Wide receiver Jamaica Rector was one of 22 players released by the Cardinals Saturday during final roster cutdowns.

Cardinals linebackers coach Bill Davis walked off the University of Phoenix Stadium turf Friday night lamenting the next 24 hours and talking how much he hated this part of the season.

The coaching staff whittled the roster down to 53 players late Saturday morning, releasing a list of guys that included veteran linebackers Brandon Moore, Matt Stewart and Joe Tafoya.

Also getting cut was undrafted rookie wide receiver Lance Long, although Long is eligible to return on the practice squad.

That means undrafted rookie linebacker Ali Highsmith made the team, as did veteran linebacker Monty Beisel.

Somewhat surprisingly, coach Ken Whisenhunt kept second-year tackle Elliott Vallejo and cut center Pat Ross – meaning with Al Johnson out at least the first game rehabbing from knee surgery, Lyle Sendlein is the only center on the roster.

Guard Reggie Wells, who has worked at center in practice earlier his career, would likely be Sendlein's backup.

The other offensive players cut included running backs Steve Baylark and Chris Vincent, offensive linemen Kelly Butler, Carlton Medder, Peter Clifford and Jasper Harvey, receiver Jamaica Rector, tight end Alex Shor and Brent Miller, and quarterback Anthony Morelli.

Defensively, the Cards also released defensive backs Michael Adams, DeMario Minter, Dennis Keyes and Travarous Bain, defensive linemen Jason Banks and Keilen Dykes and linebacker Chris Harrington.

Linebacker Eduardo Castaneda will be a ninth practice squad member.

Among those who seem to be prime practice squad candidates besides Long include Morelli, Banks, Dykes, Harrington and either Clifford or Medder.

The Cards could also make another roster move based on the players cut from other teams. * * * Contact Darren Urban at askdarren@cardinals.nfl.net. Posted 8/30/08.