Green Bay’s proposal to ban the ‘Tush Push’ is picking up steam and has supporters at the NFL Owners’ Meetings in Florida. Two weeks ago, the Packers proposed changing Rule 12, Section 1, ahead of the NFL’s annual league meetings, asking for a permanent ban.

During Day 1 of the meetings, Kalyn Kahler of ESPN reported that the proposal has supporters and that there was “heated” back and forth today in the football ops session about the proposed ban.

The play has been so incredibly effective for the Eagles that Hurts finished in a tie for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns (14) in 2024, and he’s halfway to 100 (55 rushing scores) after just four whole years as a starter.

Green Bay’s proposal to prohibit the play the Eagles have made famous listed two reasons: Player safety and pace of play.  ESPN reports no injury data to support the ban, rather a hypothetical conversation centered on potential injuries.

One AFC coach favoring a ban is the Bills‘ Sean McDermott. Only Buffalo has run the play less than Philadelphia, but their head coach says he’s not in agreement with the play being legal, but will not discontinue using it.

Sean McDermott is still anti-Tush Push

Says he still has injury concern even though the data suggests there is no injury risk pic.twitter.com/oi0he4Ny21

— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 31, 2025

When asked if he’ll stop using the play because of those health concerns (the Bills have run a version of it), McDermott said they will still run a “version of it” but suggested they may change their approach. https://t.co/bgtcRJ0A3K

— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) March 31, 2025

The Eagles utilize a standard quarterback sneak that incorporates lining up two players behind Jalen Hurts, who receives the snap, uses his powerful legs (600-pound squat), with the push of his two fellow Eagles from behind, attempts to gain the necessary yardage for a fresh set of downs or a touchdown.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Bills to use the ‘Tush Push’ play despite wanting the play banned

​

Green Bay’s proposal to ban the ‘Tush Push’ is picking up steam and has supporters at the NFL Owners’ Meetings in Florida. Two weeks ago, the Packers proposed changing Rule 12, Section 1, ahead of the NFL’s annual league meetings, asking for a permanent ban.

During Day 1 of the meetings, Kalyn Kahler of ESPN reported that the proposal has supporters and that there was “heated” back and forth today in the football ops session about the proposed ban.

The play has been so incredibly effective for the Eagles that Hurts finished in a tie for the fifth-most rushing touchdowns (14) in 2024, and he’s halfway to 100 (55 rushing scores) after just four whole years as a starter.

Green Bay’s proposal to prohibit the play the Eagles have made famous listed two reasons: Player safety and pace of play.  ESPN reports no injury data to support the ban, rather a hypothetical conversation centered on potential injuries.

One AFC coach favoring a ban is the Bills‘ Sean McDermott. Only Buffalo has run the play less than Philadelphia, but their head coach says he’s not in agreement with the play being legal, but will not discontinue using it.

Sean McDermott is still anti-Tush Push

Says he still has injury concern even though the data suggests there is no injury risk pic.twitter.com/oi0he4Ny21

— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 31, 2025

When asked if he’ll stop using the play because of those health concerns (the Bills have run a version of it), McDermott said they will still run a “version of it” but suggested they may change their approach. https://t.co/bgtcRJ0A3K

— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) March 31, 2025

The Eagles utilize a standard quarterback sneak that incorporates lining up two players behind Jalen Hurts, who receives the snap, uses his powerful legs (600-pound squat), with the push of his two fellow Eagles from behind, attempts to gain the necessary yardage for a fresh set of downs or a touchdown.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Bills to use the ‘Tush Push’ play despite wanting the play banned

The post QUINIX Sport News: Bills coach to continue utilizing the 'Tush Push' despite wanting the play banned appeared first on QUINIX | QUINIX Sport News.

The New Orleans Saints have continued to double down on this roster this offseason by bringing in some interesting free agents and re-signing stars.

