Latest news with #Pryor
USA Today
20 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sign Brandon Scherff? Make a trade? Here are Eagles' options to replace Landon Dickerson
Here's a quick look at who the Eagles could call on from their current roster, free agency and a potential robust trade market at offensive guard The Eagles could be without Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson for an extended period after he suffered a torn meniscus during the open stadium practice at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday evening. Dickerson had a Monday MRI that revealed an injury, but not its severity. A meniscus tear can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to heal, depending on the severity of the tear and the treatment approach. A minor tear, treated with rest and physical therapy, could heal in 4-8 weeks, costing Dickerson a few games and 3-6 months for complete recovery. A more severe tear for Dickerson could require surgery, and potentially up to 6-9 months for a full return to activities. With Eagles fans and media patiently waiting for a prognosis, we're looking at options currently on the roster, in free agency, and via a potential trade that could help absorb the loss of the perennial Pro Bowl offensive guard. On the Eagles' roster Brett Toth Toth was signed by the Eagles in 2019 after he was granted a military waiver from the Army. He was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals before rejoining Philadelphia and spending time on both the active roster and practice squad, appearing in 17 games total in 2020 and 2021. Toth played three games for the Panthers in 2023. He was released in December and signed to the Eagles' practice squad for the remainder of that season, and spent all of 2024 on the practice squad. Matt Pryor Pryor spent the 2024 season with the Chicago Bears after playing the 2023 season in San Francisco. The Eagles selected Pryor in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft out of TCU. Last season, Pryor saw action in all 17 games for Chicago, making 15 starts at offensive guard. Pryor was solid in 2024 and was the 21st highest graded offensive guard in 2024 according to PFF. Kenyon Green The Eagles acquired the former first-round pick in a trade with the Houston Texans this offseason. The 15th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, Green (6-4, 325) has started 23 games in his career and will look to have a breakout season finally. Trevor Keegan A fifth-round pick in 2024, Keegan (6-5, 306 pounds) will look to take the next step and push for more playing time after spending all of his rookie season on the active roster. He took snaps at the center position during OTAs. Free Agent options Brandon Scherff, G Another potential addition for depth, the veteran offensive guard had a pass block win rate of 93.8% last year, which ranked 14th among guards, according to ESPN. Jedrick Wills Jr., OT Wills is sitting out the year, but could be in line for a position switch like Mekhi Becton, and he's still a solid pass blocker who has a career pass block win rate of 92.0%. Dalton Risner The 29-year-old Risner was a second-round pick of the Broncos in 2019 and played four years in Denver before signing with the Vikings in 2023. He has been a starter when healthy throughout his NFL career. Trade Candidates Liam Eichenberg-Miami Dolphins Eichenberg, 27, has played in 60 games and started 52 in his four seasons with the Dolphins. While he has consistently struggled throughout his career, the veteran lineman has made starts at all five positions, and coaches have valued his versatility. However, Eichenberg is currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Tytus Howard-Houston Texans Howard, who has been a key piece for Houston's offensive line, has been mentioned as a trade candidate. The 29-year-old is versatile, having played tackle and guard.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
How Badgers Kendric Pryor, Maema Njongmeta fared in Bengals' NFL preseason opener
It was an up-and-down evening for former Wisconsin Badgers Kendric Pryor and Maema Njongmeta, as their Cincinnati Bengals opened their 2025 NFL preseason schedule against the Philadelphia Eagles. Njongmeta fared well during the Bengals' narrow 34-27 defeat, delivering five tackles (one solo) and a pass breakup that led to an interception. Down 17 points with just over 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Eagles quarterback Kyle McCord airmailed his intended target over the middle. The ball then bounced off Njongmeta's facemask, into the waiting arms of linebacker Joe Giles-Harris. While not a typical highlight interception, it was another productive moment for the former undrafted free agent. Njongmeta may be battling for a 53-man roster spot entering the 2025 season. He's listed as a backup inside linebacker behind free-agent signee Oren Burks. Thursday's strong preseason debut should help to solidify that position as the team's primary reserve at the position. Meanwhile, on the other side of the football, Pryor had a quiet night. He was targeted just once and did not register a catch. Pryor faces more of an uphill battle to make the Bengals' roster than his former Wisconsin teammate. The wideout has spent much of his three-year NFL career on practice squads, both with the Bengals and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has just two regular-season appearances: Week 9 and Week 18 of the 2024 season. He totaled one catch for nine receiving yards in that limited action. Pryor and Njongmeta's respective statuses will be worth watching as the preseason schedule continues. Njongmeta was one of the major stories of the 2024 preseason, as he made the 53-man roster after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent. The Bengals are back in action on Monday, Aug. 18, against the Washington Commanders. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Boston Globe
