New York Giants fans got their first look at rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in a professional game on Saturday. The early returns on New York’s investment are promising.

Dart made his pro debut in the Giants’ preseason clash with the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, about 3 1/2 months after the G-Men drafted him with the 25th overall pick. He was the second Giants quarterback of the day, taking over from starter Russell Wilson after New York’s first possession and playing until the end of the first half.

The rookie out of Mississippi finished his day 12 of 19 on pass attempts for 154 yards and a touchdown pass. The Giants scored on three of its four possessions with Dart in the game. In order, his drives ended: punt, touchdown, 50-yard field goal, 51-yard field goal.

Here’s how USA TODAY Sports grades Dart’s debut performance:

Jaxson Dart grades: Giants rookie QB shines vs. Bills

There was plenty to like about Dart’s performance in his first career game as a pro, even if it was just an exhibition clash in the preseason.

One of the biggest takeaways from the overall performance was Dart’s poise in the pocket, particularly when he was under pressure. The rookie’s first possession under center saw him evade pass-rushers and make a couple of nice throws, even if it ended with a punt.

There were other throws later on that showcased the same kind of pocket awareness. There was a nice slip-screen pass Dart made over the outstretched arms of a defender, executed with perfect touch to avoid getting swatted while still giving his running back the chance to make a play.

On a following possession, Dart showcased the other side of the spectrum of his arm talent and ball placement. After a false start and rush for no gain backed the Giants up to a second-and-15 play on their own 31, Dart made one of his best throws of the day to pick up a first down.

He took the snap, allowed himself time to read through his progressions, kept his eyes downfield while avoiding pressure from edge rushers on both sides, stepped up in the pocket and rocketed a pass to Montrell Washington. The throw was perfectly executed on Washington’s drag route, placed between a couple of linebackers reading his eyes and finding the open space in the zone coverage.

Dart’s best play of the day was easily his lone touchdown pass: a 28-yard beauty of a throw to Lil’Jordan Humphrey.

On a third-and-5 play on Dart’s second possession under center, the rookie took the shotgun snap, dropped back and floated a touch pass down the sideline that found Humphrey’s hands despite solid coverage from the defending cornerback. The throw was even more impressive given the incoming pressure Dart faced.

Running back Dante Miller didn’t help out up front when the Giants’ left guard missed his block, allowing a free rusher up the middle to get in Dart’s face as he wound up to make the throw. Regardless, the rookie kept his composure and delivered a perfect ball to Humphrey then took a direct hit after his release.

On top of the plays Dart made as a passer, he also gave Giants fans a glimpse of his playmaking ability with his legs, avoiding a couple of would-be tacklers as his pocket collapsed and scrambling up the middle for a 19-yard gain.

Dart’s debut wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

While his success under duress was notable and impressive, there were a few throws he missed in much easier circumstances.

A third down pass attempt on his first possession ended up out of reach for tight end Greg Dulcich despite the separation Dulcich had from his defender. A first down attempt to a wide open Humphrey on Dart’s penultimate drive sailed high and incomplete. A couple of plays later, the rookie underthrew a short pass that, while potentially catchable for Washington, ended in a failed third-down conversion attempt.

Dart’s final pass attempt of the day also fell incomplete when he took a split second too long to get the throw out on third down and placed the ball a hair too far inside on the ‘out’ route. Bills defensive back Te’Cory Couch was able to get his hand in and break up the throw, though the pass was still a catchable one for Washington.

There were also a couple of balls batted down at the line of scrimmage as well, one of which almost resulted in an interception.

Overall, Giants fans should be excited with what they saw from their rookie quarterback in his first game as a pro, even if it has the caveat of only being in a preseason exhibition game.

Grade: B

Indiana and Pennsylvania will compete in the Little League Softball World Series after winning in the semifinals in Greenville, North Carolina, on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Indiana will play for the championship following a victory over North Carolina. Scarlet Renn and Grace Fiore each scored one of the two runs for Indiana.

Pennsylvania earned a shutout victory over Oklahoma in the evening game. It will be the first time that Pennsylvania will make a championship game appearance since 2018.

The World Series game will be played on Sunday, Aug. 10. North Carolina and Oklahoma will also stay in town to play again on Sunday in the third-place game.

USA TODAY Sports had full coverage of Saturday’s semifinals. Follow for updates from all the action, plus scroll below for scores from every game played so far.

How to watch 2025 Little League Softball World Series

The 2025 Little League Softball World Series will be broadcast on ESPN platforms, with the championship game airing on ABC. Games will also be available to stream on ESPN+.

