The Los Angeles Rams offense has struggled to score as effectively since the departure of running back Todd Gurley. Gurley played five seasons for the Rams (2015-2019) during his six-year NFL career, proving exceptionally productive and versatile. He accumulated 5,404 rushing yards and 58 rushing touchdowns on 1,265 carries, along with 2,090 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns on 218 catches (72.4% catch rate). He was instrumental in the Rams reaching Super Bowl LIII.
Gurley's career, however, was cut short by chronic knee pain that emerged late in the 2018 season. Despite attempts to manage his workload in 2019, his performance declined significantly, leading the Rams to release him due to his expensive contract and lack of cost-effectiveness.
Gurley is now eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time, alongside running backs Frank Gore and LeSean McCoy. While his peak performance was sensational, his relatively short career (six seasons total, finishing with Atlanta) makes his Hall of Fame induction a long shot. Rams fans recognize that Gurley was on a sure-fire Hall of Fame trajectory before injuries derailed him.
Since his departure, the Rams have been unable to find a running back who matches Gurley's dual-threat capability as both a dominant runner and receiver, exemplified by his 2018 season with over 2,000 combined yards and 21 touchdowns. Gurley remains the Rams' sixth all-time leading rusher, and his career prompts speculation about what could have been had he stayed healthy for a longer period.

Former Los Angeles Rams elite RB Todd Gurley has officially been named eligible for the NFL Hall of Fame induction.

Rams’ biggest what-if just ran into his harshest reality yet (and fans know why)

The Madden NFL 26 ratings reveal has caused significant controversy, particularly among Philadelphia Eagles fans. While Eagles players Lane Johnson (right tackle) and Saquon Barkley (halfback) achieved the elite "99 Club" status, with Barkley named the cover star, the focus shifted to quarterback Jalen Hurts' rating. His overall offensive grade of 86 has drawn widespread attention and criticism.
Analysts and fans have expressed strong disagreement with Hurts' 86 rating. Geoffrey A. Knox of USA Today called the score "insulting," specifically questioning why Hurts is tied with Justin Herbert and rated below Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff. Doubts were also raised about teammate A.J. Brown's 93 rating, suggesting he might be ranked too low compared to some players graded higher.
Following the ratings announcement, fans actively debated Jalen Hurts' rating on social media. Reactions were mixed, ranging from those who deemed the 86 rating "dumb" and suggesting a slightly higher rating of 88 or 89 would be more appropriate, to others who simply commented "Probably should be a little higher." The overall sentiment highlights significant disagreement and disappointment with the assessment of the Super Bowl MVP.

Madden 26 ratings dropped, shocking Eagles fans. Only Lane Johnson and Saquon Barkley made the 99 club, while Jalen Hurts got a surprising 86 overall.

Eagles’ Jalen Hurts ranks low on Madden 26 NFL list, fans say, ‘that Hurts’

Bundesliga expert Christian Falk reports that Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku is not a high priority target for Bayern Munich at this moment.
Chelsea has been active in the summer transfer window, securing deals for players including Jorrel Hato and attacking trio Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro. While strengthening the squad, the club also needs to offload several players, with Nkunku being one of them. Although Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, Djordje Petrovic, and Kepa Arrizabalaga have departed, a solution for Nkunku's exit hasn't been found yet. The 27-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Leipzig for £52m in 2023, is considered surplus to requirements and is expected to leave this summer.
Interest in Nkunku has come from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, while Manchester United and Bayern Munich have also previously shown interest. Chelsea has reportedly reduced their asking price for Nkunku to £43.3m, down from over £60m in January when Bayern's interest was stronger.
However, Falk indicates Bayern's interest has cooled significantly. He stated in his Bayern Insider column: "It’s all calmed down at the moment with Christopher Nkunku and Xavi Simons. The latter is a very hot option for Chelsea. Nkunku is also not particularly high up on the list and will remain that way for as long as a decision is yet to be made on Woltemade."
As Chelsea works to move Nkunku on, they are concurrently negotiating with Leipzig to bring in Xavi Simons. Leipzig is said to want a total package of £60m for the 22-year-old Simons, though Chelsea hopes to pay less. Simons is reportedly close to agreeing personal terms and wants to join Chelsea, but the Blues likely need to complete a few sales before finalizing the deal.

Find out the latest on the future of Christopher Nkunku, and if Bayern Munich are likely to make a move this summer.

Latest update from Bundesliga expert on Nkunku isn’t good news for Chelsea fans

The Baltimore Ravens held workouts and visits for five players on Friday, with quarterback Logan Woodside among the attendees, as reported in the NFL Transactions wire.

Woodside, aged 29, was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $2,529,996 including a $69,996 signing bonus but was waived during final roster cuts. His career since includes multiple stints with the Tennessee Titans (2019-2022), where he was repeatedly cut, re-signed to the practice squad, and signed to futures deals. He later joined the Atlanta Falcons before returning to the Bengals in April 2024, only to be cut again after training camp and briefly re-signing to their practice squad. Cincinnati re-signed him this offseason but ultimately released him once more.

