Free agent TE Tony Scheffler has retired from the NFL after eight seasons. Scheffler, 31, has suffered three concussions the past four years and was released by the Lions in October. The former No. 61 overall pick in the 2006 draft by the Broncos spent four seasons each with Denver and Detroit, catching 258 passes for 3,207 yards and 22 touchdowns. Scheffler's had a decent two-year stretch from 2007-2008 when he reeled in 89 balls for 1,194 yards and eight scores for Mike Shanahan's Broncos. He caught seven passes in 2013.

Free agent TE Tony Scheffler worked out for the Bears Friday. Scheffler was released by the Lions on Tuesday. If signed, he'll provide insurance as the No. 2 tight end behind Martellus Bennett. Scheffler had just seven catches for 82 yards in five games this season.

Lions released TE Tony Scheffler. Recovered from his concussion, Scheffler no longer had a role on offense following the emergence of Joseph Fauria. A supremely inefficient player, Scheffler had followed up his disastrous 2012 with another poor start this season. Now on the wrong side of 30, Scheffler was mkaing $1.95 million. It's possible Scheffler's experience will earn him another look elsehwere, but his recent tape won't.

Tony Scheffler (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. Scheffler is out indefinitely and may even head to injured reserve soon.

Lions TE Tony Scheffler (concussion) remains out indefinitely. Speaking Monday, coach Jim Schwartz hinted Scheffler is a candidate for injured reserve. If Scheffler does return this season, he'll be behind red-zone dynamo Joseph Fauria on the depth chart.

Tony Scheffler (concussion) remained sidelined at Lions practice Friday. Scheffler isn't going to play Sunday against the Browns. Brandon Pettigrew and undrafted rookie Joseph Fauria will handle tight end duties.

Tony Scheffler (concussion) is not practicing Thursday. It doesn't look like Scheffler will be cleared in time to play against the Browns Sunday. Brandon Pettigrew is going to soak up a bunch of short targets over the middle.

Tony Scheffler missed Wednesday's practice with a concussion. We didn't notice Scheffler leave last week's game against the Packers, but he's going through protocol. Scheffler suffered a serious concussion in 2011. His status for Week 6 against the Browns is murky. Scheffler isn't on the fantasy radar.

The Detroit News expects Tony Scheffler's role to grow in the wake of Nate Burleson's injury. Scheffler is move tight end that has seen just three targets in three games this season. In the 10 games following Burleson's broken leg last season, Scheffler averaged 3.1 catches for 35.8 yards and scored one touchdown. Similar production is within reach this time around.

Lions TE Tony Scheffler was not targeted in Week 2. Drop him if you messed up and had him on your roster.