Yardbarker

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

Saints receive a positive injury update ahead of Week 9

Saints quarterback Derek Carr is leaving the shop. After missing the past three games with an oblique injury, Carr is expected to return for New Orleans in Week 9 against the Panthers (1-7).

Yankees didn't go far enough in punishment of interfering Game 4 fans

The Yankees' statement was strong, but their actions were much weaker.

Watch: Anthony Edwards has ridiculous first quarter versus Mavericks

Edwards was 8-of-10 shooting, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc.

Ravens bolster offense by adding Panthers offensive weapon

The AFC arms race continued on Tuesday when the Ravens traded for former Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson.

Why Week 9 should be must-win for Saints HC Dennis Allen

Saints head coach Dennis Allen should be in a must-win situation in Week 9. New Orleans (2-6), riding a six-game losing streak, has a perfect opportunity to get back into the win column this Sunday on the road against the Carolina Panthers (1-7).

Paolo Banchero's career-best night leads Magic over Pacers

Magic forward Paolo Banchero had the best game of his three-year NBA career on Monday night against the Pacers.

Spain stars win big at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony

Spain was at the center of the soccer world on Monday night. The Ballon d'Or ceremony was held in Paris, and two Spaniards won the night's biggest honors.

Report: Fever prepared to reunite with recently released head coach

A wild offseason of WNBA coaching activity claimed another casualty on Monday when the Connecticut Sun parted ways with head coach Stephanie White.

Colts' quarterback decision will signal where team's interest lies

Whether head coach Shane Steichen keeps struggling Anthony Richardson in as the starter or turns to veteran backup Joe Flacco will indicate Indianapolis' motivations for the rest of the season.

NFL Week 8 worst QB performances: Cowboys' Dak Prescott flounders in another high-profile showdown vs. 49ers

It was all tricks and no treats for some unfortunate quarterbacks in Week 8. Here are the five worst quarterback performances from Sunday's NFL action.  Dallas' $240 million man had another no-show performance against the 49ers.

CFB Week 9 winners, losers: Notre Dame's playoff chances rise while Missouri's craters

On a Saturday featuring several big blowouts, here are Week 9's winners and losers.

Knockout in main event leads thunderous night at UFC 308

Knockouts won the night at UFC 308.

Boise State's path to CFP clears with Navy's loss to Notre Dame

Boise State received a second boost to its College Football Playoff hopes on Saturday.

Watch: Ohio State freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith scores 60-yard TD, ties Buckeyes record

Smith continues living up to the hype in only his seventh collegiate game.

Watch: Ole Miss scores easy opening-drive touchdown against Oklahoma

Oklahoma's defense was toothless on its opening drive against Ole Miss.

Watch: Klay Thompson looks right at home in Mavericks debut

Klay Thompson wasted no time showing why he could be the missing piece in Dallas.

Dodgers announce Fernando Valenzuela tribute for World Series and 2025 season

Expect an emotional scene for Game 1 of the World Series as the baseball world celebrates the life and legacy of Fernando Valenzuela.

Yves Missi's debut a silver lining for Pelicans in dispiriting opening win

While Dejounte Murray's hand fracture was an awful way for the Pelicans to begin the season, rookie center Yves Missi's production was a silver lining.

Panthers QB Bryce Young's return to starting lineup comes at inopportune time

Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young is being thrown into a horrible spot this weekend. Par for the course with his development.

Dodgers-Yankees World Series performance capped Fernando Valenzuela's iconic 1981 season

Baseball lost a legend on Tuesday. Former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who became the only player in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season in 1981, died at 63, three days before Game 1 of the 2024 World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees.

Trade for DeAndre Hopkins makes Chiefs clear-cut Super Bowl favorite

The Chiefs moved one step closer to winning their third consecutive Lombardi Trophy on Wednesday.

Watch: LeBron James and son Bronny take court for first time in historic moment

Among all of LeBron's accomplishments, he'll probably savor his latest the most.

Saints take five-time Pro Bowler off the trade market with contract extension

The Saints aren't letting running back Alvin Kamara slip away. On Tuesday, NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported Kamara and New Orleans agreed on a two-year, $24.5M extension to keep the running back in New Orleans through the 2026 season.

Brutal Bucs WR injury might be fatal blow to their season

The Buccaneers lost more than just a football game to the Ravens on Monday night.