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Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark is taking time off from dominating the competition with a Christmas Day football outing. She is showing her Kansas City Chiefs’ fandom with a gesture involving a fellow Midwest-based athlete.
Clark and rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice swapped jerseys ahead of KC’s home game versus the Las Vegas Raiders, via ClutchPoints. Although this is a custom fans have witnessed countless times, it is a nice sign of respect between two young talents each aiming to win a championships this season. Their respective teams might be on different trajectories at the moment, however.
Caitlin Clark
Rashee Rice
The Iowa women’s basketball star popped out to Arrowhead for the Chiefs-Raiders game
(via @Chiefs) pic.twitter.com/79jRdmh8FE
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 25, 2023
Clark remains the face of women’s college basketball, averaging 30.5 points on 48.7 percent shooting, 7.5 rebounds and 7.4 assists for this season. The sensational stats have reflected in the standings and national rankings, with the 12-1 Hawkeyes sitting at No. 4 in the AP Poll. Big Ten play has yet to get in full swing, but the team should have a strong opportunity to finish what it started in the 2023 National Championship versus LSU.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, have tailed off in the second half of the season. They are losing games that are not typically in doubt and are running out of time to get right before the playoffs commence. An inconsistent offense appears to be the biggest impediment to a second straight Super Bowl title. Rashee Rice has been a ray of light , however. He has 68 receptions for 754 yards and seven touchdowns and is KC’s only other truly viable pass-catcher aside from Travis Kelce.
Caitlin Clark will be watching intently on Monday afternoon during this extended break, before resuming her Iowa basketball duties Saturday against Minnesota.
More must-reads:
- Texas' Arch Manning has concern on OL after season-ending injury
- Browns' Shedeur Sanders addresses missing practice with arm soreness
- The 'NBA playoff point-per-game leaders' quiz
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Browns reporter says rookie is 'not an NFL QB'
As of the first Monday of August, there was no indication that 2025 third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel or 2025 fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders had any real chance to emerge as the Cleveland Browns' Week 1 starting quarterback. During a Monday morning appearance on Cleveland sports radio station 92.3 The Fan, Browns reporter Daryl Ruiter offered quite a worrisome update regarding how Gabriel has looked during training camp practices. "He's not good," Ruiter said about Gabriel. "He's not an NFL quarterback. Not right now, and the fact that they keep running him out there for first-team reps ... they're cramming this guy down our throats, and it's not good." Numerous NFL analysts viewed Gabriel as a third-day selection before the Browns made him the 94th overall pick of this year's draft. The perception up until Sanders was held out of Saturday's practice due to arm soreness was that he has been the team's fourth-choice option at the position behind Gabriel, Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. All signs are reportedly pointing to Flacco getting the start for Cleveland's Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7. Gabriel is listed at 5-foot-11, but some who cover the team have expressed doubts about that measurement. It seems that a lack of desirable size for playing the position in the pros isn't all that's gone against Gabriel this summer. "It's not a height thing," Ruiter continued. "It's not personal. He's rolling out and can't hit guys who are wide open. He's not all that great, at times, in the warmup periods. ... He's just not a good quarterback." Ruiter said that he feels Gabriel "has no business being in contention to start a football game" for the Browns this season. "It's god awful when he's on the field," Ruiter added. Browns general manager Andrew Berry revealed in late July that he could stash all four active quarterbacks on the roster for at least Week 1. For an article published on Sunday night, Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland/The Land on Demand wrote that there's "zero chance" either Gabriel or Sanders will be cut this summer. Perhaps Gabriel will look better when he sees some action in Cleveland's preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 8. That said, it sounds like fans should keep their expectations low for Gabriel's unofficial debut this coming Friday.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Could Have A New Favorite Redzone Target
