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USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin reveals which CB will cover Buccaneers' Mike Evans in practice
Heading into the Pittsburgh Steelers' joint practice and preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there aren't many cornerbacks who could successfully cover All-Pro WR Mike Evans — something HC Mike Tomlin knows all too well. Reporters had the opportunity to catch up with Tomlin before the joint practice in Pittsburgh, and when asked which cornerback of the elite Steelers trio would match up against the Buccaneers superstar, Tomlin laughed off that there was really no debate: Jalen Ramsey would get the opportunity. "There's not a whole lot of conversations. Jalen's going to get it," Tomlin said on Thursday, via ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "Some people may hate it, and I love that competitive spirit in the collective, but I think it's already been decided." Evans got the better of Ramsey the last time the two faced off on January 23, 2022 — during the NFC Divisional playoffs. While the Rams would advance with a win over Tampa Bay, Evans caught eight passes for 119 yards and one touchdown. It's safe to say Ramsey's looking to even the score with some matchup wins throughout joint practice, which will be covered extensively here at Steelers Wire — as will the Steelers' preseason Week 2 matchup against the Buccaneers taking place on Saturday, August 16, at 7:00 PM EST. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Miami Herald
05-08-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Report: Teddy Bridgewater seeking NFL return after stepping down at Northwestern
Not long after officially resigning from his job coaching his high school alma mater, Miami Northwestern, former Miami Dolphins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is reportedly seeking another return with an NFL team this week. According to a report by CBS Sports' Bryant McFadden, Bridgewater visited Tampa Bay on Tuesday and could sign with the Bucs pending the results of a physical. Bridgewater, 32, officially stepped down earlier this week from his position as coach of the Bulls in the wake of a controversial suspension laid down by the school for violating Florida High School Athletic Association rules regarding 'impermissible benefits' for his players. Bridgewater was suspended in early July, and a source with knowledge of the situation told the Miami Herald it was set to be for the duration of the upcoming high school football season. Bridgewater had previously posted on his Facebook page, asking fans to help him recover at least some of the money he has spent on his players, including $700 per week for Uber rides, and reportedly also spent $2,200 for pregame meals and over $1,300 for athletic-recovery services. The sanction sparked outrage from the local community in Liberty City all the way to the Florida state capitol as many petitioned for Bridgewater's reinstatement. But the former star quarterback for the Bulls, who returned to his alma mater's sidelines last season, appears ready to put on the pads himself once again at the pro level. Bridgewater already made a brief return to the league last January after taking a hiatus from his coaching duties at Northwestern to back up Jared Goff in Detroit. He appeared and threw one pass in the Lions' NFC Divisional loss to the Washington Commanders. If Bridgewater signs with the Bucs, he would likely back up starter Baker Mayfield and have a chance to suit up in a regular season game for his seventh NFL team. Bridgewater, a first-round pick of the Vikings in 2014 who backed up Tua Tagovailoa in Miami in 2022, has also played for the Saints, Panthers and Broncos. Bridgewater led his alma mater to its first state title since 2019 and their ninth overall in his only season as coach last year. Northwestern had gone 4-6 the previous season and missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. Northwestern, which is now coached by former assistant Quentin Victim, heads into this season still expected to be among the best in not only South Florida, but nationally as well, led by star talent such as Syracuse commit Calvin Russell and four-star receiver Nick Lennear. The Bulls are set to open their season on Aug. 23 at Traz Powell Stadium against California power Orange Lutheran.
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Lions coach Dan Campbell: 'We're out to finish what we started'
"We're out to finish what we started." It's a simple statement from Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, said before Monday's practice session on the second day of training camp. But it also serves as a permeating mission statement for the 2025 edition of the Detroit Lions. The Lions couldn't quite finish out the 2024 season as hoped. The 15-2 regular season collapsed under the weight of rampant injuries across the defense and a talented foe in Washington that didn't know it was supposed to lose the NFC Divisional round game in Ford Field. The 2023 campaign ended for Detroit a game too early, too, with Campbell's Lions unable to hold onto a halftime lead in San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game. This year is about finishing. Or, as Campbell also said immediately thereafter, "We're going to close out some of these debts," Campbell continued. "That's the mindset." It's a mindset smartly espoused by veteran running back David Montgomery after Sunday's practice with his "year of reckoning" comment. Campbell indicated he told the team before camp opened that's the way to keep looking at the coming season, that the team hasn't done yet what it is capable of doing. Campbell concluded with the following thought, "No matter who we play, no matter what people think, man, we're going."