One of the more intriguing moves made was in bringing in safety Justin Reid from the Kansas City Chiefs. He is a Louisiana native, returning to the state to play football for the first time since high school. He was elite over his three seasons with the Chiefs. He averaged 88 tackles with one sack, one interception and eight passes broken up.

The Saints brought him in this year on a three-year, $31.5 million contract. These are the details of the deal, as shown by the experts over at OverThe Cap:

2025 salary cap hit

Like the rest of New Orlean’s big contracts they have handed on this offseason, this one is heavily backloaded.

He has a base salary of just $1,500,000 this season. His prorated salary bonus will be $2,300,000 for all three seasons plus the void years. His total cap hit for 2025 is at $3,800,000. This is the one of two seasons where his base salary is guaranteed.

2026 salary cap hit

His base salary will jump up to $9,250,000 with the same prorated signing bonus. Once again, that base salary is fully guaranteed

In total, his cap hit for this year will be $11,550,000. While there isn’t any way to get out of this contract this year, it is a prime restructure candidate as that could save them $6,360,000 million in cap both this year and next year.

2027 salary cap hit

The money is the exact same as las year. A base salary of $9,250,000 and cap hit of $11,550,000. The difference is, this year it is not guranteed.

If they don’t end up restructuring this deal, they could end up cutting him post-June 1 and save on that base salary.

2028 void year

This is the first void year on the books, where he will be given $2,300,000.

2029 void year

His last year on the books for now, still with just the $2,300,000 signing bonus.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: What does Saints’ three-year contract with S Justin Reid look like?

​

The New Orleans Saints have continued to double down on this roster this offseason by bringing in some interesting free agents and re-signing stars.

One of the more intriguing moves made was in bringing in safety Justin Reid from the Kansas City Chiefs. He is a Louisiana native, returning to the state to play football for the first time since high school. He was elite over his three seasons with the Chiefs. He averaged 88 tackles with one sack, one interception and eight passes broken up.

The Saints brought him in this year on a three-year, $31.5 million contract. These are the details of the deal, as shown by the experts over at OverThe Cap:

2025 salary cap hit

Like the rest of New Orlean’s big contracts they have handed on this offseason, this one is heavily backloaded.

He has a base salary of just $1,500,000 this season. His prorated salary bonus will be $2,300,000 for all three seasons plus the void years. His total cap hit for 2025 is at $3,800,000. This is the one of two seasons where his base salary is guaranteed.

2026 salary cap hit

His base salary will jump up to $9,250,000 with the same prorated signing bonus. Once again, that base salary is fully guaranteed

In total, his cap hit for this year will be $11,550,000. While there isn’t any way to get out of this contract this year, it is a prime restructure candidate as that could save them $6,360,000 million in cap both this year and next year.

2027 salary cap hit

The money is the exact same as las year. A base salary of $9,250,000 and cap hit of $11,550,000. The difference is, this year it is not guranteed.

If they don’t end up restructuring this deal, they could end up cutting him post-June 1 and save on that base salary.

2028 void year

This is the first void year on the books, where he will be given $2,300,000.

2029 void year

His last year on the books for now, still with just the $2,300,000 signing bonus.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: What does Saints’ three-year contract with S Justin Reid look like?

The post QUINIX Sport News: What does Saints' three-year contract with safety Justin Reid look like? appeared first on QUINIX | QUINIX Sport News.

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The 2025 season is one that many Vikings fans are excited for, but they remain unsure of what the team is planning to do at the quarterback position. Are they happy with J.J. McCarthy? Do they want to try out the Aaron Rodgers experience? We don’t know.

What we do know now is that the Vikings are excited about the quarterback they have on the roster, and they want fans to be excited, too.

ESPN’s Kevin Clark hosts This is Football at the annual NFL head coaches’ summit, and he sat down with Kevin O’Connell. He asked the Vikings head coach a simple question: What would you say to Vikings fans who need to be sold on starting the J.J. McCarthy era in Minnesota?

