Category: Sports

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The first thing on the list for the Denver Broncos‘ defense when the regular season opens next Sunday is, well, a first.

In front of a sellout Empower Field at Mile High crowd that will likely be in a full boil, the Broncos’ defense will open the 2025 campaign lining up across from Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft. It will be the first time since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger that the Broncos will begin a season against a rookie quarterback.

The meeting will not only be a test for Ward but also for a Denver defense that believes it will be one of the NFL’s best.

“We want to have the No. 1 defense, we talk about it, 100 percent,” Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto said. “But we have to go out and do it, we have to do the things, each of us, to make that happen. How do we do that? Be better than last year and get off to a good start.

“It doesn’t matter who is across from us every week, we want to be that defense that starts fast and just keeps going.”

Starting fast has been an emphasis throughout the offseason. Broncos coach Sean Payton has been adamant in saying that his team can win the Super Bowl this season. To accomplish that, Denver will have to improve on its September play from the previous two years to set itself up for home playoff games. The Broncos opened last season 0-2 and were 0-3 to start the 2023 season.

“This is the time when you’re anxious to see what you have,” Payton said. “And look, we need to start fast … we have a home opener … and we haven’t [started fast] the last couple years and it’s hard to be one of those upper-echelon teams if you play yo-yo football.”

Denver plans to lean on its defense to break the slow-start trend. Last season, the Broncos had the league’s No. 3 scoring D (18.3 points per game) and set a franchise record for sacks with an NFL-leading 63. They also were the league leader in defensive EPA, which measures a defense’s ability to limit scoring opportunities in each down-and-distance situation.

When the Broncos did an extended debrief of the 2024 season, which saw them go 10-7 and break an eight-year playoff drought before losing to the Bills in the wild-card round, they decided to devote resources to making their strength even stronger. Denver added linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga in free agency and drafted cornerback Jahdae Barron in the first round.

All are on track to start against the Titans — Barron is expected to be the nickel corner — so Ward’s NFL welcome will be against a pressure-happy, man-coverage-heavy group with lofty expectations.

“I think we’ve all been telling each other, and I’ve been telling everybody, just meet me at the ball,” Broncos safety Brandon Jones said.

It makes for a tricky debut for Ward, who Titans coach Brian Callahan named the starter early this offseason. The former Miami quarterback played 44 preseason snaps spanning three games, going 10-of-19 for 145 yards without a touchdown or an interception.

“[Ward’s] command is outstanding,” Callahan said. “He’s going to be able to move around more when I don’t have to govern him to not take any hits.”

Ward built a quick relationship with veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who caught three of Ward’s five completions in the quarterback’s preseason debut. The rookie also piloted a 13-play, 90-yard touchdown drive in the Titans’ preseason finale against Minnesota.

Ward will face a rigorous pass rush which was led by Bonitto’s 13.5 sacks but also got top production from edge Jonathon Cooper (10.5 sacks) and defensive tackles Zach Allen (8.5) and John Franklin-Myers (seven) last year. Echoing the sentiments of scouts who evaluated Ward in the predraft process, first-year Titans offensive coordinator Nick Holz said it will be important for Ward to employ proper footwork to maintain his accuracy in the face of Denver’s pressure.

“Some of the [throws] where his feet are off kilter,” Holz said recently. “He’s somewhat falling away from it, so he’s not really stepping into the throw. You see that front foot not really driving, or his hips not really driving towards the target.”

Along with the fierce pass rush, Ward figures to see press coverage from a Broncos secondary led by lockdown cornerback Pat Surtain II, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. The Broncos also feel good about Barron, Hufanga, Jones and third-year cornerback Riley Moss, which gives them the option to be even more aggressive in how they attack Ward.

Ward will be the first rookie quarterback the Broncos will have faced since they played New Orleans’ Spencer Rattler in Week 7 last season. Rattler was benched after the Broncos sacked him six times. In 2023, the Broncos faced three rookie quarterbacks — C.J. Stroud (Texans), Aidan O’Connell (Raiders) and Dorian Thompson-Robinson (Browns). They lost two of those games, to Houston in Week 13 and the Raiders in the season finale.

Since the start of the 2000 season, the Broncos have faced 25 rookie quarterback starters, compiling a 15-10 record. The most notable was Patrick Mahomes‘ first career start in the 2017 season finale, which the Chiefs won.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have released veteran safety Jabrill Peppers, a surprising shake-up on the back end of their defense, the team announced Friday.

Peppers, who was in his ninth NFL season and fourth in New England, had $4.32 million guaranteed remaining on his contract for this season.

The Patriots finished training camp with sixth-year veteran Jaylinn Hawkins and 2025 fourth-round pick Craig Woodson as their top safeties, with Peppers, Kyle Dugger and Dell Pettus next on the depth chart.

Peppers, 29, was a favorite of former coaches Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo for his hard-hitting, physical style of play, especially against the run — a similar skill set to Dugger’s. Peppers’ fit in the scheme employed by first-year coach Mike Vrabel was evolving over the course of training camp, as he began on the first unit before being surpassed by Hawkins and Woodson in recent weeks.

In the team’s preseason finale Aug. 21, Peppers started in a game when most players who had secured roster spots were rested. That was the first indication his place on the team wasn’t locked in.

The 5-foot-11, 217-pound Peppers has played in 99 career games (85 starts) with 494 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 7 interceptions.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State opened its national title defense by playing dominant defense.

The third-ranked Buckeyes rattled quarterback Arch Manning and stuffed top-ranked Texas four times on fourth down on the way to a 14-7 victory Saturday at the Horseshoe.

Two of those fourth-down stops came inside the Ohio State 10-yard line.

Another came on Texas’ final possession. Manning found tight end Jack Endries on fourth-and-5. But Buckeyes star safety Caleb Downs wrapped Endries up two yards short of the first down to seal the win.

“The story of the game was the defense,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “Those fourth-down stops were big.”

The Buckeyes defeated Texas with a fourth-down stop in last year’s CFP semifinal. Jack Sawyer stripped Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers on fourth-and-goal and scooped up the fumble for the game-clinching touchdown at the Cotton Bowl, propelling Ohio State to the national championship game.

On Saturday, the Buckeyes defense — featuring eight new starters and a new coordinator in Matt Patricia — came up big on fourth down again.

In the first half, Ohio State stopped Manning on a fourth-and-goal quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Texas finally got back inside the Ohio State 10. But cornerback Davison Igbinosun swatted away Manning’s fourth-down attempt in the end zone.

