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Alabama QB and 2025 NFL Draft prospect Jalen Milroe's top plays from the 2024 college football season.
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Sooners HC Brent Venables gave fans the perfect news they needed after having some PTSD from an eerie 2024 situation
We all remember what happened last season – the Oklahoma Sooners had maybe the worst injury luck of any team in the entire country last year. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you all, but let me know another team that had their best five receivers out all at the same time. And that was just the beginning of it for Brent Venables. The offensive line dealt with so many injuries, too, so much so that they never had the same combination of a starting five more than one or two times last year. Every week, it was a new guy starting, and every week, those injuries showed their biggest impact on the team. There was no cohesion at all. On the defensive side of the ball, it wasn’t as bad, but they still dealt with injuries in their secondary and in the linebacker room. Sure, these injuries provided some good members and learning experiences for the Sooners, but ultimately, it’s one of the biggest reasons they were as bad as they were. In 2025, that simply can’t happen. So, you can see why fans are starting to freak out with some of the things we are hearing coming out of fall camp. Sooners are all good on the injury front We have heard so many things about players like Eli Bowen and others who haven’t been full participants in fall camp. For Bowen, he’s dealt with a foot injury and hasn’t really done anything in fall camp. Then there are the two Gibson receivers, whom you can say the same about. Some of the offensive line have dealt with injuries in fall camp, as well as Jayden Ott at running back, and a few other skill positions players, enough to make them miss a few practices. So, yes, fans started to get worried, because why wouldn’t they after what happened last season? They have PTSD. According to reporters on-site at fall camp, Venables told them all during a media scrum that the injuries they have are all just some bumps and bruises here and there. Their health as a team is “good.” And, that’s the perfect update for fans of the Sooners.
Chicago Cubs’ surprising unsung hero may be gone after this season
The Chicago Cubs have had a lot of highlights this season, despite their recent downward trajectory and the bundles of frustration that go along with that. Surprisingly, there are almost as many breakthroughs and redemption stories among the pitching staff as there are among the more well-publicized position players. Playing the role of unsung hero and/or under-the-radar linchpin is the unlikely veteran Brad Keller, who seamlessly slid into a middle-relief role and has excelled. A Chicago Cubs’ unsung hero Brought into spring training as a non-roster invitee, the then-29-year-old Keller showcased more than a bit of the brilliance that he had occasionally touched upon over the previous seven years in his major league career. Thought to be little more than a depth piece by most, Keller surprised just about everyone, except manager Craig Counsell, who reportedly played a pivotal role in bringing him to the team. He even added upwards of 3.5 mph to his four-seam fastball en route to earning a spot on the Cubs’ 26-man roster. Keller’s top notch spring training run has extended into the regular season. So far this year, in 54.1 innings over 51 appearances, he’s posting an impressive 2.48 ERA with 55 strikeouts vs. 16 walks and a 58.3% groundball rate. Under-the-radar, but not unappreciated On Saturday, filling in for an under-the-weather Daniel Palencia, he struck out the side in the ninth inning to close out the Cubs’ 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. “If you’re not the closer, maybe, it doesn’t have a lot of fanfare on it, but Brad’s had an excellent season, a really valuable season for us,” Counsell told reporters after the game. “If there is such a thing as an unsung hero for this team so far, I would definitely nominate Brad for that…This is a different role for him starting this season and he’s responded really well to every challenge put in front of him…” The rocky road here Keller was drafted in the eighth round by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013, but was then selected in the Rule 5 Draft by the Cincinnati Reds, who proceeded to trade him to the Kansas City Royals. He impressed in his 2018 rookie season, working as both a starter and a reliever, with a 3.08 ERA in 41 games. He would eventually go on to earn a full-time starter gig with the Royals, but have diminishing success in that role after the Covid-shortened 2020 season. He was then put back in a swing man role before eventually becoming a free agent at the end of 2023. Last season, he delivered a 5.44 ERA in 16 games split between the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. He was brought to spring training by the Cubs as a non-roster invitee, eventually earning a roster spot in the bullpen and a modest $1.5 million contract. He’ll be a free agent once again at the end of this season and there’s zero doubt that his asking price will go up significantly. “This is a pitcher who had big success in the league at a younger age,” Counsell told The Athletic back in late February. “I always take note of that. It’s in there. That’s the guy we want.” And the Cubs got that guy they wanted. Now, the question turns to whether the team will pay the price to keep him.
Milwaukee Brewers: Craig Counsell Blasts Former Team’s 14-Game Winning Streak, Gets Caught Lying
Three potential trade destinations for Commanders' Brian Robinson Jr.
