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Colts Elevate Possible JuJu Brents Replacement to Active Roster
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Chris Lammons (35) celebrates recovering a fumble during a pre-season game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, August. 11, 2024 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Indianapolis Colts elevated practice squad cornerback Chris Lammons to the 53-man roster on Tuesday afternoon following the team's announcement of JuJu Brents' injury.

Brents will miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season with a knee injury, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Brents was chosen by the Colts in the second round in 2023's NFL Draft and has started nine games for the team since last year.

Lammons, a six-year veteran, was signed to fill Brents' empty roster spot. Lammons started in one game for the Colts last season and has played primarily with the special teams unit during his stay in Indy. He has one career interception and one fumble recovery along with 32 total tackles.

The Colts' cornerback room now sits at five active players heading into Week 2. Indianapolis will face off against the Green Bay Packers and backup quarterback Malik Willis at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon if star Jordan Love can't play.

Lammons, 28, signed as a free agent last summer but served a three-game suspension for misconduct. Coming out of South Carolina, Lammons recorded 177 total tackles, four interceptions, three fumbles forced and three fumbles recovered in a four-year college career.

It's not clear who will get the nod against the Packers on Sunday, but Jaylon Jones and Kenny Moore II are definite starters. Increased snap counts are likely between Dallis Flowers, Samuel Womack III, and Lammons as the Colts figure out a temporary replacement for Brents' spot.

This article first appeared on Indianapolis Colts on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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Raiders rookie WR showing he could be steal of 2025 draft
NFL

Raiders rookie WR showing he could be steal of 2025 draft

Las Vegas Raiders WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. is opening eyes at training camp, including QB Geno Smith, who appears to be trusting the rookie. Maybe that is the reason why general manager John Spytek has not looked for outside help at the position. And just maybe he got a steal from the 2025 NFL Draft. That looked evident on the first day of pads in Henderson, Nevada, where Thornton badly beat fellow rookie cornerback Darien Porter for a long touchdown, as described by The Athletic's Tashan Reed. In a piece, Reed said Thornton has been the first-string "X" receiver since OTAs and "could make an immediate impact." Thornton shared what Smith told him during training camp: "He tells me every single day, 'if you've got a one-on-one matchup, I'm coming to you,'" Smith said, as shared by Reed. "It means a lot to me. Being a rookie and just getting here ... just knowing that he believes in me a lot. It gives me a lot of motivation to keep getting better." While the headlines are more on rookie RB Ashton Jeanty for his potential big season, Thornton is making sure he is not forgotten after getting selected in the fourth round (108th overall) after leading the University of Tennessee with 661 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, Thornton is getting all the opportunities he can get, given the Raiders didn't bother to add a veteran WR. One could see why Thornton is raising eyebrows in training camp. That is a good thing because Smith is trusting Thornton's potential playmaking abilities. Thornton is one of the tallest Raiders WRs besides Collin Johnson, and that could be a big deal given the Raiders need a big target minus TEs Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer and Ian Thomas. Yet, ESPN's Mike Clay is projecting Thornton to have a quiet year with 317 receiving yards and a TD. With such low numbers, maybe that is how the Raiders would prefer it to be, anyway. Only the Raiders know what they have in Thornton. It is up to Thornton to keep the momentum going into preseason games and beyond.

Red Sox Aren't Getting Standout Back Anytime Soon
MLB

Red Sox Aren't Getting Standout Back Anytime Soon

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Top moments from 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame inductions
MLB

Top moments from 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame inductions

