Yardbarker

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

EXPERTISE:

NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Premier League, MLS, US Soccer, UFC

NFL personnel address Vikings' potential Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy dilemma

Darnold, who signed a one-year contract during the offseason, has guided the Vikings to a 3-0 record with McCarthy recovering from the complete meniscus repair the rookie needed in August. 

Did Aaron Rodgers take shot at Haason Reddick amid contract standoff?

It appears New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be a bit frustrated with Pro Bowl pass-rusher Haason Reddick as Reddick remains away from the team.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin explains handling of Justin Fields, Russell Wilson situation

Fields guided the Steelers to three straight victories to open the season.

Buccaneers HC seems to disagree with Baker Mayfield about loss to Broncos

The Bucs suffered a bad loss in Week 3, but not everyone around the team agrees on the cause of the disappointing showing.

Jerry Jones discusses if he's to blame for Cowboys' back-to-back losses

Jones serves as both the owner and general manager of the Cowboys and, thus, understandably is receiving quite a bit of criticism among fans after his club suffered back-to-back losses to fall to 1-2 on the season.

Analyst has theory about early-season struggles of Chiefs' Travis Kelce

Kelce hasn't put up the numbers we've grown accustomed to seeing from him across the first few weeks of the new season, and one analyst has a theory as to why.

Analyst thinks Browns 'genuinely' need to make Deshaun Watson decision soon

Following another ugly loss, is it time for the Browns to finally move on from grossly overpaid quarterback Deshaun Watson?

Jets center shares advice for new Aaron Rodgers protector

Jets center Joe Tippmann spoke with reporters on Monday and shared some advice for the first-year pro now tasked with protecting a future Hall of Famer who turns 41 in December. 

Panthers teammates share how Bryce Young handled benching

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young reportedly was quite angry upon learning last week that he'd been benched in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. Some of his teammates reflected on how he handled himself during his first week as QB2.

MLB insider shares worrisome injury update on Mets' Francisco Lindor

It sounds like the Mets won't have injured shortstop Francisco Lindor available anytime soon.

Jaguars' Doug Pederson, Trevor Lawrence sound lost amid losing streak

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered Monday night's game at the unbeaten Buffalo Bills badly needing a bounce-back performance coming off two straight losses to open the season. Instead, they got blown out.

Vikings get good Sam Darnold news after injury scare

An MRI revealed that Sam Darnold has no structural damage to his left knee and should be good to go for this coming Sunday's matchup at the 2-1 Green Bay Packers.

Patriots HC explains Jacoby Brissett decision amid Drake Maye rumors

During a Monday appearance on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show," first-year Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo explained why he's sticking with Brissett through at least the beginning of this coming Sunday's game at the 49ers.

Emergence of rookie WR could help Giants QB Daniel Jones keep his job

NFL insider Dan Graziano explained that Malik Nabers' emergence as a weapon means "there is absolutely a world in which [Daniel] Jones is still the Giants' quarterback in 2025" despite what fans think.

Reporter discusses if Bryce Young has started final game for Panthers

Is Bryce Young's tenure with the Panthers, who selected him first overall in 2023, over?

Is Trevor Lawrence pressing after signing massive contract extension?

Lawrence hasn't lived up to his huge new contract through the first two weeks of the 2024 season.

How Giants' Daniel Jones is handling criticism during pivotal season

Following New York's 21-15 win at the Browns on Sunday, Daniel Jones spoke about working to ignore all outside noise during what could become a regime-defining campaign for the Giants. 

Details emerge on Patriots' plan for Drake Maye

An insider has provided details on the team's plans for its rookie signal-caller.

Mets' Francisco Lindor acknowledges harsh reality in return from back injury

Francisco Lindor is "optimistic" that he'll return to the Mets' lineup at some point this week but also acknowledged that he likely won't be fully healthy anytime soon. 

HC Robert Saleh addresses challenges of Jets' unique schedule

Saleh understands few will feel sorry for his club regardless of the challenges it will face related to its unique schedule.

Pete Alonso reflects on love from Mets fans amid uncertain future

Pete Alonso remains on track to reach free agency after the 2024 campaign, and he spoke with reporters following Sunday's victory about the love he received from Mets fans.

Were Buccaneers looking past Broncos before upset loss?

The Bucs were off to a strong start to the 2024 season but fell flat against the previously winless Broncos in Week 3.

Is Yankees' Aaron Boone facing a 'World Series-or-bust' playoff mandate?

The 2024 Yankees are now headed to the playoffs, will likely end September as champions of the American League East and could finish the regular season atop the overall AL standings.

Former NFL QB rips Panthers for handling of Bryce Young as rookie

On the latest edition of the "Throwbacks" podcast, former NFL signal-caller and current analyst Matt Leinart ripped the Panthers for playing Young as a rookie. 

Insider expands on positive Jordan Love injury update

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday that it wouldn't be a surprise if Jordan Love started on Sunday. The Athletic's Dianna Russini later offered an update on Love's recovery.