The time is now for DJ Ivey to prove he belongs

After overcoming a devastating knee injury, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback DJ Ivey enters the biggest season of his NFL career with an opportunity to earn a permanent role in the secondary.

DJ Ivey

• Height: 6-foot-1
• Weight: 192 pounds
• Age: 26
• College: Miami (FL)
• Hometown: Homestead, Florida
• Experience: 3 years

Cap Status

Ivey is entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract after the Bengals selected him in the seventh round (246th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft. He is scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.145 million while carrying a cap hit of approximately $1.17 million. He will become an unrestricted free agent following the 2026 season.

Background

Seventh-round draft picks rarely enjoy long NFL careers. Many never make a 53-man roster. Ivey has already beaten those odds.

A five-year starter at Miami, Ivey entered the NFL with the size, length, and athleticism teams covet in an outside cornerback. The Bengals believed he was worth developing, and he rewarded that faith by making the roster as a rookie.

Unfortunately, just as his role began to expand during the 2023 season, Ivey suffered a torn ACL that ended his rookie campaign and forced him to spend much of the following year working his way back to full strength.

Rather than allowing the injury to define him, though, Ivey quietly continued developing.

He appeared in every game during the 2025 season, providing valuable depth in the secondary while becoming an important contributor on special teams. Although he played only limited defensive snaps, he finished the year with 12 tackles and three passes defended, showing encouraging progress whenever his number was called.

Outlook on the 2026 Season and Beyond

Cornerback may be one of the deepest positions on Cincinnati’s roster, but that doesn’t mean opportunities won’t come. In today’s NFL, injuries are inevitable, and teams often rely on four, five, or even six cornerbacks over the course of a season.

When an opportunity arrives, the Bengals need someone they can count on. That is where Ivey comes in. While he has already proven he can overcome adversity, now he must prove he can become more than just quality depth.

The Bengals have invested heavily in rebuilding their defense, and competition throughout the secondary will be fierce. If Ivey continues the steady development he has shown since returning from injury, he has every opportunity to carve out a meaningful defensive role while remaining one of the club’s most valuable special teams players.

But with guys like Ceyair Wright, Bralyn Lux, and Ja’Sir Taylor also vying for roster spots, Ivey needs a good showing in camp and the preseason just to ensure he keeps his spot on the Bengals’ 53-man roster.

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Jets’ Harrison Phillips echoes cries for stadiums to use real grass after World Cup change

Like many NFL players, Jets veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips noticed the grass field being used at MetLife Stadium this summer for the World Cup.

Phillips, who is active in the NFL Players Association, said he hopes NFL teams can find a way to use grass in all the stadiums.

MetLife will go back to turf for the football season.

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“It’s a very complicated argument. but I want to stand firm that players prefer good, natural grass,” Phillips said.

Phillips said he believes team owner Woody Johnson is open to discussing changing the field to grass, but it is complicated since both the Jets and Giants use the stadium, and it is hard to maintain grass fields in the colder months.

Phillips acknowledged some players will not want to play on a poor grass surface if that is the alternative.

“I think that there is an answer,” Phillips said. “I do believe that we can try to make players happier and get closer to what they want.”

Harrison Phillips arrives to practice at training camp in Florham Park, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post

Phillips pointed to the Jets getting a remodeled training center as evidence that Johnson will spend money to help players.

“I’ve been blown away by how much our owner wants to support our players,” Phillips said. “We’re going to have one of the best facilities not just in the National Football League, but in all of professional sports. That’s an owner that says, I want to win and I want to do whatever the players need for that.

An aerial view of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ as seen on September 6, 2025. NYPCS for the New York Post

“If there is a way to get the players what we want and natural grass is feasible and we can show that that’s going to make us a healthier team, I believe our owner would definitely hear that out.”

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QB Geno Smith had a strong performance Saturday, throwing no incompletions during the team drills or in seven-on-sevens.

He went 11-for-11 in team drills with four touchdowns during a red zone-heavy practice.

“It’s good to see that from your starter,” coach Aaron Glenn said. “Listen, he’s worked his butt off, from the offseason going to the beginning of training camp, of understanding exactly what we’re doing. I think him and Frank [Reich, offensive coordinator] are on the same page.

“I think our quarterback coaches are doing a hell of a job of teaching him and actually expanding his knowledge as far as what we’re trying to do. The one good thing about Geno is as long as he’s been in this league, he’s still learning.”

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The Jets have an off day Sunday. They have their first padded practice Monday. … The team signed DL Ben Barten and waived LS Garrison Grimes.

