Following its move against Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs, the NFL has also placed Denver Broncos edge rusher Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner’s exempt list, according to ESPN. Cooper will not be able to practice or play in any games while he’s on the list. 

Cooper’s placement on the list follows two summer arrests stemming from domestic violence incidents involving his girlfriend. He faces five total charges, including second-degree felony assault and violation of a protection order. Cooper is scheduled to be in court on Monday.

Cooper cannot return to the field until NFL commissioner Roger Goodell officially reinstates him, but he could still be suspended as the league continues its investigation. 

With Cooper now sidelined and the Broncos’ season opener on the horizon, Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman are next in line to fill the void on defense. 

Cooper has been an important piece to the Broncos’ defense over the last few seasons. A 2021 seventh-round pick out of Ohio State, Cooper has logged 180 tackles, 27 sacks and two forced fumbles over the last three years. 

The Broncos will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.

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One of the most feared defensive linemen in NFL history is putting the pads back on, and the preseason Super Bowl favorite has made another monster move. 

After spending the last two seasons away from football, Aaron Donald has decided to return, the Rams announced Sunday. Donald will play on a one-year, $20 million deal that could rise up to $30 million with incentives, according to ESPN.

Donald last suited up for the Rams in 2023 before announcing his shocking retirement from the NFL in March 2024 at just 32 years old. Since then, the Rams have posted back-to-back winning seasons while continuing to strengthen their defense with new additions heading into this season.

Rams fans have been clamoring for Donald’s return throughout training camp. (Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

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The Rams didn’t let last year’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC title game slow their timeline. They immediately loaded up for another run, executing a pair of massive trades. These included the additions of former cornerback Trent McDuffie and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who headlined a completely revamped defense. The move gives the Rams a legendary presence back on their defensive front.

But arguably the biggest move was still waiting in the wings, as the Rams found a way to bring back the face of their franchise from retirement.

What Donald’s Return Means

Eric D. Williams: The Pittsburgh product had remained in Los Angeles after his playing career was over and reportedly worked out at the Rams’ practice facility in Woodland Hills last week. Donald finished his 10-year pro career two years ago as a three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year – only J.J. Watt and Lawrence Taylor accomplished that feat. 

Although he has not played for two years, the 35-year-old Donald regularly posts his weight-training videos on social media and appears to be in playing shape. The fact that Donald is returning now indicates he’s considering playing a full 17-game season.

Aaron Donald speaks to  Tom Brady (left) before the Rams’ appearance in the NFC Championship Game against the Seahawks back in February. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

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An eight-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection, Donald and Hall of Famer Barry Sanders are the only players in league history to play at least 10 seasons and get selected to the Pro Bowl in each season, per the Elias Sports Bureau. 

Donald’s 111 sacks put him at No. 28 on the all-time list and second among defensive tackles to Hall of Famer John Randle (137.5). Even more startling for a defensive tackle, Donald is No. 3 in league history in tackles for loss with 176.

Donald changed the way defensive tackles are viewed because of his ability to create plays from the interior of the line of scrimmage with his muscle-bound frame at 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds. His combination of strength and quickness as a defensive tackle was unique and unmatched, forcing offensive lines to consistently double-team him on virtually every play.

Donald now pairs with Rams’ recent addition and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to create one of the most dominant defensive lines in recent memory. The penciled-in front five for Los Angeles now includes edge rushers Byron Young and Garrett, with Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Donald inside.

Byron Young (left) is one of the few remaining Rams who has already played with Aaron Donald, seen here next to the future Hall of Famer before a game in October 2023. (Michael Owens via AP)

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That group also includes run-stuffing nose tackle Poona Ford, along with last year’s leading tackler Nate Landman and running mate Omar Speights at linebacker, with new additions in cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson joining safeties Quentin Lake and Kam Curl in the secondary.

The Rams already have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, led by league MVP Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Devante Adams and Kyren Williams. Blessed with one of the most talented rosters this century, the Rams are heavy favorites to win the Super Bowl despite losing to the defending-champion Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game last season. 

The Rams are working to replicate the team’s 2021 campaign when Los Angeles won the Super Bowl on their home field at SoFi Stadium, the host of Super Bowl LXI. 

Aaron Donald greets Rams wide receiver Davante Adams last season on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at SoFi Stadium before a game against the Buccaneers. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Rams Cement Status As Super Bowl Favorite With Donald’s Return

Williams: Adding Donald alongside Garrett, Young and Turner could give the Rams the most dominant defensive line in the NFL. A pairing between Donald and Garrett once seemed like a fantasy for any team, but head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead have now turned that dream into a reality.

