Jaguars cut C Brewster, QB Stanzi in roster moves

MARK LONG
AP Sports Writer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars center Mike Brewster went from the starter to the street in a matter of weeks.

The Jaguars waived Brewster, third-string quarterback Ricky Stanzi and others Friday — one day before the NFL’s deadline for reducing rosters to 53 players.

The team also placed receiver Tandon Doss (ankle) and cornerback Rashaad Reynolds (hand) on injured reserve following injuries sustained in Thursday’s preseason finale against Atlanta.

Offensive tackle Cody Booth, receiver Chad Bumphis, defensive lineman DeAndre Coleman, defensive tackle Ricky Havili-Heimuli, fullback Eric Kettani, safety Craig Loston, quarterback Stephen Morris, guard Drew Nowak, kicker Kasey Redfern, defensive end Gerald Rivers, guard Tyler Shatley, tight end D.J. Tialavea and linebacker LB Marcus Whitfield also were waived.

Tight end Brandon Barden (groin) was waived/injured.

“Competition is our central theme and all of these players competed on a daily basis,” Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell said in a statement.

“This is always a tough day because you are letting go of men that played a vital role in what we are building here. We will continue to compete to build the best roster possible as we head into the regular season.”

The Jaguars need to cut three more players before Saturday’s 4 p.m. deadline.

Brewster was the biggest name among the guys waived Friday.

He was expected to replace retired veteran Brad Meester this season, but the Jaguars benched the former Ohio State standout after two preseason games that included two bad snaps. Brewster sealed his fate with another poor snap against the Falcons.

“Whatever happens is going to happen,” Brewster said after the game. “I have to deal with it, and I know I’ll be all right.”

Jacksonville likely will start the season with rookie Luke Bowanko, a sixth-round pick from Virginia, at center. With third-round draft pick Brandon Linder at right guard and second-year player Luke Joeckel at left tackle, the Jaguars will have one of the league’s least experienced offensive lines.

That’s one reason the Jaguars are starting the season with veteran quarterback Chad Henne instead of rookie Blake Bortles.

Stanzi, meanwhile, is likely to end up on the team’s practice squad Sunday.

Caldwell would like to carry three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, but injuries made it difficult to do to open the season.

Starting right tackle Austin Pasztor (hand) and rookie receiver Allen Robinson (hamstring) are locks for the final roster, but Pasztor won’t return for a few more weeks and Robinson’s status for the season opener remains uncertain.

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