Former Alabama coach Nick Saban tells rookie quarterback Keelon Russell that it’s okay to punt as the Crimson Tide head to LSU’s Death Valley on Nov. 6. Saban warns that LSU’s pressure‑heavy defense, which tops the SEC with 34 sacks, will test Russell’s poise after a rough stretch that includes five turnovers and 11 sacks in his last three games. He urges better protection—citing the return of center Racin Delgatty and receiver Ryan Coleman‑Williams—and a steadier mindset. Alabama (6‑2, No. 5) needs a win to keep CFP hopes alive, while LSU, fresh from dominant wins over Mississippi State and Auburn, looks to extend its surge.
Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald confirms All‑Pro guard Quenton Nelson will undergo a minor knee surgery but will not be placed on IR, keeping him week‑to‑week. Nelson misses the Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 8, though the team hopes he returns before season’s end to bolster a 4‑4 offense that’s also dealing with QB Drew Lock’s elbow issue and Sam Darnold’s injury. The Seahawks, trailing the 6‑1 49ers and tied with the Rams, have nine games left and are counting on Nelson’s return to stay playoff‑ready.
With the NFL trade deadline looming on Nov. 10, The Game Haus highlights seven defensive players likely to move. Cornerback Riq Woolen (Eagles) could land with the Lions or Bears, while pass rusher Josh Sweat (Cardinals) draws interest from the Giants and Jaguars. Veteran safety Budda Baker (Cardinals) may be offloaded to the Cowboys or 49ers, and Khalil Mack (Chargers) could reunite with Chicago, suiting the 49ers or Bears. Dolphins’ edge rusher Josh Uche fits the Chiefs or Giants, and Saints safety Justin Reid is a potential Bills or Jaguars pickup. Each prospect is tied to expiring contracts or teams looking to rebuild.
With the NFL trade deadline looming on Nov. 10, The Game Haus outlines offensive players likely to move. Veteran RB Jonathan Taylor (Colts) could be a rebuild-friendly upgrade for the Broncos or Vikings, while Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. remains a buy‑low option for the Chiefs or 49ers. TE Dallas Goedert (Eagles) may be sold as a free agent, attracting interest from the Buccaneers or Seahawks. Colts WR Josh Downs, who publicly requested a trade, fits the Bills or Giants. OT Austin Jackson (Dolphins) and Browns’ Dawand Jones—both on expiring or cheap contracts—are potential targets for the Packers, Bengals, Texans or Panthers. The piece spotlights each player’s contract situation, performance, and best‑fit teams ahead of the deadline.
The Seattle Mariners have hired Yankees director of catching Tanner Swanson as their new bench coach under manager Jason Kanzler, marking the second major coaching loss for New York this week. Swanson, who transformed the Yankees' pitch‑framing program and helped develop Austin Wells into a top framer, leaves a void in a department that has already supplied catchers to several clubs. He joins the Mariners to work with star catcher Cal Raleigh after missing out on an MVP runner‑up season in 2025. The Yankees now face a coaching gap as they adjust.
Carson Beck is getting critical reps as the Cardinals' backup quarterback, but how ready is he to make his debut when called on?
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald confirms seven players are out for Week 9 versus the Cardinals, including QB Sam Darnold, guard Quenton Nelson, OT Charles Cross, WR Rashid Shaheed, DT Brandon Pili, LB Uchenna Nwosu and DL Leonard Williams. Nelson will undergo a minor knee procedure but stays on the active roster. Darnold’s quad injury moves rookie Drew Lock to the start. Nelson, a former 2018 first‑round pick now in the final year of an $80 million extension, has appeared in six games for the Colts and one for Seattle this season.
SportsNet New York (SNY), the Mets’ flagship channel, announced massive layoffs that immediately gut its website and axe flagship shows like Baseball Night in New York and Sportsnite. The network will keep Mets Hot Stove and its pre/post‑game coverage for the Mets and New York Jets, with reporters Chelsea Janes, Ian Begley and Connor Hughes remaining on staff. Owned by Steve Cohen but controlled by Sterling Equities (Wilpon/Katz families), SNY had been courting a sale, but without a buyer the cuts proceeded despite a Mets broadcast deal running through 2035. The layoffs raise questions about the future of SNY’s original programming.