Texas scored a touchdown with 3:28 left to avoid being shut out for the first time in nine years, then got the ball back with just over two minutes remaining with a chance to tie. But after Texas pushed the ball to midfield, the Ohio State defense ended the threat with Downs’ one-on-one tackle of Endries.

“He was unbelievable back there as a field general,” Patricia said of Downs, one of three returning starters along with Igbinosun and linebacker Sonny Styles. “Guys stepped up to the challenge all the way across the board.”

This offseason, Patricia replaced Jim Knowles, who left the Buckeyes following the national championship to become defensive coordinator for rival Penn State. Patricia had won three Super Bowls with New England, including two as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator, but had never coached a college game until Saturday.

According to ESPN Research, Texas’ four turnovers on downs were the most in the game since a 2017 season-opening loss to Maryland.

“I thought the game plan was excellent,” Day said of the defense, “but the buy-in is what’s most important. What matters is the guys and warriors on the field believing in it. … The grittiness of our guys running around, there’s a lot we can build on.”

Luke Littler cruised through to the last 16 of the Flanders Darts Trophy with a whitewash win over Dylan Slevin on Saturday, while Michael van Gerwen suffered a shock early exit.

Day Two of the year’s tenth European Tour event saw 16 second-round matches take place on an epic day of action at the Antwerp Xpo, as Littler returned to Belgium in imperious fashion.

Gian van Veen struck a big upset, defeating his idol and number two seed Van Gerwen 6-3, aided by four 180s.

For Littler, the world champion hit 100 per cent of his doubles and averaged over 101 to record the first 6-0 win of the weekend over Slevin.

Littler, who won the Lecot Belgian Darts Open in Wieze earlier this year, has his sights on a second European Tour title of the year.

“When I came up on stage, it just felt like home,” said Littler, who will play Ryan Searle in the last 16. “I love coming here. I’m glad to play well tonight and now I can focus on tomorrow.

“I want to win here, but it’s only my first game. Six out of six on the doubles, I don’t usually get that, so I’m very happy.”

Stephen Bunting also impressed in Antwerp, averaging over 107 in his mesmerising 6-1 rout of Joe Cullen. The Bullet will face Josh Rock in the last 16 in a mouth-watering tie.

Mario Vandenbogaerde was the only Belgian player to progress on Saturday, as he ran out 6-3 victor over Jonny Clayton. He will face Danny Noppert in his first-ever European Tour finals day.

Leon Weber caused a huge upset when he defeated reigning Flanders Darts Trophy holder Dave Chisnall 6-4, earning the 22-year-old German a last 16 tie against James Wade.

Wade eased past Antwerp-born Kim Huybrechts 6-3, and Martin Schindler eliminated Mike De Decker 6-3 despite a 170 checkout from the Belgian number one.

World Cup of Darts winners Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney both edged through to finals day with 6-5 wins over Karel Sedlacek and Ross Smith respectively, as both Northern Irishmen survived two match darts.

Mensur Suljovic hit seven maximums and 60 per cent of his doubles during a high-quality affair against Rob Cross, with the Austrian icon triumphing 6-5 after a last-leg decider.

Luke Woodhouse cruised 6-1 past a below-par Peter Wright – as the Scot averaged under 75 – and Woodhouse will face Suljovic in the last 16.

Seeds continued to topple as Krzysztof Ratajski, who entered the tournament from the reserve list, averaged over 98 to overcome Chris Dobey 6-3.

Danny Noppert – like Littler – hit 100 per cent of his doubles as he defeated fellow Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-4, whilst Ryan Searle came back from 4-1 down to beat Dutch icon Raymond van Barneveld 6-5 in a last-leg decider.

Damon Heta comfortably saw past Christian Kist 6-3, setting up a last 16 tie with Ryan Joyce, who progressed to finals day with a Bye after Gerwyn Price pulled out with an infected hand.

Flanders Darts Trophy schedule and results

Friday August 29

First round – 12pm (UK time)

Leon Weber 6-5 Jermaine Wattimena
Dylan Slevin 6-3 Francois Schweyen
Luke Woodhouse 6-1 Johan Engstrom
Kim Huybrechts 6-5 Lukas Wenig
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Steve Lennon
Christian Kist 6-5 Cameron Menzies
Mensur Suljovic 6-4 Andrew Gilding
Gian van Veen 6-2 Adam Gawlas

First round – 6pm

Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-5 Michael Smith
Ryan Joyce 6-5 Ricardo Pietreczko
Joe Cullen 6-1 Ian White
Karel Sedlacek 6-5 Wessel Nijman
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-2 Jeffrey De Graaf
Daryl Gurney 6-3 Callan Rydz
Mike De Decker 6-3 Martin Lukeman
Raymond van Barneveld 6-3 Xanti Van den Bergh

Saturday August 30

Second round – 12pm

Mensur Suljovic 6-5 Rob Cross
Luke Woodhouse 6-1 Peter Wright
Leon Weber 6-4 Dave Chisnall
Josh Rock 6-5 Karel Sedlacek
Damon Heta 6-3 Christian Kist
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Chris Dobey
Danny Noppert 6-4 Dirk van Duijvenbode

Second round – 6pm

James Wade 6-3 Kim Huybrechts
Ryan Searle 6-5 Raymond van Barneveld
Daryl Gurney 6-5 Ross Smith
Stephen Bunting 6-1 Joe Cullen
Luke Littler 6-0 Dylan Slevin
Gian van Veen 6-3 Michael van Gerwen
Martin Schindler 6-3 Mike De Decker
Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-3 Jonny Clayton

Sunday August 31

Last 16 – 12pm

Luke Littler vs Ryan Searle
Damon Heta vs Ryan Joyce
Danny Noppert vs Mario Vandenbogaerde
Krzysztof Ratajski vs Daryl Gurney
Gian van Veen vs Martin Schindler
James Wade vs Leon Weber
Stephen Bunting vs Josh Rock
Mensur Suljovic vs Luke Woodhouse

6pm

Quarter-Finals*

Semi-Finals*

Final

*Sunday’s games played in Draw Bracket order

Flanders Darts Trophy Prize Money

• First round: £1,250
• Second round: £2,500
• Last 16: £4,000
• Quarter-finals: £6,000
• Semi-finals: £8,000
• Runner-up: £12,000
• Champion: £30,000

Live darts is back on Sky Sports from October 6-12 as the BoyleSports World Grand Prix is held in Leicester. Not got Sky? Stream darts and more with no contract.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers on Saturday announced plans to re-sign Hunter Renfrow less than a week after releasing the 2021 Pro Bowl wide receiver.

