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

Bruins' Tuukka Rask questionable for Game 6 vs. Islanders

Rask, 34, has reportedly been dealing with a back issue since a game against the New Jersey Devils on March 7 but seemed to return to form during the first-round triumph over the Washington Capitals.

Reds' Joey Votto returns from fractured thumb to face Brewers

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto is back.

Nuggets' Nikola Jokic wins 2020-21 NBA MVP Award

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been the NBA's best passing big man for some time but can now add something else to his resume: Most Valuable Player.

All Saints' Tier 1, Tier 2 staff members have received COVID-19 vaccine shots

New Orleans head coach Sean Payton told reporters Tuesday that all Saints coaches, staff members, and other essential personnel considered either Tier 1 or Tier 2 have been vaccinated.

Rangers designate slugger Khris Davis for assignment

The Rangers now have seven days to trade or release Davis. He could also accept a demotion to the minor leagues. 

Blazers' Damian Lillard on future: 'I have no comments about anything'

The Portland Trail Blazers know they need to keep superstar Damian Lillard happy to have any chance of winning anything of note next season and in the foreseeable future.

Some Jaguars assistants received COVID-19 vaccine shots to avoid losing Tier 1 status

On Monday, the Buffalo Bills confirmed they're holding training camp at their team facility rather than at St.  John Fisher College in Rochester "due to the complexities of the NFL's  current COVID-19 health protocols in place."

Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence not expected to miss time with hamstring tightness

Jacksonville opens mandatory minicamp on June 15.

Packers' Davante Adams won't skip training camp if he doesn't sign a contract extension

On the same day that quarterback Aaron Rodgers skipped the start of mandatory minicamp amid reports he wants to be traded, four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams reported to camp.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur taking Aaron Rodgers holdout 'one day at a time'

LaFleur hasn't changed his stance or tone throughout the spring. He wants Rodgers back but has repeated he has no real update on the standoff between the future Hall of Famer and team management.

Mason Rudolph wants to become starting QB for Steelers

Rudolph told reporters Tuesday he is "not worried" about 2022 but admitted he wants to be the man who replaces Big Ben when the time comes.

USMNT defender Mark McKenzie targeted with racist abuse online

The 22-year-old had a rough outing Sunday evening that included a costly giveaway which allowed Mexico's Jesus Corona to open the scoring 63 seconds into the match.

New Falcons coach Arthur Smith on Julio Jones: 'I don't worry about players that I never coached'

For now, Smith will concentrate on promoting Calvin Ridley atop the depth chart at the receiver position and getting rookie tight end Kyle Pitts ready for prime time.

Tom Brady 'went full speed' at start of Buccaneers' mandatory minicamp

Even if that is the case, the 43-year-old rocked a sleeve on his knee and was at least somewhat limited as it pertains to facing defenders.

Seahawks' Russell Wilson, other veterans attend OTAs

Quarterback Russell Wilson may not retire as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, but it appears everyone can put any trade speculation involving the one-time Super Bowl champion signal-caller to bed until at least next winter. 

Penguins' Sidney Crosby now has highest career earnings in NHL history

Crosby told reporters after this latest playoff disappointment that he doesn't believe the franchise should dismantle the core that includes himself, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang while the club's championship window remains at least cracked open. 

Reports: Packers' Aaron Rodgers to skip mandatory minicamp

The latest development in the saga involving quarterback and reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers was predicted by most observers and, now, seems inevitable. 

Luka Doncic suggests he will sign supermax extension

Along with confirming he plans to participate in Olympic qualifiers with the Slovenian national team, the 22-year-old hinted Monday he is willing and eager to sign a supermax extension this summer. 

White Sox rookie Yermin Mercedes wants in Home Run Derby

Following the weekend's action, Mercedes is batting .292 with seven home runs and 31 RBI, and he's left no doubt this spring he can take slow pitches deep during meaningful action and, presumably, a home run battle.

Ex-Chiefs assistant Britt Reid pleads not guilty to charges from car crash

The Chiefs placed Reid on administrative leave days after the Super Bowl loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later let his contract expire.

Cowboys' Michael Gallup: Dak Prescott 'looks like the same old Dak'

The Cowboys signed their two-time Pro Bowl signal-caller to a four-year deal worth up to $160 million in March without knowing, for sure, how he'd recover after requiring a second surgery in December to strengthen his ankle.

Mariners option scuffling top prospect Jarred Kelenic to Triple-A

Kelenic is batting a woeful .096 with two home runs, six RBI and 26 strikeouts through 23 games.

Retired QB Alex Smith wins PFWA George Halas Award

On Monday, former Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith was named the 2021 George Halas Award winner by the Professional Football Writers of America.

Broncos' Vic Fangio: 'It’s too early' to make conclusions about QB battle between Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock

Fangio insists the battle between the two signal-callers will be a "50-50" contest and that Bridgewater and Lock are on equal ground heading into training camp.