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

Bruce Arians recruited WR Larry Fitzgerald after Buccaneers lost Chris Godwin to injury in 2021

One can't help but imagine Fitzgerald catching passes thrown by Brady during at least one playoff contest, but it appears such highlights will occur only in editions of "Madden" video games. 

Mets to start Tylor Megill for Opening Day at Nationals

As Mike Puma noted for the New York Post, Megill wasn't guaranteed a spot in the rotation as of March 20.

Penguins' Jason Zucker could return Thursday vs. Rangers

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan declined to comment on the exact nature of Zucker's latest setback on Tuesday but said the 30-year-old "had a good practice" while taking full contact on Wednesday.

Bengals' Joe Burrow to throw first pitch for Reds home opener vs. Guardians

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow became a local sports icon by guiding the club to a Super Bowl appearance in only his second NFL season and he'll be rewarded with throwing out the first home pitch of the Reds' season. 

Carey Price to travel with Canadiens, likely won't play

The Canadiens were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention in late March, but Price has nevertheless recently participated in several practices, including Monday's session. 

New Broncos QB Russell Wilson to throw first pitch for Rockies' Opening Day

Wilson played both football and baseball during his college days and was selected by the Rockies in the fourth round of the 2010 MLB Draft.

Cardinals' Colt McCoy defends Kyler Murray amid dramatic offseason

McCoy went to bat for the club's QB1 while speaking with reporters during a Zoom media event.

Desmond Ridder to visit with Seahawks next week

Desmond Ridder made his name as quarterback of the Cincinnati Bearcats and threw for 3,334 yards with 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions during his senior season before he began preparations for the NFL Draft.

OL Ryan Bates glad Bills matched offer from Bears

The restricted free agent was offered a contract by the Bears but the Bills decided to match it and retain Bates' services. 

Rob Gronkowski thought Tom Brady would take one year off before returning?

It appears Rob Gronkowski's indecisiveness about returning may have to do with the fact that Tom Brady caught him by surprise by re-joining the Buccaneers this spring. 

Notre Dame football to host Tennessee State, first-ever HBCU opponent, in 2023

The matchup will be a first for the Notre Dame program. 

Reds release OF Shogo Akiyama ahead of Opening Day

The club is moving on from Akiyama. 

Mets' Taijuan Walker leaves final spring training start with knee soreness

The Mets are already the walking wounded ahead of Thursday's Opening Day matchup at Nationals and now Walker left his final tune-up start with knee discomfort. 

Drew Brees: Saints offense 'set up for success' with Jameis Winston

Brees recently spoke at a public event and suggested he believes Winston can thrive playing under new head coach Dennis Allen and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael.

Rangers' Ryan Strome expected to return Tuesday at Devils

The Rangers didn't need forward Ryan Strome on the ice to defeat the Penguins last Tuesday but have been without the 28-year-old for four straight games due to an unspecified lower-body injury he suffered on March 27. 

Seahawks TE Noah Fant believes Drew Lock has 'all the talent in the world' to be franchise QB

Noah Fant spoke with Seattle reporters on Tuesday and offered high praise for Drew Lock, who is currently atop the Seahawks depth chart ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. 

Pitt's Kenny Pickett believes he'll be first QB taken in 2022 NFL Draft

Numerous experts expect that either Pickett or Malik Willis will be the first player at the sport's most important position to go off the board.

Hideki Matsuyama hopes to defend Masters title despite neck, shoulder pain

He withdrew from the second round of last weekend's Valero Texas Open with neck and shoulder pain.

New Mets ace Max Scherzer hopes to pitch Friday vs. Nationals

Scherzer spent over six full seasons with the Nationals and helped them win the 2019 World Series before he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer.

Blake Bortles to be granted release by Saints to seek better backup opportunity

Bortles fell down the depth chart after New Orleans acquired Dalton and noted the 29-year-old wants "a better opportunity to be a No. 2 quarterback elsewhere."

Rob Gronkowski 'not ready to commit to the game of football right now'

Future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski raised eyebrows in mid-March when he was caught on camera saying there was "a very good chance" he would re-sign with the Buccaneers for at least one more season.

Former Titans LB Rashaan Evans signs one-year deal with Falcons

Evans won't be returning to Tennessee but will nevertheless find himself working with familiar faces later this year. 

Saints sign former first-round pick Taco Charlton

The New Orleans Saints needed help for their pass-rush and decided to take a flier on a former first-round draft pick who has yet to play to the value of that selection.