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Deadspin | Falcons back in kicker market after missed PAT doomed 3rd straight loss

Deadspin | Falcons back in kicker market after missed PAT doomed 3rd straight loss

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Oct 26, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

As the Atlanta Falcons’ freefall continues, head coach Raheem Morris was clear in his assessment of the team’s third straight loss.

With a chance to tie the score at 24 against the New England Patriots with 4:40 left in Sunday’s game, kicker Parker Romo missed the extra point. The Falcons did get the ball back, but could not get into scoring position, leaving the miss as the difference in the result.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to make that kick and give yourself a chance,” Morris told reporters on Monday. “That’s the game. … We’ve got to get it fixed and it has to be fixed now.”

Kicking woes have plagued the Falcons (3-5) since their season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when Younghoe Koo missed a game-tying 44-yarder as Atlanta fell 23-20.

Morris’ comments Monday were almost identical to Week 1, when the second-year head coach said, “We’ve got to make those kicks,” before the team cut the veteran Koo.

By the time Atlanta leaves for its Week 10 meeting with the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, the team could be on its third kicker.

“Obviously we’ve got to look at that and we’ve started that process already,” Morris said of replacing Romo. “We’ve worked out a bunch of different people. We’ll be able to bring people in and figure out who it’s going to be this week. Those pressure situations aren’t built on practice fields. They’re built in games.”

The good from Sunday included Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s career-high three passing touchdowns, despite falling to 4-6 as a starter since taking Kirk Cousins’ job last December.

One of the only blemishes on Penix’s performance was an intentional grounding penalty he took which stalled out the Falcons’ final drive.

After the game, Penix and Morris accused the Patriots of simulating the snap by clapping, which led to the snap arriving early and is supposed to be a “disconcerting signals” penalty.

Morris walked back his comments on Monday, saying all he was going off was what his players told him.

“This was our players telling us they simulated the snap out there,” Morris said. “They heard something and obviously they did, that’s why he snapped it. This was no intent that (New England) did anything wrong.

“… We can’t snap the ball early no matter what anybody does. It’s gotta be more about us. That was just me being angry (Sunday).”

Even on a three-game losing streak, Penix still feels the Falcons can play their best football.

“It’s still high,” Penix said of the team’s confidence. “It’s got to be. It’s NFL football. We’re still in it. We still have a lot of games to go. We’ve got to go out there and just make sure each and every day of practice we give our 110% effort like we always do and be ready for this next game coming up. Obviously a long flight out to Germany, but we’ll be ready for it.”

Atlanta’s offensive line took a hit at New England, as left guard Matthew Bergeron exited in the first quarter with an ankle injury before three-time Pro Bowl right guard Chris Lindstrom (foot) left in the fourth.

“We’ll get those guys to Wednesday and see what happens,” said Morris, who also updated the status of linebacker Troy Andersen, who hasn’t played since Dec. 8 of last season with a knee injury. “You never want to rule (Andersen coming back this season) out. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

–Field Level Media

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Alexander Zverev warned on Sunday of burnout and dropouts due to overly long ATP Masters 1000 events as he returned to the scene of his 2017 title in Canada.

The top seed and world number two told reporters in Montreal that he has his doubts about the wisdom of the 12-day Masters tournaments, which can seem as long and draining to players as a Grand Slam fortnight.

This edition of the elite Canadian hard court tournament is missing world number one Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who has not played since April due to a wrist injury.

“I think (the pullouts) are a result of the two-week Masters event. I think it’s just too long for some players, too much before the US Open,” Zverev said.

“I used to play more 500 events, 250 events when the Masters were shorter, but now I don’t do that anymore just because of time spent away and time spent on tournaments.”

Zverev said that he and his team also seriously considered bypassing Canada this year.

“We had a thought also of maybe skipping Montreal, but then we decided to play it

But the reigning Roland Garros champion and Wimbledon finalist last month added: “I need to play matches. I need to play tournaments.

