Sports News: Lamar Jackson new MVP favorite as Brock Purdy plummets; Ratcliffe could be forced to divest ManU stake under some conditions and more

Walker will back up Joe Flacco on Thursday as the Browns (10-5) bid for their fourth consecutive victory. NFL-Jackson leaps to top of the MVP race with win over Purdy, 49ers Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson has overtaken San Francisco's Brock Purdy in the MVP race after leading the Ravens to a dominant 33-19 road win against the 49ers on Christmas.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Lamar Jackson new MVP favorite as Brock Purdy plummets

The NFL's Most Valuable Player race took the primetime stage on Christmas night, and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson put together a performance that vaulted the 2019 award winner into the driver's seat. Jackson passed for 252 yards with a pair of touchdowns and also led the Ravens with 45 rushing yards in leading Baltimore to a 33-19 victory at San Francisco. Meanwhile, previous MVP favorite Brock Purdy suffered the worst outing of his young career, throwing four interceptions.

Ratcliffe could be forced to divest ManU stake under some conditions

Manchester United said it could coerce Jim Ratcliffe under certain circumstances to divest his ownership in the British soccer club at least 18 months after the billionaire closes his acquisition of a 25% stake in the company. It made the disclosure in a regulatory filing on Tuesday, but did not specify the circumstances.

Guardians acquire OF Estevan Florial from Yankees

The Cleveland Guardians acquired outfielder Estevan Florial from the New York Yankees on Tuesday in exchange for right-hander Cody Morris. Florial, 26, played in 19 games for the Yankees in 2023 and batted .230 with three doubles and eight RBIs.

Clemson streaks into Gator Bowl clash with Kentucky

Clemson is accustomed to playing on big stages, but falling short of double-digit victories for the first time since 2010 has ramifications. The No. 22 Tigers weren't in the College Football Playoff mix nor were they a candidate for one of the major bowls, yet they do get the opportunity to finish the season with a fifth consecutive victory when they battle Kentucky in the Gator Bowl on Friday in Jacksonville, Fla.

Browns place QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson on IR

The Cleveland Browns placed rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on injured reserve Tuesday and ruled out kicker Dustin Hopkins for Thursday's game against the visiting New York Jets. PJ Walker was signed to the active roster to replace Thompson-Robinson, who is nursing a hip injury. Walker will back up Joe Flacco on Thursday as the Browns (10-5) bid for their fourth consecutive victory.

NFL-Jackson leaps to top of the MVP race with win over Purdy, 49ers

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson has overtaken San Francisco's Brock Purdy in the MVP race after leading the Ravens to a dominant 33-19 road win against the 49ers on Christmas. Entering into the potential Super Bowl preview between the AFC and NFC's best teams, Purdy boasted the best passer rating in the league thanks in part to his ability to avoid big mistakes.

Report: Jays close to re-signing OF Kevin Kiermaier

The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly are close to re-signing free agent center fielder Kevin Kiermaier. MLB Network said the two sides are nearing agreement on a one-year, $10 million deal.

Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle dealing with ankle injury

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Jaylen Waddle is nursing a high-ankle injury, leaving the wide receiver's availability in jeopardy for Sunday's high-profile showdown against the host Baltimore Ravens. Waddle appeared to sustain the injury during the third quarter of Miami's 22-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. He had one catch for 50 yards for the Dolphins (11-4), who have won five of their last six games.

Season over for Cardinals DL Jonathan Ledbetter (knee)

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter will miss the final two games of the season with a knee injury. Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed the status of Ledbetter on Tuesday.

NBA-Morant named Player of the Week in return from suspension

Memphis guard Ja Morant was named Western Conference Player of the Week by the NBA on Tuesday after returning from a 25-game suspension to lead the Grizzlies to three straight wins.

Morant's first game of the season came against the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 19, where the 24-year-old scored 34 points including a game-winning floater at the buzzer to complete a 24-point comeback.