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a lot of changes to their roster throughout the 2025 offseason, leading to a lot of storylines. From new signings to unexpected departures, there’s been no shortage of things for fans and analysts to talk about. Even with all the moves, however, some big questions still remain, especially when it comes to depth at key positions and who will step up to fill certain roles. One of the biggest storylines has been the addition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and with him leading the offense, many are wondering who he’ll be throwing to in the passing game consistently. Recently, former Steelers Super Bowl champion Trai Essex released a new episode of his podcast, The Snap Count, where he and his co-host, Charlie Batch, talked about a variety of Steelers-related topics ahead of the upcoming season. Among the topics discussed on the podcast was the highly-talked about question of who Rodgers is expected to connect with the most in the Steelers’ passing game. Essex mentioned someone that hasn’t been talked about a lot during the offseason, someone he believes could have a big impact in the end zone this year. "You know, I think Darnell Washington is going to be a huge target for Aaron Rodgers in the end zone," Essex said. Darnell Washington, who is a tight end that was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, could have a bigger role this season. While Pat Freiermuth has remained the team’s first tight end, the arrival of Rodgers may create more opportunities for Washington to get involved in the passing game. With his combination of size, strength, and receiving ability, Washington has the ability to be a serious threat in the red zone, like Essex mentioned. Rodgers is a future Hall of Famer, with a historic and successful career behind him up until this point. However, as he begins the next step in Pittsburgh, some have concerns about his age and whether he can still perform at a high level in such a physical league. What has always set Rodgers apart is his arm talent, and according to a recent report, his arm strength remains his best attribute. That not only poses a challenge for opposing defenses, but also presents an exciting opportunity for the Steelers to have a dangerous passing game. The Steelers now have a crowded and talented tight end room, especially with the recent addition of Jonnu Smith, who adds proven receiving skills and versatility to the offense. With this depth at tight end, it’s clear the position will likely play a significant role in the Steelers' offense this season. As the team continues to build around Rodgers for this year, it will be interesting to see how the targets are distributed among the many weapons at his disposal. Steelers Have Plenty Of Receiving Options There’s been plenty of talk surrounding the Steelers' wide receiver group, especially given the amount of receiving talent across the offense, including a strong tight end unit. While DK Metcalf is the clear wide receiver one, the wide receiver two spot is possibly still up for grabs, despite wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni naming Calvin Austin III as the current second option. Like Washington, Austin has a real opportunity to step up and show just how valuable he can be in the offense, especially with a quarterback as talented as Rodgers throwing the football. With this potentially being Rodgers’ final season, there’s added pressure for the Steelers to deliver results now. While much of the spotlight will be on Rodgers to lead the offense effectively, there’s also significant expectation on key receiving players players like Austin and Washington to take a big step forward and make a meaningful impact.
Minnesota Vikings Concerned About Performance Of One Critical Position
The NFL preseason is a time for optimism—a chance for fans and coaches alike to dream about overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness. But for Minnesota Vikings fans, there’s one lingering issue that tempers any excitement year after year: the team’s ongoing struggle to find consistency at the kicker position. Now, as training camp unfolds, that familiar uncertainty has crept back in. The Vikings’ current kicker, Will Reichard, is facing scrutiny following a shaky camp performance that has reignited concerns about whether Minnesota can finally close the book on its long, frustrating history with kickers. Minnesota Vikings: A Rocky Start for Will Reichard in 2025 Struggles in Training Camp Will Reichard came to the Minnesota Vikings with high expectations. After being selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he was viewed as a potential long-term solution to the team’s troubles at kicker. For a brief moment early in his rookie season, it seemed like the Vikings had struck gold—Reichard began his career with a perfect 14-for-14 streak on field goals, including four impressive conversions from beyond 50 yards. But things began to unravel. A quad injury midway through the season disrupted his rhythm, keeping him sidelined for four games and impacting his performance upon his return. Over his final five games, Reichard made just 10 of 14 field goal attempts, missing key kicks that left fans uneasy. Fast forward to training camp in 2025, and Reichard’s form appears to still be a work in progress. Reports from camp have described misses on routine field goal attempts, including two inside 40 yards during a recent session. These struggles are especially concerning for a team that frequently finds itself involved in close games where field position and special teams play a pivotal role. Root Causes of Reichard’s Struggles Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels acknowledged earlier this offseason that Reichard’s exhaustive rookie year may have played a role in his late-season slide. “The guy basically played eleven straight months of football without a break,” Daniels said, referencing his college playoff games, Senior Bowl participation, and NFL pre-draft commitments. This demanding schedule, combined with the physical toll of an NFL season, may have contributed to the quad injury and subsequent dip in performance. But excuses, while understandable, won’t satisfy Vikings fans who’ve grown weary of the team’s perpetual kicking carousel. The NFL is an unforgiving league, and