Jaguars release rushing leader Fred Taylor

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars have released 33-year-old running back Fred Taylor, the franchise's all-time rushing leader with 11,271 yards.

Taylor had the second-worst season of his 11-year career in 2008, rushing for just 556 yards with one touchdown. He missed the last three weeks of the season after suffering a torn ligament in his left thumb during a Dec. 7 game against Chicago.

Only the 2001 season was worse for Taylor, who played just two games that year before a groin injury sidelined him.

Taylor, selected by Jacksonville with the ninth overall pick of the 1998 draft out of Florida, has seven 1,000-yard seasons in his career. In 2007 he earned his first Pro Bowl bid when he had 1,202 yards and an AFC-best 5.4-yard average.

Taylor ranks third in franchise history with 286 receptions for 2,361 yards. He holds the franchise record for total touchdowns with 70 and yards from scrimmage with 13,632.