National Football League

Ravens release QB Painter

Published Sep. 1, 2012 4:19 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Ravens released quarterback Curtis Painter as they reached the NFL's mandated 53-player roster limit.

Painter, who started eight games for the Colts last season, was in competition with Tyrod Taylor throughout the preseason to be the backup to Joe Flacco.

Three undrafted rookie free agents made the roster. They were receiver Deonte Thompson, running back Bobby Rainey and kicker Justin Tucker.

Rainey led the Ravens in receiving with 163 yards and two touchdowns.

Thompson finished the preseason with 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns.

Receiver Tommy Streeter, selected in the sixth round of this year's draft, was placed on injured reserve after a foot sprain sustained during Baltimore's third preseason game against Jacksonville.

Streeter was battling Thompson for the final receiver spot before the injury. Tucker beat out veteran kicker Billy Cundiff, who signed with Washington.

Seventh-round draft pick Anthony Allen, who was expected to compete for the backup running back job, was also released on Friday.

During the preseason, Allen was passed by Rainey and fellow rookie Bernard Pierce on the depth chart. Allen finished the preseason with 19 yards on 11 carries.

Sergio Kindle, the 2010 second-round draft pick, was on the roster bubble heading into Friday, but made the 53-man roster as the fourth outside linebacker. That doesn't count Terrell Suggs, who will open the season on the physically unable to perform list.

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