
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr breaks his leg after brutal collision with Maxx Crosby in practice
Johnson, 29, was carted off the field after colliding brutally with defensive end Maxx Crosby while attempting to tackle running back Raheem Mostert.
The six-year pro will reportedly undergo an MRI exam to determine if there is any additional damage. Depending on the severity of the injury, including if surgery is required, recovery could range anywhere from 10 weeks to six months.
After his suffering the devastating injury, he took to X on Saturday and wrote: 'Imma soldier [on] chin up chest out - God got me'.
Johnson signed as a free agent with Las Vegas this year after playing last season in Carolina, putting pen to paper on a one-year contract.
He started once for the Panthers and played in 15 games, making seven tackles.
#Raiders safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. left the team's mock game on a cart.
Competing to be a starter, the six-season veteran who signed with Las Vegas this offseason had his ankle rolled up on by Maxx Crosby on this play. pic.twitter.com/qhOPxx1HUr
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) August 2, 2025
The former Kentucky college star has also played for the New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans, racking up 20 career starts with 199 tackles, 15 passes defended and four interceptions over the course of his career.
He has been competing on the second team in practices for Las Vegas, but has been with the starters when they have gone to nickel defenses.
The Raiders, who are co-owned by legendary quarterback Tom Brady, play their first preseason game on Thursday August 7 against the Seattle Seahawks.
After more preseason outings against the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals, they begin the 2025 NFL season away to the New England Patriots.
Home fixtures against the Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears, as well as road trips to the Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts, make up their first five games of the year.
Ahead of the new season, Brady was seen mingling with Raiders players - including star tight end Brock Bowers - in a shock appearance at training camp this week.
It was his first public appearance at practice since NFL owners last year approved his bid to become a minority owner in the team.
Brady and his partner Tom Wagner own 10 percent of the Raiders, with the seven-time Super Bowl winner holding a 5 percent stake in the franchise.

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The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Championship predictions and best bets for 2025/26 season: Tractor Boys & Saints on the march
The last edition of the Championship delivered no shortage of drama on the field with Leeds winning on the final day to secure the title over Burnley on goal difference, Sunderland returning to the top flight via a dramatic play-off final and Luton Town suffering back-to-back relegations. Expectations are therefore high for the return of the second tier, which gets underway on August 8th with the favourites for the title on betting sites, Ipswich Town, taking on newly-promoted Birmingham City. The Tractor Boys and Southampton are the top two in the betting for both the title and promotion as they look to bounce back to the Premiership at the first time of asking. Football betting sites got it right last year after pricing up Leeds and Burnley as the favourites for promotion, but this season's Championship odds suggest plenty have hope of going up with Birmingham, Sheffield United and Leicester City all aiming for the Premier League. The Championship remains perhaps the most difficult league to navigate across the EFL pyramid, though Ipswich managed to do so fairly easily as they won back-to-back promotions to earn a spot in the Premier League ahead of 2024/25. However, it is now that things could get difficult for Kieran McKenna's side, with relegation back into the second division making it arguably more difficult the second time round. However, most online bookmakers have the Tractor Boys as the favourites to win the second division title, with McKenna's experience and tactical nous clearly valued despite the high-profile departures of Liam Delap and potentially Omari Hutchinson. The influx of Premier League cash continues to provide a huge advantage to the clubs who've recently been in the top flight, and that should be no different for Ipswich, who could yet add Hayden Hackney and Dael Fry to the squad after the signings of Azor Matusiwa and Ashley Young. At present it is hard to see past either Ipswich or Southampton – who are second favourites in the Championship winner odds – but when taking into account McKenna's experience at each level and the current crop of players, we're going with the Tractor Boys to win the Championship. Championship promotion prediction: Saints on the promotion march Last season's losing play-off finalists, Sheffield United, are