NFL Player News

Graham was held out of Friday's win against the Vikings due to back spasms, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Graham's health wasn't a problem during the week, but head coach Pete Carroll nonetheless mentioned the injury as the reason for the tight end's absence. Carroll also said Graham and Luke Willson are expected to play Friday versus the Chiefs, providing Russell Wilson with his top-two TE options for the first time this preseason.

Lucas (ankle) won't return to Friday's preseason game against the Vikings, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports.

Lucas is looking to secure a role as a blocking specialist with the Seahawks and his chances could go down the drain if he's sidelined for an extended period of time.

Pantale is in concussion protocol, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Pantale reportedly suffered the head injury in Thursday night's game against the Ravens. This is the second preseason in a row that Pantale has sustained a concussion, and it once again may have a serious impact on his chances of making the team's final roster.

Ertz caught his only target for an 11-yard gain in Thursday's preseason win over the Bills.

Ertz came up one yard shy of a first down on a 3rd-and-12 on the opening drive. Carson Wentz otherwise honed in on shiny new toy Alshon Jeffery, who seemingly represents Ertz's only real competition for the team target lead in the wake of the trade that sent Jordan Matthews to Buffalo.

Lewis secured two of four targets for 22 yards in Thursday's 12-8 preseason loss to the Bucs.

The veteran tight end is potentially in line for an increased role in the passing game now that Julius Thomas has departed. Lewis saw the third-most targets on the night for the Jaguars, but for all practical purposes, he'll likely be a fourth option at best on the majority of weeks behind Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee. Lewis has only played 16 games once in the last four seasons, last topping 25 receptions back in 2012.

Derby was held out of practice on Thursday due to a lower-back contusion, Andrew Mason of the Broncos' official site reports.

Fortunately for Derby, head coach Vance Joseph quickly came out and assured the injury is "nothing serious at all." Derby has had a strong showing in Denver since joining the team in the middle of last season. He has a chance to earn the Week 1 starting role, and his current injury shouldn't impact him at all in that regard.

Seals-Jones (ankle) participated in Thursday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

After sitting out Tuesday's session, Seals-Jones made a mark in his return, accounting for an acrobatic touchdown grab on an inaccurate throw from fourth-string QB Trevor Knight. Due to the presence of tight ends Jermaine Gresham, Troy Niklas and Ifeanyi Momah in front of him, Seals-Jones has his work cut out for him regarding a spot on the 53-man roster.

Hamlett (leg) reverted to the Cowboys' injured reserve after clearing waivers.

Hamlett was waived/injured by the Cowboys on Tuesday after breaking his fibula, but he now will be placed on the team's injured reserve and miss the upcoming season.

Wright sat out Wednesday's practice with an undisclosed injury, Mike Rothstein of ESPN.com reports.

Wright joined injured fellow tight ends Eric Ebron (hamstring) and Cole Wick (undisclosed) on the sideline. The Rutgers product is competing with Wick, Darren Fells, and rookie Michael Roberts to back up presumed starter Ebron.

Brandon Williams and Daniels have taken most of injured Erik Swoope's practice reps this week, the Greensburg Daily News reports.

Daniels, an undrafted free agent, has a chance to make the roster with Swoope expected to miss several weeks after minor knee surgery. Daniels spent his college career at Washington, where he accumulated 47 receptions for 728 yards and five touchdowns over three seasons. It's conceivable he could win a steady role in the offense if Swoope's injury is a long-term issue.