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

NFLPA calls out NFL over lack of daily COVID-19 testing throughout season

NFL general counsel Larry Ferazani told team executives Tuesday every club, not just those impacted by outbreaks, could soon enter enhanced COVID-19 protocols

Flames' COVID outbreak continues to get worse as 17 more people added to protocol

Calgary seems no closer to returning to action anytime soon. 

Cleveland State cancels games vs. Duke, Kent State due to COVID-19

The Cleveland State Vikings men's basketball program announced it was temporarily pausing all team activities following the discovery of coronavirus cases.

Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians: Antonio Brown decision 'could go either way'

Even before his ban, Brown hadn't played since he first suffered an ankle injury on Oct. 14. 

Pats' Mac Jones added to injury report with left thumb issue

The Patriots initially said Jones was limited in practice but then updated the list to say the rookie was a full participant. 

USA Hockey 'hopeful' NHL players will play in 2022 Olympics

As much as NHL Players' Association members want to represent their countries on the world's biggest stage, they might ultimately have to decide leaving North America for a midseason competition during a global pandemic isn't beneficial for anybody involved. 

All 32 NFL teams could enter enhanced COVID-19 protocols amid outbreak?

As of Tuesday night, the NFL has no plans to postpone any of the upcoming weekend's games, but that could change depending on the results of additional testing between Wednesday and Friday.

UConn women's basketball star Paige Bueckers out roughly eight weeks after knee surgery

Without Bueckers, UConn fell to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets but then earned a win over the UCLA Bruins.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin: Chase Claypool growing 'can't happen fast enough'

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool was temporarily benched in last Thursday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings following an avoidable 15-yard penalty.

Saquon Barkley backs Joe Judge, wants to help Giants 'turn this thing around'

Saquon Barkley made it clear in a recent interview that he wants to be part of what fixes the 4-9 Giants as a member of their roster. 

Report: No plans yet to pause NHL season over COVID-19 cases

The NHL's latest COVID-19 crisis linked to the Calgary Flames had some fans posting on Twitter wondering if the league and/or NHL Players' Association could push to pause the 2021-22 season ahead of Christmas. 

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: Hurting toe 'not going to stop me from playing'

Rodgers admitted after Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears the toe felt "worse" but offered a new update on the situation during his Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show." 

Mavericks' Luka Doncic out Wednesday vs. Lakers with left ankle soreness

The 14-13 Dallas Mavericks will be without superstar Luka Doncic for the third straight game. 

Hurricanes-Wild postponed due to positive COVID-19 tests

The Hurricanes defeated the Flames last Thursday, but Calgary had a minimum of three games postponed on Monday because of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Bruins place Brad Marchand, Craig Smith in COVID-19 protocol

In what's becoming a worrisome trend, a recent opponent of the Calgary Flames is facing setbacks related to the coronavirus. 

Paused Flames now have nine players in COVID-19 protocol

As of Tuesday afternoon, Calgary remains scheduled to return to action against the Columbus Blue Jackets this coming Saturday, although the status of that game is understandably up in the air. 

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: 'Probably fair' to say QB Dak Prescott is in 'slump'

Dallas has gone 3-3 over the past six games, and Prescott matched eight touchdown passes with six interceptions across those contests.

Reports: Giants QB Daniel Jones not cleared for contact, out vs. Cowboys

Jones' injury hasn't worsened, which is why he hasn't yet been shut down despite numerous rumors claiming the 2019 first-round selection won't play again this season.

Hurricanes' Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis placed into COVID-19 protocol

COVID-19 largely dominated sports headlines on Monday, and that trend continued into the evening hour.

At least five NFL teams in enhanced COVID-19 protocols

It was learned earlier in the day that the NFL recorded 37 positive COVID-19 test results on Monday. There's now more information about the league's coronavirus-related

Giants HC Joe Judge sees 'growth' despite losing record

A report surfaced Monday the New York Giants are set to keep Joe Judge as head coach even though they're 4-9 on the season and 10-19 overall under Judge's tenure.

Bills QB Josh Allen day-to-day with foot sprain, could play vs. Panthers

Bills head coach Sean McDermott told reporters that QB Josh Allen has a foot sprain and is considered day-to-day.

Justin Verlander's Astros contract approved by MLB

It was reported last month that two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander had come to terms on an agreement to stay with the Houston Astros on a one-year contract worth $25 million that includes a $25 million player option for a second season.

Report: NFL records 37 positive COVID-19 tests on Monday

The NFL has thus far avoided schedule disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic this season. That trend may be in jeopardy ahead of Christmas.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers to rest hurting toe ahead of Ravens game?

Rodgers has played through a fractured pinkie toe the past four games.