Donald is a Super Bowl champion and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, already cementing his place among the NFL’s all-time greats. Through 10 seasons, he has recorded 542 tackles, 111 sacks and 24 forced fumbles.

Bringing back Donald instantly pulls the Rams back into the Super Bowl favorite conversation. It completes a hyper-aggressive offseason for a front office that clearly has no intention of pivoting away from the ‘all-in’ blueprint that won them a ring in 2022.

Aaron Donald announced his return in an Instagram post on Sunday with a simple caption: “We back #Rams #Ready”

Donald’s wife, Erica, also made a joke about her husband’s return on social media.

“I let him out the house y’all,” Erica Donald wrote in a post on X with a laughing emoji.

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The Green Bay Packers officially placed edge rusher Micah Parsons on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, ruling him out for at least the first four games of the upcoming regular season.

Parsons spent the start of training camp on the active PUP list while continuing to recover from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage. 

Under NFL regulations, players placed on the Reserve/PUP list must miss a minimum of four games before they can be cleared to practice or return to game action. 

This means Parsons will miss Green Bay’s early-season matchups against the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Parsons sustained a knee injury last December on a while pursuing Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and underwent surgery later that month. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

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Parsons sustained the knee injury last December on a non-contact play while pursuing Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and underwent surgery later that month. 

The edge rusher remains on track for a potential return in October. This means he could return in Week 6 when the Packers play at home against Parsons’ former team, the Dallas Cowboys, at Lambeau Field.

In his first season with Green Bay in 2025 following a trade from Dallas, Parsons recorded 12.5 sacks, 41 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. He has logged at least 12 sacks in each of the first five seasons of his NFL career.

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The MLB season is getting closer to the postseason, and Kalshi gives new users another way to trade on the sports they follow. Enter promo code FOXSPORTS to unlock a $25 bonus and make your picks on MLB, soccer and more.

The Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs wrap up their series today, with Chicago looking to keep its slim NL Wild Card lead after exploding for 17 runs yesterday. Pete Crow-Armstrong is coming off a ridiculous three-home run, six-RBI performance, while Reds rookie Chase Burns takes the mound looking to add to his impressive 14-3 season.

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MLB: Reds vs. Cubs

*Probability is subject to change*

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
Chicago Cubs	59%	60¢	41¢
Cincinnati Reds	41%	41¢	60¢

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The NL Wild Card Battle at Wrigley Field

• The Chicago Cubs (77-59) hold a slim lead in the NL Wild Card standings. They rebounded from a rough stretch in emphatic fashion yesterday, dominating the Cincinnati Reds (64-72) in a 17-5 blowout to assert their position.
• Cubs MVP candidate, Pete Crow-Armstrong is coming off an incredible three-home run, six-RBI performance yesterday. Cincinnati’s pitching staff must avoid the middle of the plate against Crow-Armstrong. The Reds send Chase Burns to the mound to quiet Armstrong’s hot bat and grab his 15th win of the season.

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Perhaps Aaron Donald spent some of his retirement downtime binge-watching the documentary “The Last Dance.” 

The critically acclaimed series chronicled the inimitable career of Michael Jordan, of course, and concluded with an aging MJ resolutely leading the Chicago Bulls to a sixth championship at 35 years old. That final achievement, which capped off a second three-peat following a 17-month retirement, has preserved Jordan’s legacy as the predominant choice for the greatest basketball player of all time. 

Donald, as a Super Bowl champion, three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, eight-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler in his 10 NFL seasons, already has a strong case for being the greatest defensive player in football history. 

While some might argue for Lawrence Taylor or Reggie White as the defensive G.O.A.T., No. 99’s return to a squad loaded with stars will give him a chance to add to his legacy with even more individual and team hardware. 

After adding both Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett this offseason, the Rams might boast one of the best defensive line units of all time. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

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After sitting out the past two seasons, the 35-year-old Donald signed with the Rams on Sunday and joins a frontline featuring not only the best defensive player of today in Myles Garrett, but also a pair of young, athletic pass-rushers in Kobie Turner and Byron Young. The quartet should challenge the “Fearsome Foursome” as the best defensive line in franchise history, while also perhaps making a case as one of the most disruptive units of all time. 

While Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy are certified legends based on their dominance in the 1960s, the Rams’ new-look frontline could prove just as formidable with four pass-rushing phenoms in the starting lineup.

