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

Avalanche's Nazem Kadri to return vs. Kraken

Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri missed eight consecutive games with what was referred to as an upper-body injury.

Seahawks' re-signing of QB Geno Smith now official

After a slight delay, Smith's deal with the Seahawks is now official. 

Giants' Brian Daboll OK with WR Kadarius Toney missing voluntary minicamp?

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll doesn't seem too bothered by wideout Kadarius Toney skipping voluntary minicamp.

Guardians place Owen Miller, Cal Quantrill, Anthony Castro on COVID-19 list

The team is unsure if more players will need to be added to the COVID list. 

49ers reportedly want 'king's ransom' for Deebo Samuel

Last season, Samuel was one of the most dynamic players in the league with 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

Eagles GM Howie Roseman backs QB Jalen Hurts after swapping draft picks

Roseman said that Hurts is "working his butt off" to improve this offseason. 

Saquon Barkley looking to prove doubters wrong after disappointing start to career

Barkley has been slowed by injuries after a strong rookie campaign and he's looking to show he's still the player we saw in 2018. 

Taijuan Walker completes rehab start, could join Mets this weekend

The 29-year-old tossed three scoreless innings and surrendered one hit and one walk with seven strikeouts. Both the first and third innings were extended by a batter to stretch Walker's appearance.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski on Baker Mayfield: 'That’s a unique situation'

Stefanski also offered little about Mayfield's status with the organization as the 2018 first-overall draft pick who is owed a fully guaranteed salary of $18.858 million for 2022.

Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry has foot in boot, out 'week to week'

Fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins hoping to hear good news regarding the unspecified lower-body injury that currently has first-choice goaltender Tristan Jarry sidelined may want to just move on now. 

Deebo Samuel asks 49ers for trade, reportedly has 'issues with how he’s used'

There's no guarantee San Francisco will trade Samuel before or during the upcoming NFL Draft that begins April 28 and runs through April 30.

Cowboys exec Stephen Jones: 'I don't think you ever win the Super Bowl in the offseason'

All of that may make sense, on paper, but it won't excuse the Cowboys' latest one-and-done playoff appearance or the fact they haven't won a Super Bowl since the 1995 season.

NFL disapproves initial Geno Smith contract with Seahawks

The NFL disapproved Geno Smith's initial new contract with the Seattle Seahawks and will only become official once the league office approves it.

Deebo Samuel reportedly doesn't want 'to get a deal done' with 49ers right now

San Francisco 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel is currently on track to play on the final year of his rookie contract.

Panthers OC Ben McAdoo walks back naming Sam Darnold starting QB

New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo also apparently got a little ahead of himself when he named Sam Darnold as the team's starting signal-caller.

Red Wings' Dylan Larkin out for rest of season after core-muscle surgery

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin won't be back in the lineup again until this fall after recording 20:29 of ice-time during Sunday's 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers.

49ers reportedly 'trying to get something done' with Deebo Samuel contract

Samuel is in the final year of his rookie contract and understandably wants a pay raise after watching receivers such as Davante Adams,Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs put pen to paper on big deals following the start of the new NFL year. 

Steelers claim WR Miles Boykin off waivers

The Baltimore Ravens waived wide receiver Miles Boykin on Monday after they were unable to find a trade partner regarding his services.

Rams QB Matthew Stafford had 'surgical thing' this offseason

It appears quarterback Matthew Stafford guided the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl victory while battling some sort of physical ailment in February.

Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark to call 'Sunday Night Football'

The NFL confirmed Tuesday that Mike Tirico will be joining analyst Cris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark for the Sunday primetime matchups.

Buccaneers GM Jason Licht has had no discussions with Tom Brady about playing past 2022 season

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht admitted on Tuesday he hasn't yet had any conversations with Brady about potentially prolonging his stay with the organization past the final season of his contract that expires next winter.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom could be cleared to throw after follow-up MRI on Monday

Depending on what is seen at Monday's MRI, the two-time Cy Young Award winner could be cleared to resume throwing next week. 

Patrick Surtain: Broncos have 'different energy' with Russell Wilson as quarterback

On paper, Wilson is unquestionably the best signal-caller the Broncos have had since Hall of Famer Peyton Manning guided the franchise to a victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.

Bears QB Justin Fields altering footwork in attempt to take fewer sacks

Fields finished last season with the NFL's highest sack rate among qualified players at 11.8%. Fields addressed that aspect of his game on Tuesday.

Cardinals' J.J. Watt, James Conner downplay Kyler Murray skipping voluntary workouts

It was reported last week that the Cardinals hadn't yet made a contract offer to the 2019 first-overall draft pick who wants to sign an extension with the club before he plays another snap of meaningful football.