On the NFL’s first preseason cutdown day, a trade and several key players going on injured reserve overshadowed other moves.
In an unusual transaction for its timing, New England sent six-time Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins to Tampa Bay on Tuesday for tight end Tim Wright and a draft choice. The Patriots apparently are satisfied with a young group of blockers, and the Buccaneers were desperate to improve their offensive line.
”He has a history of a certain type of play in the league,” new Bucs coach Lovie Smith said, adding that the 10th-year pro will bring leadership on and off the field. ”We got better, kind of simple as that.”
Bringing in a tight end could mean the Patriots are particularly concerned when Rob Gronkowski can return to the lineup. The injury-prone Gronkowski, coming off right knee surgery, only recently began to take part in contact drills.
While Gronkowski works to come back, gone for the season are Rams quarterback Sam Bradford and Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji.
Both went on injured reserve Tuesday, Bradford after tearing his left ACL for the second straight year, Raji with a torn biceps.
Other veterans placed on IR were Colts running back Vick Ballard, Seahawks linebacker Heath Farwell and Browns offensive lineman Michael Bowie.
Put on the physically unable to perform list were Colts fullback FB Stanley Havili and Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden.
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