So, as we were still dealing with the fallout of Lane Johnson’s abrupt retirement on Tuesday, news broke yesterday that the Eagles traded center Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens for draft selections in 2027 and 2028.
It’s a lot to process, and we’ll get into it later, but switching gears for a second. … Remember, the Phillies season that ended too abruptly still stings, but it’s time for you to play general manager today and retool the roster, courtesy of The Inquirer’s Stay or Go series, Phillies Edition.
You’ll examine everything from the bullpen to the base runners and determine who will be in pinstripes next season and who you’re OK with cleaning out their clubhouse stall.
The good news is you’re waking up to what’s expected to be a gem of a day, with sunny skies and temperatures topping the 70s.
Finally, today’s question of the day will actually go a long way into settling a debate on the sports desk. Take a look and tell us what you think.
— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
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Less than 24 hours after Lane Johnson announced his abrupt retirement from the NFL, the Eagles traded two-time Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens to Baltimore, further emaciating what was once one of the most feared offensive fronts in football.
Jurgens, 27, was shuffled from center to left guard earlier this season, and now the news of his departure came as he’s in concussion protocol after the loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
So what happens now?
Inquirer writer Olivia Reiner looks at Jurgens’ contributions and dives into the decision to trade him, and
Jeff Neiburg looks at how the move ushers in a new-look O-line that now arrives earlier than anticipated.
What we’re …
🤔 Wondering: If Alex Cora was interested in still being an MLB manager, would he have taken the Phillies job? Our sources say no.
🦉 Reading: The numbers that show K.C. Keeler is turning around Temple’s football program. But there’s still work to be done.
🎙️ Sharing: ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith’s rant and subsequent apology when it comes to the state of Lane Johnson’s mental health.
👀 Watching: Jordan Mailata’s reaction to the Eagles trading fellow offensive lineman Cam Jurgens.
LeBron James just got here. He doesn’t want any drama.
So when ESPN broadcaster Mike Breen suggested that James checked Sixers center and fellow NBA All-Star Joel Embiid for being late to a practice recently, James put the kibosh on that, instantly via his Instagram account, saying: “He ain’t been late, so stop the lies.”
Inquirer writer Chris Hine looks at what sparked it all and how Breen responded on Wednesday to his initial claim and James’ comments.
And we all know James is traveling to practice by helicopter. Wondering if he might’ve flown over your house? Good thing we mapped his flight plan.
The Flyers are on the hunt. Well, they’re giving the appearance that they are, and right now there is a potential catch to snag. After being linked to disgruntled Detroit center Dylan Larkin earlier this summer, the Flyers might reach out to the Red Wings about another player: defenseman Simon Edvinsson.
The 23-year-old restricted free agent remains without a contract and recently returned to Sweden to regroup after the Red Wings failed to work out a deal with him during training camp. Inquirer writer Gustav Elvin examines just how realistic it is to see Edvinsson in orange and black.
On this date
Oct. 8, 1977: The largest crowd ever assembled for a baseball game in Pennsylvania (64,924) at that time happened inside Veterans Stadium when the Phillies hosted the Dodgers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
REBAML LEKL
This player is one of two being hailed as the future of the Eagles offensive line with the departures of Lane Johnson and Cam Jurgens. Think you know? Take a guess and then click here to see if you’re correct.
What you’re saying about the Flyers
We asked: How is it possible that only one Flyers player cracked ESPN’s Top 100 list of NHL players?
It’s not so much that the Flyers should have had more players; it’s a little bit of the fact that the Flyers still have so much to prove as a team that it probably feels disingenuous to give them more than one person, who probably was a charity pick anyway. Look, I’m a Flyers fan since 1986; I’ve seen it all. And I can tell you that real fans don’t care about lists; we care about winning, and that’s all we wanna see this team do, whether they individually crack some list or not. — Dave P.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Gustav Elvin, Mike Livingston, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Chris Hine, Rob Tornoe, and Vaughn Johnson.
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
That’s a lot to process; we know. Then again, Philly, you’ve been trusting in the process for a decade, so act accordingly. I’ll catch you tomorrow.— Kerith
