Giants sign OL Gates to a two-year extension
Nick Gates doesn't have a fully determined position on the Giants' offensive line, but he'll be a piece of the team's rebuild up front for the next few seasons.
The Giants announced on Saturday that they're re-signing Gates to a two-year deal. That deal has a base salary of $6.825 million, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Gates could make up to $10.325 million with incentives.
Gates made starts at both right tackle and right guard last year and played left tackle at the University of Nebraska.
The Giants have an open spot at left tackle with Nate
Solder opting out for the season, but don't expect Gates to fill that role. That will probably be handled by Andrew Thomas, the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Gates does have a chance to start for the Giants this year though. New head coach Joe
Judge has repeatedly said that every player will have a chance to compete for big roles and the Giants have room for competition at both center and right tackle.
Gates' new contract ensures that he'll be in the mix for those roles. Charles McDonald
LIONS QB STAFFORD ON COVID LIST
One of the NFL's standout quarterbacks is now on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Matthew Stafford was put on the list by the Detroit Lions, according to the league's transactions report Saturday. The reserve/COVID-19 list was created for players who either test positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with an infected person. The 32year-old Stafford is easily one of the most high-profile players to land there.
The Lions, citing NFLNFLPA policy, have not been commenting on the medical status of players on that list. Stafford is entering his 12th season with Detroit after being drafted by the Lions with the No. 1 overall pick in 2009.
Stafford's wife Kelly had surgery last year to remove a brain tumor.
Stafford played every game for the Lions from 2011-18, but back and hip injuries caught up with him and he missed half of last season. Detroit is coming off two straight bad seasons under coach Matt Patricia, who is under pressure to improve this year — if the NFL can even play amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Also Saturday, Seattle put guard Chance Warmack on the reserve/opt-out list, and Dallas put defensive back
Saivion Smith on the reserve/ COVID-19 list. Jacksonville defensive end Lerentee McCray went on the reserve/optout list too.
“With the health and safety of my family in mind, I have decided to opt out of the 2020 season during these trying times in ‘Our Nation,' ” McCray said. “I was honored to be involved in our team's social justice efforts during this offseason, and I look forward to continuing to support those affected in any way I can.”
LIBERTY’S IONESCU HAS GRADE 3 SPRAIN
Liberty rookie Sabrina
Ionescu has a Grade 3 left ankle sprain according to the team.
Ionescu, the top overall pick in the draft, injured her ankle in the second quarter against Atlanta and did not return to action in the Liberty's 84-78 loss to the Dream on Friday night.
X-rays taken at a hospital came back negative, but the MRI revealed the sprain. A Grade 3 sprain is the most severe and usually requires months to heal fully as it's a full tear of the ankle ligament.