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Shreyas Iyer remains in the ICU of a Sydney hospital as he continues to recover from the severe fall he suffered during the third ODI against Australia. (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Team India vice-captain Shreyas Iyer remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Sydney hospital as he continues to recover from the severe fall he suffered during the third ODI against Australia. Iyer, who took a stunning catch while running backward from point to dismiss Alex Carey, appeared to injure his left rib cage during the effort and was taken to the hospital shortly after returning to the dressing room on Saturday.

WHY WAS IYER RUSHED TO THE ICU?

It has been reliably learnt that Iyerâ€s body vitals dropped to dangerously low levels after the fall, prompting an emergency rush to the hospital in what was a life-threatening situation at that moment.The impact from the fall is believed to have split a body part just below the rib cage, resulting in severe internal bleeding. It is understood that Iyer was not in good condition inside the dressing room and was quickly rushed to the hospital after his blood pressure dropped alarmingly. Those aware of the developments said the situation “could have been touch and go,†but the BCCI medical team and support staff acted swiftly to ensure he received immediate medical care.Iyer is expected to remain in the ICU for at least two more days, though his stay could be extended if the bleeding doesnâ€t subside within the next 48 hours. Should there be no improvement, he is likely to remain under close observation for the coming week. As of now, it is considered certain that he will stay hospitalised for at least seven days.

WHAT IS IYERâ€S INJURY?

According to information accessed by TimesofIndia.com, Iyer may have suffered a splenic rupture, which led to internal bleeding.It is reliably learnt that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is speeding up the formalities to ensure someone from his family can be in Sydney at the earliest.It is not clear at this stage when that will happen.”Arrangements are being made by the BCCI. As of now, it is not clear whether both parents will go, but someone will be with him at the earliest in the hospital,” says a source tracking developments.”As of now, Iyer’s sister was supposed to travel to Australia, and even the paperwork has been initiated, but it could well be the case that one of the parents accompanies her,” adds the source.

WHAT HAS THE BCCI SAID?

In this delicate situation, the BCCI is keeping a close watch on the cricketerâ€s condition and keeping his family updated on every development.”Shreyas Iyer sustained an impact injury to his left lower rib cage region while fielding during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney on 25th October 2025. He was taken to the hospital for further evaluation,” the BCCI said in an official statement.”Scans have revealed a laceration injury to the spleen. He is under treatment, medically stable, and recovering well. The BCCI Medical Team, in consultation with specialists in Sydney and India, is closely monitoring his injury status. The Indian Team Doctor will remain in Sydney with Shreyas to evaluate his day-to-day progress.”WHAT IS SPLEEN LACERATION?A ruptured spleen is a serious medical emergency that can lead to dangerous internal bleeding. Because the spleen is highly vascular and fragile, itâ€s one of the most vulnerable organs in the abdomen and can be easily damaged.The spleen, a soft, fist-sized organ in the upper left abdomen, filters and stores about a quarter of the bodyâ€s red blood cells and platelets while producing white blood cells to fight infections. Its delicate structure and thin outer capsule make it highly prone to injury from blunt trauma. A rupture can cause severe internal bleeding and demands immediate medical attention, often requiring surgery.Most splenic ruptures result from traumatic injuries, with car accidents accounting for nearly 50% to 75% of cases. Contact sports such as football and hockey also pose significant risks. In some cases, violent impacts like punches, stabbings, or gunshot wounds can cause the rupture. The spleen may tear immediately upon impact or later due to internal swelling from the injury.

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  Sean AllenOct 27, 2025, 01:00 PM ET

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  Sean Allen is a contributing writer for fantasy hockey and betting at ESPN. He was the 2008 and 2009 FSWA Hockey Writer of the Year.

Every Monday, we’ll mine the waiver wire for lesser-rostered performers who have the potential to help fantasy teams in a variety of leagues. We’ll also present several strong streaming candidates for the immediate week ahead.

