As ESPN continues to tweak and adjust its talent lineup ahead of the 2026 NFL season, two sideline reporters as apparently out of their respective roles.
According to Sports Media Watch, Peter Schrager and Katie George will no longer be working as sideline reporters for ESPN's No. 2 NFL broadcast team. They are reportedly being replaced by Molly McGrath, who is reportedly switching over from college football to the NFL
Sports Media Watch noted that Schrager might still do occasional sideline work, while George might wind up taking McGrath's now-vacant role on in ESPN college football games.
The Future of ESPN's No. 2 NFL Team
For a while, the ESPN No. 2 NFL broadcast team consisted of Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick. But a series of recent changes suggests that the team is going to be significantly altered.
ESPN's extension for longtime Arizona Cardinals radio voice Dave Pasch will likely see him replace Fowler on play-by-play. Riddick might stay in the booth, but ESPN could cycle in one of either Jason Kelce, Kurt Warner or another of their recently-added NFL Network talents to fill in for Orlovsky.
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ESPN's acquisition of NFL Network marked one of the biggest media deals in sports broadcasting history. As part of a broad strategic partnership between Disney and the NFL finalized in 2026, ESPN assumed control of NFL Network, NFL RedZone distribution, NFL Fantasy, and several NFL Media assets, while the league received a 10% equity stake in ESPN.
The acquisition has reshaped the sports media landscape by consolidating two of football's most influential brands. But the merger also resulted in significant restructuring, including some recent layoffs at ESPN and NFL Media.
The 2026-27 NFL season will be by far the biggest in ESPN's history as the network is primed to broadcast its first-ever Super Bowl.
