Sports briefs
Trending
Larson surges
to second
MADISON, Ill. (AP) -- Even as his winless drought stretched on for more than a year and Hendrick Motorsports’ Chevrolets lagged behind his competitors’ Toyotas, Kyle Larson never lost faith in his abilities or his team. After a timely win in NASCAR’s Chase, Larson is only nine points behind postseason leader Denny Hamlin and within striking distance of a second straight Cup Series title.
Larson vaulted from seventh in the Chase standings to second with his win Sunday in the Enjoy Illinois 300, snapping a string of 51 races without a victory. It was the longest such stretch for Larson since he joined the Hendrick garage in 2021.
Rybakina
in top spot
NEW YORK (AP) -- Elena Rybakina was going to see her name on top of the women's tennis rankings Monday no matter what happened in the U.S. Open women's final. Still, it wouldn't have felt quite the same to pass Aryna Sabalenka and become No. 1 in a tournament where Sabalenka then beat Rybakina to defend her title.
It would not only have been confusing to casual fans, but a letdown to the player. Nothing to worry about there. Rybakina was too good for Sabalenka and anyone else in the sport right now, and her 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory Saturday triggered a dual celebration.
Garrett needs
knee surgery
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- After spending time during training camp trying to manage Myles Garrett’s knee injury, it was the Los Angeles Rams’ dismal season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers that made it evident to everyone that the star defensive end needed surgery.
Garrett did not record a tackle or sack while playing 61.5% of the defensive snaps in the Rams’ 27-7 defeat in Melbourne, Australia. Coach Sean McVay said Monday that conversations with Garrett immediately after the game last Thursday made it clear a different approach would be needed.
McVay did not have an updated timeline for Garrett’s recovery beyond the four-game minimum that comes with being placed on injured reserve, pending the results of the procedure.
Murray
in protocol
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray began the week in the NFL concussion protocol in continuing his recovery from an illegal hit to the head that forced him out of his first game with the team in the first quarter. Murray arrived on Monday at Vikings headquarters “feeling pretty good,” according to coach Kevin O’Connell.
It was too soon for the team to assess his chance of playing the next game at Chicago. Murray’s debut lasted 11 plays. He was hit on the right side of his helmet by Green Bay safety Javon Bullard’s lowered shoulder.
Sports Act
considered
(AP) -- Proponents of the Protect College Sports Act are pushing to pass the legislation through the Senate before the chamber breaks in the coming weeks. The bill aims to regulate escalating spending in college sports as schools can now pay players. Major conferences, Senate leadership and President Donald Trump support the bipartisan bill, but it faces opposition that could derail it.
Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy opposes the bill, arguing it protects industry profits over athlete compensation. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, a co-sponsor, has been actively promoting it.
Texas again
at the top
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Texas has seen the view from No. 1 and knows the fall from the college football summit can be hard. The goal now is to make sure they get more than a fleeting glimpse.
Texas moved to No. 1 after a wild 24-23 comeback victory over Ohio State on Saturday. The Longhorns started last season No. 1 but lost their season opener and missed the playoffs.
Texas plays UTSA this week before starting Southeastern Conference play Sept. 26 at No. 15 Tennessee.