Nvidia Marks Milestone as Blackwell AI Chip Production Kicks Off in the United States

**Nvidia and TSMC Produce First U.S.-Made Blackwell AI Wafer at Arizona Facility**

In a pivotal moment for the U.S. semiconductor industry, Nvidia and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) have successfully produced the first U.S.-made Blackwell AI wafer at TSMC’s state-of-the-art facility in Phoenix, Arizona. This milestone marks the official start of volume production for Nvidia’s next-generation Blackwell chips, strengthening America’s domestic semiconductor supply chain amid growing demand for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence hardware.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang joined TSMC executives at the Arizona fab to commemorate the achievement, underscoring the significance of their partnership in meeting global AI and computing demands. The Arizona facility is part of TSMC’s broader U.S. expansion strategy, designed to produce chips using advanced 2-, 3-, and 4-nanometer processes, including cutting-edge A16 chips tailored for AI, telecommunications, and supercomputing workloads.

### Strengthening U.S. Semiconductor Resilience

For the U.S. government, this collaboration represents tangible progress toward localizing semiconductor manufacturing under the CHIPS and Science Act, which incentivizes domestic chip production to reduce dependency on Asian supply chains. Producing Blackwell chips on U.S. soil moves the country closer to self-sufficiency in advanced AI hardware.

“AI is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace,” said Jensen Huang during the ceremony. “Producing Blackwell chips in the United States is a landmark moment for both Nvidia and the broader semiconductor ecosystem.”

TSMC executives echoed this sentiment, noting that the Arizona facility will play a central role in supplying chips for AI data centers and next-generation computing applications—helping the U.S. reclaim technological leadership in advanced manufacturing.

### Packaging Bottlenecks Still Offshore

Despite this milestone, full localization of Nvidia’s supply chain has yet to be realized. While wafer fabrication now takes place in Arizona, advanced packaging — specifically Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate (CoWoS-L) — still occurs in Taiwan. This sophisticated packaging process integrates multiple dies and memory layers into final modules essential for AI workloads.

Industry analysts point out that TSMC’s lack of U.S.-based CoWoS facilities delays complete supply chain independence. However, plans are underway to address this packaging bottleneck. TSMC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Amkor Technology, a major outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) provider, aiming to establish advanced packaging capabilities in Arizona.

The first U.S.-based packaging lines are expected to launch between 2028 and 2030, incorporating Integrated Fan-Out and System-on-Integrated-Chip (SoIC) technologies. Until then, reliance on Taiwan for final Blackwell chip assembly will continue.

### Future Prospects: AI-Driven U.S. Manufacturing Expansion

Looking ahead, Nvidia plans to integrate AI, robotics, and digital twin systems into future American manufacturing sites to automate and optimize chip fabrication processes. TSMC’s Arizona expansion includes three fabrication plants, with the third phase (Fab 21 P3) scheduled to break ground in 2025.

Following this, a dedicated CoWoS-capable site is expected to emerge on U.S. soil, enabling advanced chip packaging for clients such as Apple, Nvidia, and AMD. Suppliers of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), CoWoS equipment, and substrate materials are already positioning themselves to capture market share from this ongoing expansion.

Experts predict that U.S.-based CoWoS output could exceed 100,000 units per month by late 2026, transforming the region into a major hub for AI chip manufacturing.

This significant advancement not only enhances America’s chip supply chain resilience but also paves the way for future innovations in semiconductor manufacturing, solidifying the nation’s position in the burgeoning AI and high-performance computing markets.
https://coincentral.com/nvidia-marks-milestone-as-blackwell-ai-chip-production-kicks-off-in-the-united-states/

DC’s James Gunn Snuck A Minor Cameo Into Peacemaker Season 2’s Finale

Superhero movies have conditioned audiences to expect cameo appearances in every single title that comes out. At their best, cameos and guest appearances from other heroes and villains serve to expand the superhero universe and show it to be a place full of different heroes that come and go in and out of each other’s stories.

And yet, they can also feel forced, shoehorned in just for the sake of having a cameo or as a reminder of the next product coming down the line. Then we have *Peacemaker*. Like *Gen V*, this DC series finds the right balance of telling its own standalone story while being a great transition show between new chapters of the main series (between *Superman* movies in the case of *Peacemaker*).