• Dates: Aug. 3-10
• TV: ESPN | ESPN2 | ABC
• Stream: ESPN+
• Location: Greenville, North Carolina

Stream the Little League Softball World Series on ESPN+

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 7 scores

• Game 19: Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) 2, Pitt County (North Carolina region) 0 (Final 7 Innings)
• Game 20: Johnstown, Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic) 4, Tulsa, Oklahoma (Southwest) 0 (Final 6 innings)

Pennsylvania is moving on

Pennsylvania added a fourth run in the top of the 5th inning before Oklahoma threatened in the bottom of the inning by loading up the bases with two outs.

Reagan Bills put the game away again for Pennsylvania, recording the final strike and sending her team back to the Little League World Series Softball Championship game for the first time since 2018.

‘I knew my team was behind me and when (coach) called a change-up, I was going to make it unhittable,’ Bills told ESPN after the game.

Oklahoma will compete in the third-place game.

Pennsylvania’s offense is rolling

Pennsylvania has built a comfortable 3-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning, scoring back-to-back runs.

Leilah Schilling-Mansour hit a double that put her and her teammate in scoring position before being brought in to score.

Pennsylvania on the board

Pennsylvania made good on a timely hit and error to put a runner on second. Reagan Bills, taking a pause from work in the circle, crushes home an RBI and gets her team on the board, 1-0.

Harmoneigh White gets out Oklahoma out of jam

With runners on the corners and two outs, Oklahoma pitcher Harmoneigh White gets Kennedy Fees to chase a high rise ball for the final out. Fees almost had an extra-base hit down the left field line, which would have scored Camilla Gaunt, one pitch earlier, but it went foul.

Oklahoma is coming up to bat for the first time this afternoon.

Camilla Gaunt leads off with double for Pennsylvania

On the very first pitch of the game, Camilla Gaunt ropes a double down the left field line for a stand-up double to begin the game for Pennsylvania. It is the first extra-base hit for Gaunt at the LLSWS.

Pennsylvania and Oklahoma semifinal underway

The second Little League Softball World Series semifinal is underway between Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s championship game vs. Indiana.

Indiana defeats North Carolina; advances to LLSWS title game

Indiana becomes the first team to punch its ticket to the Little League Softball World Series championship game on Sunday thanks to a 2-0 extra-inning win over North Carolina. Scarlet Renn and Grace Fiore brought in both runs for Indiana on the afternoon.

Indiana will now await to learn its opponent for Sunday’s title game, as it will be either Pennsylvania or Oklahoma. An important thing to note for Indiana going into tomorrow’s game is the availability of their ace Briley Mercer, who threw just five innings in Saturday’s semifinal game to ensure her availability for the title game.

While for North Carolina, it will play in Sunday’s third-place consolation game.

Indiana extends lead in extra innings

Indiana tacks on an insurance run in the top of the seventh with another infield RBI groundout, this time it was Grace Fiore bringing in Swayer Abel from third.

Indiana breaks tie in extra innings

Indiana strikes first in this LLSWS semifinal matchup, as Scarlet Renn brings Alyvia Kolish home from third on an RBI infield groundout. Starting the inning with Kolish on second because of international extra-innings rules, Swayer Abel beat out the throw at first from North Carolina’s Makayla Montgomery on a perfectly executed bunt to get the rally going for Indiana.

It’s 1-0 Indiana with Abel at third base with one out.

North Carolina-Indiana heading to extra innings

Six innings won’t be enough to determine a winner between North Carolina and Indiana, as the LLSWS semifinal matchup heads to extra innings. Both teams’ starters, Makayla Montgomery and Briley Mercer, have once again been magnificent.

Onto the seventh inning we go, where runs are at a premium and there is a trip to the LLSWS championship on the line.

Makayla Montgomery gets out of fifth inning jab

Indiana can’t break through against North Carolina’s Makayla Montgomery, as it leaves two runners on in the fifth inning. Montgomery made some high softball IQ plays in the field to get herself out of the jam and to keep the game at 0-0 going into the bottom half of the inning.

Kennedy Nickles breaks up Makayla Montgomery’s no-hitter

Indiana’s Kennedy Nickles puts an end to North Carolina’s Makayla Montgomery’s no-hitter campaign with a lead-off single into right field. It is the first hit of the game for Indiana, and just the fourth combined overall.

North Carolina leaves two runners on base in fourth

The two-out rally comes up short for North Carolina in the bottom of the fourth, as Indiana pitcher Briley Mercer gets North Carolina’s Skylar Powers to chase a changeup for the third out of the inning.

It remains 0-0 going into the top of the fifth inning in this Little League Softball World Series semifinal matchup.

Makayla Montgomery dealing for North Carolina

After giving up a lead-off walk, Makayla Montgomery retired the side to get out of the fourth inning. Montgomery got the first two outs of the inning with strikeouts before getting some help from her fielders, as Avery Cash made an impressive throw to first to retire an Indiana hitter.