5 days ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
Stefan Pryor to return as R.I. commerce secretary
'While Stefan has not been in the Commerce building for the past [three] years, it would be a mistake to think he hasn't remained deeply connected to its work,' said Karl Wadensten, a Commerce Corporation board member and the CEO of VIBCO Vibrators. 'His fingerprint — his DNA — is economic development.' Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up In 2022, Pryor left the Commerce Corporation, the state's economic development agency, to run over the department's contracting practices that circumvented the state's purchasing rules. Advertisement A Globe investigation last year found that the Housing Department under Pryor Pryor did not respond to the Globe's request for comment. Pryor stepped down from his role as housing secretary in July 2024 to become a partner at Palm Venture Studios, a Texas-based venture capital and private equity firm. He was still McKee is reappointing Pryor to oversee the economic development strategy of the state at a time when Rhode Island continues to Advertisement Some in the business community rejoiced over Pryor's return. During his first time as commerce secretary, Pryor 'proved to be a tireless advocate for small businesses across the state — most notably during the height of the pandemic, when he worked around the clock to deliver critical relief programs that helped keep our small business community afloat,' said Rick Simone, the president of the Federal Hill Commerce Association and managing director of the Rhode Island Small Business Coalition, who called Pryor's leadership 'instrumental' in Rhode Island's economic recovery. Laurie White, the president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, said she looks forward to working with Pryor again to 'improve our business climate.' Pryor replaces Jim Bennett, who was appointed as the interim secretary of 'Commerce has experienced real momentum over the past several years, and we believe this partnership between Stefan Pryor and Jim Bennett will position us to build upon and accelerate our progress,' said McKee in a statement. Bennett replaced Advertisement Pryor previously served as the commissioner of education in Connecticut under former governor Dannel P. Malloy, who had Before his work in Connecticut, Pryor served as the deputy mayor of Newark, N.J., from 2006 to 2011, tasked with overseeing the city's economic development under then-mayor Cory Booker, now a US Senator. Pryor's nomination will need to be confirmed by the Rhode Island state Senate when legislators return to Smith Hill in January. Alexa Gagosz can be reached at
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
Leadership at Rhode Island's top economic development agency is in limbo at a critical moment for the state's economy
Advertisement The next leader of the powerful agency will help shape the Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up On Tuesday, Bennett did not attend the Commerce Corporation's board meeting, which was chaired by McKee alongside chief of staff Advertisement Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, left, seated next to Savage Law Partners attorney Christopher Fragomeni, right, as he chairs a Rhode Island Commerce Corporation board meeting on Aug. 5. Alexa Gagosz McKee has not said whether Bennett will be promoted to lead the agency permanently, or if he's considering bringing back Stefan I. Pryor, the agency's former secretary. If McKee were to appoint Pryor, the move would revive the political career of a longtime public official whose most recent stint in state government Neither Pryor or Bennett responded to the Globe's requests for comment. Pryor previously led the Commerce Corporation under former governor Related : In an interview with the Globe on Tuesday evening, McKee would not discuss the future of Commerce's top leadership role. 'We have nothing finalized, but we are working on just continuing the progress that Commerce has made over the last few years since I've been governor, which is significant,' said McKee. Advertisement When asked about Pryor's future specifically, McKee said, 'I'm not going to get into any particulars in terms of personnel right now.' Karl Wadensten, a Commerce Corporation board member and the CEO of VIBCO Vibrators, said Pryor and Bennett working alongside one another with the rest of the Commerce staff would be a 'dream team.' 'But that team will need to have bold goals and move with urgency,' said Wadensten. 