Ocean Power Technologies Inc (NYSE-A:OPTT) reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 revenue of $1.7 million, up 44% from a year earlier, as the company expanded its work with US defense and security customers and moved forward with a strategic review process.
Ocean Power Technologies ran three PowerBuoy systems off Southern California for a U.S. Department of Homeland Security maritime domain awareness program, integrated with Anduril's Lattice platform and including a deployment beyond 1,000 meters depth, calling it the company's largest deployment and recurring revenue contract to date.
Ocean Power Technologies also deployed a PowerBuoy system off New Jersey for Rutgers University and delivered a WAM-V unmanned surface vehicle to Stevens Institute of Technology within five weeks of receiving the order.
The company demonstrated autonomous docking, charging and redeployment of a WAM-V, a capability it is working to integrate with the PowerBuoy platform to support longer autonomous missions. It also acquired subsea developmental technology ****** ets from Columbia Power Technologies, extending its capabilities from the ocean surface to the seabed.
Ocean Power Technologies achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2 compliance, positioning it to pursue defense programs requiring protection of controlled unclassified information. After the quarter ended, the company was selected as one of six potential awardees under a $40 million multiple-award contract supporting the Naval Oceanographic Office, creating an opportunity to compete for ocean-floor mapping task orders using unmanned surface vehicles.

#ocean #power #technologies #powerbuoy

The Boston Celtics have reportedly signed Devin Carter to a training camp deal, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Carter, 24, will have the opportunity to either earn a spot on Boston's main NBA roster or to join Amari Williams and Dillon Mitchell as one of the Celtics' three two-way talents. Should he sign a two-way deal, he would be expected to spend the majority of the season with the Maine Celtics. Still, it's fair to ******* ume he'd get a chance to impress with the NBA roster at some point, too.
Unfortunately, the decision to sign Carter doesn't come without a potential roster casualty. Milos Uzan has been with the Celtics since signing an Exhibit 10 contract earlier this summer. Uzan instantly impressed when suiting up for the Celtics during Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 9.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4 ******* ists per game, shooting 36.8 percent from 3-point range and 38.1 percent from the field.
Following John Tonje's decision to join the Portland Trail Blazers on a two-way deal earlier in the offseason, the path for Uzan to earn the final two-way spot with the Celtics appeared wide open. Sure, he'd have to impress during training camp and beat out Tucker DeVries, but given Boston's need for a depth piece at guard, everything seemed to be lining up.
Now, with Carter also in the mix, Uzan is facing a far tougher battle to prove himself and earn a two-way spot with the Celtics. Uzan is a talented young guard and should have no problem finding a home in the coming months if things do not go his way.
Hopefully, he remains in Maine regardless of whether he gets a two-way deal. After all, he could still work with the Celtics' developmental staff and potentially prove the front office wrong for signing Carter, should that come to pass. Of course, Uzan will likely draw interest from elsewhere if Carter does beat Uzan to the Celtics' final two-way spot, and unfortunately for Uzan, that's just part of trying to make it in the NBA.

#celtics #carter #deal #still

DETROIT — The Motor City Cruise — the G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons — announced on Thursday the hiring of Steve Scalzi as their new head coach. Scalzi will replace Jamelle McMillan at the start of the 2026-27 season, becoming the third head coach in the franchise's history.
Scalzi has worked as an ***** istant coach for the Pistons for the past three seasons. Renowned for his player development skills, he has been instrumental in developing players such as Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson. In July, he also served as head coach for the Pistons during the 2026 NBA Summer League tournament.
Scalzi's role as coach of the Cruise marks his return to the NBA's professional developmental league. He began his career as an ***** istant coach with the then-Tulsa 66ers (Oklahoma City Blue), the Oklahoma City Thunder's G League affiliate.
At that time, the Blue were part of the NBA D-League. As one of the franchise's primary player development coaches, Scalzi helped a handful of players receive promotions around the league during the 2013-14 season.
Scalzi's success later led him to join the Thunder's coaching staff in 2014, where he held several roles during his seven-year tenure. His most memorable responsibility was helping develop future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

