Rams finish cuts, trim Gradkowski and 12 more

Posted: Sun Aug 31 5:41 PM

St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - The St. Louis Rams made their final necessary cuts on Saturday, releasing 12 players, including quarterback Bruce Gradkowski to reach the 53-player maximum.

Gradkowski, an 11-game starter as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2006, was attempting to make the Rams as a third-stringer behind Marc Bulger and Trent Green. But the Toledo product was passed over in favor of holdover Brock Berlin.

Also released on Saturday were defensive end C.J. Ah You, running back Lance Ball, wide receiver Reche Caldwell, offensive lineman Dustin Fry, offensive lineman Mark LeVoir, cornerback David Macklin, linebacker Marc Magro, wide receiver Derek Stanley, cornerback Darius Vinnett, fullback Russ Weil, wide receiver Brandon Williams, and tackle Julius Wilson.

Notables among that group include Caldwell, a former starter with the Chargers, Patriots, and Redskins; Macklin, who has appeared in 116 games in eight NFL seasons; Vinnett, who played in eight contests for the Rams last season; and Stanley and Williams, both of whom helped handle return duties for St. Louis a year ago.

On Friday, the Rams released wide receiver Matt Caddell, safety Jerome Carter, tight end Nick Cleaver, cornerback Tanard Davis, cornerback Cortney Grixby, wide receiver Marques Hagans, center Donovan Raiola, linebacker Marcus Riley, and nose tackles Henry Smith and Willie Williams.

The club also made a move on Sunday, releasing tight end Richard Owens, who made the initial Saturday cut, and signed former Colt defensive back Brannon Condren.

St. Louis opens its season on September 7, on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles.