Latest news with #EDGE
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Top 10 injury news of the Lions 2024 season - #1: Aidan Hutchinson
The most critical injury to the Lions season - and the #1 injury story of 2024 - occurred on October 13, during the 47-9 blowout win over the Cowboys. During this otherwise festive game for Lions fans, disaster struck in the third quarter when Aidan Hutchinson fractured his tibia and fibula. Repercussions were felt the rest of the season culminating in the playoff loss. LEFT TIBIA/FIBULA FRACTURE VIDEO - October 13, 2024 IMPACT ON 2024 SEASON This was the top injury news of the season because of the devastating impact to the team. Behind Jared Goff, Hutchinson was likely the second-most critical player on the entire team due to his positional value, elite performance, and irreplaceability. Pass rush was already a major concern entering the season even with Hutchinson healthy. It got worse in Week 3 when two front-seven starters - Marcus Davenport, EDGE and Derrick Barnes, LB - had season-ending injuries. When Hutchinson was hurt in Week 6, the situation looked dire. With the defensive line struggling to generate a pass rush, the Lions responded by trading for Za'Darius Smith in Week 10. No one was able to come close to replacing Hutchinson's production though. When you look at the final team stats, Hutchinson still finished with the team lead in sacks despite missing 13 games. Here are the season sack totals: Further season-ending injuries to key defenders McNeil and Carlton Davis (both in Week 15) compounded the loss of Hutchinson. Credit to the rest of the team for losing only one more regular season game following Hutchinson's injury - finishing with a 15-2 record and the #1 seed. However, the lack of pass rush caught up to the team in the 45-31 playoff loss to the Commanders. The defense did not register a single sack and only forced one punt all game. SPECULATION ON SUPER BOWL RETURN The big, recurring question after the injury was whether Hutchinson might return for the Super Bowl. Typically, a tib/fib fracture carries a 6+ month timeline, so a Super Bowl return at the 4-month mark would have been aggressive. However, the Super Bowl is not a normal game, and there are many examples of players who have returned extremely early in recovery to play in that game - Terrell Owens (ankle fracture) 2005, Thomas Davis (forearm fracture) 2016, and Brandon Graham (triceps) 2025. The Super Bowl speculation was started in the days after the injury by sources close to Hutchinson, who stated an early return was a possibility due to the uncomplicated nature of the injury. Dan Campbell, in the first week after the injury, also offered an anticipated 4-6 month timeline. In December, Hutchinson himself fueled the speculation by saying he was "on track" to play in the Super Bowl. While he would not have been close to full strength for the big game, a limited return would still have provided an emotional boost to the team and fanbase. Unfortunately, the Lions did not make it that far to see if the inspirational return might happen. INJURY OUTLOOK The outlook for Hutchinson's recovery is very good, as the injury spared his joints and there were no signs of any complications. But there are still some hurdles to overcome. Residual effects of the injury, or discomfort with the metal hardware are possible. The other hurdle is a mental one, which could include a tweak to his technique. Does Hutchinson need to adjust his technique to avoid a recurrence? Hutchinson's tib/fib fracture is at least the second time his leg has whipped around in a powerful fashion. The first time was in 2023, when the impact spared Hutchinson, but injured Alim McNeill's MCL. McNeill was placed on IR and missed four weeks. Here are the still frames comparing the two incidents: Whether this leg action is a fluke or something more pervasive would require exhaustive film review - not just of Hutchinson but of other elite edge rushers. The results of this kind of review would help determine if a technique adjustment is warranted. Can he overcome the mental hurdles? If Hutchinson is worried about a recurrence, this could impact his aggressiveness and productivity. If he decides to adjust his technique, this will take time and reps before he's comfortable again. Either way, it may take some time to mentally get back to the level he was playing at prior to injury. EXPECTATIONS GOING FORWARD Hutchinson was deemed a "full" participant at June OTA which signals that he will be ready for the season. This recovery timeline is in-line with typical expectations for a tib/fib fracture. As far as a return to previous level of performance, that remains to be seen. I think the odds are good, and Vegas agrees, as he is currently one of the top 3 consensus betting favorites to win the 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The other favorites are Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett. CONTRACT IMPLICATIONS Hutchinson is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract and is eligible for an extension. His 5th-year option was picked up, but I don't expect the Lions to wait until then to extend him. He will start the 2025 season at a youthful 25 years old and should be in his prime for many more years. Despite his injury, expect him to get the biggest, non-QB contract in the history of the NFL very soon, so he can continue to make these kinds of ridiculous plays in Honolulu Blue....