'The stakes are high.' The secretary role isn't the only one left unfulfilled at the agency. Since Commerce's Chief Marketing Officer As companies are evaluating their presence in Rhode Island, and other states are recruiting talent from the state, 'we can't afford to be complacent,' said Wadensten, who said Commerce's role cannot be limited to transactional programs. Commerce 'must be a visible, vocal advocate, forging relationships on Smith Hill and throughout the state to ensure business retention and attraction remain top priorities,' said Wadensten. While Commerce secretary, Pryor was credited with helping broker high-profile development deals, including the planned redevelopment of Advertisement Pryor stepped down from his role as housing secretary in July 2024 to become a partner at Palm Venture Studios, a Texas-based venture capital and private equity firm. He was still McKee appointed Bennett as president and chief operating officer of Rhode Island Commerce in April 2024. At the time, his appointment pulled the former businessman out of retirement. While serving as president of Commerce, Bennett was credited with bringing Canton, Mass.-based From 2011 to 2015, Bennett served as Providence's director of economic development. He also served on the board of directors of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority on and off from 1995 until he When asked whether Bennett would return to his previous post as Commerce president, McKee said, 'We'll have that in order in terms of how we're going to proceed,' but never directly answered the question. McKee said changes at Commerce could be announced by the end of the week. Alexa Gagosz can be reached at
San Francisco Chronicle
6 days ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Why S.F. residents say the city is finally undergoing a major vibe shift
Fewer homeless encampments and trash-strewn sidewalks. Busier restaurants and retail shops. A new mayor who hits the streets almost daily to chat with residents and business owners. These are just some of the reasons why San Franciscans say they now feel optimistic about the city's future despite years of negative news about empty downtown offices, widespread public drug use, rampant stolen-goods sales and other serious concerns. Residents' bullish attitudes about the city and Mayor Daniel Lurie were captured in a Chronicle poll last month. The survey found that public sentiment had improved dramatically: 57% of respondents viewed the quality of life in San Francisco favorably in July compared to 39% who felt the same one year earlier. And 48% said they expect conditions to get better in the coming years, a nine-point improvement from last year. The Chronicle interviewed more than a dozen people who participated in the poll, as well as other experts and community leaders who did not. The picture that emerged was a hopeful one: Across San Francisco, there's a sense that the city's recovery from the pandemic is finally gaining momentum. Crime is down, tourism is up and voters are feeling good about their decision to replace former Mayor London Breed with Lurie, a political novice. North Beach resident Miki Pryor said she believes Lurie is 'out on the street a whole lot more' than his predecessor. Pryor, who took the Chronicle poll, said she has spotted Lurie several times at places like Yerba Buena Gardens and the Ferry Building. Lurie's frequent social media posts have also reached Pryor, 81, who cited a video the mayor shared on Instagram in which he provided updates about how he was trying to improve chaos-ridden Sixth Street. Not everyone is feeling the positive shift. In troubled parts of the Tenderloin, South of Market and Mission districts, residents are fed up with persistent drug scenes, homelessness and illegal vending. Downtown San Francisco, the city's economic engine, remains far from its pre-pandemic vibrancy. Still, most voters think the city is in a better place than it was last summer. Daniel Matsumoto, another poll respondent, is among them. He lives near the border between the Tenderloin and Union Square, and he said cleanliness in the area has 'definitely improved' over the past six months. Matsumoto, 51, said he still sees traces of the city's open-air drug markets or people experiencing mental health issues and homelessness every day when he walks to his job at the main branch of the San Francisco Public Library. Some hotspots — including the intersection of Howard and Sixth streets — that were previously overrun with encampments and trash are much more walkable, Matsumoto added. It's not hard to find data to bolster the case that San Francisco has improved from the lows of the pandemic. Reported crimes have fallen in every category, with property crime down 25% over the first half of the year. Car break-ins hit a 22-year low in 2024 and have continued to fall. The crime drop began when Breed was mayor, a fact she campaigned on unsuccessfully in the race she lost to Lurie. Moscone Center will host 34 events this year — nine more than last year — and is expected to see a nearly 70% year-over-year uptick in hotel room nights linked to conventions, but it's still below pre-pandemic levels. Rents in June surged more than anywhere else in the country as job growth in the artificial intelligence industry bolsters the apartment market. The Ferry Building reported its best first quarter on record for foot traffic this year. At Oracle Park, the San Francisco Giants are seeing their highest average attendance since 2018. Union Square recently welcomed the country's second Nintendo store, and Pop Mart, the Chinese toy company behind the viral Labubu doll craze, is expected to open on a struggling stretch of Powell Street. 