India's T20I captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana and 19-year-old Jemimah Rodrigues, who has been on the radar of at least two teams, are unlikely to feature in the first standalone Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) - set to start much earlier than usual - from October 18 to December 8.

The tournament is likely to clash with India's month-long tour of the Caribbean, leaving the players with a very limited window towards the end of what will be the fifth season of the WBBL. ESPNcricinfo understands that the Indian team, currently playing a T20I series at home against South Africa, is tentatively slated to depart for the Caribbean on October 23. India will also play three ODIs against South Africa, with the last match on October 14.

Scheduling aside, it is understood that the players were keen to be fresh for India's tour of Australia next year which will feature a tri-series involving England - from January 31 to February 12 - ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup to be held there in February-March. India will take on hosts and defending champions Australia in the tournament opener on February 21.

The scheduling meant Sydney Thunder did not offer a contract extension to Harmanpreet, a key player in their line-up since 2016-17. Harmanpreet, however, was approached by the Melbourne Stars. Mandhana, who was contracted with the Hobart Hurricanes, was set to continue for a second consecutive edition. She had earlier been part of the Brisbane Heat in 2016-17.

Rodrigues' wait for a WBBL contract is set to continue. She enjoyed a breakthrough KSL season for Yorkshire Diamonds, finishing the season as the second-highest run-scorer. Her fearless approach in limited-overs formats has impressed many - including Australia captain Meg Lanning - since her international debut in February last year.

Rodrigues' high-scoring exploits on foreign soil - in South Africa (February 2018), New Zealand (earlier this year) and in the KSL, coupled with her chart-topping tally at the Women's T20 Challenge at home in May, made her a sought-after player among two WBBL franchises.

"The BCCI doesn't discourage any of our women's players from taking part in overseas leagues as long as their participation [in those tournaments] doesn't clash with their national duties," BCCI's general manager (cricket operations) Saba Karim told ESPNcricinfo. "In this case, there's an international series to be played, so that will automatically be on top of their list of priorities."

The standalone WBBL marks a departure from its preceding four seasons. With the exception of the women's final last season which was accorded a standalone slot, on Australia Day, the women's competition had traditionally run parallel to the men's tournament.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It doesn't look like the Jacksonville Jaguars are going to be able to repair the relationship with cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who reiterated on Thursday that he still wants out of Jacksonville.

In the latest episode of Uninterrupted's "17 Weeks" Podcast on Sirius XM/Pandora, Ramsey said he has lost respect for the franchise and that's not something he believes he can get back.

"I'm not sure if I've played my final game for the Jags yet or not but my trade request still stands," Ramsey said. "For me, respect is a huge thing. I kinda touched on it a little bit last week in last week's podcast but once respect is lost for both parties I think it is time to part ways.

"I'm going to continue being a top corner in this league for years to come. The money will come, but money isn't everything. Peace and happiness means a lot more than the money."

Ramsey has made it clear that he doesn't believe he'll find that in Jacksonville.

That's why he treated the Jaguars' 20-7 victory over Tennessee on Sept. 19 as if it was his final game with the franchise that drafted him fifth overall in 2016. He called it an emotional night -- especially because he didn't know if he would be cheered or booed -- and spent a few moments after the game hugging several teammates, including cornerbacks A.J. Bouye and D.J. Hayden.

"We were just kind of living in the moment, sinking in the moment of, man, if this was the last one it's been an honor to play alongside those guys," Ramsey said. "It's been a good ride; it's been a fun few years playing alongside those guys. So we were kind of just sinking in the moment and just enjoying that win at the time."

It doesn't appear the Jaguars will be parting ways with the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback any time soon, though, because league sources say owner Shad Khan does not want to trade Ramsey. The trade deadline is Oct. 29.

It has been an interesting week for Ramsey and the Jaguars. Ramsey did not practice Monday because of an illness -- Ramsey said on the podcast that he threw up "at least four times" and needed IVs -- and also missed Wednesday's practice with a back injury. However, that wasn't without some drama. Three hours after coach Doug Marrone said he didn't know when Ramsey suffered the injury, the team released a statement saying Ramsey actually did report back soreness to the team's medical staff during the fourth quarter of the game against the Titans.

