St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - The Rams released veteran quarterback Kellen
Clemens along with 20 other players on Friday in order to reduce the roster to
the 53-man limit for the upcoming 2012 regular season.
Clemens had been projected to be the main backup to 2010 NFL Offensive Rookie
of the Year Sam Bradford after re-signing with the Rams during the offseason,
but lost out to undrafted rookie Austin Davis.
The seventh-year pro made three late-season starts for an injured Bradford
after being claimed off waivers from Houston in 2011, throwing for 546 yards
and two touchdowns with one interception.
A second-round pick of the Jets in 2006, Clemens' most extensive NFL action
came in his second season, when the 29-year-old made eight starts and threw
for 1,529 yards and five touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
With Bradford's injury history and Davis' inexperience, the Rams may be on the
lookout for an experienced quarterback prior to the team's Sept. 9 season
opener at Detroit.
The Rams also released quarterback Tom Brandstater and defensive end Vernon
Gholston, a Jets' first-round selection in 2008 who had just signed with St.
Louis on Aug. 22.
Fullback Ovie Mughelli, a nine-year vet who made the Pro Bowl with Atlanta in
2010, had his contract terminated as well. The 32-year-old signed with the
Rams at the start of training camp.
Also let go on Friday were defensive tackle Cornell Banks, center Tim Barnes,
defensive ends Mason Brodine, Jamaar Jarrett and Scott Smith, linebackers
Aaron Brown and Sammy Brown, cornerback Kendric Burney, fullback Ben Guidugli,
tight ends Cory Harkey and Deangelo Peterson, offensive linemen T. Bob Hebert,
Joe Long, Bryan Mattison and Jose Valdez, wide receiver Nick Johnson and
running back Chase Reynolds.
St. Louis also placed Austin Pettis on the reserve/suspended list. The second-
year wideout will begin the season serving the final two tests of a four-game
suspension he received last year for testing positive for a banned substance.
The Sports Network