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Seth Wenig/Associated Press

McAdoo had a not-so subtle message for Will Tye last week when a reporter asked what he's seen from the third-year player out of Stoney Brook and how much pressure rookie Evan Engram puts on the tight end.

"Yeah, I mean, we've got a lot of guys on the offensive side who are on the bubble," the coach said. "The thing about being on the bubble is sometimes it takes your fears to bring out the best in you and that's what we're looking for in those guys. What are you going to do? Are you going to step up, or are you going to step back? All it is is an opportunity for him to get better."

If that was the message the coach was trying to get across, then he succeeded. But then again, McAdoo's semi-confirmation that Tye is on the bubble comes as no surprise given the additions of Engram and Rhett Ellison.

Tye, who has ended up as the starter in his first two seasons, has lacked in numerous areas of his game, ranging from his inconsistent run blocking to his yards after catch.

Per Sporting Charts, Tye's 4.1 average yards per catch was second to last on the team among backs, receivers and tight ends, topping only Sterling Shepard's 3.9 YAC/reception average.

Tye will get his opportunities to compete this summer in the games, but with Matt LaCosse having pulled slightly ahead of him—he has received first-team reps—it's probably going to take an injury to save Tye from the Turk.