Here’s a rewritten version of the content:
Good morning, sports enthusiasts! Austin Nivison here to brighten your Thursday with top sports updates. College football resumes, the NFL season’s second half kicks off with the Raiders facing the Broncos, and last night, Alexander Ovechkin made NHL history by becoming the first player to score 900 goals. We also have key NFL injury news and midseason stats for every team.
Let’s dive in.
5 Key Thursday Highlights
Alex Ovechkin hits 900 NHL goals. Ovechkin made history with a goal in the second period against the Blues, becoming the NHL’s first 900-goal scorer. Even at 40, he remains a scoring threat, brilliantly beating goalie Jordan Binnington with a spin-o-rama backhand. Now the big question is how much higher he can climb in the record books before retirement.
CJ Stroud will miss a vital AFC South game against the Jaguars. After leaving the Texans’ Week 9 loss to the Broncos due to concussion protocols, Stroud will sit out Week 10. Backup Davis Mills will start in Houston, but he struggled badly when he played against Denver.
Kyler Murray is now on injured reserve. The Cardinals placed him on IR, as his foot injury seems worse than initially thought. Murray has already missed three games and will be sidelined for at least four more, giving Jacoby Brissett an extended starting stint, which might not be detrimental for Arizona’s offense.
Jazz center Walker Kessler is sidelined for the season with a torn labrum. This injury news is tough after some recent wins but could help Utah in the long term, as they hold a top-eight protected pick in the 2026 draft, which Kessler’s injury could push them closer to.
Chelsea’s Champions League match against Qarabag ended in a 2-2 draw. Chelsea initially led but lost control of the game. The tough 3,000-mile journey affected them, leaving doubts about how far Chelsea can go against elite European clubs.
NFL Midseason Stats to Watch
At the halfway point of the NFL season, Tyler Sullivan assessed each team’s strengths and weaknesses. The biggest surprise is the Ravens’ slow start at 1-5, but after two wins, they earned a “C” grade, with Lamar Jackson leading the offense. Sullivan notes their defense has tightened up, allowing just 13 points per game since Week 6, placing them near the top of the AFC North.
Some notable grades include:
- Chiefs: C
- Jets: F
- Colts: A
- Lions: B
Cody Benjamin also highlights one key lesson learned about each NFL team from the first nine weeks.
Auburn’s Coaching Future
Following Hugh Freeze’s departure, Auburn is once again searching for a head coach. Brian Haas writes that Auburn has struggled by trying to fit coaches who aren’t right for the program and ignoring warning signs.
Brandon Marcello suggests Auburn should return to its roots and hire a coach forged by SEC and college football toughness. John Sumrall from Tulane fits this profile perfectly. Known for being tough, honest, and a builder of people, Sumrall is respected even by rival high school coaches and embodies Auburn’s spirit.
John Talty looks back at Freeze’s tenure and its downfall, including his distractions and the lack of a standout quarterback.
Bold MLB Offseason Predictions
The official start of MLB free agency brings teams’ eyes to the 2026 World Series. Mike Aksisa lays out 10 daring predictions for the offseason.
Both Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman may opt out of their contracts, possibly switching teams. The Mets and Red Sox could both target these players to fill key roster gaps. Alonso faces a tough free agent market this winter, making his decision especially risky.
What to Watch Thursday
- UEFA Champions League action on Paramount+
- Penguins vs. Capitals, 7:30 p.m. on Hulu
- UTSA vs. USF, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
- Southern Georgia vs. Appalachian, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2
- Broncos vs. Raiders, 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video
- Clippers vs. Suns, 9 p.m. on NBA TV
- Panthers vs. Kings, 10 p.m. on Hulu
Fan Take: Ovechkin’s milestone of 900 goals is monumental, showcasing unparalleled longevity and skill in hockey. It not only cements his legacy but also inspires future generations, signaling what is possible with perseverance and talent in the NHL.
