The Knee Jerks Podcast - September 8, 2026

Detroit sports podcasters Greg Eno, Big Al Beaton, and Nick Milanovich are The Knee Jerks!

Greg, Nick, and Big Al have returned from summer hiatus. During our absence, there's been plenty happening in the Detroit sports scene. 

Topics discussed include:

The Detroit Red Wings owner Chris Ilitch either fired GM Steve Yzerman, promoted him into an advisory role, or Yzerman stepped down. No one knows, as no one is talking.

With less than two weeks before training camp, the franchise has no GM. Reportedly, Assistant GM Steve Horcoff is running day-to-day operations.

The Wings' GM search has been the most locked down in memory. Other than an announcement the team hired a search firm, and Detroit Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg (former Associate GM of the Blackhawks) removing his name from consideration, any candidates mentioned have been pure media speculation.

Did the University of Michigan hire Grandpa RichRod? After a VERY ugly and controversial miracle week one win over WMU, the jury is out on Kyle Whittingham's fit in the Wolverines' program.

Meanwhile, $12M sophomore Bryce Underwood looked as if he regressed after an underwhelming freshman season.

The Detroit Lions kickoff their season Sunday against the Saints. If the sign of a good team is the fanbase loudly arguing over bench players - in this case cutting 4/5 WR PR Greg Dortch and who will be the RB2 in place of injured Isiah Pacheco, then the Lions should be a good team.

The Lions made Gibbs the highest paid RB in NFL history with a 3-year, $67.5 M contract extension.

Branch and fellow S Kerby Joseph will start the season on the PUP list. Though the most worrisome injury is C Cade Mays, who is expected to be out half the season with a hand issue.

The Detroit Tigers traded Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize at the deadline for prospects. They proceeded to make a run, actually sitting in the third Wild Card spot for a day or so...then the wheels feel off.

Weird stat of the season - The Tigers have the third best run differential in the AL at +51. Yet they are playing out the string with a 56-68 W/L record despite their Pythagorean W/L record of 78-66.

The Detroit Pistons and C Jalen Duren remain at loggerheads in regard to a new contract. There are rumors of an agreement of a $40M AAV deal is coming, but it has not been confirmed.

 As always, we play Greg's Birthday game and name our respective Jerk of the Week!

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