Sports

Kirk Cousins fights Maxx Crosby: What sparked a Raiders training camp scuffle

Published

16 hours ago

August 7, 2026

HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders training camp lacked a bit of energy on Thursday. Maybe it was the day off before, or that the team wasn’t in pads, or the scorching southern Nevada sun sapped their vigor. But it didn’t feel like the fervor that carried through the team’s first six practices under new head coach Klint Kubiak was there. The same could not be said about Friday.

Star edge Maxx Crosby and starting quarterback Kirk Cousins got into an altercation as practice neared its conclusion. No punches were thrown, but Cousins got in Crosby’s face, and the pass rusher met the quarterback’s challenge. The two were separated quickly, and the first big quarrel of camp was quelled without any damage done.

“That’s training camp,” Kubiak said. “Those are those two leaders of our team going at it. So that is part of camp. Obviously, you fight in the game, you throw a punch, you’re out of the game. So we’ve got to be smart, treat it like a game.”

Raiders players trending up, down

Sam Warren

The altercation came as the Raiders lined up for a final team period. Crosby, who’d been dominant all day, burst off the line to beat Cousins’ protection. Cousins saw Crosby coming and attempted to get the ball out to rookie receiver Malik Benson on a crossing route. But Crosby got his hand up at Cousins’ release point, tipped it and forced the ball to fall short of the intended target.

Crosby stayed off Cousins’ body, complying with team rules against contacting the quarterback, although he did appear to hit the quarterback’s hand. Crosby had been physical with offensive players earlier in the day and during past practices Cousins apparently saw this as an opportunity to stick up for his teammates.

Cousins jawed at Crosby before grabbing his collar. A shouting match ensued before coaches and teammates came in to break things up. Cousins and Crosby continued to throw verbal jabs at each other even as they went their separate ways.

Tight end Michael Mayer concurred with his head coach that they don’t want to see teammates throwing punches at each other, especially a star player and their quarterback. But he said he liked the attitude it took for Cousins to stand up to Crosby.

“That’s our starting quarterback right now and you want him to defend your team,” Mayer said. “You want him to have some edge to him, which he does. He’s always had that, since the first day I met him when he came in here. I don’t want him getting thrown out. I don’t want him getting a flag or anything like that. But you’ve got to be able to defend yourself.”

Cousins’ edge was on full display after the scuffle. He’d had one of his poorer practices to that point — he threw two interceptions during team periods, one that Crosby tipped at the line (safety Jeremy Chinn caught it on the back end) and one he floated into the end zone for rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses to pick off. But Cousins locked in for the two-minute drill. With Crosby relegated to the sidelines, Cousins found tight ends Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers for big gains over the middle. He then connected with Benson on a short crossing route before finding Bowers again near the sidelines. The drive set up a field goal for the offense — a success given the drill’s situation.

Cousins’ energy and passion has been palpable since he arrived in Las Vegas. He’s constantly celebrating after making big plays and encouraging teammates when failures occur. That’s what Kubiak wanted Cousins to be.

“Quarterback has to be the leader of the team, and I see him leading out there,” Kubiak said. “That’s what we brought him here for: to lead and play really good football. I’ve been pleased with him, and he knows he can get better.”

Mendoza making strides

Like Cousins, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza got better as practice went on. The No. 1 pick had some misses during goal-line one-on-ones, underthrowing receiver Tre Tucker on a fade in the end zone and throwing a crosser behind tight end Ian Thomas. But, as the coaching staff wants to see, Mendoza didn’t make mistakes twice, hitting Bowers and receiver Phillip Dorsett II for touchdowns in the period.

Mendoza carried momentum into team drills. He had nice connections with receivers Brandon Johnson, Deven Thompkins and Dareke Young in the first period, and then found Thompkins on a diving slant in the end zone during their red zone period. Mendoza did slip up in the final team session, nearly throwing an interception to nickel Greedy Vance, but overall looked precise and decisive operating the offense.

“He’s just continuing to get better,” Kubiak said. “Every day brings a new challenge — crowd noise today. So there’s new things that he’s learning every day. He’s working hard. He’s like every other rookie. They’re introduced to a whole new level of football, and there’s gonna be days of failure and days of success. As long as they can keep getting better, that’s what we’re looking for.”

So far, Mendoza has taken all the second-team reps behind Cousins, who Kubiak named the starter for training camp. The coach said he is not “married to” Cousins being the starter to open the year, his approach at every position.

“We’re a new staff here, we’re trying to establish something,” Kubiak said. “And there’s got to be competition everywhere. We’ll just sit here and let the tape reveal itself.”

