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

Texans QB Tyrod Taylor staying on IR through Colts game?

Taylor is eligible to return after suffering an injury in Week 2 but that might not be how it plays out. 

Seahawks' Russell Wilson already had finger surgery, out roughly six weeks

Assuming the timeline is accurate, Wilson will probably miss at least five games total.

Celtics' Jaylen Brown tests positive for COVID-19, quarantining

While the Celtics added that Brown is asymptomatic, it's unknown if he's considered fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. 

Jon Gruden, Raiders respond to story about racist trope in 2011 email

Jon Gruden used a racist trope while describing NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith in a 2011 email.

Russell Wilson out at least a month with ruptured finger tendon?

Wilson has a ruptured middle-finger tendon, will likely require surgery and will be sidelined for a minimum of one month.

Nets' Kyrie Irving can practice in Brooklyn, still can't play in home games

New York City has cleared Irving to practice thanks to what some would call a convenient loophole.

Warriors' Stephen Curry on Lakers' LeBron James: 'He set the standard'

The two on-the-court foes now share a conference, and Curry was asked Friday ahead of a preseason contest between the Warriors and Lakers what it's been like to face James on the sport's biggest stages for so long. 

Raiders' Jon Gruden reportedly used racist trope in 2011 email

Raiders owner Mark Davis could potentially punish or even fire Gruden over the controversy if he wishes.

MLS suspends Sporting KC's Felipe Hernandez for betting on games

Following an investigation, it was learned that "Hernandez engaged in extensive and unlawful sports gambling."

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson to see hand specialist for finger injury

Wilson hasn't missed a start (149 straight) since his rookie campaign in 2012, but that streak now looks in serious jeopardy.

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo ruled out; Trey Lance to start at Cardinals

It looks decreasingly likely that Garoppolo will be able to play on Sunday. 

Former NBA star J.R. Smith to make North Carolina A&T golf debut

Two-time NBA champion and former professional basketball star guard J.R. Smith officially traded in his gym shorts for golf clubs this summer.

Report: Broncos' Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) expected to play vs. Steelers

Bridgewater ranks seventh among all eligible signal-callers with a 110.6 passer rating and fifth with a 65.5 total QBR and 72.1 completion percentage.

Vikings Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook practices, questionable vs. Lions

Cook said earlier in the week that he was willing to play "through pain" and that he didn't feel any more injured coming off last Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns.

LSU football lifts COVID-19 entrance protocols

Practically all virus-related restrictions for attending games are eliminated. Fans under the age of 12 no longer have to wear masks in outdoor spaces, but guests must still wear face coverings in the indoor portions of Tiger Stadium.

UConn interim coach Lou Spanos, four others positive for COVID-19

Five members of the UConn Huskies football program have tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Saturday's game against UMass. 

Barcelona president hoped Lionel Messi would 'play for free'

Desperately hoping to retain Messi, Joan Laporta entertained the wildest of possibilities. 

Cowboys' Dak Prescott: 'I don't think much about' injury vs. Giants

Dak Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle while taking on the Giants on Oct. 11, 2020, and the Cowboys play Big Blue this weekend.

Emma Raducanu 'still hungry for more' after U.S. Open title

18-year-old Emma Raducanu became the new face of women's tennis this summer via a shocking run at the Wimbledon Championships followed by the new British No. 1 winning not just the U.S. Open crown, but every set she played during the year's final Grand Slam event. 

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson '101 percent' ahead of Colts game

How is the Ravens QB feeling ahead of this coming Monday's matchup versus the 1-3 Indianapolis Colts? "I'm 101%," Jackson said.

Ole Miss offers free popcorn after Lane Kiffin gaffe

Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin told viewers to "get your popcorn ready" before his Rebels got destroyed by Bama.

Vikings Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook misses practice again; status for Lions game in question

There should be no reason to force Cook into action against Detroit, especially if there's a risk of him worsening his injury. 

Panthers star RB Christian McCaffrey blames 'TNF' for hamstring injury?

Carolina Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since he suffered an injured hamstring in the win over the Houston Texans on Thursday, Sept. 23.

Bengals to have RB 'committee' of Samaje Perine, Chris Evans if Joe Mixon can't play?

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Wednesday that Mixon must complete at least some on-the-field work ahead of time to be cleared to face the Packers.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley 'closer' to normal after last season's torn ACL

Barkley rushed for 52 yards on 13 carries and also tallied five catches for 74 yards with two total touchdowns, including the walkoff score in the extra period that propelled the Giants to their first win of the campaign against the Saints.