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[EDITOR’S NOTE]: Parts of the reports below were originally published for Inside The League Friday Wrap, a free newsletter dedicated to the scouting and agent communities. Sign-up here to receive more business of football news.
NFL: PRESEASON NOTEBOOK & TOP HEADLINES THIS WEEK
NFL preseason action resumed on Thursday night. Raiders No.1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza got the start against the Texans, completing 8-of-15 passes, for 86 yards. He threw an 80-yard pick six early on, which was intercepted by Houston rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz. Las Vegas head coach Klint Kubiak has yet to announce a starter.
With San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey nursing an injury, the team saw first-hand that rookie Kaelon Black appears poised for a big role. He displayed a physical running style, gaining 33 yards on eight carries. Fellow 49ers rookie De’Zhaun Stribling continues to shine, adding four receptions, for 46 yards. For the full NFL preseason schedule, click here.
As the NFL continues to push its international initiative, Commissioner Roger Goodell stated this week, “There will be NFL teams outside the USA. I have no doubt that this will happen one day.” The NFL has partnered with Fanatics as its new official sportsbook sponsor, ending a months-long vacancy since FanDuel, DraftKings and Caesars expired in March. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston wants to bring the NFL Draft to Civic Center Park.
In player news, Rams head coach Sean McVay anticipates more workouts from Aaron Donald before the defensive tackle decides whether to come out of retirement. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is partnering with Publicis to launch Tekta. It will serve as an NIL consulting and activation offering. What do NFL Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown and Bengals cornerback Ceyair Wright both have in common? Both players retired early to pursue acting careers; Cincinnati announced that Wright has left the team.
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker O.J. Brigance and the team’s longtime adviser in player engagement, passed away 19 years after being diagnosed with ALS, he was 56. Brigance is one of several former NFL players who passed away this past month.
CFL WEEK 12: PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS ON THE LINE
CFL Action kicked off on Thursday night between the league-leading Montreal Alouettes (9-1) and basement dwellers Ottawa REDBLACKS (0-10). Montreal handled their business in a 46-16 blowout behind MOP candidate Davis Alexander who completed 20-of-23 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Redblacks now have at least 17 players on long-term, six game injured list.
The CFL features three more games with heavy playoff implications this weekend. On Friday night, the Edmonton Elks (7-3) host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-4). Last week, Elks defensive back JJ Ross collected two interceptions, including a pick-six returned for 81-yards and also forced a fumble.
On Saturday night, the Hamilton Ti-Cats (4-6) seek to carry over their momentum from a fourth quarterback comeback win a week ago, as they travel to the Toronto Argonauts (4-5). Backup quarterback Tre Ford came off the bench for the injured Harrison Frost to rally the Ti-Cats and uncorked a cannon to Keric Wheatfall in what might be the CFL play of the year.
The weekend wraps up Sunday night, as the BC Lions (4-5) defend their home turf against the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-3). Carving out a role as the Roughriders short-yardage specialist, quarterback Tommy Stevens leads the CFL with 11 rushing touchdowns.
In other CFL news, the CFL.ca recruited an expert panel composed of representatives from the CFL’s Football Operations, Player and Game Statistics, and Content departments to compile a list of who would be named to the All-CFL team after the first half of the season. Lastly, LSU safety Ty Benefield sits atop the preseason edition of the CFL Scouting Bureau.
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