Stukes’ status

After spending the first six practices solely as a backup, second-round rookie defensive back Treydan Stukes received opportunities with the first team on Thursday and Friday. He subbed in for Isaiah Pola-Mao at safety and looked solid in coverage, breaking up a pass on Thursday. He also had some solid reps in the one-on-one period on Friday.

The No. 38 pick of April’s NFL Draft said he “definitely” feels like he’s “coming along” and gaining confidence with defensive coordinator Rob Leonard’s scheme.

“I’m building trust with my teammates and the coaching staff,” Stukes said. “It’s getting more exciting. The defense is starting to click a little bit more as we keep going. I’m super excited.”

When asked about what he’s seen from Stukes, Kubiak went outside the defensive reps.

“I like how hard he plays on special teams,” Kubiak said. “He’s a guy that’s gonna challenge for spots in many places on defense and on teams. But I like that he’s a team-first guy and that shows up in the way he plays teams.”

Stukes is inching closer to competing with Pola-Mao for a starting role in the secondary. But he’s also shown skills on special teams. That might be where the Raiders see his value early this year.

Notable absences

Kubiak heralded the training staff before camp started for the job they did in preparing the roster for the grind ahead. But as practices roll on, bumps begin to accumulate, and the team has seen some effect this week.

Receiver Jalen Nailor, edges Kwity Paye and Keyron Crawford, running back Dare Ogunbowale and tight end Carter Runyon all did not participate in Friday’s practice. Receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. drilled with the team to begin practice, but also left early. Kubiak specifically stated that Nailor and Thornton are “OK,” and didn’t insinuate that any of the absences were cause for concern.

“We had a few guys nicked up and we’re trying to be conscious of it,” Kubiak said.

Crawford left practice on Thursday after colliding with Malcolm Koonce in the backfield while rushing the passer. Assistant head coach Mike McCoy didn’t have an update on his status afterwards. The third-round rookie came out to practice in workout clothes later in the session, but just to observe.

Rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy did return to practice on Friday after a “rest day” on Thursday. The team continues to manage his knee, appearing to limit his competitive reps in the session. But McCoy did look good in his opportunities, specifically during the one-on-one period.

Sports

Brandon Clarke: Memphis Grizzlies forward death due to effects of drug use

Published

6 minutes ago

August 8, 2026

qasimgillani

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke’s death in May was caused by the “effects of heroin and cocaine”, the Los Angeles authorities have revealed.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner ruled that the death was accidental., external

The 29-year-old was found unresponsive in a bedroom at a house in San Fernando Valley on 11 May, 2026 and was pronounced dead by paramedics.

The medical examiner’s office also listed the “combined effects of multiple prescription medications” as a “significant” contributor to his death but did not state what the medications were.

The medical examiner added that its full report would be available at a later date.

The Canada-born player was a first-round draft pick in 2019 but played only two games in the 2025-26 season because of injuries.

Paying tribute at the time, the Grizzlies said they were “heartbroken” by the loss, adding he was an “outstanding team-mate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten”.

Clarke played 309 NBA games, including 50 starts, and scored an average of 10.2 points per game.

A month prior to his death, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance.

Clarke was born in Vancouver and was a dual citizen of Canada and the USA.

After playing college basketball at San Jose State and then Gonzaga, he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded to the Grizzlies soon after.

Sports

How to watch Athletics vs. Red Sox: TV channel and streaming options for August 8

Published

13 minutes ago

August 8, 2026

qasimgillani

The Boston Red Sox carry a nine-game win streak into a home contest versus the Athletics at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday. Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90 ERA) gets the start for the Red Sox, who are 64-51 this season and third in the AL East. Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) is the expected starter for the Athletics, who are 45-71 and fourth in the AL West.

How to watch Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox

Athletics vs. Red Sox odds

Favorite Moneyline: Red Sox -278
Underdog Moneyline: Athletics +220
Total: 9
Total Over Odds: -115
Total Under Odds: -105

Injury reports

Red Sox

Curtis Mead: 10 Day IL (Hand), Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 10 Day IL (Forearm), Adley Rutschman: 10 Day IL (Wrist), Tanner Houck: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Zack Kelly: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Trevor Story: 60 Day IL (Abdomen), Garrett Crochet: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Roman Anthony: 60 Day IL (Wrist), Johan Oviedo: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Kutter Crawford: 60 Day IL (Wrist), Triston Casas: 60 Day IL (Knee), Willson Contreras: day-to-day (Illness)

