The Arizona Cardinals have released quarterback Matt Leinart, ending a rocky stint with the team that began with fanfare as he was drafted 10th overall in 2006 and ended this preseason with the former Southern Cal star taking a backseat to Derek Anderson.
"In fairness to Matt, I think that it would be a tough position for him to be in a backup role," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "Maybe a fresh start for him is what would be a good thing, for all of us."
Leinart played in 29 games with 17 starts for Arizona, and threw for 3,893 yards with 14 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
Redskins cut Parker: Willie Parker has become the odd man out in the Washington Redskins' three-way veteran running back competition.
Parker was among 21 players cut Saturday as the Redskins set their 53-man roster a week before the start of the regular season.
One of the highlights of the Redskins' preseason was supposed to be an intriguing battle between former Pro Bowl running backs Parker, Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson.
Panthers keep Pike: Carolina has decided on rookie Tony Pike as its No. 3 quarterback over Hunter Cantwell.
Bruce Tollner, Cantwell's agent, says his client has been released. Pike will be behind starter Matt Moore and rookie backup Jimmy Clausen on the depth chart.
Bradford will start: No. 1 overall draft pick Sam Bradford will start at quarterback in the regular-season opener at home against Arizona next weekend, according to Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo.
Dumervil will miss season: Elvis Dumervil, the NFL's leading top sacker, says he won't play at all this season.
The Denver Broncos' pass rusher underwent surgery last month to repair a torn chest muscle, but the team had been holding out hope he'd make a quicker than anticipated recovery and return to action in December.
Ravens' Reed sidelined: Safety Ed Reed will miss the first six weeks of the NFL season after being placed on the reserve physically unable to perform list by the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens also cut quarterback Troy Smith and made Billy Cundiff their kicker.
Patriots cut Aiken: Outside linebacker Derrick Burgess and special teams captain Sam Aiken, who played at North Carolina, were released by the New England Patriots in surprising moves.
Giants trim roster: The New York Giants cuts some ties to their 2008 Super Bowl championship team, waiving defensive tackle Jay Alford and offensive lineman Guy Whimper, who played at East Carolina.
The Giants also waived former N.C. State running back Andre Brown, quarterback Rhett Bomar, veteran receiver Derek Hagan and tight end Bear Pascoe.
Dolphins cut White: Quarterback Pat White has been released by the Miami Dolphins one year after they took him in the second round of the draft. White struggled with his throwing accuracy during a disappointing rookie season in 2009.