The 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame class had its day in Cooperstown on Sunday. This year's class included Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner, who were elected by the eligible voters from the Baseball Writer's Association of America, and Dave Parker and Dick Allen, who were elected by the Classic Baseball Era Committee. Here are some of the top highlights from Sunday's induction speeches. Dave Parker's son reads poem written by Hall of Fame father Parker's induction into the Hall of Fame was long overdue, and he sadly did not have the opportunity to enjoy the moment of seeing his name in the Hall of Fame as he died June 28. That left his speech in the hands of his son, Dave Parker II, who read a poem written by his dad. Parker spent the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates where he was an MVP winner, two-time batting champion and World Series champion with the 1979 "We Are Family" team. Dick Allen's wife remembers his kindness Allen was the other veterans committee inductee, and his widow, Willa Allen, spent the majority of her speech remember the kindness of Allen off the field as much as his ability on the field. Allen is going into the Hall of Fame as a Phillie but won the 1972 American League MVP with the Chicago White Sox. He led the league in OPS four times and was the 1964 National League Rookie of the Year. A reminder that Billy Wagner wasn't naturally left-handed Being left-handed is a huge advantage (and money-maker) for pitchers, and Wagner was one of the most dominant left-handed relief pitchers to ever step onto a mound in the big leagues. But he wasn't always left-handed. Wagner was a natural-born right-handed person but taught himself how to throw left-handed after fracturing his right arm twice as a kid. It led to quite a career. Wagner made a name for himself with the Houston Astros but also spent years with the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox. CC Sabathia takes playful dig at Ichiro Sabathia accomplished a ton in his 19-year big league career. He won 251 games, won the 2007 American League Cy Young Award, was the 2009 ALCS MVP and a World Series champion. He still has apparently not gotten over the one individual award he did not win — the 2001 American League Rookie of the Year Award, which went to fellow 2025 inductee Ichiro. Sabathia made sure to make a playful dig at that. Sabathia was the only American League rookie outside of Ichiro — who also won the American League MVP that year — to get a first-place vote. He received one. The others all went to Ichiro. Ichiro stole the show Ichiro stole 509 bases in his Hall of Fame career, and on Sunday, he added one more steal to his list of accomplishments by absolutely stealing the show at Cooperstown. He delivered two of the best lines of the day, first by calling out the one lone writer who did not vote for him, keeping him from being just the second unanimous Hall of Fame inductee ever (after Mariano Rivera). His best line of the day, however, might have been when he referenced his brief time as a member of the Miami Marlins toward the end of his career. Ichiro played 14 of his 19 seasons with the Seattle Mariners while also spending time with the Marlins and Yankees.