#pistons #cruise

The New York Jets didn't draft David Bailey third overall to be a developmental player, he was drafted him to make an immediate impact. ESPN believes that's exactly what's about to happen.
In ESPN's 2026 rookie season guide, it is projected that Bailey will finish as the NFL's rookie sack leader. ESPN forecasted eight sacks for the Jets' edge rusher, placing him ahead of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defender Rueben Bain Jr. (6) and Los Angeles Chargers EDGE Akheem Mesidor (5).
The estimation is another sign of the expectations surrounding Bailey as he prepares for his first NFL season.
The Jets entered the offseason looking for pass-rush help and found it in the former Texas Tech Red Raiders standout. Bailey quickly impressed throughout training camp and the preseason, flashing the explosiveness and athletic traits that made him one of the top prospects in the 2026 draft class.
An eight-sack season would be a significant accomplishment for any rookie pass rusher, especially one expected to play a major role immediately. It would also provide a major boost to a Jets defense looking to rebound after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

#draft

The Kansas City Chiefs adjusted practice squad depth by signing international tight end Thomas Odukoya, utilizing the International Player Pathway Program exemption. The front office added the 6-foot-6 target to expand its roster allowance following final preseason cuts.
The strategic addition bolsters coverage in the tight end room while veteran starter Travis Kelce prepares for his 14th season. Odukoya provides developmental length as the coaching staff builds insurance behind their starting rotation.
Odukoya gives Kansas City another tight end option after joining through the International Player Pathway Program. The move expanded the Chiefs' practice squad to 17 players under the exemption rules.
Born in Amsterdam, Odukoya played college football at Eastern Michigan before entering the NFL through the same pathway with Tennessee.
Aug 15, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; KKansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) on field against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the pre season at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

#odukoya #tight #international #travis

Jalon Daniels entered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offseason program as an undrafted rookie simply trying to earn a place in the organization. A few months later, he will open the regular season one play away from being Tampa Bay's starting quarterback, and that unlikely rise has certainly caught the attention of general manager Jason Licht.
Speaking with NFL Network's Sara Walsh, Licht summed up Daniels' path to becoming Baker Mayfield's backup with some significant praise. "There's no blueprint for an undrafted rookie becoming your number 2 quarterback," Licht told Walsh. "Jalon basically wrote his own." That statement carries even more weight given how rare Daniels' situation is. According to Elias Sports Bureau, the last undrafted rookie quarterback to be active for Week 1 was Trevone Boykin with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016. Daniels didn't simply survive roster cuts, either. He beat out veteran Jake Browning for the job and convinced Tampa Bay it could enter the season with only two quarterbacks on its initial 53-man roster.
Licht has made it clear that Daniels' draft status won't prevent him from winning the job. "The number-one thing is, he earned it," Licht said. "It wasn't just given to him."Daniels steadily climbed throughout the summer, but his preseason performance helped solidify his case. He completed 27 of 44 passes for 239 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions while adding 37 yards and another touchdown on the ground. More importantly, Tampa Bay saw poise and command from a quarterback who was supposed to be a developmental project. The Bucs apparently began viewing Daniels differently after their first preseason game against the Jets. Licht said conversations shifted from Daniels needing to prove he could be the backup to essentially needing to prove that he couldn't. He never gave them a reason to change course. There is still considerable risk involved. Daniels has never taken a regular-season NFL snap, and Tampa Bay is trying to contend for another NFC South ****** le. If Mayfield misses time, the Bucs would be handing their offense to an undrafted rookie. Yet Licht doesn't appear interested in keeping a veteran around simply for the comfort of experience. He said Tampa Bay would rather have a talented, prepared, inexperienced quarterback than choose experience just for the sake of it. The Bucs aren't treating him like an undrafted rookie they hope to develop eventually. They've trusted him with one of the most important backup jobs on the roster because they believe he earned it.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Jason Licht's praise shows just how much Jalon Daniels impressed

#daniels #bucs #jalon #simply

The Baltimore Ravens have officially added cornerback Lardarius Webb Jr. and veteran offensive lineman Chuma Edoga to their practice squad.
Webb returns after being waived during Baltimore's initial roster cuts. Webb earned the opportunity after showing encouraging flashes during training camp and the preseason. He finished Baltimore's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders with two tackles and a forced fumble, strengthening his case for continued development within the organization. His return also continues a notable family connection. Webb's father, Lardarius Webb Sr., spent his entire nine-year NFL career with Baltimore and helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII.
Edoga gives the Ravens a more experienced option along the offensive line. The 29-year-old has appeared in 62 games and made 25 starts across seven NFL seasons. He has experience at both tackle positions and guard, adding valuable versatility behind Baltimore's starters.
Edoga is also familiar with offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford. The two worked together with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, which should help Edoga transition into Baltimore's system.
The two additions continue the Ravens' early-season adjustments as the organization strengthens its developmental secondary and offensive line depth.

