St. Louis Rams, Jeff Fisher Release WR Austin Pettis

Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams wide receiver

(18) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not all smiles in St. Louis –even after a huge win against Seattle– as the team released veteran wide receiver Austin Pettis, according to NBCSports.com. Pettis was inactive Sunday against the Seahawks after starting in the five games prior. Pettis was always thought to have solid hands and he was a good athlete, but Jeff Fisher and the rest of the Rams front office believed that this was the best move for the franchise.

Earlier this offseason, Pettis restructured his contract to save the team some cap space, but not even that was able to keep the former 3rd-round pick on the roster. Pettis had just 12 catches for 118 yards and a lone touchdown so far this season, and he also had several key drops on the potential game-winning drive two weeks ago in Philadelphia. Pettis played a key role in the Rams offense and special teams.

During his press conference on Monday Fisher said that, “We appreciate Austin Pettis’ contributions to the team” and he also continued by saying that Pettis was cut due to the fact the team needed the roster space. This leaves the Rams with just five wide receivers on the active roster: Tavon Austin, Chris Givens, Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey and Brian Quick.

The Rams also cut ties with practice squad wide receiver Emory Blake.