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 center shares advice for new Aaron Rodgers protector

Jets center Joe Tippmann spoke with reporters on Monday and shared some advice for the first-year pro now tasked with protecting a future Hall of Famer who turns 41 in December. 

Panthers teammates share how Bryce Young handled benching

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young reportedly was quite angry upon learning last week that he'd been benched in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. Some of his teammates reflected on how he handled himself during his first week as QB2.

MLB insider shares worrisome injury update on Mets' Francisco Lindor

It sounds like the Mets won't have injured shortstop Francisco Lindor available anytime soon.

Jaguars' Doug Pederson, Trevor Lawrence sound lost amid losing streak

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered Monday night's game at the unbeaten Buffalo Bills badly needing a bounce-back performance coming off two straight losses to open the season. Instead, they got blown out.

Vikings get good Sam Darnold news after injury scare

An MRI revealed that Sam Darnold has no structural damage to his left knee and should be good to go for this coming Sunday's matchup at the 2-1 Green Bay Packers.

Patriots HC explains Jacoby Brissett decision amid Drake Maye rumors

During a Monday appearance on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show," first-year Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo explained why he's sticking with Brissett through at least the beginning of this coming Sunday's game at the 49ers.

Emergence of rookie WR could help Giants QB Daniel Jones keep his job

NFL insider Dan Graziano explained that Malik Nabers' emergence as a weapon means "there is absolutely a world in which [Daniel] Jones is still the Giants' quarterback in 2025" despite what fans think.

Reporter discusses if Bryce Young has started final game for Panthers

Is Bryce Young's tenure with the Panthers, who selected him first overall in 2023, over?

Is Trevor Lawrence pressing after signing massive contract extension?

Lawrence hasn't lived up to his huge new contract through the first two weeks of the 2024 season.

How Giants' Daniel Jones is handling criticism during pivotal season

Following New York's 21-15 win at the Browns on Sunday, Daniel Jones spoke about working to ignore all outside noise during what could become a regime-defining campaign for the Giants. 

Details emerge on Patriots' plan for Drake Maye

An insider has provided details on the team's plans for its rookie signal-caller.

Mets' Francisco Lindor acknowledges harsh reality in return from back injury

Francisco Lindor is "optimistic" that he'll return to the Mets' lineup at some point this week but also acknowledged that he likely won't be fully healthy anytime soon. 

HC Robert Saleh addresses challenges of Jets' unique schedule

Saleh understands few will feel sorry for his club regardless of the challenges it will face related to its unique schedule.

Pete Alonso reflects on love from Mets fans amid uncertain future

Pete Alonso remains on track to reach free agency after the 2024 campaign, and he spoke with reporters following Sunday's victory about the love he received from Mets fans.

Were Buccaneers looking past Broncos before upset loss?

The Bucs were off to a strong start to the 2024 season but fell flat against the previously winless Broncos in Week 3.

Is Yankees' Aaron Boone facing a 'World Series-or-bust' playoff mandate?

The 2024 Yankees are now headed to the playoffs, will likely end September as champions of the American League East and could finish the regular season atop the overall AL standings.

Former NFL QB rips Panthers for handling of Bryce Young as rookie

On the latest edition of the "Throwbacks" podcast, former NFL signal-caller and current analyst Matt Leinart ripped the Panthers for playing Young as a rookie. 

Insider expands on positive Jordan Love injury update

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday that it wouldn't be a surprise if Jordan Love started on Sunday. The Athletic's Dianna Russini later offered an update on Love's recovery.

Titans' Will Levis had to change phone number for worrisome reason

Levis became one of the more scrutinized quarterbacks of the ongoing season after he committed a pair of awful mistakes across the campaign's first two games that Tennessee lost.

Are Steelers afraid to bench a healthy Russell Wilson?

Despite posting mediocre stats, Justin Fields has led the Steelers to a 2-0 start amid Russell Wilson's absence. Are the Steelers afraid to stick with Fields when Wilson is healthy if the former keeps stacking wins?

Analyst: Why some teams will pass on trading for Panthers' Bryce Young

For a piece published Thursday, Bill Barnwell of ESPN explained why Young "probably" doesn't have much trade value for reasons that go beyond his poor play and his 2-16 career record as an NFL starter.

Eagles' Saquon Barkley doesn't understand hate from Giants fans

Barkley left the Giants for the division-rival Eagles, but the decision was driven by his former team's unwillingness to pay him rather than an explicit desire to leave New York.

Buccaneers' Todd Bowles dances around Tom Brady question after Baker Mayfield comments

Bowles served as Brady's head coach during TB12's final campaign as an active player. 

Brandon Nimmo has message for Mets fans ahead of crucial series

The Mets are set to begin a crucial series against the division-rival Phillies as they look to maintain control of the final NL playoff spot, and Nimmo had a message for fans ahead of the clash.

Giants’ Graham Gano rips 'ridiculous' criticism of Brian Daboll

Head coach Brian Daboll trusting that Graham Gano would be good to go left the New York Giants without a healthy placekicker in what became a frustrating 21-18 loss at the Washington Commanders this past Sunday.