Deadspin | Flyers turn to G Dan Vladar in bid to finish off Penguins Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through their first-round playoff series thanks to Dan Vladar, who has been confirmed to start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 after notching a pair of wins in Pittsburgh followed by a 5-2 home victory Wednesday. Vladar made 27 saves in Game 3 but injured his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period. Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed on Saturday morning that Vladar will start Game 4. After a strong regular season, Vladar has a .946 save percentage in this series, including a shutout in Game 2. If Vladar was unable to play on Saturday, Samuel Ersson was set to make his postseason debut. “I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” said Ersson, who has not played since April 14. Of course, it will help if the Flyers continue to receive scoring production from up and down their lineup. The team had five different goal scorers in Game 3, including four players who registered their first career playoff tally. Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which has won six straight games dating back to the regular season. The Flyers will try to ride the momentum of their home crowd to their first series victory since 2020. “That was the craziest building I’ve ever played in,” defenseman Nick Seeler said of the Game 3 atmosphere. “The fans were fantastic.” Part of the chaotic atmosphere was a product of a penalty-filled second period in which the teams combined for 17 penalties. Penguins coach Dan Muse was not happy about how the officials handled the physicality in that period, but his squad doesn’t have time to dwell on their recent losses. “We have to win a hockey game,” Muse said. “So, we’ll have a practice (Friday) and get ready for that game and then go into that game and we need to win a game. That’s entirely where the focus is right now.” Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson scored in Game 3 for Pittsburgh, which has dropped six straight contests, going back to the regular season. Malkin has two goals in this series, although that’s as many as his teammates have combined. “Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.” Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the final four games. It hasn’t happened in more than a decade — the Los Angeles Kings turned the trick against the San Jose Sharks in 2014 — and the Penguins have never accomplished it. “There’s not much room for error when you’re in this position. That’s reality,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “But the fact is, we’ve got to win a game. That’s got to be our focus. You can’t grab three on Saturday. You’ve got to win one.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Flyers #turn #Dan #Vladar #bid #finish #Penguins

Deadspin | Flyers turn to G Dan Vladar in bid to finish off Penguins
Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through their first-round playoff series thanks to Dan Vladar, who has been confirmed to start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 after notching a pair of wins in Pittsburgh followed by a 5-2 home victory Wednesday. Vladar made 27 saves in Game 3 but injured his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period.

Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed on Saturday morning that Vladar will start Game 4.

After a strong regular season, Vladar has a .946 save percentage in this series, including a shutout in Game 2. If Vladar was unable to play on Saturday, Samuel Ersson was set to make his postseason debut.

“I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” said Ersson, who has not played since April 14.

Of course, it will help if the Flyers continue to receive scoring production from up and down their lineup. The team had five different goal scorers in Game 3, including four players who registered their first career playoff tally.

Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which has won six straight games dating back to the regular season. The Flyers will try to ride the momentum of their home crowd to their first series victory since 2020.

“That was the craziest building I’ve ever played in,” defenseman Nick Seeler said of the Game 3 atmosphere. “The fans were fantastic.”

Part of the chaotic atmosphere was a product of a penalty-filled second period in which the teams combined for 17 penalties. Penguins coach Dan Muse was not happy about how the officials handled the physicality in that period, but his squad doesn’t have time to dwell on their recent losses.

“We have to win a hockey game,” Muse said. “So, we’ll have a practice (Friday) and get ready for that game and then go into that game and we need to win a game. That’s entirely where the focus is right now.”

Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson scored in Game 3 for Pittsburgh, which has dropped six straight contests, going back to the regular season. Malkin has two goals in this series, although that’s as many as his teammates have combined.

“Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.”

Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the final four games. It hasn’t happened in more than a decade — the Los Angeles Kings turned the trick against the San Jose Sharks in 2014 — and the Penguins have never accomplished it.

“There’s not much room for error when you’re in this position. That’s reality,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “But the fact is, we’ve got to win a game. That’s got to be our focus. You can’t grab three on Saturday. You’ve got to win one.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Flyers #turn #Dan #Vladar #bid #finish #Penguins

Sports news April 25, 2026

Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Flyers are soaring through their first-round playoff series thanks to Dan Vladar, who has been confirmed to start Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

Philadelphia leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 after notching a pair of wins in Pittsburgh followed by a 5-2 home victory Wednesday. Vladar made 27 saves in Game 3 but injured his right arm during a chaotic sequence in front of the net in the third period.

