NFL News
Cardinals release QB Leinart (AP)
The Arizona Cardinals have released Matt Leinart, parting ways with the former Heisman Trophy winner who was supposed to be the team's franchise quarterback but couldn't escape the backup role. The team made the announcement on Saturday, shortly before the Cardinals had to reach their 53-man roster limit.
Top pick Bradford to start for Rams (AP)
No. 1 overall draft pick Sam Bradford will start at quarterback in the regular-season opener at home against Arizona next weekend. Coach Steve Spagnuolo announced the decision Saturday, saying Bradford had earned the job. "We're confident. The staff's confident. The team's confident," Spagnuolo said.
Ravens place S Reed on PUP list (AP)
Ravens safety Ed Reed will miss the first six weeks of the NFL season after being placed on the reserve physically unable to perform list Saturday. To get down to the 53-man limit, Baltimore also cut quarterback Troy Smith and kicker Shayne Graham, who competed this summer against incumbent Billy Cundiff.
Saints S Sharper to miss first 6 games (AP)
All-Pro safety Darren Sharper's goal of helping the Saints compete for a second consecutive championship remains intact, even if it isn't working out quite as he'd planned. Projected starting linebacker Jonathan Casillas wasn't as fortunate. Sharper must sit out the first six games of the season, while Casillas won't come back at all after injuring his foot in the Saints'
Seahawks cut WR Houshmandzadeh (AP)
Receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was sent packing from Seattle on Saturday, cut by the Seahawks after just one season as coach Pete Carroll continued his roster purge. Houshmandzadeh, the Seahawks' leading receiver last season, was in the second year of a $40 million, five-year deal he signed with Seattle before the 2009 season.
Redskins release veteran RB Parker (AP)
Willie Parker became the odd man out in the Washington Redskins' three-way veteran running back competition Saturday when he was released as the team set its 53-man roster a week before the start of the regular season. Parker was among 21 players cut before the 6 p.m. deadline. The Redskins also made a trade, sending backup cornerback Justin Tryon to the Indianapolis Colts for an undisclosed
Vikings cut WR Walker, have 4 receivers (AP)
The Minnesota Vikings are apparently still looking for wide receivers. The Vikings cut 20 players Saturday, including five wide receivers to leave them with just four players on the active roster at that position right now. Recently signed Javon Walker and training camp standout Logan Payne were waived, with Taye Biddle, Freddie Brown and Marquis Hamilton also let go.
Eagles trade G Andrews to Seahawks (AP)
The Philadelphia Eagles traded starting right guard Stacy Andrews to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday in exchange for an undisclosed 2011 draft pick. The Eagles did not complete the deal until after the 6 p.m. Eastern deadline for reducing their roster to 53 players, so they were forced to release guard Max Jean-Gilles.
Rosenfels, Reynaud pass Giants physicals (AP)
Quarterback Sage Rosenfels and running back Darius Reynaud are officially members of the New York Giants. The former Minnesota Vikings were examined by Giants doctors Saturday, passing their physicals less than 24 hours after New York acquired the duo for future considerations. Rosenfels gives the Giants a proven backup for Eli Manning.
Colts acquire DB Tryon from Redskins (AP)
The Indianapolis Colts have acquired third-year defensive back Justin Tryon, sending an undisclosed draft pick to the Washington Redskins to bolster an injury-hit secondary. The teams announced the deal Saturday, when the Colts still had to trim their roster to 53 by the league's afternoon deadline.