Tigers shopping Ryan Helsley

The Detroit Tigers are on the hunt for starting pitching and might make an unorthodox signing to fill their need.

Detroit is talking to free-agent right-hander Ryan Helsley about becoming a starter, reports The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Cody Stavenhagen, and Katie Woo.

The Tigers are slated to enter next season with a rotation featuring back-to-back AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and Troy Melton. Reese Olson is also expected to return from season-ending shoulder surgery, while Jackson Jobe will likely miss most of 2026 after Tommy John surgery.

Sidney Crosby 500 multi point games

Another day, another accolade for Sidney Crosby.

The Pittsburgh Penguins captain became only the sixth player in NHL history to record 500 multi-point games Saturday against the Seattle Kraken. Crosby scored in the first period then drew an assist on Evgeni Malkin's power-play marker to achieve the feat.

Alexander Romanov out 5-6 months

New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov will undergo shoulder surgery and is expected to be sidelined for five-to-six months, the team announced Sunday.

Romanov sustained the injury after being boarded by Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen in the final minute of the Islanders' 3-2 win Tuesday. Rantanen received a major penalty and a game misconduct.

Mikko Rantanen suspended for boarding

The NHL's Department of Player Safety automatically suspended Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen for one game on Sunday after he was ejected for boarding Calgary Flames forward Matt Coronato.

Under league rules, a player receives a one-game ban after totalling two game misconducts for physical infractions - boarding, charging, checking from behind, clipping, elbowing, head-butting, interference, and kneeing - in fewer than 41 contests.

Rantanen's major penalty and game misconduct in Saturday's shootout loss were his second in only three games.

Chris Paul will retire at season end

Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul will retire at the end of the season, his 21st in the NBA, sources told Shams Charania of ESPN.

The 40-year-old appeared to hint this is his last season ahead of Saturday's homecoming game against the Charlotte Hornets.

Joe Burrow won’t return vs. Patriots

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow won't start Sunday against the New England Patriots despite being close to returning from his toe injury, sources told Paul Dehner Jr. and Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

However, Burrow could potentially start Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens after being a full participant in two practices and limited in one this week.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged he's still uncertain how Burrow will hold up against contact and concerned about the short turnaround between the next two games.

Kawhi Leonard expects to return Sunday

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to return Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources told NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Leonard has missed nine games since spraining his ankle Nov. 3 against the Miami Heat. The Clippers have gone 1-8 during the six-time All-Star's absence.

He's has struggled to stay healthy throughout his time in Los Angeles. The two-time Finals MVP has never played more than 68 games in his previous six seasons with the franchise.

49ers cut ties with Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has likely played his last game with the franchise just 15 months after signing a four-year, $120-million extension, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Mike Silver.

The 49ers voided the guaranteed money on Aiyuk's contract for 2026 due to the wideout's failure to fulfill his contractual obligations. He has reportedly failed to attend meetings and participate in team activities in recent months. The organization has grown frustrated with his lack of communication, according to Russini and Silver.

Aiyuk reportedly informed the NFLPA that he didn't want to file a grievance related to the voided guarantees.

Aaron Rodgers practices with wrist brace

Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers practiced with his broken left wrist in a brace on Friday, opening the door for him to play when the Steelers visit Chicago on Sunday.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Rodgers was able to practice in a limited capacity and didn't appear to have any major issues with the brace on his left wrist, which Rodgers broke late in the second quarter of a 34-12 win over Cincinnati last weekend. 

Tomlin said Rodgers is questionable as Pittsburgh (6-4)tries to win in Chicago (7-3) for just the second time in franchise history.

Chicago Cubs sign Phil Maton

The Chicago Cubs added some bullpen help Friday, agreeing to a two-year contract with right-hander Phil Maton, a source told Will Sammon of The Athletic. 

Terms of the deal, which contains a 2028 club option, have not been reported.

Maton split last season between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. He posted a 2.79 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts over 61 1/3 innings between the two clubs.