As NFL teams trimmed their rosters down to the mandatory 53-man level, several well known players were released or traded. Most notably, the following players faced upheaval:

Former Heisman Trophy winner QB Matt Leinart went from starting training camp as the successor to Kurt Warner to being cut by Arizona. Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt didn’t seem very impressed with Leinart’s preseason play and made the decision to sever ties. Not down for long, Leinart bounced back and landed with the Texans as Matt Schaub’s backup.

New Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll has certainly left his mark in the upper Northwest. Not long after releasing his former USC standout RB LenDale White, Carroll released WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh after failing to orchestrate a trade. Houshmandzadeh was one and done in the land of the 12th Man, but, quickly landed in Baltimore.

Speaking of Baltimore, S Ed Reed was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, meaning the Ravens won’t have Reed’s services for at least six weeks. This can spell trouble for an already depleted secondary. 2006 Heisman Trophy winner QB Troy Smith was released, but landed as the backup in San Francisco.

The defending Super Bowl champions have a star player on the PUP list. New Orleans S Darren Sharper will also miss the first six games with a knee injury.

Brett Favre’s return to Minnesota effectively ended Sage Rosenfels’ tenure as a Viking. Rosenfels joins the Giants as the veteran backup for Eli Manning.

Amidst all the Albert Haynesworth drama in the Nation’s Capital, a prominent backstory featured four capable running backs vying for three roster spots. “Fast” Willie Parker was the odd man out and is searching for a new home.

The usually quiet Cowboys entered the trade market by dealing WR Patrick Crayton to San Diego. The Chargers were looking for an insurance policy at WR since Vincent Jackson seems poised to sit out the entire season. Crayton’s exodus from Dallas was hastened by the drafting of Dez Bryant. The Cowboys also traded T Pat McQuistan to the Dolphins.

One of Bill Parcell’s final moves in Miami included the release of Wildcat specialist Pat White. After starring as a quarterback at West Virginia, White was less than impressive in Miami. The Dolphins wanted to covert White to a receiver or another offensive position other than QB. White balked at the possibility and was released.

Former Chiefs DB Jarrad Page was traded to the Patriots after signing his tender. Bucs WR Michael Clayton was cut. Finally, Denver traded DB Alphonso Smith to Detroit.

Can’t wait for tonight’s season opener!