Buccaneers release Austin-Seferian Jenkins after his DUI arrest

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived tight end Austin-Seferian Jenkins on Friday, hours after the third-year pro was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence.

The Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release that Seferian-Jenkins, a second-round draft pick out of the University of Washington in 2014, was driving between 75 and 80 mph on Interstate 275 when the football player’s vehicle cut in front in front of a trooper’s cruiser and began weaving back and forth.

Sgt. Steve Gaskins said Seferian-Jenkins was charged with DUI and violation of an ignition interlock device restriction from an arrest in Washington in 2013. The player refused a breath test at the Hillsborough County Jail.

“We are very disappointed in today’s news,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said in a statement. “After careful consideration, we felt this was the right decision at this time.”

The move was announced about two hours after practice, which Seferian-Jenkins did not attend.

Coach Dirk Koetter was unavailable comment on the decision. Earlier, he said the team was still gathering information on the arrest, which occurred shortly before 4 a.m.

“By the time we found out, we were into meetings this morning and we’ve been on the practice field,” Koetter said, adding he and Licht planned to meet later.

Seferian-Jenkins had three receptions for 44 yards and one touchdown in two games this season. He started 12 of 16 games he appeared in the previous two years and has 45 career receptions for 603 yards and seven TDs.

The Bucs promoted tight end Alan Cross from the practice squad to fill the roster opening.

Fines handed out

Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs cost himself $12,154 in fines from the NFL by coming off the sideline to join an altercation in Sunday’s win over Green Bay.

Diggs was one of 11 players fined Friday by the league, and the only one who was disciplined for leaving the bench area.

The biggest fines this week were for $18,231 to Raiders punter Marquette King (horse-collar tackle) , Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (hit to quarterback Carson Wentz’s head), and Packers DL Mike Daniels (roughing the passer, Sam Bradford).

Also fined $9,115 each were three players from the Jets’ win over Buffalo: New York defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson and wide receiver Eric Decker, both for taunting, and Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore for a face-mask tackle that injured receiver Brandon Marshall.

Houston cornerback Kevin Johnson was docked $12,154 for unsportsmanlike conduct (excessive celebration). Kansas City cornerback Marcus Peters was fined $9,115 for taunting. Denver safety Darian Stewart got hit for $9,115 for a forearm shot to the quarterback. And Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess also got $12,154 for excessive celebration.

Etc.

The Detroit Lions have decided defensive end Ezekiel Ansah will not play against the Green Bay Packers because of an injured left ankle. Ansah was hurt early in Sunday’s loss to Tennessee and didn’t return to play in the game. Linebacker DeAndre Levy is doubtful with a quadriceps injury. … Wide receiver DeSean Jackson is expected to play for the Washington Redskins at the New York Giants on Sunday. …

The Chiefs will be without starting offensive lineman Parker Ehinger and backup Jah Reid, and likely without star running back Jamaal Charles for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Ehinger will miss his second straight game with a concussion. Reid is out with a knee injury. Charles is listed as doubtful. … Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Cleveland because of a groin injury. Foster’s absence means second-year pro Jay Ajayi will likely make his first NFL start. Rookie Kenyan Drake is also expected to see significant action.