A petition reportedly has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board seeking to create a separate union for NFL running backs.
According to the website Law360, the petition was filed on Thursday by the International Brotherhood of Professional Running Backs and focuses on the shorter careers for players at the position.
The NFL Management Council and the union have begun preliminary negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement. The current 10-year deal expires in March 2021.
A message to the players’ union seeking comment was not immediately answered.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The New England Patriots acquired tight end Eric Saubert from the Atlanta Falcons on Monday for a conditional draft pick.
Saubert, entering his third season, had five catches for 48 yards for the Falcons in 2018. He played in 16 games with one start.
The Pats have questions at tight end following Rob Gronkowski’s retirement. Veteran Ben Watson will be suspended for the first four games following a positive test for a banned substance.
Austin Hooper, a 2018 Pro Bowl pick, is Atlanta’s starting tight end. Luke Stocker and Logan Paulsen head the list of others competing at the position.
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