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

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski on waiting for Deshaun Watson news: 'You control the controllables'

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked during his Friday press conference about having to prepare for the 2022 campaign without knowing if Watson will be available when the games begin to matter in September. 

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan: Jimmy Garoppolo 'throwing the heck out of the ball' after shoulder surgery

It's unclear if the 49ers will risk Garoppolo potentially suffering an injury by having him play in August preseason games so he can convince would-be buyers his shoulder is 100% ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo won't play in Manchester United friendly vs. Atletico Madrid

It's unclear if Ronaldo will feature for United in early August, but it's now known he won't be available for selection on the final Saturday of this month. 

Ryan Kerrigan to sign one-day contract with Commanders to retire

Veteran linebacker and defensive end Ryan Kerrigan has played his final snap in the NFL.  Zach Selby and Hannah Lichtenstein of the Washington Commanders'

Panthers' Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield share first-team practice reps on Friday

Darnold received all of the first-team practice reps on Wednesday before Mayfield earned the honor for Thursday's session. On Friday, the two shared opportunities to work with the first-team offense. 

Steelers' Cameron Heyward: Diontae Johnson 'hold in' won't 'harm the team in any way'

Star wide receiver Diontae Johnson and placekicker Chris Boswell are two members of the Pittsburgh Steelers currently looking to secure long-term contract

Buccaneers Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen to miss at least 'a couple of months' with left knee injury

The news only gets worse as it pertains to the status of Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting center and 2021 Pro Bowl selection Ryan Jensen, who was carted off

Report: No ruling on Browns' Deshaun Watson coming this week

It appears everyone involved will have to wait until August to learn an update on the status of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. 

Mets reliever Drew Smith on 15-day IL with strained right lat muscle

The Mets have placed right-handed reliever Drew Smith on the 15-day injured list retroactive to Monday due to a strained lat muscle in his right side.

Buccaneers GM: 'It would be hard to turn down' Rob Gronkowski return despite signings

Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht admitted on Thursday that the figurative light is on for Gronkowski if he has second thoughts

Buccaneers Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen feared to have serious knee injury

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht told reporters the club may not have a definitive diagnosis on Jensen's setback for a few days because of swelling. 

Lamar Jackson, Ravens 'motivated' to sign contract extension before 2022 NFL season

Lamar Jackson remains in the final year of his rookie contract and continues to serve as his own agent for negotiations.

Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz: 'This is where I want to be'

Dallas Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones insisted earlier this week that everyone involved wants tight end Dalton Schultz "to be a long-term"

49ers' Trey Lance: Jimmy Garoppolo 'helped me out with everything'

New 49ers starting QB Trey Lance confirmed during Thursday's media availability that he and Jimmy Garoppolo spoke inside the team's facility after the 22-year-old was officially named the club's starter. 

Steelers K Chris Boswell not 'worrying' about contract ahead of season

Boswell did say he hopes to remain with the Steelers because of his "love" for the franchise and city.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley out to prove 'guy that they drafted is still here'

The 25-year-old ball-carrier who earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors spoke with media members Thursday about turning the figurative clock back.

Ben Roethlisberger 'a great resource' for Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett

Steelers rookie QB Pickett explained how recently-retired legend Ben Roethlisberger has vowed to be there whenever the first-year pro needs guidance as he begins his pro football career.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski: Deshaun Watson has 'really thrown himself into' work amid uncertainty

Watson reported for training camp ahead of last weekend and remains available to participate in practices alongside teammates until further notice.

Steelers facing 'tight deadline' to convert Heinz Field to Acrisure Stadium

Regardless of opinions had by many passionate fans, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to move forward with transitioning what was formerly known as Heinz Field to Acrisure Stadium.

OC Mike Kafka will continue to call plays for Giants through training camp

It was learned back in May that New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll elected to have offensive coordinator Mike Kafka call plays during springtime practice.

Certain NFL players must wear Guardian Caps through second preseason game

Fans who attend NFL training camp sessions or see portions of practices on television or online this summer may notice certain players wearing what are known as Guardian Caps.

Rangers, Kaapo Kakko agree to two-year, $4.2M deal

Kakko was a restricted free agent after he recorded seven goals and 11 assists across 43 regular-season games for the Rangers in 2021-22.

Steelers QB Kenny Pickett: 'I know I have a long ways to go' to replace Ben Roethlisberger

The 24-year-old also is doing his best to avoid focusing on following in Big Ben's footsteps.

Giants sign LB Austin Calitro, waive fellow LB Justin Hilliard

It was learned back in June that New York Giants linebacker Justin Hilliard had been suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2022 NFL season

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to training, reportedly still wants to leave Manchester United

TalkSport transfer journalist Alex Crook did not dance around the issue during a Wednesday radio appearance when he bluntly said that "nobody" among the