Brandon

Manumaleuna

The Panthers had made a five-year, $8.3 million bid for the tight end. He will continue his role primarily as a blocking tight end with little fantasy potential.

The blocking specialist will be among the Jets’ Tuesday tryouts. Released by the Bears in late July after failing a physical, Manumaleuna generated scant interest in free agency. He could be a sixth offensive lineman in New York, but no signing is imminent.

It’s unclear if the Bears knew about this before Mike Martz handpicked Manumaleuna as his blocking tight end. Either way, Manumaleuna’s status for training camp should not be affected. He remains the prototypical tight end for a Martz offense, unlike Greg Olsen.

It sounds like he’s only sitting out minicamp this week as a precaution. He’s considered “close” to 100 percent, and certainly should be by the start of training camp. Manumaleuna needed the same knee drained last season.

Manumaleuna sat out last Sunday’s game and is questionable this week. “He’s chomping at the bit,” assistant head coach Joe Vitt said.

He lost his starter job earlier in the season anyway.

“If there’s any risk at all, we will sit him down,” coach Mike Martz said.

Also out: T Rex Tucker. Jeff Robinson will start at tight end, Alex Barron at right tackle. Look for the Rams to go four wide often.

Roland Williams is now ahead of him on the depth chart. We support any decision that will result in typing ‘Manumaleuna’ less.