Alameda, CA (My Sportsbook) - Jeff Garcia, who was widely expected to battle JaMarcus Russell for quarterback duties during the 2009 preseason, was released by the Oakland Raiders on Saturday as part of their "cut-down day" maneuvers.

The 39-year-old Garcia had been limited by a calf injury during the preseason, and upon returning to the field compiled a lackluster 67.1 passer rating. The veteran, who was attempting to start for a sixth different team in the last seven years, was beaten out by two other ex-NFL starters, Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye, for backup duties.

Also released by the team on Saturday were defensive back Rashad Baker, defensive tackle Ryan Boschetti, safety Jerome Boyd, defensive back Darrick Brown, linebacker Morlon Greenwood, defensive end Greyson Gunheim, defensive back Michael Hawkins, wide receiver Jonathan Holland, offensive lineman James Marten, cornerback/return specialist Justin Miller, linebacker David Nixon, linebacker Slade Norris, linebacker Chris O'Neill, fullback Marcel Reece, running back Gary Russell, defensive tackle Terdell Sands, punter/kicker Ricky Schmitt, tight end Darrell Strong, offensive lineman Mark Wilson, center John Wade, and tackle Seth Wand.

Notables among that group include Greenwood, who had started 108 career games as a member of the Dolphins (2001-04) and Texans (2005-08); Miller, who has five career kickoff returns for touchdowns, including two as a member of the Raiders last season; Sands, who appeared in 75 games for the Silver and Black between 2003 and 2008; and Wade, who started four games for Oakland last season and was competing for starting duties in the preseason.

The Raiders will begin the regular season on Sept. 14th, when they play host to the San Diego Chargers in a Monday night contest.