Get ready for a week of feast or famine when it comes to NHL action. Tuesday’s Frozen Frenzy headlines the schedule with 16 games — with one starting every 15 minutes beginning at 6 p.m. ET — while Thursday and Saturday also deliver heavy slates with 11 and 13 games, respectively.

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As for the famine, there are only two games on Monday and one on Wednesday, giving most teams a breather from back-to-backs around the Frenzy.

The first lineup lock for weekly leagues comes Monday, when the St. Louis Blues visit the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m.

Daily lineup managers should also note the slightly earlier 6 p.m. start for Frozen Frenzy, along with an unexpected Friday matinee at 4 p.m. between the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights.

Forwards

Emmitt Finnie, C, Detroit Red Wings (2.24 FPPG, 72.4% available): His emergence roughly coincides with Patrick Kane’s injury, but the two have little to do with each other. Finnie is riding shotgun with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond on the Red Wings’ top line. While he’s getting some power-play run in Kane’s absence, only one of his eight points has come with the man advantage.

Dmitri Voronkov, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets (2.33 FPPG, 32.4% available): Kirill Marchenko is the fuel for the Blue Jackets’ top attack, but Sean Monahan and Voronkov deserve plenty of credit. The trio is still pitching a shutout at 5-on-5 this season, with seven goals for and none against.

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Jack Roslovic, C, Edmonton Oilers (0.95 FPPG, 99.3% available): An in-season addition to the Oilers attack, Roslovic didn’t get the benefit of competing with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl in training camp. Naturally, he’s now part of the only Edmonton line with more than one 5-on-5 goal this season. Roslovic, Draisaitl and Vasily Podkolzin picked up a pair against the Canucks on Sunday to become the first Oilers trio with multiple even-strength tallies.

Emil Heineman, LW, New York Islanders (2.23 FPPG, 85.8% available): While we’re on the subject of lines, the Islanders deserve a nod. The previously mentioned Blue Jackets trio is one of three NHL lines to play at least 60 minutes together at 5-on-5 without allowing a goal. The other two both belong to the Isles. Anthony Duclair, Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri haven’t been scored on at even strength (though they have only three goals for), while Bo Horvat, Jonathan Drouin and Heineman have also been perfect defensively and have scored five times.

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Emil Heineman nets goal for Islanders

Emil Heineman lights the lamp for Islanders

See also:

• Owen Tippett, RW, Philadelphia Flyers (2.01 FPPG, 32.7% available)

• Dylan Cozens, C, Ottawa Senators (2.90 FPPG, 30.4% available)

• Kiefer Sherwood, LW, Vancouver Canucks (2.24 FPPG, 38.9% available)

• Valeri Nichushkin, RW, Colorado Avalanche (1.81 FPPG, 57.2% available)

• Zach Benson, LW, Buffalo Sabres (2.05 FPPG, 73.2% available)

• Aliaksei Protas, C, Washington Capitals (2.02 FPPG, 41.2% available)

Defense

Justin Faulk, D, St. Louis Blues (2.10 FPPG, 82.8% available): Six different five-player units have accounted for a single power-play goal each for the Blues, so it’s safe to say they’re still feeling out their setup. Three of those goals came with Cam Fowler quarterbacking, and three with Faulk running the point. With Faulk also piling up numbers in blocked shots, he’s a worthwhile pickup with added upside if he fully takes over Fowler’s role on the advantage.

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Cam York, D, Philadelphia Flyers (2.14 FPPG, 77.3% available): The second unit for the Flyers is getting more looks than the first of late — probably because they picked up three goals across the past three games, with York factoring into all three from his role on the point.

