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

Steelers WR Diontae Johnson improving, status for Bengals game unclear

Johnson led all Pittsburgh players with nine catches for 105 yards against the Raiders.

White Sox to 'evaluate' Carlos Rodon in Sept. 29 start ahead of postseason

Rodon has battled arm fatigue during the second half of the campaign that has caused Tony La Russa to give him extra rest ahead of the postseason.

Patriots to honor three-time Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman Sunday

The wide receiver retired this past spring a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the most accomplished offensive players in the club's history.

Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud on track to play vs. Akron despite shoulder injury

Stroud, a redshirt freshman, completed 15-of-25 passes for 185 yards with a touchdown, an interception and a lost fumble in this past Saturday's 41-20 win over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

Saints' Caesars Superdome roof catches fire

The New Orleans Saints are still operating out of Dallas and away from their home of the Caesars Superdome because of hardships caused by Hurricane Ida. 

Western Michigan head coach Tim Lester tests positive for COVID-19

Western Michigan is coming off an upset 44-41 road win against the Pittsburgh Panthers that improved the Broncos to 2-1 on the season. It was Western Michigan's first victory over a Power 5 opponent under Lester. 

Browns place WR Jarvis Landry on injured reserve with MCL sprain

Landry went down with the knee injury on the opening drive of Sunday's game against Houston and did not return to the field. Thus far this season, he has six receptions for 80 yards.

Texans QB Davis Mills to start for injured Tyrod Taylor vs. Panthers

It's unknown when Taylor will be cleared to return. Meanwhile, disgruntled star Deshaun Watson will remain inactive.

Report: NFL says Giants' Dexter Lawrence was offside at Washington

A combination of respected reporters, angry Giants fans and curious observers took multiple looks at the play in question and said they were certain Lawrence jumped right as the ball was snapped.

Punter Jamie Gillan: 'I cost' Browns the Chiefs game

Gillan and the Browns will hope to close out a win at home this Sunday against the Houston Texans.

Reds All-Star OF Jesse Winker activated off IL

Meanwhile, fellow outfielder Tyler Naquin was placed on the IL retroactive to Tuesday with bruised ribs that will likely keep him out through at least the end of the regular season on Oct. 3. 

Christian Pulisic, other USMNT players might miss World Cup qualifier at Panama due to travel ban

England-based USMNT players might not be allowed to travel to Panama.

Report: Giants' Dexter Lawrence wasn't offside for field goal vs. Washington

Former Giants player Lawrence Tynes took the investigation into his own hands, and he says the game film confirms Lawrence shouldn't have been penalized.

Saints down seven coaches following COVID-19 outbreak

The Saints confirmed Friday that seven coaches won't be available for this Sunday's matchup at the Carolina Panthers. 

Raiders' Josh Jacobs out vs. Steelers with toe, ankle injuries

The Raiders signed Peyton Barber earlier this month, and Jon Gruden spoke highly of the veteran.

Browns LT Jedrick Wills Jr. questionable with ankle injury

Cleveland fans cannot yet breathe any sighs of relief about the Browns' offensive line. 

Football legend Pele readmitted to intensive care after having tumor removed

The three-time World Cup winner who is arguably the world's most famous athlete ever took to Instagram earlier in the week to update his condition. 

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan: Brandon Aiyuk not in 'doghouse' after quiet Week 1

Aiyuk wasn't targeted once and was leapfrogged in snaps and overall offensive use by Trent Sherfield, who finished the afternoon with two catches for 23 yards and a touchdown.

Do replays show Giants' Dexter Lawrence wasn't offside for game-deciding field goal?

To his credit, Lawrence made no excuses when speaking with reporters.

Saints likely to return home after Week 3 game at New England

The New Orleans Saints continue to practice in and operate out of Dallas as Louisiana works to recover from Hurricane Ida.

Penguins' Sidney Crosby unsure of return date from wrist surgery

Some understandably wondered why Crosby didn't have the operation sooner to correct something Penguins general manager Ron Hextall said earlier this month had been bothering him "for numerous years."

Giants' Joe Judge sees no issue between QB Daniel Jones, WR Kenny Golladay

Giants head coach Joe Judge attempted to downplay an incident caught on camera between quarterback Daniel Jones and WR Kenny Golladay during Thursday night's loss when speaking with reporters Friday. 

Dolphins' Will Fuller out at least for Bills game with personal issue

Dolphins head coach Brian Flores confirmed Friday that Fuller won't play in Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills due to an unspecified personal matter.

Juventus claim massive financial losses, state 'legitimacy' of Super League

 Juventus declared via a statement released Friday that they lost €209.9 million due to hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and also that the Super League that still includes Juve, Real Madrid and Barcelona remains valid. 

Buccaneers' Tom Brady: Up to young players to replicate his successes

Brady had a humorous and then honest response when asked what advice he'd give younger would-be stars about matching his accomplishments.