When we have big, gratuitous cameos—like the Justice League (later the Justice Gang)—it fits because it was treated as a big joke. Otherwise, whenever the show has shown or name-dropped other DC heroes and villains, it has helped make the world of *Peacemaker* feel larger, the story more connected and consequential to the future of the DC Universe. Just look at how clearly the season sets up *Superman: Man of Tomorrow*.

Indeed, *Peacemaker* Season 2 holds a unique place in the DC Universe so far. It is a continuation of the themes of the first season that works as a standalone story separated from the rest of the franchise, all while being a crucial story with big repercussions for the future of the DC Universe.

All this is to say, it shouldn’t be surprising that James Gunn snuck in some unexpected cameos in the *Peacemaker* Season 2 finale. No, it wasn’t Superman or Batman, but rather James Gunn himself and the members of Nelson.

In the Season 2 finale, we see the 11th Street Kids assemble once again, gain new allies, and decide to fully leave A.R.G.U.S. behind to start their own intelligence agency, named Checkmate—an organization with a significant history in DC lore. To celebrate, Christopher Smith (John Cena) and Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) go see a rock concert on a “rock cruise,” where none other than Foxy Shazam is playing a familiar tune.

That tune, of course, is “Oh, Lord,” the song used for the opening theme of *Peacemaker* Season 2. As Chris and Harcourt sing their hearts out, eagle-eyed fans have noticed James Gunn himself hidden in the background, simply enjoying the music like one of the background actors. Not just that, but also present are Steve Agee, who plays Economos, and even Matthew and Gunnar Nelson of the band Nelson.

“The whole crew came out there,” Gunn said during the official *Peacemaker* podcast. “A lot of our PAs and everybody went out there, and we all just were dancing around.”

So there you have it. The smallest and most meta cameo in *Peacemaker* is simply James Gunn geeking out about music and inviting the crew to join him for a cool concert. This recontextualizes the entire season and paints it in a new light. It makes clear that Gunn is using *Peacemaker* as an avenue to geek out about music, share it with the world, and now, get to see concerts for his favorite bands during work hours.

Foxy Shazam’s “Oh Lord” doesn’t just play diegetically during the live concert scene; it actually starts playing earlier. Specifically, the song begins when Chris asks Harcourt to tell him if the moment they shared on the boat the night they saw Nelson play meant something. When she confirms it did, Chris goes inside the motel room he’d been hiding in and starts dancing in celebration—absolutely giddy with a happiness we haven’t seen from him since he thought the Nazi universe was the “best dimension ever.”

The scene cuts between the Foxy Shazam concert (featuring Chris, Harcourt, Gunn, and the crew) and moments of the 11th Street Kids founding Checkmate, gaining new allies, and finally finding their happy place.

This echoes back to one of the best scenes in Season One, when Chris, Harcourt, and Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) head into battle to kill the “cow” that will allow for an alien invasion of Earth, just as that season’s opening theme song, “Do Ya Wanna Taste It” by Wig Wam, starts playing.

This is a long and proud tradition in anime, wherein the opening theme song starts playing during a climactic moment to add nostalgia to the hype of the scene. One of the best examples is *One Piece*, which—after 1,015 episodes—plays the show’s very first opening theme song during a pivotal fight between Luffy and Kaido, 22 years after it was replaced.

Likewise, *Pokémon* maximizes nostalgia when the 1999 classic “Gotta Catch ’Em All!” plays during the climax of Ash’s fight against Leon—right on time for him to become a Pokémon Master after 25 long years.

*Peacemaker* Season 2 embraces this tradition, using music to enrich its storytelling and deepen the emotional connection between characters and viewers, all while slyly inserting meta moments that celebrate the show’s creative team and their passions.
https://www.slashfilm.com/1999046/james-gunn-dc-cameo-peacemaker-season-2-finale/

It’s the Week 7 Big Shield giveaway

It’s free stuff time! You can get a signed copy of *Big Shield* this weekend by doing one simple thing: send an email to florio@profootballtalk.com with the subject line: **“Week 7 Big Shield giveaway.”**

I’ll pick one entry at random and, ideally, drop the book in the mail next week. As always, no purchase is required. But of course, all purchases are appreciated.

The ebook is still only 99 cents, and the print edition is $14.99.