#offensive #baltimore #preseason

The Baltimore Ravens have completed their 17-player practice squad by adding two experienced offensive players.
Baltimore announced the signings of veteran tight end Nick Vannett and offensive tackle AJ Arcuri. The two additions fill the remaining openings after the Ravens initially signed 15 players. Vannett gives Baltimore another traditional in-line tight end behind an active-roster group featuring Mark Andrews, Durham Smythe, Josh Cuevas and Matthew Hibner. The former Ohio State standout has appeared in 121 regular-season games during a career that began as a third-round pick by Seattle in 2016.
We have signed TE Nick Vannett and T A.J. Arcuri to the Practice Squad.
Arcuri provides another developmental option at offensive tackle. The Los Angeles Rams selected the former Michigan State lineman in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. His addition gives Baltimore two tackles on the practice squad, joining Gerad Lichtenhan.
The completed group includes prospects the Ravens developed throughout training camp and veterans who can be elevated with limited preparation.

#Ravens #nick #state #completed

As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue tuning their roster ahead of the upcoming campaign, several recent arrivals and depth contributors have officially received their jersey numbers.
According to longtime Steelers reporter Alan Saunders on X, the team has six updated uniform ******* ignments. He detailed the new numbers for veteran pass-catchers and key developmental pieces across the offense and defense.
Tight end Robert Tonyan: No. 85
Running back Lew Nichols III: No. 31
Cornerback Doneiko Slaughter: No. 40

#saunders #robert

The Philadelphia Eagles finalized their initial 53-man roster by making more than 30 transactions, then used the practice squad to retain several developmental prospects and experienced reserves.
Philadelphia placed cornerback Jakorian Bennett and tight end Grant Calcaterra on injured reserve with designations to return Aug. 30. Both players had to make the initial roster before being moved to preserve their eligibility to return during the regular season.
The Eagles released 10 vested veterans who were not required to pass through waivers: linebacker Chance Campbell, wide receivers Britain Covey, Danny Gray and Quez Watkins, outside linebacker Tarron Jackson, guard Michael Jordan, running back Dameon Pierce, tight end Stone Smartt and cornerbacks Ambry Thomas and Shaun Wade.
Philadelphia waived the following 26 players:
DT Uar Bernard

#tight #return #jakorian

The Philadelphia Eagles retained several familiar players Monday while announcing the first 13 members of their 2026 practice squad.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the initial group.
Covey did not make a crowded wide receiver room, but his return gives Philadelphia an experienced option who understands the offense and can handle punt-return duties. He could be elevated if injuries affect either unit.
Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele give Philadelphia two call-up candidates behind Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. Pierce supplies NFL experience and a physical running style, while Steele strengthened his case during the preseason.
Eight of the 13 additions play defense. Uar Bernard and Gabe Hall provide interior depth, while Chance Campbell joins four outside linebackers: Keyshawn James-Newby, Mason Reiger and Joshua Weru. Maximus Pulley and Cole Wisniewski give the secondary two developmental safeties.

#covey

The Seattle Seahawks took care first part of their roster-building process for the 2026 season. Seattle begins its Super Bowl repeat push on Sept. 9 against the New England Patriots, a familiar opponent after the Seahawks defeated New England to win Super Bowl 60. The defending champions are currently 3.5-point favorites over the Patriots at FanDuel Sportsbook.
After finishing the preseason, Seattle must reduce its roster to a maximum of 53 players by 3 p.m. PT on Sunday, August 30.
But the initial 53-man roster is only part of the process.
Once the waiver wire process is completed, the Seahawks will begin ******* embling their practice squad, which can provide additional developmental players and emergency depth throughout the season.
The claiming period for players placed on waivers during the final roster reduction expires at 10 a.m. PT on Monday, August 31. After the league distributes the subsequent Personnel Notice confirming the results of the waiver process, teams can begin forming their practice squads.