It’s a one-year deal, a league source told ESPN.

Renfrow will fill the roster spot of Jalen Coker, who was placed on injured reserve with a quad injury suffered in Thursday’s practice. Coker, who is expected to miss the first four to six games, had been tabbed to replace veteran Adam Thielen, who was traded to the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday.

Bringing Hunter back

Read more : https://t.co/ANNcz7bvx6 pic.twitter.com/DJUIhmkcTd

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 30, 2025

Renfrow missed the 2024 season after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders following a 2023 season in which his production dropped significantly while he dealt with ulcerative colitis.

There were times while dealing with the disease that Renfrow suffered through seven straight days of fever of 103 degrees. He wondered if he would play football again after disappointing 2022 and 2023 seasons.

“I felt so bad those two years, and I felt like I let my teammates down so much,” Renfrow said when he began his comeback with Carolina in the spring. “Because I had expectations. I just signed a new contract [in 2022]. I had a new coaching staff that I was going to be perfect for. And I was just a dud.

“I was like, ‘Man, I know I don’t feel well, but I do not want to play football again. Like, I do not want to let people down. I just want to go over here in my corner, do what I do, get into business.’”

The Panthers kept in constant contact with Renfrow after releasing him, initially hoping to sign him to the practice squad while he got back to 100% after a hamstring injury during training camp slowed his comeback.

Coach Dave Canales said Wednesday that he didn’t think Renfrow was quite back to the form he showed early in training camp when explaining the decision to cut him. But both Canales and general manager Dan Morgan repeatedly told Renfrow they wanted him to be a part of the organization.

Coker’s injury sped up the process.

“He’s got some freaky lateral quickness,” offensive coordinator Brad Idzik recently said of Coker. “And then when he opens up, he’s like big strides, a powerful first four steps, which simulates, ‘I’m going full-tilt vertical.’

“He simulates that every single time, and then he eats up whatever leverage you give him.”

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen took a $2 million pay cut to help finalize the trade that sent him from the Carolina Panthers back to his hometown team, sources confirmed to ESPN on Saturday.

As a result, Thielen will earn roughly $5 million this season.

The Vikings and Panthers spent more than a week discussing the deal. Some of the delay was related to draft pick compensation. Ultimately, the Vikings agreed to a complicated package that sent a fifth-round pick in 2026 and a fourth-round pick in 2027 to the Panthers in exchange for Thielen, a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026 and a fifth-round pick in 2027.

But Thielen’s contract was another factor. The Panthers had given him a $1.5 million raise during the offseason, pushing his total compensation to $7 million for 2025. During negotiations, the Panthers refused to pay a portion of Thielen’s salary. Thielen’s decision to take the pay cut helped get the deal over the finish line.

Speaking to reporters Thursday in Minnesota, Thielen did not comment on his contract but made clear how important it was to him and his family to return to the Vikings. Born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Thielen played collegiately at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and spent the first 10 seasons of his professional career with the Vikings.

“Obviously you guys know without me saying it, how much this place means to me,” Thielen said. “The state, the city, this organization, [ownership], coaches, players. I couldn’t be more excited, and there’s nothing I could say to tell you how excited I am to be back home in my family.”

NFL Network first reported on Thielen’s contract concession.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — It took a few years and a few stops before former high draft picks Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield became productive quarterbacks.

New York Jets starter Justin Fields can join that company, according to Jets general manager Darren Mougey — though he cautioned that it may take time.

“I do believe Justin can be one of those guys,” Mougey said Thursday morning, speaking to reporters for the first time since the draft in April. “I’ve seen progress during this camp and look forward to seeing the progress throughout the season as they all come together.

“Obviously, it’s his third stop in three years with three different coordinators and a lot of moving parts, so it does take time,” Mougey added. “But I like where he’s at and I look forward to watching the progress.”

The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract after releasing Aaron Rodgers. Fields, drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021, is coming off a one-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets and Steelers face off in Week 1, marking Rodgers’ return to MetLife Stadium.

For Fields, this is actually his fourth different offensive system in five years. The growing pains were apparent in the preseason. He completed only 4 of 9 nine passes for 46 yards, with no attempts longer than nine air yards. He rushed for a 13-yard touchdown on a nifty escape from a collapsing pocket.

Mougey said Fields’ biggest improvement has come with “the operation” of the entire offense.

“I’ve seen him improve every day — specifically, this past week,” Mougey said. “I think we’ve really seen good rhythm out at practice with the offense — a balanced attack, some runs, some pass, but just the overall operation, the command, his leadership. … So, seeing that growth has been really good.”

On Thursday, Fields was named one of five captains for the season.

Despite an uneven summer, Fields has received steadfast support from the coaching staff, which is trying to develop his skills as a dropback passer. In four seasons, he has completed only 61% of his attempts.

“I really like where Justin is at with the dropback passing concepts,” offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand said. “He understands what we’re trying to do. He understands what we’re trying to attack, where the ball needs to go, and I think, every day we’re showing progress from Justin.”

Other than Garrett Wilson, the Jets don’t have a proven threat at wide receiver or tight end. They released Davante Adams in a cap-related move and replaced him with journeyman Josh Reynolds. They’re hoping second-round tight end Mason Taylor can be a factor in the passing game.

Mougey doesn’t see the supporting cast as an issue.

“I feel really good about the pieces around him,” he said.

Oscar Piastri secured pole position for Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix after beating his McLaren teammate and title rival to the fastest time in qualifying by 0.012 seconds.

Norris had looked like the favourite for pole throughout free practice, but Piastri found the smallest of margins over his teammate when it mattered in Q3.

Both drivers failed to improve on their second run in Q3 as their superior McLaren allowed them to engage in a private battle over the front row of the grid.

Piastri currently leads Norris by nine points in the drivers’ standings, with the opportunity to extend that margin in Sunday’s race at Zandvoort.

Reigning champion Max Verstappen secured third on the grid in front of his home crowd and managed to drag his Red Bull to within 0.263 seconds of Piastri’s fastest lap.

BOULDER, Colo. — Deion Sanders ran onto the field with his Colorado team Friday night, just months removed from having surgery to replace and reconstruct his bladder after a tumor was found this spring.

Sanders, 58, jogged past a portable toilet placed next to Colorado’s bench area for him to use during the game, which was sponsored by Depend, the adult incontinence undergarment company. He slowed near the South end zone and gently tapped his players who were kneeling in prayer.

