Former Angels general manager Perry Minasian is rejoining the Atlanta Braves' front office, teaming up again with GM Alex Anthopoulos and senior scouting adviser Dana Brown. Reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale and The Athletic’s Jesús Cano, Minasian will return to the Braves—where he previously worked until 2020—in the same advisory role Brown holds. The move bolsters a Braves staff that already boasts two top‑40 prospects, signaling optimism for the 2027 season as the organization leans on familiar, proven executives.
The Hornets announce sharpshooter Kon Knueppel (Rookie of the Year runner‑up) misses Friday’s game vs. Boston with a left hamstring strain, extending his preseason injury woes; center Moussa Diabate (quadriceps tendinopathy) and guard Dennis Schröder (thigh soreness) are also questionable. In the Southeast, Wizards forward Anthony Davis is doubtful after spraining his right ankle in Wednesday’s loss to Atlanta, though he logged 26‑10‑3 in that game. Rookie guard Kingston Flemings earns his first start for the Hawks, posting 14 points, while CJ McCollum sits. Meanwhile, Klay Thompson, now with Miami, boasts a season‑high 30 points and a game‑winner against the Clippers, saying the Heat environment has revived his career.
Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich says returning DE James Pearce Jr. will ease into a primary pass‑rush role, with his snap count adjusted based on performance. Panthers interim DC Todd Wash pushes for ultra‑fast defensive adjustments, emphasizes a shift toward 3‑4 personnel, and aims to free DT Derrick Brown from double teams, while noting former LB coach Mayur Chaudhari’s departure. Saints fire run‑game coordinator T.J. Paganetti before Week 9, handing rushing duties to OL coach Brendan Nugent as head coach Kellen Moore seeks to streamline workflow and tweak schematics; lineman David Edwards links the move to recent offensive line struggles. Moore also welcomes RB Audric Estime back after his brief stint with the Browns.
The Atlanta Falcons, sitting at 3-5 after dominant wins over Green Bay and San Francisco, are facing a tough stretch that includes the Bengals, Chiefs, Vikings and Lions. Running back Bijan Robinson, a two‑time Pro Bowler, rejects the label of the NFL’s best back for now, noting his recent output—139 rushing yards across two games and a 4.0‑yard average in a 16-0 loss to Tampa Bay—doesn’t merit the hype. Still, he nears 1,000 total scrimmage yards and boasts a 5.2‑yard per carry average, keeping him in the best‑RB conversation as the Falcons aim to stay competitive through Christmas.
Dominick Barlow’s low‑back stress reaction keeps him out of the Sixers for another 10‑12 days, according to coach Nick Nurse, while center Adem Bona is doubtful with a cervical spine strain after a neck injury in Detroit. The Sixers also miss Ariel Hukporti (Achilles tear). Meanwhile, the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson (left ankle sprain) is questionable for the NBA Cup opener, with teammates Asa Newell, Jock Landale and others still sidelined. Mavericks forward Santi Aldama is probable for his debut after right‑knee surgery, and Kings rookie Dylan Cardwell returns from a preseason calf strain, posting four points and six rebounds against the Lakers.
Tyler Huntley is ruled out of the Ravens’ Week 9 Thursday night game against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a turf toe injury, likely ending his season. The veteran backup had stepped in after Lamar Jackson’s thumb injury on Nov. 1, but now rookie Joe Fagnano makes his first NFL start. Fagnano, who saw action in the Week 8 loss to Buffalo, was cleared to practice despite an ankle tweak. Huntley has thrown for 727 yards, four TDs and one INT in five games this season, highlighted by a 30‑23 OT win over Atlanta in Week 5.
Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Nick Sorensen confirms that return specialist KaVontae Turpin remains the primary option despite a rib injury that sidelined him after Week 6. Backup Tyler Goodson, signed from the Falcons' practice squad, and fellow returner Jonathan Mingo have stepped in, with Goodson also serving as Javonte Williams' backup running back. Sorensen praised coverage standouts Justin Barron, Hunter Luepke, Markquese Bell and Alijah Clark, noting their playmaking and penalties that can swing field position. The Cowboys, now 3‑5, head to Indianapolis for their Sunday matchup against the Colts.
