Now, Reese and the Dream are heading for a winner-take-all Game 7 finale on Halloween. It’s an elite scenario for the WNBA with both teams playing such good basketball through the 2026 WNBA season.

However, Thursday’s 80-69 victory wasn’t the only massive moment for Reese. Following the win, the 24-year-old star had the chance to celebrate with R&B legend Usher.

The iconic musician was spotted in the tunnel postgame jumping up and down while hyping the former LSU Tigers sensation. The two then shared a hug and posed for photos as Atlanta prepares for the biggest game in team history.

MORE: Angel Reese sets new WNBA Finals records in clutch showing for Dream

Dream await biggest game in franchise history

Usher and Angel Reese celebrating together after the #Dream force a Game 7. Unreal atmosphere all afternoon. #WNBA https://t.co/Y7ANKqVFTs

— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) October 29, 2026

Reese finished Game 6 with yet another double-double performance for Atlanta. That includes 15 points and 14 rebounds in the decisive win.

The Dream forward recorded two WNBA Finals records during the outing, including rebounds (75) and the single-series double-double record with her fifth in six games. 

MORE: T.I.’s 10-year-old daughter nails national anthem ahead of WNBA Finals Game 6

The Dream and Valkyries meet for a shot at winning the WNBA championship on October 31 at 8 p.m. ET. Both teams will meet in California at the Chase Center. The game airs on USA Network and can be streamed on Peacock.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

The World Series Parade is happening on Friday morning so what better way to spend Thursday night than at Lambeau Field cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

Wisconsin is having a moment, and the Brewers want to extend the good vibes to their NFL compatriots in Green Bay as they take on the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football on Prime Video.

MORE: World Series MVP William Contreras accomplishes feat not seen since 1938

Who will be there?

Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Ashby, Sal Frelick, and Cooper Pratt are reportedly coming to Lambeau with the Commissioner’s Trophy in hand.

A storybook ending to Jacob Misiorowski’s unreal season 🏆 https://t.co/ZeF15XJPyN

— MLB (@MLB) October 29, 2026

MORE: Miller Lite ‘Clinch Cans’ commemorate Milwaukee Brewers World Series win

Friday is a holiday in Milwaukee

HOME #WonOurWay https://t.co/uFAc7XU73P

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) October 29, 2026

Schools are closed so that fans of all ages can come out for the first ever World Series Championship parade in Milwaukee.

NEW: @MilwaukeeMPS closes all schools and district offices Friday, Oct. 30, to celebrate the @Brewers parade & rally https://t.co/zrkUil7huK

— Sam Kraemer (@SamKraemerTV) October 29, 2026

The best team in baseball won the biggest prize so honoring them will be a labor of love for fans who will also need to rush home from Tampa Bay after filling the Rays’ Tropicana Field with so much support, it felt like a home game for the Brewers.

It is hard not to think about when baseball will happen again. A lockout is looming which will quickly sour the spirit and goodwill the Brewers earned for MLB this year. Operating in a small market and with a mid-level payroll, the Cinderella story will end as early as tomorrow at the parade’s conclusion or as late as December 2 when the lockout officially begins.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

Bo Bichette is exercising his $42 million player option for next season and staying with the New York Mets, league sources tell The Athletic. Bichette, 28, holds another player option worth the same amount for 2028. https://t.co/P1Za76PHRV

— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) October 29, 2026

The decision gives the Mets clarity heading into the offseason while giving Bichette another chance to rebound after an inconsistent first season with the organization.

MORE: Padres lose key player hours after World Series final out

Bichette chooses $42 million option

Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets last offseason, a deal that included player options for both 2027 and 2028. MLB previously reported that each option was worth $42 million, with a $5 million buyout attached to each.

Rather than testing the free-agent market, Bichette will now collect the $42 million salary for the 2027 season. He also retains another player option worth $42 million for 2028, giving him another opportunity to make a decision on his future after next season.

The decision is not particularly surprising given Bichette’s 2026 season. He finished his first year with the Mets batting .260 with a .312 on-base percentage and .390 slugging percentage. He hit 18 home runs and drove in 78 runs across 160 games.

Bichette also finished the season with a .702 OPS and 97 OPS+, both below his career averages entering the season. MLB noted earlier this month that his .260/.312/.390 line and 1.9 fWAR made it difficult to envision him receiving a free-agent contract anywhere close to $42 million annually.

