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

Giants RB Saquon Barkley frustrated by continued injury woes

X-rays on Barkley's ankle earlier this week were promising, but it sounds unlikely he'll play in Week 6.

Cardinals fire Mike Shildt as manager due to 'philosophical differences'

Shildt guided St. Louis to three consecutive postseason appearances and won NL Manager of the Year honors for 2019, and logic suggests the 53-year-old will be a hot commodity among teams needing managers this fall.

Pitt's Pat Narduzzi defends Penn State's James Franklin over fake injury controversy

Franklin initially denied any wrongdoing and said such allegations made no sense because Iowa doesn't "run a tempo offense."

Colts WR T.Y. Hilton almost retired after neck surgery, spoke with Andrew Luck

T.Y. Hilton remained with the Colts this past March via a one-year contract with $8 million guaranteed but then landed on the injured reserve list ahead of the start of the regular season.

Raiders DE Carl Nassib back at practice after personal day following Jon Gruden resignation

Back in June, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib made history by announcing himself as the first openly gay player on an active NFL roster.

Christian McCaffrey absent from open portion of Panthers practice

History may be repeating itself as it pertains to the status of Carolina Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey.

Do Cardinals have potential COVID-19 outbreak ahead of Browns game?

The Cardinals have had at least three positive COVID-19 tests heading into Week 6.

Giants QB Daniel Jones recovering from concussion, could play vs. Rams

Giants coach Joe Judge told reporters that Jones is recovering well from what was a scary concussion and is making "positive" progress toward returning to the lineup sooner than many would've thought earlier this week.

Mauricio Pochettino: Paris Saint-Germain will try to 'seduce' Kylian Mbappe to stay

Pochettino is not abandoning hope that he can retain Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar in the same attack.

Raiders designate QB Marcus Mariota to return from IR

Mariota is set to return after suffering a Week 1 injury. 

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson grateful for 'MNF' roughing the passer penalty

Baltimore Ravens starting quarterback Lamar Jackson is already a one-time NFL Most Valuable Player but, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN, entered last Monday's

NFLPA wants Washington emails released to learn about potential hiring biases?

NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith has explained the NFLPA wants the league to release all of the reported 650,000 emails discovered as part of the probe. 

Nets not offering Kyrie Irving contract extension amid COVID-19 vaccination standoff?

Kyrie Irving lost out on a huge extension because of his refusal to get vaccinated.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey '50-50' to play vs. Vikings

It sounds like McCaffrey's availability for Sunday's game is trending in the wrong direction. 

Raiders owner Mark Davis made final call on Jon Gruden working Bears game?

Raiders general manager Mike Mayock spoke with reporters Wednesday and suggested owner Mark Davis made the final call to allow Gruden to coach against the Bears.

Browns' Kevin Stefanski still committed to using Odell Beckham Jr.?

Odell Beckham Jr. has seen his targets and connections with quarterback Baker Mayfield decrease each week.

Doc Rivers 'assuming' Ben Simmons will play for 76ers but isn't certain

Rivers was hesitant to commit to Simmons making the trip to Detroit for Philadelphia's preseason finale. 

Raiders' Carl Nassib takes 'personal day' in wake of Jon Gruden resignation

Raiders DE Carl Nassib, the NFL's first openly gay player, reportedly took a personal day Wednesday in the wake of head coach Jon Gruden's resignation over a number of offensive emails that were leaked by the league.

James Harden, Steve Nash react to Kyrie Irving's banishment from Nets

Neither Nash or Harden has spoken to the All-Star point guard since Tuesday's developments.

Bears QB Justin Fields 'good' to play vs. Packers

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields tweaked his knee in this past Sunday's 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Raiders owner Mark Davis on Jon Gruden: NFL has 'all the answers'

Davis' statement suggests he's annoyed at the NFL about the fact Gruden was seemingly singled out in the reports even though roughly 650,000 emails were recovered during the investigation.

Bengals QB Joe Burrow on 'voice rest' after throat scare

It's unclear if Burrow will face any restrictions yelling out plays or audibles in Detroit.

Dolphins HC Brian Flores: QB Tua Tagovailoa will 'hopefully play' vs. Jaguars in London

Tagovailoa practiced on Wednesday, one day after the Dolphins designated him to return off injured reserve.

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin game-time decision for opener vs. Rangers

Ovechkin missed practice on Sunday and Monday but returned to the ice Tuesday for a brief skate.

LSU star CB Eli Ricks out with season-ending shoulder injury

Ricks tallied four interceptions as a freshman and had accumulated a single pick, 11 total tackles and one pass breakup this season before Wednesday's development.