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

49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has season-ending knee surgery

The 24-year-old was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team for his play during the 2020 campaign.

Packers' Za'Darius Smith feels 'like a new man' after back surgery

It isn't all good news for Packers fans heading into the weekend, however, as it was learned earlier on Friday that starting tight end Robert Tonyan tore his left ACL and is out for the remainder of the season. 

Bears LB Khalil Mack out Sunday vs. 49ers

The Bears have ruled star pass-rusher Khalil Mack out for Sunday's showdown because of a foot injury that began bothering him early into the season.

Nets owner hopes Kyrie Irving gets vaccinated against COVID-19 'as soon as possible'

Nets owner Joe Tsai said he hopes Irving chooses to receive one of the safe and available vaccines "as soon as possible" but added he doesn't know when or if the 29-year-old will return to team activities.

Titans WR Julio Jones (hamstring) out Sunday vs. Colts

He is fourth on the Titans with 17 receptions but second with 301 receiving yards on the campaign. 

Hockey Hall of Fame removing Brad Aldrich's name from Stanley Cup

Aldrich worked for the Blackhawks when they won the title for the 2009-10 season. 

Sidney Crosby a game-time decision Saturday vs. Devils

Crosby has practiced throughout the midweek, and forward and linemate Evan Rodrigues is encouraged by what he's seen from the future Hall of Famer. 

Jerry Jones: 'Things are looking good right now about Dak' Prescott

Prescott said Thursday he doesn't expect to know his status for the upcoming matchup until Saturday, but Jones again expressed confidence his QB1 will be in the lineup during a Friday radio appearance. 

Celtics' Jaylen Brown: 'My body hasn't recovered the same' since COVID-19

Brown added he's no longer dealing with breathing issues he encountered earlier this month but still has some joint pain he links with the virus. 

Mets request permission for interview with Red Sox executive Raquel Ferreira

Ferreira first began working with the Red Sox in 1999 and went from holding an administrative assistant role to becoming an executive.

U.S. Open champ Emma Raducanu bounced from Transylvania Open in straight sets by Marta Kostyuk

Emma Raducanu became arguably the new face of women's tennis this year following her unexpected run at Wimbledon and her U.S. Open triumph, but it was a different teenager who cut her Transylvania Open experience short. 

Dolphins HC Brian Flores: Tua Tagovailoa is starting QB for rest of season

One gets the impression that Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores would forever put rumors linking his team with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott 'sore,' status for Vikings game unclear

Backup Cooper Rush will start for Dallas if Prescott isn't cleared. 

Christian Eriksen unable to play for Inter Milan after cardiac arrest

It was believed Eriksen would remain sidelined until at least February even before this update. 

Baker Mayfield to start for Browns vs. Steelers despite shoulder injury

The news isn't all that surprising considering Mayfield suggested on multiple occasions he wanted to return to the lineup as soon as possible despite the fact he first hurt his shoulder all the way back in Week 2 and reinjured it in the 37-14 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 17. 

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler misses practice with hip injury

Chargers star running back Austin Ekeler did not practice Thursday because of a hip injury. What's particularly curious about this potential setback is that Ekeler was not on the team's official injury report released Wednesday. 

Saints QB Jameis Winston on facing Buccaneers: 'Obviously I want to beat 'em'

Jameis Winston was beneath future Hall of Famer Drew Brees on the New Orleans depth chart for much of last season, meaning this Sunday will be the first time he starts against his former employer, the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Justin Jefferson rooting for Ja'Marr Chase to break all-time rookie receiving record

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson made history during the 2020 season when he set an NFL rookie record for receiving yards with 1,400 on the campaign.

Browns QB Baker Mayfield still limited in practice, could play vs. Steelers

Mayfield was limited in practice Thursday for the second straight session, but offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt suggested the 26-year-old could be good to go versus the 3-3 Steelers. 

NAACP urges pro athletes not to sign with Texas teams

The NAACP has sent a letter to players associations from the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB and WNBA urging free agents in those leagues to avoid signing with clubs located in Texas.

Capitals' T.J. Oshie out 'week-to-week' with lower-body injury

The Washington Capitals fell to the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 in overtime on Wednesday but suffered a different type of loss in the process.

Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney dream of leading Wrexham AFC to Premier League

The two are working with a documentary crew for a project about Wrexham and the local community scheduled to be unveiled in 2022. 

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (calf) won't know if he's facing Vikings until Saturday?

The Dallas Cowboys are understandably being cautious with starting quarterback Dak Prescott after he strained his right calf in the Oct. 17 win over the New England Patriots before the team's bye.

Chiefs star QB Patrick Mahomes: 'I need to play better'

The star QB accepted blame for his performances and the team's position in the standings while speaking with reporters Thursday.