MORE: Cooper Pratt makes World Series history in back-to-back games

Mets get another year with Bichette

The decision provides the Mets with an important piece of certainty as they begin constructing their 2027 roster. Bichette’s return means New York will have one of its highest-paid players locked in for another season rather than potentially needing to replace him through free agency.

There is also an opportunity for Bichette to change the narrative surrounding his first season in New York. MLB reported that after a slow start, he posted a .784 OPS over his final 99 games, much closer to his career production.

That late-season improvement could give Bichette confidence heading into 2027. A stronger season would also put him in position to make another decision on his contract after the year, with the $42 million player option for 2028 still available.

For now, however, there will be no free agency for Bichette this offseason. He has chosen to remain with the Mets for another $42 million, making his future in New York clear for at least one more season.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

How to Watch Packers vs Panthers

• When: Thursday, October 29, 2026
• Time: 8:15 PM ET
• TV Channel: National – Prime Video; Local – NBC26 (WGBA), FOX6 (WITI)
• Live Stream: Prime Video – National (try for free); Fubo – Local (try for free)

Fans can live stream Packers vs Panthers locally with Fubo. The game will also be available nationally on Amazon Prime Video, giving viewers multiple ways to watch Thursday Night Football without cable.

Green Bay will look to bounce back from a disappointing 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, a result that made Thursday’s divisional race even more important. Quarterback Jordan Love will lead the Packers’ offense as they attempt to get back on track in front of their home crowd. Josh Jacobs provides a physical presence in the backfield, while Green Bay’s receiving corps gives Love several options to attack the Carolina secondary. The Packers will need a more consistent offensive performance after struggling to put points on the board against Detroit.

– Live stream Packers vs Panthers locally with Fubo –

– Live stream Packers vs Panthers nationally with Prime –

Carolina enters the matchup hoping to recover from a difficult 43-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterback Bryce Young will look to get the Panthers’ offense moving against a Green Bay defense capable of creating pressure and forcing turnovers. Carolina will also need a strong showing from its running game to keep the Packers’ offense off the field. With both teams coming off losses and playing on a short week, Thursday’s matchup presents an important opportunity to regain momentum heading into November.

This is a great NFL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.

Live stream Packers vs Panthers locally on Fubo: Start your free trial now!

Live stream Packers vs Panthers nationally on Prime: Start your free trial now!

With Fubo, NFL fans can stream games all season long without cable on their TV, phone, tablet, or computer. The service carries major NFL broadcast networks including CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, making it an easy way to follow the action throughout the 2026 season. The best part is you can try it free today.

Watch every regular season NFL game with Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV

Catch locally and nationally broadcast NFL games all season long with Fubo; you can score every out-of-market game on YouTube TV.

Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site,

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

In 2026, we saw a bit of everything. Celebrities dressed up as cartoon characters, scary movie villains and famous singers. A few even surprised everyone with super personal or random outfits that got a lot of attention. The best costumes do more than just look good in pictures, they get fans talking, bring familiar characters to life and even start new trends.

MORE: Joe Burrow’s model girlfriend Olivia Ponton catches attention with Halloween costume

With so many cool ideas out there this year, picking the top costumes wasn’t easy. Some stars tried to look exactly like the real thing, while others added their own fun spin. Here are the 10 best celebrity Halloween costumes of 2026.

10. Lizzo as Seiko Ayase from Dandadan

Lizzo stuns as Seiko Ayase for Halloween. pic.twitter.com/brEa4xwvUd

— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 28, 2026

Lizzo chose an anime-inspired costume for Halloween 2026. The Grammy-winning singer paid tribute to Seiko Ayase, the grandmother character from the supernatural action series Dandadan.

The choice stands out because it moves beyond the usual celebrity costumes inspired by Western films and pop stars. Anime has continued to attract a wider audience, and Lizzo’s look reflects that growing interest.

Seiko is a recognizable character for fans of the series. Choosing her also gives the costume a more specific connection to anime culture. The available details do not provide a full breakdown of Lizzo’s outfit, but the character choice makes this one worth noting.

9. Paris Hilton as Belle with her children as Chip, Lumiere

Paris Hilton is defending her family’s Halloween costumes after facing backlash for dressing as Belle from Beauty and the Beast while her daughter, London, dressed as Chip.

