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This article is the written edition of the CBS Sports HQ AM newsletter, your go-to source for daily sports updates. You can sign up to get it delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.
Good morning! Following an eventful weekend filled with drama in college football and the NFL, Monday night’s game was calm as the Dallas Cowboys comfortably beat the Las Vegas Raiders.
In bigger headlines, Virginia Tech announced a significant coaching hire, and a major NBA star will be sidelined for several weeks due to injury.
Here’s a rundown of key news and the exciting sports schedule ahead.
5 Key Things to Know on Tuesday
Victor Wembaneyama will miss several weeks due to a calf strain, putting his season’s award chances at risk. The Spurs’ standout 21-year-old player sustained the injury during Friday’s game against the Warriors. Averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game in his third season, Wembaneyama must play at least 65 games to be eligible for major NBA awards, which might be compromised by this setback.
The Cowboys secured an easy win on an emotional evening. In their first game since the passing of edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland, Dallas defeated the Raiders 33-16. The team honored Kneeland with “94” decals on their helmets. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 268 yards and four touchdowns, even without his top two receivers on the field for the first drive.
Tyrod Taylor takes over as Jets QB. After a 2-8 start, New York benched Justin Fields and turned to veteran Tyrod Taylor, who will make his second start of the season this Sunday against the Ravens.
Lane Kiffin linked to LSU coaching vacancy. Despite Ole Miss’s strong 10-1 season and playoff prospects, Kiffin is a top candidate for big coaching roles, with LSU recently flying him and his family to Baton Rouge as they seek to fill the head coach position after firing Brian Kelly.
Jake Paul to face Anthony Joshua next month. Boxing fans curious about Jake Paul’s controversial career will get a high-profile match against former two-time unified heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua. Unlike his previous bout against Mike Tyson, Paul now faces a top-tier, prime heavyweight.
Virginia Tech Highlights: James Franklin Named Head Coach
Virginia Tech made a high-profile coaching move by hiring former Penn State coach James Franklin. Penn State let Franklin go after a disappointing 3-3 start, failing to meet expectations despite being early favorites. Franklin replaces Brent Pry, who was fired after a 0-3 start and just one winning season in four years.
CBS Sports analyst Shehan Jeyarajah praised Franklin as a “ruthless CEO” with a strong recruiting track record and believes he’s ideal to revitalize Virginia Tech’s passionate fan base and competitive program.
MLB’s 10 Most Interesting Non-Tender Decisions
The Nov. 21 deadline for MLB teams to offer contracts or release players into free agency is approaching, stirring intriguing moves across the league. One notable situation involves the Boston Red Sox and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who despite strong performance, may be non-tendered due to salary and role considerations, highlighting the business side of baseball roster management.
2024 NBA Draft Picks Making Impact
With the new NBA season about to start, the performance of 2024 draft picks is gaining attention. Steffon Castle of the Spurs earns an A+ for his strong contributions and playmaking skills, although a recent hip injury raises concerns about his availability.
Other Noteworthy Updates
- Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel is in concussion protocol, with Shedua Sanders expected to start his first NFL game, though Sanders recently faced a home break-in during last week’s game.
- Steelers likely will start Mason Rudolph over an injured Aaron Rodgers.
- Browns legend Bernie Kosar is recovering well after a liver transplant.
- Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase received a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct, costing him over $500,000.
- Falcons wide receiver Drake London will miss at least a week due to a PCL sprain.
- Mariners signed free agent Josh Naylor to a five-year contract during the offseason.
- College football weekly rankings and power ratings are updated, with Purdue keeping its top spot in men’s basketball polls; women’s basketball sees South Carolina and UCLA leading.
What to Watch on Tuesday
- College basketball showdown: No. 17 Michigan State vs. No. 12 Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN.
- NHL action: Lightning vs. Devils at 7 p.m. on NHL Network.
- College football game: Ohio vs. Massachusetts at 7 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
- NBA games: Grizzlies vs. Spurs at 8 p.m. and Suns vs. Blazers at 11 p.m. on NBC.
- World Cup Qualifiers: Costa Rica vs. Honduras and Panama vs. El Salvador at 8 p.m. on Paramount+.
- College basketball: No. 24 Kansas vs. No. 5 Duke at 9 p.m. on ESPN.
Fan Take: This newsletter keeps Fighting fans in the loop on major developments across sports, especially highlighting coaching changes and player injuries that could reshape teams and seasons. For Virginia Tech supporters, James Franklin’s hiring offers a hopeful new direction, which could reinvigorate the program and excite fans about the future of college football.