#roster #august

The Baltimore Ravens placed 10 rookies on their initial active roster, with eight members of the 2026 draft class joined by undrafted free agents Joe **** nano and Ethan Burke. Baltimore selected 11 players during the 2026 NFL draft. Seventh-round picks Rayshaun Benny and Evan Beerntsen were waived, while fifth-round running back Adam Randall was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return.
The active rookie group includes potential starters, rotational players, developmental prospects and two undrafted players who forced their way onto the team with productive preseason performances.
Buy Baltimore Ravens tickets
The No. 14 overall pick is projected to start at right guard. Ioane gives Baltimore a powerful interior blocker who can become a foundational piece of the offensive line alongside Ronnie Stanley, Roger Rosengarten and John Simpson.
Baltimore selected Young with the No. 45 pick in the second round. He joins a deep edge group featuring Trey Hendrickson, Tavius Robinson, Mike Green and fellow rookie Ethan Burke.

#active #undrafted

Kyle McCord's dazzling preseason with the Green Bay Packers is ending with a trade to South Florida. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Packers are trading the second-year quarterback to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2028 NFL draft.
In Miami, McCord will slot in as the backup quarterback behind former Packers backup Malik Willis.
The Packers, meanwhile, will need to find a third quarterback to develop behind Jordan Love and Tyrod Taylor, the only two quarterbacks left on the roster.
The Packers signed McCord, a 2025 draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, to a futures deal in January. He emerged as the third quarterback in training camp and was excellent during the preseason, throwing four touchdown passes without an interception or turnover. He played the entire preseason finale, and he led the Packers back from an 11-point deficit late in the fourth quarter with a pair of touchdown passes to Kisean Johnson.
The trade solves a problem for both the Packers and Dolphins. McCord proved he could play this summer but was stuck behind Taylor, a veteran who was brought in as the top backup. Instead of keeping a third quarterback on the 53-man roster, the Packers are getting a draft pick back for a player in demand. The Dolphins, meanwhile, get to skip the waivers claim process while adding a young developmental quarterback to a young, developing roster under former Packers coach Jeff Hafley.

#packers #dolphins #preseason #behind

SEATTLE -- The Sparks (14-25) have one more to go before going on their two-and-a-half-week FIBA World Cup break. They will take on the Storm (8-31) in Seattle for a little Sunday matinee action.
The last time these two teams faced each other? It was an embarrassing effort at home. They just had an eight-day break and they scored the second least points of the season at 64.
The Sparks did, however, beat them in their first encounter this season in June. So they have the rubber match on Sunday.
The team made a lot of moves this weekend as they claimed Aaliyah Nye off waivers, signed Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda to a developmental deal, and let go of Kate Martin and Alissa Pili (developmental deal). Neither Nye nor Mwenentanda will be available on Sunday so they'll have 11 available for the game. For Seattle, Awa Fam, who represents Spain, has already left for the World Cup. Natisha Hiedeman will also be out due to a shoulder injury.
These two teams are out of the running for the playoffs. But it's about pride and a strong finish to the season.

#break #teams #developmental

The Miami Dolphins have completed their 2026 NFL Preseason schedule with a loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night. The Falcons game, along with their earlier games against the Washington Commanders and New York Giants, and the summer's training camp practices, have given the Dolphins' coaches all the evaluations they need to build the team's roster for this year – and they now have to start making decisions.
The NFL roster cuts deadline is fast approaching. Miami and all 31 other teams must cut from the preseason 90-man roster to the regular-season limit of 53 players over the next couple of days. Roster cuts are due by 6 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, August 30.
After the cuts, practice squad players will sign or re-sign with the team. We will track those on Monday, but each team can carry up to 16 additional reserve and developmental players.
The final 53-man roster is, of course, anything but final. Players will be re-signed, claimed off waivers, or signed as free agents before the season begins on Wednesday, September 9. Even after the regular season kicks off, we will see plenty of roster moves, especially for Miami who will likely churn the bottom of the roster all season long.
The 2026 season is not expected to be a good one for the Dolphins. According to the oddsmakers at FanDuel Sportsbook, Miami has the longest odds to make the playoffs in the AFC at +1500. The New York Jets have the next worst odds at +700. Miami's roster churn will, hopefully, help the Dolphins find players who can grow with the team as they move through this year's rebuild and into the 2027 season and beyond.