It remains scoreless between North Carolina and Indiana going into the bottom of the fourth.

Indiana strands runner in scoring position

Threatening with the first run of the game, Indiana can’t bring Izzy Campbell home from third in the top of the third as Kylie Ramsey flies out to center for the third out. Nice job by North Carolina’s Makayla Montgomery to get out of the inning.

North Carolina’s Ava Wilson makes smooth play at second

North Carolina’s Ava Wilson shows off her glove in the top of the second by throwing out Indiana’s Dru Drummond from her knees at first. Impressive play by the North Carolina second baseman!

Indiana holds strong in the first

Briley Mercer gave up a single to the hot-hitting Caroline Reynolds. After that, she managed to induce some infield work for her teammates before getting a strikeout to end the inning.

North Carolina gets defensive early

North Carolina’s Makayla Montgomery was lights out to start the day, striking out two and allowing very little damage as the team from Pitt County now come up to bat.

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 7 schedule

Saturday, Aug. 9

All times Eastern

Orange bracket championship

• Game 19: Pitt County (North Carolina region) vs. Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central), 2 p.m. | ESPN

Purple bracket championship

• Game 20: Johnstown, Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic) vs. Tulsa, Oklahoma (Southwest), 5 p.m. | ESPN2

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 8 schedule

Sunday, Aug. 10

All times Eastern

Consolation third-place game

• Game 21: Pitt County (North Carolina region) vs. Purple bracket loser, 11 a.m. | ESPN

Championship game

• Game 22: Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) vs. Purple bracket winner, 3 p.m. | ABC

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 6 results

Friday, Aug. 8

• Game 17: Tulsa, Oklahoma (Southwest) 3, Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast) 1
• Game 18: Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) 1, Iwate, Japan (Asia-Pacific) 0

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 5 results

Thursday, Aug. 7

• Game 15: Johnstown, Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic) 1, Tulsa, Oklahoma (Southwest) 0
• Game 16: Pitt County (North Carolina) 3, Iwate, Japan (Asia-Pacific) 2

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 4 results

Wednesday, Aug. 6

• Game 13: Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) 2, São Paulo, Brazil (Latin America) 0
• Game 14: Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast) 5, Mill Creek, Washington (Northwest) 3

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 3 results

Tuesday, Aug. 5

• Game 9: Mill Creek, Washington (Northwest) 10, Westchester-Del Rey Los Angeles (West) 0
• Game 10: São Paulo, Brazil (Latin America) 10, vs. Repentigny, Quebec (Canada) 1
• Game 11: Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) 4, Prague, Czechia (Europe-Africa) 1
• Game 12: Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast) 9, Guilford, Connecticut (New England) 0

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 2 results

Monday, Aug. 4

• Game 5: Pitt County (North Carolina) 5, Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) 3
• Game 6: Tulsa, Oklahoma (Southwest) 2, Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast) 1
• Game 7: Johnstown, Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic) 9, Westchester-Del Rey Los Angeles (West) 0
• Game 8: Iwate, Japan (Asia-Pacific) 6, Repentigny, Quebec (Canada) 1

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 1 results

Sunday, Aug. 3

• Game 1: Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast) 9, Mill Creek, Washington (Northwest) 2
• Game 2: Pitt County (North Carolina) 4, São Paulo, Brazil (Latin America) 3
• Game 3: Repentigny, Quebec 5 (Canada), Prague, Czechia (Europe-Africa) 4
• Game 4: Johnstown, Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic) 2, Guilford, Connecticut (New England) 1

When Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy took the field Saturday, it marked the end of a 364-day hiatus from in-game action for the second-year gunslinger.

The Vikings’ preseason opener against the Houston Texans was McCarthy’s first game back healthy since Aug. 10, 2024, when he tore his meniscus in Minnesota’s 2024 preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. The injury robbed McCarthy of his rookie season before it even began.

The Michigan product started Saturday in his return to action and played a solid first drive.

McCarthy’s knee looked plenty healthy as he moved around inside and out of the pocket. That fact was most apparent when he took off for an eight-yard rush on fourth-and-4 to pick up a first down.

Vikings backup Sam Howell took over for McCarthy after the team’s first offensive possession, which ended in a 48-yard field goal from Will Reichard.

J.J. McCarthy preseason stats

Here’s how McCarthy’s performance looked in the box score after his one-drive return to game action:

• Completion rate: 4 of 7 (57%)
• Passing yards: 30
• Touchdowns: 0
• Interceptions: 0
• Rush attempts: 1
• Rushing yards: 8

In his limited time back on the field in his return, McCarthy did plenty to show why the Vikings are placing their trust in him after passing on signing veteran free agents and letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency.

