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

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers to play vs. Lions despite clinching No. 1 seed

Logic suggests Green Bay backup signal-caller Jordan Love will see more than just a few snaps during the second half against the Lions, but it appears Rodgers will be starter for that game's opening quarter. 

Bears hope QB Justin Fields will be able to start vs. Vikings

As much as Matt Nagy and company may want to see Fields face a live defense in a meaningful game, logic suggests the rookie shouldn't play unless he's fully recovered from his latest setback.

Cowboys LB Keanu Neal tests positive for COVID-19 a second time, out vs. Cardinals

Neal previously missed contests in Weeks 3 and 4 due to landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list

49ers activate QB Nate Sudfeld, don't rule Jimmy Garoppolo (thumb) out

Trey Lance would start for the 49ers if Jimmy Garoppolo remains out this Sunday.

Ohio State-Utah Rose Bowl game to go on despite COVID-19 concerns

The Rose Bowl is requiring game attendees to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or of a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of the event's start. Those

49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo (thumb) doubtful; Trey Lance likely to start vs. Texans

Garoppolo's status beyond Sunday is up in the air, meaning Lance theoretically could lead San Francisco into the postseason assuming the club earns a berth.

Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr. felt 'deprived' over 'the last couple of years'

OBJ recorded only 17 catches for 232 yards and no touchdowns with the Browns this season but has since found the end zone four times for the Rams.

Vikings to start Sean Mannion at QB vs. Packers

Mannion will be the Vikings' QB1 for Sunday's must-win matchup. 

Jadeveon Clowney open to re-signing with Browns in offseason?

Clowney, Myles Garrett and company still have a realistic chance of stumbling into the postseason tournament if results go their way Sunday and they then take care of business Monday night at the Pittsburgh Steelers

Giants center Billy Price away from team after wife's miscarriage

The 4-11 New York Giants will likely be without starting center Billy Price for Sunday's largely meaningless matchup at the 5-10 Chicago Bears for reasons much bigger than football. 

Bears to start Andy Dalton vs. Giants, Justin Fields questionable with ankle injury

Thus far this season, Dalton has connected on 98-of-153 passes (64.1%) for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns, six interceptions, a 79.9 passer rating and 38.1 total QBR.

Buffaloes assistant Mark Smith loses 'everything' in Colorado wildfires

Viral videos and photographs have shown the devastation caused by the wildfires outside of Denver, Colo., that have impacted thousands of residents ahead of the new year.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh: Lamar Jackson has 'a chance' to play vs. Rams

The Baltimore Ravens have lost four straight games to fall to 8-7 and out of the AFC playoff spots with two contests remaining and are preparing to face the 11-4 Los Angeles Rams.

Report: NBA to allow some to return off COVID-19 list faster

Just as with the NFL, these new rules will ideally prevent the NBA from having to postpone games and could also keep stars and starters from potentially missing weeks of action.

Devils HC Lindy Ruff in COVID-19 protocol, out vs. Oilers

The 11-15-5 New Jersey Devils encountered one final setback of 2021 ahead of Friday's home game against the 18-12-0 Edmonton Oilers.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses practice again with ankle injury

This, seemingly, has backup Tyler Huntley on track to start for Baltimore in what will likely be a must-win contest on the first Sunday of the new year.

Browns OC Alex Van Pelt: Baker Mayfield definitely 'hindered' by left shoulder harness

One doesn't need to be a Browns employee or a medical expert to understand Mayfield largely hasn't looked like himself since the initial setback.

76ers HC Doc Rivers 'feels good' after entering COVID-19 protocols

Assistant coach Dan Burke provided a positive update on Rivers ahead of Thursday night's matchup with the Nets. 

Draymond Green blasts NBA after Warriors-Nuggets postponement

Green was not pleased after the Warriors-Nuggets game was canceled. 

49ers' Trey Lance leads practice; Jimmy Garoppolo out with thumb injury

Rookie Trey Lance once again worked with the first-team offense, an indication that he is on track to start versus Houston. 

Seahawks' Russell Wilson: 'I hope it's not my last game' in Seattle

Wilson suggested he wants to remain with the Seahawks but made it clear he'll be playing in the NFL next fall regardless of who is signing his checks at that time.

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer: Mayonnaise bath 'everything I dreamed of'

A win in the Duke's Mayo bowl and then a bath of Mayo for Beamer. 

Chiefs' Steve Spagnuolo on Bengals' Joe Burrow: 'I see a young Tom Brady'

The Chiefs defensive coordinator had some high praise for Burrow. 

Report: 36 percent of NBA referees in COVID-19 protocols

To account for absences, the NBA has used G League referees for matchups when needed.

Packers WRs Randall Cobb, Marquez Valdes-Scantling return to practice

The Packers are close to giving Aaron Rodgers a full assortment of weapons ahead of the upcoming postseason tournament.