*Big Shield* is a tale of gambling, the mob, and pro football—but not the NFL. (They haven’t sued me yet, so the disclaimer must be working.) Set in an undefined future, with 34 teams, 20 regular-season games, and widespread real-time, in-game betting, the book follows three main characters. It illustrates how a criminal enterprise could exploit widespread inside information before and during games—and how it could all go sideways for everyone involved.

Don’t forget about my other titles:
– *Father of Mine* (a mob story inspired by true events)
– *Son of Mine* (sequel to *Father of Mine*)
– *On Our Way Home* (a Christmas-season ghost story)

Each is available in ebook form for just 99 cents. More books are on the way!

In addition to the six unpublished manuscripts currently in the hopper, I’m working on a legal thriller about a pro football player turned lawyer whose first day on the job becomes a life-and-death rollercoaster ride—one I still need to figure out how to resolve. (“He was dead the whole time.”)

Go ahead and enter the giveaway. And feel free to drop 99 cents on something you just might enjoy. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth—even if you ultimately decide it’s caca.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/its-the-week-7-big-shield-giveaway

The “$1,000 to $1 Million” Play: Is it Still Possible in Crypto?

After One of the Biggest Liquidations in Years, the Market Is Trying to Find Its Footing

Analysts are calling this the reset moment. This is the kind of reset that creates new $1,000 to $1 million crypto coins. Three cryptocurrencies carry similar potential in the current market scenario.

Zcash’s (ZEC) 200% price surge following Naval Ravikant’s viral post has reignited the “next big play” debate. TRON (TRX) remains in the picture with steady network growth. But a new name, Digitap (AP), is what everyone is talking about in the race from $1,000 to $1 million.

As the world’s first omnibank that brings crypto and fiat under one roof, Digitap seems to have everything it takes to become a massive name in fintech. But where does it belong in the equation when Zcash and TRON still stand among the best altcoins?

### How Digitap Solves the Crypto-to-Fiat Panic Problem

Now that the market is in recovery mode, investors and traders have realized something important: a leverage against sudden market crashes is the need of the hour. They could soon find one now that Digitap has officially launched its app on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

Digitap is known as the world’s first omnibank. It has witnessed an unusual inflow of funds into its presale from whales after the market crash — and there seems to be a solid reason why.

When the market crashes, traders panic because their assets are locked in volatile ecosystems. Digitap appears to solve that pain point by letting users instantly swap crypto to fiat inside the same app.

Unlike other “future promises,” Digitap is already live on the App Store and Play Store. It merges banking and crypto in one omnibank. With fiat transfers, global payments, and even physical cards, Digitap is bridging what others still call impossible.

Currently priced at just $0.0194 in Stage 3 of its presale, AP has already raised over $750K. Some analysts now project it could 1000x as adoption scales over the next couple of years.

In the short term, the AP price is set to jump 38%, from $0.0194 to $0.0268, in the next few weeks.

For those hunting the next “$1,000 to $1 million in crypto” play, Digitap (AP) might be the best ICO of 2025. It’s early, already live, and designed from scratch for the future of finance.

### What Zcash’s Pullback Could Mean for Traders After 200% Gains

Zcash has made one of the wildest comebacks of the year. From trading under $70 a couple of weeks ago to now sitting at $220, ZEC has delighted its holders in October.

The spark didn’t come out of the blue. Silicon Valley heavyweight Naval Ravikant, who called it insurance against Bitcoin, proved to be a massive booster. That single comment shifted investor sentiment overnight. Money started flowing in, and the market cap took a massive leap from $800 million to $4 billion in a month.

But every rally meets resistance at some point. The RSI (Relative Strength Index) has reached 64, indicating that ZEC might be catching its breath after the sprint.

Analyst Altcoin Sherpa shares a similar opinion. His chart points to a pullback toward the lower $200s for a reset.

Despite some pessimism, in a market searching for the next breakout narrative, Zcash has proven that old giants can rise again. If momentum holds, this “insurance coin” might become one of the best altcoins to deliver major gains.

However, expecting a $1,000 to $1 million move from ZEC might be optimistic at this point.

### TRON’s On-Chain Strength Counters Bearish TRX Chart Signals

Most of the best altcoins are still nursing wounds from the $20 billion wipeout, and TRON is no exception.

Trading around $0.318 as of October 16, 2025, the TRX price is still down over 6% on the weekly chart. But year-to-date, TRON is more than 25% up — a strength that only strong coins backed by robust networks can demonstrate.

