NFL Player News

The Patriots' acquisition of Buccaneers tight end Timothy Wright does not mean New England is worried about Rob Gronkowski's progress, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gronkowski is in a "good spot" as he comes back from ACL surgery, and this deal "provides depth, options," the report said.

Gronkowski has not played in the preseason. His status for Week 1 is unknown, though Gronk has said he plans to play all 16 games.

The Patriots traded guard Logan Mankins to the Buccaneers for tight end Timothy Wright and a fourth-round draft pick in 2015, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Patriots "have agreed to the parameters of a trade" that will send Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins to the Buccaneers for tight end Timothy Wright and a draft pick, reports Fox Sports. Wright caught 54 passes for 571 yards and five touchdowns last season.

The Bengals released tight end Kevin Brock and receiver Jasper Collins. Cincy must cut four more players by the 4 p.m. ET deadline.

The Lions claimed two tight ends off waivers: Michael Egnew from the Dolphins, and Emil Igwenagu from the Eagles.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said the team will use several tight ends. None of the contenders for the starting job -- Larry Donnell, Adrien Robinson, Kellen Davis and Daniel Fells -- separated himself.

"That is not necessarily what the plan was," Coughlin said. "But the plan has evolved to that, where people can be utilized for their skills in different ways."

The Cowboys have 13 players out of uniform for Saturday's preseason game against the Dolphins, including some who have been battling injuries through the preseason.

Defensive backs Morris Claiborne (shoulder), Jeff Heath, Johnny Thomas, Matt Johnson and B.W. Webb; linebackers DeVonte Holloman (neck) and Orie Lemon; defensive linemen Henry Melton (groin), Terrell McClain (ankle), and Demarcus Lawrence; tight end Gavin Escobar (shoulder) and offensive lineman Darrion Weems are all inactive Saturday.  

The following players will not dress for the Dolphins Saturday night against the Cowboys in preseason action: Caleb Sturgis, Mike Gillislee, Daniel Thomas, Marcus Thigpen, Walt Aikens, Mike Pouncey, Koa Misi, Terrence Fede, Arthur Lynch and A.J. Francis.

The Bills inactive list for the third preseason game against the Buccaneers Saturday featured eight names, the team announced before kickoff.

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins, defensive backs Mario Butler, Bobby Felder and Jonathan Meeks, defensive linemen Kyle Williams and Alan Branch, tight end Tony Moeaki, and offensive lineman Chris Williams were not in uniform for Saturday's game. 

The Eagles trimmed their roster to 76 players Saturday, as they announced the waiving of 14 players.

Among those waived are: wide receivers Kadron Boone and B.J. Cunningham; tight ends Emil Igwenagu and Blake Annen; offensive lineman Michael Bamiro, Karim Barton and Donald Hawkins; linebacker Jake Knott; defensive backs Daytawion Lowe and Davon Morgan; defensive linemen Joe Kruger, Frances Mays and Alejandro Villanueva; and kicker Carey Spear.  

The team still has to make one more cut before Tuesday.