On his first pass attempt, McCarthy faked a handoff then rolled out to his left before hitting Jordan Addison with a strike for a short gain. He converted his first chance on third down with a quick pass to Addison.

A couple of plays later, he made his best throw of the game with a deeper pass, again to Addison, to pick up 18 yards. It was a well-placed throw between the trailing defender and the sideline – one made more impressive by the execution with pressure in his face and bit of lower-body contact after the play.

In case there were still any concerns about McCarthy’s knee health, his aforementioned eight-yard scramble to pick up a first down should put most doubts to bed.

Once again facing pressure up the middle on a fourth-down play in Texans territory, McCarthy sprinted out to his right to avoid the pass-rush before he cruised ahead for the first down.

The two worst plays by McCarthy were small miscues: a batted pass on an apparent RPO to his back side and an overthrow to an open receiver on third down to close out his lone drive.

Overall, a strong showing for McCarthy without lead receiver Justin Jefferson active for the game, showing a strong connection with Addison, his No. 2 receiver. That could come into play by Week 4 of the regular season, when Addison returns from his three-game suspension for violating the league’s Substances of Abuse policy.

The teams from Tulsa, Oklahoma and Floyd Knobbs, Indiana are moving on to their respective bracket finals in the 2025 Little League Softball World Series after recording wins in elimination games in Greenville, North Carolina, on Friday, Aug. 8.

The Southwest region squad from Oklahoma and the Central region team from Indiana will play again on Saturday, while Iwate, Japan, of the Asia-Pacific region, and Lake Mary, Florida, of the Southeast region, saw their tournament hopes come to an end.

The squad from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, representing the Mid-Atlantic region, became the first team to book a spot in the final four with a 1-0 victory over Tulsa on Thursday. The Purple Bracket final is now a rematch as Tulsa seek revenge against that same Pennsylvania team that forced them into the elimination game.

The host state also got its team into the semifinals when Pitt County, North Carolina, edged Iwate, Japan, 3-2, on Thursday. Pitt County will return in front of the home state fans to play Floyd Knobbs, Indiana in the Orange Bracket final.

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 6 results

Friday, Aug. 8

• Game 17: Tulsa, Oklahoma (Southwest) 3, Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast) 1
• Game 18: Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) 1, Iwate, Japan (Asia-Pacific) 0

LLSWS: Indiana beats Japan 1-0 to advance

Briley Mercer and the Central region squad from Floyds Knobs, Indiana are moving on to the Orange bracket final on Saturday after a 1-0 victory over Iwate, Japan of the Asia-Pacific region.

Mercer finished the game with 12 strikeouts and helped record the final out of the game, throwing to first base to tag out the runner.

‘I was very confident and excited to play this game,’ Mercer said after the victory. ‘I just have to focus on my catcher and find my spots.’

It will be Indiana’s first bracket finals appearance since 2017.

Briley Mercer continues to dominate on mound

Mercer has struck out 12 Japanese batters, including one that ended the fifth inning. Indiana holds a 1-0 lead with a chance to play in the Orange bracket championship game.

Indiana takes first lead of game

Kennedy Nickels produced an RBI single to give Indiana the early 1-0 lead in the top of the 4th.

Briley Mercer gets Indiana out of third inning

Briley Mercer was all business for Indiana on the mound. Mercer managed to record the third out, leaving Japan with runners on second and third base. The game remains scoreless threw three innings of play.

Japan has not recorded a hit in the game. Indiana has two hits.

Japan, Indiana scoreless

Floyds Knobs, Indiana loaded the bases in the top of the second inning and had a chance to take a big lead, but instead were left empty-handed. Indiana managed to get runners on second and third before recording two outs. The bases were loaded after Japan’s catcher was called for interference.

Iwate, Japan remained unfazed and recorded the next out quickly to keep the game scoreless.

LLSWS: Oklahoma wins 3-1 on walk-off home run

After all that high tension, Oklahoma gets a win with pitcher Harmoneigh White coming up as the hero.

After keeping her at-bat going through eight pitches, White belted the ninth to center field, clearing the fence by a few feet to send Oklahoma on to the Purple bracket championship game Saturday against Pennsylvania.

Per ESPN’s broadcast team, that’s White’s first Little league Softball World Series home run, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Little League Softball World Series: Big defensive plays keep it 1-1 through five

The tension couldn’t be higher after five innings, with both teams hanging on by their fingernails to prevent giving away a potentially decisive run.

In the top of the fifth, Oklahoma responded to Florida’s fourth-inning defensive heroics, surviving a bases-loaded situation by getting two straight outs. Florida then changed pitchers, bringing in Cayden Hugh, who survived a jam of her own. Oklahoma loaded the bases, but some alert play from center fielder Layla Holton got two key outs to keep the game tied.