The coach discussed what makes him a great quarterback, why the team drafted him as high as they did, and more before giving fans a simple reason. O’Connell says, “I’m really confident and really excited to see him hit the ground running. He’s had a great offseason.”

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Kevin O’Connell has a message for Vikings fans they need to hear

​

The 2025 season is one that many Vikings fans are excited for, but they remain unsure of what the team is planning to do at the quarterback position. Are they happy with J.J. McCarthy? Do they want to try out the Aaron Rodgers experience? We don’t know.

What we do know now is that the Vikings are excited about the quarterback they have on the roster, and they want fans to be excited, too.

ESPN’s Kevin Clark hosts This is Football at the annual NFL head coaches’ summit, and he sat down with Kevin O’Connell. He asked the Vikings head coach a simple question: What would you say to Vikings fans who need to be sold on starting the J.J. McCarthy era in Minnesota?

The coach discussed what makes him a great quarterback, why the team drafted him as high as they did, and more before giving fans a simple reason. O’Connell says, “I’m really confident and really excited to see him hit the ground running. He’s had a great offseason.”

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Kevin O’Connell has a message for Vikings fans they need to hear

The post QUINIX Sport News: Kevin O'Connell shares a message every Vikings fan needs to hear appeared first on QUINIX | QUINIX Sport News.

Puka Nacua is currently enjoying the offseason but two of his brothers are just getting their 2025 seasons started. Kai and Samson Nacua both play for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL and they kicked off the new campaign on Sunday with a 26-12 win over the Memphis Showboats.

It wasn’t just that the Panthers won. The Nacua brothers played a huge part in the season-opening victory by scoring two of their team’s three touchdowns in the game.

With Michigan leading Memphis 10-6 in the third quarter, Samson caught a pass from former Rams quarterback Bryce Perkins, dodged a tackler and ran 25 yards for the touchdowns to pad the Panthers’ lead.

BOOM!!

Perkins to Samson Nacua for the TD!!#LetsHuntpic.twitter.com/k1rgL95sdj

— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) March 30, 2025

In the fourth quarter, it was Kai’s turn to seal the deal. He picked off Memphis quarterback Troy Williams with 41 seconds to play and returned it 80 yards for the touchdown, giving the Panthers a 26-12 lead.

KAI NACUA PICK 6!!!!! pic.twitter.com/p7okWXIVH8

— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) March 30, 2025

After the game, Kai said it was the first time they had both scored a touchdown in the same game, going all the way back to high school.

“No. We didn’t go to the same high school, so this is the first time this has happened for us, so it’s pretty exciting. And our oldest brother is here, too, so hopefully he got a good video of both of our touchdowns,” Kai Nacua said.

It was a special day for the Nacua family, to say the least.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: UFL news: Puka Nacua’s brothers score TDs in Michigan Panthers win

​

Puka Nacua is currently enjoying the offseason but two of his brothers are just getting their 2025 seasons started. Kai and Samson Nacua both play for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL and they kicked off the new campaign on Sunday with a 26-12 win over the Memphis Showboats.

It wasn’t just that the Panthers won. The Nacua brothers played a huge part in the season-opening victory by scoring two of their team’s three touchdowns in the game.

With Michigan leading Memphis 10-6 in the third quarter, Samson caught a pass from former Rams quarterback Bryce Perkins, dodged a tackler and ran 25 yards for the touchdowns to pad the Panthers’ lead.

BOOM!!

Perkins to Samson Nacua for the TD!!#LetsHuntpic.twitter.com/k1rgL95sdj

— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) March 30, 2025

In the fourth quarter, it was Kai’s turn to seal the deal. He picked off Memphis quarterback Troy Williams with 41 seconds to play and returned it 80 yards for the touchdown, giving the Panthers a 26-12 lead.

KAI NACUA PICK 6!!!!! pic.twitter.com/p7okWXIVH8

— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) March 30, 2025

After the game, Kai said it was the first time they had both scored a touchdown in the same game, going all the way back to high school.

