THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Veteran running back Dominic Rhodes was released Saturday by the Buffalo Bills, who shook up their offence a day after firing co-ordinator Turk Schonert.
Rhodes' agent, Todd France, confirmed earlier Saturday his client had been released in a text message sent to The Associated Press, and his name was among 18 players released as NFL teams were required to make their final cuts.
Port Moody, B.C., native Corey Mace was also cut. The Toronto Argonauts own the CFL rights to Mace, who has previously served on the Bills' practice squad.
Rhodes release is considered a surprise as he was expected to serve as a primary backup to Fred Jackson to open the season while starter Marshawn Lynch serves an NFL-imposed three-game suspension.
The Bills offence is in flux with quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt taking over play-calling duties following Schonert's dismissal.
Rhodes' departure leaves Buffalo with only two experienced running backs -- Jackson and second-year player Xavier Omon -- on its roster as the team prepares to open the season at New England on Sept. 14.
Jackson missed the final two pre-season games with a sprained left wrist, but had resumed practising this past week. Omon did not return after hurting his calf in a 17-6 pre-season loss to Detroit on Thursday.
Rhodes, who won a Super Bowl with Indianapolis in 2007, was entering his ninth NFL season after signing a two-year contract as a free agent with Buffalo in April. He was due to make a base salary of US$750,000 this season and $1.25 million next year.
In appearing in four of Buffalo's five pre-season games, Rhodes had 19 carries for 64 yards and added four catches for 21 yards. Rhodes also returned four kickoffs for 87 yards and one lost fumble.
His experience and versatility in the passing game were considered well-suited for the Bills' newly installed no-huddle attack, which also used running backs as receivers.