LLSWS: Florida escapes bases-loaded fourth-inning jam

The 1-1 scoreline continues into the fifth inning, and if Florida goes on to win this one, the fourth will go down as a major turning point.

A miscommunication saw a pick-off attempt go awry, sending Oklahoma runners into scoring position. Florida pitcher Sam Bradley came through in the clutch, though, getting a strikeout and a fly ball to center field to get out of the jam.

LLSWS: Pitchers, defense the theme in scoreless third inning

Oklahoma and Florida are heading into the fourth inning knotted at 1-1 as the tension grows in this elimination game.

A spot in the Purple bracket’s championship game — effectively the Little League Softball World Series’ semifinal — against Pennsylvania is on the line, and this game is a dead heat so far.

Little League Softball World Series: Third inning starts with score 1-1

The third inning is on deck in Greenville, and it’s 1-1 in a must-win game for both teams. Oklahoma tied things up in the second inning, while Florida picked up just one run after threatening to break the game open in the first.

LLSWS: Oklahoma gets on the board to tie things up 1-1

We’re in the second, where Florida struggled to make contact with anything Harmoneigh White threw, with the Oklahoma pitcher enjoying a dominant inning on the mound.

That proved crucial, as Bella Hood’s RBI single tied things up. With two outs, Hood came through with a critical hit, bringing Bella Flamminio-Littlejohn home to tie this game up.

Little League Softball World Series: Florida leads 1-0 after 1st inning

We’re through the first inning in this elimination game, with Florida holding a one-run lead.

Oklahoma’s Harmoneigh White escaped a major jam in the top of the first, striking out two batters with the bases loaded to hold Florida to a one-run lead. Oklahoma had a shot at putting a run on the board, but a pop-up with a runner on second wrapped up the first inning.

Little League Softball World Series: Florida goes up 1-0

Addison Bono smacks one to left field, and Alana Luu — who hit a leadoff double on the game’s first pitch — rounds third to score with ease.

It’s 1-0 Florida with one out in the first, and Bono is in scoring position.

Little League Softball World Series: Oklahoma vs. Florida underway

It’s the top of the first inning in Greenville, with Florida’s Alana Luu at bat against Oklahoma pitcher Harmoneigh White.

How to watch 2025 Little League Softball World Series

The 2025 Little League Softball World Series will be broadcast on ESPN platforms, with the championship game airing on ABC. Games will also be available to stream on ESPN+.

• Dates: Aug. 3-10
• TV: ESPN | ESPN2 | ABC
• Stream: ESPN+
• Location: Greenville, North Carolina

Stream the Little League Softball World Series on ESPN+

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 6 schedule

Friday, Aug. 8

All times Eastern

Game 17 (Purple bracket): Tulsa, Oklahoma (Southwest) vs. Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast), 4 p.m. | ESPN2

Game 18 (Orange bracket): Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) vs. Iwate, Japan (Asia-Pacific), 7 p.m. | ESPN2

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 5 results

Thursday, Aug. 7

• Game 15: Johnstown, Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic) 1, Tulsa, Oklahoma (Southwest) 0
• Game 16: Pitt County (North Carolina)  3, Iwate, Japan (Asia-Pacific) 2

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 4 results

Wednesday, Aug. 6

• Game 13: Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) 2, São Paulo, Brazil (Latin America), Brazil 0
• Game 14: Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast) 5, Mill Creek, Washington (Northwest) 3

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 3 results

Tuesday, Aug. 5

• Game 9: Mill Creek, Washington (Northwest) 10, Westchester-Del Rey Los Angeles (West) 0
• Game 10: São Paulo, Brazil (Latin America) 10, vs. Repentigny, Quebec (Canada)1
• Game 11: Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) 4, Prague, Czechia (Europe-Africa) 1
• Game 12: Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast) 9, Guilford, Connecticut (New England) 0

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 2 results

Monday, Aug. 4

• Game 5: Pitt County (North Carolina) 5, Floyds Knobs, Indiana (Central) 3
• Game 6: Tulsa, Oklahoma (Southwest) 2, Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast) 1
• Game 7: Johnstown, Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic) 9, Westchester-Del Rey Los Angeles (West) 0
• Game 8: Iwate, Japan (Asia-Pacific) 6, Repentigny, Quebec (Canada)1

2025 Little League Softball World Series Day 1 results

Sunday, Aug. 3

• Game 1: Lake Mary, Florida (Southeast) 9, Mill Creek, Washington (Northwest) 2
• Game 2: Pitt County (North Carolina) 4, São Paulo, Brazil (Latin America) 3
• Game 3: Repentigny, Quebec 5 (Canada), Prague, Czechia (Europe-Africa) 4
• Game 4: Johnstown, Pennsylvania (Mid-Atlantic) 2, Guilford, Connecticut (New England) 1

The WNBA issued a statement Friday about the sex toys have been thrown in arenas and onto the court at games over the past two weeks.