While the Washington Commanders may have found their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels, the franchise has signaled a lack of confidence in the current state of its other skill positions. Terry McLaurin's future with the franchise has been hanging in the balance for weeks as the Pro Bowler attempts to cash in on a career-best season. However, unlike McLaurin, who has a chance of returning to Washington on a new contract, Brian Robinson Jr.'s tenure with the Commanders appears to be coming to an end just weeks before the 2025 NFL season kicks off. Washington is reportedly shopping Robinson Jr. despite lacking reliable depth behind him. Austin Ekeler isn't the talent he used to be, so unless the team has big plans for seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey Merritt, the Commanders could be looking to upgrade their running back corps in a corresponding move. Robinson Jr. was never a top-tier back during his time in Washington, but the 2022 third-rounder has proven to be a reliable runner during his young career. He may not be the most exciting option, but after an eight-touchdown campaign, Robinson Jr. should have his fair share of potential suitors in the trade market. Here are three of them. Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys' running back depth is so thin that Robinson Jr. would easily be the most talented member of their backfield. As long as CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott are in town, Dallas will be a pass-first team. But that doesn't mean that the franchise should settle for arguably the NFL's worst backfield. Javonte Williams has continued to disappoint, despite being given every chance with the Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, Miles Sanders has failed to produce even in a backup role in recent years. The Cowboys could be hoping for fifth-round back Jaydon Blue to make an early impact, but that's a dangerously optimistic desire for a team with playoff aspirations. As things currently stand, no organization needs Robinson Jr.'s services more than Dallas. San Francisco 49ers Yes, the San Francisco 49ers boast one of football's most dominant backs in Christian McCaffrey. But the three-time Pro Bowler proved once again last season that his health can't be trusted. With Jordan Mason now with the Minnesota Vikings, the Niners will heavily rely on Isaac Guerendo should their star go down again. Guerendo performed admirably as a third-stringer in 2024, but even he couldn't avoid the injury bug that ravaged San Francisco's backfield last season. The 49ers have more talent than most teams do at running back, but the top of their depth chart carries concerning injury risk. If San Francisco does decide to make a play for Robinson Jr., who has played at least 12 games in each of his three seasons, the franchise would be adding notable durability to its backfield. Miami Dolphins The Miami Dolphins also possess a promising running back in De'Von Achane, but after news that the 23-year-old could be out for weeks, the team would be wise to add reinforcements. The Dolphins currently don't have reliable production behind Achane. The franchise would be forced to rely on several unproven talents should he miss any regular-season action. Robinson Jr. would certainly shore up Miami's depth concerns. But he'd also serve as a valuable change-of-pace back as a power runner next to Achane, who has thrived as a pass-catcher.
Winners And Losers From Eagles Surprise Trade For John Metchie
It feels like there’s another shoe to drop after the Eagles acquired another receiver in a trade for John Metchie III with the Houston Texans. They dipped into their tight end depth and dealt Harrison Bryant in the deal, but did they really need another receiver? Well, they do if they trade what is now a surplus of them for something else – say another cornerback or maybe some defensive edge depth. And they certainly do if there is more to the injury that has followed A.J. Brown throughout most of training camp. It was general manager Howie Roseman’s second trade of summer. Last week, he on-boarded cornerback Jakorian Bennett in a deal that sent defensive tackle Thomas Booker to the Las Vegas Raiders. As of now, here are winners and loser from the somewhat surprise trade for a receiver: WINNERS John Metchie. The receiver leaves a crowded receiver room where playing time could have been scarce. Plus, he’s another product of the University of Alabama. He becomes the ninth player from the Crimson Tide program on the Eagles’ current 91-man roster, including Jalen Hurts, who spent three seasons at Alabama before transferring to Oklahoma for his final collegiate season. Of course, Metchie could be a loser on this list, too, because he is leaving one deep receiver room and stepping into another – unless the Eagles trade one away. Kylen Granson and E.J. Jenkins. The two tight ends are in good position to stick around with Bryant gone. Granson probably will be the third tight end on the 53-man roster. Jenkins is likely ticketed for the practice squad, though the converted receiver has taken big steps this season in his transition to being a tight end and he is up to 255 pounds. Run game. Metchie is considered an above average blocker in the run game as a receiver. It was one of his strengths at Alabama and has only gotten better during his time in the league. Who Are Some Of The Losers From The Deal To Acquire John Metchie? LOSERS (pick a receiver, any receiver) Darius Cooper. After a breakout game in the preseason opener and a solid camp, Cooper was targeted only once against the Browns on Saturday. Of course, he played with a pair of quarterbacks who struggled in Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Kyle McCord. Perhaps the Eagles’ plan was to slow-play Cooper in the second preseason game and hope to stash him on the practice squad. Terrace Marshall. The receiver started camp strong but suffered an injury that cost him some time. He returned recently and played against the Browns, catching two passes for 15 yards on four targets. He will likely be cut now. Or traded. Jahan Dotson. The receiver has had a strong camp and has looked extremely confident in his first full season with the Eagles. Perhaps good enough to trade for something Roseman believes is a bigger need after three weeks of camp. Has his job as the No. 3 receiver been compromised? Bubble players. If the Eagles don’t trade another receiver, they will probably end up keeping six, which means a job for one less player on the roster bubble. Perhaps an offensive lineman, for instance, such as Trevor Keegan or Cam Williams or a linebacker like Lance Dixon. Last year’s draft picks, Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith, have done enough to make the roster. Wilson didn’t play on Saturday, which is a sure indication he has a spot sewn up. Smith has a pair of touchdown catches in the preseason, both on third-and-goal throws. Maybe one of them will be dangled in a deal.
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