See also:

• Simon Edvinsson, D, Detroit Red Wings (2.28 FPPG, 37.6% available)

• Dmitry Orlov, D, San Jose Sharks (2.00 FPPG, 82.9% available)

• Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes (1.79 FPPG, 71.2% available)

• Jacob Trouba, D, Anaheim Ducks (2.50 FPPG, 32.0% available)

Goaltenders

Joseph Woll, G, Toronto Maple Leafs (77.5% available): Back with the club after a personal leave of absence, Woll might need a few more days before he’s ready to start. But his return comes at just the right time. Anthony Stolarz is showing signs he isn’t built for a heavy workload. The two formed arguably the best tandem in the league last season, with both delivering enough in their split duties to merit fantasy roster spots.

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Elvis Merzlikins, G, Columbus Blue Jackets (3.40 FPPG, 73.1% available): Given today’s fantasy goaltending landscape, a goals-against average creeping toward 3.00 is hardly disqualifying as long as the goal support is there. The Blue Jackets have stepped up for Merzlikins, twice winning games in which he’s allowed four goals. Merzlikins and Jet Greaves have turnstiled the crease so far, but both can offer value if Columbus keeps converting those outings into wins.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G, Buffalo Sabres (-3.40 FPPG, 88.5% available): There’s been real value in the Sabres crease this season, with Alex Lyon ranking eighth in fantasy points and waiver-claim pickup Colten Ellis stealing the spotlight in a win over the Red Wings. Luukkonen is back in the mix now, though his return came with an unceremonious start against the Leafs on Saturday. Buffalo has no back-to-back sets in its three-game week, so we should get a clearer sense of the team’s current goaltending hierarchy based on who gets the nods.

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Elvis Merzlikins makes big-time save vs. Penguins

Elvis Merzlikins makes big-time save vs. Penguins

See also:

• Dan Vladar, G, Philadelphia Flyers (3.72 FPPG, 87.8% available)

Short-term streamers

Morgan Geekie, C, Boston Bruins (1.94 FPPG, 58.1% available): With so many light nights this week, there’s no perfect combo to cover all seven days. But a Bruin paired with players from the Ducks, Blue Jackets, Red Wings or Islanders gets you close. Geekie deserves consideration even without the schedule hack, as he’s locked in alongside David Pastrnak both at even strength and on the power play.

Cam Talbot, G, Detroit Red Wings (1.40 FPPG, 74.7% available): He didn’t help his cause with a brutal -9.4 fantasy-point outing against the Islanders, but the Red Wings have one of the week’s best goalie schedules. Their four-game West Coast swing features opponents allowing a combined average of 6.91 fantasy points to goalies. Talbot should get at least one start in the back-to-back against the Kings and Ducks, and maybe a second if he rebounds well.

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Jake Allen, G, New Jersey Devils (4.03 FPPG, 66.7% available): The Devils can afford to ease Jacob Markstrom back into action thanks to Allen’s personal five-game win streak. Markstrom backed up on Sunday and should see the crease again no later than the back-to-back with the Kings and Ducks. Sound familiar? The Devils also have a four-game Western trip, with an even juicier fantasy setup than Detroit’s (6.93 FP combined average from opponents).

Ville Koivunen, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (0.35 FPPG, 99.3% available): Hand surgery for Rickard Rakell opens up several weeks of opportunity on Sidney Crosby’s wing. There are plenty of applicants, and Koivunen’s brief AHL stint doesn’t exactly bolster his case, but he was recalled to fill Rakell’s spot and entered camp as a favorite for a top-six role.

Arseny Gritsyuk, RW, New Jersey Devils (1.40 FPPG, 98.4% available): The Devils have shuffled their second line repeatedly, but the latest look has rookie Gritsyuk skating with Timo Meier and Nico Hischier — a combo worth monitoring for streaming upside. It’s a four-game week for the Devils, after all.

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has launched a scathing attack on La Liga, criticising the leagueâ€s decision to stage Barcelonaâ€s away match against Villarreal in Miami on 20 December, saying it “distorts the competitionâ€.

