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ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Rams released center Barrett Jones, who had been competing for the starting job, and terminated the contract of outside linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar.
The Rams also placed running back Trey Watts on the reserve-suspended list. Watts is out the first four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Jones had been in a three-way battle with Tim Barnes and Demetrius Rhaney, and coach Jeff Fisher said he'd name a starter Wednesday.
The Rams released their list about three hours after Fisher declined to name any players at a news conference. Fisher said there was a competitive advantage with players the team was interested in signing to the practice squad.
"You'll get the information, but we want to buy as much time as we possibly can," Fisher said.
The Rams also cut wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient in the Army wounded in Afghanistan. Rodriguez, who was a long shot, sustained a concussion in the preseason finale Thursday.
Quarterback Austin Davis was released, giving the third-string job to third-round pick Sean Mannion.
Fisher said running back Todd Gurley, the 10th overall pick, would not play in the opener against Seattle while rehabbing from knee surgery.
The coach was optimistic Tre Mason, the starter last year, would be able to go. Mason missed the preseason finale with a hamstring injury.
"He had two treatment sessions today, and he's doing well. So we'll see how he is during the week," Fisher said. "As I said after the game, the training room was empty, which is a really good thing."
The Rams were scheduled to have a walkthrough Sunday.
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