“I don’t think maybe I’ll play my best tennis here, but the result of playing here, I think I’ll play better in Cincinnati and then hopefully my best tennis in New York,” he said, looking ahead to the US Open that starts on August 31.

Also read | Zverev says sanctions won’t solve problem of bloated Masters events

Despite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.

“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).

“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.

“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”

Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.

With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.

Published on Aug 03, 2026

#Canadian #Open #Zverev #remains #wary #12day #Masters #events">Canadian Open: Zverev remains wary of 12-day Masters events Alexander Zverev warned on Sunday of burnout and dropouts due to overly long ATP Masters 1000 events as he returned to the scene of his 2017 title in Canada.The top seed and world number two told reporters in Montreal that he has his doubts about the wisdom of the 12-day Masters tournaments, which can seem as long and draining to players as a Grand Slam fortnight.This edition of the elite Canadian hard court tournament is missing world number one Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who has not played since April due to a wrist injury.“I think (the pullouts) are a result of the two-week Masters event. I think it’s just too long for some players, too much before the US Open,” Zverev said.“I used to play more 500 events, 250 events when the Masters were shorter, but now I don’t do that anymore just because of time spent away and time spent on tournaments.”Zverev said that he and his team also seriously considered bypassing Canada this year.“We had a thought also of maybe skipping Montreal, but then we decided to play itBut the reigning Roland Garros champion and Wimbledon finalist last month added: “I need to play matches. I need to play tournaments.“I don’t think maybe I’ll play my best tennis here, but the result of playing here, I think I’ll play better in Cincinnati and then hopefully my best tennis in New York,” he said, looking ahead to the US Open that starts on August 31.Also read | Zverev says sanctions won’t solve problem of bloated Masters eventsDespite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.Published on Aug 03, 2026 #Canadian #Open #Zverev #remains #wary #12day #Masters #events

Zverev says sanctions won’t solve problem of bloated Masters events

Despite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.

“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).

“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.

“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”

Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.

With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.

Published on Aug 03, 2026

#Canadian #Open #Zverev #remains #wary #12day #Masters #events">Canadian Open: Zverev remains wary of 12-day Masters events

Alexander Zverev warned on Sunday of burnout and dropouts due to overly long ATP Masters 1000 events as he returned to the scene of his 2017 title in Canada.

The top seed and world number two told reporters in Montreal that he has his doubts about the wisdom of the 12-day Masters tournaments, which can seem as long and draining to players as a Grand Slam fortnight.

This edition of the elite Canadian hard court tournament is missing world number one Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who has not played since April due to a wrist injury.

“I think (the pullouts) are a result of the two-week Masters event. I think it’s just too long for some players, too much before the US Open,” Zverev said.

“I used to play more 500 events, 250 events when the Masters were shorter, but now I don’t do that anymore just because of time spent away and time spent on tournaments.”

Zverev said that he and his team also seriously considered bypassing Canada this year.

“We had a thought also of maybe skipping Montreal, but then we decided to play it

But the reigning Roland Garros champion and Wimbledon finalist last month added: “I need to play matches. I need to play tournaments.

“I don’t think maybe I’ll play my best tennis here, but the result of playing here, I think I’ll play better in Cincinnati and then hopefully my best tennis in New York,” he said, looking ahead to the US Open that starts on August 31.

Also read | Zverev says sanctions won’t solve problem of bloated Masters events

Despite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.

“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).

“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.

“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”

Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.

With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.

