NFL notebook: Cardinals release quarterback Leinart, Max Hall now backup

On a day 2008 Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford found out he'll be the starting quarterback for the St. Louis Rams, Heisman winners Matt Leinart and Troy Smith found themselves looking for new teams.

It was cut down Saturday in the NFL, with teams required to trim their rosters to 53 players.

Leinart, the 2004 Heisman winner from USC, was released by the Arizona Cardinals, who will open the season on Sept. 12 with Derek Anderson at quarterback against Bradford and the Rams.

Smith, the 2006 Heisman winner from Ohio State, was cut by the Baltimore Ravens after playing in 14 games over three seasons. The Ravens will open the season with two quarterbacks, starter Joe Flacco and Marc Bulger.

"We've gone with two quarterbacks before," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said.

Leinart was among the biggest names to be let go. He came into the preseason expecting to take over for the retired Kurt Warner. But he was unimpressive in his first two games and Anderson — acquired from Cleveland after five up-and-down seasons — started the final two preseason games.

Leinart complained about his status and said his problem with coach Ken Whisenhunt "probably goes beyond football."

Unless the Cardinals sign another quarterback, rookies John Skelton and Max Hall will be Anderson's backups.

Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo tabbed $70 million man Bradford his starter, saying "it's well deserved."

Bradford got plenty of playing time in the preseason, completing 33 of 55 passes for 338 yards with no interceptions. A.J. Feeley and Thad Lewis are the backups.

"I feel like coach has given me a great opportunity to start next week against Arizona," Bradford said. "I realize there is a lot of responsibility that comes with that opportunity."

Feeley, who signed with the Rams as a free agent, injured his right thumb in the Rams' second preseason game.

"I think we're very, very fortunate to have A.J. Feeley in this particular role as a backup quarterback," Spagnuolo said. "He's a seasoned vet who knows the ins and outs and he can feed that to Sam as he goes along."

IN OTHER MOVES:

— Safety Ed Reed will miss the first six weeks of the season after being placed on the reserve physically unable to perform list by Baltimore. Smith was one of 15 players released. Also, Billy Cundiff won the kicker's job over Shayne Graham. Reed underwent offseason hip surgery and did not practice during training camp or play in the preseason.