Garrett will dominate the headlines after arriving in a blockbuster offseason trade and recording an NFL-record 23 sacks last year to win his second defensive Player of the Year award. But those developments surely overshadow his effectiveness against the run and tenacity off the edge and how amazingly consistent he’s been. 

The five-time All-Pro has eight straight seasons with at least 10 sacks, including 14 or more in each of the past five seasons, and is averaging 16.5 tackles for loss per season. Measuring 6-foot-4, 277 pounds with freakish athleticism and a dazzling array of moves that would make him a tough guard as an NBA small forward, the 30-year-old Garrett commands double-teams on nearly every snap, leading to more one-on-one opportunities for his talented teammates. 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 29: Myles Garrett #95 of the Los Angeles Rams during training camp at Loyola Marymount University on July 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)

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While the pairing of Garrett and Donald will undoubtedly create problems for opposing offenses, the Rams’ defensive supporting cast is just as capable of wreaking havoc at the point of attack. Turner has tallied 24 sacks and 27.0 tackles for loss over his three seasons, exhibiting a businesslike game built on effort, energy and heavy hands. He outworks and outlasts blockers at the line, leading to a handful of sacks on hustle plays. 

Not to be outdone, Young has totaled 27 sacks, 32 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and 61 quarterback hits over three seasons. As a high-motor defender with outstanding first-step quickness and violent hands, the fourth-year pro can win with finesse or force off the edge. Young plays at a breakneck pace and wears down opponents with his “junkyard dog” mentality.

With Turner and Young perfectly suited for their new roles beside Garrett, Donald can step in as a designated playmaker on the inside. Despite his advanced age and rustiness following a two-year hiatus, the future Hall of Famer can make his impact operating on a low pitch count that preserves him for the stretch run and postseason where his closing skills are needed.

Just as he finished off Super Bowl LVI against the Bengals with fourth-down pressure, Donald will have plenty of chances to register a save out of the bullpen as Garrett’s sidekick on the inside. The duo’s wide array of skills will test the creativity of offensive coordinators tasked with formulating an effective pass protection plan against the Rams’ upgraded frontline. 

Donald last appeared in an NFL game on Jan. 14, 2024, in a playoff loss to the Lions. His return has many expecting the Rams to return to the Super Bowl. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

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Given the tighter coverage that will also manifest in the secondary with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watkins now manning the outside cornerback spots, L.A.’s defensive line should have more time to harass those quarterbacks who are forced to chase points after watching a scoreboard explosion from Matthew Stafford and Co. 

For a team operating under a “Super Bowl or bust” mentality, the addition of the reigning Defensive Player of the Year had already made the Rams the prohibitive favorite to hoist the trophy in their home stadium — again. With Donald now coming back to spearhead the charge, the eventual gold jacket recipient might add more accolades to his exceptional résumé and perhaps cement his legacy as the G.O.A.T. 

Just like Mike.

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The MLB season is heating up, and the Cubs vs. Reds series finale gives baseball fans another matchup worth tuning into. 

Can Pete Crow-Armstrong stregnthen his MVP case after his three-home-run, six-RBI performance yesterday helping the Cubs win 17-5? Cincinnati sends Chase Burns (14-3) to the mound looking to slow down this Cubs offense and lower his 2.77 ERA.

Don’t miss your chance to get in on the action. Enter promo code FOX with Polymarket and claim your $20 bonus while trading on the Cubs, Reds and other MLB markets.

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MLB: Reds vs. Cubs

*Probability is subject to change*

Teams	Chance	Yes	No
Chicago Cubs	60%	60¢	41¢
Cincinnati Reds	41%	41¢	60¢

More markets available on Polymarket.

The NL Wild Card Battle at Wrigley Field

• The Chicago Cubs (77-59) hold a slim lead in the NL Wild Card standings. They rebounded from a rough stretch in emphatic fashion yesterday, dominating the Cincinnati Reds (64-72) in a 17-5 blowout to assert their position.
• Cubs MVP candidate, Pete Crow-Armstrong is coming off an incredible three-home run, six-RBI performance yesterday. Cincinnati’s pitching staff must avoid the middle of the plate against Crow-Armstrong. The Reds send Chase Burns to the mound to quiet Armstrong’s hot bat and grab his 15th win of the season.

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After years of injuries and an uncertain NFL future, Odell Beckham Jr. will be staying with Big Blue for a bit longer. 