the clock is ticking for Reichard to prove he can handle the pressure that comes with being an NFL kicker. The Vikings’ Troubled History with Kickers A Legacy of Heartbreak For much of their history, the Minnesota Vikings have been haunted by a seemingly endless cycle of kicker-related heartbreak. From missed playoff kicks to ill-fated experiments with new talent, the team’s inability to find stability at the position has cost them dearly. One of the most infamous moments came during the 1998 NFC Championship Game, when Gary Anderson—who had been perfect all season—missed a critical field goal that ultimately contributed to the Vikings’ loss. More recently, a missed 27-yard field goal by Blair Walsh during the 2015 playoffs sent shockwaves through a stunned fanbase. These moments aren’t just isolated mistakes; they’ve cast a long shadow over the franchise, leaving kickers who wear the Vikings jersey under unparalleled scrutiny. High Expectations in a High-Pressure Role The psychological toll of being a Vikings kicker is difficult to overstate. For any player stepping into the role, the expectations are sky-high, and even minor errors are magnified. It’s a position where good performance is expected but rarely celebrated, and failure—however fleeting—can define a career. This legacy of intense pressure raises questions. How much of the Minnesota Vikings’ kicker struggles are physical, and how much is mental? With Reichard now under the microscope, the team must evaluate whether his training camp struggles are a short-term hiccup or indicative of deeper issues. What Comes Next for the Minnesota Vikings? Patience or Panic? The NFL preseason offers Reichard a chance to put his training camp woes behind him. Preseason games, while still lower-stakes than the regular season, are a litmus test for kickers. If Reichard can bounce back and deliver reliable performances, he could cement his spot as the team’s starter before Week 1. But if the struggles persist, the Vikings may be forced to revisit their options. With veteran free agents potentially available and camp cuts creating opportunities, Minnesota could bring in competition to push Reichard or provide a backstop in case things continue to go south. Fixing Fundamentals Some factors affecting Reichard’s performance may extend beyond his own capabilities. The kicking operation—the trio of kicker, holder, and long snapper—requires precision. Reports from training camp indicate the team is testing new holding candidates, which could add instability to Reichard’s attempts. Straightening out these technical aspects will be critical as the team evaluates its special teams unit. A Familiar Feeling for Fans For Vikings fans, anxiety over the kicker spot is nothing new. Every wide-left miss or low-pressure shank in camp feels like déjà vu, a reminder of past heartbreaks that are all too fresh in their minds. But while skepticism runs high, so does the cautious hope that this time—finally—the team may find a solution. Final Thoughts The Minnesota Vikings’ search for consistency at the kicker position remains an ongoing saga, with Will Reichard’s training camp struggles adding another chapter to a story that’s defined by frustration and unmet expectations. However, the preseason still offers hope—hope that Reichard can reset and realign before the stakes become real. For now, though, the Minnesota Vikings walk a tightrope. If Reichard can rise to the challenge, stabilize his form, and deliver when it matters most, he could put an end to years of uncertainty. But if the struggles continue, the team must act quickly to avoid letting special teams woes derail another season. For Vikings fans, all they can do is hold their collective breath—and hope history doesn’t repeat itself.
Edmonton Oilers' Top 3 PTO Targets That Could Shake Up Training Camp
The Oilers have shaken up their roster ahead of training camp, and Viktor Olofsson, Ilya Samsonov and Brett Leason are PTO options for GM Stan Bowman. This off-season has been a busy one for the Edmonton Oilers, with the team moving on from Corey Perry, Evander Kane, Victor Arvidsson and others, while adding Andrew Mangiapane and the young Isaac Howard to give them more youth and speed. While the roster appears all but set with the team unlikely to make a change in net despite speculation heading into the summer, there's still plenty of time before training camp to make an addition or two. Now, The Hockey Writers have identified several options for the team to bring in on Professional Tryouts this off-season, with all three of Brett Leason, Victor Olofsson and Ilya Samsonov making perfect sense for the current team. The two with the best chance to make this roster are Olofsson and Samsonov, with the team potentially looking for an upgrade at the backup goaltender spot, with the former Maple Leafs and Golden Knights net minder showing the potential to be a great backup at the National Hockey League level. However, it's Olofsson that's been the most productive in recent years, posting 15 goals a season ago in Vegas after posting 55 goals over his prior three seasons, including just 7 in 2023/24 with Buffalo, showing he could be inconsistent. Leason is the wild card in potential PTO options, with the 6-foot-5, 220 pound forward potentially having the chance to be a physical threat for this team in the bottom-six, but with so many players beyond these three looking for a new role in the NHL, if the Oilers want a cheap option for competition in training camp, several names may be brought in on PTO's.
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