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

Saints RB Alvin Kamara could be cleared for playoff game vs. Bears

The Saints can't activate Kamara off the reserve/COVID-19 list until Sunday at the earliest, meaning that the electric 25-year-old won't be available to practice even once before the game.

Boston, Holy Cross to wear masks for Tuesday's game

It's believed this will be the first time that members from competing teams will wear masks while on the court.

Buccaneers LB Devin White out for wild-card game due to COVID-19

It's not all bad news for Tampa Bay fans, however, as wide receiver Mike Evans may be able to play against Washington after an MRI showed no structural damage to the knee that he injured during the win over Atlanta. 

Duke's Mike Krzyzewski to miss Boston College game while quarantining

It's possible Krzyzewski could be cleared to coach in this coming Saturday's contest against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons as long as he continues to test negative for the virus.

Cam Newton: 'Too early to tell' if he'll be backup QB in 2021

Cam Newton finished his first and, likely, only season with the New England Patriots failing to recapture the electric play of his prime, but the one-time MVP has stated he's not quite ready to accept a role coming off the bench in 2021.

Villanova men's basketball pauses, postpones three games due to COVID-19

The men's basketball program of the Villanova Wildcats announced on Monday that it is going back on pause because of COVID-19 issues.

Browns-Steelers still on for Sunday despite COVID-19 concerns

It appears the NFL won't be altering the Week 17 schedule before 2020 comes to an end.

Jets QB Sam Darnold: 'My best days are ahead'

New York Jets starting quarterback Sam Darnold isn't hurting for confidence several days before what could be his last game with the franchise that selected him via the third pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. 

Pitt women's basketball pauses, postpones four games due to COVID-19

The women's basketball program of the Pittsburgh Panthers is among the latest teams pressing the figurative pause button ahead of the new year. 

Browns CB Denzel Ward positive for COVID-19, out vs. Steelers

The Cleveland Browns may be staring at a legitimate COVID-19 crisis.

Rams DL Michael Brockers on reserve/COVID-19 list, out vs. Cardinals

Like many out there, the Los Angeles Rams likely can't wait to welcome 2021 and a fresh start as quickly as possible.

Florida QB Kyle Trask declares for 2021 NFL Draft

Trask set Gators records by tossing 43 touchdowns and throwing for 4,283 yards. The Heisman Trophy finalist went for 408 passing yards and three touchdowns against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game.

Lions WR Kenny Golladay likely out vs. Minnesota, perhaps done with Detroit

It's a disappointing end to a frustrating season for the 27-year-old who made his first Pro Bowl squad a year ago when he led the NFL with 11 touchdown receptions.

Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick tests positive for COVID-19, out vs. Bills

The Miami Dolphins will be without some magic for the regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills that could become a must-win game for Miami.

Bengals WR A.J. Green: 'If this is my last game, I had an unbelievable 10 years here'

Whatever happens during the winter and spring months, it's a safe bet Green will eventually retire as a member of the Bengals. 

Washington QB Alex Smith on pace to start vs. Eagles

Comeback Player of the Year candidate Alex Smith was back on the practice field and taking first-team reps on Thursday as he works to return from the calf strain that kept him out of the past two games, contests Washington dropped.

Ravens agree to one-year deal with CB Jimmy Smith

Smith has been with the Ravens since they used the 27th pick of the 2011 NFL Draft to secure his services, and he played a massive role in Baltimore's Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers. 

Manchester United's Edinson Cavani banned three games for Instagram message

Cavani didn't appeal the punishment, and Dawson added that United have requested the FA use the player's fine to fund projects meant to battle racism in football.

Browns now down four players due to COVID-19 for Steelers game

It's worth noting the Browns aren't out of the woods yet, as contact tracing could force additional players onto the reserve/COVID-19 list before Thursday ends.

Florida Gulf Coast pauses, postpones four games due to COVID-19

FGCU announced on Wednesday that a home series against the North Alabama  Lions scheduled for Friday and Saturday and a series versus the Liberty  Flames set for Jan. 8-9 have been postponed due to a positive COVID-19  test result and subsequent contact tracing within the Tier 1 group.

Detroit Mercy men's basketball pauses for mental health reasons, cancels two games

The Detroit Mercy Titans men's basketball team confirmed that  back-to-back games against the UIC Flames scheduled for Friday and  Saturday have been canceled "due to the Detroit Mercy program pausing  activities for a week due to the mental health and well-being of its  student-athletes."

Packers claim former All-Pro DT Damon Harrison off waivers

Damon Harrison will be having his snacks in Green Bay.

Georgia RB James Cook out of Peach Bowl due to father's death

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has confirmed that Bulldogs ball-carrier James Cook won't participate in Friday's Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl showdown with the Cincinnati Bearcats following the death of his father, James Cook Sr.

Iowa DT Daviyon Nixon entering 2021 NFL Draft

Nixon earned Big Ten defensive player of the year honors and became an Outland Trophy finalist.