Prediction: Osgood over Lloyd for roster spot

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Special teams ace Kassim Osgood appears to have earned a spot on the roster. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-49ers-It-Appears-Osgood-is-in-Lloyd-is-Out-273186841.html

Denarius Moore appears to have won a job

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With a solid game Thursday night and a strong training camp, receiver Denarius Moore appears to have won a job with Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Moore-Has-Earned-a-Spot-273183051.html

Will Carr's big night earn Raiders' QB job?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie QB Derek Carr is terrific in long audition vs. Seahawks, leading four TD drives, and may have earned the starting job for season opener. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Carr-Puts-on-a-Show-273141501.html

Niners' B Team tops Texans' B Team

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With very few starters playing for either side, rookies and free agents for the 49ers beat Houston in the final exhibition game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/No-Pain-Means-a-Gain-for-49ers-in-Summer-Finale-273130341.html

Grand Canyon will begin interim permit process for some rim-to-rim runners and hikers while master plan is completed

The Grand Canyon has become so popular with ultra runners doing rim-to-rim and rim-to-rim-to-rim runs, and long-distance hikers, that the National Park Service will institute an interim regulation process in September for the first time. The process will coincide with public comment on a new backcountry management plan. My story for ESPN.com Endurance Sports: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/

Winston grateful for opportunity with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Glenn Winston, signed late in training camp, had a big day vs. Chargers yet still faces long odds to make the opening-game roster. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Winston-Relishing-Chance-With-49ers-272886641.html

Carrie, Thorpe competing for final Raiders CB job

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With D.J. Hayden lost to injury, rookie T.J. Carrie and former Canadian Football Leaguer Neiko Thorpe are dueling for the final cornerback job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrie-Thorpe-Battling-for-No-3-Cornerback-Spot-272885501.html

Wilhoite shows he's primed to step in for Bowman

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The coaches haven't announced yet that Michael Wilhoite will start the season as NaVorro Bowman's replacement, but it's obvious he'll be the starter. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Wilhoite-Appears-Ready-to-Step-in-For-Bowman-272722561.html

Derek Carr eager for start vs. Seahawks

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Matt Schaub nursing a sore elbow, rookie QB Derek Carr will start final exhibition vs. Seattle. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Eager-for-Playing-Time-vs-Seahawks-272717661.html

San Diego newscaster Loren Nancarrow is gone, yet not forgotten by his many viewers, fans and friends

Loren Nancarrow died of brain cancer last December, yet still was voted best local newscaster in a reader poll by U-T San Diego this month. Why did so many San Diegans feel a connection to him? There were many reasons. My story for U-T San Diego: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/aug/24/tp-newscaster-leaves-impression-on-san-diego/

Paralympic rower KateLynne Steinke is proving to be a quick study

KateLynne Steinke grew up on Cape Cod, yet hated watersports. But in March, she gave a ride to a friend to a Paralympic tryout, took her shot on the rowing machine -- and discovered she registered at an elite level. Now Steinke, who lost a leg because of a motor vehicle accident and became paralyzed because of an infection, is rowing in the world championships for Team USA. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/us-paralympics/features/2014/august/25/katelynne-steinke-is-a-natural-with-an-oar

Where is the 49ers' offense?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers' first team offense has been largely missing in three exhibition games this summer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Offense-Still-Missing-in-Action-272577531.html

Jones-Drew looks renewed for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Maurice Jones-Drew, as he showed vs. the Packers, is revitalized with new team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Jones-Drew-Looks-Renewed-272572811.html

In 3rd exhibition, 49ers have some bright spots

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In their third exhibition, a win over the Chargers, 49ers' rookies and backup QB Blaine Gabbert take some big steps forward. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Have-Some-Bright-Spots-in-Victory-Over-Chargers-272503551.html

Raiders' QB Schaub is again shaky

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his third exhibition game, Raiders quarterback Matt Schaub turns in another low-quality start. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Schaub-Again-Shaky-in-Raiders-Loss-272389251.html

Can Osgood win numbers game in 49ers camp?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kassim Osgood is a difference-maker on special teams, but can he make the 49ers' roster with six wideouts seeming to be locks? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Osgood-Facing-a-Numbers-Game-With-49ers-272296191.html

Inspired by her patient with locked-in syndrome, Chicago nurse -- who could hardly walk up stairs -- has become a short-distance (and very slow) triathlete

