1 day ago
Linebacker Kain Medrano is ready to get on the field at Commanders training camp.
Medrano was placed on the physically unable to perform list to open camp, but the team announced that he has been activated on Monday morning. Medrano has been dealing with a hamstring injury.
Medrano was a sixth-round pick last year and he appeared in nine games as a rookie. He had five tackles and a fumble recovery while playing exclusively on special teams.
Washington still has cornerback Trey Amos, defensive end Dorance Armstrong, and defensive end Deatrich Wise on the PUP list. Punter Tress Way is on the non-football injury list.
#injury #kain
Medrano was placed on the physically unable to perform list to open camp, but the team announced that he has been activated on Monday morning. Medrano has been dealing with a hamstring injury.
Medrano was a sixth-round pick last year and he appeared in nine games as a rookie. He had five tackles and a fumble recovery while playing exclusively on special teams.
Washington still has cornerback Trey Amos, defensive end Dorance Armstrong, and defensive end Deatrich Wise on the PUP list. Punter Tress Way is on the non-football injury list.
#injury #kain
7 days ago
The Washington Commanders begin training camp on Wednesday. But before the players hit the field, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn met with the media to preview camp and provide some updates.
Peters began the media session with a pair of injury updates from training camp. Last week, the Commanders placed cornerback Trey Amos, edge rusher Dorance Armstrong and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to begin training camp.
Those moves weren't unexpected, considering all three players finished last season on injured reserve after suffering season-ending injuries.
You can add two more players to Washington's injury list to kick off camp: punter Tress Way and linebacker Kain Medrano. Fortunately, neither will be added to the PUP list.
"Tress Way and Kain Medrano are both dealing with injuries, so they won't be dressed up tomorrow," Peters said.
#tress #medrano
Peters began the media session with a pair of injury updates from training camp. Last week, the Commanders placed cornerback Trey Amos, edge rusher Dorance Armstrong and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to begin training camp.
Those moves weren't unexpected, considering all three players finished last season on injured reserve after suffering season-ending injuries.
You can add two more players to Washington's injury list to kick off camp: punter Tress Way and linebacker Kain Medrano. Fortunately, neither will be added to the PUP list.
"Tress Way and Kain Medrano are both dealing with injuries, so they won't be dressed up tomorrow," Peters said.
#tress #medrano
7 days ago
Monday was full of surprises for the Washington Commanders. First, the Commanders announced they had fired tight ends coach Ben Steele. Later on Monday, Washington revealed it had placed veteran linebacker/special teams stalwart Nick Bellore on the reserve/retired list.
Bellore, 37, was set to enter his 16th NFL season in 2026, and his third with the Commanders. He was among Washington's top special teams performers over the past two seasons and is a former two-time Pro Bowl selection.
Bellore was an important player. He was a key figure on all of Washington's special teams units. But while his loss will be felt, it could be a blessing in disguise for one former Commanders' draft pick.
Linebacker Kain Medrano, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, could be the player to most benefit from Bellore's retirement. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder played in nine games as a rookie last season. He did not appear on the field for one defensive snap, but did play 62% of Washington's defensive snaps.
A phenomenal athlete, Medrano had a 9.83 Relative Athletic Score coming out of UCLA. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and posted terrific testing numbers across the board. But with Washington's offseason acquisitions of Leo Chenal and Sonny Styles, Medrano's place on the 2026 roster was no longer a given.
#Monday
Bellore, 37, was set to enter his 16th NFL season in 2026, and his third with the Commanders. He was among Washington's top special teams performers over the past two seasons and is a former two-time Pro Bowl selection.
Bellore was an important player. He was a key figure on all of Washington's special teams units. But while his loss will be felt, it could be a blessing in disguise for one former Commanders' draft pick.
Linebacker Kain Medrano, a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, could be the player to most benefit from Bellore's retirement. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder played in nine games as a rookie last season. He did not appear on the field for one defensive snap, but did play 62% of Washington's defensive snaps.
A phenomenal athlete, Medrano had a 9.83 Relative Athletic Score coming out of UCLA. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and posted terrific testing numbers across the board. But with Washington's offseason acquisitions of Leo Chenal and Sonny Styles, Medrano's place on the 2026 roster was no longer a given.
#Monday
7 days ago
Unlike other blue bloods, Michigan doesn't often reel in high five-star prospects. For every Rashan Gary and Bryce Underwood, there are classes without a single five-star in it that are developed into powerhouse football teams. The class of 2026 is the former, as Michigan brought in two five-stars this offseason in Savion Hiter and Carter Meadows. Meadows has the makings of a star, but will need some time to get ready for Big Ten action.
