J.J. McCarthy may not have won the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback job, but that didn't mean he didn't have a chance to cement himself as the team's primary backup. However, his uneven performance in Saturday's preseason game against the New York Giants raises questions about his development.
After Kyler Murray and the Vikings' first-team offense drove 54 yards for a field goal on the game's opening drive, McCarthy and the second-team offense got off to a bad start. On his first snap under center, McCarthy mistimed a handoff on a jet-sweep to Jeshaun Jones. Two plays later, McCarthy overthrew Jones on an out-route that would have picked up a first down with an accurate pass.
McCarthy finished the day 4/7 for 34 yards, providing the same up-and-down performance that ailed him throughout the 2025 season.
"Experiencing pressure in the pocket should only help his calmness," Alec Lewis wrote in The Athletic on Saturday. "Visualizing coverages should only speed up his on-field awareness. The Vikings entered training camp with hope that they would see growth from their former first-rounder. Although O'Connell has talked positively about McCarthy's development, many of the themes that torpedoed the 2025 season were on display Saturday."
McCarthy's erratic play was accentuated after Carson Wentz entered the game in the second half. Wentz went 9/14 passing for 81 yards and a touchdown. More importantly, he displayed the calming presence one would expect of an 11th-year veteran.

#saturday #wentz

We're officially in the middle of the training camp edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers' countdown to kickoff. With fans needing to wait only 28 more days until the Steel City brand of football returns when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons on September 13, we'll take a look at the most recent and best players to ever wear No. 28.
The Steelers currently have two rookie No. 28 wearers on their roster: wide receiver Levi Wentz and safety Robert-Spears Jennings.
Robert Spears-Jennings, 2026-present
Levi Wentz, 2026-present
Miles Killebrew, 2021-2025

#robert #we 're #pittsburgh

It wasn't a particularly entertaining ordeal, but the Minnesota Vikings came away from their first preseason game with several positives. On a sunny day at MetLife Stadium, the Vikings set the tone early in a 13-10 win, offering optimism that their offseason goal of improving the run game could translate into on-field production.
Of course, improving the run game is only one factor in returning Minnesota's offense to prominence. Kevin O'Connell wanted improved quarterback play, and while Kyler Murray only threw three passes, Carson Wentz showed command of the offense that could lead one to believe that although one quarterback competition is settled, another could quietly be brewing.
Below are three instant takeaways from the Vikings' victory in their preseason opener.
Even O'Connell's most loyal defenders can't hide his team's deficiencies in the run game. Since taking over in 2022, Minnesota has ranked in the bottom 10 in rushing yards three times, never higher than 19th in 2024. The Vikings hired former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith to emphasize a wide-zone running scheme, hoping it would make teams think twice about doubling Justin Jefferson.
Minnesota's first drive gave us a glimpse of what could be coming. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason combined for six runs for 44 yards, each breaking off a run of 15-plus yards on the drive. On top of the offensive line providing good rushing lanes, rookie fullback Max Bredeson helped Jones pop off for an 18-yard gain on the Vikings' first play from scrimmage.

#improving

Lane Johnson's announcement Saturday that this probably will be his last NFL season brought up more than a few memories.
His has been quite a journey — from junior college quarterback to best right tackle in Eagles history, with two Super Bowl rings. Johnson is a certainty for the franchise's Hall of Fame, and I think he ought to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well, as the best right tackle of his era. (His remarks about the deficiencies of "expert rankings" Saturday were very much on point.)
The sharpest memory that came to mind, though, was of a day exactly 10 years ago, when I emerged from a brief phone conversation with Johnson wondering if his career was going to be one of those "what might have been" stories.
It was August 9, 2016, and my training camp focus was on the new rookie quarterback, Carson Wentz, along with the new head coach, Doug Pederson. Then came a report that Johnson, who had served a four-game NFL suspension in 2014 for what was said to be unapproved Adderall usage, had flunked another drug test. That would mean a 10-game NFL suspension, and more ominously, it would put him on the path to a career-killing 2-year ban, should there be a third such instance.
I called him – I'm pretty sure I was the first reporter to reach him after the news broke – and he initially denied any knowledge of a failed test. Within hours, he'd walked that back. I won't go through the whole history of the next several weeks, but the suspension wasn't announced right away, and then Johnson appealed it. Finally, the appeal was denied, as almost all NFL appeals are, and he started serving the suspension, four games into the season.