Vladar, 28, did not practice on Thursday and the team had the day off on Friday before he participated in the morning skate on Saturday. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet confirmed on Saturday morning that Vladar will start Game 4.

After a strong regular season, Vladar has a .946 save percentage in this series, including a shutout in Game 2. If Vladar was unable to play on Saturday, Samuel Ersson was set to make his postseason debut.

“I feel like I’m in a good spot with my game,” said Ersson, who has not played since April 14.

Of course, it will help if the Flyers continue to receive scoring production from up and down their lineup. The team had five different goal scorers in Game 3, including four players who registered their first career playoff tally.

Trevor Zegras and Noah Cates each had a goal and an assist for Philadelphia, which has won six straight games dating back to the regular season. The Flyers will try to ride the momentum of their home crowd to their first series victory since 2020.

“That was the craziest building I’ve ever played in,” defenseman Nick Seeler said of the Game 3 atmosphere. “The fans were fantastic.”

Part of the chaotic atmosphere was a product of a penalty-filled second period in which the teams combined for 17 penalties. Penguins coach Dan Muse was not happy about how the officials handled the physicality in that period, but his squad doesn’t have time to dwell on their recent losses.

“We have to win a hockey game,” Muse said. “So, we’ll have a practice (Friday) and get ready for that game and then go into that game and we need to win a game. That’s entirely where the focus is right now.”

Evgeni Malkin and Erik Karlsson scored in Game 3 for Pittsburgh, which has dropped six straight contests, going back to the regular season. Malkin has two goals in this series, although that’s as many as his teammates have combined.

“Now we’re going to see what we’re really made of,” Karlsson said. “Now it’s do-or-die. The toughest game to win is that fourth one, so hopefully we can start by winning one.”

Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 series deficit to win the final four games. It hasn’t happened in more than a decade — the Los Angeles Kings turned the trick against the San Jose Sharks in 2014 — and the Penguins have never accomplished it.

“There’s not much room for error when you’re in this position. That’s reality,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. “But the fact is, we’ve got to win a game. That’s got to be our focus. You can’t grab three on Saturday. You’ve got to win one.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Flyers #turn #Dan #Vladar #bid #finish #Penguins

What Is Flipkart India’s Favourite Smartphones Awards? Explained<div> <p>Flipkart is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flipkarttechspert/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">hosting</a> a large-scale smartphone-focused event in Phuket, bringing together major brands, industry experts, and creators under one roof. If you’ve started seeing clips from the event online, you’re not alone. But the real question is: what exactly is the Flipkart Awards show? At its core, the event is Flipkart’s way of spotlighting the smartphone ecosystem in India—highlighting trends, recognizing top devices, and giving a glimpse into what’s coming next. </p> <h2 class="kt-adv-heading349920_237c42-41 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading" data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading349920_237c42-41">Not Just Another Awards Night</h2> <p><a href="https://fossbytes.com/hmd-partners-with-flipkart-to-launch-2026-smartphone-lineup-in-india-soon/">Flipkart</a> is the biggest smartphone destination, with 1 in every 3 smartphones sold in India happening on its platform. So, it makes sense why they would host something like this. But, despite the name, this isn’t your typical awards ceremony. The Flipkart Awards event is divided into multiple segments, each focusing on a different part of the smartphone ecosystem. There are awards for standout smartphones across price segments, from premium flagships to value-focused devices. Alongside that, brands get a chance to showcase their latest innovations and upcoming products.</p> <p>The event also serves as a platform for discussions about where smartphone technology is headed. Topics such as AI-driven features, camera improvements, and performance upgrades take center stage, alongside insights from brands and industry voices. In a way, it blends product showcases, industry conversations, and awards into a single event—making it more of a tech showcase than just a trophy night.</p> <h2 class="kt-adv-heading349920_87a12f-05 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading" data-kb-block="kb-adv-heading349920_87a12f-05">“SASA LELE” Sale Announcement</h2> <p>One of the biggest announcements tied to the event is Flipkart’s upcoming SASA LELE sale, expected to go live in May.</p> <p>While exact deals haven’t been revealed yet, Flipkart is positioning it as a major smartphone sale event across price segments. The platform is also continuing to roll out features such as Open Box Delivery, exchange offers via Prexo, and No-Cost EMI options.</p> </div><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>#Flipkart #Indias #Favourite #Smartphones #Awards #Explainedflipkart