Even amid the market bloodbath, TRON’s network hasn’t slowed down. Daily active accounts consistently remain around 3 million. TRON’s daily protocol revenue hit $8.57 million just days after the market crash.

That kind of on-chain stamina keeps confidence alive, even in a bear market hangover.

Though recent charts are flashing sell signals, traders aren’t writing TRX off yet. Analyst CR7 Ledger sees early signs of recovery. He expects a bullish breakout above $0.329 to trigger the next wave up, with consolidation predicted between $0.312 and $0.329 until then.

For investors chasing the “$1,000 to $1 million” dream, TRON’s price volatility might be a concern. Such massive moves are usually reserved for promising presale coins with lower market caps.

If things go as planned, Digitap could potentially be that hidden gem and the best crypto to buy right now.

### Why Digitap’s Safety Net Stands Out After the Market Meltdown

Every “$1,000 to $1 million” story comes with a catch — and crypto is no exception. The market is ruthless. One tweet, one macro event, and portfolios can halve overnight. The recent crash proved this again.

But that’s where Digitap separates itself from the chaos.

When other coins bleed, Digitap users can instantly move funds from crypto to fiat within the same app, providing a rare safety net in this wild market.

Such solid use cases mean AP could see even higher demand after its listing. This also positions Digitap as one of the best cryptos to buy in 2025 for investors who want to stay in the market without losing sleep.

However, the “$1,000 to $1 million” kind of gains follow those who bag presale gems early. Now that Stage 3 is almost half sold out, the opportunity to grab a 38% ROI in the short term might be slipping away.

### The $1,000 to $1 Million Crypto Path May Start With Digitap

Moving from $1,000 to $1 million in crypto takes more than luck — it requires catching the right opportunity early.

One such opportunity could be the Digitap presale. With a live product, a fiat-crypto bridge, and strong presale traction, Digitap is well poised to be the next big thing in crypto.

While coins like ZEC and TRX show strength, they have already matured. But Digitap sits where potential meets practicality — its floor is safer, and its ceiling is almost uncapped.

For those watching for the next 1000x coin, AP could be the right play in Q4 2025.

Discover how Digitap is unifying cash and crypto by checking out their project here:
**Presale:** [Link]
**Website:** [Link]
**Social:** [Links]

*This publication is sponsored.*
Coindoo does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, quality, advertising, products, or any other materials on this page. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research before engaging in any cryptocurrency-related actions. Coindoo will not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any damages or losses resulting from the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned. Always do your own research.

**Author:** Krasimir Rusev
Reporter at Coindoo

Krasimir Rusev is a journalist with many years of experience covering cryptocurrencies and financial markets. He specializes in analysis, news, and forecasts for digital assets, providing readers with in-depth and reliable information on the latest market trends. His expertise and professionalism make him a valuable source of information for investors, traders, and anyone following the dynamics of the crypto world.
https://coindoo.com/the-1000-to-1-million-play-is-it-still-possible-in-crypto/

15th annual Ties and Tails Gala raises funds for Midland County’s no-kill shelter

The 15th annual Ties and Tails Gala took place on October 17, successfully raising funds for the Humane Society of Midland County.

This special event brought the community together to support the important work of caring for and protecting animals in need.

Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, the gala helped provide crucial resources for the Humane Society’s ongoing programs and services.
https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/midland-humane-society-gala-21107049.php

16 Gifts for People Who Are Perpetually Cold (2025)

16 Gifts for People Who Are Perpetually Cold

From a backyard hot tub to the warmest slippers, these picks will make your loved ones feel warm and fuzzy—inside and out.

It’s getting cold outside, and it’s even worse for a person who’s always cold. The first crisp morning of the season sends your poor, perpetually cold loved one diving under the bedsheets, digging for the fuzzy socks, or fiddling with the thermostat when your back is turned.

Here are 16 gift ideas that will help keep the cold at bay.

### 1. Xero Shoes

If you came to me, a perpetually cold person, and asked for tips on how to stay warmer in your house, I would say to start with your feet. Don a pair of thick wool socks and then put on a pair of house slippers.

