The Vikings entered the offseason roughly $43 million over the NFL's $301.2 million cap, and before Saturday's agreement, Hockenson was set to have the highest cap number for an NFL tight end this season ($21.3 million). He signed a four-year, $66 million contract extension in August 2023 but tore multiple ligaments in his right knee four months later.
Coming off the heels of right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Samurai Japan's dominant 13-0 victory over Chinese Taipei overnight (featuring Shohei Ohtani going 3-for-4 with a grand slam), we're headed into a busy day in WBC pool play. Seven more games are on the schedule today, with highlights including Team USA's first game against Team Brazil and a strong pitching matchup between Puerto Rico and Colombia.
Kevin Byard, I was told by somebody who would know, that he is 70-30 that he is going to get a Bear. They're working on it, they're trying to get a deal done that's fair for both sides. ... And then you're going to have to pair him, probably with a young safety, unless there is a veteran out there.
SAN JOSE Winger Tyler Toffoli missed Wednesday's practice with a lower-body injury, leaving his availability for the San Jose Sharks' next regular-season game somewhat in question. Toffoli was injured in the Sharks' game against the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 4, with coach Ryan Warsofsky saying Toffoli absorbed a hit, possibly in the second period. Toffoli finished the game and was listed as having three shots on net and two giveaways in 14:59 of ice time as the Sharks lost 4-2 at Ball Arena.
After the skate, Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill provided a somewhat cautious update on Kaiser's status. He said Kaiser will not be available coming out of the break, but the coach does expect Kaiser to play again this season. That's good news. Kaiser, 23, ranks third among Blackhawks defensemen averaging 19:10 per game. He's emerged as a key part of the Blackhawks' exceptional penalty kill, averaging 2:00 per game short-handed.
