Rams released OT Wayne Hunter. The gate swings closed. Acquired from the Jets on the eve of Week 1, Hunter was predictably incompetent as the Rams' third tackle last season, and slowed by back and knee issues. Going on 32, he's going to have a tough time on the open market. The move clears $4 million in cap space for the Rams, who need to aggressively address their tackle situation this offseason.

StLouisRams.com expects the Rams to approach OT Wayne Hunter about a pay-cut. Hunter was typically incompetent after coming over from the Jets, and has no chance at collecting his currently scheduled $3.95 million in 2013. The Rams are absolutely desperate for depth along their offensive line, but it's quite possible the soon-to-be 32-year-old Hunter is simply cut loose. The Rams' official website also expects SS Quintin Mikell to be asked to slash his $6 million salary, but the odds are high Mikell is granted his outright release.

Rams OT Wayne Hunter (back) is set to return to game action. Hunter has missed two games with a herniated disc and back spasms. He'll likely return to a bench role, as LT Rodger Saffold is expected back from his knee injury this week.

Rams declared LT Wayne Hunter, LT Rodger Saffold, QB Austin Davis, WR Danny Amendola, RB Terrance Ganaway, LB Mario Haggan and DT Matt Conrath inactive for Week 7 against the Packers. Joseph Barksdale will make his first career start at left tackle in place of Hunter and Saffold. It's exceedingly poor news for a team tasked with slowing down NFC sacks leader Clay Matthews. Barksdale is going to need all the help he can get if Sam Bradford is to have any shot at staying upright. Shelley Smith will also be making his first career start at left guard. Chris Givens is again starting in place of Amendola.

Rams LT Wayne Hunter (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Seahawks. If Hunter can't play, the Rams will likely move LG Quinn Ojinnaka to left tackle and use Shelley Smith at left guard. That's digging deep for St. Louis, and it could mean a field day for a Seahawks defensive front coming off an eight-sack performance on Monday night. Chris Clemons is Rotoworld's No. 6 DL this week. Owners in deeper leagues may also want to consider rookie DE Bruce Irvin as a sneaky DL3 in this matchup.

Rams acquired RT Wayne Hunter from the Jets in exchange for RT Jason Smith. As pointed out by ESPN New York's Rich Cimini, Hunter has gone from starter to benched to traded in four days - all after the Jets insisted they weren't shopping him. Hunter is now the official scapegoat for New York's nightmarish preseason display of "offense," though a deserving one. After surrendering 8.5 sacks and getting busted for 11 penalties last season, Hunter gave up 2.5 sacks in New York's humiliating exhibition loss to the Giants. Hunter will back-up Barry Richardson - who's no Orlando Pace himself - in St. Louis.

The Jets have removed Wayne Hunter as their starting right tackle.

Coach Rex Ryan said Tuesday the Jets are not in the market for a new right tackle. "...To say that we're in the market for a starting tackle, I don't believe that to be an accurate statement," Ryan said. However, he did hint the Jets would be open to overtures from other clubs. We would say it's impossible to find a starting-caliber lineman at this point in the season, but that might not be the case if the man he's replacing is revolving door Wayne Hunter. Whether in an official capacity or not, the Jets will remain on the lookout for tackle help.

Rex Ryan wouldn't commit Monday to Wayne Hunter as his Week 1 starting right tackle.

Jets RT Wayne Hunter was predictably manhandled in pass protection during Saturday night's preseason game against the Giants. Hunter served up two full sacks, played a role in a third, and got off the hook for a fourth due to penalty. ESPN New York's Rich Cimini suggests swing tackle Austin Howard will see an increase in practice reps this week. The Jets' offensive line as a whole has looked brutal in pass pro so far this preseason.