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

Report: Rockets guard Austin Rivers opts out, will become free agent

Rivers has elected to opt out of his deal and explore free agency. He was set to earn $2.37 million during the 2020-21 season under his previous agreement. 

Lions rookie RB D'Andre Swift could miss Panthers game with concussion

Swift tallied 331 rushing yards with a team-best four scores on the ground over his first nine pro games. He also has 31 catches for 275 yards and two TDs. 

Brewers promote Matt Arnold to general manager

The Brewers have the NL's fifth-best regular-season winning percentage since Arnold and president David Stearns officially joined the organization in October 2015.

Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater likely out vs. Lions with MCL sprain

The 28-year-old has officially been limited in practice throughout the week, but the Panthers will probably wait to rule him out for Sunday's contest until at least Friday.

ESPN to air quadruple-header for 2021 MLB Opening Day

The Blue Jays, Yankees, Dodgers, Rockies, Mets, Nationals, Astros and Athletics will get the Worldwide Leaders treatment to kick off the season.

Pac-12 allowing football teams to schedule nonconference opponents

Any future non-conference opponent must follow the league's testing and COVID-19 protocols and also agree to be the road team for a game broadcast by a Pac-12 television partner.

Warriors' plan for 50% fan capacity rejected by Department of Public Health

Last week, the Golden State Warriors submitted a plan to officials to fill Chase Center to 50% capacity for home games during the 2020-21 NBA season despite concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Golden State star Klay Thompson out for season with Achilles tear

Thompson hasn't taken the court for a game since he went down to a torn ACL in his left knee in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals that Golden State lost to the Toronto Raptors.

Cardinals rookie LB Isaiah Simmons to have expanded role in 'TNF' game vs. Seahawks

Simmons has recorded 20 total tackles on the year, with eight of those coming over the past two games.

Conor McGregor signs to fight Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 in January

McGregor hasn't competed in the Octagon since he finished Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at UFC 246 last January.

Broncos DC Ed Donatell returns home after COVID-19 hospitalization

The Broncos (3-6) will host the Dolphins (6-3) on Sunday afternoon. 

Seahawks RB Chris Carson likely out for 'TNF' game against Cardinals?

It's not all bad news for Seattle, however, as coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Wednesday that Carlos Hyde should return to the backfield for the first time since he hurt his hamstring in the Oct. 25 matchup. 

Report: Injured Saints QB Drew Brees out at least two weeks

Per a report, Brees will be out a minimum of two weeks, meaning the signal-caller will miss this Sunday's divisional showdown with the Atlanta Falcons and the Nov. 29 game against the Denver Broncos. 

UNLV-Colorado State football game called off; Rams could face Wyoming in rematch

The UNLV Rebels confirmed on Wednesday that they won't face the Colorado State Rams on Saturday because of positive COVID-19 tests and subsequent contact tracing, and the Mountain West could have Colorado State face Wyoming.

76ers trade Al Horford, picks to Thunder for Danny Green, Terrance Ferguson?

The transaction provided the Thunder with even more assets ahead of Wednesday evening's draft.

49ers claim DE Takkarist McKinley off waivers

The San Francisco 49ers were awarded McKinley, an Oakland native, off waivers. The Cincinnati Bengals waived the 25-year-old on Tuesday after he failed a team physical. 

Maryland doesn't practice again; Michigan State game in doubt

An official announcement on Saturday's contest is expected by Thursday evening. 

Report: Majority of Raiders defensive starters put on reserve/COVID-19 list

The game remains on, as scheduled, as of Wednesday afternoon. 

Kansas-Texas game postponed to Dec. 12

The winless Kansas Jayhawks will have to wait a few weeks for a shot to upset the No. 22-ranked Texas Longhorns.

Ohio State bans family members from next home game

Ohio State is scheduled to host the Michigan Wolverines on Dec. 12, and a decision on whether or not family members can attend that game will be announced at a later time. 

MLS teams could face playoff forfeits due to future COVID-19 outbreaks

COVID-19 continues to throw a wrench in sports calendars.

Giants fire OL coach Marc Colombo after verbal confrontation with head coach Joe Judge

Colombo reportedly felt undermined by the hiring of Dave DeGuglielmo to help with the line play.

Louisiana-Central Arkansas game canceled because of COVID-19

Thirty-three of Louisiana's student-athletes are in the coronavirus safety protocol as a result of contact tracing, isolations, quarantines and recovering cases.

Browns place RT Jack Conklin, PK Cody Parkey on reserve/COVID-19 list

The Cleveland Browns continue to deal with COVID-19 issues ahead of Sunday's home game against the Philadelphia Eagles.  

Report: Second opinions confirm QB Drew Brees has multiple rib fractures, collapsed lung

The Saints will roll with Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill under center for the foreseeable future.