McKnight, Edwards cut loose by Jets
Joe McKnight and Braylon Edwards are suddenly out of work, surprising cuts by the New York Jets Monday.
For McKnight, a backup running back and the team’s primary kick returner the last two seasons, it’s the latest setback in a tumultuous summer. Edwards’ departure in his third stint with the Jets could put his career in jeopardy.
“Both those guys, both Joe and Braylon, had tremendous moments for us,” coach Rex Ryan said. “They contributed a lot to our franchise, without question, but we’re trying to move forward.”
Veteran guard Stephen Peterman, who was signed in the offseason and appeared in line to start at left guard until recently, was also released as the Jets reduced their active roster to 75 players by the NFL’s Tuesday deadline.
Redskins release Stallworth: Donte Stallworth was cut by the Washington Redskins, thwarting the veteran receiver’s comeback.
Stallworth was hindered through most of training camp by a hamstring injury. He caught two passes for 33 yards in preseason games.
“You could see with the setback with his hamstring, he just wasn’t ready,” coach Mike Shanahan said.
The 32-year-old player signed with the Redskins in June, three months after he was seriously burned in a hot air balloon accident in Florida. He faced a tough challenge making a roster that already includes Pierre Garcon, Joshua Morgan, Santana Moss and Leonard Hankerson.
Mundy named starter for Giants: Ryan Mundy is no longer waiting for an NFL starting job. The New York Giants just gave him one.
Mundy, a free safety who played for the Steelers last season, was given the gig Saturday night when Stevie Brown tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Brown was returning an interception in the Giants’ 24-21 overtime loss to the Jets.
The injury was fluky. Brown planted his foot and his knee gave out. And it certainly was not the way Mundy wanted a starting spot, but that’s the position he’s in less than two weeks before the season opener at Dallas.
Tebow survives Patriots’ cut: Tim Tebow survived the New England Patriots’ cut to 77 players.
The Patriots must make two more moves before Tuesday’s league deadline to get to 75. The final roster cut comes after the fourth exhibition game later this week.
Nine-year NFL linebacker Niko Koutovides was among those released.
Browns cut Norwood: The Browns have released wide receiver Jordan Norwood, who struggled with injuries during his three seasons in Cleveland.
Norwood’s contract was terminated by the team, which announced the move shortly after practice started. The 5-11, 185-pound Norwood was limited during the preseason by a nagging hamstring injury and the Browns couldn’t wait any longer for him to get completely healthy. He returned to practice last week but didn’t play in Saturday’s exhibition loss at Indianapolis.
Norwood had 13 receptions for 137 yards in two games last season. A four-year starter at Penn State, he had a career-high nine catches for 81 yards on Oct. 7 against the New York Giants, but sustained a foot injury and was sidelined for the remainder of the season.
McCoy wins backup job with 49ers: Colt McCoy said Sunday night that he restructured his contract for the season late Saturday, and coach Jim Harbaugh named the quarterback San Francisco’s backup behind Colin Kaepernick despite an inconsistent preseason.
“I feel real good right now that Colt’s the backup,” Harbaugh said Sunday night after McCoy went 11 for 15 for 109 yards, an interception and a sack in the 49ers’ 34-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
“Thing that’s been very encouraging is he’s progressed and gotten better every week. Tonight, just down after down, consistently good, that’s what we’ve been looking for.”