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

Steelers' Kenny Pickett full participant in practice, on track to start vs. Dolphins

It appears Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett won't stay a spectator for too long.

Mississippi State confirms death of football player Sam Westmoreland

TMZ Sports reports that no cause of death has yet been revealed.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey: Trade rumors 'out of my control'

Star running back Christian McCaffrey has once again found his name in trade rumors.

Steelers' Diontae Johnson explains 'heated exchange' with Mitchell Trubisky

While Tomlin wouldn't confirm or deny the confrontation took place, Johnson seemed to confirm it did with his comments.

Panthers' P.J. Walker to start vs. Bucs with Sam Darnold return looming

Walker may not be the Panthers' quarterback of the future, but he'll remain their quarterback of the right now through this weekend. 

Ex-teammate Michael Robinson blasts Broncos' Russell Wilson: 'Mutiny is afoot'

A former teammate has become the latest to blast quarterback Russell Wilson amid the Denver Broncos' uninspiring 2-4 start.  "This is Football 101," retired offensive weapon Michael Robinson said about Wilson and the Broncos during an edition of the "Total Access" NFL Network program, per Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post.

Buccaneers' Todd Bowles on Bruce Arians helping with offense: 'This is my team, not Bruce's team'

Bowles won't be leaning on Arians for help in sparking the Bucs offense.

Matthew Stafford thought he was getting traded to 49ers

It appears current Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford thought the Detroit Lions were sending him to a different California club.

Former Buccaneers OL Ian Beckles blasts Tom Brady over missing walk-through for wedding

It sure sounds like there are a lot of former players who believe Brady should have stayed retired if he isn't invested fully into the season.

Video appears to show Alabama's Jermaine Burton striking fan after loss to Tennessee

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jermaine Burton could be in some hot water coming off Saturday's upset loss at the Tennessee Volunteers.

Bob Costas to host ALCS studio coverage, not handling play-by-play duties

TBS has confirmed that Costas won't handle ALCS play-by-by duties. Instead, Costas will host "TBS' pre and postgame coverage of the ALCS."

Yankees' Brian Cashman: Aaron Boone was safe before elimination win over Guardians

While Cashman has Boone's back now, he very likely could have changed his tune had the Yankees lost to the Guardians Tuesday.

Aaron Judge kissed Yankees logo in win over Guardians to salute fans

Some hoped that New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge kissing the logo on his jersey during Tuesday's series-clinching victory over the Cleveland Guardians

Did Apple 'steal' Utah Jazz 'TakeNote' hashtag?

The Utah Jazz may have encountered a unique off-the-court problem ahead of Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Denver Nuggets.

Broncos' Russell Wilson avoids 'significant' hamstring injury, is day-to-day

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has apparently avoided a serious physical setback coming off Monday's prime-time loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Dana White's Power Slap League to be licensed athletic competition in Nevada

White has earned an outside-the-octagon victory as it pertains to people getting slapped in the face. 

Mac Jones reportedly declined Patriots' advice to have ankle surgery

There's a new twist in the saga regarding injured New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. 

AP reportedly drops MVP voter who announced he wasn't choosing Aaron Rodgers

The Associated Press has dropped NFL Most Valuable Player voter Hub Arkush over comments he made about Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers earlier this year. 

Penn State's James Franklin backs Sean Clifford amid calls for Drew Allar

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin doesn't sound too interested in discussing sitting starting quarterback Sean Clifford in favor of freshman Drew Allar for this Saturday's game against Minnesota.

Former Pro Bowl RB Thomas Jones defends Tom Brady over sideline outbursts

Retired one-time Pro Bowl running back Thomas Jones has come to the defense of Tom Brady after cameras showed the Buccaneers quarterback screaming at his offensive linemen during what became a loss at the Steelers on Sunday. 

NFL 'not going to back off of protecting the quarterback' amid roughing the passer controversies

Roughing the passer penalties called on Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett and Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5 placed a massive spotlight on such decisions.

Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke to start vs. Packers with Carson Wentz out

Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke will have at least one opportunity to impress head coach Ron Rivera.

Steelers to start Kenny Pickett vs. Dolphins if he clears concussion protocol

Head coach Mike Tomlin made clear that Pickett will return to the QB1 spot whenever he is cleared.

Giants' Darius Slayton listed as trade target for Saints ahead of deadline

At least one NFL insider believes the 5-1 New York Giants could be sellers ahead of the Nov. 1 trade deadline.

Report: Chiefs 'thinking about making a run' at WR Odell Beckham Jr.

On Tuesday morning, the Kansas City Chiefs restructured the contract for All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce to create some salary-cap space this fall. Could that be in advance of a move for Beckham Jr.?