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

Kamaru Usman won't defend UFC title vs. Gilbert Burns on Dec. 12

Kamaru Usman (17-1-0) won't defend his UFC welterweight championship versus Gilbert Burns (19-3-0) in the UFC 256 main event on Dec. 12.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (groin) out vs. Patriots

The Kansas City Chiefs entered Monday's previously postponed game against the New England Patriots without defensive tackle and sack leader Chris Jones.

San Jose Sharks trade for All-Star Minnesota goaltender Devan Dubnyk

Dubnyk is signed through the 2020-21 campaign. 

NFL could strip draft picks, force forfeits for future COVID-19 violations

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stressed that compliance is mandatory and the punishments for not following protocols will continue to be severe.

Houston Texans fire head coach and GM Bill O'Brien

Houston fell to the Minnesota Vikings 31-23 on Sunday to lose its fourth consecutive game.

Kentucky RB Kavosiey Smoke out at least a couple of weeks with broken rib

Smoke suffered the rib injury on a horse-collar tackle.

Dolphins' Brian Flores: 'Media pressure' won't force team to start Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores wants everyone to know he'll only play rookie rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa over veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick when he's good and ready.

Florida State names Jordan Travis starting QB for game vs. Notre Dame

The Florida State Seminoles will have a new starting quarterback for the third time in four games.

Raiders' Darren Waller, Derek Carr, others fined for violating COVID-19 guidelines

It's at least the third time the Raiders have been associated with fines for violations of health and safety protocols since the start of the season held amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Arizona football coach Kevin Sumlin tests positive for coronavirus

Sumlin joins Florida State coach Mike Norvell, Arkansas State's Blake Anderson and Toledo's Jason Candle among college coaches known to have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. 

Patriots RB Sony Michel won't play vs. Chiefs due to quad injury

It's expected that James White and Rex Burkhead will move up the depth chart to account for Michel's absence.

Rays include All-Star OF Austin Meadows on ALDS roster

In a corresponding roster move, Tampa Bay removed infielder Nate Lowe from its series roster. 

Premier League confirms nine new positive coronavirus test results

COVID-19 cases continue around the globe and across sports.

Oregon CB Deommodore Lenoir opts back in for 2020 season

Lenoir tallied five interceptions in his first three seasons at Oregon and was named Pac-12 All-Conference Second Team by the Associated Press for 2019.

Legendary Florida State coach Bobby Bowden tests positive for coronavirus

Bowden believes he caught the virus when he was hospitalized last month because of a leg infection.

Packers WR Davante Adams won't play vs. Falcons

In a tweet that was later deleted, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams appeared to lash out at the club's medical staff.

Serena Williams, Roger Federer will play in 2021 Australian Open

Players competing in the January tournament are required to quarantine in Australia for two weeks.

Chelsea, USMNT defender Matt Miazga joins Anderlecht on one-year loan

The 25-year-old spent the 2019-20 season with Championship side Reading on a year loan. 

Rutgers guard Caleb McConnell taking medical red shirt

McConnell has dealt with multiple physical setbacks, including a back injury. 

Broncos QB Drew Lock '50-50' to start vs. Patriots on Oct. 11

Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock might be recovered enough from his ailing shoulder to start against the New England Patriots on Oct. 11. 

Hawaii Bowl, Bahamas Bowl canceled due to coronavirus

ESPN Events have canceled the Hawaii Bowl and Bahamas Bowl because of travel restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Ottawa Senators acquire defenseman Josh Brown from Florida Panthers

Florida selected Brown in the sixth round of the 2013 NHL Draft, and the 26-year-old made his NHL debut in January 2019. He has accumulated four goals and six assists in 93 career NHL games. 

Miami's Goran Dragic won't play in Game 2 vs. Lakers

Bam Adebayo will also miss Game 2 because of a shoulder injury. 

Liverpool confirm Sadio Mane has tested positive for COVID-19

Mane, 28, will miss at least this Sunday's match at Aston Villa ahead of the international break. 

Saints All-Pro WR Michael Thomas (ankle) won't play vs. Lions

Running back Alvin Kamara leads the Saints in catches (27), receiving yards (285), receiving touchdowns (3), and targets (31).