Over his NFL career spanning 13 game appearances, Woodside has completed 4 of 7 pass attempts for 34 yards, recording no touchdowns and one interception.

Ravens Hosted Five Players

England defender Jess Carter helped the Lionesses win the European Championship last Sunday. Despite widespread celebrations in England, including a parade and royal reception, Carter immediately flew to the United States to rejoin her club, Gotham FC, for the resumption of the NWSL season. Carter stated she felt "itching to get back" and hasn't had time to reflect, explaining that she struggles with taking time off and then restarting, finding it easier to return to football quickly.
The return of international players like Carter to the NWSL after tournaments like the Euros, WAFCON, and Copa América Femenina highlights a growing challenge. With an increasing number of international players in the league and a crowded match calendar, managing player rest is complex. Players returning have no guaranteed time off; any vacation is negotiated individually between the player and their club.
NWSL clubs handle player returns differently, considering factors like minutes played, travel, and mental state after tournament highs and lows. Team medical and performance staff guide these decisions, ideally centered on the player. Examples include Angel City FC allowing Icelandic forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir time off after Iceland's group-stage exit, and the Houston Dash offering players like Bárbara Olivieri and Michelle Alozie a week off after their respective tournaments.
Gotham FC, which had six players involved in the summer competitions (the most of any club), gave all returning players the option for time off, with the duration decided individually. Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós emphasized the importance of players having personal time during the demanding NWSL season.

With more international players in the NWSL, conversations about the soccer calendar are becoming ever more tricky.

The NWSL is back, six days after the Euros final. Are players getting enough rest?

Everton's current summer transfer window is described as feeling like "the world's quickest marathon," contrasting with the typical lengthy process. This urgency stems from manager David Moyes publicly stating that "9 or 10 players" are still needed to build a competitive squad, creating significant pressure despite the window closing soon and the season opener approaching.
The club has secured two signings so far. Carlos Alcaraz, a CAM signed from Flamengo for £12 million, impressed during a previous loan spell with his attacking intent, touch, and eye for goal. However, his expected role is unclear as Moyes, like predecessor Sean Dyche, often preferred Abdoulaye Doucoure in the #10 position, pushing Alcaraz to the wing. It remains uncertain whether Moyes sees Alcaraz's future centrally or as a winger who drifts inside.
Barry, a ST signed from Villarreal for £29.8 million, is expected to fight for the starting striker position. While just 22 years old and possessing a large frame, exciting highlights, and significant potential, he only has one year of La Liga experience and no Premier League exposure. Concerns exist about his readiness for the Premier League's demands. Expectations are that he will need time to adapt, with Beto likely providing cover initially based on his strong performances under Moyes last season.

The Toffees have found it tough going in the summer transfer window but might have unearthed a gem or two

Analyzing Everton’s Signings So Far

Russell Westbrook remains an unsigned free agent in August despite being a significant contributor for the Denver Nuggets last season. At 36 years old, the future Hall of Famer hasn't attracted interest even for a minimum contract, despite playing the fifth-most minutes on the team, starting 36 games, and being Denver's most utilized bench player in both the regular season and playoffs.

Westbrook played major minutes in the postseason, including crucial moments during the Nuggets' series victory over the Clippers. Denver came within one game of defeating the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, relying heavily on Westbrook as their sixth man. However, the Nuggets' lack of depth forced them to depend on him, and while he performed admirably given the circumstances, his impact was mixed, often doing as much harm as good.

This offseason, the Nuggets have significantly upgraded their bench by adding veterans Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr., alongside young players like DaRon Holmes and Peyton Watson. This overhaul eliminates the need for Westbrook's volatile play style. His continued unemployment highlights both the Nuggets' roster limitations last season and the impressive nature of their near-upset against the Thunder.

Rumors link Westbrook to the Sacramento Kings, but his signing is reportedly delayed due to the unresolved contract situation involving Jonathan Kuminga, which multiple teams are monitoring. While Westbrook is still considered too talented to be out of the NBA, he's viewed as unsuitable for a high-impact role on a playoff contender—a scenario that made Denver's deep playoff run last season all the more remarkable.

The NBA is sending a crystal clear message to Russell Westbrook, and it's rewriting the narrative on the Nuggets in real time.

NBA's clear message to Russell Westbrook makes Nuggets' season even more impressive

The Boston Celtics are treating the season as a gap year due to Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, focusing on reducing their significant payroll and luxury tax burden after trading veterans Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis. The team is considering further moves to potentially drop below the luxury tax line, currently around $280 million. Anfernee Simons, acquired in the Holiday trade, may not be part of their future plans.

