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

Steelers player tests positive for COVID after wild-card loss

For yet another week, fans and personnel associated with the Cleveland Browns will be holding their breaths waiting for the results of COVID-19 tests, but this time it's the Steelers who appear to be at serious risk.

Buccaneers activate Devin White, Steve McLendon from reserve/COVID-19 list

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Washington Football Team 31-23 this past Saturday night and will have revenge on their minds as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay's defense should be more whole for that matchup. 

Browns' Kevin Stefanski on track to coach vs. Chiefs

Stefanski has lost his taste and smell while battling the coronavirus but explained that he's mostly dealt with mild symptoms.

Mets to approach Francisco Lindor on long-term deal in 'next few weeks'

Lindor has already spoken with Alderson, Cohen and general manager Jared Porter and added that he's open to signing an extension with the Mets but only before or after the campaign. 

Rams activate DL Michael Brockers off reserve/COVID-19 list

On Wednesday, the Rams activated star wide receiver Cooper Kupp off the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Penguins HOF play-by-play announcer Mike Lange opts out of season start

The Penguins confirmed on Friday that Hall of Fame radio play-by-play announcer Mike Lange has opted out of the start of the campaign due to risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

George Washington men's basketball remains idle, now due to COVID-19

George Washington confirmed on Friday afternoon that it is temporarily pausing basketball-related activities following the discovery of a positive COVID-19 test result among a Tier 1 staff member within the traveling party.

Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. in NBA protocol, out indefinitely

The case of Denver Nuggets young forward Michael Porter Jr. gets more curious with each day. 

Saints' Trey Hendrickson out against Bears with neck injury

The Saints added that guard Nick Easton is also ruled out with a concussion. 

Cowboys part ways with DC Mike Nolan, DL coach Jim Tomsula

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones suggested in mid-December that McCarthy would have to alter his defensive staff following the disappointing campaign.

No. 19 Clemson postpones two games due to COVID-19

Clemson's games against the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday and versus the Syracuse Orange next Tuesday have been postponed.

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan agree to contract extension

Harbaugh holds a record of 49-22 across his six seasons at Michigan, but his inability to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes coupled with other lackluster results had many believing he and the Wolverines would part ways.

UFC Fight Island events to allow 'limited' number of fans

For the first time since the UFC temporarily halted its schedule last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the promotion will hold shows in front of a limited number of paying fans. 

Ohio State, Alabama traveling to Miami for national title game

ESPN's Holly Rowe announced she won't participate in the game's broadcast after she tested positive for COVID-19.

No. 13 Missouri pauses basketball activities, postpones LSU game due to COVID-19

No new date for that matchup was included in the school's official statement, and it's also unknown how many positive coronavirus tests, if any, were recently recorded among Missouri players or staff members.

Browns cleared to practice for first time ahead of Steelers game

Cleveland's facility remained closed throughout the midweek into Friday morning due to the COVID-19 issues that began impacting the club before its Week 16 loss to the New York Jets.

Did Trevor Bauer tease reunion with Francisco Lindor, Carlos Carrasco with Mets?

Maybe Bauer would offer the Mets a small discount to reunite with Lindor and Carrasco and also take advantage of lucrative opportunities that would come with calling the country's largest sports market home for even a few years. 

Georgia State men's basketball pauses for at least one week due to COVID-19

Per Georgia State's calendar, the team remains set to take on the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on Jan. 15 and Jan. 16.

Browns have no new player positive COVID-19 cases; game on vs. Steelers

Cleveland's facility remained closed through early Friday afternoon, but it's hoped that players will be able to conduct their first practice of the week either later in the afternoon or at some point Saturday morning.

Nets' Kyrie Irving out vs. 76ers for personal reasons

Kyrie Irving was made unavailable on Thursday evening due to unspecified personal reasons.

Browns-Steelers playoff game still on despite potential COVID-19 outbreak

The song remains the same as it pertains to Sunday night's wild-card game between the Browns and Steelers. Cleveland continues to deal with concerning COVID-19 issues, but the NFL isn't budging over the contest's date and time. 

Hurricanes TE Brevin Jordan declares for 2021 NFL draft

Miami Hurricanes tight end Brevin Jordan has announced via Twitter that he will forego his senior year and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

Six Canadian NHL teams now allowed to play in-market home games

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators have joined the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, and Vancouver Canucks among Canadian teams cleared to host in-market regular-season games when the campaign gets underway next Wednesday.