India’s sporting ambitions must be realised through execution on ground, not on paper: Mandaviya <div id="content-body-70905971" itemprop="articleBody"><p><b>SRINAGAR</b></p><p>Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday said that the country’s 10-year roadmap of becoming a global sporting powerhouse must be realised through execution on the ground.</p><p>Mandaviya chaired Chintan Shivir of the Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of states and Union Territories of the country.</p><p>Over 15 state sports ministers, along with eminent sports personalities such as Adille Sumariwalla, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Gagan Narang attended the Chintan Shivir and shared their ideas with the stakeholders.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/hockey/india-women-hockey-team-tight-schedule-asian-games-world-cup-nations-cup-marijne-white-reactions/article70901075.ece" target="_blank">Tight schedule, big stakes: Indian women’s hockey balances World Cup, Asian Games push</a></b></p><p>“Our 10-year roadmap to becoming a global sporting powerhouse must not remain on paper, it must come alive in every playground, every district, and every young dream,” Mandaviya said while addressing the inaugural session.</p><p>Mandaviya called upon the states to move from policy adoption to active implementation, stressing that real progress will be measured by outcomes visible across districts, training systems, and grassroots sporting ecosystems.</p><p>“Khelo Bharat Mission is not just a statistic, it is a reflection of the energy of our youth and the commitment of the nation,” he added.</p><p>Mandaviya called for bridging the long-standing disconnect between state governments and sports federations, urging closer alignment to build a strong and unified talent pipeline.</p><p>Underscoring the importance of convergence, he highlighted that coordination with the education system is essential for early talent identification and that physical education teachers form the backbone of the grassroots sports ecosystem.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/athletics/harbert-kibet-tcs-world-10k-bengaluru-mens-field-rodrigue-kwizera-gemechu-dida/article70902680.ece" target="_blank">Harbert Kibet leads impressive men’s field at TCS World 10K Bengaluru</a></b></p><p>“If even one talented child is left behind due to lack of opportunity, it is not just a personal loss, it is a loss for the entire nation,” he said.</p><p>He noted that sports serve as a transformative tool, particularly in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and other challenging areas, contributing to social harmony and national integration.</p><p>Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao highlighted the significance of the Shivir as a platform for collective reflection and action.</p><p>“This gathering is not merely a conference, it is a collective moment of reflection, resolve, and renewed commitment.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #Indias #sporting #ambitions #realised #execution #ground #paper #Mandaviya

England’s Football ‌Association will join Wales and Serbia in withdrawing support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid, a source familiar with the ⁠matter said on Monday, as the backlash against his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup intensified.

FIFA’s plan to unlock up to $4.2 billion ‌from private investors by selling a roughly 20% stake in a new entity overseeing competitions including the World Cup ended ‌in retreat on Friday after fierce resistance from stakeholders. With the ‌idea ⁠abandoned, attention has now turned to the potential repercussions ⁠for Infantino, whose bid for another term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 faces increased scrutiny following the failed initiative.

Earlier, Wales became the first national federation to formally withdraw its support for Infantino, followed by Serbian FA on Monday.

“The ‌Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr. Gianni Infantino, for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027 to 2031 term,” the Welsh FA said in a ‌statement.

“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr. Infantino has lost the confidence of ⁠the FAW to remain at the helm of world football.

“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”

The Serbian FA said, “We remind you that we provided written support to Mr. Infantino on May 25 of this year, but after carefully assessing the events that have seriously damaged the reputation and credibility of both FIFA and its president in the recent period, this is the only logical and rational step.

“The Football Association of Serbia believes that the future of world football must be based on transparency, dialogue, mutual respect, and a partnership among all confederations and national associations.”

Reuters has ‌contacted FIFA for comment.

INFANTINO UNDER PRESSURE

Infantino is under unprecedented pressure after regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF said on Saturday they had lost confidence in his leadership.

European football’s governing body, which led the backlash to Infantino’s plans and welcomed the decision to scrap them, did not confirm media reports that it was preparing to take legal action against FIFA ‌over the issue.

UEFA said it had sent a document preservation order, which stops the destruction of emails, files, or data when an investigation is expected.

Infantino said in April that he intended to seek re-election ⁠for a fourth term as FIFA chief. Since taking over from his ⁠Swiss compatriot Sepp Blatter in 2016, Infantino has been re-elected unopposed twice.