#fame #tackle

The Iowa Cubs activated right-hander Andrew Wentz from the Development List. Left-hander Luis Peralta went to the Development List.
The Iowa Cubs were pulled into the water by Gannett Stripers (Braves), 7-5.
Jace Beck made his Iowa debut and got rocked for five runs on seven hits over three innings. Beck walked two and struck out three. To be fair, the Stripers were once again loaded with major leaguers in the lineup like Ronald Acuńa Jr., Ha-Seong Kim, Carlos Santana, Andrew McCutchen and José Azócar.
The loss went to Andrew Wentz, who allowed two runs, one earned, on four hits over three innings. Wentz struck out five and walked just one.
Catcher Owen Ayers was 2 for 4 with an RBI and one run scored.

#iowa #three #beck

We're almost there, folks: training camp.
While the NFL offseason is tediously long, I'm usually fine and adequately preoccupied with baseball and the usual summer activities that fill evenings and weekends. The World Cup was also a welcome distraction this year.
Nonetheless, when the MLB All-Star Break hits, the itch becomes impossible to scratch, and football season can't arrive soon enough.
The focus will be on the quarterback competition. Since I last touched on the topic a few weeks ago, the odds have shifted ever so slightly in J.J. McCarthy's favor (-770, 88.5% implied probability, down from -1000, 90.9%).
Regardless, it can still comfortably be filed under "shock" if Kyler Murray isn't under center in Week 1. How I feel and what I want are utterly irrelevant. The important thing is that the Vikings' front office has secured the appropriate insurance policy with Murray and (a healthy) Carson Wentz to ensure last year's quarterback situation is not repeated. Good luck to Kyler and J.J., and whatever happens, happens.

#last #we 're #nonetheless

Stepping into the spotlight often means balancing more than just career goals, some stars also embraced motherhood at an early age. Here are 13 well-known women who welcomed their first children while still young, proving you can shine on screen, on stage, in sports, and at home. Dive in to see the faces and stories behind the headlines, featuring everyone from pop icons to world-class athletes.
Ashlee Simpson became a mother early in her music and acting career. Navigating fame, reality TV, and young motherhood, Ashlee has faced the spotlight with resilience and style. Her son, Bronx Mowgli Wentz, her only child with former husband Pete Wentz, was born on November 20, 2008, as reported by The List. Her journey proves that even with the pressures of Hollywood, starting a family young can be part of a life beautifully lived.
Kate Hudson welcomed her first child at a young age, seamlessly blending her roles as a sought-after actress and a devoted mom. She gave birth to a son, Ryder Russell Robinson, with her ex-husband, Chris Robinson, on January 7, 2004, according to TODAY. Her love for family shines through all aspects of her life, from romantic comedies to fitness ventures. Kate's vibrant personality lights up both her career and her home life.
Victoria Beckham, world-renowned for her transformative journey from pop stardom to fashion mogul, stepped into motherhood early. She and David Beckham welcomed their first child, Brooklyn, on March 4, 1999, when Victoria was just weeks away from turning 25, as reported by Parade. Balancing a whirlwind career and family, she's set the standard for celebrity moms everywhere. Her dedication to family remains as iconic as her influence on style.
Supermodel Jourdan Dunn's career soared while she was still very young, and so did her journey into motherhood. She delivered her first child, a baby boy, on the afternoon of December 8, 2009, according to Essence. She's been celebrated for her candidness about the challenges and triumphs of raising a child in the fashion industry. Jourdan is a role model for young women juggling ambition and parenthood.

Kevin O'Connell sets one standard for Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell appeared on The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday and addressed the quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy by directing the conversation away from who has an edge and toward what the organization needs from whoever wins the job.
"The goal going into this offseason was to elevate the quarterback position because when we have a certain standard of play that we feel like we have multiple guys in that room that we feel are capable of reaching that standard, the Minnesota Vikings win football games," O'Connell said. "The best way to achieve that is having a daily attempt to have guys push each other and not just always need the outside noise or not always need what the narratives may be. Let's roll the ball out there, and let's try to help the Minnesota Vikings get better."
He was direct about where the competition stands while declining to show any preference.
"I'm not really familiar with a closed competition," O'Connell said. On the specific players: "Kyler has come in and done a great job. J.J., I think, has benefited from it; he's had a really good spring. Carson Wentz is this veteran quarterback in the room."