“No. We didn’t go to the same high school, so this is the first time this has happened for us, so it’s pretty exciting. And our oldest brother is here, too, so hopefully he got a good video of both of our touchdowns,” Kai Nacua said.

It was a special day for the Nacua family, to say the least.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: UFL news: Puka Nacua’s brothers score TDs in Michigan Panthers win

The post QUINIX Sport News: Puka Nacua's brothers both scored TDs for UFL's Michigan Panthers in season-opening win appeared first on QUINIX | QUINIX Sport News.

Bad news for teams that still have a big hole to fill: Free agency has been picked through. Twice and three times over at some positions. 

Among Yahoo Sports’ top 25 free agents at the start of free agency, only quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Amari Cooper remain unsigned. There are still some solid veterans that can fill a role, but it’s hard to find any impact players among the unsigned group. However, help could still come via the NFL Draft. 

Even though teams are running out of options to fix needs, there are some concerning holes still to fill for some teams. Here are the five biggest remaining needs as the calendar is about to turn to April. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback

Joe Sargent via Getty Images

The Steelers aren’t in a comfortable position. Everyone is waiting on the Aaron Rodgers situation, and there are not many other viable QB optionsfor a team that made the playoffs last season. The Steelers could be stalling until after the NFL Draft, when Pittsburgh’s compensatory picks won’t be affected by adding Rodgers. But until that’s all done, or some alternate plan develops through the draft, the Steelers are a team that expects to be in the postseason but has Mason Rudolph lined up as its starting quarterback. It’s rare to see a good team get this far into the postseason without a clear vision at quarterback. We’ll see how the Rodgers situation plays out. Until then, this is the NFL’s most fascinating remaining question. 

Denver Broncos: Running back

A surprising amount of teams have either no reasonable starting running back on the roster, or have a low-ceiling veteran who won’t carry a running game. Among the teams that could still use some juice at the running back position are the Bears, Browns, Cowboys, Chargers, Raiders and Steelers. The good news for those teams is this draft is very deep at the position. We could see a handful of rookie starters come out of this class. 

No team has a bigger need at running back than the Broncos. Right now their top two options are Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime. That’s not exciting anyone. The Broncos took care of one offensive issue by signing Evan Engram to fill a big hole at tight end. They still could be tempted by a tight end in the first round, but this is a team that is very much in play to select a running back early in the draft. 

Las Vegas Raiders: Wide receiver

The Raiders have a severe need at running back, which is why Ashton Jeanty seems to be an option for them with the sixth overall pick. When you’re a rebuilding team like the Raiders, you’ll have multiple needs. And there’s a real need at receiver too. Brock Bowers is an excellent tight end, and Jakobi Meyers had a 1,000-yard season. Meyers is better suited as a second wideout, but he’s the WR1 on this roster because there’s really nobody else who’s even a suitable WR2. 

Regardless of what the Raiders do with the sixth pick, they almost have to draft a receiver or two at some point. They also need to keep an eye on the free-agent market. Maybe a reunion with Amari Cooper is in order? 

Atlanta Falcons: Pass rusher

You’ve heard this one before. The Falcons’ search for a difference-making pass rusher seems to go back to the days of them playing in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. It hasn’t been that long, but once again the Falcons went into the offseason desperately needing an edge rusher and they didn’t really address it. Leonard Floyd was added and he’s still productive, but it’s hard to ask a player who will be 33 years old this season to carry a pass rush. There’s no great pass rusher left in free agency, so we’ll see if Atlanta invests its first-round pick in the position. 

The Falcons pick 15th overall, so there should be some options. Nate Tice and Charles McDonald’s latest mock had the Falcons taking Georgia linebacker/edge rusher Jalon Walker at 15. That would work, or maybe they take a shot on Marshall’s Mike Green there. Either way, it’s a huge hole that needs to be addressed. But we’ve said that before about the Falcons. 

