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

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.

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo not practicing again ahead of Cardinals game

Garoppolo suffered a calf contusion in the Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Lakers, Clippers to be impacted by L.A. COVID-19 vaccine mandate

Just as with New York and San Francisco, the Los Angeles mandate applies only to Lakers and Clippers players and not to "non-resident performers" competing in road games against those clubs.

Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater limited in practice, could play vs. Steelers

Bridgewater continues to work toward clearing the concussion protocol following the nasty hit he endured in this past Sunday's 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens that dropped the Broncos to 3-1 on the season.

Tom Brady: Buccaneers are 'still learning each other'

As Brady and company prepare to face the 1-3 Miami Dolphins this Sunday, the seven-time champion signal-caller reminded everybody Thursday the Bucs are still a work in progress. 

Louisville freshman Mike James lost for season with torn Achilles tendon

Fans of the Louisville Cardinals men's basketball program won't get to see freshman guard/forward Mike James in action during the upcoming season.

Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez on roster for ALDS vs. Rays

Martinez suffered somewhat of a freak sprained left ankle in this past Sunday's regular-season finale at the Washington Nationals when he tripped on second base while running out to patrol right field.

Texans owner: 'We’ll see' if Deshaun Watson is traded before deadline

Unless Watson's legal issues are sorted out by the first Tuesday of November, he'll be on track to sit through the entire season.

Canadiens star netminder Carey Price enters NHL player assistance program, out at least 30 days

Angela Price, the netminder's wife, cited mental health in a post she shared on Instagram.

Vikings Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook to play 'through pain' vs. Lions

Cook does not intend to take any time off with the campaign in danger of spiraling out of control.

NBA players again won't randomly be tested for marijuana

The NBA will continue to test for "drugs of abuse and performance-enhancing substances."

Giants' Daniel Jones hits out at critics of OC Jason Garrett

It's hardly surprising Jones would publicly back his coaches, but he and his teammates must continue to consistently get into end zones.

White Sox's Jose Abreu negative for COVID-19, game-day decision vs. Astros

The Chicago White Sox received some good news regarding slugger and first baseman Jose Abreu but don't yet know if the reigning AL MVP will be available for Thursday's AL Division Series opener at the Houston Astros. 

Bengals RB Joe Mixon misses practice with ankle injury

Mixon leads the Bengals with 353 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Minor league players reportedly will have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for 2022 season

MLB is finalizing a policy that will require all minor leaguers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus to report to spring training next year. 

49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo doesn't practice, but calf is getting 'better'

Lance, next up on the depth chart, is taking first-team practice reps while Garoppolo is sidelined. 

Padres fire Jayce Tingler after second-half collapse

Tingler was offered an opportunity to remain with the organization in a different role, but it's unknown if he plans to accept it.