The NFL has reversed a previous ruling that had barred former Mississippi defensive lineman Zxavian Harris from signing with any team during the 2026 season. According to a memo obtained Tuesday, the league clarified that Harris is now eligible to join an NFL roster this season. The reversal follows Harris’ unsuccessful attempt to return to college football at Louisiana State University (LSU). The league noted that Harris did not take part in any official practice or game for LSU, a key factor in restoring his eligibility to sign professionally.
In other NFL news, Jacksonville Jaguars’ left tackle Anton Harrison will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee after the team returns from their London trip. Harrison is expected to miss a minimum of four games, including Sunday’s matchup against the Houston Texans, with the possibility of a longer recovery period.
The Chicago Bears announced a two-game suspension for defensive end Montez Sweat due to a violation of the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers received a boost as right tackle Taylor Moton returned to practice after being diagnosed with multiple blood clots in his right lung. His return marks a significant moment for a Panthers squad grappling with injuries.
Elsewhere in sports, Formula One confirmed plans to bring a Grand Prix to Rwanda in the early 2030s, marking the return of F1 racing to the African continent for the first time since 1993. The event will be hosted on a new track southeast of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, under a 10-year agreement announced jointly by F1 and President Paul Kagame. Kagame described the partnership as a major milestone for African fans and the continent. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the only Black driver in Formula One, has long advocated for an African race, calling the development the fulfillment of a long-standing ambition. The exact date of the inaugural race remains undetermined.
In the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the Atlanta Dream will host Games 3 and 4 of the Finals against the Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena, facilitating greater attendance capacity. The league adjusted the schedule by moving Game 3 to Wednesday, Oct. 21, and advancing Game 4’s tipoff to 10 a.m. Pacific Time on Oct. 24 to accommodate venue availability. San Francisco will host the first two games of the best-of-seven series, starting Saturday.
Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike was honored with the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award for the fifth time, setting a league record.
In the NBA, Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard secured a two-year contract extension worth $44.2 million, including a mutual player option for the 2029-30 season.
In the National Hockey League, Carolina Hurricanes captain and reigning playoff MVP Jordan Staal will be sidelined for one to two months after suffering a partially torn calf muscle during pregame warmups before Sunday’s game in Philadelphia, according to head coach Rod Brind’Amour. Chicago Blackhawks captain Connor Bedard is expected to debut Tuesday night against Pittsburgh following shoulder surgery in July. Additionally, Minnesota Wild forward Nico Sturm was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a head injury from a puck during Monday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
At the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament, Alexander Zverev advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Alexander Bublik 7-6 (6), 4-6, 7-6 (1) in his first match since securing the year-end No. 1 ranking. Zverev saved three set points in the opening tiebreaker and will face Alex de Minaur, who dispatched Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-4. Arthur Gea also secured a win over Jakub Mensik 7-6 (4), 6-4.
In collegiate football, Georgia Tech senior linebacker Kyle Efford announced his retirement from competitive play due to health concerns stemming from accumulated injuries. Efford becomes the first player in 24 years to lead Georgia Tech in tackles for three consecutive seasons.