expected to challenge at the top, but the loss of Chris Wilder alongside a raft of yet-to-be-replaced loan players makes them unappealing at the current Championship promotion odds. And fans of an intriguing wager will be interested to see newly promoted Birmingham City at third in the title odds, with bookmakers clearly taken by their League One form and the cash influx of their big-spending owners. However, it's Southampton, another club that seems to have wisely invested its Premier League windfall, that could be the safest bet to claim one of the other promotion spots. Though the Saints briefly threatened to produce a record-breaking failure of a season in the Premier League, they now return to the second division with high hopes. Will Still has been appointed manager with the exciting young coach returning to England after success with both Reims and Lens in the French top flight. There have been some notable departures with Kamaldeen Sulemana going to Atalanta, Aaron Ramsdale joining Newcastle and Jan Bednarek heading to Porto. More outgoings could be forthcoming with Tyler Dibling the subject of some transfer interest. So far, only Damion Downs and Joshua Quarshie have joined a young Saints squad, but more incomings are likely and there's a strong belief on the south coast that Still can turn this squad, which still contains plenty of quality players like Yukinari Sugawara, Joe Aribo and Cameron Archer, into promotion contenders. Championship season prediction 2: Southampton to get promoted - 7/4 Betway Unsurprisingly, it's Sheffield Wednesday who are the overwhelming favourites for relegation from the Championship this season, with the departures of numerous first-team regulars and manager Danny Rohl adding to the Owls' off-pitch crisis that includes a transfer ban and late payments to players and staff. Beyond the Owls, the Championship relegation odds have a slightly strange complexion with newly-promoted Wrexham and Birmingham, who would usually be among the favourites for relegation, fancied to survive and thrive in the second tier after splashing the cash this summer. League One play-off winners Charlton have also invested heavily and it all adds up to Oxford United being priced as the second-favourites for relegation. The U's returned to the Championship for the first time in 25 years last season but despite having the shortest football odds for the drop, they managed to stay up after a late run of form saw them secure 17th place. However, their underlying statistics last season, particularly going forward, are cause for concern, and it could be tough for a club with such a small budget compared to the league's new arrivals to beat the odds once more. Championship season prediction 3: Oxford United to be relegated - 13/5 Bet365 The top scorer for the upcoming Championship season is one of the hardest things to predict in this league, with so many variables making it a difficult yet exciting betting market. It is often the case that players reach the top of the scoring charts even if their team isn't in the promotion race, as was the case last season when three Norwich City players were in the top four – winger Borja Sainz with 18 goals and striker Josh Sargent with 15. However, you can bet on the strikers from the main promotion candidates also being there or thereabouts, with Leeds' Joel Piroe winning the golden boot last season with 19 goals. Nevertheless, the fact that Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill came in second with 18 goals further illustrates what a volatile market this can be! Ahead of 25/26, it's promising Southampton striker Cameron Archer who begins as the favourite in the Championship top scorer odds. Despite only notching two goals for the Saints in the top flight last season, he played over 1,400 minutes and it seems as though bookies are backing him to have learned a lot from that experience. Ipswich forward George Hirst is priced as third favourite in this market at around, but his lack of minutes last season sees him ranked as an outside shout, while Jay Stansfield could be an interesting wager as the second favourite. However, we think it's risky to back the striker of a newly promoted side, no matter how much investment they're getting. Responsible gambling If you're having a bet on the football, it's vital to practice responsible gambling. Betting can be addictive, and it's important to stay in control of your gambling, whether you're using online bookies, casino sites, slot sites, bingo sites or any other gambling platform. Never treat gambling as a way to make money, never bet more than you can afford and when the fun stops, stop. Gambling sites offer punters tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self-exclusion options, to help you stay in control. Try not to get too seduced by free bet offers or casino bonuses, which are widely available on gambling apps. But if you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don't hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below.