After the most serious health issue in a series of them the past five years, Sanders said he “felt good,” adding, “I don’t feel good right now, but I felt darn good during the game.”

Sanders was miffed that his team didn’t capitalize on early takeaways, convert several big-play opportunities on offense or make nearly enough run stops against Georgia Tech, falling 27-20 in the season opener at Folsom Field.

Sanders coached his first game for Colorado since undergoing surgery in May. He was away from the team for much of late spring and early summer before rejoining the squad for preseason camp. Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urological oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, said in a news conference in July that Sanders is cured of cancer.

Upon returning, Sanders focused on getting his third Colorado team, and the first without his sons Shedeur and Shilo and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, to employ a different play style, based on being more physical at the line of scrimmage. Colorado made some strides Friday, as a rushing offense that had been last in the FBS during Sanders’ tenure generated 146 yards on 31 attempts.

But Colorado allowed 320 rushing yards and three touchdowns to Georgia Tech, including the tiebreaking, game-winning 45-yard dash by quarterback Haynes King with 1:07 left.

“Defensively, no, there’s no way you can say you’re physical when you got your butt kicked like that,” Sanders said. “But offensively, you probably were sitting out there saying, ‘Dang, they should keep running the ball’ because you saw the physicality we’ve been talking about.”

Although Georgia Tech committed turnovers on its first three possessions — becoming the first team to do so in a season opener since Florida International in 2010 — and didn’t reach the end zone until late in the first half, Sanders said, “It’s hard to applaud the defense right now.”

After the three early turnovers, Georgia Tech had three drives of 75 yards or more and a 61-yarder in the closing minutes. Colorado linebacker Reginald Hughes said Georgia Tech’s gap scheme “messed with our eyes a little bit” and caused the Buffaloes not to properly fill several holes in the run game.

“We’re at a good pace, inclining to be the defense that we want,” Hughes said. “We’re not quite there yet. It’s really more so execution with us. We play fast, we get after it. It’s just executing situations. Stuff like that, it shows up later in the game.”

Quarterback Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty making his first start for Colorado and replacing the record-setting Shedeur Sanders, threw an early scoring pass and finished with 159 passing yards and 43 rushing on 13 attempts. Deion Sanders noted that Salter could have run even more and been more of a true dual threat.

“Most definitely, I feel like I had those opportunities,” Salter said, “but me being a dual-threat quarterback, keeping my eyes down the field, I felt like I had chances to throw the ball downfield and make some plays.”

Despite Colorado’s significant personnel losses at quarterback and wide receiver, Sanders said the offense doesn’t need time to come together, adding, “We’ve got to go get it and do it right now.”

He said he saw enough good things overall to still expect a strong season.

“We’re definitely going to be fine, I’m not concerned about that,” Sanders said. “We could have won that game. It’s not like we got our butts kicked. They ran the heck out of the ball, they did that, but we had opportunities.”

We have a busy day’s racing on Saturday with domestic action from Chester, Lingfield and Newton Abbot, before a busy evening of Stateside action, live on Sky Sports Racing…

2.40 Chester – Tabletalk faces Alsakib and Prydwen

The Listed Virgin Bet Chester Stakes headlines our action on the Roodee on Saturday and sees Tabletalk face Alsakib and co.

Tom Clover’s stable star Tabletalk arrives here off the back of a six-week break after finishing third in the John Smith’s Silver Cup Stakes where he was no match for Al Qareem. He hasn’t got his nose in front for a year now but he drops to Listed class for the first time since October last year and that could help him get back to winning ways.

Alsakib comes here on a revival mission after disappointing at York in June where it was reported that the gelding didn’t handle the quicker underfoot conditions. Andrew Balding’s charge has good course form, having won and run well in the Ormonde Stakes on his only two visits here and looks set for another bold bid this afternoon.

Prydwen is also on something of a revival mission having not been able to get his head in front in 2025 after a prolific year in 2024. He was last seen finishing down the field in the Copper Horse Stakes at Royal Ascot and he has a few questions to answer now but a return to his peak form would see him go close.

4.52 Deauville – Fascinating clash in the Grand Prix de Deauville

Sibayan won the Prix Maurice de Nieuil at ParisLongchamp a shade cosily last month and there looks to be more to come for the Francis-Henri Graffard charge as he heads a talented field in the Group Two Lucien Barriere Grand Prix de Deauville.

The son of Blame has to carry a penalty for that latest success but overall, he has a progressive profile and it’s very possible that we haven’t seen the best of him yet.

Marquisat produced a smart display in Group Three company at Deauville on his reappearance, quickening up smartly to deny Simca Mille a four-timer. He brings Group One form here too, having been beaten less than five lengths in the Hong Kong Vase on his penultimate start. He remains relatively unexposed and there should be more to come.

New Ground was a big eye-catcher in the Epsom Derby and things didn’t go his way in the Grand Prix de Paris in July, but he finished ahead of the reopposing Uther and connections will be hoping they have only scratched the surface of his ability.

Uther is a half-brother to the top-class Sosie and after the aforementioned effort at ParisLongchamp, he subsequently chased home Marquisat over this course and distance last time out and he’s another who has always promised more so a better effort would not be a surprise.

The line-up is completed by the talented pair Casapueblo and Sunway, who can’t be ruled out on the best of their form.

4.30 Newton Abbot – Danny Mullins combines with Feud

Danny Mullins has a rare ride at Newton Abbot as he is set to partner Feud in the Aubrey Loze Memorial Handicap Hurdle.

The half-brother to Fallen Angel didn’t quite live up to his breeding on the flat but he’s proven more than capable over obstacles and has a useful strike-rate with Mullins in the plate and should prove competitive once more for trainer Richard O’Brien.

Course and distance scorer Al Sayah has a consistent profile, having only been out of the three once in his last 10 starts and lost very little in defeat when staying on into third at Cartmel last time out.

D Day Arvalenreeva looks to return to winning ways and last-time-out scorers Balkardy and Queens Venture both hold interesting claims in what looks like an open contest.

Best of the rest

3.20 Newton Abbot – Newton Abbot-regular Centara bids to make it five on the bounce having developed a good relationship with Jay Tidball and looks sure to make a bold bid in the John Price Memorial Chase Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

He’s got to give the best part of a stone or more to his four rivals with Ballywilliam Boy, Got Grey, Obsessedwithyou and Breaking Cover all lining up in opposition.

6.55 Lingfield – Smooth Silsie bids to make it three on the bounce in the Download The At The Races App Fillies’ Handicap and returns to a setting she’s excelled at previously, having won twice and beaten a neck into second on her three visits to the track.

