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

Duke freshman forward Jalen Johnson out indefinitely with foot injury

Things have gone from bad to worse for the 2-2 Duke Blue Devils. Duke confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that star freshman forward Jalen Johnson is out indefinitely.

Ravens activate WR Dez Bryant, place QB Trace McSorley on IR

The Baltimore Ravens officially added an offensive weapon to the active roster but also lost a player for at least the rest of the regular season.

Florida forward Keyontae Johnson stable, has FaceTimed team; one game postponed

The parents of Keyontae Johnson, the Florida Gators forward who collapsed on the court during Saturday's game against the Florida State Seminoles, provided some good news on Tuesday.  In a statement shared by the Gators, Johnson's parents explained that the junior is in stable condition, breathing on his own, and conversing with others.

Buccaneers place kicker, punter, long snapper on reserve/COVID-19 list

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are enduring a difficult start to Week 15 of the season.

Panthers All-Pro RB Christian McCaffrey likely out for Packers game

Carolina Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey can't get back on the field.

Report: Rangers trade reliever Rafael Montero to Mariners

In return, Texas landed 17-year-old right-hander Jose Corniell and a player to be named later. 

Buccaneers RB Ronald Jones having pin placed in fractured pinkie finger

While one may assume Jones will miss at least this coming Sunday's contest against the Atlanta Falcons, the Bucs aren't yet ruling him out.

UFC superstar Conor McGregor saves Irish gym facing financial problems

On Friday, Philip Mulpeter posted on Instagram that he was closing SBG Portarlington, a gym he owns in County Laois, Ireland, due to financial hardships caused by lockdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Michigan-Iowa game canceled due to COVID-19

The Wolverines haven't competed since a loss to the Penn State Nittany Lions on Nov. 28 and end the campaign with a 2-4 record. Iowa, meanwhile, sits at 6-2 after winning six straight games. 

DePaul pauses basketball activities, pushes season start back again

The men's basketball program of the DePaul Blue Demons cannot get its season underway.

Ravens QB Trace McSorley has sprained knee but no serious injury

McSorley's status for Sunday's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars is unknown, and Baltimore could activate undrafted rookie Tyler Huntley from the practice squad.

Frisco Bowl canceled after SMU withdraws; UTSA moves to First Responder Bowl

Last week, the 7-3 SMU Mustangs accepted an invitation to play in this year's Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl held at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Purdue, Indiana mutually agree to cancel game due to COVID-19

The Boilermakers and Hoosiers have faced off each campaign since 1920 prior to this season's cacnellations.

Drew Brees had 'significant pain' last week; status unknown for Chiefs game

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees hasn't played since he suffered serious rib and lung injuries during the 27-13 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 15, and his status for the team's upcoming game vs. Kansas City remains up in the air.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel likely out for regular season with hamstring strain

San Francisco will attempt to get back to .500 without wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who went down to a hamstring strain after one play against Washington in the 49ers' loss on Sunday.

Bill Belichick sticking with Cam Newton as starting QB

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton had a night to forget against the Los Angeles Rams in the Patriots' 24-3 loss, but head coach Bill Belichick isn't ready to make a change at the position for the time being.

NFL not planning for COVID-19 vaccines before Super Bowl

With reports circulating that the NHL is planning for private purchases of available COVID-19 vaccines, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has told reporters that his league won't be pursuing any vaccinations before Super Bowl LV occurs on Feb. 7.

Vanderbilt-Georgia football game canceled, ruled no contest

A rescheduled game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Georgia Bulldogs is officially off for good.  The Southeastern Conference confirmed on Monday that this coming Saturday's matchup has been canceled and ruled a no contest because Vanderbilt's squad and position availability are below the minimum requirements to compete per league rules.

Matthew Stafford questionable vs. Titans after X-rays on ribs come back negative

Chase Daniel replaced the injured Stafford against Green Bay and completed three of six passes for 29 yards. 

Grandfather: Florida forward Keyontae Johnson was in medically-induced coma

Johnson was stretchered off the court after he collapsed following a first-half timeout during Saturday's contest and taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Washington evaluating Alex Smith injury, Dwayne Haskins 'ready' to play

Haskins filled in for Smith against San Francisco and completed seven of 12 passes for 51 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. 

Royals re-sign reliever Greg Holland to one-year contract

Kansas City Royals veteran reliever Greg Holland isn't going anywhere.

Jim Harbaugh committed to Michigan beyond 2021

Harbaugh and athletic director Warde Manuel have both recently mentioned Harbaugh extending his contract, but no agreement has happened yet.

Mike McCarthy to remain Cowboys coach in 2021

It is, however, possible that the front office could require McCarthy to make changes to his defensive staff. 

Oregon replaces Washington in Pac-12 title game vs. USC

COVID-19 issues impacting the Washington Huskies will prevent Washington from facing the USC Trojans in the Pac-12 title game.