A specific three-team trade scenario involving the Celtics, Utah Jazz, and Miami Heat is proposed. The Celtics would receive center Walker Kessler from Utah. The Jazz would receive Anfernee Simons, Neemias Queta, a 2026 first-round pick (lottery protected, then top-5 protected in 2027), a 2026 second-round pick (most favorable from four teams), a 2029 first-round pick swap (top-5 protected, else a 2032 second), Jaime Jaquez Jr., and cash considerations. The Heat would receive Terry Rozier.

Complex trade mechanics include Utah using trade exceptions (John Collins, PJ Tucker) to acquire Rozier and Queta, and the non-taxpayer mid-level exception for Jaquez. The Celtics would trigger a first-apron hard cap by acquiring Kessler for Queta, whose contract must be guaranteed. Utah and Miami are already under this first-apron limit.

The Celtics are motivated by the need to reset the NBA's repeater luxury tax penalty, which increases for offenders starting in 2025-26. Staying under the tax line for two consecutive years would reset this penalty. Executing this trade now could save Boston nearly $100 million in immediate costs, justifying the loss of Simons, Queta, draft assets, and cash.

In return, Boston acquires Kessler, a 24-year-old center known for his strong rim defense who is entering his fourth season and eligible for a contract extension. If an extension isn't agreed upon before the season, Kessler would become a restricted free agent next July.

The Boston Celtics have embraced what is functionally a gap year, shedding salary with All-Star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined for the season with an Achilles injury. Nearing a payroll (including luxury taxes) well over $500 million, Boston traded away established veterans like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis.

3-Team Blockbuster Trade Idea to Spark Boston Celtics' $100 Million Pivot

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson declined to discuss the team's potential as 2025 Super Bowl contenders during the start of training camp. Jackson expressed reluctance, citing past disappointments where playoff discussions didn't translate to postseason success. "Every time we had those discussions... we get to the playoffs, but we don't punch in. We don’t finish," Jackson stated, emphasizing his focus on finishing camp correctly and preparing for the season opener against the Buffalo Bills rather than the distant Super Bowl.

Since being drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson has led the team to the postseason every year except one (a season where he missed five games and the team went 1-4). Despite consistent playoff appearances, the Ravens have never reached the Super Bowl with Jackson and haven't won multiple games in a single postseason during his tenure. However, they have won at least one playoff game in each of their last three appearances with him.

Jackson attributed the team's inability to reach the Super Bowl to timing, stating, "Things happen... It’s God’s time. It’s not my time, because if it was my time, we would’ve had seven Super Bowls in a row already." He referenced last season's near miss against the Bills, where a failed last-minute two-point conversion attempt (involving a dropped pass by Mark Andrews) ended their AFC Championship game hopes and led to Andrews receiving death threats.

In that 2023 AFC Championship loss to the Bills, Jackson performed well statistically (34/46 passing for 429 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT; 120 rushing yards) but crucially threw an interception and lost a fumble. The article notes that Bills quarterback Josh Allen faces similar Super Bowl hurdles with his team. Both the Ravens and Bills have been consistently thwarted in the AFC by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, who have reached the AFC Championship game every year since Jackson's rookie season (2018), advanced to five Super Bowls, and won three, including defeating Jackson and the Ravens in the 2023 AFC Championship.

Having QB Lamar Jackson makes the Baltimore Ravens perennial Super Bowl contenders—but those aren’t thoughts for late July.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Not Talking Super Bowl Expectations In July: 'We Get To The Playoffs But We Don't Punch In'

The legitimacy of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 NBA championship, won in the Orlando "Bubble," is being debated again after Philadelphia 76ers executive Daryl Morey claimed many within the NBA privately view it as not a genuine title. However, NBA analyst Jon Krawczynski argues against this notion, stating the Lakers' title deserves a "different kind" of asterisk because winning in the Bubble was significantly harder, not easier, than a typical championship.
Krawczynski emphasized the immense mental challenge players faced: isolated from families under murky health circumstances during COVID-19, they played to provide normalcy for a shaken country. He described it as a unique mental endurance test. While acknowledging the environment was challenging mentally due to isolation and separation, the Lakers navigated it better than any other team.
The article counters the idea that the Lakers' win was a fluke ("lightning in a bottle"). Before the NBA suspended play, the Lakers held an impressive 49-14 record, establishing themselves as one of the league's best teams. They replicated this dominance in the Bubble, losing only three playoff games en route to defeating the Miami Heat in six games in the NBA Finals. Their only potential advantage was the extended break benefiting their veteran players.
Contrary to the unnamed individuals Morey referenced, players the Lakers defeated defended the title's legitimacy. Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo called the 2020 championship the hardest to win, and Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard argued it was difficult because everyone was fresh from the break, questioning why people discredit the Lakers' triumph.

An NBA analyst believes the Lakers' 2020 title deserves an asterisk, but not the kind you might imagine.

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