Cincinnati Bengals: All defensive positions

The Bengals did what they needed to do to retain their best players. It just happens that Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase happen to play the same position. Investing heavily in two receivers makes the Bengals a bit unbalanced. For practical purposes, it’s still the same team that got an MVP-level season from Joe Burrow and didn’t make the playoffs. The culprit was the defense, and not much has changed. If anything it has gotten shakier with defensive end Trey Hendrickson’s future in flux as he seeks a new deal. 

The Bengals could still add a free agent, or two but that’s not changing the math too much at this point in the offseason. Cincinnati might use all six of its draft picks on defense. And it needs to hit big on a few of them if it wants to compete with the AFC’s elite teams. It’s not like the Bengals don’t have any talent on defense, but it could use an infusion at all three levels. This draft, and perhaps what the Bengals do to fill in the gaps in free agency, will determine the course of the franchise for the next few seasons. 

​

Bad news for teams that still have a big hole to fill: Free agency has been picked through. Twice and three times over at some positions.

Among Yahoo Sports’ top 25 free agents at the start of free agency, only quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Amari Cooper remain unsigned. There are still some solid veterans that can fill a role, but it’s hard to find any impact players among the unsigned group. However, help could still come via the NFL Draft.

Advertisement

Even though teams are running out of options to fix needs, there are some concerning holes still to fill for some teams. Here are the five biggest remaining needs as the calendar is about to turn to April.

The Steelers aren’t in a comfortable position. Everyone is waiting on the Aaron Rodgers situation, and there are not many other viable QB options for a team that made the playoffs last season. The Steelers could be stalling until after the NFL Draft, when Pittsburgh’s compensatory picks won’t be affected by adding Rodgers. But until that’s all done, or some alternate plan develops through the draft, the Steelers are a team that expects to be in the postseason but has Mason Rudolph lined up as its starting quarterback. It’s rare to see a good team get this far into the postseason without a clear vision at quarterback. We’ll see how the Rodgers situation plays out. Until then, this is the NFL’s most fascinating remaining question.

A surprising amount of teams have either no reasonable starting running back on the roster, or have a low-ceiling veteran who won’t carry a running game. Among the teams that could still use some juice at the running back position are the Bears, Browns, Cowboys, Chargers, Raiders and Steelers. The good news for those teams is this draft is very deep at the position. We could see a handful of rookie starters come out of this class.

No team has a bigger need at running back than the Broncos. Right now their top two options are Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime. That’s not exciting anyone. The Broncos took care of one offensive issue by signing Evan Engram to fill a big hole at tight end. They still could be tempted by a tight end in the first round, but this is a team that is very much in play to select a running back early in the draft.

The Raiders have a severe need at running back, which is why Ashton Jeanty seems to be an option for them with the sixth overall pick. When you’re a rebuilding team like the Raiders, you’ll have multiple needs. And there’s a real need at receiver too. Brock Bowers is an excellent tight end, and Jakobi Meyers had a 1,000-yard season. Meyers is better suited as a second wideout, but he’s the WR1 on this roster because there’s really nobody else who’s even a suitable WR2.

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Regardless of what the Raiders do with the sixth pick, they almost have to draft a receiver or two at some point. They also need to keep an eye on the free-agent market. Maybe a reunion with Amari Cooper is in order?

You’ve heard this one before. The Falcons’ search for a difference-making pass rusher seems to go back to the days of them playing in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. It hasn’t been that long, but once again the Falcons went into the offseason desperately needing an edge rusher and they didn’t really address it. Leonard Floyd was added and he’s still productive, but it’s hard to ask a player who will be 33 years old this season to carry a pass rush. There’s no great pass rusher left in free agency, so we’ll see if Atlanta invests its first-round pick in the position.

The Falcons pick 15th overall, so there should be some options. Nate Tice and Charles McDonald’s latest mock had the Falcons taking Georgia linebacker/edge rusher Jalon Walker at 15. That would work, or maybe they take a shot on Marshall’s Mike Green there. Either way, it’s a huge hole that needs to be addressed. But we’ve said that before about the Falcons.

