Cincinnati releases Anderson, Johnson

Offensive tackle Willie Anderson and running back Rudi Johnson lost their starting jobs with the Cincinnati Bengals during training camp. Yesterday, they lost their roster spots, too.

Cornerback Deltha O'Neal, who also had lost his starting job, and linebacker Ahmad Brooks are out of work as the Bengals joined the rest of the NFL in reaching the 53-man roster limit.

Anderson, 33, was the most tenured Bengal (12 years), but injuries limited him to seven games last season and he ended his streak of four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.

Harrington sacked
The Falcons released quarterback Joey Harrington, a starter in 10 games for Atlanta last season. Harrington had been behind rookie Matt Ryan out of Boston College and Chris Redman. The Falcons also waived safety Daren Stone of the University of Maine. Three others with New England ties were cut: the Saints released linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar (BC), the Bears dropped guard Ryan Poles (BC), and the Jets let go of wideout David Ball (New Hampshire). Meanwhile, offensive lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau, a seventh-round pick out of Bentley, made the Panthers' roster . . . The Giants signed 44-year-old kicker John Carney . . . The Eagles released defensive end Jerome McDougle, a former first-rounder plagued by injuries and lack of production (only three sacks in 33 games) . . . Drew Henson, the former Michigan quarterback and New York Yankees prospect, was cut by the Lions . . . Charlie Batch, who broke his collarbone during the Steelers' first exhibition game Aug. 8, was placed on IR . . . The Vikings cut safety Michael Boulware after he injured his wrist Thursday . . . The Texans placed running back Chris Brown on IR . . . The 49ers cut underachieving wide receiver Ashley Lelie . . . Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt made it official: QB Kurt Warner will start the season opener . . . Tampa Bay cut QB Chris Simms, who missed last season after a serious spleen injury and asked to be released.

Chatham, Poteat cut
Veteran linebacker Matt Chatham and cornerback Hank Poteat were among the Jets' roster cuts. The Jets kept Erik Ainge, their fifth-round pick out of Tennessee, giving them four quarterbacks . . . Jets running back Jesse Chatman was suspended for four games for violating the league's steroid policy . . . The NFL suspended Ravens cornerback Derrick Martin without pay for the opener for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The NFL also levied one-game suspensions on Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard (personal conduct) and nickel back Jordan Babineaux (substance abuse) . . . Panthers cornerback Ricardo Colclough was released hours after being arrested and charged with driving while impaired . . . Jaguars running back Fred Taylor was arrested outside a Miami Beach nightclub and charged with disorderly conduct . . . With Hurricane Gustav bearing down on the Gulf Coast, the Saints left for Indianapolis, where they will prepare for their Sept. 7 opener at home against Tampa Bay.