“The safety of everyone in our arenas remains a top priority,’ a WNBA spokesperson said in a statement. ‘We are working closely with local and federal law enforcement to pursue all appropriate actions — including arrest and prosecution with felony charges where applicable — against anyone engaged in this conduct or otherwise involved in sponsoring this reckless and unacceptable behavior.”

Most of the toys thrown on the court have been green and a cryptocurrency meme coin creator took responsibility for the trend.

The group said they are planning more ‘pranks’ as a protest against the ‘toxic’ environment in the crypto world and they’re not meant to disrespect women athletes.

Seven known incidents of sex toys being thrown at WNBA games, with four reaching the court during live game action, have taken place since July 29. The latest incident came on Thursday night when the Chicago Sky played host to the Atlanta Dream. Two sex toys came down from the stands in the waning minutes. One made it to the court and play had to be stopped.

The first incident occurred on July 29, when the Golden State Valkyries were playing the Atlanta Dream at the Gateway Center Arena.

A 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, public indecency/indecent exposure and criminal trespass. A second individual was also arrested for one of the incidents at a different WNBA game.

The Crypto group spokesperson stated that the two individuals arrested were not part of the group.

Terri Jackson, the executive director of the WNBAPA, also released a statement on behalf of the players’ union regarding the situation.

“Upon our request for an update, the league advised the players’ union that it was investigating claims that individuals were being incentivized to carry out these unsafe stunts,” Jackson said.

The anticipated preseason matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers got chippy early on Friday night.

Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette and Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins got into a scuffle on Carolina’s second drive of the game. The two were tangled up after the play before Legette, a second-year pro, threw a few punches at Jenkins.

Jenkins, a nine-year veteran, then proceeded to grab Legette’s helmet while the receiver tried to tackle him. As Legette went to the ground, Jenkins was able to rip off his helmet.

Officials threw several flags as a result of the melee. After an extended huddle, they called Legette and Jenkins for offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and ejected them from the game.

Jenkins, who is battling for a backup safety role in Cleveland was replaced by fellow veteran Damontae Kazee.

Meanwhile, Legette’s exit gave fellow second-year wide-out Jalen Coker more time to play with Bryce Young. The Holy Cross product made the most of it, catching a 5-yard touchdown to cap off Carolina’s second drive of the evening.

Shedeur Sanders enjoyed a quality preseason debut in the Cleveland Browns’ 30-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.

Despite Sanders’ strong performance, Kevin Stefanski didn’t immediately make it clear whether that would help the 23-year-old rookie move up Cleveland’s crowded quarterback depth chart.

‘We’re really just focused on developing our players,’ Stefanski told reporters when asked about the Browns’ quarterback competition in a postgame news conference. ‘We’re in evaluation mode. I’m pleased with where the guys are, but I’m not diving into the quarterback competition.’

Sanders, listed as the team’s fourth-string quarterback, started and played a majority of Cleveland’s preseason debut. He was granted the opportunity as the team’s 40-year-old listed starter, Joe Flacco, was held out of the game while second- and third-string quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel missed the game due to hamstring injuries.

Sanders played 10 of Cleveland’s 13 drives, completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns across his extensive action. The Colorado product was sacked just twice, did not throw an interception and posted an impressive 106.8 passer rating.

Stefanski called the reps Sanders received ‘invaluable.’ He also implied the young quarterback would have a big role in Cleveland’s offensive game plan in the team’s preseason Week 2 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

‘He’ll get a ton of reps next week as well,’ Stefanski said. ‘That’s all a part of our development of our young players.’

Still, it remains unclear whether that development will include a move up Cleveland’s depth chart.

Shedeur Sanders made his much-anticipated Cleveland Browns debut on Friday. The fifth-round rookie lived up to the hype and put together an impressive performance in a 30-10 Browns win.

Sanders completed 14-of-23 passes during the contest for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked just twice during the game and didn’t turn the ball over while playing most of the first three quarters of the game.

Sanders’ chance to start for Cleveland came as Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel missed the game due to hamstring injuries while 40-year-old veteran Joe Flacco was simply held out of the game.

That opened the door for Sanders to star, while recently signed fifth-string quarterback Tyler Huntley (6-for-8 passing, 51 yards, one touchdown) also fared well.

USA TODAY Sports tracked live updates from Sanders’ Browns debut. Here’s a look at the major highlights from the contest.

Ryan Fitzgerald makes 32-yard field goal

The Panthers got on the board for the first time since the first quarter in the final two minutes of the game. Fitzgerald, a rookie kicker, was given a chance to attempt a 32-yard field goal and made it. That should put a bow on the Browns-Panthers preseason game, as Cleveland will likely take a knee, up 20 points in the final couple minutes. Browns 30, Panthers 10.

