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

Giants must 'clear out $40 million' under new GM Joe Schoen?

Schoen has his work cut out for him as he looks to rebuild the Giants. 

Christian Eriksen joins Brentford seven months after cardiac arrest

In what may ultimately be the most remarkable return the sports world sees all year, midfielder Christian Eriksen is back in competitive football.

49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo: Shoulder is 'great,' thumb 'holding up for right now'

Garoppolo has been dealing with a Grade 3 sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb and played through a "slight" sprain to his right shoulder in last Saturday's win at the Packers. 

Tom Brady 'preparing to retire'; announcement imminent?

Brady and the Buccaneers were ousted by the Rams last week in the playoffs.

Giants hire Bills OC Brian Daboll as next head coach

Daboll became a hot head-coaching candidate over the past couple of years as Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen developed into one of the league's most electric weapons at the position.

Broncos: Hiring Nathaniel Hackett 'absolutely not' about getting Aaron Rodgers?

The Broncos held an event Friday so Hackett could speak with local media members for the first time in his new role, and general manager George Paton was directly asked if he made the hire to lure Rodgers to town. 

Former QB Josh McCown the favorite to be next Texans head coach?

The Texans are seeking a replacement for David Culley, who was fired after just one season.

Rangers' Adam Fox placed on IR with upper-body injury

It's unclear if Fox will be able to participate in the All-Star Game on Feb. 5 or if he'll return to the New York lineup against the Boston Bruins on Feb. 15.

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert stepping down after 2022 NFL Draft

Between Colbert's departure and Ben Roethlisberger's retirement, the Steelers are going through a major transition.

Bengals QB Joe Burrow still not fretting about noise vs. Chiefs

Burrow and company spent time practicing with artificial crowd noise pumped in to simulate what they'll be up against Sunday afternoon.

Report: Kings out of the Ben Simmons sweepstakes

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski adds Sacramento now believes the "asking price is too steep" and "that a pathway to a trade agreement with the Sixers doesn't exist."

Saints GM on replacing Sean Payton: 'More important to get it right' than 'do it quick'

Loomis called DC Dennis Allen "an excellent candidate" but added he's casting a wide net to find Payton's successor.

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews in concussion protocol

Toews' status beyond Friday is unclear. Chicago hosts the Vancouver Canucks on Monday. 

Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes can become youngest QB to start three Super Bowls

Of course, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is no stranger to rewriting record books even though he turned only 26 years old this past September.

Avalanche All-Star Nathan MacKinnon out at least three games with facial fracture, concussion

MacKinnon was voted Central Division captain for the All-Star Game, and his status for the exhibition was unclear as of Friday afternoon.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: 'I haven't talked to' Sean Payton since Saints departure

Jones could revisit the topic if he's unhappy with McCarthy as soon as next fall, but those thinking the Cowboys would trade for Payton before the new league year opens in March were incorrect.

Rams' Aaron Donald: 'Only thing' missing from HOF résumé is Super Bowl win

The Los Angeles Rams and star defensive tackle Aaron Donald last played for the NFL championship in Super Bowl LIII, where they fell to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Penguins want to re-sign key vets Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust

Pittsburgh general manager Ron Hextall told reporters he wants to lock forwards Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust down on new deals, along with defenseman Kris Letang.

Guardians confirm Progressive Field lease extension

The newly named Cleveland Guardians are staying put for the foreseeable future.

Report: Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon has broken nose after brutal hit

MacKinnon has been diagnosed with a broken nose and is still being evaluated by team doctors to determine how long he'll be out of action.

Lakers star LeBron James out vs. 76ers with sore knee

The Lakers will be at the Charlotte Hornets on Friday evening, and James' status for that game may not be known until late in the afternoon.

49ers All-Pro TE George Kittle has 'gotten healthier' ahead of Rams game

Kyle Shanahan told reporters Thursday that Kittle had a rough end to the regular season but has "gotten healthier than how he finished versus the Rams" in Week 18.

Report: Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy safe for 2022 season

Mike McCarthy has been assured he will remain Dallas head coach through at least the start of the 2022 NFL regular season.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan: Jimmy Garoppolo 'is one of the main reasons we’re here'

The lackluster play of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has become quite a hot and controversial topic this week as Garoppolo and company prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday's NFC Championship Game.

Nick Holden staying with Senators on one-year, $1.3 million deal

Holden won't test free agency this offseason.