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Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald didn’t put a firm label on Sam Darnold’s status this week, but his message was clear: the team is managing the quarterback’s workload carefully as Seattle prepares for the NFC Championship against the Los Angeles Rams.Asked how the Seahawks will balance keeping Darnold sharp while also protecting him from reinjury, Macdonald said it’s something they’ll “work through day to day,” focusing on getting the right reps at the right tempo while still giving Darnold what he needs in practice. View this post on Instagram Sam Darnold: Seahawks Will Manage QB “Day to Day”The most direct Darnold update came when Macdonald was asked about the practice plan.“Yeah, I think it’s something we’re just going to work through day to day,” Macdonald said, describing the challenge of balancing enough work against the right looks, while being smart about Darnold’s health.That kind of phrasing typically means Seattle will take it one practice at a time and let how Darnold feels (and responds) dictate the workload, especially early in the week.It also keeps Seattle from tipping its hand to Los Angeles, which will be preparing for multiple possibilities based on who’s taking snaps and how the offense might adjust.Sam Darnold Injury: Macdonald Admits He Was Nervous After QB Took an Early SackMacdonald also referenced a sequence from Saturday that gave a window into how closely the staff is tracking Darnold’s movement and comfort.After Darnold took a sack early, he bounced right back the next play and “ripped” a throw to Cooper. Macdonald said he was nervous watching Darnold go down and then take off, but the response helped him “exhale a little bit.”That’s not a formal medical update, but it’s a revealing one. It suggests the staff is watching for the same things fans are: how Darnold reacts after contact, how he moves when the pocket breaks down, and whether he looks like himself on the very next snap.Seahawks Standings: What It Means for Seahawks vs Rams in the NFC Championship View this post on Instagram As the No. 1 team in the NFC with a 14-3 record, the Seahawks are the current favorites to win the Super Bowl. They also opened the week as a betting favorite over the Rams. If Seattle’s practice plan is truly “day to day,” that can shape everything about the game plan against a Rams defense that’s built to stress protection rules and punish mistakes.A limited quarterback week can mean a heavier emphasis on timing throws, quicker decisions, and a run game that keeps the offense on schedule. It can also impact how often Seattle wants Darnold extending plays outside structure, especially if the coaching staff is trying to reduce unnecessary hits.And in a rivalry setting like Seahawks-Rams, the margins are thin. A few missed reps during the week can show up in the small stuff on Sunday: pre-snap communication, blitz recognition, and whether the offense can stay on schedule in the red zone.Seahawks QB Depth Chart: Drew Lock, Jalen Milroe Behind DarnoldShould something hinder Darnold this week the Seahawks depth chart looks like this: Seattle’s primary backup options behind Darnold include Drew Lock, with rookie Jalen Milroe also in the mix.Even when Darnold was on the injury report, Seattle prepared for contingencies by mixing in other quarterbacks for reps, a normal move this late in the season, but one that always spikes attention when the starter is even slightly questionable.Sam Darnold StatsDarnold’s season production is a big reason the injury-status question is so loud right now.Darnold threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in the regular season, helping Seattle to a 14-3 record and the NFC’s top seed.How Old Is Sam Darnold and What Teams Has He Played For?Darnold was born June 5, 1997, making him 28 years old.As for the teams he’s played for, Darnold has spent time with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, and now the Seattle Seahawks. He helped…

The Toronto Blue Jays can still sign Cody Bellinger.The only problem with Toronto executing a move like that with the New York Yankees outfielder is that the incumbent Yankees and New York Mets are the main competition. They swung and missed on Kyle Tucker, who went from the Chicago Cubs to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Less than a day later, they lost Bo Bichette to the Mets.There is hope that Bellinger can be acquired. If the Blue Jays are in on Bellinger, one of the top MLB insiders hasn’t been kept in the loop. Which begs the question: Do the Blue Jays actually want to sign Bellinger?Mets & Yankees Fighting Over Cody Bellinger, Not the Blue JaysFormer MLB general manager Jim Bowden spoke on Foul Territory on January 19th, 2026. During that episode, he shared what he knows about the Bellinger situation.“They don’t have a panic pivot like the Mets did,” Bowden revealed of the Yankees’ plans outside of Bellinger. “When the Mets lost out on Tucker, they did the panic pivot, and they overpaid Bo Bichette by $17 million a year. It’s likely that Bellinger goes back (to the Yankees). I do not believe there is a team in baseball that has offered Cody Bellinger seven years. I don’t believe the Mets are in, outside of a short-term AAV on him.”“Toronto is not in on him. The Dodgers are not in on him. I don’t know of another team right now besides the two New York teams that are in on Bellinger.”Bellinger recorded 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, 160 hits, and 13 stolen bases in 2025. The Yankees have offered a five-year, $155 million to $160 million contract to Bellinger, according to The Athletic.Additionally, according to Bowden, “Cody Bellinger is mulling over multiple offers from multiple teams and is expected to make a decision shortly.”Blue Jays Haven’t Appeared ‘Particularly Interested’It’s clear that Bellinger is the top remaining free agent in this winter’s crop. But are the Blue Jays really not interested in him?According to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, the Blue Jays could use a lefty bat to slot into left field. Bellinger fits that mold to a tee.“Cody Bellinger certainly fits the mold of a significant upgrade,” Bannon wrote on January 20th, 2026. “Coming off a year in which he hit 29 homers with 4.9 WAR, Bellinger would supply Toronto with a top-of-the-order lefty bat and can man the outfield in 2026 and beyond.”However, Bannon points out that there hasn’t been any chatter surrounding Toronto and Bellinger.“The Jays haven’t appeared particularly interested in the 29-year-old free agent this winter,” Bannon wrote. “It seems unlikely the Jays will suddenly become intrigued enough to beat the Yankees’ current offer. The free-agent market thins out quickly after Bellinger, making the trade market the next avenue for a sizeable addition.”On the free agent market, Eugenio Suarez is still available. However, he is an infielder, a position where they have plenty of players ready to fill a role.Bannon suggests that Brendan Donovan, Alec Burleson, and Lars Nootbaar could be helpful additions. He also points out that they would not be significant upgrades over what the Blue Jays currently have.The Blue Jays won’t be truly out on Bellinger until he actually signs with a team. However, with multiple reports suggesting otherwise, the chances of Toronto coming out of free agency with Bellinger in tow are slim. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Report: Blue Jays Out on Cody Bellinger Amid Looming Decision appeared first on Heavy Sports.