Meadows hails from Gonzaga High School in Washington D.C., one of the more well-known powerhouse high school programs. In fact, he was high school teammates with fellow Wolverine Kainoa Winston, and Evan Link also attended Gonzaga. In high school, Meadows was 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds. He possesses a frame that NFL scouts tend to drool over out of an edge rusher.
Naturally, a high schooler with elite athleticism and an NFL frame coming from a national powerhouse of a school was bound to get attention nationally. Meadows received offers from just about every major program, with 247Sports listing 29 offers. Carter made four official visits — South Carolina, Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan, in that order.
In typical fashion, Carter's recruitment came down to Michigan and Ohio State. While certain sites may try to convince you the Buckeyes weren't going all in on Meadows, that would be incorrect. Meadows committed to Michigan, as Lou Esposito and company were able to close on Meadows, and Kyle Whittingham and the new staff were able to retain him.
As for his on the field skills, Meadows is about as good as they come for his age. He is an explosive edge with incredible bend and football IQ. He plays smart and is an avid run-defender. Meadows is also advanced for his age when it comes to pass-rushing moves.
#michigan #high #school #powerhouse
Meadows hails from Gonzaga High School in Washington D.C., one of the more well-known powerhouse high school programs. In fact, he was high school teammates with fellow Wolverine Kainoa Winston, and Evan Link also attended Gonzaga. In high school, Meadows was 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds. He possesses a frame that NFL scouts tend to drool over out of an edge rusher.
Naturally, a high schooler with elite athleticism and an NFL frame coming from a national powerhouse of a school was bound to get attention nationally. Meadows received offers from just about every major program, with 247Sports listing 29 offers. Carter made four official visits — South Carolina, Penn State, Ohio State and Michigan, in that order.
In typical fashion, Carter's recruitment came down to Michigan and Ohio State. While certain sites may try to convince you the Buckeyes weren't going all in on Meadows, that would be incorrect. Meadows committed to Michigan, as Lou Esposito and company were able to close on Meadows, and Kyle Whittingham and the new staff were able to retain him.
As for his on the field skills, Meadows is about as good as they come for his age. He is an explosive edge with incredible bend and football IQ. He plays smart and is an avid run-defender. Meadows is also advanced for his age when it comes to pass-rushing moves.
#michigan #high #school #powerhouse
27 days ago
There's no stopping the Clatsop County Special Olympic athletes. Brittney Clarke and Jacob McCarr competed in three different events at the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis. Clarke won gold in the 400-meter walk and also medaled in the 4 x 100-meter relay and mini javelin. McCarr placed fifth in the shot put, was a member of the second-place co-ed 4 x 100 relay team and competed in the 100-yard dash. After Clarke and McCarr brought home medals, Clarke and the rest of the athletes in Clatsop County Special Olympics are set to go on the road and compete this weekend.
The 2026 Oregon Summer Games are slated for July 10 through the 12, and are slated to take place at Oregon State University in Corvallis. Twenty Clatsop County Special Olympics athletes are set to compete in two sports: track and field and bocce ball.
Clarke will lead a list of 12 total track and field athletes. She will be joined by Alex Cary, Joey Bailey, Nicholas Bailey, Blake Chick, Mathias Costello, Marie Kajula, Jack Kain, Jonathan Lempea, Beau Routh, Cheyenne Valunzuela, Megan Wilson and coaches Bill and Karen Lempea. There will also be seven community members going as volunteers, including: Phil and Julie Chick, Michael and Danielle Cary, Clatsop County Special Olympics Program Director David McAloney, Susan Hiebert and Tracie Hunter.
Bocce is one of the newer sports added to the Special Olympics calendar this year and Clatsop County has a total of eight athletes participating this weekend: Brandi Higgins, Angelica Lizarraga, Ben Johnson, David Killion, Jesse Banks, Jerry Allen, Jackie Bleech and Nikki Fletcher. Coaches Patty Kain and Brenda Higgins will also travel with the athletes.
The Italian based game has slowly been gaining popularity in America after getting its start in Italy and other European countries. The lawn game is similar to bowling where teams roll large ******* to try and get them as close as possible to a smaller target called a pallino. It can be played on either grass, sand or a dedicated hardcourt. Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi popularized the game in Italy during the late 19th century and it has since become an Olympic sport.
The 2026 Oregon Summer Games are slated for July 10 through the 12, and are slated to take place at Oregon State University in Corvallis. Twenty Clatsop County Special Olympics athletes are set to compete in two sports: track and field and bocce ball.
Clarke will lead a list of 12 total track and field athletes. She will be joined by Alex Cary, Joey Bailey, Nicholas Bailey, Blake Chick, Mathias Costello, Marie Kajula, Jack Kain, Jonathan Lempea, Beau Routh, Cheyenne Valunzuela, Megan Wilson and coaches Bill and Karen Lempea. There will also be seven community members going as volunteers, including: Phil and Julie Chick, Michael and Danielle Cary, Clatsop County Special Olympics Program Director David McAloney, Susan Hiebert and Tracie Hunter.