#season #Miami #dolphins

The Tennessee ******* ans may have dropped their preseason finale to the Chicago Bears, but they did get solid performances from developmental players who will have roles in the regular season.
One of those players, edge Femi Oladejo, may have had his best game since entering the league as a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it looks like he is coming into his own in Robert Saleh's defense.
"A lot more prepared. I think Coach Whitecotton's given us a lot of wisdom and knowledge of just about ball and what to expect from our linemen and the blocking schemes and how to win in this league as well."
A raw prospect coming out of college, the second-year linebacker finally looks healthy after missing the majority of his rookie season with a broken leg and is starting to show some signs of developing into a potential impact player on the edge. Always known as a stout run defender, he flashed some of his pass rush skills against the Bears, and that could be significant moving forward.
The ******* ans need their edge unit to step up in 2026 and give the pass rush a boost; if they do, Tennessee's defense has a chance to be one of the better units in the league

#defense

The Los Angeles Sparks made a flurry of roster moves on Saturday, with veteran guard Kate Martin hitting league waivers.
The former Iowa standout got cut by the Golden State Valkyries before the season started but eventually found a home with the Sparks. However, Martin will most likely have to find a new team in the WNBA to finish 2026 if she wants to play.
While Los Angeles technically has a developmental spot open on the roster right now, Martin has played in more than 12 games this season. WNBA developmental players are limited to 12 games played before they must be put on a formal WNBA contract to be eligible to play again. She would hypothetically be ineligible to play if she re-signed with Los Angeles in that way since she's crossed that threshold.
The Sparks claiming guard Aaliyah Nye on waivers after the Atlanta Dream cut her must have made Martin expendable in Los Angeles. Martin averaged 2.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.4 ******* ists this season for the team.
Another WNBA team could claim Martin, or she could sign a developmental deal somewhere else in the WNBA to finish out the 2026 season.

#martin

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered their preseason finale with several roster spots and position battles still to sort out. Their 19-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars may have provided some answers, although not necessarily the ones Tampa Bay wanted. The Buccaneers finished with only 120 total yards, went 2 of 12 on third down and failed to score. Still, there were a few positives buried inside an otherwise difficult night.
If anyone helped themselves Friday night, it was Jack Pyburn. The rookie edge rusher finished with two sacks and three tackles for loss, consistently finding his way into Jacksonville's backfield. Tampa Bay's defensive front produced most of the team's bright spots, finishing with four sacks as Anthony Nelson and Josiah Green also got to the quarterback. Pyburn's performance was especially important as final roster decisions approach. Tampa Bay has spent the offseason rebuilding its front seven, and his ability to provide energy and production off the edge gives the coaching staff something to consider as they build the final 53. Pyburn has certainly played himself into a position where the coaching staff has to find him a spot.
Jalon Daniels had arguably his biggest opportunity of the preseason after being given the start, but he wasn't able to capitalize on it. Daniels completed 8 of 15 passes for 57 yards while taking three sacks and losing a botched snap, a glaring issue over the preseason. After helping lead comeback victories in Tampa Bay's first two preseason games, Daniels struggled to generate anything consistently against Jacksonville. He wasn't helped by his receivers, either. Dean Patterson IV and Kameron Johnson dropped third-down passes early, while Garrett Greene also failed to secure a catchable ball. Daniels' previous performances showed why Tampa Bay has been intrigued by the undrafted rookie, but Friday reminded everyone he remains a developmental quarterback. If there was a legitimate opportunity to overtake Jake Browning for the backup job behind Baker Mayfield, the finale did not do anything to solidify his case.
There isn't much positive to say about an offense that finishes with 87 yards and zero points. Tampa Bay punted on six of its first seven possessions and struggled to protect its quarterbacks, sustain drives or establish the running game. The Buccaneers didn't record a single first down in the second half as Jacksonville's defensive front controlled the line of scrimmage. The offensive line remained a major issue, and receivers failed to come down with the ball. Then came the special teams breakdown that put an exclamation point on the night. Michael Wortham returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, extending Jacksonville's lead to 19-0 and turning an already frustrating night into a nightmare final score.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: The good, the bad and the ugly from Buccaneers' 19-0 loss to Jaguars