5.27 Deauville

The Group Three Barriere Prix Quincey sees four British contenders line up hoping to make their name in better company with Volterra, My Cloud, Cicero’s Gift and Devil’s Point all making the trip over.

No Lunch captains the home contingent for Christophe Ferland but needs to prove he can replicate the best of his all-weather form on the turf.

Vertbois, Dark Trooper, Tumbler and Dreamliner also represent dangers to the British raid.

10.38 Saratoga

The Grade One Spinaway Stakes has been won by some high-class fillies in previous years with Immersive landing last year’s edition and the late great Echo Zulu taking the 2021 edition.

This year’s renewal sees the likes of Mythical, Percy’s Bar, Ornellaia, Tommy Jo and Day To Day clash in what should be a worthwhile watch with pointers towards the Breeders’ Cup.

9.52 Kentucky Downs

The Grade Two Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint Stakes was won by the speedball Cogburn 12 months ago and we look to have an open renewal this year with Khaadem heading back out to the States to contest the valuable contest. He faces some familiar names with Arzak, Nobals, Howard Wolowitz and Arrest Me Red all lining up.

10.46 Kentucky Downs

Bellum Justum took the Grade Three DK Horse Nashville Derby Invitational Stakes last season, and the Brits are sending over Wimbledon Hawkeye in their bid to make it tow on the bounce.

The home contingent looks a fascinating bunch with Test Score stepping up to the mile and a quarter trip for the first time, with ex-Irish Hill Road returning to turf as well as Kentucky Derby sixth Burnham Square and seventh Sandman.

The trip also promises to suit Final Gambit and looks to make for an epic watch.

11.25 Kentucky Downs

Cheshire Dancer represents Hugo Palmer in the Grade Three Resolute Racing Ladies Turf Stakes after impressing in the Valiant Stakes on King George Day at Ascot when last seen. She faces some interesting contenders with Sacred Wish, Pin Up Betty, Segesta and ex-Irish Special Wan all lining up in opposition.

Everyone knows what talented San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey can achieve statistically when he is fully healthy. McCaffrey dominated fantasy football during the 2019 season, and he did it again in 2023 in his first full campaign with the 49ers, topping 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 21 touchdowns, moving fantasy managers to ignore the all-or-nothing nature of relying on him. Few bothered to even debate other options with the top pick in 2024 drafts. It was obvious.

It is hardly so obvious what to do with McCaffrey now. Overeager fantasy managers can convince themselves of virtually anything, and many view McCaffrey as one of the top PPR picks again, resulting in a first-round ADP. Why can’t he soar past 300 PPR points again? Well, with good luck in the health department, perhaps McCaffrey will, but after a nightmare season in which fantasy’s top pick (and perhaps the 49ers) misled everyone about his mysterious lower leg malady and then we watched him debut in Week 10 and sputter through four disappointing on-field weeks, he is far from trustworthy.

Welcome to another season of the often misunderstood Do Not Draft list, where the intent is to discuss the players whose inherent draft day value might not match up with how some of us view the players statistically. That’s really all this is. Is there a right draft spot or salary cap figure in which to secure McCaffrey and all his wild upside to your teams? Of course there is, but for me it sure is not in the top 10 of drafts when there are so many safe, reliable wide receivers and even a few running backs I prefer. Risk versus reward is a real thing in fantasy football, but Round 1 sure is a dangerous place to act on it.

This wasn’t the first time McCaffrey, now 29 years old, demoralized so many fantasy managers, and perhaps even his own franchise. The star of 2019 was the bust of the 2020 season. He played in only 10 games over two seasons, before the Carolina Panthers traded him to the 49ers midway through 2022. McCaffrey looked rejuvenated and trustworthy. He did not look rejuvenated or trustworthy in 2024. Guessing how he will perform — and how often — is a big part of the problem. We don’t have to guess with most other players in the first two rounds. Why take that chance here?

Odds are I will fade each of the top-scoring PPR running backs from the past two seasons, though their situations are different. Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley is sure to take a statistical step back overall, though he should remain productive. Just not as productive as last season because, c’mon, he can’t do all that again. Be realistic, people. There is no way Barkley is handling 378 touches again (a staggering 482 when including the postseason) this season, or perhaps ever. It’s also worth noting he has missed at least three games in four of his past six seasons, so anticipating missed time should be part of the calculus for fantasy managers. The Eagles are analytically inclined. They know how injuries can derail a season, and really, this franchise is playing for January, anyway.

I will not pick Barkley early in the first round because I am loading up on the safe wide receivers there. Still, as with McCaffrey, we have seen what is possible, and it is awesome. There is ample historical evidence here that hefty workload results in injury and/or major decline in performance the next season, and both McCaffrey and Barkley have a history of missing games. In fact, it feels relevant to point out these fellows have combined for only six career top-5 finishes in PPR fantasy scoring. Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry has done this five of the past six seasons, though he is going later in drafts.

Back to Barkley: Since 2000, there have been 12 instances of a running back logging 400 carries in a season (including playoffs), and none of them finished the next season as a top-10 RB. Not one was close. Eight players rushed for 2,000 yards in a season before Barkley. None of them even reached 1,500 yards the next season. The Super Bowl champions have options, including a QB who scores nearly all the goal-line touchdowns. Barkley is safer than McCaffrey, more likely to provide top-5 RB numbers with something like 1,600 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns over 14 games. McCaffrey is the greater risk. How much risk are you cool with?

Here are other players I keep ignoring in myriad — and I mean myriad — mock drafts and real leagues this summer. The Do Not Draft list is about fading players at their current popularity, or ADP. Unless some unfavorable health news is released, McCaffrey isn’t falling in drafts anytime soon. That might be the case with most of the players on this list. Study ADP, not only at ESPN but in other places, and make your own decisions on whom to roster and whom to let someone else worry about.

Quarterbacks

• In what has become an annual tradition, I’ll start by highlighting the first quarterbacks off the draft board, because under the current rules (starting only one QB) they are not strong values in the first few rounds. This hardly means Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson will struggle this season. They should be great. You just might need the running back or wide receiver you could choose instead in the first few rounds more. There aren’t enough of the typical “flex” options to go around. Supply versus demand matters, so pass up Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow early in drafts, too. Give me a quarterback (or two) after Round 10.

