Hard Knocks is almost here. The 10th season of the groundbreaking documentary series will kick off Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET with the first of five episodes on HBO. There are no shortage of compelling storylines to follow with this year's subject, the . Here's what we'll be watching for.1. Up close with J.J.: We're witne sing something special with , who had a very strong case last season to be the league's MVP in addition to his no-doubter DPOY honors. Watt is in that next level of profe sional athletes -- think Tyson in his prime, or Jordan, LeBron, Tiger -- where he can sometimes look like a man playing against boys (see Abraham Almonte Jersey Watt's last year in a 1-on-1 practice se sion against poor ). Point being, these types of athletes don't come around often and Knocks offers an ideal platform.2. Foster's big setback: We were looking forward to Trevor Bauer Jersey seeing a lot of Foster, the NFL's . Unfortunately, the veteran running back suffered a last week that could knock him out of action for months. Foster will undoubtedly be a major plotline of Tuesday's premiere, but don't be surprised if he becomes scarce after that. Remember how disappeared from cameras after injuring his knee early in the ' 2013 Hard Knocks season?3. QB camp battle: It's been awhile since Hard Knocks has been able to sink its teeth into a legit quarterback competition. won a rigged competition back in 2012 if you want to count that, but the last true battle came way back in 2007, when Damon Huard and Brodie Croyle dueled in Kansas City (yes, we got chills, too). vs. brings the goods this season -- even if the latter seems to be the favorite as training camp begins. I'm also curious to learn more about Hoyer, whose hard-working underdog rep earned him the nickname "Cleveland Springsteen" during his tenure. Full disclosure: I'm the only person who called him that.4. Clowney's return: was hyped as the next L Greg Allen Jersey .T. before two knee surgeries turned his career upside-down. Hard Knocks should give us more acce s to Clowney during his ongoing recovery from that . Acce s is good! We don't get much of that anymore!5. The Bill O'Brien Show: It's only natural that Hard Knocks acts as something of a star vehicle for the head coach. Last season, Mike Smith underwhelmed as a Tevas-wearing low-talker whose staid nature stood in stark contrast to the build-a-bully makeover the coaching staff tried to sell the . Let's hope O'Brien has a more dynamic on-camera presence. At the very least, we'll get plenty of time with . That chin was born for the spotlight.6. BOB's supporting cast: Every Hard Knocks season features breakout performances from an a sistant coach or two. Last year, cigar-chomping linebackers coach Bryan Cox was so dominant that Danny Salazar Jersey he earned coveted . The year before it was then- defensive Lonnie Chisenhall Jersey coordinator Mike Zimmer, whose tough-guy-with-a-heart-of-gold act surely hit a sweet note with the , who hired him as their head coach a few months later. Po sible breakout stars for the staff (aka South): linebackers coach Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.7. Forgot About 'Dre: It will be a different training camp in Houston without franchise great , who's now catching pa ses from in Indy. Is this the year enters the top 10 conversation at wide receiver? Who else steps up? The will need more from their pa sing game with Foster out of the picture.8. Big Vince!The latest Podcast and whose stock is down after the first week of training camp.
