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

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.

Titans' Will Levis had to change phone number for worrisome reason

Levis became one of the more scrutinized quarterbacks of the ongoing season after he committed a pair of awful mistakes across the campaign's first two games that Tennessee lost.

Are Steelers afraid to bench a healthy Russell Wilson?

Despite posting mediocre stats, Justin Fields has led the Steelers to a 2-0 start amid Russell Wilson's absence. Are the Steelers afraid to stick with Fields when Wilson is healthy if the former keeps stacking wins?

Analyst: Why some teams will pass on trading for Panthers' Bryce Young

For a piece published Thursday, Bill Barnwell of ESPN explained why Young "probably" doesn't have much trade value for reasons that go beyond his poor play and his 2-16 career record as an NFL starter.

Eagles' Saquon Barkley doesn't understand hate from Giants fans

Barkley left the Giants for the division-rival Eagles, but the decision was driven by his former team's unwillingness to pay him rather than an explicit desire to leave New York.

Buccaneers' Todd Bowles dances around Tom Brady question after Baker Mayfield comments

Bowles served as Brady's head coach during TB12's final campaign as an active player. 

Brandon Nimmo has message for Mets fans ahead of crucial series

The Mets are set to begin a crucial series against the division-rival Phillies as they look to maintain control of the final NL playoff spot, and Nimmo had a message for fans ahead of the clash.

Giants’ Graham Gano rips 'ridiculous' criticism of Brian Daboll

Head coach Brian Daboll trusting that Graham Gano would be good to go left the New York Giants without a healthy placekicker in what became a frustrating 21-18 loss at the Washington Commanders this past Sunday.

Titans' Will Levis responds to viral Brian Callahan yelling clip

Television cameras caught Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan using some not-safe-for-work language after quarterback Will Levis committed an awful in this past Sunday's 24-17 loss to the New York Jets. The quarterback recently addressed the interaction.

Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield reacts to Panthers benching Bryce Young

Mayfield is somewhat familiar with what Young is going through days after the Panthers benched Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. 

Insider addresses theory about when Patriots may start Drake Maye

Jacoby Brissett has been steady, if unspectacular, and the Patriots have been more competitive than expected through two games this season. Does any of that impact the team's plans with Maye?

Travis Kelce vows to avoid viral moment amid slow start

Kelce went viral for an emotional outburst during last season's Super Bowl, but he's not planning on repeating the moment despite a slow start to his 2024 campaign.

Losing isn't only reason Giants could fire Brian Daboll, Joe Schoen?

The Schoen/Daboll regime has been under scrutiny all offseason, and an 0-2 start to the season hasn't helped their cases. But they duo may have more to worry about than just wins and losses when it comes to keeping their jobs through and/or beyond the current season.

Baker Mayfield shares wild claim about Tom Brady's time with Buccaneers

Brady will forever go down as a Buccaneers legend for leading the team to a Super Bowl win in his first season with the franchise in 2020.

Report details how Dolphins protected themselves with Tua Tagovailoa contract

The Dolphins have some financial protections in Tagovailoa's contract should injuries force his retirement.

Report shares what NFL thinks of Jets' Aaron Rodgers coming off Achilles injury

Rodgers turns 41 years old this December and understandably hasn't yet reclaimed his best form this season coming off the torn Achilles he suffered four offensive plays into New York's Week 1 game last September.

Malik Nabers opens up about costly mistake, state of winless Giants

Nabers addressed his crucial mistake and the mindset of the club amid a disappointing start.

Panthers' Bryce Young reportedly had strong reaction to benching

Young, the first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, holds a 2-16 career record as an NFL starter. 

Insiders update if Steelers' Justin Fields can take full-time starting job from Russell Wilson

Fields tallied one touchdown pass with no interceptions over his first two starts with Pittsburgh, and he also rushed for 84 yards on 22 carries. 

Jets' Aaron Rodgers discusses early-season test on repaired Achilles

Roughly one year after New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers required surgery to repair a torn Achilles, he will play his third game in 11 days on Thursday.

Mets' Pete Alonso answers own passionate call amid Francisco Lindor injury

The 83-68 Mets began Wednesday tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second of three wild-card spots.

Tom Brady opens up about big challenge of going from playing to broadcasting

Brady is learning a whole new aspect of the game on the fly.

What Chargers reportedly saw from Panthers' Bryce Young before benching

In total, Young completed 18-of-26 passes for a paltry 84 yards with no touchdowns and an interception against the Chargers in Week 2.