Rams Cuts: Undrafted rookie QB Austin Davis stays, veteran Kellen Clemens goes

In a surprising move, the Rams kept undrafted rookie quarterback Austin Davis and cut veteran Kellen Clemens as they whittled the roster to 53.

By Larry Hartstein

Aug 31, 2012 at 2:08 pm ET • 2 min read

In a surprising move, the Rams kept undrafted rookie QB Austin Davis and cut veteran Kellen Clemens to get the roster to the NFL mandated 53.

Davis opened a lot of eyes in the preseason with his poise and ability to extend plays. He was 21 of 30 for 207 yards and an interception. But Clemens also was solid, going 18 of 25 for 136 yards and a touchdown.

Davis is Sam Bradford's backup -- for now.

Coach Jeff Fisher stressed that although the Rams are at the 53-man limit, several more moves are possible. The Rams especially need help at defensive tackle, safety and offensive line.

One of the first players cut Friday was DE Vernon Gholston.

Drafted sixth overall by the Jets in 2008, Gholston never had a sack in three years in New York. The Ohio State product signed with the Rams last week. He didn't play last season after being released by the Bears in August.

Also cut was FB Ovie Mughelli, a dominant lead blocker for the Falcons a couple years ago. He failed to unseat Brit Miller.

WR Austin Pettis was placed on the reserve/suspended list, so he won't count against the roster. He has two weeks remaining on a four-week suspension.

Notable cuts: QB Kellen Clemens (7th year, Oregon) -- Undrafted rookie QB Austin Davis parlayed a strong preseason into the No. 2 job, and the Rams opted not to keep three QBs. DE Vernon Gholston (5th year, Ohio State) -- The Jets gave him $21 million guaranteed, one of the worst rookie contracts in league history. At least the Rams didn't invest anything in him. FB Ovie Mughelli (10th year, Wake Forest) -- The 6-1, 250-pounder made the Pro Bowl with Atlanta in 2010 before missing much of last year with a knee injury. He likely will hook on with another team.

Complete cut list

DE Vernon Gholston (5th year, 1st round in 2008 draft, Ohio State); FB Ovie Mughelli (10th year, 4th round in 2003 draft, Wake Forest); QB Kellen Clemens (7th year, 2nd round of 2006 draft, Oregon)TE Deangelo Peterson (R, undrafted, LSU); C T-Bob Hebert (R, undrafted, LSU); OT Joe Long (R, undrafted, Wayne State); CB Kendric Burney (2nd year, undrafted, North Carolina); FB Ben Guidugli (2nd year, undrafted Cincinnati); C/G Tim Barnes (2nd year, undrafted, Missouri); RB/KR Chase Reynolds (2nd year, undrafted, Montana); WR Nick Johnson (R, undrafted, Henderson State); LB Sammy Brown (R, undrafted, Houston); QB Tom Brandstater (4th year, 6th round in 2008 draft, Fresno State); DE Mason Brodine (2nd year, undrafted, Nebraksa-Kearney); G Bryan Mattison (5th year, undrafted, Iowa); DT Cornell Banks (2nd year, undrafted, Fresno State); DE Jamaar Jarrett (R, undrafted, Arizona State); DE Scott Smith (R, undrafted, Texas Tech); TE Cory Harkey (R, undrafted, UCLA); G/T Jose Valdez (4th year, undrafted, Arkansas); LB Aaron Brown (R, seventh round, Hawaii).