The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Transfer news live: Liverpool agree striker fee, Sesko to Man Utd update, Arsenal plot Eze bid
Liverpool have agreed to sell Darwin Nunez to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for £46.3m which should open up funds to purchase Alexander Isak if they are willing to match Newcastle's valuation. Nunez will now undergo a medical ahead of his move to the Saudi Pro League. Arsenal are preparing to bolster their forward line further by signing Crystal Palace 's Eberechi Eze. Palace want a fee in excess of £60m and the Gunners are on the verge of submitting an official. Benjamin Sesko wants to move to Manchester United despite RB Leipzig accepting an offer from Newcastle for the 22-year-old striker. The Premier League clubs are battling to sign a No.9 but the Old Trafford hierarchy are confident they can secure Sesko's signature despite a lack of Champions League football. Newcastle also have issues with Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old has been trying to force a move away from the club amid interest pursuit from Liverpool but the Magpies want a huge fee, having rejected Liverpool 's first bid of £110m. Elsewhere, Ruben Dias is close to agreeing a new contract with Manchester City while Nicolas Jackson is set to leave Chelsea this summer. The complicated character of 'Mr Marinakis' poses one Nottingham Forest question Rarely do footballers cite their club's owner as the key reason behind a major career decision. The script often reads something about managers, teammates, fans or wider ambition - but not about the typically-silent powerbroker, their over-arching employer. Like church and state, shareholders and players often don't cross streams, which is why their praises aren't usually sung by the names on the back of the shirts they sell. Yet when Morgan Gibbs-White addressed the world after penning a shock contract extension at Nottingham Forest, the imposing influence of ownership was present for everyone to see. Forest's star man didn't simply pledge his future to the club. He pledged it to Evangelos Marinakis. The complicated character of 'Mr Marinakis' poses one Nottingham Forest question Following Morgan Gibbs-White's stunning contract U-turn and the bewildering interview that came with it, Will Castle delves into the character behind the Premier League's most intriguing owner Will Castle7 August 2025 11:00 Al Hilal reach agreement in principle for Nunez David Ornstein reports that Al Hilal have reached an agreement in principle with Liverpool for a deal for Darwin Nunez, worth €53m (£46m) plus add-ons. The Liverpool striker is 'indicating willingness to accept' the deal, with 'steps needed to finalise'. Mike Jones7 August 2025 10:51 Hojlund priced at £30m Manchester United are prepared to sell Rasmus Hojlund for £30m this summer says The Times. The 22-year-old Dane is prepared to fight for his place though and when asked if a move away from Old Trafford was on the cards he replied: 'Nothing so far. "I think the most important (thing) for me is just to keep working hard and stay focused and then obviously we'll see what happens. "I think my plan is very clear and that is for me to stay and fight for my spot, whatever happens." AC Milan are the latest club who are said to be interested in the striker, though they would prefer an initial loan with an obligation to buy. Mike Jones7 August 2025 10:40 Liverpool agree Nunez sale Liverpool have reached an agreement with Al Hilal for the sale of Darwin Nunez, reports Sky. It is understood that the Saudi Pro League club are set to pay a fixed fee of £46.2m plus add-ons that could take the deal to over £56m. Sky in Italy are reporting that Al Hilal have accepted Nunez's wage demands, though it is understood that Liverpool are yet to be informed that Nunez has given his blessing for the move. Chris Wilson7 August 2025 10:27 Leicester agree fee for Ndidi transfer Leicester City have agreed a fee worth around £8.5m with Besiktas for Wilfred Ndidi, according to Sky. Ndidi has attracted interest from a number of clubs in the Premier League and Europe after his buy-out clause reduced following Leicester's relegation, but plans are now in place for Ndidi to fly to Istanbul in the next 24 hours to undergo a medical. Mike Jones7 August 2025 10:17 Dortmund still want Sancho deal Borussia Dortmund are still pushing to do a deal for Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho, according to Sky. Though there has been no formal contact with Man Utd, Dortmund are believed to have 'been getting information on the conditions' of a deal, with Utd preferring a permanent deal. Sky's information adds that his valuation is likely to be less than the £25m obligation price Chelsea had, with Juventus and Saudi Pro-League clubs having also shown their interest. Mike Jones7 August 2025 10:05 Premier League clubs interested in Sterling Raheem Sterling is believed to have caught the interest of Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham, according to the Daily Mail. The former England international is virtually guaranteed to make the move away from Chelsea this summer. Mike Jones7 August 2025 09:53 Newcastle to compete for Guehi? Newcastle United are considering returning to a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, according to the Times. Guehi has been a target for Liverpool this summer but was the subject of a large bid from Newcastle last summer, and recent reports suggest that the Reds may not return with another bid, instead targeting young talent from around Europe. This year, it is thought that the Magpies