Cowboys, All-Pro guard Zack Martin reach an agreement on a new deal
The Dallas Cowboys and guard Zack Martin have agreed on a new two-year deal worth over $36 million in guaranteed money, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Cowboys and All-Pro guard/team captain Zack Martin reached agreement on a reworked deal, per sources. The new deal will pay him north of $18 million in each of the next two years. Martin was scheduled to be at $13.5 million this year and $14 million next year, so it’s an… pic.twitter.com/zszAxiVAR8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 14, 2023
The deal — which effectively ends the All-Pro’s holdout — solidifies the Cowboys' offensive line as one of the best in the NFL, landing sixth in Sam Monson's rankings back in June.
Martin has put together a Hall-of-Fame resume since being drafted 16th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. He’s finished as a top-10 guard in every season he’s been in the league and eclipsed the 9,000-snap mark in Week 18 at Washington last year.
Running back J.K. Dobbins activated off Physically Unable to Perform list
The Baltimore Ravens activated running back J.K. Dobbins off the PUP list Monday. Dobbins has yet to practice with the team in camp this season.
Sources: Ravens’ RB J.K. Dobbins, who has not yet practiced during training camp, is being activated today off the Physically Unable to Perform list.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 14, 2023
Dobbins has battled numerous injuries to begin his NFL career, appearing in just 23 games over his first three seasons with the Ravens. When healthy, he’s proven to be one of the most productive backs in the league, averaging 5.9 yards per carry over his first 226 rushing attempts.
Since 2020, Dobbins’ 3.2 yards after contact per attempt ranks tied for 15th among running backs with at least 200 carries. Additionally, 27.6% of his carries have resulted in a first down or touchdown, third best in the league over that span.
A free-agent-to-be at the end of the season, Dobbins hopes to put together a productive and healthy 2023 season to secure his next contract, whether that’s with the Ravens or another organization in 2024.
RB Kendre Miller suffered knee sprain in Sunday’s preseason win over Kansas City
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller suffered a knee sprain against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Although he will miss some time, no surgery will be necessary for the third-round rookie and he is expected to be ready for Week 1, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Tests confirmed #Saints RB Kendre Miller suffered a knee sprain in Sunday's preseason win over the #Chiefs, per source. No surgery. He'll likely miss a little time, but optimism the third-round pick will be ready Week 1.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 14, 2023
The development is positive news for the Saints, who have been hit hard by suspension and injury at the running back position over the past few weeks. On Aug. 4, it was announced that starting running back Alvin Kamara would be suspended and miss the first three games for his role in an incident that happened in Las Vegas in February of 2022.
Just one day later, backup running back Eno Benjamin ruptured his Achilles and was ruled out for the 2023 season.
Jamaal Williams — who came over from the Detroit Lions and led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022 — tops the depth chart at the moment. His 73.4 overall grade last season ranked 28th out of 60 qualifying running backs.
Expectations are high for Miller in the Saints’ offense after his three productive seasons at TCU. For his career, Miller averaged 6.7 yards per attempt and scored 17 touchdowns last season when utilized as a lead back for the first time. He finished sixth in the Power Five with 816 yards after contact in 2022 and forced a missed tackle on 70 of his attempts, which ranked seventh in the Power Five.
TE Mike Gesicki leaves practice early with an upper-body injury
New England Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki was injured during a tackling drill at practice Monday and did not return.
Patriots TE Mike Gesicki left practice early with an upper body injury. Got hurt on a tackling drill against LB Jahlani Tavai. Gesicki walked off in pain with head trainer grabbing under his shoulder pads. Didn't return.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 14, 2023
Gesicki is in his first year with the Patriots after five up-and-down seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Gesicki played just 477 snaps in 2022 — his fewest since his rookie year in 2018 — and seemingly never fit what Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins’ offense were trying to do last season, despite the organization franchise-tagging him prior to the season.
The best season of Gesicki’s career came in 2020, when his 78.1 overall grade ranked eighth among 71 qualifying tight ends. He will be most effective lining up in the slot for the Patriots with Hunter Henry playing as more of an in-line tight end.
WR Terrace Marshall Jr. carted off the field at practice
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. was carted off the field at practice Monday. It is not clear at the moment how severe the injury is.
Terrace Marshall carted in after getting checked by athletic training staff.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) August 14, 2023
Marshall played sparingly to begin the 2022 season, with a total of just 53 snaps over his first three games. From there on, however, Marshall played no fewer than 41 in any game he appeared in for the Panthers, finishing the year with 647 total snaps.
Marshal’s 67.7 overall grade ranked 56th out of 113 qualifying wide receivers in 2022. The 2021 second-round pick out of LSU has caught 45 of 76 targets for 628 yards and one touchdown over his first two years in the NFL.
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