The fixture, which is set to take place at the Hard Rock Stadium, would be the first La Liga fixture held outside Spain and the first European league match staged abroad. While Uefa has “reluctantly†approved the plan, Real Madrid and other teams in Spainâ€s top flight have expressed their opposition.

Speaking on Tuesday before Realâ€s Champions League fixture against Juventus, Courtois accused La Liga of bypassing clubs in the decision-making process and argued that the move undermines the principles of fairness in the home-and-away league format. “La Liga does whatever it wants because it suits them,†said the Belgian. “This decision distorts the competition. Playing at home is not the same as playing away. In La Liga, playing away is very difficult, as we saw against Real Sociedad and Getafe. Villarreal away is tough. Itâ€s not fair to change the rules mid-season without consulting us.â€

Courtois also contrasted La Ligaâ€s plans with the NBA and NFL, who regularly play matches abroad. “The NBA has 82 games, and the NFLâ€s owners collectively approve these decisions. Here, La Liga acts unilaterally. Itâ€s not the same,†he said.

La Liga players staged silent protests at the weekend by standing motionless at kick-offs across all matches, symbolising their discontent with the decision. La Ligaâ€s broadcasts ignored the protests in several games, showing a wide, aerial shot of the stadiums accompanied by a banner that read “Commitment to peaceâ€.

“Hiding the protests and trying to change the narrative is censorship and manipulation,†Courtois said. “Iâ€m not surprised. [La Liga president, Javier Tebas] behaves like no other sports executive Iâ€ve ever seen. His actions on social media and in public speak volumes.â€

Real Madrid have filed two complaints with Spainâ€s sports ministry, arguing the moving of a domestic game overseas undermines La Ligaâ€s competitive integrity. The Atlético Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, has also weighed in on the controversy, expressing his scepticism over the Miami fixture. “I wonâ€t believe it until I see it,†he said. “The home team loses the advantage. Their fans wonâ€t be there, and they have to travel thousands of miles. We need to respect the fans.â€

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La Liga has repeatedly defended its plan to stage matches abroad, stating that the proposal “does not distort competition or violate any rights of players, clubs or fans.â€

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  Buster OlneyOct 16, 2025, 10:51 PM ET

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  • Senior writer ESPN Magazine/ESPN.com
  • Analyst/reporter ESPN television
  • Author of “The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty”

SEATTLE — Luis Castillo’s smile was small and tight as he heard Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson tell him on the mound that he was being replaced. It was the third inning of Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, with the Mariners trying to hold off the Toronto Blue Jays, who had already won one game on the Mariners’ home field. Castillo, who had thrown fewer pitches than he had in any of his 247 starts in the major leagues, nodded in assent — if not agreement — and handed the ball to his manager.

What happened before Wilson’s decision was bad; what occurred after was worse. The Mariners’ relievers failed to contain the Toronto offense, in an 8-2 loss, and with the series tied at two games apiece, Seattle will go into Game 5 with its pitching options even more complicated by how Wilson’s choices played out.

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Every postseason decision is evaluated through the prism of the result, which is not always fair but is October reality.

“You make decisions,” Wilson said after the game, “and you have to live with them.”

What the Mariners’ staff had talked about going into Game 4, Wilson explained, was that Seattle wanted to be aggressive in going to the bullpen. When Toronto blew out the Mariners in Game 3, Wilson was able to hold back all of his best relievers: Gabe Speier, Matt Brash and Andres Munoz. Additionally, Bryan Woo — who had been Seattle’s best pitcher before getting hurt Sept. 20 — would be available out of the bullpen, if Wilson found a suitable opportunity.

Castillo is a three-time All-Star, the most accomplished of the Mariners’ vaunted rotation of starting pitchers, known for his sturdy reliability. He has also had a year of diminished stuff, with his swing-and-miss rate the lowest of his career; Toronto had scored eight runs in 10 innings against him during the regular season.

