Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin is facing a distressing situation after having his three Stanley Cup championship rings stolen during a break-in at his home, as reported by local news outlets.

The burglary occurred when Malkin's residence was reportedly unprotected due to a malfunctioning alarm system and security cameras, leaving the star athlete vulnerable. The incident was reported shortly after the Penguins' home game against the Ottawa Senators, but the exact timing of the theft remains unclear.

This incident adds Malkin to a troubling list of professional athletes targeted for home burglaries, particularly during their absence for games. Notable athletes such as Luka Doncic, Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce have also experienced similar violations, highlighting a disturbing trend of theft targeting athletes.

The NFL's 2024 regular season is approaching its conclusion with Week 18, providing players one final opportunity to achieve contract incentives. Many players are within reach of bonuses that not only add to their earnings but could also influence betting markets. Some teams, like the Philadelphia Eagles, may choose to rest key players ahead of the playoffs. Nonetheless, notable players like Saquon Barkley have already secured significant bonuses, including a $500,000 reward for surpassing 2,000 scrimmage yards.

Several players across the league are targeting specific milestones this week. For instance, Arizona Cardinals' Kyler Murray is just 50 rushing yards and one touchdown away from a $750,000 salary increase. Others, such as Baltimore Ravens' Kyle Van Noy and Buffalo Bills' Von Miller, are also close to lucrative bonuses. The stakes are high as players aim to maximize their earnings before the season ends.

The NFL's final week of the 2024 regular season is here, presenting players with one last chance to secure contract incentives. Week 18 is critical for many athletes as they strive to meet specific benchmarks that could enhance their earnings before the playoffs. Notably, some teams, like the Philadelphia Eagles, may opt to rest their key players, potentially affecting individual performance records and bonuses.

Among the players with significant incentives are Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who needs 50 rushing yards and one touchdown for a $750,000 salary increase. In Baltimore, linebacker Kyle Van Noy is just half a sack away from an additional $250,000. The Buffalo Bills' Von Miller aims for a $1.5 million bonus with one more sack, while tight end Dawson Knox is close to a $200,000 jump in salary with eight catches and 89 receiving yards.

The Dallas Cowboys triumphed over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 26-24 victory in a Week 16 showdown at AT&T Stadium. Despite being out of playoff contention, the Cowboys showcased a strong performance across all units, marking their fourth win in five games.

Brandon Aubrey made headlines with his record-breaking 14th field goal from 50+ yards, while Cooper Rush connected effectively with his receivers, including a touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert. The defense also shined, with multiple sacks and a crucial interception by Jourdan Lewis, sealing the win for Dallas.

The Dallas Cowboys have demonstrated resilience this season, boasting a perfect 3-0 record when playing on short rest. They secured victories against the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders, showcasing their adaptability to tight schedules.

Quarterback Cooper Rush expressed confidence in their ability to handle these challenges, highlighting their experience with late-night games. Coach Mike McCarthy has tailored practices to maximize preparation during these condensed weeks.

Defensive tackle Linval Joseph is set to reach a milestone, playing in his 200th career game, joining an elite group of active defensive linemen.