Published on Aug 03, 2026

#Canadian #Open #Zverev #remains #wary #12day #Masters #events
Deadspin | Astros’ Carlos Correa (ankle surgery) not ruling out 2026 return May 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images On May 11, Carlos Correa underwent what he thought was season-ending surgery on his left ankle. On Saturday, he began working out on the field again, well ahead of the original six- to eight-month recovery timeline. That has the Astros’ third baseman optimistic his season isn’t over after all. “We’ll see,” Correa said. “I wouldn’t be doing all this work if I didn’t think there was a chance.” Correa has progressed to doing all baseball activities except hitting, and he said he could be cleared to do that, too, following a Tuesday doctor’s appointment. “As soon as I got hurt, I got on this protocol,” he told reporters. “I started looking for all the information I could and how to speed up the process and the things I needed to eat and how I needed to sleep, the type of treatment we needed. We’ve been doing a great job with that. We’re in a good spot.” Correa is not even halfway through his projected recovery timeline. Should he rejoin the Astros’ lineup for the stretch run, his bat and glove would be a big boost for a 57-55 Houston club that led the American League West standings by 1 1/2 games over the Rangers entering Sunday’s game. While it’s unclear how he would slot in on defense, Correa’s bat would certainly be welcome among the top-heavy lineup. The three-time All-Star slashed .279/.369/.418 with three homers and 16 RBIs in 32 games this season prior to the injury, which occurred while Correa took pregame swings in the batting cage on May 5. The 31-year-old is a career .275 hitter with 203 homers and 740 RBIs across 12 MLB seasons, including two stints (2015-21; 2025-present) with the Astros. “I’m in a really good spot. A really good spot,” he said. “I don’t feel (the injury). Been progressing to running and sprinting, and it feels great.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #Carlos #Correa #ankle #surgery #ruling #returnMay 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

On May 11, Carlos Correa underwent what he thought was season-ending surgery on his left ankle.

On Saturday, he began working out on the field again, well ahead of the original six- to eight-month recovery timeline. That has the Astros’ third baseman optimistic his season isn’t over after all.

“We’ll see,” Correa said. “I wouldn’t be doing all this work if I didn’t think there was a chance.”

Correa has progressed to doing all baseball activities except hitting, and he said he could be cleared to do that, too, following a Tuesday doctor’s appointment.


“As soon as I got hurt, I got on this protocol,” he told reporters. “I started looking for all the information I could and how to speed up the process and the things I needed to eat and how I needed to sleep, the type of treatment we needed. We’ve been doing a great job with that. We’re in a good spot.”

Correa is not even halfway through his projected recovery timeline. Should he rejoin the Astros’ lineup for the stretch run, his bat and glove would be a big boost for a 57-55 Houston club that led the American League West standings by 1 1/2 games over the Rangers entering Sunday’s game.

While it’s unclear how he would slot in on defense, Correa’s bat would certainly be welcome among the top-heavy lineup. The three-time All-Star slashed .279/.369/.418 with three homers and 16 RBIs in 32 games this season prior to the injury, which occurred while Correa took pregame swings in the batting cage on May 5.

The 31-year-old is a career .275 hitter with 203 homers and 740 RBIs across 12 MLB seasons, including two stints (2015-21; 2025-present) with the Astros.

“I’m in a really good spot. A really good spot,” he said. “I don’t feel (the injury). Been progressing to running and sprinting, and it feels great.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Astros #Carlos #Correa #ankle #surgery #ruling #return">Deadspin | Astros’ Carlos Correa (ankle surgery) not ruling out 2026 return May 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images On May 11, Carlos Correa underwent what he thought was season-ending surgery on his left ankle. On Saturday, he began working out on the field again, well ahead of the original six- to eight-month recovery timeline. That has the Astros’ third baseman optimistic his season isn’t over after all. “We’ll see,” Correa said. “I wouldn’t be doing all this work if I didn’t think there was a chance.” Correa has progressed to doing all baseball activities except hitting, and he said he could be cleared to do that, too, following a Tuesday doctor’s appointment. “As soon as I got hurt, I got on this protocol,” he told reporters. “I started looking for all the information I could and how to speed up the process and the things I needed to eat and how I needed to sleep, the type of treatment we needed. We’ve been doing a great job with that. We’re in a good spot.” Correa is not even halfway through his projected recovery timeline. Should he rejoin the Astros’ lineup for the stretch run, his bat and glove would be a big boost for a 57-55 Houston club that led the American League West standings by 1 1/2 games over the Rangers entering Sunday’s game. While it’s unclear how he would slot in on defense, Correa’s bat would certainly be welcome among the top-heavy lineup. The three-time All-Star slashed .279/.369/.418 with three homers and 16 RBIs in 32 games this season prior to the injury, which occurred while Correa took pregame swings in the batting cage on May 5. The 31-year-old is a career .275 hitter with 203 homers and 740 RBIs across 12 MLB seasons, including two stints (2015-21; 2025-present) with the Astros. “I’m in a really good spot. A really good spot,” he said. “I don’t feel (the injury). Been progressing to running and sprinting, and it feels great.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #Carlos #Correa #ankle #surgery #ruling #return