If, in the end, things go sideways at quarterback, then the Vikings will need to hit reset going into 2027. Quite possibly, that will involve moving on from Kevin O’Connell, but that’s a bit of speculation for a different day.
Who would the passer be to compete for the job if things fizzle?
Right now, Kyler Murray is looking to overcome J.J. McCarthy for the QB1 job. Next up is Carson Wentz, an elder statesman who is in town as an ideal QB3. Wentz can get inserted with essentially zero preparation before doing a nice job; Minnesota values that reality. Otherwise, Max Brosmer is the young fella being developed slowly, but his likeliest spot is on the practice squad.
A future where none of these passers are around beyond the current year is unlikely but not impossible.
In March of 2025, Minnesota said goodbye to Sam Darnold; Seattle then said **** o to Sam Darnold. The rest is history (as they say).

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a break until the start of training camp but the front office is still keeping busy, working on the roster. On Monday, the team Steelers cut linebacker Daylan Carnell and punter Aidan Laron and with the roster **** e, signed wide receiver Levi Wentz.
Wentz spent 2025 at the University of Kansas. He hauled in 16 catches for 258 receiving yards and two receiving scores. His highlights show a player with more skill than his stat line indicated and it was more a product of a bad KU offense that failed to get him more involved in the passing game.
This signing might seem like a non-factor but Wentz is a guy who provides a legitimate run-after-the-catch threat at receiver who plays with excellent acceleration. With questions surrounding the bottom of the Steelers wide receiver depth chart, Wentz might have a legitimate shot to compete at training camp.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers cut LB Daylan Carnell, P Aidan Laros; sign WR Levi Wentz

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing wide receiver Levi Wentz, the team announced.
Wentz spent the 2025 college football season with the Kansas Jayhawks, catching 16 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. He began his college career at Old Dominion.
Wentz is a Pittsburgh native, having graduated from Pine-Richland.
In coordination with Wentz’ signing, the Steelers released linebacker Daylan Carnell.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!

The Seattle Seahawks begin their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and they’ve made a roster move prior to their first practice.
Seattle announced on Monday that offensive tackle Bobby Hart has joined the team. Hart was most recently with the Los Angeles Chargers, starting eight games on an injury-riddled line that was without starter Rashawn Slater for the entire season and Joe Alt for most of the year.
The Seahawks waived undrafted rookie receiver Levi Wentz to make room for Hart on the 90-man roster, which means four of their initial seven-man UDFA class is still with the team.
Hart began his career with the New York Giants but is best known as a three-year starter with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2018 to 2020. Subsequent seasons saw limited playing time and no snaps at all in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. To put it very mildly, Hart’s performances generally explained why he wasn’t considered a viable starter after his Bengals career ended.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson indicated that reserve tackle, Josh Jones, hasn’t been practicing at OTAs (at least the ones media could attend), so this might be the reason for the signing.

Seahawks bolster offensive line depth with latest veteran addition originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Seattle Seahawks have added veteran offensive lineman Bobby Hart.
The team announced the news on Monday,
In a corresponding move, the Seahawks cut ties with rookie wide receiver Levi Wentz to make room on the 90-man roster.
Wentz signed with the Seahawks after going undrafted out of Kansas in April.

The Minnesota Vikings set out to improve their quarterback room this offseason. They signed Kyler Murray early in free agency and then brought back Carson Wentz as well. The idea was that, even if they suffer injuries at quarterback again, the backup situation will be much better than in 2025.
Right now, the Vikings are still trying to sell the public on a quarterback competition between Murray and incumbent J.J. McCarthy. While there are reports that McCarthy has improved, it is still widely believed to be Murray's job to lose.
That could influence several moves at the backup quarterback position. Not only could Minnesota mull McCarthy's future, but they could also look to acquire another quarterback project to sit and learn behind Murray and Wentz.
With reports surfacing that the Indianapolis Colts and 2023 Anthony Richardson mutually agreed to seek a trade, could the Vikings try to acquire the former fourth-overall pick? Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes the asking price for Richardson could be a Day 3 pick.
It's worth noting that The Athletic's James Boyd reported that "questions still remain" about Richardson's recovery from an orbital fracture from last October.