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

Penguins star Evgeni Malkin to miss at least first two months of season after knee surgery

The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without both of their superstar players through the start of the regular season. One may be out until some point next year. 

Jets' Robert Saleh has received advice, suggestions from mother

Saleh probably expected to hear criticisms and even suggestions from members of the New York media, but he said that he's received some unrequested assistance from his own mom. 

Warriors owner Joe Lacob fined $50,000 for comments on 76ers' Ben Simmons

The NBA has fined Joe Lacob $50,000 for violating the league's anti-tampering rules. 

Report: Buccaneers' Antonio Brown positive for COVID-19, unlikely to play at Rams

Brown is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, meaning he can return to team activities if he stays asymptomatic and produces two negative virus tests 24 hours apart.

Cleveland ace Shane Bieber to return Friday vs. White Sox

Cleveland won't have an October to remember this time around, but reigning AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber is getting his wish to return to the mound in 2021.

Bears QB Justin Fields focused on Browns, not 'winning the starting job'

Fields replaced the injured Dalton in last Sunday's win over the Bengals and completed six of 13 passes for 60 yards, zero touchdowns and an interception with 31 rushing yards on 10 carries.

Vikings plan to play Dalvin Cook vs. Seahawks despite ankle injury

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer told reporters Wednesday he's planning as if Cook will be good to go by the final Sunday of September.

Reds manager David Bell given extension through 2023

The Cincinnati Reds had their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates rained out but were nevertheless able to announce some positive news on Wednesday.

Raiders QB Derek Carr 'good to go' after ankle scare

The Las Vegas Raiders became one of the pleasant surprises of the opening two weeks of the NFL season by notching back-to-back wins, thanks largely to the play of quarterback Derek Carr.

Timberwolves part ways with president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas

Rosas previously spent 16 years with the Houston Rockets' front office before he accepted the Timberwolves job on May 1, 2019.

Buccaneers TE Rob Gronkowski admits he actually does watch game film

Gronkowski added he was merely embracing the "silly atmosphere" created by the Manning brothers during what have become popular alternate broadcasts of "MNF" games. 

Colts QB Carson Wentz 'throwing the kitchen sink' at ankle treatments ahead of Titans game

Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Carson Wentz suffered sprains to both of his ankles in this past Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson 'sore' after TD flip, would 'probably do it again'

John Harbaugh added he'll permit Jackson to keep that maneuver in his arsenal as long as the signal-caller doesn't fumble and puts six points on the scoreboard.

Report: NFL has 'no immediate plans' to change enforcement of taunting rules

Players shouldn't be surprised by what's occurred since the start of the regular season, as it was known back in April the competition committee believed NFL referees had become "too lax in taunting."

Bears rookie QB Justin Fields to make first start vs. Browns

Fields replaced the injured Andy Dalton last Sunday and completed 6-of-13 passes for 60 yards, zero touchdowns and an interception in the win against Cincinnati. The first-year pro also added 31 rushing yards on 10 carries. 

Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. 'full go' in practice ahead of Bears game

Kevin Stefanski wouldn't comment on if Beckham will be on any "pitch count" if he makes his season debut Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Buccaneers place WR Antonio Brown on reserve/COVID-19 list

Brown is considered fully vaccinated, so he could return to team activities ahead of the weekend as long as he is asymptomatic and produces two negative virus tests 24 hours apart.

Packers' Aaron Rodgers blasts those who question his work ethic

Rodgers was asked during Tuesday's appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" about those who would doubt his dedication to the cause. The future Hall of Famer didn't hold back when answering. 

Broncos' Bradley Chubb to have ankle surgery, hopes to return this season

The 25-year-old vowed to return for what he referred to as the "playoff push" portion of the campaign. 

Mets' Jacob deGrom expects to pitch again before end of season

New York's playoff hopes have just about completely faded away, but ace Jacob deGrom isn't letting that reality prevent him from working toward a return to the rotation

Saints' Caesars Superdome structurally OK after roof catches fire

The New Orleans Saints finally caught a break as it pertains to their full-time home.

Flyers' Kevin Hayes to miss start of season after abdominal surgery

Unproven commodity Morgan Frost, 22, is a candidate to take Hayes' spot in the lineup.  

Nets GM hints all players will be vaccinated against COVID-19 or cleared to play

Brooklyn hosts its first regular-season home game Oct. 24 against the Charlotte Hornets, so there remains plenty of time for personnel to get their shots before they have to take the court in New York. 

Washington's Ron Rivera backs NFL crackdown on taunting

Rivera explained that he backs the crackdown on taunting because he believes doing so can help prevent a fight from occurring during a game.

Texans' Tyrod Taylor on IR, out at least three games with hurt hamstring

Houston Texans head coach David Culley confirmed earlier in the day that rookie quarterback Davis Mills will start Thursday's prime-time game against the