The Bengals did what they needed to do to retain their best players. It just happens that Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase happen to play the same position. Investing heavily in two receivers makes the Bengals a bit unbalanced. For practical purposes, it’s still the same team that got an MVP-level season from Joe Burrow and didn’t make the playoffs. The culprit was the defense, and not much has changed. If anything it has gotten shakier with defensive end Trey Hendrickson’s future in flux as he seeks a new deal.

The Bengals could still add a free agent, or two but that’s not changing the math too much at this point in the offseason. Cincinnati might use all six of its draft picks on defense. And it needs to hit big on a few of them if it wants to compete with the AFC’s elite teams. It’s not like the Bengals don’t have any talent on defense, but it could use an infusion at all three levels. This draft, and perhaps what the Bengals do to fill in the gaps in free agency, will determine the course of the franchise for the next few seasons.

The post QUINIX Sport News: Steelers quarterback among the top 5 biggest remaining needs among NFL teams appeared first on QUINIX | QUINIX Sport News.

Jeff Bottari via Getty Images

Ariel Helwani is BACK … IN … YOUR … LIFE!

Join “The Ariel Helwani Show” live on Uncrowned and YouTube at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK time as Ariel and the Boys In The Back set the table for the week to come in combat sports. Monday’s rundown can be seen below.

1 p.m. ET: Ariel and the crew kick off the show with some breaking GFL news.

1:15 p.m. ET: Jorge Masvidal checks in with the latest news in his life.

1:40 p.m. ET: Loopy Godinez looks back at her big win over Julia Polastri at UFC Mexico.

2 p.m. ET: Mike Perry returns to talk the latest with BKFC and Dirty Boxing Championship.

2:30p.m. ET: MMA legend Urijah Faber stops by to discuss his GFL comeback and more.

3 p.m. ET: We break down the weekend in combat sports.

Catch all new episodes of “The Ariel Helwani Show” live every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET on Uncrowned and The Ariel Helwani Show’s YouTube page.

To listen to every episode, subscribe on Spotify or iTunes.

​

Ariel Helwani is BACK … IN … YOUR … LIFE!

Join “The Ariel Helwani Show” live on Uncrowned and YouTube at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT/5 p.m. UK time as Ariel and the Boys In The Back set the table for the week to come in combat sports. Monday’s rundown can be seen below.

Advertisement

1 p.m. ET: Ariel and the crew kick off the show with some breaking GFL news.

1:15 p.m. ET: Jorge Masvidal checks in with the latest news in his life.

1:40 p.m. ET: Loopy Godinez looks back at her big win over Julia Polastri at UFC Mexico.

2 p.m. ET: Mike Perry returns to talk the latest with BKFC and Dirty Boxing Championship.

2:30 p.m. ET: MMA legend Urijah Faber stops by to discuss his GFL comeback and more.

3 p.m. ET: We break down the weekend in combat sports.

Catch all new episodes of “The Ariel Helwani Show”liveevery Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET on Uncrowned and The Ariel Helwani Show’s YouTube page.

To listen to every episode, subscribe on Spotify or iTunes.

The post QUINIX Sport News: The Ariel Helwani Show | Jorge Masvidal, Mike Perry, Urijah Faber, Loopy Godinez, GFL news and more appeared first on QUINIX | QUINIX Sport News.

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue a four-game homestand when they host the Chicago Bulls on Monday. This will be the season’s second matchup between the squads. OKC won the first game way back on Oct. 26.

The Thunder (62-12) have won nine in a row. They enjoyed a blowout win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an efficient 33 points. OKC is now 27-1 against the East this season and on the verge of another historical marker.

Meanwhile, the Bulls (33-41) have been red-hot. They’ve won five of their last seven games. They lost a heartbreaker to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Matas Buzelis led the way with 28 points despite the defeat. This will also be Josh Giddey’s first game back at OKC since he was traded last offseason.

