NFL Player News

The Patriots waived Lumpkin on Sunday, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reports.

Lumpkin joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in May. He failed to haul in a catch across three preseason games and will now look elsewhere for an opportunity at a roster or practice squad spot.

Bellinger sat out Saturday's exhibition loss to the Jets.

Bellinger played in the Giants' first two preseason games, nabbing his only target for a four-yard touchdown connection with Daniel Jones. With Darren Waller added to the team in the offseason, Bellinger is slated to work in a backup role after featuring as a starter during his rookie campaign last year. That likely takes him off the fantasy radar in most formats, though he could emerge as a potential asset if Waller is unable to stay healthy.

Gesicki (shoulder) shed his red non-contact jersey during Sunday's practice, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Gesicki returned to practice last week in a limited fashion after suffering a mild shoulder dislocation in mid-August. It's unclear how intense Sunday's session was, but it's still encouraging to see the veteran tight end taking the next steps in his rehab process. It appears Gesicki is on track to be fully cleared soon, and there's only two weeks left before New England opens the regular season against Philadelphia at home.

Eubanks was waived by the Colts on Sunday.

Eubanks signed with the Colts earlier in August, but unfortunately, was not able to make it far enough up the team's depth chart to get a longer look. The Michigan product will now have to search out a new opportunity elsewhere.

Jacobson was waived by the Colts on Sunday.

Jacobson joined the team Aug. 5 after spending the last couple of seasons on their practice squad. The Iowa State product will now look for a new opportunity, or perhaps ultimately end up on Indianapolis' practice squad once again.

The Bills waived Sternberger on Sunday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Sternberger signed with the Bills in July after spending the past two seasons on the practice squads of the Packers, Commanders and Steelers. With the Buffalo tight end room headlined by Dawson Knox and 2023 first-round pick Dalton Kincaid, it was always a longshot for Sternberger to crack the final 53-man roster.

Cager caught all three of his targets for 24 yards in Saturday's exhibition loss to the Jets.

Cager started the game for New York with both Darren Waller and Daniel Bellinger not suiting up. Cager has been in a battle with Chris Myarick for the Giants' third tight-end role, but the latter suffered a hand fracture Saturday, which may have cemented Cager's inclusion on the initial 53-man roster. He's unlikely to see much action on offense behind Waller and Bellinger, though Cager is also expected to contribute on special teams.

Okwuegbunam brought in seven of eight targets for 109 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos' 41-0 preseason win over the Rams on Saturday.

Facing the prospect of playing his last game in a Broncos uniform, Okwuegbunam was able to make a convincing case for retaining a roster spot with team-high reception, receiving yardage and target totals. Okwuegbunam got the start and immediately made an impact, making 17- and eight-yard grabs on the opening drive and consistently connecting with Jarrett Stidham throughout the first half, including on an eight-yard touchdown reception late in the first quarter. Whether Okwuegbunam did enough to lock down a reserve tight end role will soon be evident, given final cuts must be made by Tuesday.

Schoonmaker recorded two catches on two targets for 14 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 31-16 preseason win over the Raiders.

Schoonmaker was on the field to start the game and played several series. The highlight of his performance came on a nine-yard score, when he leaked off the right side of the offensive line and then bowled over a defender into the end zone after making a short catch. Schoonmaker projects to work behind Jake Ferguson to begin the season but still should see the field plenty in his rookie campaign.

Mayer recorded two receptions on two targets for 20 yards in Saturday's 31-16 loss to the Cowboys.

Mayer participated in his second consecutive preseason contest and saw run into the early second quarter. He showed rapport with Aidan O'Connell on a 13-yard connection, his longest gain of the exhibition schedule. It's possible that veteran Austin Hooper plays ahead of Mayer to start the regular season, but the rookie should have a significant role in the offense.