#night

The Green Bay Packers finished the preseason on Friday night at Lambeau Field, and now attention turns to finishing the initial 53-man roster before Sunday afternoon's cutdown. Strong performances during training camp and the preseason will create some difficult choices for Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur in creating the initial roster, which is due by 5:00 p.m. CT on Sunday.
Toughest decisions awaiting the Packers on their path to 53 players:
Matt LaFleur wasn't able to confirm the injury timelines for defensive tackle Warren Brinson, receiver Savion Williams or edge rusher Collin Oliver, who were all injured within the last week and could be candidates to start the season on injured reserve. The roster math changes pretty quick if any of those three miss the start of the season. Any player placed on IR to start the season has to miss at least the first four games.
To his credit, Kyle McCord turned this into a legitimate question over three excellent preseason games. Tyrod Taylor is going to be the backup behind Jordan Love, but are the Packers willing to risk McCord to waivers? He looks like the right long-term developmental option, and teams don't like risking good quarterbacks. But keeping three quarterbacks would be a roster luxury for a team with a settled situation at the top.
J. Michael Sturdivant and Will Sheppard both made terrific final arguments on Friday night, and Isaiah Neyor was one dropped touchdown pass away from doing the same. The battle between these three has been raging all summer, and now the Packers must decide: Is there room on the roster for a seventh receiver? It's possible one of the three makes it comfortably if Savion Williams goes on IR. The Packers have all the boxes checked with their top six receivers, but Sturdivant and Sheppard can both play a role on special teams. Sturdivant might be too good to risk, especially after prioritizing him as a free agent following the draft and his 112-yard performance on Friday night.

#packers #roster #Friday #sunday

The Baltimore Ravens did not receive simple answers in their preseason finale. They received evidence that several of their most difficult roster decisions are difficult for good reasons. Baltimore rested 33 players and defeated the Washington Commanders 41-3, allowing the coaching staff to devote nearly every meaningful snap to players competing for jobs. Joe ******* nano, Adam Randall, LaJohntay Wester and several young defenders used the opportunity to strengthen their positions.
Here is what the finale revealed about Baltimore's primary roster races.
Fagnano completed 19 of 27 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown, finishing the preseason 56-of-75 for 509 yards, three scores and one interception.
Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley are secure. The decision is whether Baltimore values another position more than the protection of a developmental quarterback who may not clear waivers. ******* nano has made the practice squad route increasingly risky.
Randall produced 70 yards from scrimmage, rushing five times for 25 yards and catching three passes for 45. Ali had 46 yards from scrimmage and continued to show value as a receiver and special teams contributor.

#finale #several #difficult

Mory Bamba didn't just miss an opportunity to suit up for the New York Jets' during their preseason victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He missed a shot at building on some serious momentum birthed during the opener. Let's just say he made quite the impression.
His work from the week before was so good that it's still earning recognition. Following Week 2 of the preseason, Pro Football Focus continued to rank Bamba among the NFL's highest-graded rookies. The Jets cornerback checked in with an 86.0 overall grade, placing him among the league's top first-year performers through two weeks of exhibition play.
The ranking is particularly impressive all things considered. Again, it bears repeating. His grade is based entirely on his preseason debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Bamba was targeted 10 times on just 29 coverage snaps, allowing four receptions for 54 yards while also recording two pass breakups, two tackles, and a defensive stop. One of his best moments came on a pass breakup in the end zone, while he also flashed on special teams during an encouraging all-around performance.
Unfortunately, an injury kept him out of the Steelers game and could complicate his path to the 53-man roster. Still, Bamba may have shown enough to remain firmly in the organization's plans. The Jets face difficult roster decisions in the coming days, but developmental cornerbacks who flash both defensive and special teams value are often worth keeping around.

#preseason

The Philadelphia Eagles' rookie evaluations will continue long after Friday's preseason finale against Cincinnati.
The immediate decisions, however, are approaching. Philadelphia must determine which young players can contribute now, which need developmental time, and how injuries affect the initial roster. Not every rookie on this list is fighting to avoid being released. For several, the stakes involve readiness and role rather than job security.
Payton has shown the ability to create with his legs, but Philadelphia needs continued progress in the passing game. Recognizing pressure, getting through reads and protecting the football are priorities. A clean finish would help the Eagles feel more comfortable about his development behind the veteran quarterbacks.
Stowers' second-round status makes his roster position secure. His immediate role is less certain, particularly while he manages a hamstring injury. If cleared, he needs to demonstrate **** ignment reliability and progress as a blocker. If unavailable, the focus shifts to preparing him for a useful role during the season rather than forcing a preseason appearance.
Bell has made a favorable impression, but thumb and leg issues interrupted his final week of camp. His priority is becoming available, not rescuing a roster spot. A healthy Bell gives Philadelphia a young tackle to develop behind its established starters. Any finale snaps should serve that development rather than become a test of how much discomfort he can tolerate.

