Who Should I Start? Audric Estime or Damien Martinez

Friday, May 30, 5:30 PM

On Thursday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that running back Audric Estime will garner increased opportunities in his second season with the team. "He's a back that requires enough touches," said Payton. "He's going to get those opportunities." The former fifth-round rookie was undoubtedly lacking in opportunities in 2024 -- placing fourth on the team in carries and rushing yards behind backfield mates Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin and quarterback Bo Nix. Estime was a productive player in his final season at Notre Dame, finishing with 1,341 yards and 18 rushing scores in 12 games. However, Denver's recent selection of RJ Harvey in the second round adds formidable competition in the backfield. Harvey is slotted in first on the team's unofficial depth chart, ahead of Estime for now. The latter projects to be more of a traditional short-yardage back due to his larger stature, but Harvey is also a force between the tackles and profiles as a better pass-catcher despite poor pass-protection skills.

Friday, August 8, 8:50 AM

Seattle Seahawks running back Damien Martinez made his preseason debut on Thursday against the Raiders, but he worked well behind George Holani, who seems to have the early lead in the competition for the third running back spot in Seattle. Martinez ran for just 10 yards on his six carries and caught both his targets for 15 more yards. He added 25 yards on two kickoff returns as well. The seventh-round pick out of Miami has stepped up in pass coverage and as a receiver, which was a question mark for him coming into the draft. However, Holani seems to be firmly ahead of him on the depth chart. Martinez will look to make more of an impact and earn a roster spot in the next two weeks as the Seahawks face the Chiefs and Packers in their other two preseason contests.