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

Analyst predicts Kenny Pickett, George Pickens will make 2022 Offensive All-Rookie Team

Chad Reuter of the league's website is projecting that Kenny Pickett will be named to the NFL Offensive All-Rookie Team for the upcoming season. 

Francisco Lindor 'not trying to be the hero' for the Mets

Frsncisco Lindor began the final full week of June with a .246 average, but ESPN stats note that he's tied for fourth in the entire league with 56 RBI this season.

Marin Cilic out of Wimbledon due to COVID-19

Former Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic will miss this year's Championship due to a positive COVID-19 test.  

Mason Rudolph named 'likeliest candidate' to be Steelers' backup QB over Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers are working through their three-headed quarterback competition and it's possible that Mason Rudolph will be higher in the pecking order than 1st rounder Kenny Pickett.

MLS club LAFC confirm signing of superstar Gareth Bale

LAFC announced the signing of Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale on Monday afternoon and said the contract includes options through 2024. 

Steelers' Connor Heyward named a 'surprise offseason standout'

The Pittsburgh Steelers generated some smiles throughout the NFL community when they selected Michigan State tight end/fullback Connor Heyward in the sixth round of this year's draft. Looks like they may have picked up a keeper. 

Patriots TE Jonnu Smith: QB Mac Jones has 'so much dog in him'

A teammate has now offered some high praise of the 23-year-old ahead of July. 

Maple Leafs sign defenseman Timothy Liljegren to two-year, $2.8M extension

Liljegren appeared in 61 regular-season games for the 2021-22 NHL campaign.

Texans sued for alleged involvement in Deshaun Watson scandal

Deshaun Watson's legal battles continue to dominate the headlines for both his current and former teams.

Analyst says Steelers' Mitchell Trubisky will likely start over Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph

Mitchell Trubisky may not have already won the starting quarterback job for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of July, but a majority of indications suggest otherwise.

NFL not holding supplemental draft for third straight year

Teams were informed by the league Friday that there will be no summer supplemental draft for a third straight year.

Analyst 'likes' Steelers' QB combo despite uncertainty

The Steelers have Mitchell Trubisky, career No. 2 Mason Rudolph and first-round draft selection Kenny Pickett. Nevertheless, NFL.com's Adam Schein offered solid praise for Pittsburgh's situation.

Analyst thinks Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph could start over Kenny Pickett through losing season

If nothing else, NFL insider and former offensive lineman Ross Tucker elicited plenty of emotions during his Friday morning appearance on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan.

Yankees' Aaron Boone 'not surprised' Aaron Judge is MVP candidate despite contract drama

Judge leads all of MLB with 27 home runs, and Boone said he wouldn't have expected anything less from the MVP candidate despite the potential distractions surrounding his contract.

Peyton Manning: Broncos' Russell Wilson, Colts' Matt Ryan will handle high expectations well

Legendary quarterback Peyton Manning said he spoke with both Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan "during the process" of changing teams for the first time in their careers. 

Mets ace Max Scherzer won't return Sunday vs. Marlins

Showalter says Scherzer could pitch "somewhere" on Monday or Tuesday, which suggests the ace may need another rehab appearance early next week. 

Ross Tucker: Steelers handled Ben Roethlisberger situation 'perfectly' last season

Tucker also offered some hot takes about Steelers running back Najee Harris during a Friday morning appearance on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan.

Buccaneers' Shaq Mason: 'It means the world' to play with Tom Brady again

Mason, of course, will feel right at home lining up in front of the seven-time Super Bowl champion signal-caller on NFL Sundays. The 28-year-old was teammates with Brady from 2015 through 2019.

Flyers' Joel Farabee could miss start of 2022-23 season after disk surgery

The 22-year-old is expected to need three to four months to recover.

Analyst doesn't believe Steelers' Najee Harris is 'special' or a top-five RB?

While speaking on a recent edition of "The Pivot Podcast," Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin named running back and 2021 rookie Najee Harris as

Falcons rookie Desmond Ridder: Marcus Mariota is 'like a big brother to me'

The 22-year-old added he's trying to stay focused on improving rather than on his spot on the depth chart.

Royals All-Star catcher Salvador Perez to undergo thumb surgery

While Kansas City says Perez "is expected to return this season," Fox4KC notes that it's unclear how long the 32-year-old will be sidelined.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly will stay with Manchester United amid rumors

Spanish outlet AS had linked CR7 with a potential move to Bayern Munich, but Sky in Germany poured cold water over that story.

Seahawks, Browns QB Baker Mayfield reportedly have 'mutual' interest

It seem more like a matter of when, not if when it comes to Baker Mayfield having a new football home in 2022.