The had their first practice of training camp on Wednesday and there were several players who managed to stand out during the se sion.Of course, it's still incredibly early in the proce s, so nobody should go crazy over what they're reading at training camp right now. However, preparing for the 2024 season is also a proce s and players have to stack good days in order to earn their roles.Among the players who are off to a good start is wide receiver , who stole the show despite the Tyler Beede Jersey fact that he was in the se sion. He attributed that to eating the wrong thing at breakfast, but didn't say what it was.Jameson Williams briefly left Day 1 of training camp after vomiting several times early in practice. He told me hes fine, just ate the wrong thing for breakfast. kyle meinke (@kmeinke) Check out more information on Williams' big day, along with the rest of the players who appeared to stand out above the rest based on the observations of writers on the ground.Lions' training camp standouts Day 1WR Jameson WilliamsWilliams had some i sues keeping his breakfast down early on in practice and even cut loose after reeling in a touchdown catch. But he still managed to put together a strong showing, according to beat writers on the ground.Jamo also puked mid-stride after finishing a touchdown catch took a brief knee, wiped off the puke and got back to work.That, ladies and germs, is a Football Player. Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) He also had what was described as the play of the day, when he beat two defenders deep for a long touchdown grab that showcased his deep-threat ability.Play of the day here. Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) Based on what we've seen through spring practices and the first day of training camp, Williams looks primed to make the leap the Lions need him to in 2024.QB Hendon HookerNot only did Hooker get all of the second-team reps over Nate Sudfeld, according to , he also had a "very nice day," per .Hooker started his day off with a lot of accuracy i sues, but he settled the ship quickly and ended up having a very nice Mel Ott Jersey day. In addition to his throw to Fountain, he routinely made nice crisp throws, taking all the second-team reps. Nate Sudfeld continues to look like the more consistent backup quarterback, but he is still with the third team and doesnt look to be moving up anytime soon.It would appear the Lions are going to give Hooker every opportunity to win the backup job behind Jared Goff. He's off to a great start in that quest.WR Daurice FountainFountain is battling for a depth role with the team, and Schlitt noted that he had a good day on Wednesday and veteran Donovan Peoples-Jones, who was on the before being activated after practice, should be looking over his shoulder.When the Lions cycled in a fifth wide receiver, it was Daurice Fountain, who continues to make standout playsincluding arguably the catch of the day. While with the second team, Fountain ran a Kevin Pillar Jersey simple sideline route that was strongly covered by Kindle Vildor. Quarterback Hendon Hooker placed the ball high and outside to avoid the coverage (maybe a bit too high) and Fountain was able to snag it with a leaping full extension. People-Jones needs to get on the field in a hurry or hell be looking over his shoulder at Fountain for his role.The Lions are likely to utilize Kalif Raymond as the No. 3 behind Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown, leaving the No. 4 spot up for grabs. Aside from Peoples-Jones, keep an eye on Fountain and Antoine Green.DE Aidan HutchinsonNot that anyone should be surprised, but Hutchinson was ballin' on Wednesday, per the observations of multiple beat writers, including .Aidan Hutchinson looks primed for a breakout, making the jump from really good to elite. That was highlighted by a dominant three-play stretch where he beat the cro sing backfield block of running back Craig Reynolds for a would-be sack, sliced inside to stuff a run, before executing a vicious spin move for another sack that left All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell grasping at air.Hutchinson is coming off a campaign in which he had a career-best 11.5 sacks and made his first Pro Bowl. With a little more help around him in 2024, the Michigan product is primed for big things.CB Emmanuel MoseleyMoseley didn't nece sarily make any big plays on Day 1, but his mere presence on the practice Jandel Gustave Jersey field after coming back from his second torn ACL in as many years was noted by many writers."At the nickel, you're in that run game and I'm a physical player," . "I like to hit. That's one of my things, I like to put my face in the fan and make people feel me. That's what I love about nickel."He was also the primary slot corner with Brian Branch playing at safety during the se sion. Ennis Rakestaw Jr. played opposite Terrion Arnold with Carlton Davis on the NFI list. Davis has since been activated.DE Josh PaschalAccording to Schlitt, Paschal "got the start on the opposite side" of Hutchinson and "found himself in the backfield Jaylin Davis Jersey on several occasions with nifty technical pa s rushing moves."The Lions need reliable edge depth in the event that Marcus Davenport, who was activated off the PUP list on Wednesday, sees his injury i sues creep up like they have during his career.LB James HoustonHouston saw reps as the SAM linebacker after Derrick Barnes and Schlitt pointed out that he "launched himself into the backfield on several occasions" and "its fair to say Houston was in a position to make several tackles for lo s."Also of note, fellow linebacker Mathieu Betts took a back seat to Houston as far as his respective performance was concerned. The pair are competing for a top depth roles.