• If you believe the Green Bay Packers want Jordan Love and his propensity for making mistakes throwing the football 500-plus times again, as he did in 2023, go for it. I do not believe. And congrats to new Seattle Seahawks starter Sam Darnold for turning his stunning 2024 campaign with the Vikings into this deal, but I don’t see a repeat. Ignore the eerily connected Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, too. They aren’t aging like Tom Brady did. Then again, who does?

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Running backs

• Here is a question for you: One current New York Jets player boasts a 1,000-yard rushing season. Who is it? Nope, it is not Breece Hall. It is new QB Justin Fields, for the 2022 Chicago Bears! If you ask which one of them is more likely to surpass this notable, but eminently reachable, mark for a running back in 2025, I have doubts for both, but only one of them is going in the fourth round. That’s a problem for Hall, who is two years removed from his ACL surgery but is coming off an inefficient 2024 season and likely to see less volume moving forward, notably in the passing game. Hall has value, but he was outscored on a per-game PPR basis by several options who go a round or more later in ADP (Chuba Hubbard, James Conner, David Montgomery), and I don’t see that changing.

• Other than Las Vegas Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty and perhaps New England Patriots emerger TreVeyon Henderson, who seem to be locks for volume and high performance, I have been fading other first-year running backs at their current ADPs. Everyone loves the rookies because they haven’t failed yet, but we must question safe pathways to playing time for Omarion Hampton, RJ Harvey, Quinshon Judkins and Kaleb Johnson. It’s all guesswork, and obviously it depends on ADP. Hampton and Harvey seem awfully popular in drafts. Veteran coaches like to lean on, well, veterans. Volume doesn’t appear to be an issue with Hubbard, Conner, Montgomery, D’Andre Swift, Tony Pollard and other veterans. Call ’em boring, unexciting picks, but in most cases, you know what you are getting.

• I liked Javonte Williams when he came out of North Carolina and handled 246 touches as a Denver Broncos rookie. Then came the knee injury. Williams might not belong on this list because he goes late enough in drafts that one might as well take a chance, but there might not be much fantasy upside with any Dallas RB. Frankly, we could say that about two other NFC East teams as well, but people seem to think the New York Giants and Washington Commanders have more clarity now. Do they? Sure, Brian Robinson Jr. is now a 49er, but do not assume rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt becomes an instant star. His ADP should rise, but not to top-30 RB levels. It is a timeshare with pass-catching Austin Ekeler and bulldozer Chris Rodriguez Jr., too. Tyrone Tracy Jr. may not share with rookie Cam Skattebo in Week 1, but he will share. The Jacksonville Jaguars should spread their running back wealth among multiples, too.

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Wide receivers

• I think everyone is overrating the Kansas City Chiefs‘ receiving corps of Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and, to a lesser degree, Hollywood Brown. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn’t fall short of 300 fantasy points the past two seasons because his young wide receivers underachieved or were not available. It wasn’t about aging TE Travis Kelce (who oddly has become a draft-day bargain this season), either. Yeah, the Chiefs got older. They finished 15th in points scored the past two seasons for many reasons. Mahomes is not suddenly going back to 5,000 passing yards. Rice has off-field issues, and he might incur a multiple-game suspension this season. Worthy had an uneven rookie season. Brown hasn’t done much since 2021. The Chiefs will run the football; they will defend well; and, for the third consecutive season, nobody will reach 1,000 rushing or receiving yards.

• Aaron Rodgers wasn’t notably good for the Jets last season, but still, lead wide receiver Garrett Wilson caught 101 passes for 1,104 yards, and in-season addition Davante Adams averaged nearly 80 receiving yards per game there. Now Rodgers hooks up with former Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Metcalf looks like he should be a WR1, but the numbers haven’t been there and comparing him to Wilson or Adams feels like a reach. Metcalf averaged six TDs per season in three years with competent QB Geno Smith. Is Rodgers really an upgrade over Smith? Metcalf is going in drafts as a WR2, but this doesn’t look like a better situation for him in Pittsburgh.

• Deebo Samuel Sr. and Cooper Kupp are going late enough in drafts that the investment cost isn’t a big deal, but these fellows looked done last season with the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, respectively. Now the Commanders and Seahawks take their shots. Samuel, his body always dealing with something, can’t see major volume in Washington, and don’t count on anywhere near the typical rushing attempts we saw in the past. Kupp missed 18 games over the past three seasons. Not all veterans are capable of reliable production. The end of the line is nearing for Samuel and Kupp.

• When it comes to WRs in drafts this season, it might be best to avoid obvious injury risks like Samuel and Kupp, and other players people keep talking themselves into. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not hiding the fact that veteran Chris Godwin (ankle) may not play until mid-October, but fantasy managers keep securing him way too early. I am a Godwin fan, but if he is missing games into the bye weeks — perhaps half the fantasy regular season — it is a hard pass for me. Plus, rookie Emeka Egbuka will be a star by then. Take Egbuka over Godwin. Same with the 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk (knee). It always seems to take longer for players with knee injuries to return. New Orleans Saints star Chris Olave (concussions) is a different matter. I can see investing in one compromised WR in the middle rounds, but no more than that.

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Tight ends

• Mark Andrews led the position with 11 touchdown catches last season, and that is awesome. The problem is, 13 tight ends caught more passes and 19 saw more targets, and those figures are a more reliable gauge for the future. Emerging Ravens teammate Isaiah Likely is younger and not in a contract year, and even if he misses a few September games due to his foot injury, he will be a factor. Touchdown regression is a real thing, and the Ravens will likely chop targets for Andrews, too.

• You know those terrific numbers Jonnu Smith achieved last season with the Miami Dolphins? They’re not happening with the Steelers. No shot. Pat Freiermuth remains a Steeler, and an effective one. Aaron Rodgers is the QB. I’m not expecting rookies Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren to be top-10 options, but I would take the chance on them over Smith and the oft-injured Dallas Goedert. One can also stream tight end as a reasonable strategy.

As you prepare your draft board, think about the right price for each player (I recommend ranking players in tiers). If you can’t get a player at your preferred price, remember that you don’t have to draft him.

Some divisional matchups will mean just a little bit more this season as Nike and the league revealed eight new uniforms for the inaugural NFL “Rivalries” cohort Thursday.

Teams from the AFC East and NFC West will don special uniforms during a single home game against a division rival. The threads’ designs are “rooted extensively in the legacies and inspirations true to each team” and are meant to celebrate the storied rivalries.

“The unveiling of the first eight Rivalries club uniforms and fan gear marks a significant moment for the NFL, Nike and Fanatics, as creativity and innovation merge together to deliver a new take on what it means to be a rival,” Taryn Hutt, NFL vice president of club marketing, said in Thursday’s news release.

