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

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski doesn't clear COVID-19 protocols, out vs. Raiders

Many of the Browns players taking the field Monday are familiar with this type of situation. Stefanski was famously unable to attend the playoff game at the rival Pittsburgh Steelers last January.

Premier League not yet pausing season despite COVID-19 issues, concerns

A total of six games were postponed due to virus outbreaks, and multiple individuals questioned the decision to play any match as the Omicron variant seemingly spreads like wildfire across the league.

NHL in 'triage mode,' hoping to avoid full pause; Canucks' attendance reduced

The NHL is in "triage mode" but is "hoping to avoid a full-on pause at all costs" even though things are looking "pretty grim" for multiple clubs and the league as a whole.

Bucs QB Tom Brady has shoulder issue ahead of Saints game?

The seven-time champion signal-caller was listed as a full participant and carries no injury designation into the weekend, so everybody should expect the future Hall of Famer to be in the lineup come Sunday. 

Packers' Aaron Rodgers will 'be ready to go' vs. Ravens despite not practicing

Matt LaFleur didn't seem too concerned about quarterback Aaron Rodgers' status for this weekend's game.

Raiders owner Mark Davis thinks Browns should travel to Las Vegas for rescheduled game

Raiders owner Mark Davis suggested the Browns should travel out to Vegas for the game, in part because his team has to face the rival Denver Broncos on Dec. 26.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson 'has a chance' to play vs. Packers despite ankle sprain

It seems backup Tyler Huntley is on track to start against the Packers, but head coach John Harbaugh wasn't ready to rule Jackson out.

Kyrie Irving working on return to Nets, would play in road games

The Brooklyn Nets essentially exiled All-Star guard Kyrie Irving away from the team earlier this fall and before the start of the season because of his

Browns, Rams, Washington nearly forfeited over COVID-19 outbreaks?

Let's hope the apparent COVID resurgence doesn't last.

Chargers TE Donald Parham Jr. has concussion, will 'likely' leave hospital Friday

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham Jr. was the key figure of a scary moment early into Thursday's prime-time overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Xavi on being Barcelona boss: 'It's proving harder than we expected'

Barcelona haven't yet won a single December match under Xavi, and he offered an honest assessment of the proud club

Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians decided on futures of Antonio Brown, Mike Edwards?

All may, however, have to wait until Monday to officially learn of Arians' intentions. 

Flames out through Dec. 23; Panthers, Avalanche paused due to COVID

Multiple reports have said the NHL does not intend to pause the season despite COVID-19 outbreaks spreading throughout multiple clubs. As of Friday afternoon, the hockey show will go on.

Northeastern University to hold sporting events without spectators due to COVID-19 surges

Northeastern University is taking a significant step to prevent the spread of COVID-19 amid surging cases linked with the Omicron variant.

Penn State-Quinnipiac canceled due to COVID-19

The contest will not be rescheduled.

Saints HC Sean Payton tests positive for COVID-19, out vs. Buccaneers

Payton also tested positive for the coronavirus in March 2020. It's unknown if he's had a booster shot this fall.

Inter Milan, Christian Eriksen terminate contract by mutual consent

It's unknown if he'll be cleared to sign with a team in a different country at some point next year. 

Cardinals' Kyler Murray on WRs minus DeAndre Hopkins: 'I’m confident in every single one of those guys'

Christian Kirk, A.J. Green, and midseason acquisition Zach Ertz should all see upticks in looks from Kyler Murray with Hopkins sidelined starting this weekend.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott: 'I'm not playing my best ball' amid 'slump'

The Dallas Cowboys improved to 9-4 on the season via last Sunday's 27-20 win over the Washington Football Team, but Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott largely failed to impress and tossed two interceptions in that contest.

Panthers' Cam Newton on splitting snaps: 'I trust in the coaches' plan'

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said last week that veteran quarterback Cam Newton and former XFL star P.J. Walker would both get snaps in what became last Sunday's 29-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, and that's what occurred.

Reports: Browns QB Case Keenum, others positive for COVID-19

The Cleveland Browns began Thursday with 17 players, head coach Kevin Stefanski, and a running backs coach on reserve/COVID-19 lists ahead of Saturday's still-scheduled home game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Canadiens hosting Flyers without fans due to COVID-19 spikes

Thursday's Flyers-Canadiens game will be held in an empty arena.

Pelicans HC Willie Green: Zion Williamson setbacks 'frustrating,' 'tough'

Williamson received a biologic injection in his right foot to help the healing process, but he won't be re-evaluated for four-to-six weeks.

NFL updates COVID-19 protocols; vaccinated individuals can 'test out' of protocols sooner

Requiring fully vaccinated players and staff members who are asymptomatic to produce a pair of negative COVID-19 tests at least 24 hours apart to return to team activities ahead of 10-day periods wasn't working, and neither was shying away from enhanced coronavirus protocols for all clubs.

Ohio State-Kentucky men's basketball game canceled due to COVID-19

No. 15 Ohio State confirmed Thursday afternoon it won't play against No. 21 Kentucky on Saturday in the CBS Sports Classic because of coronavirus setbacks affecting the Buckeyes.