In the first two innings Thursday, Castillo threw crisply, attacking the strike zone with a fastball that reached 95 mph. But in the third inning, everything changed. Isiah Kiner-Falefa pulled a double down the third-base line, and with a 3-2 count, Andres Gimenez pulled a slider into the right-field stands, giving the Jays a 2-1 lead. Relievers began stirring in the Seattle bullpen, and as Nathan Lukes and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. singled, Speier quickly warmed up. Too many pitches in the middle, Cal Raleigh would say later.

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Alejandro Kirk drew a walk to load the bases. Wilson’s options in that moment: stick with Castillo, or summon Speier, a lefty, to face left-handed hitting Daulton Varsho.

Wilson emerged from the dugout and didn’t immediately signal to the bullpen; rather, he spoke to Castillo, telling him he was intending to call on Speier. Castillo had thrown only 48 pitches, the fewest in his nine-year career. He returned to the dugout and watched the rest of the inning play out from the top step.

“It’s a tough decision,” Wilson said, “and it was not an easy one to tell him. But that’s what we went with.”

Varsho fell behind 1-2 in the count, but he fouled off two pitches and worked the count full before drawing a walk. Toronto’s lead was 3-1. Speier struck out the next two hitters to avoid further trouble, and Castillo met him with a high-five as he stepped into the dugout.

In the next inning, Speier pitched himself into trouble again. After a Kiner-Falefa single and a sacrifice bunt, right-handed hitting George Springer batted next.

Wilson had three options in that moment:

He could have summoned Brash, his best set-up man, to face Springer. He could have effectively compelled Speier to pitch around Springer. Or, with the left-handed hitting Lukes on deck and Guerrero set to follow, he could allow Speier to face Springer.

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Wilson went with the third option, and Springer ripped a double into the left-field corner, extending the Jays’ lead to 4-1. By the time Lukes grounded out, Speier — the best left-handed option in the Seattle bullpen — had thrown 32 pitches, more than any outing in his career.

Wilson summoned Brash into the game with the Mariners down by three runs — probably not the situation the manager envisioned at a time when his team was leading the series. Seattle’s bullpen had to cover 20 outs Thursday.

Bryce Miller starts Friday, in the Mariners’ final chance to win a championship series game in front of their home crowd. This series is guaranteed to return to Toronto — but whether it does with a Seattle lead is up to Miller and a bullpen that was used heavily in Thursday’s loss.

“We did use bullpen guys tonight, but they were very well rested again,” Wilson said. “So I think that we’re still in good shape in terms of our bullpen and also, we have Bryan down there as well, and we’ll utilize him when the time is right.”

It is unclear how Castillo felt about all of this. In his time with the Mariners, he has been known for consistently sticking around to answer questions after his starts, good or bad. But by the time reporters were permitted into the Mariners’ clubhouse after Game 4, Castillo was gone.

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AJ Styles isnâ€t just thinking about retirement—heâ€s already got WWE making moves behind the scenes to make sure his farewell isnâ€t forgotten.

During the WWE Crown Jewel kickoff show, Styles made it known that 2026 is when he plans to hang up his boots for good. He got real about aging, family life, and walking away while still proud of what he brings to the ring. Styles said he doesnâ€t want to become a shell of himself in the squared circle.

“Iâ€m getting old, folks. Listen, if I could find the fountain of youth and take a couple of sips, Iâ€d wrestle for the rest of my life. But you know, I am getting older, and the fear of embarrassing myself is getting closer.â€

He made it clear that his priorities are shifting away from the ring and toward the people closest to him.

“There comes a time in a manâ€s life when he has to take care of business, but when business is done, itâ€s time to take care of his family. I need to spend time with my family. The whole idea of wrestling and having an amazing future in this business is to be able to retire one day, and in 2026, I will retire.â€

Now, WWE is preparing for the end. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the company is already talking about how to handle Styles†retirement, confirming that conversations have started internally.