Elements of each uniform are unique to the city and team.

After this season, the threads will be in the team’s uniform rotation for three years alongside existing alternate looks. More rivalry uniforms are set to debut during the 2026 (AFC South and NFC North), 2027 (NFC East and AFC West) and 2028 seasons (AFC North and NFC South).

Here’s a breakdown of each uniform design, plus the date of its on-field debut, unique name and quotes from select teams.

On-field debut: Sept. 25 vs. Seattle Seahawks

With the Cardinals situated in a desert, it’s only fitting that their look is emblematic of the climate.

The all-white uniform has a texture meant to represent sand and dust storms that occur in the state. The number set and pant stripes include a metallic copper element, reflecting Arizona’s state metal. Copper is also the outline color for a reimagined state flag that appears on the sleeve patch and back neck.

Arizona’s jersey will be complemented with white pants.

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Buffalo Bills: ‘Cold Front’

On-field debut: Oct. 5 vs. New England Patriots

Snowy and icy conditions at home are very much a part of the Bills’ DNA, and their uniforms tap into those elements.

The icy all-white look has one of the neater design elements: A crystalized buffalo logo on the sleeve. Various textures and silver trims were used throughout the jersey for a frosty look. “Bills Mafia” receives a shoutout, with the two words stitched inside the back neck.

Similar to Arizona, Buffalo’s white jersey will be worn with white pants.

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On-field debut: Nov. 16 vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Rams have worn navy before — mostly when they resided in St. Louis — but never in this “midnight navy” form. According to the news release, this specific swatch highlights “some of the colors and patterns surrounding them after the sun goes down.”

In a nod to the uniform worn when the Rams won their first Super Bowl in Los Angeles, pops of yellow are featured on the cap sleeves and pant stripes. Perforated blue lights that shine throughout SoFi Stadium at night are included in those same locations as well as the white numbers. The team’s fan chant of “Rams House” is printed inside the back neck.

The Rams will wear similarly colored navy pants with the jerseys. READ MORE

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On-field debut: Sept. 29 vs. New York Jets

The Dolphins boast two of the league’s fastest position players in wide receiver Tyreek Hill and running back De’Von Achane. Their uniform design is a nod to their speed, with turbo green and orange stripes on the helmet, pant stripes and sleeves, mirroring the power and speed of dolphins in the water.

The dark-pitch blue threads include notes of orange accents and iridescent aqua. As with the Rams, the Dolphins’ fan rally cry — “Go Fins!” — is inside the back neck in orange.

Choosing the Jets matchup as their on-field debut is one rooted in history.

“The Jets have always been our biggest rival. They’re the team that, no matter what their record is, they’re always going to play us tough,” former Dolphins wide receiver Nat Moore said. “And with so many New Yorkers living in South Florida, the rivalry just feels that much more real.”

Dark-pitch blue pants complete the combination.

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New England Patriots: ‘Nor’Easter’

On-field debut: Nov. 13 vs. New York Jets

New England’s storm blue jersey is inspired by the region’s fog and pays homage to the six states that compose the region. Six red stars appear around the neckline as a reference to the states and to the six Super Bowls won by the Patriots.

Reflective silver stripes across the shoulders and along the pant sides represent beams of light that shine off the Gillette Stadium Lighthouse. Standing 218 feet tall and over 22 stories above the playing field, it is the tallest nontraditional lighthouse in the country.

The sleeve features a silver “NE” patch, and the neckline carries the iconic phrase “We Are All Patriots,” spoken by owner Robert Kraft following the Patriots’ Super Bowl XXXVI victory in the wake of 9/11.

In a nod to the Drew Bledsoe-era uniforms, perforated stripes and embroidery are on the number set.

“Patriots vs. Jets isn’t just another game on the schedule — it’s a battle of pride, history and two fan bases that want nothing more than to see the other side walk off the field disappointed,” said Andre Tippett, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Patriots linebacker.

Silver pants will be worn with the jersey.

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New York Jets: ‘Gotham City Football Club’

On-field debut: Dec. 7 vs. Miami Dolphins

The Jets’ nickname — the Gotham City Football Club — is the direct inspiration for their rivalry uniforms, according to the news release.

The dark Empire Green uniforms include black, green and gray trims throughout, built on a Joe Namath-era chassis. Textural graphs are featured on the cap sleeves and chest patch, a reference to the “grit and grind displayed by the Jets and spotted across New York City.”

Of course, Gothic font is used as the number set and with “Gotham City Football” written inside the back neck. The design includes green pants.

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On-field debut: Jan. 4, 2026 vs. Seattle Seahawks

The 49ers underwent a brand refresh earlier in the offseason, tapping into the legacy of the franchise and the Bay Area. Their threads do the same, stepping back in time with familiar elements.

The all-black uniform boasts classic red stripes along the sleeves and down the sides of the pants. The number set has a classic saloon font etched in gold, which — similar to the gold throughout the design — is inspired by the Gold Rush era. “Faithful” is stitched above the numbers, while “Faithful to the Bay” is inside the back neck.

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Seattle Seahawks: ‘High-Decibel Zone’

On-field debut: Dec. 18 vs. Los Angeles Rams

Seattle has one of the most passionate and loud fan bases, nicknamed The 12s, and the new look taps into the sounds of Lumen Field.

A soundwave-inspired pattern is used down the pant stripes to create a ripple effect across the jersey’s shoulders. A “12” sits on the back of the neck, while “repeating 12s” are featured inside the numbers. The numbers also include a glow that is reminiscent of raindrops glistening on the city’s streets.

The light wolf gray background evokes Seattle’s city skyline. The Seahawks will pair the jersey with navy pants.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Micah Parsons was beginning to worry that his situation with the Dallas Cowboys might not get settled by the start of the regular season, which is why Thursday, as he was leaving the team facility after getting treatment on his back, he placed another phone call to his agent, David Mulugheta.

Mulugheta was putting together the final details on Parsons’ blockbuster trade and massive contract extension with the Green Bay Packers, but Parsons was getting impatient.

“I told him that day, I was like, ‘Man, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I need you to get something done soon,’” Parsons said. “I haven’t not played football this long since I was in seventh grade.”

Within a few hours, the Packers sent two first-round picks plus Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark to the Cowboys. Green Bay also finalized a four-year, $188 million contract extension with Parsons that, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter, included $120 million fully guaranteed at signing and $136 million in total guarantees, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

The move occurred after a training camp hold-in when Parsons sat out of Cowboys practices because of back tightness.

