Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST

Emma Jacob Went Missing in Platteville, Wisconsin. Here's What's Known
News & Politics

Emma Jacob Went Missing in Platteville, Wisconsin. Here's What's Known

Emma Jacob was a 22-year-old woman who went missing in Platteville, WI. Details are scant about her disappearance, but tragic news was delivered by a woman on Facebook, who says she is Jacob's sister. And Lafayette County sheriff's officials confirmed to Men's Journal that Jacob is deceased. On July 22, Sydney Wiltsie wrote on Facebook, "My little sister Emma Jacob has been missing since around 9:30 this morning. Her last pinged location was near the mound, or the 'big M' in Platteville, WI. Her car, phone, keys, and purse were all found there. Police are involved and we ask that everyone in the Platteville area keeps an eye out for her and that she is found safe. Please keep her and our family in your prayers. 22 y.o. Female, roughly 5’6”, 120lbs, dark brown curly hair." Then, in an update, she wrote, "Update: She has been found. At this time we ask you please respect our families privacy as we grieve the loss of our daughter, sister, and auntie. Thank you." "My beautiful baby sister and my best friend in the whole world. I love you so much," she wrote on July 23, sharing another photo. That comment thread filled up with people offering their condolences. That hasn't stopped people online from speculating, without evidence, that Jacob's case could be linked to the disappearance of Viterbo college student Eliotte Heinz, who vanished on July 20 after a night in a bar in downtown La Crosse, WI. To be clear, there is no information to tie them together, and they're not even located in the same city. There is no evidence at this point that foul play was even involved in Jacob's death, and searchers are hoping to find Heinz alive. The Lafayette County Sheriff's Department confirmed to Men's Journal that Jacob died, but could not provide additional details on any cause of death, other than saying she was found in "rural Platteville" and that investigators "don't think it's related" to the disappearance of Heinz. Wiltsie limited comments on her post. "I understand everyone wanting to relate this to the other missing girls in Wisconsin but it’s very insensitive to Sydney and her family so maybe take those conversations private and keep this post strictly for information you may have directly related to Emma or prayers for a safe return. I am sure the police are aware of the other cases and working to connect any pieces," one woman wrote on the comment thread. La Crosse and Platteville are more than 100 miles apart, and there is no known link between the two women, with the exception that they are both 22 and from college towns in the Universities of Wisconsin system. Men's Journal contacted Platteville police on July 23 and asked about the Jacob case. Police said that case is being handled by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Department. However, that police department told Men's Journal to contact the UW-Platteville public relations spokeswoman, who has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Green Bay Packers: TE Tucker Kraft Tries New Position on Day 1 of Camp – Just for Fun or Smidge of Serious?
NFL

Green Bay Packers: TE Tucker Kraft Tries New Position on Day 1 of Camp – Just for Fun or Smidge of Serious?

The Green Bay Packers started training camp Wednesday, and on at least one rep, the kickoff went to an unexpected returner: tight end Tucker Kraft. Whether or not they plan to seriously evaluate him as an option, it’s a development that caught the eye of reporter Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Green Bay Packers shake it up to kick off camp with Kraft, Melton updates Earlier this afternoon, Scheidman shared his observation to the bewilderment of fans on social media. Until further notice, it seems safest to assume that the guys are just having fun. Kraft lacks a kick returner’s build and sprint speed, but at 6-foot-5 and 259 pounds, he’s been dubbed a “human monster truck” for his ability to absorb contact and break tackles after the catch. Most likely, that’s not a skilll that would translate from Kraft’s capacity as a passcatcher to a receiver of kicks. There’s a reason teams rarely plug tight ends in that role. One notable exception is New Orleans’ do-everything weapon Taysom Hill, who also plays quarterback and frequently runs the ball. He’s also returned 20 kickoffs in his career, but only six since his rookie year in 2018. Last season, the Packers relied on cornerback Keisean Nixon for most kickoff opportunities. Wide receiver Jayden Reed was the main man on punts, returning 14 times for 110 yards. Nixon amassed 576 yards between both return types. Schneidman’s Kraft news comes alongside Bo Melton’s more surprising, now-official position switch from receiver to cornerback. Fans aren’t sure what to think. Most aren’t taking Kraft’s rumble too seriously. At South Dakota State, Kraft returned two kickoffs for 34 yards. He has not run back an NFL kick. The former third-round pick enjoyed a highly successful second season: 50 catches, 707 yards, and seven touchdowns. Seeing Kraft tuck it and truck should be a common sight in 2025, just not, most likely, as a returner.

Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy Gets Honest About $14 Million O-Line Addition
NFL

Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy Gets Honest About $14 Million O-Line Addition

The Minnesota Vikings have kicked off their training camp as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season with a new quarterback leading the charge. Former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy is set to take the QB mantle after the team parted ways with Sam Darnold despite a 14-3 season. McCarthy is gearing up for his NFL debut and has been practicing with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and others. He addressed the media ahead of the first practice of the 2025 training camp. The 22-year-old was asked about his experience sharing the locker room with veteran center Ryan Kelly. "He's been amazing, one of the most favorite teammates I've ever had," McCarthy said. "Just his knowledge about the game, but who he is as a man. It's really one of a kind. And just the depth of knowledge, how he attacks every single day, how he is as a dad, you know, all the things that I get to learn from him on and off the field. It's a tremendous blessing." Kelly left the Indianapolis Colts in March this year to join the Vikings on a two-year, $18 million contract. The four-time Pro Bowler reads defensive alignments and makes quick protection calls. His football IQ gives him a huge edge over other offensive linemen. The veteran center is a massive upgrade over Garrett Bradbury. Kelly's experience and superior pass protection would give McCarthy a lot of confidence and assurance. His technique and lower-body strength will undoubtedly help him handle bull rushers better. McCarthy and Kelly are the two most prominent new faces on the roster. Darnold was sacked nine times in the Wild Card Round loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The 32-year-old center will have to step up for the Vikings for a deeper run into the postseason. McCarthy was drafted at No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He competed for the QB1 spot until a knee injury sidelined him for his entire rookie season. The youngster tore his right knee meniscus in the preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Vikings' QB was away from action for a long time before he was allowed to practice and access team facilities. The coaching staff tried to make the most out of that period, preparing their long-term asset for the 2025 NFL season.

Bobby Wagner pours praise on rising Commanders star as breakout buzz explodes
NFL

Bobby Wagner pours praise on rising Commanders star as breakout buzz explodes

Bobby Wagner has been one of the best at his craft almost from the moment he got into the league. The Washington Commanders linebacker shows no signs of slowing down, but he's also seeing something different in a young upstart teammate that could be a massive help to Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense in 2025. Wagner deservedly got another one-year deal from the Commanders this offseason. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer earned second-team All-Pro honors, and he was an inspirational catalyst behind Washington's incredible locker room culture shift. This is also his 14th season, and the cerebral second-level enforcer is not going to be around forever. The next generation must step up. That's the only way Washington's fleeting success is going to last long-term. And Wagner seems suitably impressed by the strides made by Jordan Magee entering Year 2 of his professional career. Bobby Wagner believes comfort is helping Jordan Magee in Year 2 with Commanders Wagner singled out Magee for special praise after the first training camp practice. He highlighted the added experience that's serving him well. He also noted the improved preparation and scheme familiarity as reasons why excitement continues to build. He [Jordan Magee] is a guy that everyone is watching. Seeing his growth, understanding the defense. I think the biggest step for a younger guy, when you first come into the league, you don't know what to expect. You don't know the plays, you don't know how the league is, things of that nature. Then you get a full season, and you come in and just get to focus on being the best linebacker, not everything else that comes with the game. So, I think that's been the biggest thing, watching him prepare, watching him really get comfortable and confident within the defense, so I'm excited to see where he's going to take it.Bobby Wagner Magee took off last offseason before a disappointing knee injury dented his chances of rookie involvement. He came back midway through the campaign but was utilized on special teams, for the most part. But make no mistake, the player and the coaching staff have much greater ambitions this time around. Whitt has already declared his willingness to implement more three-linebacker sets next season when the situation dictates. The third spot is Magee's to lose, and the progress being made isn't going unnoticed. The former Temple star has off-the-charts athleticism, which is always a solid foundation from which to build. Magee is violent at the contact point with the physical profile to match anyone. Once the technical refinements arrive, and he gets more in-game knowledge from a starting capacity, the Commanders will have a tremendous player on their hands. Learning from someone with Wagner's credentials doesn't exactly hurt either. And the veteran will be pushing Magee every step of the way for as long as he's around. That's a guarantee. More Commanders news and analysis

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!