Sports - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Backup quarterbacks already are seeing a lot of action this NFL season and most have been winning

Backup quarterbacks are seeing plenty of action and several are having success.

By ROB MAADDI / AP Pro Football Writer October 5, 2026

Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent celebrates a victory over the New York Jets as he walks off the field following an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

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Jeremiah Frost’s best game yet helped Ringgold remain undefeated

The Times Free Press has selected Ringgold senior running back Jeremiah Frost as its prep football player of the week.

By Lindsey Young October 4, 2026

Staff File Photo by Matt Hamilton / Ringgold's Jeremiah Frost (27), shown during a preseason scrimmage at Finley Stadium, rushed for 276 yards and five touchdowns Friday night to help lead the Tigers to a home win against LaFayette in a GHSA Region 7-AAA showdown of previously unbeaten teams.

Paschall: Heupel on verge of first performance-based QB switch

Tennessee football fans could be witnessing history this week.

By David Paschall October 4, 2026

Tennessee Athletics photo by Peyton Collimore / Tennessee sophomore quarterback George MacIntyre hands off to senior running back DeSean Bishop during Saturday's 24-14 win over Auburn inside Neyland Stadium.

UTC defensive line was bright spot for Mocs during loss at ETSU

There were things UTC's football team needed to do better Saturday in Johnson City, but the Mocs were excellent up front on defense once again.

By Gene Henley October 4, 2026

UTC photo by Dakota Hamilton / Ryan Bell, left, reaches for ETSU quarterback Mason Mims as fellow UTC defensive Orlando Daniels, rear, looks on during Saturday's SoCon game in Johnson City. The UTC defense had four sacks during a 14-3 loss to the Bucs.

Braves beat Dodgers, head home with NLDS tied at a game apiece

The Atlanta Braves avoided falling into an 0-2 hole in their NL Division Series against the two-time reigning World Series champions.

By BETH HARRIS / The Associated Press October 4, 2026

Atlanta Braves five-hole hitter Michael Harris II celebrates on third base after connecting for a triple in the top of the fifth inning during a playoff game Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Ray Kerr gives Braves another strong postseason outing as opener

Ray Kerr is becoming an unlikely postseason hero for the Atlanta Braves.

By BETH HARRIS / The Associated Press October 4, 2026

Ray Kerr pitches for the Atlanta Braves during the bottom of the first inning in a playoff game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell getting better and better every week

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell looked like the first-year starter he is when he committed three turnovers at Kentucky in the second week.

By BRETT MARTEL / The Associated Press October 4, 2026

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell (12) runs for a first down against Mississippi State during Saturday's SEC border rivalry matchup in Starkville. (AP Photo/James Pugh)

AP Top 25: Missouri makes big jump in poll after routing Florida

Missouri's 11-spot jump to No. 14 in the AP Top 25 is the second-largest poll promotion this season. The biggest was by the Florida Gators, the team the Tigers just beat.

By ERIC OLSON / The Associated Press October 4, 2026

Missouri linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez celebrates with fans after the Tigers beat visiting Florida in an SEC matchup Saturday at Faurot Field in Columbia. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Titans fall to 0-4 as Ravens win despite Lamar Jackson’s early exit

The Tennessee Titans are dealing with an 0-4 start for the second year in a row. The Baltimore Ravens are dealing with another injury to their two-time NFL MVP quarterback.

By NOAH TRISTER / The Associated Press October 4, 2026

Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks tackles Tennessee Titans receiver Carnell Tate after he made a catch during Sunday's game at M&T Bank Stadium. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Saints remember post-Katrina ‘Domecoming’ as they host Falcons

The New Orleans Saints had an extra day this past week to prepare for their latest rivalry showdown with the Atlanta Falcons.