JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Center Mike Brewster, who began the preseason as the odds-on favorite to start at the position, was one of four veteran players waived Friday by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars made a total of 18 roster moves in getting close to the 53-man limit required by 4 p.m. Saturday by the NFL. Brewster, quarterback Ricky Stanzi, guard Drew Nowak and defensive end Gerald Rivers were the most notable players released.
Brewster, whose 10 starts in two previous seasons with the Jaguars all came at left guard, became the first-stringer after the retirement of Brad Meester and the team's unsuccessful offseason pursuit of Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack. But he had two bad shotgun snaps in the preseason opener Aug. 8 and another Thursday night in the second half of the Jaguars' 24-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
His departure likely means either third-year pro Jacques McClendon or sixth-round draft pick Luke Bowanko will get the nod at center when the Jaguars open their season Sept. 7 at Philadelphia. Bowanko played the first half against Atlanta while McClendon, who has mainly been used at right guard, played at left guard because of the absence of Zane Beadles.
Veteran wide receiver Tandon Doss (ankle) and rookie cornerback Rashaad Reynolds (hand) were placed on injured reserve after suffering injuries Thursday night. First-year tight end Brandon Barden was waived/injured because of a groin injury.
Former University of Miami quarterback Stephen Morris was among nine undrafted rookies waived. In addition to Morris, the Jaguars released tight end D.J. Tialavea, tackle Cody Booth, guard Tyler Shatley, defensive linemen DeAndre Coleman and Ricky Havili-Heimuli, linebacker Marcus Whitfield, safety Craig Loston and kicker/punter Kasey Redfern.
The team also waived two first-year players, wide receiver Chad Bumphis and fullback Eric Kettani.
The Jaguars still need to make four more moves to reach the mandated roster limit. Teams can begin signing practice squad players at noon Sunday, and some of the players waived Friday could end up being brought back.
You can follow Ken Hornack on Twitter @HornackFSFla or email him at khornack32176@gmail.com.