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Rams Latest Signing Could Point to Major Repeated Issue From 2024 Season
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Los Angeles Rams pulled off a massive rebound during the 2024 season. Despite starting the season 1-4, the team was able to put together a massive 5-1 run to secure a playoff berth. More news: Exclusive: Barry Sanders Reveals New Details on His Heart Attack A major reason for the rough start was the offensive line of the Rams being decimated by injuries. Alaric Jackson, Rob Havenstein, Steve Avila, and Jonah Jackson missed the beginning of the season due to injuries and Jackson being suspended for the first two games. Now, the Rams are looking ahead to the 2025 season, but the team is once again faced with a potential big hit on the offensive line. Alaric Jackson is currently dealing with blood clots, which is a similar issue faced in 2022. #Rams OT Alaric Jackson, a key member of the O-line who just signed an extension, is dealing with blood clots once again, per The Insiders. Similar to what he had in 2022. While the belief is he'll play in 2025, there are still questions. That explains the DJ Humphries signing. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2025 Though multiple reports have indicated that Jackson could play, there is enough concern that the Rams signed former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman D.J. Humphries. We have signed OL D.J. Humphries to a 1-year deal. ⤵️ — Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) June 13, 2025 The Rams announced that Humphries had been signed to a one-year deal. It's never a bad idea to sign more depth, especially on the offensive line. Humphries coming aboard was the right move, as the Rams saw firsthand what it's like to have thin offensive line depth. However, there also sounds like there be deeper concerns with the blood clot issues that Jackson is facing. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Jonah Jackson #72 and Neville Gallimore #92 of the Los Angeles Rams walk together prior to the NFC Divisional playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on... PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Jonah Jackson #72 and Neville Gallimore #92 of the Los Angeles Rams walk together prior to the NFC Divisional playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. MoreMore news: Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Offers Major Update on TJ Watt Minicamp Holdout Considering his injury history, the Rams might be preparing for a reality where Jackson is going to miss multiple games. The Rams have a new offense to take care of, which includes the loss of veteran Cooper Kupp, but also the addition of Davante Adams. Adams and Puka Nacua figure to be the new one-two punch combo that can propel the offense in an even bigger way. With running back Kyren Williams also a star, the Rams' offense could be even more dangerous in 2025. The issue is that the offense will sputter again if the offensive line is not in top shape. Losing Jackson for multiple games will certainly put a damper on the offensive line, but Humphries is a nice addition. He is still a young contributor who can replace Jackson in a solid way, should the veteran have to miss multiple games due to the blood clot issue he is dealing with. The hope for the Rams is that no one else on the offensive line suffers an injury, like in the 2024 season. More NFL: Jets' Sauce Gardner Makes Decision on Flag Football Olympics Involvement For more on the Rams and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
04-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears to sign Case Keenum: 5 things to know about Chicago's new QB
Bears to sign Case Keenum: 5 things to know about Chicago's new QB The Chicago Bears added to their quarterback room with the signing of 12-year veteran Case Keenum to serve as a mentor for Caleb Williams. With new head coach Ben Johnson leading the charge, he added a veteran quarterback to not only help with the transition and introduction of a new offense but also an experienced quarterback that has been missing in the room. For the past two seasons, undrafted Tyson Bagent has served as the team's backup quarterback, becoming a fan-favorite in Chicago, but there had not been a true veteran in the position group. Keenum will help Williams develop bringing experience, mentorship, and an added option if the team were to have to turn to a backup. With Keenum in Chicago, here are five things to know about the new Bears quarterback. 1. Keenum is a journeyman quarterback In his 12-year career, Keenum has established himself as a veteran journeyman quarterback having played with seven different organizations: Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and the Bears make it eight. Keenum has been used as both a starter and backup throughout his time in the league. 2. Keenum orchestrated the "Minneapolis Miracle" Back in 2017, Keenum led the Minnesota Vikings to a 13-3 record, winning the NFC North division and putting Keenum in the Top 100 players in 2018. During the NFC Divisional playoff game against the New Orleans Saints, Keenum threw for 318 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, but that touchdown will go down as one of the most memorable in Vikings franchise history. With just 10 seconds left in the game, Keenum hurled a 61-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs to clinch the win over the Saints, dubbed the "Minneapolis Miracle." Minnesota went on to lose in the NFC Championship game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. 3. Keenum has mentored three former No. 1 overall picks During his time in the league, Keenum has served as a mentor to three overall picks, now including Caleb Williams with Chicago. Before signing with the Bears, Keenum was the backup to Minnesota's Sam Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, and then in Cleveland when he was behind Baker Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Keenum will provide an experienced voice in the quarterback room for Williams. 4. Keenum became FBS leader in all-time total offense During his college days with the Houston Cougars, Keenum became the FBS leader in all-time total offense, passing yards, and touchdown passes. He would have his No. 7 retired by his alma mater as he reached many accolades during his time with Houston, winning the Sammy Baugh trophy in 2009 and 2011, and was a First-Team All-American in the 2009 season. 5. Keenum made college football history Throughout his remarkable collegiate career, Keenum did not just make waves in Conference USA or Houston Cougars history, he also made college football history. Keenum is the only quarterback in college FBS history to throw for at least 5,000 yards in each of three seasons, and he's the only player in college football history to surpass 20,000 total yards of offense. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter and Facebook
