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

Jordan Love to start Packers' preseason opener

Love will get an opportunity to show what he can do in Green Bay's upcoming preseason game. 

Steelers activate NT Tyson Alualu after knee issue

Alualu is set to rejoin his teammates.

Coyotes sign Lawson Crouse to five-year, $21.5 million deal

Arizona Coyotes forward Lawson Crouse originally had a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for Monday but instead has put pen to paper on a new agreement with his employer.

Panthers QB Sam Darnold: GM 'said not to worry about' trade rumors

The Carolina Panthers traded with the Cleveland Browns for quarterback Baker Mayfield last month, and it was reported on Monday that Mayfield has "the inside track" to win the starting job over Panthers 2021 Week 1 starter Sam Darnold.

Saints HC Dennis Allen: QB Jameis Winston 'tweaked his foot' during practice

Jameis Winston is coming off serious injury, so the Saints are sure to be cautious with him this preseason.

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker signs extension through 2027

Justin Tucker has signed a four-year extension through the 2027 season that is worth $24 million with $17.5 million of the agreement reportedly guaranteed. 

Insider: Steelers QB Kenny Pickett 'may not be ready to play exhibitions yet'

Early returns out of Steelers training camp are less than encouraging regarding Pickett.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski: 'This is normal' amid Deshaun Watson, Kareem Hunt situations

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked Sunday if he'd prefer to have a "normal" training camp heading into this coming Friday's preseason opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars.

49ers don't want Jimmy Garoppolo with Seahawks for Week 2 game?

The 49ers have until Aug. 30 at 4 p.m. ET to release or trade the veteran quarterback. Otherwise, they'll be on the hook for his non-guaranteed $24.2M base salary and $26.9M salary-cap hit for 2022. 

Steelers list Mitchell Trubisky as starting QB in first depth chart; Kenny Pickett third

The depth chart behind Trubisky is as expected: Rudolph at No. 2, and Pickett is third ahead of only seventh-round pick Chris Oladokun. 

Dodgers place ace Clayton Kershaw on 15-day IL after early exit

In corresponding roster moves, Los Angeles activated utility player Chris Taylor from the IL, recalled right-hander Reyes Moronta and optioned outfielder James Outman.

Ravens rookie center Tyler Linderbaum out 'at least a week' with foot injury

While injuries are an inevitable part of any NFL training camp, the Ravens are going through a particularly rough time ahead of the first full weekend of August. 

Jets HC Robert Saleh on training-camp fights: 'No punching'

Saleh said he's not bothered by training-camp fights as long as his players follow his well-known guideline.

Steelers rookie Calvin Austin III not feeling pressure wearing JuJu Smith-Schuster's old number

Austin also said there's no "deep meaning" behind his decision to pick No. 19. 

Steelers 'easing' DT Larry Ogunjobi in coming off foot surgery

The Steelers understandably aren't taking any unnecessary risks regarding Ogunjobi. 

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan upset over fights during practices

The San Francisco 49ers have endured a physical training camp ahead of their preseason opener versus the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium next Friday.

HC Kevin Stefanski: Browns have 'got to get' Deshaun Watson, Jacoby Brissett ready to play

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke with reporters Friday about being prepared for every scenario regarding Watson's availability.

Bengals HC Zac Taylor: Joe Burrow still 'day-to-day' after July appendectomy

Burrow has been spotted driving a medical cart on the field during practices and apparently has remained quite busy behind the scenes.

Cardinals RB coach James Saxon on administrative leave amid domestic battery charges

Saxon had been arrested in May and charged with two counts of domestic battery following an alleged incident involving a woman being assaulted in front of two children in Indianapolis.

Mets could call up top prospect Francisco Alvarez before season ends?

Mets general manager Billy Eppler teased during an appearance on New York sports radio station WFAN that Alvarez could see some home at-bats at Citi Field before September ends.

Chelsea's Thomas Tuchel, Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp hit out at midseason World Cup

Klopp said that "this World Cup happens at the wrong moment for the wrong reasons." Tuchel had similar comments.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan: Jimmy Garoppolo 'fully understands the situation,' is preparing for 'next situation'

San Francisco 49ers veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been replaced by 2021 rookie Trey Lance as his employer's starter and is working out away from teammates while continuing to recover from shoulder surgery.

Buccaneers to 'keep in touch' with Tom Brady amid practice absences

He was excused from Wednesday's session for his birthday, and Tampa Bay players were off on Thursday. On Friday, Brady was reportedly attending "to a personal matter."

Erik ten Hag on if Cristiano Ronaldo will play for Manchester United vs. Brighton: 'We will see'

The transfer saga involving Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo continues to hover over new manager Erik ten Hag ahead of Sunday's Premier League season opener versus Brighton and Hove Albion that will occur at Old Trafford.