The veteran wide receiver earned a spot on the New York Giants’ final 53-man roster, completing a full-circle return to the franchise that drafted him, first reported by ESPN.

With Malik Nabers recovering from an injury, adding depth to the receiver room was an offseason priority. The Giants addressed that need by drafting Malachi Fields in the third round and signing Darnell Mooney before reuniting with Beckham in June. Now, with Beckham set to make the roster, the Giants have bolstered the receiver room for second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. 

Head coach John Harbaugh offered high praise for Beckham’s impact and work ethic this past week. 

“Yes, he has done enough to make an NFL roster, for sure,” Harbaugh said on Friday. “He’s played well. He’s gotten better as camp’s gone along. He deserves credit for that. He’s done a really good job with it.”

And Beckham won’t be satisfied with just making the roster. 

“You know me. I always want to make an impact. That’s what I plan on doing,” Beckham said following Friday’s preseason game against the New York Jets.

After going No. 12 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, Beckham Jr. put up historic numbers with the Giants. In just 59 games, he racked up 390 catches, 5,476 receiving yards, and 44 touchdowns prior to his 2019 trade to the Cleveland Browns. He also had stops with the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins. 

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Club América and Columbus Crew close Wednesday’s 2026 Leagues Cup quarterfinal doubleheader. The match kicks off at 10:45 p.m. ET from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

What Is at Stake for Club América and Columbus Crew?

This is a single-elimination quarterfinal, with the winner advancing to the Leagues Cup semifinals. Club América enters at the top of the Liga MX Apertura table, while Columbus is trying to add another tournament run after winning Leagues Cup in 2024.

América has averaged 2.3 goals through its first three tournament matches. Columbus has averaged 2.0, setting up a late-night matchup with scoring threats on both sides.

How to Watch Club América vs Columbus Crew

• Date: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026
• Time: 10:45 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One
• Location: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California

Club América vs Columbus Crew Odds

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

When Are the Leagues Cup Semifinals?

The semifinals are scheduled for Sept. 1 and 2. The final and third-place match will be played Sept. 6, with the tournament’s top three finishers qualifying for the Concacaf Champions Cup.

]–> [–> Get more from the Leagues Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more [–>

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The Southeastern Conference has joined the Big Ten in barring athletes with professional experience from returning to college sports, directly countering roster moves by LSU head coach Lane Kiffin.

The SEC posted an official statement on social media on Tuesday night, stating member schools are prohibited from fielding athletes who declared for professional drafts without properly withdrawing, signed professional contracts or appeared on a professional league roster.

The policy grants SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey explicit authority to discipline non-compliant programs, stating the commissioner is “authorized to enforce this expectation with penalties against member institutions.”

Should a team choose to sign a player who has appeared on a professional roster, its head coach will be suspended for half the season, half of the team’s annual operating budget will be cut and the school’s SEC voting privileges on business matters will be revoked, per On3.

The directive follows state court injunctions, including a ruling in Louisiana that permitted players seeking a fifth year of eligibility to return to college after attending NFL training camps. Kiffin actively pursued several affected players, including former Ole Miss Rebels tight end Dae’Quan Wright following his release from the Cleveland Browns.

Kiffin defended the additions, arguing that the players were granted a fifth year by a judge and that “ourselves, like many places around the country, are recruiting them.”

However, the SEC’s decision leaves LSU isolated within the conference. By asserting authority on the matter, the SEC and Big Ten are establishing independent roster standards as college athletics navigates ongoing legal challenges and federal legislative proposals.

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Toluca and Austin FC meet Wednesday night with a spot in the 2026 Leagues Cup semifinals on the line. The quarterfinal kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET from Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.

What Is at Stake for Toluca and Austin FC?

This is a single-elimination quarterfinal, so the winner moves on to the Leagues Cup semifinals. Toluca arrives as the reigning Apertura and Clausura champion from 2025, while Austin advanced to the final eight by beating Club América on penalties.

The matchup also brings two of the tournament’s leading scorers together. Austin’s Myrto Uzuni enters with four Leagues Cup goals, while Federico Viñas leads Toluca with two.

How to Watch Toluca vs Austin FC

• Date: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One
• Location: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey

Toluca vs Austin FC Odds

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

When Are the Leagues Cup Semifinals?

The semifinals are scheduled for Sept. 1 and 2. The final and third-place match will be played Sept. 6, with the tournament’s top three finishers qualifying for the Concacaf Champions Cup.

]–> [–> Get more from the Leagues Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more [–>

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