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

Browns HC confirms Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders whispers

Gabriel didn't play in Cleveland's preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers as he continued to recover from a lingering hamstring injury. Sanders received the bulk of the meaningful reps in that game.

Will 'tough-love approach' turn Cam Ward into Titans' franchise QB?

Brian Callahan and the rest of the Titans coaching staff have used a tough-love approach with Cam Ward to ensure he is ready for Week 1.

Browns HC sends message to Myles Garrett after latest speeding incident

Garrett became the subject of headlines when it was learned that he was cited for driving 100 mph in a 60 mph zone several hours after the Browns opened the preseason with a win at the Carolina Panthers.

Falcons see aspects of Super Bowl champion QB in Michael Penix Jr.

Falcons personnel see a bit of Rams starter and former Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford in Michael Penix Jr.

What is 'biggest sticking point' in contract standoff between Terry McLaurin, Commanders?

ESPN's John Keim shared why Terry McLaurin and the Commanders remain so far apart regarding a possible contract agreement.

George Pickens has been 'incredible' with Cowboys after failed Steelers tenure

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer indicated that George Pickens has been nothing but a model employee over his first several months with the organization. 

Pete Alonso sends message about future after becoming Mets' home run king

Alonso was developed through the organization and has played only for the Mets since he made his MLB debut in 2019.

Bills turn focus to Super Bowl pursuit by ending James Cook contract saga

Cook was in the final year of his rookie deal and stopped participating in training-camp practices as part of a hold-in earlier in August.

Browns' Dillon Gabriel could still slow Shedeur Sanders hype train during preseason

Gabriel became somewhat of a forgotten figure regarding the Browns' QB competition after Sanders played well in Cleveland's preseason opener.

Is Cameron Heyward serious about his threat toward Steelers?

Heyward is coming off his fourth first-team All-Pro season of his career.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers offers promising update after reports of training-camp struggles

Rodgers reportedly lacked chemistry with some Steelers WRs during the first couple of weeks of training camp this summer. 

Browns insider explains viral interaction with Shedeur Sanders

Browns insider Tony Grossi addressed his viral interaction with Shedeur Sanders.

How Brett Favre unintentionally made Steelers' Aaron Rodgers a better mentor

During a Tuesday appearance on Pittsburgh radio station WDVE, Rodgers expanded on how spending the bulk of his first three pro seasons as a backup made him want to become a big-brother figure for younger players, such as Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Will Howard.

Chiefs' Travis Kelce makes big admission about potential distractions after Super Bowl loss

Last fall, some members of the NFL community suggested that Kelce was distracted by his much-publicized relationship with Taylor Swift and his off-the-field business endeavors as he went six straight games without a TD.

Bears' Caleb Williams doing little to silence chatter about training-camp struggles

Williams has remained a work in progress while learning a new offense under Ben Johnson.

How Sam Darnold has been 'a pain in the butt' for Seahawks this summer

Seattle signed Darnold to a three-year, $100.5M contract in March. 

'He's different': Vikings' J.J. McCarthy gets compared to future Hall of Famer

Aaron Jones recently claimed that he sees some of Aaron Rodgers in J.J. McCarthy.

Tom Brady gives Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes ultimate compliment

Mahomes has repeatedly made it known that Brady has given him "something to strive for every single day" as it pertains to possibly becoming the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

Game film may show why Browns aren't ready to start Shedeur Sanders

Excited Cleveland Browns fans want rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders to be their starter after he played well in the club's preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers on Friday.

Does Patriots' Drake Maye feel pressure to become the next Tom Brady?

Brady famously guided the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships from 2000 through the 2019 season.

Does Giants' Brian Daboll already trust Jaxson Dart more than Russell Wilson?

Dart sparked some interesting sports-talk conversations after he produced an impressive pro debut in the club's preseason opener at the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

Browns may not be prepared for one thing with Shedeur Sanders

It was learned on Monday that Sanders remains fourth on the club's unofficial depth chart even though he enjoyed a solid NFL debut in the club's preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers on Friday night. 

NFL executive: It's a 'pipe dream' to think this Colts QB is a starter

He finished the 2024 regular season ranked last in the NFL among qualified players with a 47.7% completion percentage and a 61.6 passer rating.

49ers' Brock Purdy sends message to doubters as latest power rankings snub drops

Some feel the 49ers overpaid to lock the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft down this past spring. 

Why Sam Darnold is confident he'll continue career turnaround with Seahawks

For an article published on Monday, Darnold spoke with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated about why he's confident he has found a long-term NFL home with the fifth team of his career.