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

Colts, Broncos only remaining NFL teams not approved to open stadiums at full capacity

And then there were two; for now. The Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos are the only franchises not yet approved for 100% capacity, but the NFL "feels good about the path" they're on in discussions heading into the Memorial Day holiday. 

Mercury guard Diana Taurasi out at least four weeks with fractured sternum

Whenever she returns and scores six more points, she'll be the first WNBA player in history to reach 9,000 for her career. 

Aaron Jones didn't speak with Aaron Rodgers before re-signing with Packers

Jones is coming off back-to-back seasons with more than 1,000 rushing yards.

Wayne Gretzky to become hockey analyst for TNT?

The Winnipeg Jets completed their sweep of the Oilers in the first-round playoff series Monday night.  

Cleveland pitcher Zach Plesac heads to IL after injuring thumb 'aggressively' removing shirt

The 26-year-old is set to meet with a hand specialist Wednesday. It's unknown if he'll require surgery to repair the issue. 

Cowboys' Dak Prescott 'pretty much full-go' in OTAs

Dallas opens the regular season Sept. 9 at the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Report: Canadian Football League to start next season Aug. 5

The Canadian Football League has told players and agents the new campaign begins Aug. 5. Personnel will start mandatory quarantines on July 2 ahead of training camp sessions that kick off eight days later.

Phillies' Bryce Harper on IL with bruised forearm

Phillies star slugger Bryce Harper has had a rough spring, during which he's taken a 97-mph fastball to the face and dealt with an injured wrist. On Tuesday, the Phillies placed Harper on the injured list retroactive to Sunday with a left forearm contusion.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur still hopeful Aaron Rodgers will return to team?

As expected, Rodgers has skipped the start of organized team activities, and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur addressed the elephant in the room while speaking with reporters on Tuesday. 

Steelers' Cam Heyward defends Ben Roethlisberger

The last time fans saw Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger face a competitive defense, the future Hall of Famer tossed four interceptions in a home playoff loss to the Cleveland Browns in January. 

Bills' Sean McDermott concerned players aren't getting COVID-19 vaccine shots?

Similar to MLB, the NFL is reportedly considering loosening certain COVID-19 health and safety protocols for teams that reach or exceed an 85% threshold.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom cleared to face Rockies on Tuesday

The 32-year-old last appeared for the big-league club on May 9 and landed on the IL with right side tightness

Falcons could have received second-round pick for WR Julio Jones before draft?

Jones may find himself without a realistic exit strategy until other playmakers suffer inevitable injuries during preseason and regular-season action.

Alex Ovechkin wants to retire with Capitals, confident about new deal

The 35-year-old put pen to paper on a 13-year, $124 million contract extension in January 2008 and is once again negotiating without an agent heading toward unrestricted free agency.

Texans releasing Ryan Finley after trading for him

The Houston Texans didn't need to see quarterback Ryan Finley perform in organized team activities to know he wasn't long for the club.

Aaron Rodgers spoke with players about teaming up outside of Green Bay?

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has insisted he's not trading the future Hall of Famer. 

Dak Prescott participates in OTAs coming off serious ankle injury

The 27-year-old is on track to start for the season opener on Thursday, Sept. 9 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mets' Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil out until late June with hamstring strains

Both players injured their hamstrings against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 16 and have been out since.

Falcons sign WR Tajae Sharpe amid Julio Jones trade rumors

The Kansas City Chiefs released Sharpe last week. 

Chargers' Derwin James cleared for full participation coming off torn meniscus

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James earned All-Pro honors as a rookie in 2018 but has since played in only five games because of injury setbacks. 

Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell available for Game 2 vs. Grizzlies

The Utah Jazz fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening game of their playoff series Sunday and were without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury on April 16.

Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater: Comments on Panthers practices 'taken out of context'

Bridgewater told reporters that he's communicated with Panthers OC Joe Brady and is ready to move on.

Matt Ryan 'fired up' by Falcons drafting TE Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Matt Ryan is telling anyone who will listen he's a big fan of rookie tight end Kyle Pitts.  

Oilers' Josh Archibald suspended one game for hit on Jets' Logan Stanley

If Edmonton forces a Game 5, Archibald would be eligible to return for Wednesday's contest.