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

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (finger) full participant in practice

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed two straight starts and was limited in practice on Wednesday ahead of Sunday's game at the New York Jets because of the fracture in the middle finger on his throwing hand. 

Buccaneers, NFL respond to allegation that WR Antonio Brown used fake COVID-19 vaccination card

A recent report says star wide receiver Antonio Brown allegedly used a fake COVID-19 vaccination card so he would be in compliance with NFL health and safety protocols.

Colts HC Frank Reich wants increased workload for star RB Jonathan Taylor

Colts head coach Frank Reich admitted he wants his key playmaker even more involved in the offense moving forward.

Steelers QB Mason Rudolph preparing as if Ben Roethlisberger won't clear COVID-19 protocols

Roethlisberger might be eligible to return for the upcoming matchup at the Chargers, but Rudolph is understandably acting as if he'll be QB1 again. 

Report: Buccaneers say there's 'no evidence' WR Antonio Brown used fake COVID-19 vaccination card

Tampa Bay star wide receiver Antonio Brown allegedly utilized a fake COVID-19 vaccination card, but the Buccaneers are standing behind their player.

Cavaliers' Kevin Love details tough battle with COVID-19

The Cleveland Cavaliers remain one of the more positive surprises, to date, of the 2021-22 NBA season but lost a key contributor when forward Kevin Love entered the league's health and safety protocols back on Nov. 1.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault to miss at least three games for birth of child

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has a pretty solid reason for missing at least the next three games of the 2021-22 NBA season. 

Ohio State QB Jack Miller reinstated after OVI charge is reduced

Miller was suspended earlier this month after an OVI arrest.

Panthers QB Cam Newton giving 50 tickets to fans to bolster home-field advantage

Newton is partnering with his production company, local organizations and the Panthers to welcome a certain portion of the fan base to their stadium.

Saints HC Sean Payton: Taunting penalties 'being over-officiated'

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy recently became the latest prominent figure to speak out in favor of the NFL's controversial and widely disliked crackdown

President Joe Biden: U.S. delegates, not athletes, could 'boycott' Beijing Winter Olympics

The 2022 Winter Olympics held in Beijing from Feb. 4-20 could be missing some recognizable American figures but seemingly won't be without athletes from the country. 

Aaron Rodgers misses practice again with toe issue ahead of Vikings game

Rodgers said Wednesday he's "definitely playing" at Minnesota.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson misses practice with non-COVID-19 illness

Arguably the toughest opponent Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson has faced since Week 1 of the season has been midweek ailments. 

Browns OC Alex Van Pelt expects QB Baker Mayfield to play vs. Lions

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield admitted Wednesday he is "probably the most beat up" he's been during his career as he attempts to play through the pain.

Bears HC Matt Nagy defends NFL emphasis on taunting penalties

The NFL's much-publicized and much-maligned crackdown on taunting made national headlines during and following a prime-time game between the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers held on Nov. 8.

Guardians remove 'Indians' from marquee, unveil merchandise at team shop

The final hours of the Cleveland Indians' existence are ticking down. 

Buccaneers CB Richard Sherman (calf) on IR, out at least three weeks

The Buccaneers placed Sherman on injured reserve Wednesday. Per NFL rules, the veteran and five-time Pro Bowl selection must now miss a minimum of three additional games.

Did Chargers Pro Bowl DE Joey Bosa violate NFL COVID-19 protocols?

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said Wednesday that three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Joey Bosa landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday

Ace Justin Verlander staying with Astros on one-year, $25 million deal

Verlander is returning to the Houston Astros on a one-year contract worth $25 million that includes a player option for a second season. 

HC Mike Sullivan: Penguins need 'swagger,' 'urgency' amid struggles

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan thinks he knows what his team needs following its third consecutive defeat. 

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers 'definitely playing' vs. Vikings despite toe injury

Rodgers hasn't yet said how he hurt the toe or exactly what's wrong with it, but he's clearly convinced the setback won't prevent him from playing.

Jets QB Joe Flacco confirms he's not vaccinated against COVID-19

Flacco sported a mask while speaking with reporters Wednesday and later said he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Panthers' Aleksander Barkov week-to-week with knee injury; no surgery needed

Barkov leads Florida with nine goals and 17 points tallied across 15 games. 

Chargers Pro Bowl DE Joey Bosa could clear COVID protocol ahead of Steelers game

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley confirmed Wednesday that Bosa landed on the list as a high-risk close contact of an infected person.

Cleveland MLB team to officially become Guardians on Friday

The Cleveland MLB team will officially become the Guardians on Friday.