Ramsey isn't with the team now, either. He left Wednesday to return to Nashville for the birth of his second child. In a statement announcing Ramsey's departure, Marrone said Ramsey would return "when he's ready."

Ramsey missed the first week of training camp in 2018 for the birth of his first child.

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn told reporters on Thursday that once Melvin Gordon is up to speed, he will be the team's starter moving forward.

"He was our starter for a reason," Lynn said. "I like the way Austin [Ekeler] and JJ [Justin Jackson] have been working. They've done an excellent job and proved they can play in this league. They will still have a major role in this offense, but as soon as Melvin's ready, he'll go back to being our No. 1 guy."

Gordon ended his 64-day holdout due to a contract impasse with the team on Thursday. Lynn said Gordon passed a physical and was cleared to practice, and Gordon worked out on the field for the first time this season.

The Chargers (1-2) received a two-week roster exemption for the Pro Bowl running back, according to Lynn, which means he can return to the active roster as late as Week 6, when the Chargers are getting ready to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Los Angeles.

Lynn said Gordon is unlikely to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, although he could travel with the team.

Gordon arrived early on a dreary Thursday morning in Southern California. He expects 2019 will be his final season with the Chargers, a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson.

Ekeler, who has served as the team's starter with Gordon out, welcomed his teammate back to the fold with open arms.

"We've got a little swag back in the room," Ekeler said. "It's good to see Melvin back in the office. We've got one of our playmakers back on our team. I'm glad they got everything figured out and he's back with us."

Chargers offensive guard Michael Schofield III said the addition of Gordon, along with Ekeler and Jackson, should give the Chargers a strong running game.

The Chargers are No. 13 in the NFL in rushing through the first three games without Gordon, averaging 112 yards per contest. Ekeler has 160 rushing yards and four total touchdowns.

"It's exciting to have Melvin back," Schofield said. "With the way JJ and Ekeler are playing, now we have three solid backs, so that's only going to open our offense more and obviously it's going to keep them all healthy.

"He's one of the best backs in the league for sure. JJ's a little more shifty; Ekeler's more of a speed guy and he can run you over. But Melvin's kind of got it all."

Gordon desired a contract extension that would put him among the league's top-paid running backs, such as Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley II, David Johnson and Le'Veon Bell. The Chargers had offered Gordon a contract that would have doubled his salary to roughly $10 million annually.

Gordon and his representation also have to resolve how they will handle the fines that have piled up during his absence.

According to the league's collective bargaining agreement, as a player on his fifth-year option of his rookie deal, Gordon can be fined $30,000 per day for missing training camp, along with one week's regular-season salary for each preseason game missed -- a total of about $2.22 million. He also can lose $989,118 worth of base salary for missing three regular-season games. He can still earn $4,615,882 if he reports and plays on his contract.

The team will seek to collect the fines, a source told ESPN.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Packers running back Jamaal Williams was taken off the field on a gurney after taking a hard hit during the first quarter of Thursday night's 34-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The third-year pro was immediately transported via ambulance to a local hospital, where he was being evaluated for head and neck injuries, ESPN's Michele Steele reported. The Packers announced that Williams had movement and feeling in all of his extremities.

Williams was injured on the Packers' first play of the game, a screen pass, when he was immediately met at the line of scrimmage by linebacker Nigel Bradham. With his forward momentum stopped, Williams took a big hit by Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett.

Barnett was penalized for unnecessary roughness on the play.

Williams raised his left arm and gave the thumbs-up sign as he was taken off the field by three members of the Packers' medical team.

Williams, who started the game in the backfield alongside fellow running back Aaron Jones, was listed on the injury report this week because of a neck injury, but he was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Jones capped the first drive with a 3-yard touchdown to give the Packers a 7-0 lead on a drive that featured the Packers' longest offensive play of the season -- a 58-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to Davante Adams.

Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga suffered a shoulder injury in the first half and was questionable to return. He remained out to begin the second half and was replaced by Alex Light.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma is out indefinitely with a stress reaction in his foot, an injury he suffered while he was working with Team USA this summer, the Lakers announced.

Kuzma, 24, has not been cleared for full practice or game participation and will miss at least the first three weeks of training camp, the team said. Kuzma averaged 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Lakers last season.

Camp opens Saturday for the Lakers, who are traveling to China in October to take part in two preseason games against the Brooklyn Nets as part of the league's international preseason games. They will play on Oct. 10 in Shanghai and Oct. 12 in Shenzhen.