“I did not want to be in a position where I was missing opportunities, not only to feed my family, but like I said, the brotherhood,” Parsons said. “Them guys wanted me on the field as bad as I wanted to be on the field. They look at me as [a] big brother, like, ‘He needs to be out there, I know we know we can win with him, I know what he can do out there.’ So, yeah, I was worried about that, but now that’s resolved.”

Parsons flew to Green Bay on Friday, passed his physical and signed his contract. He picked No. 1 for his jersey, becoming the second Packers player to wear that number and first since Curly Lambeau in 1925-26, and held a 24-minute news conference. He was scheduled to fly back to Dallas on Friday night and return Sunday to work with Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Parsons said he does not expect his back to be an issue.

“I think physically, you know, I’m great,” Parsons said. “I think I can contribute a lot. I’m going to team up with the doctors in creating a plan. We already talked about how we can ramp things up and get me into a flow where they feel comfortable and I feel comfortable.”

If all goes well, he said he plans to play in the Sept. 7 season opener against the Detroit Lions.

“They didn’t give up what they gave up for me to sit on the sidelines,” Parsons said.

Parsons said neither Jerry Jones nor Stephen Jones informed him that he was being traded. The news came from his agent.

Parsons also said he had no power over where he ended up but added that he was happy it was Green Bay.

“Y’all don’t understand how excited I am to be here,” Parsons said. “I hope they understand the type of player that’s going to come into this building every day to get better. And I understand what Kenny meant to this organization. I’m never going to try to replace him. I just want to try to sustain the standard that he left here and his print that he left and the same with the other prestigious guys that came into this program.”

The Packers hadn’t traded a first-round pick for a veteran player since 1992, when they acquired quarterback Brett Favre. Even though current general manager Brian Gutekunst gave up two first-rounders and a Pro Bowl player for Parsons, Gutekunst said he still thought it was a long shot for most of the negotiations.

“The chances of these things happening are pretty slim, and I think that was my mindset the whole time, was keep the conversations going because of the uniqueness of the player,” Gutekunst said Friday. “But I don’t think it was really until the last few days that I actually thought, ‘Hey, there’s an opportunity here to close this thing out.’”

Before the trade, the Packers had +2000 odds to win the Super Bowl this season, according to ESPN BET. After the trade, they were +1600 and quickly moved to +1400, sixth best on the odds board. Green Bay moved from +1000 to +850 to win the NFC and from +260 to +225 to win the NFC North.

The Packers have not been to the Super Bowl since the 2010 season, but they have made the playoffs in five of coach Matt LaFleur’s first six seasons, twice reaching the NFC Championship Game.

“I feel like that’s always the expectation around here, I feel like since the day I was hired,” LaFleur said Friday. “So, you just approach it no different than we have in the past. Trying to be your best each and every day. Trying to get a little bit better. It’s a long year, there’s a lot of variables that come into play throughout the course of the season, and certainly it’s just how well you stick together in the tough times. As far as expectations, that just is something that comes along with being a Green Bay Packer.”

FRISCO, Texas — There was a mix of shock and surprise in the Dallas Cowboys locker room when they were informed Thursday night that edge rusher Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Parsons broke the news to his fellow defensive linemen in a group chat. Other players found out through their own positions’ group chats or social media.

“We’ve got to win with who we have,” special teams ace and one of the veteran leaders, C.J. Goodwin, said. “And I think we have enough.”

Soon after the trade, coach Brian Schottenheimer said he called 12-14 players just so they could hear his voice. Quarterback Dak Prescott was one of the players. So was Trevon Diggs, who was perhaps Parsons’ closest friend on the team.

“I did want those guys to feel like they had a chance to talk to me,” Schottenheimer said. “I said, ‘You guys can say anything you want to me. Here’s why we made the decision. Here’s what went into it.’ Again, those conversations were powerful but also will stay between me and them.”

On Friday, Schottenheimer addressed the full team with a message.

“Nothing’s changed. My goals haven’t changed, Our team goals haven’t changed,” Schottenheimer said. “I hit the players on that today after I talked about just the tough couple days for all the guys, and it doesn’t change. The standard is the standard. I said that. With all the new pieces and people we had in there, I needed to hit the goal, which is to win a world’s championship. I needed to hit that we also want to build one of the greatest professional sports cultures in the world. That’s part of the deal when you add new pieces, you have to make sure they understand your vision.”

The team also acknowledged Parson’s departure on Friday with a “thank you” message on X.

Thank you, Micah 🦁 pic.twitter.com/cVYbSoQDyG

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) August 29, 2025

Aside from the strangeness of not seeing Parsons on the practice field or in the locker room, the focus of the day was their first practice in preparation for the Eagles.

“The positive thing about [the timing of the trade] is we’re into a regular seven-day cycle with Philadelphia,” the coach said, “and it’s one of those things that now we get to focus on Philly.”

Replacing Parsons and his 52.5 sacks will be difficult. Two of the players the Cowboys will look to are their second-round picks the past two seasons: Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku.

“Whether he was here or not, it is going to be important for all of us to really go out there and produce,” Kneeland said. “That’s just what this is going to have to be, anyway. So now we all really get to show what we can do.”

Ezeiruaku said Parsons reached out to him immediately after the draft and has helped him throughout the summer.

“We’ve always been hungry to go get it and hit the quarterback,” Ezeiruaku said. “At the same time, we understand it’s a big piece of the pie that’s missing, that’s not here anymore. We’ve got to fill that and we’re going to do exactly that.”

For Clark, his day started with an early morning flight from Green Bay to Dallas with his family and a physical. He did not practice with the team, but he made an impression by introducing himself to every player on the team.

He was aware of the Parsons’ contract saga but never thought he would be part of a deal. In fact, he was at the store with his daughter getting some ice cream following practice when he was told by the Packers of the trade.

“I’m here to play ball, man,” Clark said. “Whether it’s nose tackle, 3-tech, I’m just here to be the best defensive tackle I can be.”

Clark, 29, is signed for three more years and is a three-time Pro Bowl pick. Schottenheimer said he is not sure a deal would have been concluded if Clark was not part of the package in return. Schottenheimer said Clark will play against the Eagles.

“He’s been playing in similar systems and has exposure to [defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus’] system,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s a pro. He’ll have no problem getting up to speed, so you should expect to see him out there.”

Clark played against the Eagles twice last year, including the season opener and divisional round of the playoffs.

“This franchise,” Clark said, “will get everything I got.”