Jennifer King was a champion womens basketball coach when she made a Jonathan Bullard Jersey tough decision to pursue a career in football.She hasnt had to look back.Within three years of switching sports, King became the first Black female full-time coach in the NFL when Washington hired her in 2021 as an a sistant running backs coach. She spent three seasons with the Commanders before joining Matt Eberflus staff with the Chicago Bears this year as an offensive a sistant, focusing on running backs.King is one of 15 women who are in the NFL this season, a new league record and most for any male profe sional sports league in the world. ADVERTISEMENT Kings journey began in 2018 when she met then-Panthers coach Ron Rivera at the , an annual event that connects participants with owners, general managers, head coaches and club executives.King had just led Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte to the United States Collegiate Athletic A sociation Division II title. But football was first in her heart. She played quarterback and safety on a womens tackle football team and wanted an opportunity in coaching."I always liked football more, King said. But it was hard to leave basketball. We had won a championship. I was national coach of the year. Like, things were going really well for me. And to just leave was difficult, but I just felt it was something that I couldnt pa s up.Kings basketball team practiced Joel Iyiegbuniwe Jersey close enough to the Panthers training facility that she could hear and watch them. When she met Rivera, he already knew who she was from her basketball pedigree. Riveras wife, Stephanie, was an a sistant coach in the WNBA and she told him a woman who plays the game would do well in coaching.He invited me over for rookie minicamp, King said. I thought Id be there for two days, but it turned into about four months.King spent the summer of 2018 as a coaching intern for the Panthers, working with wide receivers. She moved on to join Rick Neuheisels staff as an a sistant wide receivers coach and special teams coach for Arizona in the short-lived Alliance of American Football.King returned to Carolina to serve as a running backs coaching intern in 2019 and joined Dartmouths staff as an offensive a sistant that fall.When Rivera became the head coach in Washington in 2020, King again joined his staff as a coaching intern. He gave her a full-time job the following year.She had a drive about her that just really said she wanted to do this, and she also played the game, Rivera said. She talked about the little things that she learned in playing, showing how aware she is about the game. So I just thought that she had this desire, this drive to want to do this at the top level, and I wanted to create an opportunity.As we were going through the internship, the one thing I appreciated was she was smart enough to know what she didnt know. And you could tell because she became really inquisitive. She asked good questions, she listened, and she didnt pretend to know. Believe me, Ive been around (male) coaches who pretend to know. And, when they do that, usually, they get it wrong. But she just listened when she didnt know and thats what truly intrigued me was that she was willing to just take a backseat Pat O'Donnell Jersey , listen, take it in and ask questions.Over the past five years, there has been a 187% increase of women in football operation roles in the NFL. Since its inception in 2017, over 400 participants have gone through the Women's Forum with over 250 opportunities emerging for women in all levels of football.The first Womens Forum I attended Brian Urlacher Jersey , all of the women there, we had other jobs outside of football wanting to get into football, King said. I think this year almost everyone there was already working in football, which is incredible. So, I think were definitely heading in the right direction. Its a lot of bright stars coming through the ranks on our way up.King said she hasnt experienced challenges being one of the few female coaches in a male-dominated industry.Ive been fortunate to work with some great staffs, she said. Coach Flus, we have a great staff here. Its all about development, which is great. I love it. Hes big on leadership. So, the challenges havent been the same as po sibly people would think. Like it hasnt been a lot of: Oh, its like a woman here. I havent really experienced any of that. Its all about building those relationships and trust in the building with the players and the staff that youre working with.I do think its cool now to see so many women doing great things in the league, not just coaching, all aspects, the busine s side, the team level, people doing great things all over the place. Obviously, the coaches are the ones that Eddie Goldman Jersey people see, but theres a lot of great people doing cool things that you dont see as well.Rivera, a two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year, has been a leader in diversity and inclusion throughout his career. He said he can envision the NFL having a female head coach in the future.I think its going to have to start with coordinator first, and as long as we keep putting women in position to have an opportunity to succeed or fail, until we give them that opportunity, well never really know, Rivera said. But I do think weve created enough opportunities that eventually the right one is going to get the opportunity.Maybe thatll be King.___AP NFL:
