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

Kyle Shanahan won't say if Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo will play vs. Chiefs

Shanahan sitting Garoppolo this weekend might not be a sign of anything, even if Lance takes the field and performs well.

Paris Saint-Germain officially welcomes Lionel Messi on two-year contract

Part of Messi's agreement to stay with Barcelona, a contract that ultimately could not be registered, reportedly involved the living legend eventually joining Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. It's unclear if his PSG deal contains a similar clause.

Jakub Vrana signs three-year, $15.75 million deal with Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings acquired winger Jakub Vrana ahead of the trade deadline in April and have now locked the 25-year-old down on a new agreement that allowed the parties to avoid a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for Wednesday. 

Colts rookie QB Sam Ehlinger getting first-team reps

If neither Eason nor Ehlinger look capable of leading the Colts to regular-season wins by the end of the month, Indianapolis could pursue a trade for a proven commodity.

Valparaiso chooses Beacons as new nickname

Valparaiso says it received close to 1,000 suggestions for a new nickname and also "input from dozens of students, student-athletes, faculty, staff and alumni" regarding the change. 

Broncos to start Drew Lock this week, Teddy Bridgewater next week

Vic Fangio declared in mid-May the battle between Lock and Bridgewater would "be a 50-50 proposition," and the coach is staying true to his word through the summer months. 

Browns All-Pro DE Myles Garrett considered 'day-to-day' with hamstring injury

The Browns understandably are protective of their key defensive asset, and not just because he signed a five-year extension that could be worth up to $125 million in July 2020.

Marlins manager Don Mattingly to return Friday from COVID-19 absence

Mattingly has been away from the team since July 31 when he tested positive for COVID-19.

Premier League to issue permanent bans to fans guilty of racist abuse

The Premier League also vowed to continue working with social media platforms such a Facebook, Twitter and Instagram "to improve existing tools and develop processes to tackle abuse" throughout the upcoming campaign. 

Washington Football Team has 86% of players partially vaccinated against COVID-19

86% of the club's players are now at least partially vaccinated against the coronavirus, up from 36% as of early July. 59.3% of players are fully vaccinated. 

Mavericks' Luka Doncic makes history with supermax rookie extension

It seems like it's a matter of when, not if, he wins his first of multiple Most Valuable Player awards. 

Novak Djokovic withdraws from Western & Southern Open

The main draw for the Western & Southern Open will be announced this coming Friday, and men's main-draw action begins on Sunday. 

Giants to retire Michael Strahan's No. 92 jersey

The Giants will retire the No. 92 jersey that once belonged to New York all-time great pass-rusher and Hall of Famer Michael Strahan on a to-be-announced date. 

USMNT striker Josh Sargent joins Norwich City on four-year deal

Sargent may play underneath or alongside Norwich forward Teemu Pukki but could ultimately replace Pukki as the club's first-choice front man. 

Buccaneers' Bruce Arians: 'Our offense just stinks'

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady reportedly cussed out his offense following an underwhelming practice last week, and head coach Bruce Arians had little good to say about that portion of his roster on Monday.

Saints' Sean Payton declines comment on Michael Thomas' tweet

New Orleans head coach Sean Payton had little to say about a controversial tweet from disgruntled wide receiver Michael Thomas when asked on Monday. 

Giants' Saquon Barkley out vs. Jets, ‘definitely hopeful’ for Week 1

Optimism seems to be increasing regarding Barkley being on the field for Week 1. 

Flyers sign goaltender Carter Hart to three-year, $11.9M extension

The 22-year-old was a restricted free agent before Monday's development but is now locked down through 2023-24.

Andy Murray replaces Stan Wawrinka in U.S. Open field

Murray has battled injuries this season but will replace an ailing Wawrinka at the U.S. Open. 

Report: Mets manager Luis Rojas not in danger of losing job despite recent slump

The Mets have nosedived since the All-Star break, falling from first to third in the N.L. East standings. 

Giants RB Saquon Barkley returns to practice

New York Giants fans didn't have to wait long to catch glimpses of star running back Saquon Barkley in action on Monday.

Penguins HOF play-by-play announcer Mike Lange retires

The long-time voice of the Penguins is calling it a career. 

Harry Kane could play for Tottenham vs. Manchester City?

Kane returned to Tottenham on Saturday and is currently quarantining at the team's training ground hotel per COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Deshaun Watson won't play another down for Texans?

Monday produced some conflicting reports on Watson's situation in Houston, but at least one NFL insider believes the QB has played his last down for the Texans.