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' Za'Darius Smith out indefinitely after back surgery, could return this season

While no timeline for his potential return is mentioned in the latest update, it's believed Smith could see at least some action before the season ends. 

Mets' Pete Alonso: 'I love' playing for manager Luis Rojas

It might not matter in the long run, but Pete Alonso nevertheless said he loves playing under his current boss.

Packers RB Aaron Jones has pocket in jersey to carry father's ashes

Alvin Jones Sr. died of complications from COVID-19 in April at the age of 56. 

Buccaneers' Rob Gronkowski (ribs) doubtful to play vs. Patriots

It seems Gronkowski may not be able to take part in the upcoming on-the-field "homecoming" festivities. 

Chiefs WR Josh Gordon out vs. Eagles, getting into game shape

Gordon hasn't faced a live professional defense since 2019.

76ers withhold $8.25 million owed to Ben Simmons amid holdout

The Sixers placed that money into an escrow account. All fines Simmons earns moving forward will be drained from that account, but the 25-year-old could receive whatever is left if he chooses to return to the organization.

Bears' Matt Nagy: Starting QB vs. Lions 'a game-time decision'

Nagy insisted earlier this week Andy Dalton is his starter if the "Red Rifle" is healthy, but Justin Fields is on track to get the nod ahead of third-string option Nick Foles versus the Lions if Dalton can't go. 

Aspen Ladd-Macy Chiasson fight off after unsettling incident during weigh-in

Ladd previously visibly struggled during her weigh-in ahead of her matchup against Germaine de Randamie in July 2019 and then suffered a 16-second knockout loss the following evening.  

Vikings Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook 'expects' to play vs. Browns

Cook was sidelined for the Week 3 win over the Seattle Seahawks because of the right ankle sprain he suffered during the loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 19. 

Giants' Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Ben Bredeson out vs. Saints

Shepard and Slayton are both dealing with hamstring injuries, while Bredeson hurt his hand in last Sunday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. 

Bengals RB Joe Mixon suffered 'minor' ankle injury in win over Jaguars

The good news for concerned Cincinnati fans everywhere is that the Bengals don't play again until they face the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 10, so Mixon has some extra time to get right.

Steelers OLB T.J. Watt back from groin injury, on track to play vs. Packers

Thus far, Watt has accumulated seven total tackles, three sacks, six quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and one tackle for a loss this season. 

Buccaneers QB Tom Brady yelling more during practices ahead of Patriots game?

Most involved aren't pretending this Week 4 showdown is just a normal football game, Brady included.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice amid back issue

By all accounts, should be good to go for Sunday's showdown in Denver.

Report: NBA players reach 95% COVID-19 vaccination threshold

Players who miss games only because they're not vaccinated could be made to forfeit their pay for those contests. 

Giants' Saquon Barkley on struggles: 'I'm never going to make any excuses'

Since Week 1, the 24-year-old star running back has tallied 134 rushing yards with a touchdown on 39 carries, good for 3.4 yards per attempt, and also nine catches for 56 yards. 

Super Bowl LVI halftime show to feature Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar

The Weeknd entertained and, in some cases, confused viewers who watched his performance at halftime of Super Bowl LV this past February. Super Bowl LVI will be the first to occur at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and the halftime show for the upcoming championship game will be unlike any in history.  According to the NFL's website, Dr.

Report: 'Nothing firm has materialized' on Texans trading Deshaun Watson

Watson is set to remain a paid unused asset as the Nov. 2 trade deadline slowly approaches. 

Luis Rojas: Mets players are a 'special' group

Rojas isn't attached to the Mets past the last game of the year, and he seemed to offer an unofficial farewell.

Broncos' Von Miller hyped to play 'worthy opponent' in Ravens

It seems Von Miller and others within the club have heard and read the criticisms put out there about the unbeaten Broncos. 

Patrick Mahomes 'excited' to see how Chiefs respond to being 1-2

Patrick Mahomes has never been in a 1-2 situation with the Chiefs before, and he's interest to see how his team responds to the adversity.

Coyotes to fully relax NHL player dress code

Players were allowed to dress as they wished while in the playoff "bubbles" created in Toronto and Edmonton in 2020, but the policy reverted to what's mentioned in the collective bargaining agreement for last season. 

Buccaneers' Tom Brady on playing Patriots: 'They know I want to kick their butt this week'

At least some Patriots fans have made it clear their allegiances belong to their beloved club, and Brady left no doubt when speaking to reporters Thursday he's concentrating on earning an important victory in front of a national television audience. 

Tom Brady, Mac Jones to set NFL record for largest age gap between starting QBs

Interestingly, Brady holds the current mark for when he played against Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers last season but could break his new record before the 2021 campaign closes.