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 30: Chloe Bibby #55 of the Chicago Sky shoots the ball against the Connecticut Sun at Wintrust Arena on July 30, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Minnesota Lynx have signed forward Chloe Bibby to a standard contract, the team announced Saturday. Bibby, who was previously on a developmental contract with the Chicago Sky, averaged 5.5 points and 1.5 assists in 4 games this season.

Bibby bounced around the league last season, lacing up for 5 games with the Golden State Valkyries and 9 games with the Indiana Fever. The Sky could have matched the Lynx’s offer for a standard contract, but ultimately chose not to, as it would have required trading or cutting another player on the roster.

What Chloe Bibby brings to the Minnesota Lynx

Bibby, who is 28 years old, has, to date, spent most of her career overseas after a collegiate career at Mississippi State (2017-2020) and Maryland (2020-2022). And while she’s unlikely to carve out a rotational role this season, Bibby is a smart pick-up by the Lynx.

She’s shown an ability to shoot well from the outside — she’s shooting 38.9% from three so far in her WNBA career — and put together a solid, 8-point, 2-assist game on Thursday against the Connecticut Sun in one of her biggest opportunities of the season. On July 15th, she tallied a career-high 14 points alongside 4 assists in a win over the Seattle Storm.

Bibby won Polish league MVP in 2024, after averaging 20.9 points and 5.9 rebounds, and won the Spanish league MVP in 2025.

Minnesota has won 9 straight games and sits atop league standings with a 24-6 record. For the most part, they’ve been led by Rookie of the Year frontrunner Olivia Miles, as well as strong play from a supporting cast that includes All-Stars Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard, and Kayla McBride.

Now, they’ve further bolstered their roster with one of the best available players out there.

#Minnesota #Lynx #sneakygood #move">The Minnesota Lynx just made another sneaky-good move CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 30: Chloe Bibby #55 of the Chicago Sky shoots the ball against the Connecticut Sun at Wintrust Arena on July 30, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Minnesota Lynx have signed forward Chloe Bibby to a standard contract, the team announced Saturday. Bibby, who was previously on a developmental contract with the Chicago Sky, averaged 5.5 points and 1.5 assists in 4 games this season. Bibby bounced around the league last season, lacing up for 5 games with the Golden State Valkyries and 9 games with the Indiana Fever. The Sky could have matched the Lynx’s offer for a standard contract, but ultimately chose not to, as it would have required trading or cutting another player on the roster. What Chloe Bibby brings to the Minnesota Lynx Bibby, who is 28 years old, has, to date, spent most of her career overseas after a collegiate career at Mississippi State (2017-2020) and Maryland (2020-2022). And while she’s unlikely to carve out a rotational role this season, Bibby is a smart pick-up by the Lynx. She’s shown an ability to shoot well from the outside — she’s shooting 38.9% from three so far in her WNBA career — and put together a solid, 8-point, 2-assist game on Thursday against the Connecticut Sun in one of her biggest opportunities of the season. On July 15th, she tallied a career-high 14 points alongside 4 assists in a win over the Seattle Storm. Bibby won Polish league MVP in 2024, after averaging 20.9 points and 5.9 rebounds, and won the Spanish league MVP in 2025. Minnesota has won 9 straight games and sits atop league standings with a 24-6 record. For the most part, they’ve been led by Rookie of the Year frontrunner Olivia Miles, as well as strong play from a supporting cast that includes All-Stars Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard, and Kayla McBride. Now, they’ve further bolstered their roster with one of the best available players out there. #Minnesota #Lynx #sneakygood #move

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