“There is a plan in play for how to handle AJ Styles†retirement in 2026.â€

Itâ€s not locked in yet, but WWE doesnâ€t want him fading into the background without a proper exit.

“Itâ€s not fully locked in or anything, but the idea is, ‘Weâ€re gonna do something.â€â€

The internal belief is solid—Styles is done after next year, “So yeah, they believe heâ€s retiring next year.â€

Styles†journey has been nothing short of legendary. From TNA to NJPW to his WWE debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, heâ€s stacked title wins and five-star matches with ease. WWE knows it canâ€t let him walk quietly. This retirement is being treated as a real moment—and if anyoneâ€s earned that, itâ€s AJ Styles.

AJ Styles†time in the ring might be winding down, but WWE seems ready to give him the kind of goodbye that fans and legends alike can respect.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

Do you think AJ Styles should retire at Wrestle Mania or go out with a personal match on his own terms? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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Seth Rollins†injury has thrown WWEâ€s creative plans into chaos, but now we know just how big those plans really were.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Rollins was penciled in for one of the biggest matches WWE could book — a WrestleMania showdown against Roman Reigns. While discussing Rollins†health and the shocking turn by Bron Breakker on RAW, Meltzer revealed that the Visionâ€s leader was supposed to collide with Reigns on the grandest stage of them all.

“Seth Rollins was tentatively scheduled to wrestle Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.â€

Meltzer explained that the long-term vision of Rollins†faction was never about him, but about launching Bron Breakker into superstardom.

“Because the whole thing with this faction was not about Seth Rollins. It was about Bron Breakker — and about making Bron Breakker into the next Roman Reigns. Now, how they were going to do that, I wasnâ€t told. I was just thinking thatâ€s how it would end up — that at the end, you know, Bron does that [turns on Seth]. But I doubt it was going to be this early.â€

Bryan Alvarez noted that WWE had already been planting seeds for the eventual split but at a much slower pace.

“Especially because of the way they did the pay-per-view. It was like they planted the seeds for this to happen in the future. Like they said, ‘What happens if Cody wins?†And Paul says, ‘Well, we know whatâ€s going to happen.†But then Seth won, right? It was like, okay, well, they bought some more time. But we all know itâ€s going to happen in the end.â€

Meltzer emphasized that WWE wanted the breakup to pay off down the road, with Rollins vs Reigns being a central piece of that puzzle.

“Yeah. That was my impression — that it was going to happen at the end. For the last two weeks, it was like, okay, theyâ€re planting seeds for a long time down the road. But now, under the circumstances, if heâ€s hurt — maybe they didnâ€t know how badly hurt he was — but if he is, they had to change everything.â€

The injury has now forced WWE to pivot, pulling the trigger on Bron Breakkerâ€s betrayal of Rollins much earlier than expected and leaving WrestleManiaâ€s plans wide open. What could have been a blockbuster Rollins vs Reigns main event may no longer be possible.

Do you think WWE should still try to book Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns for WrestleMania if Rollins heals in time, or has that ship already sailed? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

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New Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco has managed to extend his career into his 40s, but Ja’Marr Chase has no plans of following in his footsteps.

The star wide receiver swiftly shut down the idea of playing when he’s 40.

“No. No. Of course not,” Chase told reporters. “Them kids going to be killing me when I’m 40.”

There are only a handful of players who are in their 40s this year, and none of them are wide receivers. The oldest wide receiver in the NFL this year is Adam Thielen, who is just 35.

Those who play quarterback, kicker and other less physically taxing positions can play past 40, but it’s mostly unrealistic for a wide receiver to do so. In fact, only one wide receiver in NFL history has reached that mark, as Jerry Rice played until he was 42. Even though Rice extended his career the way no other receiver has, he wasn’t exactly a star in his final years.

For now, the 25-year-old Chase can focus on making the most of the season at hand.

