, is dealing with an ankle ailment, which will prevent him from participating fully in practice on Friday, according to McVay. The well Havenstein performs in practice and how quickly he heals before the game will determine whether or not he can play on Sunday. In the event that he is unable to participate, rookie Warren McClendon Jr. is ready to take over the starting right tackle position.

Good injury news for the LA Rams, with key players expected for the Lions game

Positively, there is good news about other important players. It is anticipated that cornerback Cobie Durant, who has been recuperating from a hamstring ailment, will take part in the full session on Friday. The Rams’ defensive lineup has greatly improved as a result, particularly without Darious Williams (injured reserve).

Additionally, it is expected that offensive lineman Jonah Jackson and wide receiver Puka Nacua, who have both been cleared for full participation, will be fit for Sunday’s game. Nacua and Jackson were clearly ready, but Durant’s availability had been less assured, which had raised some concerns. The news that Jackson, Durant, and Nacua can all play is a huge relief and gives the team more strategic depth ahead of the formidable Lions team.

Even with this optimistic prognosis, Havenstein’s availability is still a significant unknown. His status has not yet been officially confirmed by the Rams, so it’s possible that he will make a last-minute decision before the Lions game.

The Rams’ proactive commitment to player health is highlighted by this blend of cautious optimism and calculated planning, which guarantees that they will be in the best possible position when they begin the 2017 NFL season.

What adjustments have the Lions made since their playoff game against the Rams?

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The Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams will play Sunday Night Football in 2024 at Ford Field, the same location as the previous campaign.

After winning the NFC Wildcard round by the narrowest of margins, Detroit came perilously close to defeating the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. They have spent the season retooling for another run, and this year they plan to compete with the best in the NFL.

We know that the Rams upgraded their defensive line to include two young guys, Braden Fiske and Jared Verse. They also added a couple veterans to the roster in Tre White, Darious Williams, and Kamren Curl, who will strengthen the secondary and provide experience.

What, though, has changed with the Lions since these teams’ previous meeting? Do Detroit’s current levels of danger compare to those of 2023?

Quarterback

Jared Goff, a former Ram, is still leading the Detroit offence, but in 2024, he will have a new backup. Following an outstanding preseason, Hendon Hooker—a former Tennessee Titan selected in the third round of the 2023 draft—overcame Nate Sudfeld. Although Goff recently inked a contract extension with the Lions, Hooker may serve as the team’s long-term backup and potential successor.

Running back

Running back hasn’t altered all that much. Craig Reynolds, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery continue to occupy the top three spots on the depth chart. Sione Vaki, a rookie fourth-round pick from Utah, is a fresh face. Despite the fact that Gibbs is an expert at it as well, he caught a lot of passes throughout the preseason and could be someone to watch in that area.

Pass-catchers
Lions supporters might be more concerned about Detroit’s receiving group than anything else. Josh Reynolds was chased out of town and found himself wearing a Denver Broncos shirt after he dropped multiple passes in crucial moments during the playoffs against the 49ers. Jameson Williams had a sluggish start to his career and is now in his third year. After missing the beginning of the previous season because of a suspension for breaking the NFL’s gambling rules, he spent the majority of his rookie season recovering from a knee injury sustained in college.

Can Williams replace Amon-Ra St. Brown as a dependable backup? As teams in the NFL trim down to their 53-man roster, Detroit recently hedged their bets by adding veterans Allen Robinson and Tim Patrick to the practice squad.

Offensive line
Jonah Jackson will start at center for the opponents, meaning the Lions will be without their starting left guard from the wildcard game. The Lions signed Kevin Zeitler to start at right guard, while Graham Glasgow will start at left guard. Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow (C), and Taylor Decker (LT) are all reliable in their roles.

Line of defense
Last year, Detroit’s pass rush improved, and in 2024, they added even more quality. Marcus Davenport, who signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Minnesota Vikings last year and then missed the majority of the season, is a low risk, high return addition. As a valued free agent addition, the Lions also added outstanding defensive tackle DJ Reader from the Cincinnati Bengals.

Linebacker

The Lions’ linebacker position is unaffected, however the starting lineup from the majority of the previous campaign has undergone alterations at the top of the depth chart. Jack Campbell, the first-round choice of the previous season, was primarily positioned behind Derrick Barnes and Alex Anzalone on the field. However, he ought to be the center of the Lions defense in 2024. One of the more intriguing names in the NFL if you’re searching for breakout performers on the defensive end of the ball is Campbell.

Corner
Detroit made changes to their cornerback room and added a few new players. After being acquired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers through trade, Carlton Davis is expected to start on the outside. Terrion Arnold, a rookie first-round pick, ought to be sitting across from him. After spending four years with the Las Vegas Raiders, Amik Robertson was cut, and he now plays nickel cornerback for Detroit.

It’s also important to note that the Lions selected two cornerbacks in the first and second rounds of the spring draft this year: Arnold and Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw. Although Rakestraw is expected to begin the season as a backup player, he may be able to secure defensive snaps in the slot or outside.

Security
Really nothing has changed here. Brian Branch hopes to improve upon a successful debut campaign. One of the more notorious NFL players is Kerby Joseph. Even though Ifeatu Melifonwu seems to be far down the depth chart, he should find a place on this team.

Unique groups
This season, Jack Fox, a reliable punter, is back with the Lions.

Jake Bates earned his NFL opportunity with the Lions as a top performer in the UFL. The kicking competition was abruptly halted last season when Michael Badgley, the team’s kicker, sustained an injury during training camp that ended his season.

Hogan Hatten is another rookie long snapper for Detroit. Is he going to make a costly mistake in his NFL debut, or will his first game lead to a peaceful and enjoyable evening?