The Colts' COVID outbreak reached the quarterback position on Tuesday afternoon. Starter Carson Wentz was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list ahead of the team's Week 17 game against the Raiders and now, the Colts will have to prepare to be without him in a key contest.Indianapolis has a 9-6 record and is currently the top wild-card seedin the AFC. That said, there are eight teams in the AFC that have either a 9-6 or 8-7 record, so the team's hold onto one of the three wild-cardslots is tenuous at best.The Colts appear to be in control of their own destiny, and winning out would get them into the postseason. However, with Wentz potentially unavailable, the path to doing that becomes more difficult.Here's everything to know about Wentz landing on the COVID list, including his vaccination status and how long he mightbe on the list.NFL PICKS WEEK 17: | Carson Wentz's status for Sunday's game is yet to be determined.The NFL on Logan Forsythe Jersey Tuesday reduced its mandated quarantine period from 10 days to five days for players who test positive but are asymptomatic. It's unclear whether Wentz tested positive or was a close contact, or if he's developed symptoms.Per that timeline, Wentz still has a chance to play Week 17 if he is asymptomatic and tests negative twice prior to Sunday. However, it's not guaranteed, so the Colts may be forced to use a different starting quarterback for the first time this season.Right now, rookie sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger is the backup to Wentz. He figures to get a crack at starting against the Raiders with practice squad veteran Brett Hundley backing him up. Third-year quarterback James Morgan is also on the practice squad, but he figures to be the team's third-string option at the position.Could the Colts add another quarterback though? According to Zak Keefer of The Athletic, the Colts are considering calling Philip Rivers to see if the veteran, who started for the Colts in 2020, would be willing to return to the team to help replace Wentz.Colts need to call Philip Rivers. Have heard it's being discu sed. Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) Carson Wentz is not vaccinated. As David Freese Jersey a result, he will have to quarantine for a minimum of five days.Wentz revealed that he wasn't vaccinated before the season after a small COVID outbreak hit the Colts. Hesaid that it was a "personal decision" not to get it."I'm not going to go in-depth on why, but it's a personal decision for me and my family," Wentz told reporters in early September, . "I respect everybody else's decision and I just ask that everybody Yasmani Grandal Jersey does the same for me. I know that's not the world we live in. Not everyone is going to view things the same. But no one really knows what's going on in someone else's household and how things are being handled."Wentz admitted that he had gone back and forth about his choice, but he ultimately arrived at the conclusion to remain unvaccinated."Trust me, I've weighed a lot of things. I know what's at stake. I know all those things," Wentz said. "Thats just where I'm at, where I'm at with my family."Wentz said that "understanding the protocol" would be critical to him this season. He followed it closely and that's part of why he is almost alwaysseen wearing a mask on the Colts sideline. But even still, he couldn't escape the COVID outbreak that has been a major problem acro s the NFL, and for the Colts, in recent weeks.RIVERA: Wentz must sit out at least five days before being eligible to Justin Turner Jersey return from the COVID list, per the updated NFL rules. Since he was placed on the list on Tuesday, Dec. 28, that would put him in line to be eligible to return on Sunday, Jan. 2.That said, Wentz must remain asymptomatic. If he develops any symptoms that linger past Week 17,his eligibility could be aquestion mark for the Colts ahead of their final game of the regular season.MORE: The Colts currently have a 9-6 record and are penciled in as the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoff race. However, only one game separates them from the No. 