The Cubs’ offseason focus is their pitching rotation, but outfield vacancies could force a shake‑up. Free‑agents Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki may depart, and a pricey Tarik Skubal deal could limit cash for them. Instead, Chicago could turn to internal options: utility man Matt Shaw (.230, 18 HR, 68 RBI, 21 SB), rookie Pedro Ramirez (.261, 6 HR, 32 RBI), veteran Kevin Alcantara (.280, 1 HR, 7 RBI), and top prospect Josiah Hartshorn, who hit .284 with 23 HR in Double‑A. The team will weigh these four as first‑line substitutes if Happ or Suzuki sign elsewhere.
Red Sox right‑hander Zack Kelly clears outright waivers and becomes a free agent after his recent DFA. The 32‑year‑old posted a 3.31 ERA over 16⅓ innings this season before a right‑elbow fracture ended his campaign. In his 131 career innings, Kelly has a 4.04 ERA, 22.4% strikeout rate and a 45.4% ground‑ball rate, throwing 96 mph fastballs, a new 90‑91 mph cutter and an 81 mph slider. With three years of service time and no minor‑league options, he can sign a minor‑league deal but must stay on a major‑league roster to avoid another DFA. His free‑agency status comes amid a looming MLB lockout.
In this Pinstripe Alley mailbag, the author tackles fan questions about the Yankees' future outfield and roster moves. He explains that while swapping Cody Bellinger to centre to accommodate a big bat like Randy Arozarena or Masataka Suzuki is possible, it would sacrifice Bellinger’s defensive value and highlights the lack of quality centre‑field free agents, urging creative trades. The piece also critiques Jasson Domínguez’s stalled development, noting his defensive woes and limited hitting consistency as he heads into a 2027 season likely spent in the minors. Lastly, brief outlooks on the pitching staff’s health and arm‑injury concerns are hinted at, with a focus on Max Fried’s reliability.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have dismissed co‑hitting coach Aaron Bates after 12 years with the club when contract talks broke down, according to MLB Trade Rumors’ Tim Dierkes. Despite a multiyear offer, negotiations stalled, making Bates the only staff change for 2027; Robert Van Scoyoc returns as sole hitting coach. Bates, who helped win World Series titles in 2020, 2024 and 2025, oversaw an offense that ranked fourth in runs (801) and second in OPS (.762) in 2026 but fell flat in the NLCS sweep by Milwaukee, hitting just .195. With an MLB lockout looming, the Dodgers must quickly name a replacement, eyeing internal candidates like JT Watkins, Dylan Nasiatka or Blake Gailen.
The Philadelphia Eagles receive an encouraging Saquon Barkley update as they prepare for their Week 9 showdown with the New York Giants.
Pavel Dorofeyev finally delivered his first signature moment for the New York Rangers, scoring a game‑tying power‑play goal at 13:52 of the third period to spark a 3‑2 comeback win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2026. The 26‑year‑old’s fifth goal of the 2026‑27 season ends a slow start of just four goals in 16 games and follows a series of shots that hit the posts. Coach Mike Sullivan moved Dorofeyev off the top line, a change that paid off, and the Rangers celebrated their first comeback win of the season. The goal also marked his third against Flyers’ netminder Joseph Woll and hints at a potential bounce‑back for the 7‑year, $77 million signing.
The Eagles release their final Week 9 injury report ahead of the clash with the New York Giants. Six players are listed OUT, including WRs DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks, leaving only four receivers—Darius Cooper, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore—on the active roster. LB Jihaad Campbell (hamstring/quad) and safety Michael Carter II (abdomen) also miss the game, as does CB Jonathan Jones (hamstring). QB Tanner McKee is QUESTIONABLE after a rib injury; he may serve as an emergency third‑string behind starter Joe Milton and backup Cole Payton. Notable absences without status include Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts (out for the season). The Giants report Cam Skattebo doubtful (hamstring) and WR Charlie Jones questionable (hand).
The Giants trade left‑hander Reiver Sanmartin to Washington for 23‑year‑old right‑hander Robert Cranz, a promising Minor League reliever. Sanmartin was DFA’d after roster cuts, but the Giants secured Cranz, who logged a 2.25 ERA (2.68 FIP) in High‑A and a 3.42 ERA (2.95 FIP) in AA this season, striking out 67 in 42.1 innings. Though his AAA stint with Sacramento ended with a 13.11 ERA, his 95.2 mph fastball and solid cutter/slider mix give him a chance to bounce back and vie for a Major League role.
