Grab your emotional support water bottle

The GIST: Week 2 is officially underway, with massive on- and off-field headlines dominating the gridiron. Here’s what to know about the series of unfortunate events that have kicked off the NFL season.

Miami Dolphins quarterback (QB) Tua Tagovailoa sustains concussion during Thursday Night Football: Miami’s 31–10 loss to the Buffalo Bills was overshadowed by the horrifying third quarter injury. Tagovailoa, who has a history of head injuries, was ruled out for the remainder of the game just six minutes after leaving the field.

• Though Tagovailoa started every game last season, he missed extensive time in 2022 with multiple concussions, one of which saw him leave the field in an ambulance.

• Football head injuries remain an epidemic and, though the NFL updated their concussion protocols as a result of Tagovailoa’s 2022 injuries, last night’s events will undoubtedly bring the issue front and center again.

Concerns surrounding Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s wrist: Emotional support water bottle meet controversy-stirring water bottle. Fresh off a surprising season-opening loss, all eyes are on Joe Cool’s lingering wrist injury ahead of Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. ET showdown with QB Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

• Burrow is the only active QB with three career wins against Mahomes (he’s 3-1), but the Bengals struggled mightily in Week 1 while KC took care of business. Expect another instant classic with these signal callers under center.

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson will play despite sexual assault allegation: Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said the QB will start when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, even amid a recent sexual assault and battery allegation that’s notably unrelated to the 26 prior civil sexual misconduct suits against him. Ridiculous.

The GIST: On Wednesday, Las Vegas Ace and two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson shattered the league’s all-time single-season scoring record, notching 956 points (and counting) since Vegas’ May season opener. The regular season isn’t over just yet, but it’s never too early to give a superstar her flowers.

The numbers: The Aces have four regular-season games remaining, putting Wilson (who’s averaging 27.3 points per game) on track to become the first member of the WNBA single-season 1,000 point club. The friend of The GIST is also on her way to posting the highest single-season scoring average ever, a 2006 record currently held by the Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi.

• Additionally, Wilson is averaging a career-high double-double this season, keeping the two-time defending champ Aces on track despite an inconsistent showing from the squad. Putting the team on her back.

Zooming out: In a season that’s been dominated by headlines surrounding the outstanding rookie class, it’s easy to take Wilson’s consistent, top tier performance for granted. Make no mistake: there’s only one true frontrunner for league MVP. U’nanimous, indeed.

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⛳ Women’s golf: Solheim Cup — Today through Sunday — Golf Channel

• The 19th edition of the thrilling biennial tournament is underway starting with today’s foursome matches from the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia. What’s at stake? The Americans trying to finally bring the trophy home after three straight losses to their European foes. No pressure.

⚾ MLB: LA Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves — Tonight at 7:20 p.m. ET — Apple TV+

• Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani is three home runs and two stolen bases away from becoming the first MLB player to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a single season. Sho-time.

👟 Brussels Diamond League Final: Today and tomorrow — NBC Sports

• Some of your favorite Olympians are ready to make the whole place shimmer during this weekend’s Diamond League grand finale.

• Americans Sha’Carri Richardson (100m and 200m) and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (200m and 400m) are hoping to build off their Paris 2024 wins, while Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis aims to reach new heights…again. Can’t wait.

🏎️ F1: Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sunday at 7 a.m. ET — ESPN

• Can McLaren and Ferrari continue to cut into Red Bull’s lead in the Constructor Standings, or will Max Verstappen put an end to Red Bull’s victory drought? Buckle up for another weekend of twists and turns as the Baku City Circuit takes center stage.

If anyone understands the underdog mentality, it’s The GIST, a team of women and non-binary folks dedicated to leveling the playing field in sports. And that’s why we partnered with Underdog Fantasy this NFL season.

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