Both teams have been hit pretty hard by the injury bug. Plenty of starters’ status is unknown.

For the Thunder, Chet Holmgren (hip injury management) is questionable. Isaiah Hartenstein (hip soreness) is questionable. Jaylin Williams (hip tightness) is questionable. Aaron Wiggins (Achilles tendinitis) is out. Ousmane Dieng (calf strain) is out. Ajay Mitchell (toe sprain) is out. Nikola Topic (torn ACL) is out. Alex Ducas (quad strain) is out.

For the Bulls, Josh Giddey (hip soreness injury management) is questionable. Lonzo Ball (wrist sprain) is doubtful. Kevin Huerter (thumb sprain injury management) is out. Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder surgery) is out. Tre Jones (midfoot sprain) is out. EJ Liddell (illness) is out. Emanuel Miller (G League two-way) is out. Jahmir Young (G League two-way) is out.

Tipoff from Oklahoma City is set for 7 p.m. CT.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Full injury report for Monday’s Bulls vs. Thunder matchup

​

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue a four-game homestand when they host the Chicago Bulls on Monday. This will be the season’s second matchup between the squads. OKC won the first game way back on Oct. 26.

The Thunder (62-12) have won nine in a row. They enjoyed a blowout win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an efficient 33 points. OKC is now 27-1 against the East this season and on the verge of another historical marker.

Meanwhile, the Bulls (33-41) have been red-hot. They’ve won five of their last seven games. They lost a heartbreaker to the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. Matas Buzelis led the way with 28 points despite the defeat. This will also be Josh Giddey’s first game back at OKC since he was traded last offseason.

Both teams have been hit pretty hard by the injury bug. Plenty of starters’ status is unknown.

For the Thunder, Chet Holmgren (hip injury management) is questionable. Isaiah Hartenstein (hip soreness) is questionable. Jaylin Williams (hip tightness) is questionable. Aaron Wiggins (Achilles tendinitis) is out. Ousmane Dieng (calf strain) is out. Ajay Mitchell (toe sprain) is out. Nikola Topic (torn ACL) is out. Alex Ducas (quad strain) is out.

For the Bulls, Josh Giddey (hip soreness injury management) is questionable. Lonzo Ball (wrist sprain) is doubtful. Kevin Huerter (thumb sprain injury management) is out. Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder surgery) is out. Tre Jones (midfoot sprain) is out. EJ Liddell (illness) is out. Emanuel Miller (G League two-way) is out. Jahmir Young (G League two-way) is out.

Tipoff from Oklahoma City is set for 7 p.m. CT.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Full injury report for Monday’s Bulls vs. Thunder matchup

The post QUINIX Sport News: Full injury report for Monday's Bulls vs. Thunder matchup appeared first on QUINIX | QUINIX Sport News.

PALM BEACH — Zach Wilson was specifically targeted as a backup for Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday.

“I guess you guys wouldn’t know this,” McDaniel said at the NFL owners’ meetings at The Breakers. “I guess you guys are flying blind, so let me help you out. He was a direct, calculated target.”

McDaniel believes in Wilson’s talent. He believed in what he saw when he studied Wilson as a draft prospect at BYU.

“We drafted a quarterback in San Francisco the year he came out,” McDaniel said. “I watched every snap of his collegiate play. He was a phenomenal talent that in my opinion didn’t have reps in an NFL pocket yet. At BYU, he was launching it from about 10-11 yards deep, and you’re not in the phone booth. And so for my estimation, there was going to be some nuance to growth to his game. I think it close to excel that early in that new form of football that he was playing. That’s powerful to me.”

Wilson struggled with the Jets and used last season as a reset season in Denver.

Zach Wilson has supporter in Miami Dolphins‘ Mike McDaniel

It’s clear Wilson has a strong arm and mobility.

This is about pure talent and upside.