Green Bay Packers Elgton Jenkins Quiets The Noise Around Contract Holdout
NFL

Green Bay Packers Elgton Jenkins Quiets The Noise Around Contract Holdout

Elgton Jenkins, the Green Bay Packers’ versatile offensive lineman, stepped onto the field Monday for the first time this training camp, and his return has already generated plenty of buzz. After spending much of the offseason as a spectator due to what the team listed as a back injury, Jenkins spoke to the media today, addressing his holdout, his potential move to center, and his mindset as he gears up for the 2025 season. It was a candid, often emotional reflection on where he stands with the Packers and where he hopes to take their offensive line. Jenkins’ comments pulled back the curtain on both his personal struggles and professional challenges, offering a mix of hope and lingering questions for fans and analysts alike. Here’s what we learned and why it matters for Green Bay’s plans moving forward. Addressing the Holdout At Green Bay Packers Training Camp For much of the offseason, Elgton Jenkins avoided the field. He skipped voluntary workouts and was a noticeable “hold-in” during the mandatory minicamp, a move that many speculated was tied to his contract situation. When asked directly about his absence, Jenkins pointed to a family matter as his reason for sitting out of voluntary activities. “It wasn’t about the contract. I had things to take care of at home,” Jenkins told reporters. While his explanation seemed straightforward, it only partially aligned with reality. Questions remain about why Jenkins didn’t actively participate during mandated events, and his response leaves room for interpretation. “I wasn’t on the field, but I’ve been locked in. My focus has always been to help this team,” he added. It’s hard not to sense a layer of unspoken tension. At the core of Jenkins’ holdout appears to be his financial future with the Packers. His current deal, a four-year extension signed in 2022, carries non-guaranteed money through 2026. With the Packers facing cap constraints, Jenkins’ contract could be an easy target for restructuring or even release. Similar moves, like Green Bay’s parting ways with former All-Pro Jaire Alexander in June, loom large in players’ minds. Still, Jenkins emphasized that his priority now is football. “I’m here to play,” he said, brushing aside talk of extensions or release clauses. For the Green Bay Packers, having him mentally and physically committed to the team is a win, but Jenkins’ unwillingness to publicly acknowledge his contract concerns keeps the narrative open-ended. Elgton Jenkins: The Shift to Center One of the most intriguing revelations from Elgton Jenkins was his openness—albeit cautious—to playing center this season. Green Bay’s coaching staff signaled its intent to shift Jenkins to the middle of the offensive line during exit interviews last year. At the time, he embraced the idea, but his reported hesitation heading into this season sparked speculation. “I’ll do anything for the team,” Jenkins asserted post-practice. “But making a move like that, you have to take time to adjust—mentally and physically. These things don’t happen overnight, and I want to be in the best position to succeed for myself and for the team.” Elgton Jenkins isn’t inexperienced at center. Known for his positional flexibility, Jenkins has played every spot on the offensive line during his tenure with the Green Bay Packers. His ability to seamlessly shift roles makes him invaluable, but there’s no denying the complexity of becoming a centerpiece in both protection schemes and leadership on the line. It’s a role that requires sharp communication skills and the ability to anticipate defensive adjustments in real time. At Monday’s walkthrough practice, Jenkins lined up as the first-team center, a possible signal of where the Packers intend to slot him long-term. However, as live drills began, he was replaced by Sean Rhyan. This suggests the team is taking a measured approach to integrating him back into action and fully transitioning him to the middle. A Commitment to 2025 Contract rumors and position changes aside, Jenkins made one thing crystal clear in his remarks—he’s ready to commit to 2025. “I’m locked in,” Jenkins said emphatically, adding, “This team has what it takes to compete. I’m here for that.” While some fans remain concerned about what Jenkins’ offseason absence means for the team’s chemistry, his dedication to preparation appears unwavering. Staying dialed in without on-field reps might be challenging, but Jenkins insists he hasn’t missed a beat. “It’s about staying sharp mentally,” he added. “The physical stuff comes back, but you’ve got to stay prepared every single day upstairs. That’s the only way you can lead.” This sense of readiness is a pivotal development for the Packers, who desperately need stability on the offensive line. Jenkins’s ability to step into the center position could solidify the team’s protection around quarterback Jordan Love while providing a reliable veteran presence in the trenches. With the NFC North looking wide open, Green Bay’s ability to protect Love and establish the run will be critical—and Jenkins knows the stakes. Looking Toward the Future The uncertainty surrounding Jenkins’ long-term role with the Packers still lingers. With no guarantees built into his contract beyond this season, it’s fair to question whether the organization views him as a foundational player moving forward. For his part, Jenkins appears to be focusing solely on the task ahead—getting Green Bay into playoff contention. “Right now, it’s not about 2026,” Jenkins said when asked about his future with the team. “It’s about making sure we get better every game this season. If we do that, everything else will take care of itself.” This focus on the present could be exactly what the Green Bay Packers need. For a team that faced significant roster turnover in recent years, possessing veteran leaders like Jenkins—who understand the balance between business and performance—could make a major difference. The Road Ahead for the Packers With Jenkins now on the field and demonstrating a willingness to adapt, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line could be one of their biggest assets heading into 2025. If Jenkins thrives as a center, it could reshape Green Bay’s offensive attack and provide stability in a transitional year for the franchise. Yet, 2025 isn’t without its challenges. The specter of future cap space challenges, lingering player turnover, and divisional rivals improving their rosters means the Packers need to maximize every ounce of talent they have on the field this year. Having Jenkins fully invested will go a long way toward achieving that goal.

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