December 12, 2010; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush (25) is tackled high by St. Louis Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (21) during the second quarter at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook - US PRESSWIRE

The day is finally here, Aug. 31 marks the the NFL deadline for the 53-man roster cuts, which means a ton of players will be finding themselves unemployed, at least temporarily. Some players have worked their way onto a roster through their play during the preseason. Other could not make the cut, but will shortly end up on another team in another city fighting for a spot or playing time. For others it will mean signing to a practice squad, making good money but never seeing the field on Sunday. To others, both young and old, it means the end of the road, their last moments in the NFL. Here is the most up-to-date news from the Rams and around the league.

So far, the Rams have release an addition 13 players, most of which are not surprising:

C Tim Barnes, CB Kendric Burney, QB Tom Brandstater, DE Mason Brodine, OLB Sammy Brown, DE Vernon Gholston, FB Ben Guidugli,  C Bob Hebert, WR Nick Johnson, OT Joe Long, FB Ovie Mughelli, TE DeAngelo Peterson, RB Chase Reynolds

Of the names listed, most are fringe players that saw limited time during the preseason and practice. The most notable of the names may be tight end DeAngelo Peterson, who had been impressive all camp after being brought in as an UDFA. With the healthy return of Michael Hoomanawanui, there was not simply not enough spots for Peterson on the roster. Mughelli was a big name player brought in during the offseason from waivers, but was outplayed by Brit Miller as the first team blocker for Steven Jackson. Some had hoped that Joe Long was be able to replicate the production of his brother, Pro Bowl OT Jake Long of the the Miami Dolphins. Long was another fringe man brought in as an UDFA, but with the competition at the right tackle spot, did not see a lot of reps. Reynolds and Guidugli both got some good playing time last night, with Reynolds having an impressive showing working with the twos and threes. It may also be notable the Brandstater was released, mean that Austin Davis may have played his way into the #3 spot on the depth chart behind Bradford and Clemens.

There were a number of other big names around the league that got the ax today. Included in those names was ex-Ram WR Mardy Gilyard, who was picked up in the offseason by the Philadelphia Eagles after being released by the St. Louis Rams. Sticking with the Eagles, they also cut ex-Ram S O.J. Atogwe, who was controversially released by the  Rams a season ago, leaving a gaping hole in a pitiful secondary, which would later be filled by ex-Eagle, Quintin Mikell. Other names from the around the league…

Cleveland Browns, TE Evan Moore

Cleveland Browns, QB Seneca Wallace

Washington Redskins, RB Tim Hightower

New England Patriots, WR Deion Branch

Philadelphia Eagles, TE Brett Bracket

Philadelphia Eagles, WR Marvin McMutt

New York Giants, RB Danny Ware

Here are a couple of responses to the cuts via Twitter,

What’s up everyone rams released me today. I had a great time in st louis but evidently its not in gods plan for me.

— Ovie Mughelli (@oviemughelli34) August 31, 2012

Truly thankful for all the support from everybody. I Love You guys #LovePeaceandHappiness

— Deion Branch #84 (@deionbranch84) August 31, 2012

5 great years and 2 SB rings its been fun #NYG. Time is done here -

— Danny Ware (@DannyWare28) August 31, 2012

@tim_hightower That Drive you have can not be replaced bro

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 31, 2012

1. Tim Hightower has notoriously been a Rams killer during his career with Arizona, so talk about how he has looked this season and what kind of workload he will be getting this week compared to Roy Helu.

Hightower hasn’t had a stellar session thus far, and Shanahan looks to be ready to dip into the backfield’s depth.  Ryan Torain was said to be prepared to enter the game versus the Cowboys.  If Hightower doesn’t get off to a hot start, look for Helu and Torain to get more carries.  Remember it was last year versus the Rams that Torain began taking a majority of carries from Clinton Portis.

2. What Rex Grossman is going to show up this week? Are the Rams going to get Good Rex or Bad Rex?

The safe bet to make is a mix of both.  I think Grossman knows the offense well enough to be successful, but his decision making has been his own worst enemy.

 3. Jim Haslett spent time here in St. Louis, so we know what he’s all about when it comes to blitzing. How are Redskins fans liking Haslett and how would you break down the weapons at his disposal on the defense?

His 3-4 defense has been much better this year.  The pass rush has been more successful, but at times the high risk has led to big plays.  I think it will be feast of famine.  There will be big plays for the defense but they will give up plays as well.

 4. Former Rams OJ Atogwe and Adam Carriker are both in Washington, so what is your take on those two guys?

They have both been good solid players.  Atogwe hasn’t been here long enough to make a big play, but the defense is confident on what he can bring.

 5. I heard Grossman say in an interview earlier this season that the Skins are a team that has no flaws. With that being said, why do the Redskins even have to show up to play the games and how is it possible that they lost to the Cowboys last week? (LOL My friends and I have had a lot of fun with this quote from Rex over the last few weeks so I had to say something about it)

You have to show me where he said that.  Do you have citation?  He has said that they have the talent to win the NFC East and that he feels his WR core is the most talented in the NFC East.  But he never said they have no flaws.  You’ve probably been getting Redskins news from a Cowboys site. (Just for reference, I heard Grossman say the above quote with my own ears on ESPN Radio after his team’s Week 1 win.)

I’ve talked about Mikell a few different times here, and I was pretty sure the Rams were going to be a player for him when free agency hit. I’m a little surprised it happened so quickly, but it’s a relief that one of our major holes has already been filled with a player of this caliber. I’m not saying he’s going to any Pro Bowls any time soon, but considering the crop of safeties available, I think the Rams hit a home run here.

The deal is bigger than I expected at $28 million over 4, but I have to believe that is backloaded because he is getting up there in age a bit. All in all, great way for the Rams to kick off the free agent period and let’s keep that momentum going.