“There’s very few people that know what it’s like to be drafted high in New York City,” McDaniel said. “And so then to see his resolve, to see where he’s digested the whole situation. It’s like anything for all of us. Okay, if you have adversity in your life, that can be a source of strength and growth or it could be a source of, all right, that’s what defines you and you can’t get over that.

“What I see in Zach is the experience of being the second pick in the draft, being the starter week one, and then not fulfilling the rookie contract, that is behind him. So that, to me, that’s an exciting prospect. Because you can’t put a measurement on that human ability that is huge at the quarterback position.”

While making sure to point out he is not comparing Tagovailoa and Wilson as players, McDaniel believes the support system in Miami will help Wilson as it did Tua.

“Tua found that this environment helped him through that process,” McDaniel said. “As coaches we want to offer literally everything to his game. And I’m excited about about where he’s at based upon him.”

Zach Attack: Miami Dolphins’ Zach Wilson believes he can start in NFL again

McDaniel was asked a follow-up about the decision to choose Wilson over an older, more experienced backup player.

“Well, to be quite frank,” McDaniel said, “it’s an inexact science, but we thought that he was the best option for us.”

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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why did Miami Dolphins add Zach Wilson? Mike McDaniel explains it all

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PALM BEACH — Zach Wilson was specifically targeted as a backup for Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday.

“I guess you guys wouldn’t know this,” McDaniel said at the NFL owners’ meetings at The Breakers. “I guess you guys are flying blind, so let me help you out. He was a direct, calculated target.”

McDaniel believes in Wilson’s talent. He believed in what he saw when he studied Wilson as a draft prospect at BYU.

“We drafted a quarterback in San Francisco the year he came out,” McDaniel said. “I watched every snap of his collegiate play. He was a phenomenal talent that in my opinion didn’t have reps in an NFL pocket yet. At BYU, he was launching it from about 10-11 yards deep, and you’re not in the phone booth. And so for my estimation, there was going to be some nuance to growth to his game. I think it close to excel that early in that new form of football that he was playing. That’s powerful to me.”

Wilson struggled with the Jets and used last season as a reset season in Denver.

Zach Wilson has supporter in Miami Dolphins‘ Mike McDaniel

It’s clear Wilson has a strong arm and mobility.

This is about pure talent and upside.

“There’s very few people that know what it’s like to be drafted high in New York City,” McDaniel said. “And so then to see his resolve, to see where he’s digested the whole situation. It’s like anything for all of us. Okay, if you have adversity in your life, that can be a source of strength and growth or it could be a source of, all right, that’s what defines you and you can’t get over that.

“What I see in Zach is the experience of being the second pick in the draft, being the starter week one, and then not fulfilling the rookie contract, that is behind him. So that, to me, that’s an exciting prospect. Because you can’t put a measurement on that human ability that is huge at the quarterback position.”

While making sure to point out he is not comparing Tagovailoa and Wilson as players, McDaniel believes the support system in Miami will help Wilson as it did Tua.

“Tua found that this environment helped him through that process,” McDaniel said. “As coaches we want to offer literally everything to his game. And I’m excited about about where he’s at based upon him.”

Zach Attack: Miami Dolphins’ Zach Wilson believes he can start in NFL again

McDaniel was asked a follow-up about the decision to choose Wilson over an older, more experienced backup player.

“Well, to be quite frank,” McDaniel said, “it’s an inexact science, but we thought that he was the best option for us.”

Joe Schad: Tush Push ban on agenda at NFL meetings. It’s time to get rid of this play.

NFL Free Agents: Miami Dolphins introduce new players: 10 things we learned this week

More Joe Schad: Miami Dolphins’ Chris Grier, Mike McDaniel in trouble if team can’t clear middling bar

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Why did Miami Dolphins add Zach Wilson? Mike McDaniel explains it all

The post QUINIX Sport News: Mike McDaniel reveals why he has confidence in QB Zach Wilson's future appeared first on QUINIX | QUINIX Sport News.