Responding to critics who questioned why London wasn’t Belle, Hilton explained that the toddler chose her… pic.twitter.com/iRIC0RVymx

— Complex (@Complex) October 29, 2026

Paris Hilton brought a Disney-inspired family costume to Halloween 2026. She dressed as Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” wearing an elaborate ball gown and dark hair.

Her children, Phoenix and London, joined her as Chip and Lumière. The coordinated outfits connected all three characters to the same story.

Unlike costumes built around horror or celebrity impersonations, this look focused on a familiar animated classic. Hilton’s gown gave the outfit its main visual appeal, while her children’s costumes completed the theme.

It was a well-planned family look, even if it took a more traditional approach than some of the other entries on this list.

8. Victoria Justice & Madison Grace Reed as ‘The Shining’ twins

Victoria Justice and Madison Grace as 'The Shining' Twins pic.twitter.com/zEE18FWCWf

— DAILY CELEBZ (@beautifulcelebz) October 22, 2026

Victoria Justice and sister Madison Grace Reed brought several Halloween looks to the 2026 celebrations. Justice held her Halloween party on Tuesday, Oct. 13, giving the season an early start.

One of Justice’s looks featured a shredded black outfit, chain-trimmed boots and a single glowing eye. Reed, meanwhile, dressed as a bloody prom queen inspired by Carrie from the horror classic “Carrie.”

The pair also appeared as the twins from “The Shining.” Other reported looks included a zombie bride and a mushroom-inspired costume for Justice.

Their variety helped them stand out. Rather than relying on one outfit, the sisters explored several horror and Halloween themes. Justice has also made elaborate costumes a recurring part of her celebrations.

7. Chloe Bailey as Hot Meg Griffin

Chlöe Bailey as Meg Griffin for Halloween. pic.twitter.com/tNZzS9ywmm

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 26, 2026

Chloe Bailey gave “Family Guy” fans a Halloween look inspired by Meg Griffin’s more daring appearance, often called Hot Meg.

Her outfit featured a tiny denim skirt, a pink strapless bra, silver knee-high boots, Meg’s pink beanie and her familiar glasses. The combination closely followed the character’s look.

The costume worked because Bailey kept the key details recognizable. The beanie and glasses linked the outfit to Meg, while the skirt, top and boots completed the updated version of the cartoon character.

Several entertainment outlets highlighted the look. Its appeal came from a faithful re-creation of a specific character rather than a broad or loosely inspired costume.

MORE: Dancing with the Stars 35 spoilers: Horror Movie Night song list & dance styles

6. Janelle Monáe’s swamp-zombie transformation

Janelle Monáe has consistently pushed the boundaries of Halloween fashion, transforming the holiday into a canvas for her most daring and theatrical costume creations.https://t.co/hEli15yFgy

— Bossip (@Bossip) October 28, 2026

Janelle Monáe continued building her reputation for elaborate Halloween looks with a swamp-zombie transformation featured in a Los Angeles Times shoot.

The costume included a green face, oversized eyes and a top hat. Monáe also wore a swirly fake eye and a wound on her neck that appeared to spurt blood. The full transformation took about four hours.

She reportedly called the look “Hostess With the Mostess.” Its unusual details gave the costume a mix of horror and dark humor.

The look was connected to Wondaween, Monáe’s second annual Halloween celebration, which has a creature-carnival theme. However, the available reporting focuses on the preparty looks, and the main event’s date could not be confirmed. That leaves room for the ranking to change as more costumes appear.

5. Cyndi Lauper as Ursula

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fan Page (@bettemidlerstilldivine)

Cyndi Lauper brought a performance element to her Halloween appearance at the New York Restoration Project’s Hulaween gala.

She initially wore a masquerade-inspired outfit for the photo call alongside Bette Midler. Inside the event, Lauper changed into a detailed Ursula costume inspired by Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”

The transformation was part of a live performance. Lauper performed a reworked version of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” titled “Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun.”

That made the costume more than a look for photographs. It became part of the entertainment itself, with the Ursula character fitting the Halloween setting.

4. Benito Skinner and Owen Thiele as PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson

Owen Thiele & Benito Skinner dress up as PinkPantheress & Zara Larsson for the ‘Stateside (Remix)’ for Halloween. pic.twitter.com/FzJpQFKyk5

— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 23, 2026

Benito Skinner and Owen Thiele re-created the looks worn by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson in the “Stateside” music video.

