The Saskatchewan Roughriders are making their final roster moves ahead of the CFL season, which begins in just one week. The team has released several notable players, including backup quarterback Mason Fine, receiver Brayden Lenius, and quarterback Antonio Pipkin. Frankie Hickson has been added to the practice roster. The Roughriders return to practice on Monday.
Caleb Williams, the highly touted rookie quarterback, has outlined his immediate goals upon joining the Chicago Bears. Following his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams expressed his determination to learn his teammates’ names and their families, master the playbook, and prepare for game-winning performances. The Bears have made significant roster moves to support Williams, including acquiring wide receiver Rome Odunze, safety Kevin Byard, safety Jonathan Owens, wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back D’Andre Swift, and tight end Gerald Everett. Experts predict that Williams has a high chance of becoming a Pro Bowl quarterback and leading Chicago to contention status.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reworked Alex Highsmith’s contract, creating $7 million in cap space for 2024. Experts speculate that this move could pave the way for potential roster additions, including a trade for Brandon Aiyuk or Courtland Sutton. The Steelers aim to bolster their wide receiver corps following Diontae Johnson’s departure to the Panthers.
Just prior to the NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a minor roster adjustment by releasing cornerback Richard LeCounte. LeCounte, a 25-year-old who joined the Buccaneers during the 2023 preseason, had been a member of the practice squad since the start of the regular season. Though he was elevated to the active roster on game day three times, he only saw action in two games, playing a total of four snaps on special teams. LeCounte, a fifth-round draft pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2021, had limited playing time during his two seasons in Cleveland, appearing in 10 games and recording three tackles. In college, he played at the University of Georgia, where he amassed 176 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions, 10 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries over four seasons.
Kyle Hendricks’ early season struggles have resulted in a 15-day IL stint for the Cubs veteran right-hander due to a low back strain. Manager Craig Counsell indicated that the team’s focus is on addressing the injury before developing a plan to improve Hendricks’ pitching performance. The move was part of a roster shakeup on Tuesday that also included placing lefty reliever Drew Smyly on the IL (right hip impingement) and designating first baseman/designated hitter Garrett Cooper for assignment. The Cubs recalled Hayden Wesneski, Luke Little, and Matt Mervis in response.
The Chicago Cubs have made several roster moves following a split weekend series. Right-hander Kyle Hendricks and left-hander Drew Smyly have been placed on the 15-day injured list due to back strain and right hip impingement, respectively. Right-hander Hayden Wesneski and first baseman Matt Mervis have been recalled from Triple-A Iowa. First baseman/designated hitter Garrett Cooper has been designated for assignment.
Infield prospect Danny Mendick has rejoined the Chicago White Sox on the heels of hitting a home run in five consecutive games for Triple-A Charlotte. After a slow start to the season, the Sox hope Mendick’s power can provide a boost to their offense. Meanwhile, reliever John Brebbia has returned from the injured list, while starter Nick Nastrini and infielder Lenyn Sosa have been optioned to Charlotte. The Sox also designated infielder Zach Remillard for assignment.
The White Sox, who are currently the worst team in the major leagues, made five roster moves before their game against the Minnesota Twins on Monday night. Among the moves, shortstop Jake Mendick, who has homered in five straight games for Triple-A Charlotte, was recalled.
The Chicago White Sox made five roster moves on Monday before their four-game series in Minnesota. The team optioned right-hander Nick Nastrini to Triple-A Charlotte and reinstated reliever John Brebbia from the 15-day injured list. They also selected the contract of infielder Danny Mendick, optioned infielder Lenyn Sosa to Charlotte, and designated infielder Zach Remillard for assignment.
