![Cory Harkey [Image by Jeffrey Beall |Wikimedia Commons| Cropped | CC BY- 4.0 ]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/9/2/660x290/b_502x220x82/cory-harkey-image-by-jeffrey-beall-wikimedia-commons-cropped-cc-by-40_1548613.jpg "Cory Harkey [Image by Jeffrey Beall |Wikimedia Commons| Cropped | CC BY- 4.0 ]")
With the other day being the big day where NFL teams had to cut down their roster to 53 players, a ton of moves took place across the league. The NFC West saw the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks release notable names as part of roster cutdowns.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals cut veteran running back Chris Johnson, whose fractured tibia injury in week 12 of the 2015 season opened the door for David Johnson to emerge as a star. Last year, Johnson was the team's primary backup but only played four games due to a groin injury.
Arizona also cut safety Dorian Johnson, who they drafted in the fourth-round this year out of Pittsburgh. While he has since been added to the practice squad, this is not a great sign especially since the safety position seems thin for the team.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams cut veteran tight end/fullback Cory Harkey, who has been with the team since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2012. Harkey is a popular player and has been a leader in the locker room but he could not find a fit in new head coach Sean McVay's offense.
Los Angeles also cut Sam Rogers, their sixth-round pick in this year's draft. The fullback out of Virginia Tech was cut as the team wanted to keep more tight ends on the active roster, although he was signed to the practice squad.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Franciso 49ers released veteran wide receiver, Jeremy Kerley. This comes only six months after they gave him a three-year, $10.5 contract extension with $2.8 million in guaranteed money. Last year in his sole season with the team, Kerley was arguably their best receiver, recording 64 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns.
They also cut defensive tackle Quinton Dial, who has been with the team since they drafted him in the fifth-round back in 2013. Over the last two seasons, he has started 26 games but the 49ers are transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense this seasons.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have cut veteran defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin after the 31-year-old became expendable following the Sheldon Richardson trade.
Rubin had started all 32 games he played in with the Seahawks in the last two seasons.
Seattle also parted ways with 2016 fifth-round pick Alex Collins and backup quarterback Trevone Boykin, who they signed as an undrafted free agent the same year. With the addition of Eddie Lacy and a healthy Thomas Rawls and Prosise, Collins was not longer needed. With Boykin gone, Austin Davis will now be the backup quarterback.