#role

The Eagles offense looked much better in its second time out, but it wasn't enough to leave Gillette Stadium with a preseason win (gasp!)
Here are the players/people who either helped their stock or hurt it during the 24-21 loss:
As I mulled over which of the Eagles developmental offensive linemen I should begin with on my stock report, the conversation from a few months ago surrounding the potential drop-off in development for those exact players because of Jeff Stoutland's departure came to mind.
For as loud as the concerns about the Eagles continuing to bring along unusual offensive linemen in a post-Stoutland world were after the longtime **** istant coach's resignation in February, it feels fitting to begin tonight's stock report with Kuper, who has done a nice job in his first summer as offensive line coach with the likes of Markel Bell, Drew Kendall, and Willie Lampkin.
Each member of that trio had highlight moments in the early going of a resurgent night from the Eagles offense. Bell carved out a massive running lane for Will Shipley on the Eagles' first scoring drive of the night and, on the next play, Lampkin and Kendall combined for a combo block that washed two Patriots defenders five yards off the line of scrimmage as Will Shipley ran in for a touchdown.

#offensive #kendall

For most of Andrei Iosivas' NFL career, there has been something to prove: Prove that a wide receiver from Princeton could play in the NFL; prove that a sixth-round draft pick belonged on the field with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins; and prove that his rare combination of size and athleticism could translate into production against NFL defensive backs.
Three years into his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Iosivas doesn't sound particularly interested in proving anything anymore. And that may be the best indication yet of how far he's come.
"I just feel like I am flowing and I am playing," Iosivas said in a recent interview. "I'm happy about the way I approach the days. I've been focusing on how I walk into the building, how I get out to practice, and whatever happens, happens."
That's quite a change from the player Cincinnati selected with the 206th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Iosivas arrived in Cincinnati as one of the more intriguing developmental prospects in that draft class. At 6-foot-3 and around 210 pounds, he had the physical traits, but he was making the jump from Ivy League football at Princeton to an offense featuring Joe Burrow, Chase and Higgins.
He has spent the past three seasons showing that he belongs. Iosivas played in 16 games as a rookie and caught 15 passes for 116 yards. Four of those 15 receptions went for touchdowns. His role grew substantially in 2024, when he caught 36 passes for 479 yards and six touchdowns. He followed that with 33 receptions for 435 yards and two scores in 2025.

#cincinnati #yards #Career

Barcelona's summer has moved with that familiar blend of calculation, theatre and necessity, and now there is genuine momentum to examine. In a market where every move seems to carry a sporting purpose and a financial consequence, the Catalan club have reached an important juncture. Credit to The Athletic, the original source of these latest developments, for outlining a week that may yet define the rest of Barca's window.
What matters for Barcelona now is clarity. There has been activity, there has been sacrifice, and there is a clear sense of direction. Ferran Torres has gone to Paris Saint-Germain, Rodri is on his way in from Manchester City, Joao Cancelo is set to return on a free, and the club's hierarchy have narrowed their sights firmly on one remaining attacking priority. In the compressed language of modern recruitment, it all sounds neat. In the reality of Barcelona, it still carries layers of risk, ambition and pressure.
The first significant development is Ferran Torres' departure. As reported, "Ferran Torres' €50million move to PSG was made official." That sentence alone tells a wider story. Torres had talent, pedigree and moments of real quality, but he also represented one of those investments Barcelona had to manage carefully. From the club's perspective, this is far more than a footballing farewell. The report notes that "from a financial perspective, the Catalan club regards this deal as highly satisfactory", which is another way of saying Barca believe they have navigated a difficult piece of business with uncommon efficiency.
If the Torres exit was pragmatic, the Rodri move feels emblematic. Barcelona have "reached agreement with City over the signing of Rodri in a deal that could be worth up to €76.5million but involves an initial fee of €60m for the 30-year-old midfielder." It is a statement signing in age profile, in status and in intent. Rodri is not a speculative purchase, nor a developmental talent for the future. He is an accomplished operator arriving to impose order, rhythm and authority.
Rodri's arrival feels like the start of the final phase of this window, not the conclusion of it. He strengthens one line, but he also enables the club to move into the last stretch with a little more certainty and a little less suffocation from the wage structure.

