THE HOT CORNER

1 PRO FOOTBALL: The NFL is expanding its partnership with the Players Coalition to address issues of racial and social justice with a five-year extension and a $15 million grant through its Inspire Change initiative. The agreement comes as the league and its teams say they have surpassed a $250 million commitment to combat systemic racism. The NFL says that goal was reached four years ahead of schedule. The NFL’S social justice grants have supported more than 650 local nonprofits, nearly 2,000 matching grants from current and former players and more than 40 national grant partners. The Players Coalition is an independent nonprofit aimed at social justice and racial equity.

MEN’S SOCCER:

Interim head coach Anthony Hudson saw tenacity, bravery and attacking excitement from the youngsters and newcomers he sent out for the U.S.’S first match since the World Cup. Although none of it added up to a win, Hudson was hopeful a 2-1 loss to Serbia on Wednesday was a positive first step toward the 2026 World Cup the U.S. will co-host. Brandon Vazquez scored in the first half to lead a U.S. lineup with seven starters making their international debuts.“i have to say overall,

I was really pleased with the performance,”hudson said. The U.S. hosts Colombia on Saturday.

PRO FOOTBALL:

San Francisco 3

49ers running back Christian Mccaffrey missed a second straight practice with a calf injury but said he will be available for the NFC title game. Mccaffrey hasn’t practiced this week.

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL:

4

Duke won’t have freshman Dariq Whitehead (leg injury) for Saturday’s game at Georgia Tech, and it’s unclear when he’ll return.

PRO BASEBALL: RHP Austin Voth 5 avoided salary arbitration with the Orioles, agreeing to a $1.85 million, one-year contract.