As NASCAR prepares for the 2026 season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. said the sport feels more organized and focused than it did a year ago. He pointed to leadership continuity and championship format changes as key steps forward after a period of instability.Earnhardt Jr. shared his views during recent media appearances on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, following NASCAR’s decision to move back to a Chase-style playoff system.NASCAR has since brought back a Chase-style playoff format for 2026, making a dramatic shift away from the elimination-heavy system fans have debated for years. The new format spotlights drivers’ season-long performance, rewarding consistency across the playoff stretch instead of relying on unpredictable, one-off victories. NASCAR removes the “win, and you’re in” rule; now, every lap and every point matter.Dale Earnhardt Jr. on playoff changes after challenging yearDale Earnhardt Jr., a trusted voice among fans, openly criticized the old system’s pitfalls. “I’ll be honest, I’m in a better place now. Last year wore me down, the trial, the negativity, all of it. I didn’t realize how much I disliked the format until it was gone, and I couldn’t really say it out loud while I was still broadcasting. You want to protect your job, and that puts you in a tough spot.”Earnhardt Jr. credits veteran drivers like Mark Martin for championing a format that values steady performance while still celebrating race wins. He states clearly: the new system gives fans and teams a playoff they can trust and gives drivers a championship that means more than ever.Dale Earnhardt Jr. is confident in NASCAR leadership and directionEarnhardt Jr. also spotlights NASCAR’s leadership as a key reason for the sport’s newfound momentum. He singles out industry veterans like Steve O’Donnell and Steve Phelps, highlighting their experience and commitment to doing right by the teams, especially during last year’s high-stakes lawsuit.“I like O’Donnell. I’ve known him my whole career. I know where his heart is. If you paid attention during the trial, you learned that both Phelps and O’Donnell were actually trying to get the teams what they wanted. They were working to make it right.”With O’Donnell’s deep roots in short-track racing and three decades of experience, Earnhardt Jr. feels confident NASCAR has the right people to guide the sport into its next chapter. He also believes Ben Kennedy, a rising force in the organization, will lead the future as he gains more experience.Signs NASCAR Is Back on TrackAfter a year of lawsuits, criticism, and internal tension, Earnhardt Jr. says optimism has returned to the garage. He points to real improvements on and off the track, from the revamped playoff format to upgrades in tires, cars, and horsepower.“That said, there have been real gains. The tire was better last year. The car is being adjusted in the right direction. A lot of things are looking good. It feels like the sport is pointed in the right way. We’ll see how it all plays out.”As NASCAR continues to fine-tune rules and technology ahead of 2026, Earnhardt Jr.’s endorsement matters. For fans looking for reassurance, his message is clear: NASCAR is getting back to its roots, building on its strengths, and giving everyone, from teams to fans, a reason to believe the best days are still to come. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Dale Earnhardt Jr.: “I’m in a better place now” as NASCAR resets for 2026 appeared first on Heavy Sports.

Damián Díaz muestra que se fue enojado de Barcelona y alista un nuevo duro golpe a su ex club de cara a la temporada 2026. Barcelona ya tiene rival para su Noche Amarilla 2026 al elegir a Guayaquil City para el amistoso de presentación de su plantel, sin embargo no todo es buena noticia. Damián Díaz alista una mala noticia para el equipo ‘torero’, dónde es referente histórico. Según cuenta el periodista Sergio Basantes, Damián Díaz no quiere asistir a la Noche Amarilla, incluso sabiendo que Barcelona le tiene un homenaje listo. La noticia se hizo viral rápidamente en redes sociales. Esto termina de confirmar que Damián Díaz se fue enojado con la presente directiva de Barcelona. Recordar que el volante dejó el equipo tras desacuerdos con el entrenador de ese entonces Ariel Holan. Damián Díaz tenía contrato vigente con Barcelona y en principio la idea del jugador era retirarse en Barcelona. Incluso aceptó una rebaja salarial considerable para seguir. Habrá que ver si finalmente el ‘Kitu’ acepta jugar el amistoso con su nuevo club o si decide no recibir el homenaje. En Barcelona ganó tres títulos locales y fue dos veces semifinalista de América. Los jugadores que se irían de Barcelona Ignacio De Arruabarrena, José Contreras, Bryan Carabalí, Xavier Arreaga, Gastón Campi, Gustavo Vallecilla, Aníbal Chalá, Dixon Arroyo, Leonai Souza, Janner Corozo, Bruno Caicedo, Christian Solano, Eduard Bello, Braian Oyola, Octavio Rivero, serían los futbolistas que buscarían irse. Damián Díaz – Ariel Holan. Foto: API. En resumen Guayaquil City será el rival de Barcelona en la Noche Amarilla 2026.El referente Damián Díaz rechazaría asistir al homenaje preparado por la directiva de Barcelona.Damián Díaz salió del club por desacuerdos con el exentrenador Ariel Holan.