While his re-election for the 2027 to 2031 term had ‌appeared a formality, experts told Reuters the fallout from the failed proposal exposed dissatisfaction among FIFA members and could complicate his path before the Congress in Morocco in March.

Published on Aug 03, 2026

#England #set #withdraw #support #Infantino #reelection #FIFA #Serbia #Wales">

England set to withdraw support for Infantino re-election at FIFA following Serbia, Wales England’s Football ‌Association will join Wales and Serbia in withdrawing support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid, a source familiar with the ⁠matter said on Monday, as the backlash against his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup intensified.FIFA’s plan to unlock up to .2 billion ‌from private investors by selling a roughly 20% stake in a new entity overseeing competitions including the World Cup ended ‌in retreat on Friday after fierce resistance from stakeholders. With the ‌idea ⁠abandoned, attention has now turned to the potential repercussions ⁠for Infantino, whose bid for another term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 faces increased scrutiny following the failed initiative.Earlier, Wales became the first national federation to formally withdraw its support for Infantino, followed by Serbian FA on Monday.“The ‌Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr. Gianni Infantino, for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027 to 2031 term,” the Welsh FA said in a ‌statement.“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr. Infantino has lost the confidence of ⁠the FAW to remain at the helm of world football.“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”The Serbian FA said, “We remind you that we provided written support to Mr. Infantino on May 25 of this year, but after carefully assessing the events that have seriously damaged the reputation and credibility of both FIFA and its president in the recent period, this is the only logical and rational step.“The Football Association of Serbia believes that the future of world football must be based on transparency, dialogue, mutual respect, and a partnership among all confederations and national associations.”Reuters has ‌contacted FIFA for comment.INFANTINO UNDER PRESSUREInfantino is under unprecedented pressure after regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF said on Saturday they had lost confidence in his leadership.European football’s governing body, which led the backlash to Infantino’s plans and welcomed the decision to scrap them, did not confirm media reports that it was preparing to take legal action against FIFA ‌over the issue.UEFA said it had sent a document preservation order, which stops the destruction of emails, files, or data when an investigation is expected.Infantino said in April that he intended to seek re-election ⁠for a fourth term as FIFA chief. Since taking over from his ⁠Swiss compatriot Sepp Blatter in 2016, Infantino has been re-elected unopposed twice.While his re-election for the 2027 to 2031 term had ‌appeared a formality, experts told Reuters the fallout from the failed proposal exposed dissatisfaction among FIFA members and could complicate his path before the Congress in Morocco in March.Published on Aug 03, 2026 #England #set #withdraw #support #Infantino #reelection #FIFA #Serbia #Wales

mwasimuddin125 0

England’s Football ‌Association will join Wales and Serbia in withdrawing support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid, a source familiar with the ⁠matter said on Monday, as the backlash against his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup intensified.
FIFA’s plan to unlock up to $4.2 billion ‌from private investors by selling a roughly 20% stake in a new entity overseeing competitions including the World Cup ended ‌in retreat on Friday after fierce resistance from stakeholders. With the ‌idea ⁠abandoned, attention has now turned to the potential repercussions ⁠for Infantino, whose bid for another term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 faces increased scrutiny following the failed initiative.
Earlier, Wales became the first national federation to formally withdraw its support for Infantino, followed by Serbian FA on Monday.
“The ‌Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr. Gianni Infantino, for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027 to 2031 term,” the Welsh FA said in a ‌statement.
“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr. Infantino has lost the confidence of ⁠the FAW to remain at the helm of world football.
“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”
The Serbian FA said, “We remind you that we provided written support to Mr. Infantino on May 25 of this year, but after carefully assessing the events that have seriously damaged the reputation and credibility of both FIFA and its president in the recent period, this is the only logical and rational step.
“The Football Association of Serbia believes that the future of world football must be based on transparency, dialogue, mutual respect, and a partnership among all confederations and national associations.”
Reuters has ‌contacted FIFA for comment.
INFANTINO UNDER PRESSURE
Infantino is under unprecedented pressure after regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF said on Saturday they had lost confidence in his leadership.
European football’s governing body, which led the backlash to Infantino’s plans and welcomed the decision to scrap them, did not confirm media reports that it was preparing to take legal action against FIFA ‌over the issue.
UEFA said it had sent a document preservation order, which stops the destruction of emails, files, or data when an investigation is expected.
Infantino said in April that he intended to seek re-election ⁠for a fourth term as FIFA chief. Since taking over from his ⁠Swiss compatriot Sepp Blatter in 2016, Infantino has been re-elected unopposed twice.
While his re-election for the 2027 to 2031 term had ‌appeared a formality, experts told Reuters the fallout from the failed proposal exposed dissatisfaction among FIFA members and could complicate his path before the Congress in Morocco in March.
Published on Aug 03, 2026

#England #set #withdraw #support #Infantino #reelection #FIFA #Serbia #Wales">England set to withdraw support for Infantino re-election at FIFA following Serbia, Wales

Earlier, Wales became the first national federation to formally withdraw its support for Infantino, followed by Serbian FA on Monday.