Their costumes featured plaid skirts and airbrushed baby tees, matching the video’s styling. The choice also connected Halloween to one of 2026’s notable music trends.

The “Stateside” remix reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and spent a week at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200. Its popularity grew further after Alysa Liu skated to the song at the Olympic exhibition gala.

The costumes captured a recognizable pop culture moment from the year. Their timing also made them especially relevant to fans who had followed the song’s rise.

3. Paris Hilton as Britney Spears at the 2001 VMAs

Paris Hilton as Britney Spears in “I'm a Slave 4 U” for Halloween. pic.twitter.com/3ciZMWNhZb

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 23, 2026

Paris Hilton returned to one of Britney Spears’ most famous performances by re-creating her “I’m a Slave 4 U” look from the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.

The original performance took place on Sept. 6, 2001. Hilton’s tribute included a live python named Tango, whose handler reportedly put its weight at around 30 to 40 pounds.

She unveiled the costume on Oct. 23, 2026. The snake added an important detail to the re-creation because Spears famously performed with a python during the original show.

There is some disagreement over how many consecutive years Hilton has paid tribute to Spears. Billboard describes 2026 as her fourth year in a row, while The Zoe Report counts three. A report documenting Hilton’s 2024 “Toxic” costume supports the longer count.

The re-creation stood out for its attention to detail and its place in Hilton’s ongoing Halloween tradition.

2. North West as Natalie Nunn; Natalie Nunn as North West

Not North West being Natalie Nunn for Halloween 💀💀 https://t.co/1FsznTcOGe

— Peppa’s Backup 🔮 (@Il1iIlI1l9lI28) October 21, 2026

Natalie Nunn as North West for Halloween 😭 pic.twitter.com/OC1MNzxf1w

— Yeezyrih (@Yeeezyrih) October 23, 2026

North West chose “Bad Girls Club” star Natalie Nunn as one of her Halloween inspirations. Her costume included a prosthetic chin, an angled bob and a “Baddies” necklace.

West shared the look with the caption “1st Halloween costume.” She later posted another outfit inspired by Raven from “Teen Titans.”

The Nunn costume became part of a wider exchange between North, Kim Kardashian and Nunn herself. After North’s post, Nunn responded by dressing as West, complete with turquoise pigtails and a studded collar.

The back-and-forth gave the costumes a story that went beyond the outfits. Billboard described the connection as a triangle.

The timing also helped the moment gain attention. West’s look appeared one day after Kim revealed her own Halloween transformation.

MORE: Trinity Rodman’s Halloween costume puts female spin on nostalgic cartoon character

1. Kim Kardashian as North West

Kim Kardashian dresses up as her daughter North West for Halloween 2026. pic.twitter.com/MbXM9z6tVZ

— 21 (@21metgala) October 20, 2026

Kim Kardashian’s decision to dress as her daughter, North West, became one of the most widely covered celebrity Halloween moments of 2026.

She wore a long teal-blue wig and dramatic gothic-style makeup. False eyelashes and face gems recreated the look of North’s facial piercings. Spiky jewelry, charm-studded black nails and black grills completed the outfit.

Kim shared the costume the night before her 46th birthday. The look also addressed the online attention surrounding North’s blue-haired style and distinctive fashion choices.

Rather than choosing a familiar film character or horror figure, Kim recreated a look associated with her own daughter. That personal connection gave the costume a story that many other celebrity outfits lacked.

The choice also helped spark the exchange involving West and Nunn. With its detailed styling, family connection and place at the center of a wider Halloween conversation, Kim’s transformation takes the top spot among the celebrity costumes featured here.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

As No. 3 Georgia prepares to face No. 17 Florida on Saturday, one matchup deserves particular attention: the Gators’ rushing attack against a Bulldogs defense that has recently shown signs of vulnerability on the ground.

MORE: Predicting SEC football scores for Week 9 games

Can the Gators run on the Bulldogs?

Georgia enters the game allowing just 91.4 rushing yards per game, ranking as the nation’s No. 10 run defense. But over its last two appearances, this unit has not played up to its standard when going against opposing running backs.

Georgia allowed 161 rushing yards in its three-point win at Alabama and then surrendered another 192 on the ground in its upset loss to unranked Auburn the week after.

Those performances suggest that sustained ground production can challenge Georgia’s defensive structure, even if it doesn’t exactly guarantee a victory.

