NFL Player News

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.

Hodges remains behind Kyle Carter on the depth chart as the No. 4 tight end as his development has been slow in training camp, ESPN reports. He did not have a reception in Minnesota's first preseason game.

The 2017 sixth-round draft pick has intriguing size and speed (6-foot-6, with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash), but he may be more of a long-term project than someone who will make an immediate impact this season.

Gathers (head) is entering the NFL's concussion protocol, NFL Network's James Palmer reports.

The former college basketball player has been a revelation through two preseason games, catching seven of 10 targets for 106 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He's probably still more of a long-term project than anything else, but it isn't out of the question that the tight end could have a limited role in his second NFL season, after spending all of last year on the practice squad. He'll first need to pass through the league's protocol, presumably missing at least one exhibition outing in the process.

Seals-Jones (ankle) didn't partake in practice Tuesday, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

An undrafted free agent, Seals-Jones has a hill to climb in his quest for a spot on the 53-man roster, sitting behind Jermaine Gresham, Troy Niklas and Ifeanyi Momah in the tight-end pecking order, at least. So far, Seals-Jones has hauled in his only preseason target for nine yards, while logging 26 snaps on offense and 11 as a special teamer over two games.