Backup quarterbacks were prominent among players cut Friday as teams whittled their rosters to the 53-man maximum. Backup quarterbacks were prominent among players cut Friday as teams whittled their rosters to the 53-man maximum. ADVERTISING Nine-year veteran Seneca Wallace was
Backup quarterbacks were prominent among players cut Friday as teams whittled their rosters to the 53-man maximum.
Nine-year veteran Seneca Wallace was beaten out by Colt McCoy in Cleveland, Mike Kafka fell to rookie Nick Foles and journeyman Trent Edwards in Philadelphia, Brian Hoyer got axed in New England, Josh McCown was released by Chicago, and 12th-year pro Sage Rosenfels didn’t make the cut in Minnesota.
The Ravens released quarterback Curtis Painter, who started eight games for the Colts last season. He was in competition with Tyrod Taylor throughout the preseason to be the backup to Joe Flacco. And the San Francisco 49ers released quarterback Josh Johnson, who started five games in four seasons with Tampa Bay.
Other veterans released as team’s prepare for the regular season, which begins Wednesday night with Dallas at the New York Giants, included 2005 Super Bowl MVP receiver Deion Branch and center Dan Koppen in New England; defensive backs Joselio Hanson and O.J. Atogwe in Philadelphia; Pittsburgh offensive lineman Trai Essex and punter Jeremy Kapinos, who were waived/injured; Buffalo DT Dwan Edwards; and Giants running back D.J. Ware, who won two Super Bowls with the team.
Tenth-year cornerback Drayton Florence was cut when Denver decided to keep three quarterbacks.
Teams had until 9 p.m. ET to trim their rosters to 53. They have until noon ET today to put in waiver claims and sign up to eight practice squad players.
The 31-year-old Wallace spent two seasons with the Browns, who acquired him in a 2011 trade from Seattle, where he played for Browns President Mike Holmgren.