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NY Giants news, 8/1: Top 100 NFL players, Friday’s training camp practice, more

Good morning, New York Giants fans! Here is the news you need to know for Saturday.

Ranking the top 100 players in NFL history | CBS Sports

Lawrence Taylor is in the top 10

Giants’ Arvell Reese already showing length can be a factor | New York Post

A practice report from Paul Schwartz.

John Harbaugh is answering your leadership questions all season. Here are his first 7 responses | The Athletic

This is pretty cool.

From Big Blue View

• NY Giants training camp report, Day 3: Darius Alexander makes the play of camp
• Jaxson Dart getting an under center education in Giants’ offense
• John Harbaugh: ‘Good chance’ he has discussed backlip with Cam Skattebo

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Cardinals RB Tyler Allgeier on welcoming Jeremiyah Love: "There's no point being a jerk"

As a rookie with the Falcons, Tyler Allgeier ran for 1,035 yards — and then the Falcons used the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft on running back Bijan Robinson. This year, Allgeier left the Falcons for the Cardinals in free agency — and then the Cardinals used the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft on running back Jeremiyah Love.

Allgeier says he's fine with that.

Talking to reporters for the first time since Love's arrival in Arizona, Allgeier said he's doing everything he can to help the rookie acclimate to the NFL, even though he knows Love is being groomed as the starter and Allgeier will get a lesser role in the offense because Love was drafted.

"It's not like there's any bad blood, we're just building that relationship and we're pretty close right now," Allgeier said. "There’s no point in being a jerk about it. That's not going to get you anywhere in life, in this business, in this sport."

Allgeier said he knows the Cardinals drafted the player they think can most improve the team, and he embraces that.

“The front office has their reasons and I think it's another weapon on the offensive side. I think it was a great pick, great player, great competition in the room," Allgeier said. "I knew what I was getting into."

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POLL: Are you mad about Jahmyr Gibbs’ sit-in?

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN - JUNE 17: Jahmyr Gibbs #0 of the Detroit Lions works out at mandatory minicamp at Detroit Lions Meijer Performance Center on June 17, 2026 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Turns out the offseason rumors were right.

The Detroit Lions opened training camp on Wednesday morning, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs wasn’t there on the practice field. He has officially reported to camp, as evidenced by a photo from the Lions’ media team, but at this point it’s pretty clear Gibbs doesn’t intend to actually practice until there is some sort of new contract deal in place.

While this isn’t the first time the Lions have found themselves in some contractual drama (remember Alex Anzalone last year?), this is the first time there has been a snag in extending a core player beyond their rookie contract while Brad Holmes has been in town. Typically, those deals have gotten done well ahead of time with literally no drama.

Now, the Lions do still have a long runway with Gibbs. After exercising his fifth-year option earlier this offseason, the Lions have their star running back under contract through the 2027 season. But this is the time in which the Lions have typically given new deals to their best players still on rookie contract, so it’s somewhat reasonable for Gibbs to be making this negotiating tactic.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

Are you mad about Jahmyr Gibbs’ sit in? If so, who’s to blame?

My answer: At this point, I don’t think there’s any valid reason to be mad. Gibbs has missed a single practice, and it appears there’s been at least some progress in contract talks, as evidenced by Adam Schefter’s relatively optimistic reporting on the situation. If this thing lingers several weeks into training camp, that’s the time to be annoyed.

Don’t get me wrong. It would be nice to have Gibbs out there for the entirety of training camp. I’d love to see him out there getting used to Drew Petzing’s new scheme, preparing his body for a more full workload, and I’d rather him not set this sort of precedent for other players in similar situations.

However, I can also recognize that Gibbs doesn’t want to risk any sort of injury before getting paid. An NFL career is so fragile and it can turn your fortune around completely in an instant. We saw how quickly the career outlook of Kerby Joseph changed last season, and there’s already been a handful of NFL players who have suffered season-ending injuries before the first week of training camp has ended. With running backs’ careers being especially short and fragile, I don’t fault for Gibbs trying to cash in when he can.

It’s not an ideal situation, and I certainly understand those who are frustrated to see this happen after what has already been a pretty frustrating offseason. But until Gibbs actually misses significant time, I’m not too worried about it.

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Billy Ray Smith Jr, Chargers legend and College Football Hall of Famer, dead at 64

Billy Ray Smith Jr., the longtime San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer, died Wednesday following a “long journey with dementia caused by CTE,” his family have announced.

He was 64 years old.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” Smith’s family said in a statement.

