News Briefs: Sports Injuries, College Basketball, and Entertainment Updates

In college basketball, No. 15 Kansas will be missing veteran guard Melvin Council Jr. for the Champions Classic matchup against No. 24 Kentucky, and potentially for the remainder of the nonconference schedule. Coach Bill Self announced that Council broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during practice on Monday and is scheduled to undergo surgery within the next couple of days. The team expects a full recovery, with hopes that he will return around the start of the conference season in January.

Council secured eligibility for another season following the NCAA's implementation of the five-for-five eligibility model. As the Big 12 Conference newcomer of the year last season, he averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds, helping the Jayhawks advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Coach Self noted that the program has depth to manage his absence, relying on five-star prospect Taylen Kinney and Toledo transfer Leroy Blyden Jr. to shoulder additional responsibilities.

In professional football, the Pittsburgh Steelers received updates regarding injured wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Head coach Mike McCarthy stated that both players are getting close to returning to the field, though it remains uncertain whether they will play in the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Pittman and Harmon have been sidelined since the team's Week 4 game against the Cleveland Browns. Pittman initially dealt with plantar fasciitis before developing a new, unrelated injury that requires careful management.

Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars face potential interest surrounding wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. ahead of the trade deadline. ESPN analyst Dan Graziano reported that as many as eight teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers, could be seeking wide receiver assistance. Although the Jaguars have stated they do not intend to trade Thomas, high-stakes trade deadlines and aggressive markets often shift organizational stances if compelling offers arise.

In entertainment and family news, teenagers and automotive enthusiasts are making headlines. Rocky Prinze, the 14-year-old son of Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr., recently drove a Porsche for the first time. The teenager, who has previously expressed aspirations of pursuing a career in Formula 1 racing and transitioning from go-karts to sports cars, posted photos of himself behind the wheel of a gray 911 on social media.

Finally, in railway developments, Central Japan Railway Company has announced a special photography tour scheduled for December 19 featuring its new 385 series mass-production prototype train. The event will take place at the Shinjoryo Rolling Stock Depot, offering participants a rare opportunity to view the 385 series alongside the 383 series train currently used for the Shinano limited express service. Tickets for the two-part tour are set to go on sale through reserved travel services.