The Lakers open the regular season Oct. 22 against the LA Clippers.

Kuzma will travel with the Lakers to China and is scheduled for an MRI when the team returns. A status update will be given at that time.

The Lakers also announced that rookie guard Talen Horton-Tucker continues to receive treatment for a stress reaction in his right foot and will have limited participation in training camp.

Rookie forward Jordan Caroline underwent successful surgery on his fifth metatarsal on Sept. 6, the Lakers said. He is expected to miss 10 to 12 weeks.

PITTSBURGH -- The Chicago Cubs will have a say in the NL Central race after all -- albeit as spoilers only.

The Cubs finish their regular season this weekend in St. Louis, where the first-place Cardinals are holding on to a one-game lead on the surging Milwaukee Brewers.

Already eliminated from the postseason this week, Cubs manager Joe Maddon was asked if he'll play his regular lineup against the Cards.

"We're going to put a good team out there, but of course they're going to bitch," Maddon said with a laugh. "Of course they are. I get it. But quite frankly, there are certain things I don't give a s--- about. And that would be one of them."

Cubs pitchers Kyle Hendricks and Yu Darvish have been shut down, and stars Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez are all nursing injuries. Righty Alec Mills will start Friday's series opener against Dakota Hudson, and Cole Hamels is slated to pitch a few innings Saturday against Cards starter Miles Mikolas. Hamels has been out with a sore shoulder and is only pitching to prove he's healthy entering free agency.

"This is the first time I'm going into free agency and I don't want that in the back of team's heads," Hamels said.

The Cubs haven't announced a starter for Sunday and could just go with a "bullpen game." Maddon says his team will still compete; it just won't be with many of the regulars.

"I will put out the guys that I think are the appropriate guys to play based on what's good for our people, not for their people," he said. "But we're going to put a good team out there, regardless."

The Brewers complete their regular season in Colorado, having already clinched at least a wild-card spot. The Cardinals, who swept a four-game series against the Cubs last weekend, also have locked up at least a wild card.

After Thursday's 9-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago has now lost nine straight games.

Mike Minor's 200th strikeout of the season for the Texas Rangers came with some controversy Thursday.

With one out in the ninth inning and Minor a strikeout away from reaching the mark for the first time in his career, the left-hander got the Boston Red Sox's Chris Owings to pop up a 1-2 pitch into foul territory. Minor, catcher Jose Trevino and first baseman Ronald Guzman converged on the ball, but Guzman let it drop in front of him, allowing Owings' at-bat to continue.

Minor struck him out on the next pitch for his ninth strikeout of the game and 200th of his season.

"We were yelling, telling [Guzman] to drop it because there's going to be two strikes," Minor said. "He dropped it, and then he looked at me like, 'What? Why?' And then everybody started booing or whatever. I had to thank him for that, because [the fans] didn't understand."

"Everybody was yelling. ... I heard a lot of 'Drop it!' So I had to drop it," Guzman said.

It was Minor's 126th pitch of the afternoon, and Rangers manager Chris Woodward then took him out for Jose Leclerc, who got the final out of a 7-5 Rangers home victory.

"I didn't love the idea that we dropped the popup at the end," Woodward said. "But on the other side of that, they swung at three pitches in a row in the eighth inning down by two. If they have any beef with that, obviously I'm pretty sure [Red Sox manager Alex] Cora did, they chose to not try and win the game as well. They were trying to keep him from striking a guy out."

Asked what he was thinking when Guzman let the popup drop in, Woodward said: "He better strike [Owings] out."

"I would have taken him out [if he didn't]," Woodward said. "It was borderline crossing the line."

Asked about the play, Cora -- who remained in the Boston dugout for several minutes after the game, staring out toward the field -- didn't comment on it specifically, only saying: "I'm just happy our guys are playing the right way."

The 126 pitches are the most Minor has thrown in a single game in his career and are tied for third-most in a game this season in the majors.

Minor (14-10) struck out six of his first 11 batters. He got another in the fifth but didn't get his eighth until Sam Travis ended the seventh on Minor's 117th pitch, which matched his career high.

When Minor walked the batter before Travis, Woodward took a step out of the dugout toward the mound before getting waved back by the 31-year-old.