Florida has the firepower to test Georgia

Florida has a potential difference-maker in running back Jadan Baugh. The SEC’s third-most productive back has amassed 763 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns and is a proven option capable of controlling possession and creating chances in the red zone.

Florida averages 194.3 rushing yards per game, fourth in the SEC, putting its ground attack in position to test Georgia’s defensive discipline.

Moreover, Jon Sumrall-coached teams are an elite 37-3 in their last 40 games when they finish with at least 125 rushing yards. That should be the Gators’ secret weapon to shorten the game against a Bulldog front that allows under 3 yards per carry.

How Georgia can counter

Despite recent success, the Gators have reason for caution. Baugh was held to just 13 rushing yards against Missouri and only 59 against South Carolina. Both were ugly losses for Florida.

Ultimately, the Gators’ clearest path to making this rivalry competitive is to establish Baugh early and sustain their ground attack. If they can replicate the rushing pressure Auburn created, Georgia could face its most consequential defensive test of the season.

Florida has a credible path to an upset if it can consistently gain early-down yards and keep Georgia’s offense off the field. But if the Bulldogs can hold Baugh in check, the Gators will have to win the game through the air against a defense that allows just 185 yards per game. Advantage, Georgia.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

Larkin has informed the organization that he will no longer play for Detroit while awaiting a trade, and the team has now responded by suspending him without pay.

“Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings. We are disappointed by his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates. We have therefore suspended Dylan without pay,” the team announced in a statement.

MORE: NHL stock watch: Risers & fallers after Week 4

“We will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Dylan. In addition to needing his approval, any trade must also be in the best interests of the Detroit Red Wings and support the organization’s long-term goals.”

Interim general manager Shawn Horcoff concluded the statement with, “I want to thank and commend our coaches and players for their continued focus, and being committed to competing every day.”

The development marks a major escalation in the standoff between Larkin and the Red Wings.

Larkin will no longer play for Red Wings

Larkin’s trade situation had been developing for months, but Thursday’s events pushed it to another level. After previously playing for Detroit despite requesting a trade, Larkin informed the organization that he would sit out until a deal is completed. His agent, Pat Brisson, said Larkin had “had enough of the situation” and maintained that his client had been professional and cooperative throughout the process.

Larkin was subsequently held out of Thursday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Head coach Todd McLellan said interim general manager Shawn Horcoff would address the situation, setting the stage for the Red Wings’ announcement later in the day.

Detroit ultimately confirmed that Larkin had informed the organization he would no longer play for the team. In response, the Red Wings suspended him without pay while continuing to explore trade opportunities involving the veteran forward. The team also made clear that any potential trade must require Larkin’s approval and be in the best interests of the organization.

The situation represents a stunning development for a player who had continued to suit up for Detroit after his trade request. Larkin has recorded two goals and six points in 10 games this season.

Red Wings continue searching for a trade

The biggest question now is how quickly Detroit can find a trade that satisfies both sides. Larkin has a full no-trade clause, meaning he has significant control over where he can be moved. His reported list of acceptable destinations has expanded to 10 teams, giving the Red Wings more potential options while still leaving the organization needing to find a deal that meets its expectations.

Larkin is in the fifth season of an eight-year, $69.9 million contract, with an $8.7 million annual salary-cap hit. That contract, combined with his no-trade protection, makes the situation considerably more complicated for Horcoff and the Red Wings.

Detroit has also made clear that it will not simply move Larkin for the sake of completing a trade. Horcoff said the organization will continue exploring opportunities, but any deal must support the Red Wings’ long-term goals.

For now, Larkin is suspended without pay and will remain out until the situation is resolved. What had been a trade request has now become a full-blown player-team standoff, leaving the Red Wings facing a major decision involving one of the most significant players in the organization.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

Fresh off a loss at Texas a week ago, the Rebels need to get back in the win column. Likewise for the Tigers, who followed a massive win over then top-ranked Georgia with a tough loss to LSU the last time out.

On the books, Ole Miss looks like the easy play and the big favorite. But what if the underdog had one ace up its sleeve that could make it closer than most expect?

More: Predicting SEC football scores for biggest Week 9 games

Where does Auburn have a chance?

The one weakness that Auburn can potentially exploit this week? It could be the Rebels’ continued vulnerability against the run.

Throwing the ball, the Tigers don’t pose too great a threat. They have 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, but dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown leads a backfield that can turn on pretty quickly if given the chance.