'We really turned a corner in the last year or beginning of this year, maybe coinciding with our new mayor, who's bringing excellent energy and ideas and focus on downtown,' said Karin Flood, owner of the historic Flood Building next to the cable car turnaround on Powell Street. 'He's on Instagram all the time with positive messages about what's happening downtown and the steps he's taking to address the safety and quality of life downtown.' That optimism is less pronounced just west of Union Square. In the Tenderloin, residents and business owners noticed a 'slight improvement' in street homelessness and drug scenes after Lurie took office in January, said Randy Shaw, executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic. But conditions have deteriorated since then, Shaw said. 'I've never heard more pessimism from business owners in the Tenderloin than I've heard in recent weeks, because people just feel like there's nothing positive moving forward,' Shaw said. 'There's a feeling that the Tenderloin is being left behind in the San Francisco comeback.' Merchants and residents around 16th and Mission streets share those sentiments since the area has been grappling with an influx of drug users and unpermitted vending. Lurie responded by surging police enforcement and community ambassadors to the area, but progress has been inconsistent. Though the city overall has seen some encouraging signs, plenty of challenges remain. Office vacancies have fallen but are still historically high. Market street has more abandoned storefronts than occupied ones between Fifth and the Embarcadero, a path heavily traveled by tourists. The city's largest mall, the San Francisco Centre at Market and Fifth streets, is mostly empty. BART and Muni ridership is trending upward, but both transit agencies are staring down giant budget shortfalls. City Hall is also expected to face a large deficit next year. Yet for now a majority of voters are happy about where the city is headed — and satisfied that Lurie is in charge. He had a remarkable 73% approval rating in the Chronicle poll, a high mark that University of San Francisco public affairs professor Patrick Murphy said is linked to residents' views of the city in general. The public attitudes about San Francisco and Lurie are likely being shaped just as much by residents' daily experiences as they are by the information they receive from other sources such as media reports, social media posts and commentary from other people, Murphy said. 'Part of it might be a little bit of (personal) experience,' he said. 'A lot more of it has to do with perception.' Another factor in Lurie's favor is that voters clearly grew weary of Breed, who residents blamed for the downturn during the pandemic and its worsening drug crisis. 'If Mother Theresa was in charge during the pandemic in San Francisco, she would have lost that election,' Murphy said. Poll respondent Leslie Carol Roberts of Pacific Heights described feeling 'very optimistic about the city' because of what she feels is its reemerging restaurant and shopping scene, including along Valencia Street, which struggled in recent years. 'People are at brunch. People are in the shops,' said Roberts, who's lived in the city since 1989. 'An indicator of the health of the city is whether you can touch down in any of its neighborhoods and find that it is fluid and active.' San Francisco restaurants seem to be doing better than last summer, said Laurie Thomas, executive director of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. 'Are we raking in money? No. But I do think it's heading in the right financial direction,' Thomas said. 'There is a perception that things are getting better from a safety perspective, which has been our members' No. 1 concern in our poll we do every year.' Lurie has pushed the narrative that San Francisco is bouncing back on his watch. An heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, he has spent heavily to promote the city's public image — and his own — since taking office. By the end of June, his self-funded campaign account paid $350,000 to political advisers and public relations firms who advised him on messaging, according to recent disclosures. Lurie has said his 'entire team shares an unwavering commitment to San Francisco's success.' One of his advisers previously told the Chronicle he was honored to help 'share the story of San Francisco's comeback.' When he signed his first city budget in July, Lurie ticked off a list of bright spots that put the city in a flattering light. 'There's a shift in how people are feeling,' Lurie said. 'More San Franciscans today believe the city is headed in the right direction. More believe their quality of life is improving. This is what we are all working for, and it's why I know our best days aren't just ahead of us — they're starting right now.'