Bocce is one of the newer sports added to the Special Olympics calendar this year and Clatsop County has a total of eight athletes participating this weekend: Brandi Higgins, Angelica Lizarraga, Ben Johnson, David Killion, Jesse Banks, Jerry Allen, Jackie Bleech and Nikki Fletcher. Coaches Patty Kain and Brenda Higgins will also travel with the athletes.
The Italian based game has slowly been gaining popularity in America after getting its start in Italy and other European countries. The lawn game is similar to bowling where teams roll large ******* to try and get them as close as possible to a smaller target called a pallino. It can be played on either grass, sand or a dedicated hardcourt. Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi popularized the game in Italy during the late 19th century and it has since become an Olympic sport.
1 month ago
The Philadelphia Flyers have made their final selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. With the 213th pick in the 7th round, the Flyers selected Max Laatikainen, a 6’0″ right-shot defenseman from the Finnish leagues.
Laatikainen, 17 and with a late September birthday, is the youngest player in the draft class.
After Round 1, GM Danny Briere said that the team would still consider drafting a smaller puck-moving defenseman, especially after losing Emil Andrae in the Joseph Woll trade. He did so with that selection.
Laatikainen is a smooth skater and an effortless puck-mover. Per Elite Prospects, he makes retrievals look easy and makes things look nonchalant, which can and has come back to haunt him at times.
He has not found much power-play success, but as a 17-year-old, that’s not necessarily a surprise. There is still plenty of room for the player to grow and develop positively.
Laatikainen, 17 and with a late September birthday, is the youngest player in the draft class.
After Round 1, GM Danny Briere said that the team would still consider drafting a smaller puck-moving defenseman, especially after losing Emil Andrae in the Joseph Woll trade. He did so with that selection.
Laatikainen is a smooth skater and an effortless puck-mover. Per Elite Prospects, he makes retrievals look easy and makes things look nonchalant, which can and has come back to haunt him at times.
He has not found much power-play success, but as a 17-year-old, that’s not necessarily a surprise. There is still plenty of room for the player to grow and develop positively.
2 months ago
The Washington Commanders wrapped up the offseason program on Thursday, completing their three-day mandatory minicamp. The next step for the Commanders is training camp, which begins in around five weeks from Ashburn.
After Thursday's practice, head coach Dan Quinn met with the media to discuss the offseason and what lies ahead until training camp. Quinn specifically mentioned eight players who stood out this offseason.
"The team’s worked incredibly hard, you know, strength and conditioning-wise, they've made significant gains," Quinn said. "But just a few people I thought jumped out, defensively, [DE] T.J. [Maguranyanga], so I thought he's one that's improved. Jay-Z [DT Jer’Zhan Newton] I thought had great camp linebackers, [LB] Kain [Medrano] and [LB] Jordan [Magee], through this time was big."
Some of those names are interesting. Maguranyanga is a member of the NFL's International Player Pathway program and was with the Commanders last season. He's a former rugby player and hails from Zimbabwe. While he faces long odds of making the team, Washington does get a roster exemption if he is back on the practice squad in 2026.
Could this be the year for Newton? A second-round pick in 2024, Newton wasn't healthy in his first two offseasons. He's been healthy this offseason, and the Commanders remain high on him. His performance against the Cowboys on Christmas Day gave a glimpse into his potential. Quinn believes new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones can help unlock Newton.
After Thursday's practice, head coach Dan Quinn met with the media to discuss the offseason and what lies ahead until training camp. Quinn specifically mentioned eight players who stood out this offseason.
"The team’s worked incredibly hard, you know, strength and conditioning-wise, they've made significant gains," Quinn said. "But just a few people I thought jumped out, defensively, [DE] T.J. [Maguranyanga], so I thought he's one that's improved. Jay-Z [DT Jer’Zhan Newton] I thought had great camp linebackers, [LB] Kain [Medrano] and [LB] Jordan [Magee], through this time was big."
Some of those names are interesting. Maguranyanga is a member of the NFL's International Player Pathway program and was with the Commanders last season. He's a former rugby player and hails from Zimbabwe. While he faces long odds of making the team, Washington does get a roster exemption if he is back on the practice squad in 2026.
Could this be the year for Newton? A second-round pick in 2024, Newton wasn't healthy in his first two offseasons. He's been healthy this offseason, and the Commanders remain high on him. His performance against the Cowboys on Christmas Day gave a glimpse into his potential. Quinn believes new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones can help unlock Newton.