Mary Jo Harte was, by her own account, too fat. She weighed 275 pounds and couldn't get up the stairs at her home after a day of work. But when the longtime nurse began taking care of Patrick Stein, a former athlete who'd been totally paralyzed with locked-in syndrome, her life changed. Inspired by Stein's humor and resolve, she decided to change her life. She's about to complete her third triathon, and the relationship the two have has enriched both their lives. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/11377667/endurance-sports-triathlons-part-nurse-patient-bond-mary-jo-harte-patrick-stein

Raiders' Carrie, Moore battling to win punt-return job

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders' punt return team was one of the worst in 2013, but rookie T.J. Carrie and Denarius Moore are battling to make it much better in 2014.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carrie-Moore-Giving-Raiders-Some-Nice-Returns-272158051.html

Kaepernick remains confident in 49ers offense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Colin Kaepernick says Niners offense will be fine; fans don't need to worry. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-49ers-Offense-Hoping-to-Find-Rhythm-272006841.html

Despite numerous moves, Raiders have skeptics

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The talent on the Raiders' roster is better, but does that mean a turnaround for the Oakland Raiders. Some say no. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Skeptics-Remain-About-Raiders-in-2014-272003921.html

Acker has worked his way into secondary mix

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie corner Kenneth Acker has come on strong lately. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Rookie-Acker-May-Have-Turned-the-Corner-271858071.html

Raiders' Mack has been largely quiet in games

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Where is that dynamic Khalil Mack all the Raiders say they've seen in practice? Through two preseason games, he's been quiet. But maybe that's the plan?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/So-Far-Raiders-Mack-Has-Been-Quiet-271851001.html

So far, Gabbert is bombing with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Blaine Gabbert continues to play poorly, will the 49ers eat his sizable contract? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gabbert-Looking-Like-a-Bad-Investment-271691541.html

Butler hoping to be a man for all seasons

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: So far, Brice Butler has shown he's top-notch in the summer. But what about fall and winter? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Butler-Showing-Hes-a-Catch-271685421.html

Carr's fine night marred by late-game injury

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr has terrific performance in exhibition vs. Lions, but then suffers injury late in the game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Carrs-Big-Night-May-Shake-Up-Raiders-Plans-271487781.html

Ward eager for matchup against Broncos offense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie defensive back Jimmie Ward looking forward to matchup against Peyton Manning and Wes Welker in exhibition game with Denver. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ward-Eager-for-Next-Test-Sunday-vs-Broncos-271394001.html

Aldon Smith looks great ... but he'll soon be gone

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Aldon Smith is showing this summer he may be better than ever. But he faces a suspension and the team must figure out how to fill his spot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-to-Replace-Aldon-Smith-With-Platoon-271248031.html

Kasa injury depletes Raiders' TE corps

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After injuries to Nick Kasa and David Ausberry, the Raiders are woefully thin at tight end. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Will-Seek-Help-at-Tight-End-271242941.html

Watson excited about new starting role

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: He's healthy, he's happy and he's eager: Menelik Watson is ready to be the starting right tackle in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Watson-Excited-for-Big-Role-in-2014-271081971.html

Kaepernick, secondary underrated in latest evaluations

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The latest evaluations by Pro Football Focus are strong on the 49ers, but list Colin Kaepernick and the secondary as weaknesses. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Analysts-See-49ers-as-Strong-but-Kaepernick-and-Secondary-May-be-Underrated-271089661.html

Countdown to the 2016 Games: A look at the two new sports (and their stars) for Rio de Janeiro, rugby sevens and golf

The Olympic lineup constantly changes, and in 2016 at Rio, two new sports will make their return to the Games, rugby (in sevens) and golf, which were part of the Olympics early in the 20th century. And with those sports come several amazing athletes. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/news/2014/august/13/ready-for-rio-the-newcomers

Carlos Hyde looks like big-time talent for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers' rookie running back Carlos Hyde impressed everyone in his first exhibition game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hyde-Already-Looks-Like-a-Major-Contributor-in-2104-270908861.html

McGloin shines in opener, but knows he's Raiders' Plan C

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Matt McGloin has been relegated to No. 3 on the Oakland depth chart, but as his performance vs. the Vikings in the exhibition opener showed, he's still going to give it his best shot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McGloin-Taking-Advantage-of-Opportunities-270904351.html

It's a birthday tradition: Every year since he was 12, Dave McGillivray has run as many miles as his years; now, he's up to 60.

