Raiders cut Travis Taylor

Following the two-week roster exemption for QB JaMarcus Russell, the Oakland Raiders will need to create a roster spot for their first-round pick. Reports had the Raiders making that happen by cutting a quarterback, but Saturday the team cut WR Travis Taylor, Adam Schefter has reported.

Taylor was a first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2000. He spent four years in Baltimore before being released and landing in Minnesota. After a two-year stint with the Vikings, Taylor signed with Oakland.

With Taylor’s release, it appears the Raiders will carry four quarterbacks: Josh McCown, Daunte Culepper, Andrew Walter and JaMarcus Russell. At least for the time being–the team will need to create two more roster spots for suspened RB Dominic Rhodes and RB Michael Bush (PUP).

Rhodes will be eligible to return once his four-game suspension is lifted following the team’s Sept. 30 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Running back Michael Bush, physically unable to perform list, will be eligible to return following week six. After that, the team will have a three-week window to determine his roster status.

Russell’s two-week exemption ends Sept. 24. The former LSU Tiger signed a six-year, $61 million contract Sept. 12.

Update: The Raiders promoted LB Jon Alston from the practice squad, meaning they’ll have to make another cut before Russell can be added to the roster.

Source: NFL Network. Sept. 23 – 12:48 a.m. et

Bengals’ Perry to PUP, Hartwell cut

The Cincinnati Bengals made some roster moves today, trading QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, releasing 18 and placing RB Chris Perry on the PUP list.

Fitzpatrick was traded to the St. Louis Rams for an undisclosed draft choice, reports Bengals.com.

The Bengals terminated the contracts of DT Kendrick Allen, LB Edgerton Hartwell, and QB Doug Johnson.

The team waived the following players: WR Bennie Brazell; S John Busing; WR Reggie McNeal; OT Alan Reuber; TE Tim Day; G Nate Livings; FB Chris Manderino; HB Curtis Brown; LB Earl Everett; WR Jesse Holley; DE Xzavie Jackson; LB Matt Muncy; G Harrison Nikolao; DT Matt Toeaina; OT Dane Uperesa.

Fourth-year running back Chris Henry was placed on the PUP list due to a dislocated ankle he suffered last season, the team reported.

Source: Bengals.com. Sept. 1 – 4:43 p.m. et

Wednesday night notes

• The Atlanta Falcons sent a demand letter to Michael Vick, asking to recover $20 million of the $37 million in bonus money paid to Vick in 2004, reports ESPN.com.

• Scott Player was among the Arizona Cardinals’ cuts this week. Player was the longest-tenured Cardinal in both seasons, nine, and games played, 140.

• The Minnesota Vikings backed out of a plan to purchase land near the Metrodome from the owners of the Star Tribune, reports ESPN.com. We’re upset by the news, really. That would have made a great conflict-of-interest story. You know, like when the Star Tribune covers the team who just paid them a boat-load of money for their property. 

• Not that we think anyone next to Marinovich’s family actually cares about this, but former Oakland Raiders QB Todd Morinovich was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

• Detriot Lions RB Kevin Jones will have his injured foot re-examined by the specialist who operated on him last December, reports Adam Schefter of NFL Network. Update: Mlive.com has reported that Jones had the foot re-examined and may start the season on the PUP list.

• Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowl OT Willie Anderson (foot) returned to practice for the first time since last season. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis indicated that Anderson will be ready for the season opener against the Ravens, reports NFL.com.

Source: ESPN.com, NFL.com, Rotoworld.com, Mlive.com. Aug. 29 – 9:31 p.m. et. Updated Aug. 30 – 1:35 p.m. et