The blog recaps the BravesVision offseason lineup airing on November 5, highlighting recent AFL action where Braves prospects Isaiah Drake, Tate Southisene and Briggs McKenzie starred in the Fall Stars Game. It also points readers to missed updates, including the Braves’ Q3 2026 financial release and reports that the entire coaching staff will return for 2027, plus a call for shortstop candidates. Photo credit notes Southisene sprinting for the Salt River Rafters on Oct. 13 at Camelback Ranch.
The New York Mets are set to add Johnny Washington as a co‑hitting coach, according to sources cited by Joel Sherman. Washington, who most recently served as the Braves’ farm system hitting coordinator, replaces Jeff Albert’s former director‑of‑hitting role and will share duties with Troy Snitker and assistant Rafael Fernandez. Washington’s résumé includes stints as the Padres’ first‑base coach (2017‑18), their hitting coach (2019), a KBO hitting coach for the Hanwha Eagles (2021), the Cubs’ assistant hitting coach (2022), and the Angels’ hitting coach in 2023 before being dismissed earlier this year. The move signals the Mets’ push to revamp their offense for the 2026 season.
The Texas Rangers face a payroll crunch ahead of the 2027 season and are reportedly seeking trade partners for Corey Seager, Jacob deGrom and possibly Nathan Eovaldi. Combined, the three veterans command $92.5 million in 2027 salaries, with Seager’s $31.5 million deal running through 2031 and deGrom’s $37 million due next year. While Seager’s recent .736 OPS and a recent elbow surgery make his 10‑and‑5 no‑trade rights a hurdle, deGrom’s 4.20 ERA and full no‑trade clause have already blocked a rumored deal with Atlanta. Eovaldi, on a $24 million contract, also requires his approval. The Rangers could use any return to shore up catching, the bullpen and younger pitching, but finding buyers willing to absorb the salaries will be challenging.
Former Braves GM John Coppolella reveals a 2014 trade he once pitched to the Yankees that would have sent Jason Heyward to New York in exchange for Aaron Judge, Luis Severino, Gary Sanchez, Ian Clarkin and Manny Banuelos. The Yankees passed, leading Atlanta to acquire Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins from the Cardinals, which later turned into the #1 pick Dansby Swanson and a key role for Luke Jackson in the 2021 World Series run. Coppolella, now reinstated and writing for Baseball America, reflects on how the blocked blockbuster could have reshaped the Braves' offensive firepower before Judge even debuted.
The New York Mets appoint Johnny Washington as co‑hitting coach alongside returning Troy Snitker, adding him to Andy Green’s staff. Washington spent 2026 as the Atlanta Braves’ minor‑league hitting coordinator after stints with the Padres, Cubs, Angels and a KBO team. He previously worked with Mets players Jared Young and Luis Torrens. The hire follows the Mets’ search for hitting help, with Kevin Long and John Mallee ruled out, and comes as the club finished near the league bottom in OPS and runs in 2026. Fellow assistants Rafael Fernandez and AJ Ellis also join the revamped coaching roster.
If Corey Kispert can continue shooting the ball like he has, there's room for him in the nightly rotation.
The Bengals and Falcons clash in Week 9’s NFL Madrid game, and the preview predicts a high‑scoring showdown. After a 462‑yard, five‑TD performance, quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to exceed 400 passing yards again and throw at least three touchdowns, with receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins each topping 100 yards and finding the end zone. Meanwhile, Falcons’ star running back Bijan Robinson is projected to double the Bengals’ rushing output, potentially eclipsing Cincinnati’s modest 80.3 yards per game. The article forecasts a combined 80‑point shootout as both offenses ignite on the international stage.
The New York Mets announce Johnny Washington as their new co‑hitting coach, according to The New York Post. Washington, 42, comes from a diverse background: drafted by the Rangers in 2003, he played in the minors until 2009 before moving into coaching. He’s served as a minor‑league coordinator for Atlanta, first‑base and hitting coach for the Padres, KBO hitting coach for the Hanwha Eagles, assistant hitting coach for the Cubs, and hitting coach for the Angels in 2024‑25. Washington joins interim manager Andy Green, who secured a three‑year extension in September, while the Mets retain hitting coach Troy Snitker but part ways with director of hitting Jeff Albert.