When Dave McGillivray turned 12, he ran 12 miles almost accidentally to celebrate his birthday. Now, 48 years later, he just ran 60 to celebrate his 60th. Now the race director for the Boston Marathon, McGillivray isn't sure how long he can keep it up, but he shows no signs of stopping. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/11339792/endurance-sports-boston-marathon-race-director-dave-mcgillivray-keeping-birthday-runs-alive-age-60

Hey, 49ers: You need Alex Boone

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: One thing is certain after 49ers' first exhibition game: Joe Looney is no Alex Boone. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Its-Obvious-the-49ers-Need-Boone-270761971.html

McFadden's debut provides reason for optimism

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Darren McFadden carried the ball just once in exhibition opener, but it was for 23 yards. And his running back mates also shined, meaning the team's faith in its running game in 2014 may be well-placed. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/In-Brief-Appearance-Raiders-McFadden-Looks-Good-270758001.html

Moore one of few bright spots in Raiders opener

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Denarius Moore shows he intends to fight for roster spot in opening exhibition game loss to Vikings. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Open-Flat-But-Moore-Shows-Some-Spark-270560681.html

Dial shows he can be a beast at nose tackle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quinton Dial had 10 tackles and two forced fumbles in his first game audition to win the starting nose tackle job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Appear-Dialed-in-at-Nose-Tackle-270473571.html

Gabbert's debut is an ugly one vs. Ravens

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers hoped to upgrade at backup QB with Blaine Gabbert, but he looked anything but good in horrible outing vs. Baltimore. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-2014-Preason-Niners-Gabbert-Have-Ugly-Debut-270423801.html

Mack ready for debut on NFL stage

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Khalil Mack, who's wowed everybody in training camp, makes his NFL game debut Friday night vs. the Vikings. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Mack-Ready-for-his-Opening-Act-270326691.html

49ers' Ward makes his pro debut Thursday

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners' rookie safety-cornerback Jimmie Ward, who's had a terrific camp, makes his pro game debut Thursday vs. the Ravens. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Jimmie-Ward-Will-Make-Professional-Debut-Thursday-270170951.html

Will Denarius Moore ever show consistency?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Denarius Moore has sometimes been spectacular for the Raiders, but he may be on his way out in Oakland if he can't demonstrate consistency. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hoping-for-More-of-Moore-270166861.html

Bethea taking leadership role in 49ers secondary

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After eight seasons in Indianapolis, quiet and steady safety Antoine Bethea is taking a leadership role in the Niners' secondary. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Veteran-Bethea-Helping-49ers-Secondary-Come-Together-269998451.html

Raiders' Barnes not ready to relinquish job

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran lineman Khalif Barnes was thought to be on his way out as a starter in Oakland, but after two weeks of training camp he's holding off all comers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Barnes-Has-Something-to-Say-269992201.html

Paralympic swimmer Ian Silverman ready to take on new challenges at USC

Paralympic swimming medalist Ian Silverman will become one of the few to swim in a Div. I NCAA program, beginning this fall at USC. He's eager for the new challenge. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/us-paralympics/features/2014/august/04/ian-silvermans-journey-west-starts-with-pan-pacs

Will early injury bug spoil 49ers' season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Glenn Dorsey and Kendall Hunter already are lost for the season, NaVorro Bowman is out and other injuries are mounting for the 49ers. Can they weather the storm? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Are-Limping-Toward-Exhibition-Opener-269838371.html

Carr's accuracy, development wowing Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders have tinkered with Derek Carr's footwork, and now see an even better and more accurate passer than the one the drafted in May. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/So-Far-Carrs-Getting-Passing-Grades-269832461.html

Two-day hike into depths of the Grand Canyon reveals beauty that 99 percent of visitors never see

For decades, I'd thought about hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Finally, with birthday No. 60 approaching in 2015, I thought it was now or never. The 18.5-mile trek was even better than I'd imagined. Over two days, my buddy Chris and I trekked trails alongside breath-taking drop-offs and vistas, saw running creeks and wildlife, ruins of ancient villages and were challenged by near-vertical ascents and descents. The story of a wonderful two days for U-T San Diego's Travel section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/aug/01/grand-canyon-hike-arizona-foot-trails/

Lloyd could prove to be quite a catch

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Only the 49ers were interested in signing Brandon Lloyd this offseason. Other teams may regret showing no interest. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/After-a-Year-Off-49ers-Lloyd-Looks-Solid-269545131.html

Ausberry may finally get his shot with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Finally, the time may be right for tight end David Ausberry. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/A-Healthy-Ausberry-is-Finally-Getting-His-Chance-269543141.html