Things have gotten off to a bit of a rocky start for Chase and the Bengals, with quarterback Joe Burrow currently sidelined with turf toe. Cincinnati has gone 2-3 to begin the year, and Chase has 374 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Things could start to improve soon, however, since the Bengals traded for the veteran Flacco, who was previously with the Browns. While Flacco isn’t the MVP candidate Burrow is, he’s still more than capable of finding receivers, and he’ll have one of the best in the NFL to throw to with Chase.

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As the Mets head into a critical offseason, they will certainly need to be aggressive in pursuing veteran players — via free agency or trade — across the roster.

One thing that must remain a constant is the need to infuse young, quality players into the mix on a yearly basis. Some years will yield more than others, but the sign of a functioning player development system is avoiding multi-year gaps in generating young talent for the big league roster.

The 2025 season was mostly about pitching, with Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproatand Jonah Tong being the most notable prospects to make their big league debuts. On the position player side, no young players debuted, but the Mets did get larger sample sizes of Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos.

As David Stearns begins shaping the 2026 roster, he’ll have to strike a careful balance: leaving open opportunities for top-end young prospects to break through, while also ensuring the team is built to win from Opening Day on.

Two positions in the lineup stand out as key areas for improvement: second base and center field.

The Mets’ top two hitting prospects — infielder/center fielder Jett Williams and outfielder Carson Benge — both finished the year at Triple-A and were recently ranked among MLB Pipeline’s top 30 prospects in the sport.

Williams had a bounce back season after missing most of 2024 due to wrist surgery, posting an .828 OPS with 34 doubles, seven triples, 17 home runs, and 34 stolen bases over 130 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. He played all three up-the-middle positions defensively (shortstop, second base, and center field), with evaluators I speak to liking him best at second base.

Benge, the Mets’ first-round pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma State, had a breakout first professional season. He torched High-A and Double-A pitching, posting a .926 OPS with 24 doubles, six triples, and 12 home runs in 92 games. After a promotion to Triple-A, he suffered a wrist injury that sidelined him for nearly two weeks. While his overall stat line at that level wasn’t eye-popping, he finished strong with a 1.132 OPS and two home runs in his last seven games of the season with Syracuse.

Defensively, Benge was a right fielder in college but played more center field as the 2025 season progressed. The Mets were impressed with how his reads and reactions improved as he got more reps. He may never be a Gold Glover out there, but there’s real belief that he can handle center field at the next level thanks to his athleticism and plus throwing arm.

While Williams and Benge are getting close (I project both to make their big league debuts in 2026), it should be considered highly unlikely that either will be ready to claim a starting role on Opening Day.

This is where that balance comes into play.

David Stearns / USA TODAY Sports/SNY Treated Image

I believe Tyrone Tayloris a winning player, but he profiles best as a fourth outfielder on a contending team. The Mets should be looking into an everyday type of center fielder, ideally on a short-term deal, who can also help shore up their run prevention.

Free agency offers limited options.

A reunion with Harrison Baderis possible, or the Mets could look across town at Trent Grisham.Grisham’s Yankee teammate Cody Bellinger posted -1 outs above average in center field in 2025. He likely fits better in a corner spot and is expected to land a long-term deal.

On the trade market, the Mets could again investigate Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, who is owed $20 million in 2026 (assuming Chicago picks up his option), and there is a club option for the same amount in 2027. He was playing better leading up to the trade deadline when the Sox surprisingly kept him, and he is a plus defensively.

Second base presents a more convoluted scenario. The Mets don’t necessarily have to look externally. Brett Baty showed versatility in handling second base, and there are also young options like Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio. That said, there are legitimate questions about whether Acuña’s bat fits for an everyday role, and it’s unclear whether Mauricio can sustain second base defensively over a full season.

Jeff McNeilremains the incumbent. He had an above-average offensive year in 2025 and graded out at +4 outs above average defensively at second base. He is owed $15.75 million in 2026, with a club option for the same in 2027.