“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”

Reuters has ‌contacted FIFA for comment.

INFANTINO UNDER PRESSURE

Infantino is under unprecedented pressure after regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF said on Saturday they had lost confidence in his leadership.

UEFA said it had sent a document preservation order, which stops the destruction of emails, files, or data when an investigation is expected.

Published on Aug 03, 2026

#England #set #withdraw #support #Infantino #reelection #FIFA #Serbia #Wales

Deadspin | Saints WR Ja’Lynn Polk, 24, placed on retired list Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (1) runs the ball during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images The New Orleans Saints placed 24-year-old wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk on the reserve/retired list on Sunday. A reason for Polk’s decision to retire was not yet known. Head coach Kellen Moore said Polk had been excused from the past two training camp practices for personal reasons. The receiver’s Instagram account also appeared to be deactivated or removed as of Sunday evening. Polk was the 37th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. As a rookie, Polk played in 15 games, making seven starts, and totaled 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He did not play in 2025 due to a shoulder injury. While Polk was on injured reserve in September, the Patriots traded him to the Saints along with a 2028 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2027 sixth-rounder. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Saints #JaLynn #Polk #retired #list

#Deadspin #Saints #JaLynn #Polk #retired #list">

mwasimuddin125 0

Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (1) runs the ball during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints placed 24-year-old wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk on the reserve/retired list on Sunday.

A reason for Polk’s decision to retire was not yet known. Head coach Kellen Moore said Polk had been excused from the past two training camp practices for personal reasons. The receiver’s Instagram account also appeared to be deactivated or removed as of Sunday evening.

Polk was the 37th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. As a rookie, Polk played in 15 games, making seven starts, and totaled 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

He did not play in 2025 due to a shoulder injury. While Polk was on injured reserve in September, the Patriots traded him to the Saints along with a 2028 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2027 sixth-rounder.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Saints #JaLynn #Polk #retired #list">Deadspin | Saints WR Ja’Lynn Polk, 24, placed on retired list

Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (1) runs the ball during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints placed 24-year-old wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk on the reserve/retired list on Sunday.

A reason for Polk’s decision to retire was not yet known. Head coach Kellen Moore said Polk had been excused from the past two training camp practices for personal reasons. The receiver’s Instagram account also appeared to be deactivated or removed as of Sunday evening.

Polk was the 37th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. As a rookie, Polk played in 15 games, making seven starts, and totaled 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

He did not play in 2025 due to a shoulder injury. While Polk was on injured reserve in September, the Patriots traded him to the Saints along with a 2028 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2027 sixth-rounder.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Saints #JaLynn #Polk #retired #list

A star has been born in Chicago, and it’s an undrafted rookie who was just a few years ago getting DNPs at UMass Amherst.

It’s Sydney Taylor, the 25-year-old Chicago Sky guard who is amid a ridiculous offensive explosion that reached its pinnacle on Saturday afternoon.

Taylor is averaging 14.7 points and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 34.8% from three. She’s the second-leading scorer among rookies, and the bright spot for a Sky season that has come with its fair share of disappointments, headlined by an early-season Rickea Jackson ACL tear.

On Saturday, Taylor recorded her brightest moment as a pro, hitting a game-winning three-pointer over the Las Vegas Aces in a 29-point performance. That marked her fifth 25-point game of the season, and her latest offensive masterclass in her first pro season.

Taylor has been trending upwards as the season has progressed; she’s scored at least 14 points in every game since July 7th. She’s averaging 18.4 points on 47.3% shooting — and 39.3% from three — in 16 games as a starter this season.

The Sky have struggled — they’re 11-18 and out of the playoff picture — but Taylor has helped keep them in games all season long. Somehow, the undrafted rookie is the leading scorer on the roster. On Saturday, she carried them to perhaps their most impressive win of the season.