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Top Alabama football recruiting target, 4-star EDGE sets commitment date
Top Alabama football recruiting target, 4-star EDGE sets commitment date It's down to Alabama and Georgia for Khamari Brooks' commitment. Four-star EDGE and class of 2026 recruit Khamari Brooks has announced when he'll decide on a commitment between Alabama and Georgia. Brooks will make his decision on Monday, June 23, he wrote in a post to social media on Tuesday. The North Oconee High School (Bogart, Ga.) star officially narrowed his list between the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs last week after essentially telling On3 the same at the beginning of April. A prized recruit in the 2026 class, Brooks is the nation's No. 17 EDGE and No. 115 overall prospect (No. 13 in Georgia), according to On3. 247Sports' composite rankings list him as the No. 14 EDGE and No. 112 overall prospect in the class of '26. Alabama's 2026 class is No. 45 nationally in 247Sports' Composite Industry rankings. Kalen DeBoer and staff have just seven recruits from the '26 class. Three of those are from the Peach State, including 4-star EDGE Jamarion Matthews and 3-star EDGE Kamhariyan Johnson. Johnson recently shut down his recruitment. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.
Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
EDGE Signs MoU to Localise Maintenance Capabilities of Thales' Advanced Optronic Systems in the UAE - Middle East Business News and Information
Paris, France/Abu Dhabi, UAE:June 2025 – At the 2025 edition of the Paris Airshow, EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Thales, a global leader in high technology solutions for defence and security, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the production and maintenance of Thales' advanced electro-optic systems. This MoU supports the shared commitment of both parties to strengthen the UAE's sovereign defence capabilities and localise key technologies through sustainable in-country industrial solutions. Under the MoU, EDGE's Electro-Optic Centre of Excellence (EOCE) and Thales will explore the creation of dedicated capabilities in the UAE for a range of Thales' cutting-edge optronic systems currently in operational service with the UAE Armed Forces. The areas of intended cooperation include: Hand-Held Thermal Imagers (HHTI): Maintenance of Thales' field-proven SOPHIE family of thermal imagers, supporting ground forces with superior detection and identification performance. Weapon Sights: Local support for Thales' XTRAIM weapon sights, which combine red dot sighting and thermal imaging in a compact, high-performance solution. Electro-Optic Vehicular Cameras: Maintenance and support for Thales' advanced vehicular optronics systems, designed to enhance crew awareness and targeting capabilities across a range of armoured platforms. The MoU was signed by Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, President of Technology and Innovation at EDGE, Alexis Morel, Vice-President of the Optronics and Missile Electronics activities at Thales, and Abdelhafid Mordi, Chief Executive Officer of Thales in the UAE. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales Group, and Pascale Sourisse, President of Thales International. By leveraging their respective areas of expertise, EDGE's EOCE and Thales aim to increase operational readiness and lifecycle support for advanced defence technologies deployed across the UAE Armed Forces. Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, President of Technology and Innovation at EDGE, said: 'This MoU marks another important step in our journey to strengthen local defence capabilities through industrial partnerships. Together with Thales, EDGE is taking a significant step towards enabling unique and centralised maintenance capabilities for mission-critical electro-optical systems.' Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, said: 'We are proud to deepen our collaboration with EDGE and contribute to the UAE's strategic vision for localised defence readiness. This partnership will ensure sustained performance of our advanced optronics systems across multiple operational domains, and reinforce our shared commitment to bolster the local industrial ecosystem and reinforce the UAE's leadership in the global defence sector'.
Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
EDGE signs agreement to localise maintenance capabilities of Thales' advanced optronic systems
17 June 2025 18:27 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)At the 2025 edition of the Paris Airshow, EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Thales, a global leader in high technology solutions for defence and security, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the production and maintenance of Thales' advanced electro-optic MoU supports the shared commitment of both parties to strengthen the UAE's sovereign defence capabilities and localise key technologies through sustainable in-country industrial the MoU, EDGE's Electro-Optic Centre of Excellence (EOCE) and Thales will explore the creation of dedicated capabilities in the UAE for a range of Thales' cutting-edge optronic systems currently in operational service with the UAE Armed areas of intended cooperation include:• Hand-Held Thermal Imagers (HHTI): Maintenance of Thales' field-proven SOPHIE family of thermal imagers, supporting ground forces with superior detection and identification performance• Weapon Sights: Local support for Thales' XTRAIM weapon sights, which combine red dot sighting and thermal imaging in a compact, high-performance solution• Electro-Optic Vehicular Cameras: Maintenance and support for Thales' advanced vehicular optronics systems, designed to enhance crew awareness and targeting capabilities across a range of armoured platformsThe MoU was signed by Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, President of Technology and Innovation at EDGE, Alexis Morel, Vice-President of the Optronics and Missile Electronics activities at Thales, and Abdelhafid Mordi, Chief Executive Officer of Thales in the signing ceremony was witnessed by Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales Group, and Pascale Sourisse, President of Thales leveraging their respective areas of expertise, EDGE's EOCE and Thales aim to increase operational readiness and lifecycle support for advanced defence technologies deployed across the UAE Armed Chaouki Kasmi said, 'This MoU marks another important step in our journey to strengthen local defence capabilities through industrial partnerships. Together with Thales, EDGE is taking a significant step towards enabling unique and centralised maintenance capabilities for mission-critical electro-optical systems.' Abdelhafid Mordi said, 'We are proud to deepen our collaboration with EDGE and contribute to the UAE's strategic vision for localised defence readiness. This partnership will ensure sustained performance of our advanced optronics systems across multiple operational domains, and reinforce our shared commitment to bolster the local industrial ecosystem and reinforce the UAE's leadership in the global defence sector." Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
EDGE signs MoU to localise maintenance capabilities of Thales' Advanced Optronic Systems in the UAE
Paris, France/ Abu Dhabi, UAE: At the 2025 edition of the Paris Airshow, EDGE, one of the world's leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Thales, a global leader in high technology solutions for defence and security, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the production and maintenance of Thales' advanced electro-optic systems. This MoU supports the shared commitment of both parties to strengthen the UAE's sovereign defence capabilities and localise key technologies through sustainable in-country industrial solutions. Under the MoU, EDGE's Electro-Optic Centre of Excellence (EOCE) and Thales will explore the creation of dedicated capabilities in the UAE for a range of Thales' cutting-edge optronic systems currently in operational service with the UAE Armed Forces. The areas of intended cooperation include: Hand-Held Thermal Imagers (HHTI): Maintenance of Thales' field-proven SOPHIE family of thermal imagers, supporting ground forces with superior detection and identification performance. Weapon Sights: Local support for Thales' XTRAIM weapon sights, which combine red dot sighting and thermal imaging in a compact, high-performance solution. Electro-Optic Vehicular Cameras: Maintenance and support for Thales' advanced vehicular optronics systems, designed to enhance crew awareness and targeting capabilities across a range of armoured platforms. The MoU was signed by Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, President of Technology and Innovation at EDGE, Alexis Morel, Vice-President of the Optronics and Missile Electronics activities at Thales, and Abdelhafid Mordi, Chief Executive Officer of Thales in the UAE. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales Group, and Pascale Sourisse, President of Thales International. By leveraging their respective areas of expertise, EDGE's EOCE and Thales aim to increase operational readiness and lifecycle support for advanced defence technologies deployed across the UAE Armed Forces. Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, President of Technology and Innovation at EDGE, said: 'This MoU marks another important step in our journey to strengthen local defence capabilities through industrial partnerships. Together with Thales, EDGE is taking a significant step towards enabling unique and centralised maintenance capabilities for mission-critical electro-optical systems.' Abdelhafid Mordi, CEO of Thales in the UAE, said: 'We are proud to deepen our collaboration with EDGE and contribute to the UAE's strategic vision for localised defence readiness. This partnership will ensure sustained performance of our advanced optronics systems across multiple operational domains, and reinforce our shared commitment to bolster the local industrial ecosystem and reinforce the UAE's leadership in the global defence sector'. About EDGE Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly-skilled talent to thrive. With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security. For more information, visit For media enquiries, please contact: EDGE Group Press Office media@ About Thales Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion. The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion. Contacts Tarek Solimane Regional Communications and Institutional Affairs Director Dhwani Sanganee Regional External Communications Manager