Tyler Huntley hits Cade McDonald for 6-yard touchdown

Shedeur Sanders threw two touchdowns to Kaden Davis. Tyler Huntley’s score went to Cade McDonald, who broke free on the left side of the field and waltzed untouched into the end-zone.

The Browns made the extra point to extend their lead to 23. Browns 30, Panthers 7.

Dustin Hopkins makes 23-yard field goal

Tyler Huntley got the Browns into scoring position on his first drive of the game. Hopkins capped it off with a chip-shot field goal make to extend Cleveland’s lead. Browns 23, Panthers 7.

Shedeur Sanders stats today

Below is a full look at Sanders’ stats from his preseason debut:

• Completions/Attempts: 14/23
• Passing yards: 138 yards
• Passing touchdowns: 2
• Passer rating: 106.8
• Interceptions: 0
• Fumbles (Lost): 0
• Rushing yards: 19 (four carries)
• Sacks: 2

Shedeur Sanders replaced by Tyler Huntley

Sanders’ NFL debut is now in the books. With 2:12 remaining in the third quarter, the Browns trotted onto the field with Tyler Huntley in at quarterback. That will put a bow on a strong showing from Sanders, who did well to state his case to move up Cleveland’s quarterback depth chart.

Browns score on 4-yard jet sweep

Gage Larvadain has found his way into the end-zone. On a fourth-and-1 from the 4-yard line, the rookie receiver got the ball on an end-around carry. He found space to the outside and ran it into the end-zone to put the Browns up 14.

Sanders wasn’t credited with a touchdown on the run, but he completed both of his passes on the drive for 27 yards.

Shedeur Sanders sacked for second time

Cleveland went three-and-out on its first drive of the second half and saw Sanders sacked for the second time. He was brought down by Demani Richardson from behind for a loss of 5 yards.

The sack marked the first time Sanders was tackled hard on a passing play. His previous sack saw him get pushed out of bounds while running toward the sideline.

LeBron James praises Shedeur Sanders

Deion Sanders isn’t the only one praising his son for his performance Friday. LeBron James, who is a big Browns fan, also took to social media to praise Sanders and encouraged the Cleveland quarterback to ‘Keep going UP!!!’

Shedeur Sanders halftime stats

Sanders’ Browns debut has gone well so far. Cleveland has a 14-7 halftime lead, and Sanders has been responsible for both of the team’s scores.

Below is a look at his stats from the first half:

• Completions/Attempts: 11/18
• Passing yards: 103
• Passing touchdowns: 2
• Passer rating: 113.9
• Interceptions: 0
• Fumbles (Lost): 0
• Rushing yards: 20 (three carries)
• Sacks: 1

Shedeur Sanders throws second TD of first half to Kaden Davis

For the second time of the first half, Sanders finds Davis for a touchdown. This time, the Colorado product hung in the pocket as his running back made a nice block on a Panthers defender. Sanders spotted Davis breaking open over the middle of the field and hit him for the score.

Once again, the Browns made the extra point. They now have their first lead of the game. Browns 14, Panthers 7.

Shedeur Sanders completes 29-yard pass to Luke Floriea

Sanders’ strong first half continues. This time, he finds Floriea open down the right sideline after scrambling away from pressure and into a throwing position.

Sanders layered his throw into the coverage well. Floriea managed to make a brilliant one-handed catch on the ball to create Cleveland’s biggest play of the first half thus far.

Deion Sanders praises Shedeur Sanders after TD throw

Shortly after Sanders tossed his first touchdown throw, his father took to social media to praise him for the play.

Shedeur Sanders sacked for first time

The bad news: Sanders was sacked for the first time of the game to end the Browns’ fifth offensive drive of the game. The good news: it was just for a 1-yard loss, as he managed to scramble around the backfield for a long time before eventually running out of bounds after losing the angle to the sideline.

Sanders may not be able to continue to get away with scrambling deep into the backfield as his NFL career continues, but thus far, he has managed to elude many significant mistakes.

Shedeur Sanders converts third-down on strike to Gage Larvadain

The Browns faced a third-and-9 from inside their own 9-yard line when Sanders found Larvadain on the left side of the field. Sanders hung amid pressure at his feet near the goal-line and delivered a rocket to his receiver, who made the catch and generated a few yards after it.

Shedeur Sanders throws first TD pass with Browns

Sanders got the Browns into the end-zone following the botched punt, and the score was a thing of beauty. The Colorado product bootlegged to the left after a play-action fake and saw he had a small window to fit the ball into Kaden Davis.

