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

U.S. Open champ Emma Raducanu withdraws from Kremlin Cup

Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see Raducanu back in action.

Avalanche's Gabriel Landeskog suspended two games for boarding Blackhawks' Kirby Dach

Landeskog has been suspended three times but is not considered a "repeat offender" because his last incident occurred more than 18 months ago.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses practice with illness

Thus far this season, Jackson has dealt with a "sore" hip, an illness later confirmed to be a non-coronavirus-related stomach bug and back soreness.

Browns' Odell Beckham Jr. concerned about winning a championship, not targets

Mayfield targeted OBJ only three times in this past Sunday's disappointing 47-42 loss.

Vikings Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook practices, could play vs. Panthers

Dalvin Cook was a full participant in practice as he attempts to return to 100% from an ankle sprain.

Braves to be without OF Jorge Soler for all of NLCS?

Braves manager Brian Snitker strongly suggested on Thursday that Soler won't be available through the NLCS even though he is vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Bears RB Damien Williams on COVID-19 list, unlikely to play vs. Packers

It's unknown if Williams tested positive for the coronavirus or was deemed a high-risk close contact.

Pelicans' Zion Williamson to miss start of season after foot surgery

Fans will have to wait a little longer for Zion Williamson to make his 2021-22 debut. 

White Sox manager Tony La Russa returning for 2022 season

Despite being linked to the St. Louis Cardinals, Tony La Russa isn't going anywhere.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley frustrated by continued injury woes

X-rays on Barkley's ankle earlier this week were promising, but it sounds unlikely he'll play in Week 6.

Cardinals fire Mike Shildt as manager due to 'philosophical differences'

Shildt guided St. Louis to three consecutive postseason appearances and won NL Manager of the Year honors for 2019, and logic suggests the 53-year-old will be a hot commodity among teams needing managers this fall.

Pitt's Pat Narduzzi defends Penn State's James Franklin over fake injury controversy

Franklin initially denied any wrongdoing and said such allegations made no sense because Iowa doesn't "run a tempo offense."

Colts WR T.Y. Hilton almost retired after neck surgery, spoke with Andrew Luck

T.Y. Hilton remained with the Colts this past March via a one-year contract with $8 million guaranteed but then landed on the injured reserve list ahead of the start of the regular season.

Raiders DE Carl Nassib back at practice after personal day following Jon Gruden resignation

Back in June, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib made history by announcing himself as the first openly gay player on an active NFL roster.

Christian McCaffrey absent from open portion of Panthers practice

History may be repeating itself as it pertains to the status of Carolina Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey.

Do Cardinals have potential COVID-19 outbreak ahead of Browns game?

The Cardinals have had at least three positive COVID-19 tests heading into Week 6.

Giants QB Daniel Jones recovering from concussion, could play vs. Rams

Giants coach Joe Judge told reporters that Jones is recovering well from what was a scary concussion and is making "positive" progress toward returning to the lineup sooner than many would've thought earlier this week.

Mauricio Pochettino: Paris Saint-Germain will try to 'seduce' Kylian Mbappe to stay

Pochettino is not abandoning hope that he can retain Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar in the same attack.

Raiders designate QB Marcus Mariota to return from IR

Mariota is set to return after suffering a Week 1 injury. 

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson grateful for 'MNF' roughing the passer penalty

Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback Lamar Jackson is already a one-time NFL Most Valuable Player but, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN, entered last Monday's

NFLPA wants Washington emails released to learn about potential hiring biases?

NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith has explained the NFLPA wants the league to release all of the reported 650,000 emails discovered as part of the probe. 

Nets not offering Kyrie Irving contract extension amid COVID-19 vaccination standoff?

Kyrie Irving lost out on a huge extension because of his refusal to get vaccinated.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey '50-50' to play vs. Vikings

It sounds like McCaffrey's availability for Sunday's game is trending in the wrong direction. 

Raiders owner Mark Davis made final call on Jon Gruden working Bears game?

Raiders general manager Mike Mayock spoke with reporters Wednesday and suggested owner Mark Davis made the final call to allow Gruden to coach against the Bears.

Browns' Kevin Stefanski still committed to using Odell Beckham Jr.?

Odell Beckham Jr. has seen his targets and connections with quarterback Baker Mayfield decrease each week.