Both the New York Giants and Eagles will wear throwback uniforms for their 1:00 p.m. ET Week 9 tilt at Lincoln Financial Field Sunday:
The 2026 Dodgers season shines through three player groups: breakout stars, legacy builders, and veteran stalwarts. Andy Pages delivers a 6.0 bWAR, Gold Glove finalist season despite a broken hand, while Justin Wrobleski surprises as an All‑Star pitcher (12‑5, 3.66 ERA) and reliever Edgardo Henriquez logs a career‑high 61 appearances with a 2.85 ERA. Veteran Max Muncy posts 29 homers, becomes fifth in franchise HR history, and earns Gold Glove and Silver Slugger nods. Shohei Ohtani, an NL MVP and Cy Young contender, records an 8‑2, 1.79 ERA line with 30 HRs, the most by a Dodger in three seasons. Yoshinobu Yamamoto posts a 2.61 ERA over 76 starts, matching Hershiser’s early dominance. Freddie Freeman reaches 2,598 hits, Mookie Betts hits his 300th homer and climbs to 79.0 bWAR, and Miguel Rojas logs his 1,000th hit. The article details these achievements and their impact on a historic Dodgers year.
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams is expected to return for Saturday's matchup with LSU after missing the last two games with a knee injury, according to On3's Pete Nakos.
Alabama heads into Saturday’s #5 vs. LSU with three key starters back: WR Ryan Coleman‑Williams, center Racin Delgatty and defensive lineman Terrance Green, who missed the last two games after injuries against Georgia on Oct. 10. The Crimson Tide sits 6‑2 (4‑2 SEC) and also lists left guard Will Sanders as a game‑time decision following TightRope surgery after the Oct. 24 win over Texas A&M. Cornerback Zabien Brown and RBs AK Dear and EJ Crowell remain questionable, but the returns boost Alabama’s chances against the rival.
Alabama confirms that defensive lineman Terrance Green, wide receiver Ryan Coleman‑Williams, and center Racin Delgatty are cleared to play in Week 10 against LSU. Green, an Oregon transfer, has logged 11 tackles, four for loss and 2.5 sacks this season. Delgatty, a top‑ranked interior lineman before his injury, returns to bolster the offensive line. Coleman‑Williams, who leads Alabama with four receiving touchdowns, re‑joins the squad after missing time since October 10. The updates were announced by Yea Alabama on Friday, with final SEC availability to be posted later.
The Philadelphia Eagles announce six players will miss Week 9 against the Giants: WRs DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks, LB Jihaad Campbell, CB Jonathan Jones, WR Britain Covey, and DB Michael Carter. Smith’s hamstring injury keeps him out for a fifth game this season after his last appearance in Week 6, while Wicks misses his second straight contest, denting the Eagles’ passing attack and opening opportunities for rookie Makai Lemon. Smith, a former Heisman winner and 2021 No. 10 pick, has recorded 26 catches for 310 yards and two TDs in four games this year. The injury list was posted on the team's official Twitter account on November 6, 2026.
San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa is a step closer to returning after tweaking his left calf in a September 24 walkthrough. The Athletic says he participated in limited practice on Wednesday and feels great, putting him in line for a Sunday start against the Las Vegas Raiders after missing five games since the Arizona Cardinals loss. The 49ers sit 6‑1, though injuries linger for Christian McCaffrey, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Demarcus Robinson. Off the field, Bosa’s girlfriend and model Ella Ailiff posted a racy Guess photo on Instagram, showcasing a fur‑coat look following earlier swimsuit shots. The couple began dating in fall 2025 and Ailiff has been a regular presence at 49ers home games.
Dodgers ace Blake Snell is lobbying teammate Tarik Skubal to stay in Los Angeles as the 2027 free‑agent market heats up. Alongside New York’s Yankees and Mets, the Phillies and even the Padres have entered the chase for the left‑handed ace, who was traded to the Dodgers mid‑season in 2026. Skubal, a former AL Cy Young and Triple Crown winner known for upper‑90s heat and a elite changeup, offers a rare frontline workhorse for any contender. Snell says Dodger fans are urging him to keep ‘lil‑bro’ and the club hopes to seal a deal this winter.
The Indianapolis Colts, sitting 2-6, may field a surprise NFC suitor for All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor as the NFL trade deadline looms. ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed an unnamed “mystery team” has reached out, noting he’s hearing team names he’s never heard before. While the Broncos, Giants, Seahawks and Vikings have been linked, speculation now points to the San Francisco 49ers, fresh off their 2022 Christian McCaffrey trade and with a history of acquiring Indy players like DeForest Buckner. A move could see Taylor join McCaffrey in Shanahan’s backfield, creating a potent duo. The trade remains unconfirmed, but it could reshape the Colts’ rebuild and boost a playoff contender.