The EssentiallySports staff lay out their Week 9 NFL picks as the league hits the midway point. Senior writers Luke Hubbard (12‑2), Reubyn Coutinho (9‑5) and Daniel Rios (11‑3) each project dominant wins for the Jacksonville Jaguars over the Baltimore Ravens after Lamar Jackson lands on IR, a close Bengals‑Falcons contest favoring Cincinnati, a Cowboys‑Colts blowout in Indianapolis, and a Chiefs‑Jets matchup tilted toward Kansas City. The article highlights key injuries, trade delays and recent performances to justify each forecast, noting that the Vikings‑Bills clash remains a pivotal test for Minnesota’s bounce‑back hopes.
Rafael Devers lands among the Silver Slugger finalists, showcasing his power despite an injury‑cut season for the San Francisco Giants. He posted 37 homers, 36 doubles, 88 RBI and a .525 slugging percentage over 148 games, earning a .258/.340/.525 slash line and a 136 wRC+. Though his wRC+ ranks 14th league‑wide, Devers joins Jake Bauers, Alec Burleson and Matt Olson in the final round, adding to his two previous Silver Slugger wins (2021, 2023). Highlights include clutch multi‑home‑run games against Atlanta and the Dodgers, and his first Giants walk‑off versus the Angels.
Travis Kelby, now a newlywed to Taylor Swift, says he’s "excited" for his first Christmas as a husband, sharing his enthusiasm in a Tommy Hilfiger ad. The couple tied the knot on July 3, 2026 at Madison Square Garden, with a star‑studded ceremony featuring Adam Sandler officiating and performances by Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks and Avril Lavigne. Kelce, entering his 14th NFL season, recently signed a three‑year deal after weighing retirement. He’s on pace for a career‑best season with 29 catches, 410 yards and two TDs, while the Chiefs rebound from back‑to‑back losses as they prepare for upcoming games against the Jets, Falcons and Cardinals.
The 49ers sit 6‑1 entering Week 9 and, despite a strong start, still need a pass rusher, secondary help, and receiver depth. Niners Nation’s trade‑deadline wishlist lists seven targets, from high‑priced wideout Garrett Wilson (Jets) to more affordable options like Indianapolis WR Josh Downs. Safety Jessie Bates III (Falcons) resurfaces as a potential long‑term fix, while edge rusher Josh Sweat (Cardinals) offers a healthy, high‑upside pass‑rush boost. The author ranks Downs as the most realistic acquisition, with Wilson as a dream‑catcher and multiple others as bold, “swing‑for‑the‑fences” moves to solidify a Super Bowl run.
The Atlanta Hawks should give Aaron Wiggins a chance in the starting lineup.
The Detroit Lions sit 5-3 but rank last in NFL passing defense, prompting calls for a secondary upgrade. ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell suggests a low‑cost trade for former first‑round pick Mike Hughes, now with the Atlanta Falcons, who could bolster Detroit’s cornerback group without sacrificing draft assets. With safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph still injured, Hughes offers a modest improvement as the Lions chase a playoff berth and try to overtake division rivals the Bears, Packers and Vikings.
The Rangers would love to find a place to dump their aging shortstop. Unfortunately, he appears to want no part of a perfect fit.
The leader in batting average among NL outfielders isn't a finalist for the Silver Slugger Award.
The Golden State Warriors have stopped paying center Kristaps Porzingis after he failed to report for duty, citing a service‑rendering breach. ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania say the impasse could push Porzingis toward retirement, though the team isn’t looking to void his contract and keeps trade options open until the Feb. 11 deadline. The Latvian veteran, a 10‑year NBA player who won a 2024 title with Boston, was acquired from Atlanta in a trade that also sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Hawks. He logged 15 games last season (16.1 pts, 5.3 reb) but sits out this year due to an autoimmune condition, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
Madden 27’s Week 9 simulation predicts a solid 11‑3 record after an 67‑38 run since Week 2, and the tool’s forecasts line up with the actual results. The Jaguars dominate the Ravens 34‑6 behind Derrick Henry, while the Bengals beat the Falcons 31‑24 as Joe Burrow throws for over 340 yards and three TDs. Dallas edges Indianapolis 36‑28 thanks to Dak Prescott’s 70% completion rate and a 255‑yard passing duo of Lamb and Pickens. Kansas City snaps its losing streak with a 24‑13 win over the Jets, and Miami overpowers Detroit 27‑17. The article breaks down each game’s key plays and player performances, showing how Madden 27’s predictions hold up this week.