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

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin clears COVID-19 protocol, likely to play Tuesday vs. Blue Jackets

Regardless of his status for Tuesday, Ovechkin cannot travel to play in Thursday's contest at the Montreal Canadiens because Quebec requires anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 to isolate for 10 days.

Penguins star Evgeni Malkin out at least two games due to COVID-19 protocol

It's unknown if Malkin will be cleared in time to take the ice at the New Jersey Devils on Sunday afternoon. 

West Ham's David Moyes defends starting Kurt Zouma after disturbing cat video

Some assumed manager David Moyes would sit Zouma for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Watford amid the controversy, but the 27-year-old was instead named to the starting lineup for that match.

Texans GM Nick Caserio: Brian Flores lawsuit didn't lead to hiring Lovie Smith

Flores said on Monday that his lawsuit prevented him from winning the Houston job, but Caserio poured cold water over that idea.

Jared Goff 'happy' for former Rams teammates, laments 'missing out' on Super Bowl experience

Quarterback Jared Goff helped the Los Angeles Rams earn a trip to Super Bowl LIII. Now he's set to watch many of his former teammates compete in the big game again.

Charles Woodson: Packers should think about trading Aaron Rodgers

Woodson was Rodgers' teammate from 2006 through 2012.

New Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel 'all in' on QB Tua Tagovailoa?

the Dolphins shared a video of a quick phone conversation between McDaniel and Miami signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa, during which the coach seemed to commit to keeping the first-round pick atop his depth chart.

West Ham's Kurt Zouma apologizes for kicking, striking cat

Professional Footballers Association chief executive Maheta Molango has called upon West Ham to discipline Zouma.

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin may play Tuesday vs. Blue Jackets but out Thursday

Alex Ovechkin is awaiting test results to learn about his availability for Tuesday's game

Rams' Odell Beckham Jr. almost signed with Patriots after departure from Browns?

While OBJ potentially could've helped quarterback Tom Brady extend his career by maybe a game or two, he added during Monday's comments he's happy where he landed. 

Cooper Kupp credits Odell Beckham Jr. for 'unbelievable job' learning Rams' offense

Rams All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp praised teammate Odell Beckham Jr. as a key contributor for the reigning NFC champions. 

NFL had one COVID-19 hospitalization during 2021 season

It appears the majority of NFL employees stayed relatively safe from the beginning of preseason action through the start of Super Bowl week. 

Ex-Vanderbilt kicker Sarah Fuller signs with Minnesota Aurora FC

Fuller was famously named a Southeastern Conference Co-Special Teams Player of the Week in November 2020 for her efforts in serving as Vanderbilt's primary placekicker in a loss to the Missouri Tigers.

Manchester United welcome Jesse Lingard back into squad after transfer drama

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick said Lingard needed to "clear his mind" following a transfer saga that ended with the 29-year-old unable to complete a desired move to Newcastle United last month.

Police say video evidence confirms allegations against Alvin Kamara

Kamara is also due in court on March 8. The Saints hadn't yet commented on the matter as of Monday afternoon. 

Report: MLB not testing players for PEDs amid lockout

The ongoing MLB lockout that began in the early morning hours of Dec. 2 has no real end in sight and has claimed a victim other than the start of spring training or regular-season games.

Christian Eriksen trains with Brentford for first time after Premier League return

Midfielder Christian Eriksen completed a remarkable return to the Premier League when he officially signed for Brentford last week roughly seven months after he suffered cardiac arrest featuring for Denmark at the UEFA European Championship last June and nearly lost his life. 

Giants bring back QB Davis Webb on reserve/future contract

The team selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft but then waived him in September 2018 after he spent a year sitting behind club legend Eli Manning.

Joe Burrow has 'utmost confidence' in offensive line despite prior struggles

Cincinnati's offensive line play has been under question as the Bengals prepare to take on a fearsome Rams pass rush. 

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first person with 400 million Instagram followers

The news comes just two days after CR7 celebrated his 37th birthday, an occasion he commemorated via a post that has thus far received well over 14 million likes.

Joe Burrow's advice to young players: 'Work in silence,' not through social media

Burrow shared some great advice for young players hoping to follow in his footsteps. 

Penguins' Evgeni Malkin in COVID-19 protocol, doubtful to face Bruins on Tuesday

It's not the news the Penguins wanted coming out of the All-Star break. 

Bengals TE C.J. Uzomah on Super Bowl: 'I'm not missing the biggest game of my life'

The 29-year-old spoke with reporters Monday and heavily suggested the Bengals may have to hold on to his helmet to prevent him from playing this weekend.

GM Eric DeCosta: 'I would expect' Marcus Peters to return to Ravens

The Ravens would save $10 million by releasing Marcus Peters. However, general manager Eric DeCosta poured cold water on that idea on Friday. 

Jimmy Garoppolo linked with Steelers, four other teams

In addition to Pittsburgh, the Washington Commanders, the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos could all be interested in acquiring Garoppolo.