Washington cuts Peterson; Dallas’ Gregory reinstated
Washington released veteran running back Adrian Peterson on Friday, a stunning move by first-year coach Ron Rivera.
Rivera called Peterson early in the morning asking him to come to the practice facility, then delivered the news the team was moving on from the 35-year-old star. The move came less than 36 hours before NFL rosters must be trimmed to the 53-man limit and nine days before the start of the regular season.
“It’s not about what he hasn’t done or anything like that, but it’s about what this group of backs has shown us, especially in the way that the offense has headed,” Rivera said. “Adrian is a true pro. I was fortunate to just be with him this summer.”
Peterson played the past two seasons with Washington, rushing for 1,940 yards and 12 touchdowns in the fourth stop of a career that will likely earn him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In other NFL news:
• Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory was conditionally reinstated by the NFL, ending his fourth suspension over substance-abuse violations.
Gregory won’t be eligible to play until Week 6 when the Cowboys have a Monday night home game against Arizona on Oct. 19. He missed all of 2019 over his latest suspension.
The 27-year-old can report to the club Monday for coronavirus testing, followed by conditioning work and meetings, and will be eligible to practice starting Oct. 5.
• Veteran fullback Patrick DiMarco’s season with the Bills is over after the team placed him on injured reserve, and Buffalo also released linebackers Vosean Joseph and Corey Thompson.
DiMarco is a 10-year veteran who spent the past three seasons in Buffalo and was entering the final year of his contract.
• The Broncos released linebacker Todd Davis, their leading tackler in three of the last four seasons.
• The Dolphins reportedly intend to release quarterback Josh Rosen, the former No. 10 overall pick in 2018, after three starts in one season with the team and attempts to unload him in the trade market failed.
• Greg Montgomery, the Oilers’ All-Pro punter during the run-and-shoot era, will be remembered as a fun-loving character who loved to party, pull practical jokes on teammates, ride motorcycles and make people laugh.
Montgomery, 55, died late last month in Grand Rapids, Mich. He battled bipolar disorder after his eight-year career ended.
Montgomery came to Houston as a third-round pick from Michigan State in 1988. He earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition during his six seasons with the Oilers.