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' Cam Heyward defends Ben Roethlisberger

The last time fans saw Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger face a competitive defense, the future Hall of Famer tossed four interceptions in a home playoff loss to the Cleveland Browns in January. 

Bills' Sean McDermott concerned players aren't getting COVID-19 vaccine shots?

Similar to MLB, the NFL is reportedly considering loosening certain COVID-19 health and safety protocols for teams that reach or exceed an 85% threshold.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom cleared to face Rockies on Tuesday

The 32-year-old last appeared for the big-league club on May 9 and landed on the IL with right side tightness

Falcons could have received second-round pick for WR Julio Jones before draft?

Jones may find himself without a realistic exit strategy until other playmakers suffer inevitable injuries during preseason and regular-season action.

Alex Ovechkin wants to retire with Capitals, confident about new deal

The 35-year-old put pen to paper on a 13-year, $124 million contract extension in January 2008 and is once again negotiating without an agent heading toward unrestricted free agency.

Texans releasing Ryan Finley after trading for him

The Houston Texans didn't need to see quarterback Ryan Finley perform in organized team activities to know he wasn't long for the club.

Aaron Rodgers spoke with players about teaming up outside of Green Bay?

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has insisted he's not trading the future Hall of Famer. 

Dak Prescott participates in OTAs coming off serious ankle injury

The 27-year-old is on track to start for the season opener on Thursday, Sept. 9 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mets' Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil out until late June with hamstring strains

Both players injured their hamstrings against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 16 and have been out since.

Falcons sign WR Tajae Sharpe amid Julio Jones trade rumors

The Kansas City Chiefs released Sharpe last week. 

Chargers' Derwin James cleared for full participation coming off torn meniscus

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James earned All-Pro honors as a rookie in 2018 but has since played in only five games because of injury setbacks. 

Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell available for Game 2 vs. Grizzlies

The Utah Jazz fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in the opening game of their playoff series Sunday and were without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury on April 16.

Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater: Comments on Panthers practices 'taken out of context'

Bridgewater told reporters that he's communicated with Panthers OC Joe Brady and is ready to move on.

Matt Ryan 'fired up' by Falcons drafting TE Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Matt Ryan is telling anyone who will listen he's a big fan of rookie tight end Kyle Pitts.  

Oilers' Josh Archibald suspended one game for hit on Jets' Logan Stanley

If Edmonton forces a Game 5, Archibald would be eligible to return for Wednesday's contest.  

Von Miller glad Broncos traded for Teddy Bridgewater

Miller thinks the addition of Bridgewater can only bring positives to the team. 

Drew Lock, Teddy Bridgewater on equal ground in Broncos QB competition

For now, both Lock and Bridgewater will have equal opportunity to claim the starting job in Denver. 

Giants, Jets planning for full stadium capacity for 2021 NFL season

A change in state restrictions has opened the door for full capacity at MetLife Stadium this fall. 

Browns TE David Njoku no longer wants a trade

The first-round selection from the 2017 draft recorded a paltry 19 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns during the 2020 regular season and is likely worth more to the Browns on the active roster than he'd be on the trade market.

Yankees' Aaron Hicks might be done for season due to wrist surgery

Hicks attempted a course of anti-inflammatories and hoped to eventually play through the issue.

Panthers' DJ Moore switches uniform number to 2

Panthers quarterback Tommy Stevens will go from No. 2 to No. 15. 

Phillies' J.T. Realmuto on IL with hand contusion

Realmuto explained the setback first occurred three weeks ago and then "stiffened up" last week when he was dealing with COVID-19 issues.

Jaguars assistant Brian Schneider taking leave for personal reasons

Schneider previously worked under Seattle head coach Pete Carroll at USC and then with the Seahawks from 2010 through last season and built one of the NFL's best special teams units of the last decade.