Athletics

Nick Kurtz: 10 Day IL (Thumb), Shea Langeliers: 10 Day IL (Knee), Zack Gelof: 10 Day IL (Knee), Josh Kuroda-Grauer: 10 Day IL (Testicle), Justin Sterner: 15 Day IL (Knee), Jeffrey Springs: 15 Day IL (Hip), Denzel Clarke: 60 Day IL (Foot), Brooks Kriske: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Mark Leiter Jr.: 60 Day IL (Hip), Brent Rooker: 60 Day IL (Knee), Luis Severino: 60 Day IL (Shoulder), Gunnar Hoglund: 60 Day IL (Knee)

Stats to know

Boston’s Wilyer Abreu has hit 20 home runs this season. He has also tallied 62 RBIs and has scored 64 runs. In 492 plate appearances, he has recorded a .256 BA, .331 OBP and .462 SLG with a 10% walk rate and a 20.7% strikeout rate. He has been effective on the base paths, recording seven steals on 11 attempts.
In 461 plate appearances, Ceddanne Rafaela is hitting .289/.329/.471 with a .800 OPS and 16 steals on 23 attempts. He has hit 15 long balls, driven in 60 runs and scored 60 times.
Tyler Soderstrom is hitting for a .245 BA, .340 OBP and .467 SLG with a 19.1% strikeout rate and an 11.9% walk rate. His OPS is .806 and he has scored 54 runs. In 430 plate appearances, he has hit 18 home runs and driven in 53 runs.
In 315 plate appearances, Jacob Wilson has slashed .268/.299/.388 this season. He has hit seven long balls and driven in 36 runs with a strikeout rate of 11.7% and a walk rate of 3.8%. He has stolen four bases on four attempts and has scored 33 runs.

This watch guide was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.

Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

Photo: Jamie Squire, Ishika Samant, Scott Taetsch, Alika Jenner / Getty Images

Sports

Trey Smack’s efficient night and more observations from Packers’ stadium practice

Published

19 minutes ago

August 8, 2026

qasimgillani

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers rookie kicker Trey Smack was unlucky that a planned in-stadium promotion came after his fifth kick of the night.

Smack had just hooked a field goal attempt wide left from 51 yards when public address announcer Bill Jartz asked fans at Lambeau Field an ill-timed question.

“You think YOU can kick a field goal?”

A kid then chipped in a 20-yarder, but no, he’s not taking Smack’s job.

Smack actually had perhaps his best day of training camp. Entering Family Night 8-for-13 on live field goals this summer, the 2026 sixth-round pick went 6-of-7 on Friday night. He was good from 33, 35, 38, 43, 45, and 47 yards, but missed his longest attempt.

Head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst have stressed patience with Smack as he navigates the inevitable roller coaster rookie kickers ride. Still, Friday night can be considered a peak after a rocky start to camp.

“Definitely built a little bit of confidence up tonight,” Smack said. “But we can always kick better.”

Tucker Kraft back in action at Packers training camp

Jourdan Rodrigue and Rachael Tinde

Here are nine other observations from practice No. 8 of camp.

1. Wide receiver Christian Watson and rookie second-round cornerback Brandon Cisse had a couple of competitive battles during one-on-ones. Watson beat Cisse on a slant before making a catch on the first rep, and Cisse broke up a slant for Watson on their second. After that one, Watson dapped up Cisse to show his respect.

“I’m just really impressed with his confidence,” Watson said after the practice, later adding, “He doesn’t look like he’s panicking when he’s going up against the first group.”

Cisse has been running with the first string as cornerback Carrington Valentine nurses a hamstring injury, which isn’t considered long-term, according to LaFleur.

On their third rep, Cisse stuck with Watson in the end zone before the veteran wiggled free, but then couldn’t corral a Jordan Love pass that zipped between his hands. On the first play of the next team period, Watson made a nice catch from Love on the sideline with Cisse in tight coverage.

“Try to go against the best of the best and hold your own, and that’s what I’m trying to do every day,” Cisse said. “I’ve still got a long way to go.”

Christian Watson, completing a catch at training camp earlier this summer, has developed a strong rapport with Jordan Love. (Ross Harried / NurPhoto via Getty Images)

2. Second-year wideout Matthew Golden made mincemeat of cornerback Keisean Nixon during their three one-on-one battles, once on an in-breaking route over the middle, once on a sluggo-type route deep for another catch on an underthrown ball by Love and once on an end zone fade when Golden deftly tapped both feet on green grass for six.

“In practice, he pushes me and I push him,” Golden said. “For us, I feel like the competition we’ve got between each other is good, and I feel like overall, I’m getting better from practicing against him.”