"I told him that I couldn't give him too many pitches," Woodward said. "From a number standpoint, I know it's just a number [200 strikeouts], but it's a big deal. This guy has been our best pitcher all year. ... All year he's just been unbelievable. I felt I owed it to him."

Boston went 1-2-3 in the eighth on three pitches, two groundouts and a popout. So Minor came back out for the ninth. Sandy Leon flied out before the Owings at-bat.

"It's just an accomplishment that I was looking at this past offseason of wanting to improve on this year," Minor said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa will sit out the final four games of the regular season to rest his ailing back, but the team is hopeful he will be ready for Game 1 of the American League Division Series next week.

Correa saw a doctor in Los Angeles on Thursday and nothing serious was found with his back, manager AJ Hinch said before Thursday night's series opener against the Los Angeles Angels.

Correa was a late scratch from Tuesday's game in Seattle after a long flight from Houston. He was expected to be ready for Wednesday but was unable to play.

Felix Hernandez took the mound for his last start of the season on Thursday, and likely his last start for the Seattle Mariners, serenaded by tens of thousands of yellow-shirted fans chanting his name.

His teammates stayed in the dugout, so King Felix was alone on the mound, raising his hands, tipping his cap and pumping his fist to the fans before signaling the rest of the Mariners to come out.

The Mariners were calling it "Felix Day," and several hours before the game, every Mariner on the field was wearing a bright yellow King Felix shirt during warm-ups. Retired Mariners icon Ichiro Suzuki joined them for batting practice in one of the shirts. Hernandez's rooting section, the "King's Court," was expanded for the game.

Long live the King. #HappyFélixDay? pic.twitter.com/EhGPOdBHIE

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 27, 2019

Hernandez threw a season-high 106 pitches in the game, allowing three earned runs and striking out three in 5 1/3 innings pitched. Seattle trailed 3-1 when he was pulled.

Hernandez, 33, was the face of the franchise for many of his 15 years with the team. He's the Mariners' all-time leader in wins with 169 and strikeouts with 2,521. But Hernandez's contract with the Mariners expires after the season and he isn't likely to be re-signed. He is 1-7 in 14 starts this season with a 6.51 ERA, and hasn't won more than 10 games since 2016.

So a career that began in the Pacific Northwest in 2005 when Hernandez was just 19 is expected to come to an end, in a game against the playoff-contending Oakland Athletics.

Hernandez had a special relationship with the fans, and will always be a Mariners icon. He was arguably the best pitcher in the American League for a large part of his time in Seattle, where he created excitement and helped make the Mariners relevant. He brought them a Cy Young Award and arguably should have won a second. He also delivered a perfect game, one of 23 in baseball history.

"He's been such a big part of this organization for so long that you want him to go out on a high note," manager Scott Servais said before the game. "I know he'll be fired up tonight and give us a great effort, like he always does, and compete as well as he can."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

IAAF president Sebastian Coe awards honour to magazine in Doha for its long-standing contribution to athletics

The AW team were given cause for celebration on the eve of the IAAF World Championships after Sebastian Coe finished his pre-event press conference in Doha by announcing that the magazine has been awarded an IAAF Heritage Plaque.

The Plaque is awarded for “an outstanding contribution to the worldwide history and development of the sport of track & field athletics and of out of stadia athletics disciplines such as cross country, mountain, road, trail and ultra-running, and race walking”.

AW first came into being in 1945 and will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2020. It has evolved throughout the years, being given a fresh new look just earlier this summer, but its aim has stayed the same – to provide comprehensive coverage of athletics. That dedication and the magazine’s contribution to the sport has been recognised by the global governing body in the Culture category, alongside six other prominent athletics publications.

“IAAF Heritage was something that I felt very strongly that I wanted to create because if you don’t respect your history then frankly you can’t find any sensible road map for future engagement,” said Coe. “It’s very important that young people understand the history and heritage of our sport.  I’m delighted these (publications) are now ensconced in our history,”

AW publisher and 1984 Olympic silver medallist Wendy Sly said: “What I love is that athletes who make it on to the cover still have that same feeling which I had – the pride of being on the front of the magazine that represents the sport in the UK and increasingly around the world. It means something.

“Thanks to all the amazing athletes who have given us something to write about for almost 75 years.”