Sanders threaded the needle between two defenders to perfectly deliver it to Davis. The Browns converted the ensuing extra point to tie the game. Browns 7, Panthers 7.

Browns stall out, get second chance after botched punt

A few Browns rush attempts, a little miscommunication and a muffed punt by Carolina’s Trevor Etienne led to a second chance to put points on the board for Sanders and the Browns offense. They took over on the Panthers’ 10-yard line

Bryce Young hits Jalen Coker for 5-yard touchdown

The Panthers got on the board first during Friday night’s clash. Young found Coker open in the end-zone on a third-and-goal and feathered a pretty pass to the Holy Cross product.

The Panthers brought Matthew Wright on to attempt the extra point and he made it. That gives the Panthers an early lead and will put Sanders on the comeback trail. Panthers 7, Browns 0.

Xavier Legette, Rayshawn Jenkins ejected after brawl

The Browns vs. Panthers game got chippy early, as Legette threw a few punches at Jenkins, who ripped the helmet off the second-year wide-out as part of the melee.

Legette and Jenkins were called for offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and were ejected from the game.

Shedeur Sanders throws ball away after being pressured on fourth-and-1

Kevin Stefanski gave Sanders and the Browns offense a chance to prove itself on a fourth-and-1. The rookie quarterback once again found himself under pressure and tried to escape it by running backward. He couldn’t shake the defense, falling back near midfield before uncorking a throw toward the right sideline that harmlessly felt incomplete.

Sanders is now 3-for-7 passing for 30 yards during his Browns debut. He also has 10 yards on one scramble.

Shedeur Sanders uses legs to pick up first down

Sanders was pressured on a third-and-9 but managed to escape. He found a lane to the right side of the field and ran for 10 yards before sliding down to keep the chains moving.

The scramble put the Browns at the back end of potential field-goal range.

Shedeur Sanders completes pass to Kaden Davis, can’t convert third down

Sanders is officially on the board with his first completion. He found Davis for a 4-yard gain, but the receiver was tackled inches shy of the line to gain.

As a result, the Browns decided to punt, meaning Sanders’ first drive will end in a 3-and-out.

Shedeur Sanders’ first pass incomplete to Diontae Johnson

Sanders’ first throw as a member of the Browns was intended for veteran receiver Diontae Johnson. The rookie quarterback targeted the former Pittsburgh Steelers star on a slant over the middle but couldn’t connect. The throw was a little high and bounced off Johnson’s hands.

Browns vs. Panthers start time

• Date: Friday, August 8, 2025 
• Time: 7 p.m. ET

The Browns vs. Panthers game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET Friday. That will be NFL fans’ first chance to get an extended look at Shedeur Sanders, who is starting the game. 

Browns vs. Panthers TV channel 

• Cable TV: NFL Network
• Local TV: News 5 (Cleveland) | WJZY (Carolina)
• Streaming: NFL+ | Fubo

NFL Network will broadcast Shedeur Sanders’ Browns debut against the Panthers. Those in the Cleveland market will be able to catch the game on News 5 while those in the Carolina area will be able to catch the game on WJZY.

Those choosing to live stream the game can turn to Fubo, which carries a free trial.

Watch NFL Network with Fubo (free trial)

What number is Shedeur Sanders?

Sanders is wearing the No. 12 jersey during his rookie season with the Browns. 

Sanders wore the No. 2 jersey during his college days at Colorado. That number belonged to receiver-slash-return specialist DeAndre Carter when Sanders joined the Browns.

Sanders has not commented on the significance of the No. 12 jersey. It’s worth noting his college teammate Travis Hunter wore the No. 12 at Colorado. Tom Brady, who has been a mentor to Sanders, also wore the No. 12 throughout his professional career with the Patriots and Buccaneers.

Shedeur Sanders draft pick

Sanders was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the 144th overall selection. He was the sixth quarterback selected and the first taken on the draft’s third day.

Browns QB depth chart

The Browns have six quarterbacks currently on their 90-man roster. Below is a look at the pecking order among the group. 

1. Joe Flacco 
2. Kenny Pickett 
3. Dillon Gabriel 
4. Shedeur Sanders 
5. Tyler Huntley 
6. Deshaun Watson 

Watson isn’t expected to play in 2025 after suffering multiple Achilles tears in a three-month span last season. Flacco, Pickett and Gabriel will not play in the preseason opener, as the latter two deal with hamstring injuries while Flacco, 40, will simply not be active.

Shedeur Sanders passing yards

Sanders completed 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in his debut against the Panthers.

Browns vs. Panthers odds, moneyline, over/under

The Panthers are favorites to defeat the Browns, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2025 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code. 

• Spread: Panthers (-6.5) 
• Moneyline: Panthers (-300); Browns (+240) 
• Over/under: 32.5 

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered. 

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