#Barcelona #ferran #financial #reached

When the Detroit Lions selected Keith Abney II in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the expectation was that the Arizona State cornerback would come in, compete for snaps and potentially develop into a long-term option in the secondary.
Apparently, Abney isn't interested in waiting.
The rookie has quietly climbed his way into one of the most important position battles on Detroit's defense, earning extensive work with the first-team defense at nickel cornerback over the past several practices. With veterans Roger McCreary and Christian Izien also competing for the role, what once looked like a developmental season for Abney has suddenly turned into a legitimate opportunity to start.
Monday night provided the latest evidence that the Lions are taking Abney seriously. During Detroit's scrimmage, the rookie made several plays in coverage, including breaking up a third-and-5 pass intended for Amon-Ra St. Brown that forced the offense off the field.
Going against St. Brown is about as difficult an audition as Detroit can provide.

#draft

For much of training camp, the Philadelphia Eagles' safety competition has been framed as a battle waiting to be decided. Every practice rep, every depth-chart observation, and every preseason snap has been scrutinized for clues about who might emerge alongside rookie Andrew Mukuba when the regular season begins.
The preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens may have offered some of the biggest clues yet. While Michael Carter II continued to receive opportunities and several reserve safeties made their cases for roster consideration, Marcus Epps never took the field. That decision was notable for a player many observers already viewed as the frontrunner for a starting role.
If Epps' absence signaled that the coaching staff already knows where he stands, the conversation shifts away from identifying a starter and toward something more interesting. The remaining questions aren't about who starts at safety. They're about how the Eagles plan to construct the rest of the room, how much they value special teams contributions, and which developmental players are worth keeping in the building.
DeJean's ability to play safety in base packages could ultimately have a greater impact on how many safeties the roster needs. By moving DeJean into the safety alignment while remaining a nickel defender in other situations, the Eagles can keep one of their best defenders on the field without carrying excess depth at the position.
That raises important questions regarding Andre' Sam. If the coaching staff views Sam as the fourth-best safety on the roster, does he actually need a spot on the initial 53-man roster? Do the Eagles believe they can retain him on the practice squad and elevate him when necessary while using the extra roster spot elsewhere?

#roster #epps #preseason

The Eagles have arguably the best offensive line in the NFL when all five players are healthy, but that hasn't been the case over the past year, and the backup could play critical roles in 2026. Philadelphia's reserve interior offensive linemen enter a critical week of training camp with roster positioning at stake.
Philadelphia will take part in joint practices against New England on Wednesday and Thursday before Saturday night's preseason game. The work should help coach Chris Kuper determine which young guards and centers can be trusted behind the starting five.
Drew Kendall and Willie Lampkin have strengthened their standing. Kendall's ability to play center and guard makes him a valuable game-day option, while Lampkin uses leverage and technique to overcome questions about his 5-foot-11 frame.
Jake Majors and rookie Micah Morris have opportunities. Majors must handle multiple interior spots while cleaning up the holding penalty that erased an eight-yard Will Shipley run against Baltimore. Morris played 34 snaps in the opener and needs another steady performance.
Veteran Michael Jordan has experience with 49 career starts, making him the most experienced reserve. His challenge is proving that experience outweighs the developmental value Philadelphia sees in younger linemen.

#philadelphia #interior

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington received a huge nod of confidence from ESPN as they issued their 2026 NFL Future Power Rankings. In the rankings, which project team success from 2027 through 2029, ***** yst Seth Walder offered a high-upside prediction for Pittsburgh's towering third-year tight end, Darnell Washington.
Despite playing behind Pat Freiermuth on the depth chart, Washington's underlying efficiency metrics suggest a massive breakout awaits as his role expands.
"Bold prediction for 2027-29: Tight end Darnell Washington will make the top 10 in Jeremy Fowler's annual survey of coaches and executives on the best players at every position," wrote Walder for ESPN. "He might be the Steelers' No. 2 tight end at the moment, but Washington averaged 1.9 yards per route run last season and was in the 83rd percentile among tight ends in run block win rate. Tight end is a position where players can develop slowly, so he has plenty of time to increase his role."
Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 264 pounds, the Georgia product was drafted primarily for his formidable blocking ability. However, the data reveals a far more versatile weapon. Averaging 1.9 yards per route run places Washington among efficient pass-catchers, while his 83rd percentile mark in run block win rate demonstrates his elite utility in heavy formations.
Because tight ends traditionally require longer developmental ramps to master both inline blocking and complex route trees, Washington's steady statistical progression bodes well for his future.

#steelers