NFL Notes: Dez Bryant, Tim Williams, Browns & Patriots

Dez Bryant

• Cowboys HC Jason Garrett confirmed reports that WR Dez Bryant missed team meetings on Monday and Tuesday and was subsequently fined. meeting Wednesday. (Charean Williams)
• According to Garrett, Bryant feared that he had sustained a serious knee injury, which is why he avoided an MRI initially. (Jon Machota)

Tim Willaims

Alabama LB Tim Williams, who could end up being a first-round pick next year, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of carrying a pistol without a license early Thursday morning, via WBRC.com.

Police approached a vehicle because they could smell marijuana smoke coming from it and later found a gun. Williams admitted to owning the gun while another person claimed responsibility for the marijuana.

Williams was later released from jail on a $300 bond.

Browns

• Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports writes that if the Browns are focused on stockpiling draft picks to continue rebuilding the foundation of the team, then it would make plenty of sense for them to make Pro Bowl LT Joe Thomas available for trade in the coming weeks and give him an opportunity to join a contender.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss reports that DT John Hughes receives a one-year contract from the Patriots, which includes a base salary of $760,000, an injury split of $428,000 and no signing bonus or guaranteed money.