I’m somewhat clumsy and perpetually cold, so I’ve started wearing Xero’s Pagosa Cozy wool slippers instead of my Teva ReEmbers. The snug fit and thinner sole make me more sure-footed as I sprint around my house with loads of laundry. The heels are designed to be stomped down for quick slipping on, and the faux shearling lining hasn’t gotten smelly or dirty after a month. (I always wear them with socks.)

At 4.8 ounces, they’re light and slim enough to shove into a suitcase pocket—perfect for cold hotel rooms too.

### 2. The Best Space Heater: Dreo Whole Room Heater

You have to get your loved one a space heater because otherwise, they’ll sneak around when you’re not home, turning the heat up to 75 degrees, leaving you wondering why you’re suddenly sweating while trying to watch TV.

The Dreo Whole Room Heater is our top space heater pick. It’s compact, good-looking, and safe—it won’t tip over or burn your loved one. It swivels side to side and up and down to heat the entire room evenly. The housing stays cool to the touch, and while it’s not silent, it’s quieter than a refrigerator with squeak-free oscillation.

### 3. A Little Fleece Scarf: Skida Fleece Scarflette

When you’re walking or biking somewhere, a full-sized scarf can be a lot to manage, but a tiny scarflette that you can tie is just right.

This hyper-charged bandana can be tied around your neck when cold or over your hair when it’s raining. I’ve also used it to wipe rosin off my violin in a pinch! Skida is an independent, women-owned brand, and its products are made in the USA.

If you’re ever in a mountain town, you’ll spot many women wearing Skida headbands or hats because of their practical cuts and fun prints.

### 4. The Best Upgraded Firepit: Breeo X24 Series Smokeless Fire Pit

As a perpetually cold person, I’m also a raving pyromaniac. Both WIRED reviewer Martin Cizmar and I have a Breeo fire pit.

This 62-pound, aerated, smokeless fire pit has optional attachments to turn it into a grill or pizza oven. Wood burns hot and clean, and it fits full logs without chopping. If your loved one doesn’t want to come inside, this is the perfect outdoor heat source.

### 5. Tiny Hot Cups for Sharing: Yeti 6-oz Stackable Cups

These tiny stackable mugs from Yeti are unbearably cute and dishwasher-friendly. The ceramic lining keeps your Fireball whiskey or hot cocoa tasting just right.

Perfect for slipping into a bag or jacket pocket when you need a quick hot drink on the go. I use them in cold Oregon winters to entice my kids out of bed with hot cocoa.

They don’t come with lids, but the smallest Yeti Magslider lid fits perfectly.

### 6. The Best Sleeping Bag: Rumpl Wrap Sack

If you’re perpetually cold, you probably avoid camping when temperatures drop below freezing. That’s why the Rumpl Wrap Sack is perfect for car camping.

It’s a double-layered sleeping bag that lets you zip under one layer to start, add the second when colder, or unzip to use as a quilt. It’s roomy and comfortable—much better than mummy bags for cold-natured sleepers.

### 7. A Learning Thermostat: Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

Your favorite cold person probably checks the thermostat multiple times a day. Sometimes the thermostat’s location doesn’t warm the room they want—my old one left my bedroom freezing.

The 4th-gen Nest Thermostat includes a temperature sensor you can place anywhere. It adjusts to heat the room you want, learns your schedule, and even suggests changes via its app.

Plus, it looks fantastic on the wall.

### 8. Cozy Flannel Sheets: The Company Store Legends Hotel Velvet Flannel Sheet Set

If you share a bed with a perpetually cold person, consider cozy flannel sheets.

Crisp cotton is nice for summer, but winter calls for snuggling into fluffed-out flannel fibers. Bonus points if you add a hot water bottle at the foot of the bed to warm those toes faster.

### 9. The Best Sweater: Finisterre RNLI Polperro Jumper

Cold people probably have a sweater addiction. This fisherman’s sweater is warm enough to withstand heavy activity while remaining easy to layer.

Made from an 80% wool and 20% recycled polyamide blend, it retains heat and supports sustainable practices like transport by land and sea.

Perfect as a midlayer for camping or everyday wear.

### 10. A Backyard Hot Tub: Intex PureSpa Bubble Massage Inflatable Hot Tub

Some winter days the cold sinks into your bones, and nothing beats hot water—internally in tea or externally in a hot tub.

While communal hot tubs work, having one in your backyard is a dream. Though it requires maintenance and costs, it’s the ultimate gift for staying warm and relaxed through cold months.

