NFL Player News

Despite wild production inconsistency, Patriots tight end Timothy Wright has earned the praise of tight ends coach Brian Daboll.

"Tim ... really takes pride in his craft, works really hard in the classroom, on the practice field, game day," Daboll told the Boston Herald. "It's always a proess when you come to a new place and you're learning a new system. We're kind of in the meat and potatoes here in November, and our expectations for all our players is to really know what to do. They need to do that when they go out on the field on Sunday."

Wright followed his seven-catch perfomance in Week 8 with his fourth blanking of the season Sunday against Denver. He has 17 receptions on the year, but snagged 12 in two games combined.

The Browns backup pass catchers didn't do all that much Thursday night against the Bengals.

With Andrew Hawkins ruled out, the team was a bit thin at receiver. Cleveland adapted by running the ball 52 times. Despite the lackluster passing performance, a few players managed to make the most of their targets. Tight end Gary Barnidge gained 46 yards on just two receptions. Travis Benjamin also managed 46, but did so on three receptions. The two tied for second in receiving yards on the night. 

Taylor Gabriel also made three catches, gaining 31 yards. Tight end Jim Dray received a target, but could not come up with a reception. 

The group will take on the Texans Week 11. 

Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (toe) and tight ends Brandon Pettigrew (foot) and Eric Ebron (hamstring) have been upgraded from did not practice Wednesday to limited in Thursday session.

Ebron missed the last two games while Pettigrew was sidelined in Week 9. Ansah has been active throughout.

The Lions' tight end corps has been a banged up group this season. Brandon Pettigrew, Eric Ebron and Joseph Fauria have all missed time due to injury. When healthy, the trio have combined for 22 catches for 220 yards and one touchdown.

The production hasn't been there for Ebron, Pettigrew and Fauria, but offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi indicated Thursday he expects that to change when all three players return to the lineup. Lombardi added more plays have been called for the trio than they have executed.

"I think this will be a tight-end-friendly offense," he said, per the Detroit Free Press.

Pettigrew (foot) and Ebron (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday, while Fauria (ankle) practiced for a second straight day. The Lions play the Dolphins Week 10.

Lions tight end Joseph Fauria practiced Wednesday for the first time since spraining his ankle six weeks ago, reports MLive.com. He was seen catching passes and going through tight end drills, the report said.

Detroit hosts Miami on Sunday.

The Seahawks announced several roster moves on Tuesday, per the team's official website. The team will keep defensive back Eric Pinkins (foot) on the reserve/non-football injury list for the remainder of the season.

Seattle waived tight end Brett Brackett and wide receiver Chris Matthews from the practice squad and signed tight end Tony Moeaki and wide receiver Bryan Walters to the 53-man roster. The team also added safety Dion Bailey and wide receiver Jalen Saunders to the practice squad.

The Ravens announced Tuesday they activated defensive tackle Terrence Cody (hip) from the PUP list. To clear a roster spot, tight end Phillip Supernaw was released.

The Ravens also released cornerback Chykie Brown and promoted cornerback Tramain Jacobs from the practice squad.

Giants tight end Larry Donnell caught four of eight targets for 25 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown, in the Week 9 loss to the Colts. It was Donnell's fifth score this season and first since Week 4.

He could have had a bigger night if not for a couple drops. Donnell visits the Seahawks in Week 10.

Colts tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen drew a combined 16 targets and each scored a touchdown in Monday's 40-24 win over the Giants. Fleener caught four of 11 targets for 77 yards, while Allen hauled in four of five targets for 48 yards.

The Giants were slow to challenge Fleener's questionable 21-yard catch in the second quarter. Getting the next snap off quickly, quarterback Andrew Luck found Fleener again, this time for a 32-yard touchdown. Fleener's 77 yards were the third-most of his career.

Allen continues to be a touchdown machine and has now scored in seven of nine games. He broke free for a 35-yard reception down the seam in the third quarter and caught a 2-yard touchdown later in the period.

Fleener and Allen are on a bye Week 10.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said tight end Logan Paulsen is dealing with plantar fasciitis. However, he hasn't been ruled out for Washington's next game in Week 11 against the Bucs. The team is on a bye Week 10.