NFL Player News

Expectations continue to skyrocket for Eagles second-year tight end Zach Ertz. Tight ends coach Ted Williams was the latest to chime in, calling Ertz "one of the best route-runners I've ever seen."

"He takes a lot of pride in that," Williams added to Philly.com. "He has a lot of confidence. He's hard to defeat, because he doesn't take defeat very well. He feels, 'You can't cover me.'"

The website noted Ertz caught four touchdowns in the second half of last season and claimed he's poised to break out this year. Ertz and fellow tight end Brent Celek will have "a much bigger role in the passing game," the report said.

Ertz said he's taking every rep "personally."

"If somebody beats me, I'm going to take that personally. I want to be great," he said. "That's my goal each and every day I step out onto the field. I want to prove to myself and everybody else how good I can be, and I'm willing to work as hard as I need to achieve that goal."

The Dolphins waived receivers Armon Binns and Ryan Spadola, tight end Brett Brackett, cornerback Steven Clarke, defensive end Rakim Cox, defensive tackle Cory Grissom and center Tyler Larsen. Miami also put defensive tackle A.J. Francis, running back Mike Gillislee and tight end Arthur Lynch on injured reserve, ending their seasons.

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.