Patriots Cut Davey as Cassel Emerges

The New England Patriots on Monday released quarterback Rohan Davey, who became expendable with the signing of Doug Flutie and the emergence of former USC backup Matt Cassel during his first pro training camp.

Davey was the Patriots’ fourth-round draft pick in 2002 out of Louisiana State. He was Tom Brady’s backup last year.

In three seasons, Davey played in seven games, completing eight of 19 passes for 88 yards.

At LSU, where he played for Miami Dolphin Coach Nick Saban, Davey threw for a school-record 3,347 yards as a senior, leading LSU to its first outright SEC title since 1986.

He was also the 2004 offensive player of the year in NFL Europe.

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St. Louis Ram cornerback Terry Fair had full feeling in his extremities and never lost consciousness after spraining his neck when his head struck Detroit running back Kevin Jones’ thigh on a tackle in a 37-13 exhibition victory over the host Lions.

Fair, motionless and face down on the turf for several minutes, was carried off the field late in the first quarter.

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Willie Parker, a backup two years ago at North Carolina, is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ likely opening day starter at running back because of injuries to Jerome Bettis (strained right calf) and Duce Staley (knee).

Bettis, hurt Friday against Washington, is doubtful for the opener, Coach Bill Cowher said.

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Quarterback Danny Kanell and defensive linemen Luther Elliss and Raylee Johnson are among those besides running back Maurice Clarett to be released by the Denver Broncos.

Meanwhile, Coach Mike Shanahan answered questions about why he waived Clarett, saying, “I think anytime you cut somebody in the third round, you feel like you made a mistake. When you do that, you make a mistake and you go on.”

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New York Jet defensive end John Abraham signed a one-year, $6.67-million tender offer after missing all of training camp.

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Defensive end Jerome McDougle, returning to the Philadelphia Eagles one month after he was shot in the stomach by three armed robbers in Miami, could be back for the fifth or sixth game if there aren’t any setbacks, Coach Andy Reid said.

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Reiterating his plans to start the New York Giants’ season opener, quarterback Eli Manning said he experienced no soreness in his sprained elbow, one day after throwing for the first time since he was injured 10 days ago. ... The Oakland Raiders placed linebacker Sam Williams (torn knee ligament) on injured reserve, and cut running back Leonard Henry and quarterback David Rivers. ... The Seattle Seahawks released 14 players, including veteran defensive end Antonio Cochran. ... The Atlanta Falcons released defensive end Brandon Mitchell and reached an injury settlement with rookie receiver Derrick Tinsley, who had an abdominal injury. ... Seattle Seahawk right tackle Floyd Womack could miss four games after injuring his left triceps in Saturday’s exhibition victory over Kansas City. ... Tight end Billy Miller was among 12 players released by the Houston Texans. ... The Arizona Cardinals’ J.R. Redmond, the team’s top kick returner, was put on injured reserve because of a dislocated shoulder. ... The Miami Dolphins traded linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, a Pro Bowl alternate on special teams last season, to the Chicago Bears for tight end John Owens and a conditional draft pick.