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

Blues' Alexander Steen retires because of back injury

According to the club statement, Steen is dealing with "multiple levels of degenerative herniated discs of his lumbar spine" that he suffered during the 2019-20 regular season. 

Giants CB James Bradberry on reserve/COVID-19 list, out for Browns game

Bradberry has been a bright spot for the New York defense and leads the team with three interceptions and 17 passes defended. 

Ohio State dealing with COVID-19 issues ahead of Big Ten title game?

It's widely believed the Big Ten Championship Game would be canceled and not postponed if Ohio State cannot safely field a team this coming weekend.

Capitals goaltender Henrik Lundqvist out for season with heart condition

If Lundqvist has to permanently step away, he will retire a one-time winner of the Vezina Trophy, which is awarded to the league's top goaltender.

Boston College star tight end Hunter Long declares for 2021 NFL Draft

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. currently has Long listed as the fifth-best prospect at the TE position in the 2021 class. 

Kent State men's basketball pauses, postpones MAC opener vs. Akron

The Golden Flashes are now set to be idle until they host the Bowling Green Falcons on Dec. 30. That game's status is unknown at this time.

Virginia men's basketball to resume, play No. 1 Gonzaga

The coronavirus-related setbacks caused Virginia to scrap four games from its calendar, in total, after the team began the campaign with victories in three of its first four contests.

Duke women's basketball pauses, postpones game at No. 4 NC State

On Wednesday, the Duke women's team confirmed that it is temporarily pausing activities due to two positive  coronavirus test results and subsequent contact tracing among those  within its traveling party.

Buccaneers place leading rusher Ronald Jones on reserve/COVID-19 list

One day after Tampa Bay placed kicker Ryan Succop, punter Bradley Pinion, and long snapper Zach Triner  on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Buccaneers leading rusher Ronald Jones  was added to that list and, thus, could be out through the weekend.

Hornets F Gordon Hayward day-to-day with broken finger on shooting hand

Hayward won't play in Thursday's exhibition matchup against the Orlando Magic and is listed as day-to-day. His status for the regular-season opener at the Cleveland Cavaliers set for Dec. 23 is unknown.

Saints QB Drew Brees can practice but has 'a ways to go' ahead of Chiefs game

Brees, who suffered 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung during the 27-13  win over the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 15, was dealing with  "significant pain" last week, according to his coach.

NFL owners delay decision on expanding regular season until early 2021

It appears adding a 17th game to the regular season has been tabled through at least the holidays.

CBS Sports Classic changes to North Carolina-Kentucky, Ohio State-UCLA

Originally, Kentucky-UCLA was supposed to be the opener, followed by Ohio State-UNC.

NFL to invite vaccinated health care workers to Super Bowl LV

Goodell wrote in the memo that he wishes to "honor and thank health care  workers for their extraordinary service during the pandemic" and also  encourage viewers to continue to adhere to recommended  coronavirus-related guidelines and trust the safety of the vaccines.

Lions center Frank Ragnow suffered fractured throat vs. Packers

Remarkably, Ragnow didn't miss a snap after experiencing the injury and also didn't surrender a sack or QB pressure against Green Bay.

Panthers activate WR DJ Moore; will play at Green Bay

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule reiterated on Wednesday that he does not expect All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey to play against the Green

Reports: Rays agree to re-sign catcher Mike Zunino

Zunino, who turns 30 years old in March, will earn $2 million next season, and the option carries an extra $1 million in guaranteed money.

Angels sign left-handed reliever Alex Claudio to one-year deal

The Los Angeles Angels began the offseason needing to upgrade their bullpen. They're hoping they took another step in the right direction on Wednesday.

Kansas State football pauses, opts out of bowl game selection

The Wildcats won four of their first five games before dropping each of their final five contests. Kansas State became the first Big 12 team to opt out of postseason play. 

Virginia Tech opts out of bowl game, finishes at 5-6

Virginia Tech began the campaign at 4-2 but then dropped four straight contests. The Hokies improved to 5-6 on the year with a 33-15 win over the Virginia Cavaliers last Saturday. 

Giants QB Daniel Jones 'in doubt' for 'SNF' game vs. Browns

Veteran Colt McCoy, who spent his first three pro seasons (2010-12) with Cleveland, is in line to start against the Browns if Jones can't play. 

Bengals Pro Bowl DT Geno Atkins (shoulder) out for season

The lingering shoulder injury that cost Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins the entire first quarter of the season will also prematurely end his campaign.

UCLA-Long Beach State basketball game called off again as LBSU pauses

The men's basketball program of the UCLA Bruins has announced that a clash with Long Beach State rescheduled to Tuesday evening was called off for a second time.

NFL owners to discuss expanding regular season on Wednesday

In June, Michael MacCambridge wrote for NBC Sports that he believed the NFL will transition to a 17-game regular season in 2021 as allowed via the collective

Raiders WR Henry Ruggs III on reserve/COVID-19 list, out for Chargers game

One of the heroes for the Las Vegas Raiders in their improbable comeback victory over the winless New York Jets on Dec. 6 won't be available for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.