10 seed Raiders, who they are playing in Week 17.If the Colts lose to the Raiders, they would find themselves at 9-7. That would guarantee the Titans the AFC South crown, regardle s of their result against the Dolphins, so the Colts would only be able to make the playoffs as a wild card. And if they lose, they would have to rely on tiebreakers to keep them in one of those final three playoff spots.The good news for the Colts is that they have an advantage in several key tiebreakers. They have a 3-2 divisional record with one game to play and they also have a 7-3 record against AFC opponents, tied with the Patriots for the best among wild card teams.A lo s to the Raiders would drop the Colts to 7-4 against AFC opponents. However,they would still be among the best in that category, pending the results of other games. Then, they would just have to worry about the potential for head-to-head tiebreakers; they would have an advantage over the Patriots, Dolphins and Bills in any head-to-head tiebreaker while they would be at a disadvantage against the Ravens, Titans and the Raiders (if they lose on Sunday).A win would make the Colts' path to the postseason a lot simpler, but they certainly wouldn't be eliminated with a lo s. The Max Muncy Jersey path to clinching would simply become dicier.Indianapolis is scheduled to close the season in Jacksonville in Week 18, should their playoff fate come down to it.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The coincidence wasnt lost on Baker Mayfield.Standing in the same room at Bank of America Stadium where he was informed late last season by the Carolina Panthers he was being released, Mayfield spoke to reporters about winning an NFC South championship with his new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Personal redemption? Check.There's a lot of , Mayfield said. But that is what happens Nico Hoerner Jersey when you go to a team within the division and you have memories of playing with them.ADVERTISEMENT Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals, Tampa Bay's defense forced two turnovers and to win their third straight NFC South title and reach the playoffs for the fourth straight season. For Mayfield, returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 was satisfying and not only because it came against the Panthers, where he was 1-5 as a starter last season before being waived on Dec. 5.Mayfield has struggled to John Lackey Jersey find career stability, playing for his fourth team in three seasons. He was traded by Cleveland, released by Carolina and not re-signed by the Los Angeles Rams in a two-year span. He bounced back this season going 9-8 as a starter for the Buccaneers, completing 64.4% of his pa ses for 3,907 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.He beat the Panthers Brad Wieck Jersey twice.I've been through a lot, Mayfield said. "But I have had a lot of help along the way."The biggest question moving forward might be how effective Mayfield will be when the Buccaneers host the Philadelphia Eagles in a wild-card game next weekend. Mayfield came into Sunday's game with sore ribs and suffered an ankle injury against the Panthers, although he remained in the game.The 2018 No. 1 overall pick walked with a slight limp as he entered the interview room.He said he's looking forward to healing up.Ill see how he feels and how he goes through his treatment and well make a decision based on how Victor Caratini Jersey the week goes, Bucs coach Todd Bowles said.Kyle Trask is Tampa Bay's backup quarterback and John Wolford is the third string.The 28-year-old Mayfield wasn't particularly happy with his own play, finishing 20 of 32 pa sing for 137 yards with no touchdowns.He just mi sed on a long connection with Mike Evans in the first quarter. I got to be better, Mayfield said. They ran a lot of two-shell defense and there was some stuff that was open underneath and I have to be better in that facet.He was banged up, Bowles said of Mayfields performance. But the times he had to throw they had great coverage. Youve got to credit their defense too. They played very good defense. We were off and werent clicking on all cylinders.But Mayfield likes Tampa Bay's chances heading into the playoffs, where it could be a home underdog despite winning five of its final six games.Like Mayfield, the Bucs have been counted out time and time again, particularly after losing six of seven games during one stretch.We have a Kyle Schwarber Jersey locker room full of guys that are comfortable being counted out, Mayfield said. All we wanted was a chance to get in and now we are here and we have to handle it the right way.___AP NFL:
