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

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.?

David Ortiz: Yankees' Aaron Judge 'would be perfect for the Mets'

A Hall-of-Famer has become the latest noteworthy individual within the MLB community to link New York Yankees All-Star slugger Aaron Judge with the New York Mets.

Panthers want 'accountable, committed' players after Robbie Anderson trade

It's clear Steve Wilks is attempting to establish a new culture following the firing of head coach Matt Rhule on Oct. 10.

Postponement casts cloud over Guardians-Yankees elimination game

Fans and analysts alike have blasted MLB for the handling of and ultimate postponement of Monday's elimination playoff game between the Guardians and Yankees.

Panthers' Steve Wilks doesn't commit to Baker Mayfield as starting QB

Mayfield missed Sunday's 24-10 loss at the Los Angeles Rams with a left ankle sprain and may not have his starting job waiting for him when he returns.

Michael Irvin: Buccaneers should 'huddle around' Tom Brady amid criticism, rumors

Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin told a reporter Monday that now is the time for the Buccaneers to rally around the seven-time Super Bowl champion signal-caller amid a flurry of rumors of his on-field and off-field life.

Mother, daughter reportedly injured after Fresno State coach punches window during Saturday's game

A mother and her young daughter identified as Fresno State fans suffered lacerations after a Bulldogs coach allegedly punched out a window late in the second quarter.

Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa 'to approach the week as the starter' ahead of Steelers game

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is seemingly on track to return to the lineup for the Week 7 "Sunday Night Football" home game versus the 2-4 Pittsburgh Steelers.

Former All-Pro Andrew Whitworth 'bothered' Tom Brady missed walk-through for wedding

Brady and the Buccaneers dropped to 3-3 on the season via Sunday's 20-18 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jets HC Robert Saleh has 'no problem' with WR Elijah Moore after controversial tweet

Saleh added on Monday he's since had a conversation with the second-year pro.

Radio host: Not a 'slam dunk' Tom Brady finishes 2022 NFL season

Brady was heavily criticized for missing a team walk-through to attend the wedding of Patriots owner Robert Kraft on Friday. 

Patriots' Bill Belichick credits players, coaches after record-tying win

Belichick tied former Chicago Bears coach George Halas for second on the all-time wins list, playoffs included. Don Shula holds the record for most NFL coaching wins with 347.

Steelers reportedly benched Mitchell Trubisky after 'heated exchange' with Diontae Johnson

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin originally benched Mitchell Trubisky in favor of Kenny Pickett during the 24-20 loss against the New York Jets and has kept Pickett atop his depth chart since.

Cowboys' Stephen Jones doesn't commit to Dak Prescott starting vs. Lions

Dak Prescott said after Sunday's 26-17 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles that he expects to return to the lineup against the 1-4 Detroit Lions. 

Eagles' Nick Sirianni explains f-bomb late in win over Cowboys

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni went viral in the closing seconds of Sunday's prime-time win over the rival Cowboys and later explained why he was so animated.

Panthers trade Robbie Anderson to Cardinals after bench incident

The 1-5 Carolina Panthers and wide receiver Robbie Anderson seemingly went through a public breakup on Sunday and had that divorce finalized on Monday.

Mike Francesa blasts Bob Costas over Guardians-Yankees ALDS broadcasts

New York sports talk radio legend Mike Francesa would appreciate it if broadcasting icon Bob Costas would let the action speak for itself.

Should Guardians be favored over Yankees in Game 5 of ALDS?

As of early Monday afternoon, FanDuel Sportsbook had the Yankees listed as -154 favorites to defeat the Guardians in their Game 5 ALDS showdown. But does the sportsbook have it wrong?

Bill Belichick won't commit to starting Mac Jones over Bailey Zappe

The always cagey Belichick won't commit to reinstating Jones atop the depth chart upon his return from injury.