NFL Player News

Donnell appears on pace to sit out Sunday versus the Patriots due to his sore neck. According to Dan Graziano of ESPN New York, Donnell said that he "tried" to make a case for playing in Week 10, but the Giants will likely hold out the tight end.

With the Giants' bye week to follow, Donnell will be afforded additional time to rest his sore neck, which he confirmed isn't 100 percent with Josina Anderson of ESPN. Donnell himself believes that the best course of action is a return in Week 12 at Washington. With the stars aligning against active status this Sunday, expect the organization to make a clear declaration regarding his status in the near future.

Donnell (neck) was a non-participant in practice Thursday, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com reports.

Instead, Donnell was seen working on the side as a result of a sore neck. However, after failing to see the practice field in back-to-back days, Raanan speculated that Donnell is "highly unlikely" to play Sunday against the Patriots, which would mark a second absence in a row. Such a thought process could be confirmed once the Giants make a declaration about his Week 10 availability Friday.

Donnell (neck) didn't participate in Wednesday's practice.

Donnell was a casualty during the Giants' Week 8 shootout loss at New Orleans, emerging with a neck injury that was eventually diagnosed as soreness. No matter, he hasn't practiced in the interim, with his activity level limited to work on a side field. As the week rolls on, he'll have two more chances to make an appearance in drills.

McGrath agreed to a contract with the Chargers on Tuesday.

McGrath has not played in a game since 2013, but he did spend time with the Colts during training camp, so he figures to be in shape. He will provide the Chargers some depth at the tight end position with both Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green banged up.

Allen was targeted three times but did not have a reception in Sunday's win over Denver.

Allen has become a non-factor in the Indy passing game as he has just 11 targets in his past six games. Unfortunately that trend didn't change in the first game under new offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski.

Lewis caught one pass for 27 yards in Sunday's loss to the Jets.

On the whole, Blake Bortles has not favored his tight ends this season, as neither Lewis nor Julius Thomas have been major factors in the offense. Thomas was targeted eight times Sunday, but he hauled in just three passes for 14 yards, while both Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson topped the 100-yard plateau.

Ertz caught five balls for 44 yards in Sunday's 33-27 win over the Cowboys.

Head coach Chip Kelly suggested Ertz's slow start to the year likely had to do with his lack of a preseason because of injury, and the third-year tight end has been featured far more prominently in the team's offense in the past four weeks. He has 19 catches for 210 yards in the Eagles' last four games, three of which are wins. Ertz still doesn't have a touchdown catch, but that's likely just a matter of time as quarterback Sam Bradford continues to look his way.

Donnell (neck) has been ruled out for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.

Although he said his neck has improved throughout the week, Donnell seemingly had no shot to be ready for Sunday's game. Will Tye will likely start at tight end, with Jerome Cunningham serving as the top backup.

Donnell (neck) isn't expected to suit up for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, Newsday reports.

While Donnell told Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News on Thursday that his neck is "getting better," he all but backed up imminent inactive status, stating the expectation that he'll return to practice next week. All signs point to the Giants ruling the tight end out in advance of the Week 9 contest, which would place Will Tye in a more prominent role, with Jerome Cunningham serving in a reserve role.

Donnell (neck) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com reports.

Donnell continues to rehab the sore neck suffered during Sunday's defeat in New Orleans, though it's unclear whether he's trending toward a DNP this Sunday at Tampa Bay. Ultimately, he'll have a chance to practice Friday, with the subsequent injury report shedding light on his Week 9 availability. Note that the only other tight end on the Giants' 53-man roster is Will Tye, who would serve as the starter in the event of an inactive Donnell.