value Guehi at £40m, though Palace's valuation is more like £50m. Mike Jones7 August 2025 09:44 Man United and Newcastle submit contrasting offers for Benjamin Sesko as transfer battle heats up Manchester United have submitted a first offer worth up to €85m for Benjamin Sesko as they battle with Newcastle for the RB Leipzig striker. Earlier on Monday, Newcastle submitted their second offer for Sesko, worth €80m plus a further €10m in potential add-ons, in the hope of getting a deal over the line after seeing their first bid rejected. Newcastle want to secure a replacement striker for manager Eddie Howe as Liverpool pursue Alexander Isak, his top goalscorer last season. Man Utd and Newcastle submit offers for Benjamin Sesko as Leipzig star makes choice Newcastle have submitted a new offer worth up to €90m for the RB Leipzig striker – and now Manchester United have finally made their move Mike Jones7 August 2025 09:30 Man Utd reject offers for Harry Maguire Man Utd have rejected five offers from clubs in the Premier League and Serie A for defender Harry Maguire, reports the Daily Mail. The club have reportedly told potential suitors that Maguire could be offered a new deal to see out his career at Old Trafford, though clubs in Europe and the UK are ready to swoop in if that doesn't happen. Mike Jones7 August 2025 09:08


The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Here's what you need to know about ESPN's new steaming service and its deals with the NFL and WWE
ESPN 's much-discussed streaming service finally has its launch date. The network announced Wednesday that its direct-to-consumer service and enhanced app will debut Aug. 21. The announcement coincided with Disney's quarterly earning report. This week's expanded deals with the NFL and a new partnership with WWE provides ESPN the more inventory and offerings, which it hopes will bolster the company in a landscape that is divided among cable, satellite and streaming. Will the ESPN service result in more subscribers? According to Nielsen, streaming usage surpassed broadcast and cable combined in U.S. television usage for the first time. Streaming was at 44.8% compared to linear's 44.2%. When Nielsen started keeping track in May 2021 linear was at 64% compared to streaming's 26%. The ESPN DTC will start out with around 25 million subscribers as those currently getting ESPN+ will migrate to the new platform. Many of those though are cable and satellite subscribers who get the service through deals with their provider. ESPN is hoping that more cord cutters will pay up to $29.95 per month since it will offer all the ESPN networks — ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX — as well as being able to bundle NFL Network and NFL RedZone through a deal with NFL+ Premium. Trying to determine how many of the DTC service subscribers are cord cutters will be more difficult though. Disney announced during its earnings call Wednesday that it will stop releasing ESPN streaming subscriber metrics beginning next quarter. ESPN was in nearly 100 million households in 2013. Over the past 12 years due to cord cutting and streaming, that number has dropped to 60 million. Over the next two years, that is expected to decrease to fewer than 50 million. What do the NFL and WWE deals mean for ESPN's market footprint? Live sports remains valuable property, but the NFL is the beachfront house. For taking over NFL Network, which had also been steadily losing subscribers, ESPN gets three additional NFL games along with another outlet to air Monday night games when there are more than one, as well as the ability for its app users to get specialty highlights of their favorite players or teams. There will also be ways to access stats, betting and fantasy sports info on the app while watching games. The WWE premium live events (they're no longer called pay-per-views) also makes sense when ESPN takes over from Peacock next year. After all, the E in ESPN stands for entertainment. As Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria pointed out when it started carrying 'Monday Night Raw' earlier this year, the WWE has a multigenerational and loyal fan base that will flock to whoever carries the events. The WWE deal applies only to the U.S. though. Netflix has the rights for overseas. Can all of this turn around ESPN's financial outlook? It does carry some risks. ESPN had $4.3 billion in revenue last quarter, an increase of 1% from last year, but the operating profit decreased 7% to $1 billion due to increased rights fees. It is paying the NFL an average of $2.7 billion per year while the NBA 11-year deal that begins this upcoming season averages $2.6 billion per year. The five-year WWE deal will average $325 million per year. This also comes at a time when the network opted out of its $550 million contract with Major League Baseball beginning next year and appears to be out of the running for Formula One rights. ESPN pays $75 million to $90 million per year under its three-year deal, but Liberty Media, which owns F1, is seeking at least $120 million for the next contract, which begins in 2026. ESPN needs more than cable and satellite subscriber affiliate fees, which is also why it is launching a DTC product to gain more revenue. The past two years, it was been involved in prolonged negotiations with DirecTV and Spectrum before reaching deals. How can viewers get the ESPN streaming service? If cable and satellite subscribers already get ESPN+, they will automatically migrate to the new service. For cord cutters, there is an offer where they can get the ESPN unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. ___