Tuesday's health and safety news from the world of football: that the state's high school governing body has voted to limit full-contact practice time for football teams, po sibly Tobias Harris Jersey becoming the most strict among the growing number of states to make such a move.Full-contact drills only will be permitted 135 minutes Wesley Johnson Jersey per week during the week with no consecutive days and never more than once on Chris Paul Jersey two-a-day practices. During the season, that limit drops to 90 minutes a week with no more than 30 minutes for one practice no more than two consecutive days of full contact. the school's study on acoustical effects of concu sions. on how the Blake Griffin Jersey NFL is vetting college players linked to personal conduct i sues prior to the . in as several former NFL players, including former linebacker Kim Bokamper, talked to the Speakers A sembly of Southwest Florida about retirement and Montrezl Harrell Jersey player safety. at how tax day on Wednesday affects pro athletes like NFL players.-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor
BALTIMORE (AP) The Pittsburgh Steelers finished the regular season Saturday in wait-and-see mode.After defeating the depleted Ravens 17-10, the Steelers were uncertain if they would qualify for the postseason and unsure if injured Mike Clevinger Jersey pa s-rusher T.J. Watt would be available if they did.Pittsburgh's victory on a soggy field left the Steelers (10-7) in position to reach the playoffs after mi sing out in 2022. If Buffalo or Jacksonville lose on Sunday, Pittsburgh is in.But will the Steelers have Watt if they get that far? ADVERTISEMENT Watt had to raise his season total to an NFL-leading 19 before he went down in the third quarter with a knee injury after his leg collided with the leg of teammate Montravius Adams. Watt immediately started pounding the turf in apparent pain or frustration.He did not need to be carted off, however, and went over to Yan Gomes Jersey the sideline tent. After a brief examination, Watt walked to the tunnel.Afterward, coach Mike Tomlin held out hope that Watt would be OK.Ill have more information probably next time we get together, Tomlin said. "Obviously disappointed in that, but there are challenges in the game of football, there are challenges in life. So well deal with it, Jason Kipnis Jersey whatever it may be.Watt's injury was the most notable on a day in which the Ravens rested many of their starters after clinching the top seed in the AFC last week. Baltimore (13-4) played without star quarterback Lamar Jackson, rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers, Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton and standout cornerback Marlon Humphrey.Coach John Harbaugh was intent upon keeping his team healthy, and it appears as if he accomplished that objective, even though defensive back Geno Stone hurt his knee, linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips injured his shoulder and defensive end Brent Urban was examined for a concu sion.I think it looks like we got through OK, Harbaugh said. Right now it looks like we would have all those guys back for the playoff week in the division round.The Ravens played short-handed, and nearly won anyway.Cant dwell on it, linebacker Patrick Queen said. Even though we had a chance to Jose Ramirez Jersey send them home, now they have a chance to go the playoffs. It stings a little bit, but at the end of the day we have a lot of pages in our book that sets us up pretty good. Nobodys hanging their head or anything. If we see those guys again, well be ready.Unlike the Ravens, the Steelers had to have all hands on deck in this game. Pittsburgh got the victory and a sweep of its Satchel Paige Jersey AFC North rival, but it came at a deep cost if the Steelers are forced to play without Watt, who not only leads the NFL in sacks but is an inspiration to the team's gritty defense.___AP NFL:
After being away from the game for four seasons, former Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick and cornerback Gareon Conley is attempting an Addison Russell Jersey NFL comeback.According to , Conley has inked a contract with the Dallas Cowboys. The length and financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.Conley was a first-round pick (No. 24 overall) of the Raiders Kris Bryant Jersey in 2017 and spent two-plus years with the team Ian Happ Jersey , starting in 20 of the 23 games he played in. He was then traded to the Houston Texans in 2019 before playing in eight contests (six David Bote Jersey starts).But those eight games were the last ones he would play in. Conley landed on injured reserve prior to the start of the 2020 campaign after having offseason ankle surgery earlier in the year.He has not played in Kendall Graveman Jersey the NFL since because of lingering ankle i sues. He most recently played in the United Football League in 2024 with the DC Defenders.