NFL Player News

Sternberger (ankle) did not participate at Monday's practice, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Sternberger cleared the concussion protocol in time for last Thursday's preseason finale, but he was held out due to the ankle issue. The rookie-third round pick indicated he expects to play in Thursday's season opener in Chicago, but he's starting off the week of practice as a non-participant.

Smith (knee) isn't wearing a brace over his leg Monday at practice, Turron Davenport of ESPN.com reports.

Removed from the PUP list two weeks ago, Smith didn't play in any preseason games but seems to have a shot at suiting up for Week 1 in Cleveland. With Delanie Walker back in good health, Smith profiles as the second tight end in a run-first offense.

Thomas re-signed with the Lions on Monday, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Thomas was surprisingly cut by the Lions on Sunday, but he'll return to the 53-man roster a day later. The 28-year-old is set to serve as the team's third tight end behind Jesse James and T.J. Hockenson.

The Texans will sign Paulsen, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Paulsen will give the Texans some added tight end depth, and his signing figures to foreshadow an IR move or two. The 32-year-old is a strong blocker, but it's been awhile since he's been on the fantasy radar for his pass-catching skills.

Tomlinson signed a contract with the Giants on Sunday.

Tomlinson spent the last three seasons with the Jets but didn't make it through roster cutdowns this year. The 27-year-old had eight catches for 72 yards in 15 games in 2018.

Kroft (foot) is running routes and catching passes Monday during individual drills, Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic reports.

Kroft's removal from the PUP list is a clear sign the Bills expect him to be ready for games soon, but Week 1 is a big ask for a player who suffered a broken foot in mid-May. The injury came with an estimated recovery timeline of 3-to-4 months, leaving Kroft with an uphill battle all along to be ready for the regular-season opener. He presumably needs to participate in team drills before he's cleared for a game. As such, the Bills may rely on Dawson Knox, Lee Smith and Tommy Sweeney at tight end for Week 1 against the Jets.

Thomas was released by the Lions on Sunday, Justin Rogers of the Detroit News reports.

This is a surprise since Thomas was being hyped as a lock to make the roster most of the summer. Nevertheless, Detroit evidently needed roster space to bring on former Seahawks running back J.D. McKissic, and Thomas drew the short stick. The Lions will thus roll with only two tight ends on the active roster to start the season, though it's possible Thomas could be re-signed to the team prior to Week 1, per Tom Pelissero of NFL.com.

Traylor signed a contract to join the Lions' practice squad, Justin Rogers of the Detroit News reports.

Traylor never seemed to have a realistic chance of cracking a deep depth chart in Detroit and he's probably not even the best tight end that was signed to the Lions' practice squad, given the presence of Isaac Nauta. The rookie out of Wisconsin is primarily a developmental prospect and is unlikely to make any sort of impact in 2019.

Hudson brought in two of five targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 17-15 preseason win over the Cowboys on Thursday, which helped him secure a spot on the final 53-man roster.

Hudson began shining in training camp practices and never let up, completing a rather improbable journey to a spot on the final 53-man roster with his third touchdown grab of the preseason Thursday. Hudson's blocking still has plenty of room for development, but he's proven to be an above-average downfield target at 6-foot-5. The Southern Arkansas product could still find snaps from scrimmage hard to come by in the opening of the regular season, however, with O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate naturally dominating the majority of playing time at the position, and Anthony Auclair (calf) also set to log time as an in-line blocker.

Hollister signed with Seattle's practice squad on Sunday, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

It was surprising that Hollister was cut from the 53-man roster considering Ed Dickson's knee injury isn't resolved yet. However, he was low on production during two years in the league, and the Seahawks have blocking tight end Will Dissly ready to rock. If Dickson's knee issues continue, Hollister likely will be brought up.