### 11. The Best Tea Brewer Mug: The Tea Spot Mountain Tea Tumbler

Nothing keeps you warmer than boiling hot water in a thermos.

This insulated, double-walled mug has a built-in tea basket, so you can steep tea anywhere. I make tea before hikes and warm up with it hours later in the car.

It has a sipping lid but sometimes is so hot you need to remove it. Pair it with some tea for a thoughtful gift.

### 12. Books About Being Cold: *In the Kingdom of Ice* by Hampton Sides

Cold people love being warm and reading about those who endure much worse.

If you like polar expeditions and Siberian tales, this gripping history of the USS Jeannette’s two-year ice entrapment is chilling—in the best way.

Other favorites include *Owls of the Eastern Ice*, *The Worst Journey in the World*, and *Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube.*

### 13. A Heated Vest: ActionHeat 5V Heated Vest

ActionHeat offers a slim, unobtrusive heated vest with a battery that lasts about four hours and three heat settings.

Great for layering under a jacket when you need extra warmth but don’t want bulky layers.

Note: Chargers use micro USB, which feels outdated, but the vest’s performance makes up for it.

### 14. The Best Gloves: North Face Etip Recycled Glove

Cold people always need more gloves. The North Face Etips fit perfectly, are touchscreen-compatible, and thin enough to handle keys or zippers easily.

For rainy weather, Showers Pass knit gloves have waterproof membranes to keep hands dry.

### 15. The Best Insulated Pants: Wild Rye Payette Pant

Many cold folks have plenty of warm tops but lack insulated pants.

Wild Rye Payette Pants are made from recycled polyester, insulated with Primaloft, and have a comfortable, relaxed fit with elastic waist and adjustable cuffs.

If you prefer more tailored options, check out Snow Peak’s insulated pants or Eddie Bauer’s fleece-lined jeans.

### 16. A Big Old Puffer: Fjällräven Expedition Down Lite Jacket

For the coldest days, nothing beats your biggest jacket.

This Fjällräven parka is an updated 1974 design with synthetic fill to protect goose down, a large hood, and durable, recycled materials with a PFAS-free DWR finish.

Huge pockets keep your hands and accessories warm.

Gift this, and your loved one will never be cold again.

Power up with unlimited access to WIRED for best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore.

*Stay warm and cozy this season with these thoughtful gifts perfect for anyone who’s perpetually cold!*
https://www.wired.com/gallery/gift-ideas-for-people-who-are-perpetually-cold-2025/

Bills Coach Sean McDermott Hints at Looming Changes for James Cook

The Buffalo Bills struggled to move the ball in last week’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons, scoring just one second-half touchdown despite some improved efforts from their defense. The team faced scrutiny after the game for their usage of running back James Cook, who was on the field for a little more than half of the offensive snaps despite being one of the most effective players.

### Bills Failed to Utilize James Cook

Throughout the season, the Bills have regularly taken Cook off the field on third downs, opting to insert backup Ty Johnson for his stronger blocking ability. This approach continued against the Falcons, with Cook participating in just over 50% of the offensive snaps.

Longtime Bills reporter and WGR 500 host Howard Simon was critical of the team’s decision post-game. “James Cook snap count last night was 52.6%. His 2nd lowest of the season,” Simon wrote on X. “Lowest was in the blowout win over the Jets. As per ESPN, Cook was not on the field for any of the Bills’ 9 plays on 3rd down or their 1 play on 4th down. That’s inexcusable.”

### Coaching Staff Responds

Head coach Sean McDermott has already addressed the issue. Speaking to reporters this week, he revealed that he has discussed Cook’s usage with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, emphasizing the importance of getting more out of their top running back moving forward.

“Joe and I have already talked about that to some extent today. It’s important to keep that in mind going forward,” McDermott said.

McDermott also touched on a specific late-game decision when the Bills called an end-around to wide receiver Elijah Moore on a failed third-and-one situation. While he didn’t openly criticize the play call itself, McDermott stressed the need for better execution: “Whatever play we call, we have to execute it at a higher level.”

Despite these challenges, Cook still managed 17 carries for 87 yards in Monday’s loss. However, his role in the passing game has diminished. He is currently averaging just 2.0 receptions for 14.8 receiving yards per game—the lowest since his rookie season when he split snaps with running backs Devin Singletary and Zack Moss.

