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

Jets QB Sam Darnold returns to practice, hopes to play vs. Dolphins

Head coach Adam Gase told reporters he believes "things are trending in the right direction" for Darnold to get back on the field.

Colts QB Philip Rivers (toe) missing practice only as a precaution

Indianapolis head coach Frank Reich told reporters that his signal-caller, who turns 39 years old next month, could take the field ahead of Thanksgiving, if necessary.

Bears' David Montgomery cleared from concussion protocol, can play at Packers

Montgomery, a 2019 third-round draft pick, leads the Bears with 472 rushing yards, 131 carries, and 27 rushing first downs. The 23-year-old has also contributed 30 catches for 212 yards and two total touchdowns this season. 

West Virginia replaces Tennessee in Jimmy V Classic

The No. 15-ranked West Virginia Mountaineers stepped in to save the day when asked.

NBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis postponed to 2024

With far too much uncertainty hovering over the NBA season that hasn't officially been finalized, the Association confirmed an expected decision ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Walsh won't coach vs. Browns

Two other defensive coaches won't be in attendance on Sunday due to COVID-19 protocols as well.

Cincinnati-Temple football game canceled due to COVID-19 issues

The Bearcats sit at 8-0 overall and will look to complete a perfect regular season when they travel to play the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Dec. 12.

Alabama, Notre Dame, Clemson, Ohio State sit atop initial CFP rankings

The selection committee will release future playoff rankings every Tuesday through Dec. 15, with the final rankings set to be unveiled Dec. 20 following conference title games. 

Houston-Tulsa football game postponed due to COVID-19

Houston confirmed on Tuesday that Saturday's scheduled game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane has been postponed due to positive COVID-19 test results and subsequent quarantines affecting the Cougars ahead of Thanksgiving. 

Minnesota-Wisconsin football game canceled due to COVID-19

The Badgers won their first two contests of the season but fell to the Northwestern Wildcats last Saturday. They next play the Indiana Hoosiers on Dec. 5. 

Former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda improving but remains hospitalized

Lasorda went 1,599-1,439 as manager of the Dodgers and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997. 

Sergino Dest becomes first USMNT player to score for Barcelona

With the match's result decided, Konrad De La Fuente entered the game to mark the first time that a pair of U.S. players featured for Barca at the same time.

Southern Mississippi-UAB football game canceled due to COVID-19

UAB hasn't played since a double-overtime loss to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on Halloween.

Jazz will welcome 'limited number of fans' to home games

Utah will play preseason games behind closed doors and without fans in attendance. 

Report: Jaguars defensive coaching staff away from facility due to COVID-19 protocols

The NFL is staring at multiple worrisome COVID-19 issues ahead of the long Thanksgiving weekend.

Chargers to designate RB Austin Ekeler for return ahead of Bills game

The Chargers will designate running back Austin Ekeler to return off injured reserve, meaning the 25-year-old will practice for the first time since he suffered a hamstring injury during the 38-31 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in Week 4. 

Baylor-Seton Hall game canceled due to COVID-19

Baylor will now hope to begin the campaign against Illinois on Dec. 2 as part of the Jimmy V Classic. Seton Hall faces the Louisville Cardinals in the Wade Houston Tipoff Classic on Friday.

Auburn RB Tank Bigsby may miss Alabama game with hip injury

Rivalry aside, defeating the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide on the final Saturday of November was always going to be a tall order for the Auburn Tigers. That was before the Tigers learned they may be without a key offensive figure. 

Patriots RB Rex Burkhead hints he's out for season with knee injury

Burkhead was carted off the field with a knee injury in the third quarter of Sunday's affair, and the Patriots believed soon after the contest that he will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. 

Tennessee cancels games, withdraws from Jimmy V Classic due to COVID-19

Barring future setbacks, the Vols will open their season hosting the Cincinnati Bearcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on Dec. 12. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gareth Bale hit out at EA Sports over likenesses in 'FIFA 21'

While neither Ibrahimovic nor Bale may have a case on their own as it pertains to "FIFA 21," their tweets suggest a legitimate legal battle over image and naming rights could be forthcoming. 

Cleveland Browns' Denzel Ward likely out a few weeks with calf strain

Ward, who currently leads the NFL with 15 passes defended, appeared to pick up the knock shortly before he intercepted a pass delivered by Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz.

Raiders guard Richie Incognito had season-ending foot surgery

Las Vegas Raiders left guard Richie Incognito, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, won't play again this season. 

Bills TE Tommy Sweeney out for season with coronavirus-related heart issue

The Bills confirmed on Monday that Sweeney has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after a cardiologist discovered the 25-year-old is dealing with myocarditis, a heart condition that has been linked with COVID-19 infections.

Bruins sign Jake DeBrusk to two-year extension

Boston general manager Don Sweeney announced that the club has signed DeBrusk to a two-year contract that carries an annual NHL cap hit of $3.675 million.