3. Perhaps the most notable player from one-on-ones between the pass catchers and defensive backs was defensive back Jaylin Simpson. He notched an interception and a pass breakup in his first two reps against wide receivers Isaiah Neyor and Kaden Prather, then jammed Neyor hard at the line of scrimmage on an attempted fade that fell incomplete. Simpson, a 2024 fifth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, played only in the Packers’ meaningless Week 18 game last season and is fighting for a spot at the bottom of the cornerback depth chart.

4. Barryn Sorrell is the No. 2 edge rusher behind Lukas Van Ness with Micah Parsons sidelined, and Sorrell could very well push for more playing time when Parsons returns midseason. Two practices after his long pick six, Sorrell began 11-on-11s with two sturdy run stuffs of MarShawn Lloyd and Pierre Strong Jr.

5. If you’ve been reading these daily camp recaps, you’ve read about Anthony Campbell multiple times. The 2025 undrafted defensive tackle keeps making plays, enough that he’s earned intermittent run with the first-team defensive line (in fairness, defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has cycled guys through that unit as if he gets paid more with each change). Campbell made a couple of more splash plays Friday night, making light work of offensive lineman Dylan Barrett on the interior before batting down yet another pass. That’s his fifth of the summer, and this one came near the sideline after he chased quarterback Kyle McCord to the edge.

6. Other standout plays on defense included linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper stuffing running back Damien Martinez for a safety in 11-on-11s, starting defensive tackle Karl Brooks bursting through the line for what might’ve been a sack, defensive tackle Jonathan Ford putting Barrett on his behind right in McCord’s lap and defensive tackle Jaden Crumedy and edge Nyjalik Kelly logging decisive wins during a team period over guard Dillon Wade and left tackle John Williams, respectively.

On offense, Love hit Golden for a long touchdown over safety Javon Bullard on a quarters coverage beater (edge Brenton Cox Jr. appeared to pull up instead of hitting Love before he threw). Undrafted rookie wideout J. Michael Sturdivant had an impressive diving catch for a 38-yard gain down the right sideline on a ball from Tyrod Taylor during the second-string two-minute drill to help set up a tying field goal. Wide receiver Savion Williams also made a nice high-point touchdown grab over safety Kitan Oladapo on a ball from Taylor.

Here’s the Lambeau crowd as practice begins pic.twitter.com/FuLdE8U7lI

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 8, 2026

“Savion, his measurables are off the charts in terms of his size, speed and strength,” LaFleur said of the 2025 third-round pick. “And then he’s just a young player that’s still learning and he’s got a long way to go, but I think he’s showcased a lot of great traits and that’s why we drafted him and that’s why we loved him coming out.”

7. The Packers were overly cautious during Friday’s stadium practice with some guys who would’ve otherwise been limited participants. That meant a lengthy DNP list, which included: Parsons, running back Josh Jacobs, cornerback Domani Jackson, Valentine, running back Chris Brooks, cornerback Kamal Hadden, cornerback Johnathan Baldwin, long snapper Matt Orzech, right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele, left guard Aaron Banks, tight end Tucker Kraft, tight end Luke Musgrave, defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, defensive tackle Jordon Riley and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

Cisse was cramping and missed part of practice, while rookie third-round defensive tackle Chris McClellan got rolled up on and also missed time (LaFleur thought the latter would be all right). Offensive lineman Jacob Monk was tended to on the sideline by trainers, and LaFleur, while not knowing Monk’s injury, said he wanted to stay in. Wide receiver Jayden Reed was holding his helmet in his hand on the sideline during the starters’ two-minute drill, but he appeared fine in the locker room afterward while speaking with reporters.

8. Speaking of Monk, he’s getting more run with the starters at right guard while Anthony Belton has been playing right tackle (Bako-Bewele hasn’t done 11-on-11s yet in camp but said this week that he’s close to joining team periods). Rookie fifth-round pick Jager Burton has seen time at starting left guard while Banks doesn’t do 11-on-11s. LaFleur said Monk and Burton have done a “really nice job and are pushing to crack the lineup.” Meanwhile, Belton didn’t sound too pleased with his play Friday.

“I’ve got to be able to perform. There’s no excuse to, I guess, (do) some of the things that happened tonight,” Belton said. “So ain’t nothing to blame it on about guard or tackle. I’ve just got to be able to do it. It’s that simple.”

9. Next up, the Packers are off Saturday before holding a practice closed to the public on Sunday. They then have open practice Monday and Tuesday before flying to Pittsburgh on Wednesday for Thursday’s preseason opener.