Billy Ray Smith Jr. was a standout at Arkansas. AP

“Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength.

“Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend.

“On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in returrn.

“He leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives. His undeniable legacy will live forever in our hearts, and we thank our incredible community for the outpouring of love and support.”

Smith followed in his father’s footsteps and starred at the University of Arkansas, where he was named All-American in 1981 and 1982.

“I knew going into [the recruiting process] that I’m not going to leave Arkansas and go to another school unless they just blow me away and they didn’t,” Smith Jr. told Pro Players Business Network.

Bill Kenney #9 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks to get his pass off under pressure from Billy Ray Smith Jr. #54 of the San Diego Chargers during an NFL football game circa 1983 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. Getty Images

Lou Holtz, who coached Arkansas from 1977 to 1983, once said of Smith, “Billy Ray is so quick he plays tennis with himself.”

Smith was team captain in 1982, leading Arkansas to a 9-2-1 record. He recorded 299 tackles at Arkansas, including 63 tackles for a loss.

The San Diego Chargers selected Smith fifth overall in the 1983 NFL Draft, making him the first defensive player picked in the class.

He would go on to play his entire 10-season NFL career with the Chargers.

In 1986, he recorded a career-high 11 sacks and forced four fumbles. The following season, Smith intercepted a career-high five passes despite only playing 12 games because of the NFL Players’ strike.

The 1989 season saw Smith named Second-Team All-Pro.

Smith also made the highlight reel in an unlikely way when he kicked the game-winning field goal in a 1985 exhibition game against the Saints.

Billy Ray Smith Jr. became a San Diego radio staple after his playing days. Facebook/Billy Ray Smith

With groin injuries sidelining the Chargers’ usual kickers, Smith, who last kicked in high school, made a field goal with four seconds to go, but it was nullified for having tape on his kicking shoe. The linebacker-turned-kicker threw the shoe away and made the field goal with no time remaining for a 21-20 win.

Smith was also active in the community, working with teammates to create “Bates Street,” an after-school program for local kids. He met his wife Kimberly Hunt, an ABC 10News anchor, during a United Cerebral Palsy telethon.

He also became a television and radio personality in San Diego after his playing days ended.

Smith would be named to the Arkansas All-Decade Team, Arkansas All-Century Team and was enshrined in the Arkansas State Hall of Fame and the Razorback Hall of Honor.

In 2000, Smith was the sixth Razorback player to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

“The overriding feeling that I had was, ‘I wish I could bring all the guys that were in the huddle, that helped make me a consensus All-American,” he told Pro Players Business Network. “Football is the ultimate team game. You feel a little bit uncomfortable getting so much praise. These guys need to be there and be with me when we do this but they can’t handle that many people at one celebration so I guess I’ll do it.”

Smith was also celebrated in 2009, when he was voted by fans and the Chargers Hall of Fame as one of the 50 greatest players in team history.

“To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray. Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said.

“But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into. Infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray.”

“When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it’s hard to process. Hard to accept. That’s how I feel right now, and I know I’m not alone,” Spanos continued.

“Billy Ray loved his family, loved the Chargers, loved his teammates, loved his community and loved helping those in need. And we all loved him back,” Spanos added.

“Our hearts are with his wife, Kimberly, daughter, Savannah and the countless people whose lives were made just a little bit brighter because they had the privilege of knowing Billy Ray.”

He is survived by his wife Kimberly and daughter Savannah.

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Bucketheads Podcast: Will Guillory of The Athletic joins to talk about Bruce Thornton

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: Bruce Thornton #2 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2026 NBA Summer League Semifinals game on July 18, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

“Bucketheads” is LGHL’s men’s basketball podcast, hosted by Connor Lemons and Justin Golba. In every episode, they give you the latest scoop on the Ohio State Buckeyes and everything else happening in college hoops.

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On episode 211 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Justin and Connor are joined by Will Guillory of The Athletic. Guillory covers the Houston Rockets, which is now the home of two former Buckeyes, Bruce Thornton and Jae’Sean Tate.

Guillory was on site in Las Vegas for all the Summer League action, so we discussed Thornton and his performance. Where does Thornton fall in the rotation? Can he expect minutes early? Was Guillory surprised by the decision to draft Thornton? And what does Guillory like about Thornton’s game?

We also talked about Jae’Sean Tate and his role with the Rockets, Kevin Durant and working with the players, and some of the stories he has written in his career.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review! We have episodes every Thursday morning.

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Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGPN

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Twitter: @lemons_connor

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