### Bills Could Add Help at Trade Deadline

The Bills have now dropped two straight games, falling into a tie with the New England Patriots atop the AFC East. Currently, the Patriots hold the tiebreaker, raising the stakes for Buffalo as the season progresses.

After offensive struggles in recent weeks, some insiders suggest the Bills could look to bolster their roster before the upcoming NFL trade deadline. Sal Maiorana of the Democrat and Chronicle pointed to Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers as a potential target but also emphasized the possibility of elevating Gabe Davis from the practice squad.

“In his four seasons with the Bills, Davis averaged 16.7 yards per reception and caught 27 touchdown passes,” Maiorana wrote. “The now-injured Joshua Palmer is averaging 16.7 yards, but it’s on just 14 catches, one of which was a 45-yarder Monday. Among the receivers who get the lion’s share of the snaps, Shakir is 10.7 yards per catch, Coleman 9.9.”

As the Bills look to regain their offensive spark, increased involvement from players like James Cook and potential roster upgrades could be key to turning their season around.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/buffalo-bills/bills-sean-mcdermott-hints-changes-james-cook/

Jorgen Vik: Don’t shutdown your investments because DC shut down the government

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**About Jorgen Vik**
Jorgen Vik is a financial advice columnist for *The Daily Progress*. He is a certified financial planner and partner with SKV Group LLC. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network. Please note, SKV Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.

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https://dailyprogress.com/opinion/column/article_a371f739-4041-4463-804f-a3d721c9bbe5.html

Anonymous Source Gives New Contract Update for Cowboys’ George Pickens

The Dallas Cowboys are facing an unexpected situation with George Pickens delivering excellent football this season. When the Cowboys traded for Pickens, their hope was that he would be an above-average player similar to his first three years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the University of Georgia product has been better than ever, showcasing his big-time threat ability on the field.

Pickens is currently averaging 16.4 yards per catch and has already scored six touchdowns— the most in his four-year career. He has amassed 525 yards on just 32 receptions, highlighting just how impactful he has been for Dallas.

### Upcoming Contract Considerations

With an important contract situation on the horizon, speculations about how much Pickens could command in free agency are increasing. According to an anonymous source cited by Yahoo! Sports, Pickens could potentially land a contract similar to what Tee Higgins recently signed. Higgins agreed to a four-year, $115 million extension with the Cincinnati Bengals.

“That [Pickens acquisition in May] has really worked, but they need to push it now,” the source said. “It’s going to be hard to pay Pickens what he’ll command in [free agency]. Even if you set aside the personality risks, [the Cowboys] would be so top heavy on offense if they paid him. It becomes the Bengals. That got one-dimensional really fast. I think the Pickens’ [negotiation] starts at the Tee Higgins extension, too. I’m sure there’s an impulse to [maximize] Pickens while they have him for this run and then tackle the contract bridge at the [NFL scouting] combine [in February].”

### Should the Cowboys Pay George Pickens?

Given that the Cowboys already have star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb locked up, giving another receiver a huge payday might not be something owner Jerry Jones wants to do. However, Jones has acknowledged that Pickens’ outstanding performance and positive influence on the team makes it a consideration that cannot be ignored.

“As you know, that [extension] even has a competition to it and the very aspect of it,” Jones told reporters this week. “He is doing more than we did expect or that we could’ve expected. And what’s really special is that he’s a real plus to have around the team. He’s a real plus around his teammates. He’s a great plus around those coaches, and those coaches really think highly of him.”

If Jones truly believes in Pickens’ value, it’s possible the Cowboys could explore creative contract solutions that work for both sides.

### Could the Cowboys Trade George Pickens?

The idea of trading Pickens has also come up amid these contract discussions, with some analysts suggesting the Cowboys might get a decent draft pick in return if they move on now. Most recently, sports writer Mike Florio noted that the Cowboys could benefit by trading Pickens, especially if they want to manage cap space.

However, if Dallas remains in playoff contention, it would make little sense to part ways with a player performing as well as Pickens has to start the year.

### Conclusion

George Pickens has quickly become a key offensive weapon for the Dallas Cowboys, and his upcoming contract negotiations will be an important storyline to watch. Whether the team decides to pay him, trade him, or find a creative solution remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: Pickens is making a big impact on the field and in the locker room.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/george-pickens-contract-update/

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