Stallworth cut as NFL teams pare rosters

Veteran receiver hampered by injury

Donte’ Stallworth’s NFL comeback from a hot-air balloon accident might have ended Monday when he was released by the Washington Redskins.

Stallworth could catch on with another team, especially with so many injuries at wide receiver throughout the league during the pre-season but, for now, the 32-year-old veteran of 10 NFL seasons is unemployed.

“I thought in his best interest, since I knew he wasn’t going to be on the football team, was to tell him early,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “Give him a chance, possibly, to get with another football team.”

Also cut Monday as NFL teams reduced their rosters — they must be down to 75 on Tuesday — were receiver Braylon Edwards and running back-kick returner Joe McKnight by the Jets; receiver Derek Hagan and fullback Spencer Larsen by Tampa Bay; linebacker and special teams ace Niko Koutouvides by New England, and receiver Jordan Norwood by Cleveland.

The New York Giants activated defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul from the physically unable to perform list. Pierre-Paul had disk surgery on his back in June, and it’s uncertain if he will be ready for the season-opener in Dallas in less than two weeks.

“I’m not playing any preseason games and I don’t even know about the Dallas game,” Pierre-Paul said.

Stallworth was hindered through most of training camp by a hamstring injury. He caught two passes for 33 yards in pre-season games.

Stallworth has played for six teams over 10 NFL seasons. He appeared in only one game last year with the New England Patriots before an ankle injury ended his season.

He was suspended for the 2009 season by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league’s personal conduct policy for a DUI vehicular manslaughter charge.