However, as the Mets look to shake up their position player group, McNeil stands out as a potential trade candidate. It may require the Mets eating some salary, but he could be flipped for pitching help, and they could then explore adding a second baseman.

Free agency presents a few intriguing options. Alex Bregman would be a bold acquisition. He’s a proven winner, an elite clubhouse presence, and can play either second or third base. Signing him would represent a significant shakeup to the core of the roster. Bregman is expected to seek at least a four-year deal this winter.

Ha-Seong Kim, who has a $16 million player option for 2026, would be an excellent defensive and athletic fit if he hits the market. He would also bring 20–30 stolen base potential to a team that could use more athleticism. Luis Rengifo,while coming off a down offensive year, graded out at +4 OAA at second base. He brings similar versatility to McNeil.

On the trade market, Brandon Loweof the Rays is a name to watch. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets have discussed him in the past. He’s owed $11.5 million on a club option in 2026 before hitting free agency. Lowe hit 31 home runs in 2025, but his defense has been a mixed bag over the last couple years. In He ranked last among second basemen in outs above average at -13 this past season. The question here would be if he would help the run prevention enough, or if he would be looked at more as a designated hitter who can play second base.

At his end-of-season news conference, Stearns noted when asked about position players like Benge and Williams: “I think incorporating young players into the mix is part of winning, and part of winning consistently. We can’t shy away from doing that.”

Benge and Williams have a chance to soon become key members of the core of this Mets offense. The key will be for the Mets to more than adequately cover themselves at center field and second base, so they get performance both offensively and defensively until the young reinforcements are ready to make an impact. That time is coming, and is among the reasons for excitement heading into 2026.

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Dub Nation, the greatest shooter in NBA history will take the floor in the Warriors†2025-2026 NBA preseason opener.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, coach Steve Kerr revealed star guard Steph Curryâ€s minutes strategy during Golden Stateâ€s preseason opener on Oct. 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center.Â

To no surprise, Kerr and Co. will restrict Curryâ€s minutes, but the Chef will play, nonetheless.

“I talked to Steph today and Rick [Celebrini]. [Steph] is going to play 15 minutes probably,†Kerr told reporters on Friday.Â

Last season, Curry, with a massive scoring responsibility on his shoulders, recorded his 14th season with more than 32 minutes of average playing time.

Kerr also added that stars Jimmy Butler, who co-carried a substantial scoring load since being traded to the Warriors in February, and Draymond Green will also have their minutes limited.

“And the same plan will be there for Draymond and Jimmy, pending how they are feeling on Sunday,†Kerr added.

“We are going to scrimmage tomorrow as well. We will have to talk to the guys before the game Sunday, but 15 minutes sounds about right for that group, if they are playing.â€

With a key issue for the Warriors being surviving non-Curry minutes, it appears the best strategy is managing the Chefâ€s workload from the get-go.

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You never know what can happen in WWE, and that is even true for their start times.

Fans planning to attend WWE Monday Night RAW at Madison Square Garden on November 17, 2025, should be aware of a schedule change. The event, originally set to begin at 6:30 PM, will now start at 7:30 PM.

According to an official notice sent to Ringside News, doors will open at 6:00 PM, allowing fans time to get seated before the action begins. Madison Square Garden issued a statement apologizing for any inconvenience caused by the time adjustment and thanked fans for their continued support.

WWE has been shaking up RAWâ€s start time, because Netflix gives them this freedom. It may be possible that the company is testing out to see which is the best time for their weekly Monday night show. Itâ€s interesting to note that WWE RAW did its lowest rating ever at 7:00 PM EST with last weekâ€s episode.

Only time will tell what WWE brings to the table every week for RAW. It also seems that we donâ€t know when the show will start, either. Keep checking back with us here at Ringside News, as we keep an eye on anything changing on that front.

Whatâ€s your take on WWE RAW switching up their start time? Is 8:00 PM EST the best time to start the show? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

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