But there’s a caveat: they’re not terribly consistent. Auburn ran for 192 yards en route to that huge upset win at Georgia. The next week against LSU, that total fell to 67. And that was at home.

Ole Miss ranks last in the SEC in rushing yards allowed, giving up more than 161 per game to opponents on average. In the Rebels’ last game, they surrendered 222 yards on the ground, a costly loss at Texas. The loss to Florida? They allowed more than 300.

Why this matchup matters

Auburn’s quarterback leads the team with 480 rushing yards and six touchdowns with his legs. His ability to run on designed plays and improvised scrambles gives the offense another way to attack the Rebels’ defensive front.

Brown has shown he can exploit defenses on the ground. He totaled 115 yards and a score against Georgia. LSU then limited him to 21 net rushing yards the next week. That illustrates both his potential and Auburn’s continued need for consistent blocking.

What’s the catch?

Auburn’s offensive line has struggled with pass protection. The unit has allowed 30 sacks through seven games. Ole Miss can easily counter the Tigers’ rushing threat by forcing Brown into obvious passing situations and attacking the pocket.

The bottom line: Auburn’s best chance is to use Brown’s legs to attack the Rebels between the tackles and around the edges, sustain drives, and control the tempo. If Ole Miss can’t contain him, their biggest weakness could become the defining matchup of the game.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

Spiranac took to social media on Thursday afternoon to show off her lineup of looks for Halloween 2026, and it looks like she’s about to go on another generational run.

She shared the costumes in a video simply captioned, “My fav Halloween costumes,” with looks that ranged from Scooby Doo character Velma, Catwoman, a sexy Lightning McQueen, and even a class with Princess Leia.

The sneak peek at her Halloween looks immediately had social media buzzing.

MORE: 2026 Internet Invitational full roster, prize money & schedule revealed

Paige Spiranac Shows 2026 Halloween Costume Lineup

Love Halloween🎃 https://t.co/MDfxCPXA4O

— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) October 29, 2026

Which look was your favorite?

If you can’t get enough of Spiranac on social media, there’s another way to keep up with her numerous side quests. Spiranac is among the personalities competing in the 2026 Internet Invitational.

Spiranac is competing in the Internet Invitational’s $4 million grand prize at ig Cedar Lodge in Missouri, alongside the likes of Jon Gruden, UFC champion Justin Gaethje, comedian Andrew Santino, and many more.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

After being limited at practice Wednesday, the Patriots listed WR AJ Brown as a non-participant at practice today due to his ankle and knee injuries.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2026

Brown’s status is now one of the biggest injury storylines surrounding New England heading into Sunday. The wide receiver already missed four games earlier this season because of an ankle injury, and his latest setback comes after he acknowledged that he still has not fully recovered.

MORE: Bold predictions for Week 8 of 2026 NFL season

Brown’s injury situation takes another turn

Brown was listed as a limited participant Wednesday due to both an ankle and a knee. One day later, he was downgraded to a non-participant, with the Patriots officially listing him as dealing with ankle and knee injuries.

His knee issue has flared up, putting his availability for Sunday’s game against Miami in doubt. The development is particularly concerning because Brown has already acknowledged that his ankle is not fully healthy following his stint on injured reserve.

Brown said he is still working through the issue and trying to overcome the discomfort. He missed four games after suffering an ankle injury in Week 1. Since returning, he has appeared in two games and posted six catches for 75 yards on 16 targets.

That production has fallen well short of what the Patriots were expecting when they acquired the three-time Pro Bowler, and another missed game would make it even more difficult for him to establish consistency in New England.

MORE: NFL power rankings Week 8: All 32 teams ranked worst to first

Patriots now face major questions ahead of Sunday

The Patriots need to monitor Brown’s practice participation closely over the next two days. Thursday’s absence does not automatically rule him out for Sunday, but his status is clearly heading in the wrong direction after he went from limited participation Wednesday to missing practice Thursday.

The team is also dealing with injuries elsewhere in their receiving corps, increasing the importance of Brown being available. If he cannot play against Miami, New England would have to lean more heavily on its remaining healthy receivers.

For now, Brown’s official game status remains unspecified. His participation in Friday’s practice should provide an important indication of whether he has a realistic chance to play Sunday.

With Brown already dealing with an ankle that has not fully healed and now facing a knee issue that has flared up, the Patriots have another major decision to make before Week 8.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —