JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday released veteran defensive end Tony Brackens. The team's all-time sacks leader had been hampered by knee problems in recent seasons.
The 6-4, 267-pound Brackens, a third-round pick by the Jaguars out of Texas in 1996, also was slowed by a torn calf muscle this training camp. It caused him to miss two consecutive weeks.
He also underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee just before the 2003 season, and had arthroscopic right knee surgery this past off-season.
In his eight-year career, Brackens registered 55 sacks. He also was released this spring for salary cap purposes, but agreed to a one-year deal on June 1.
"Due to him not being able to work, I told him we would not get the look we needed," Coach Jack Del Rio told reporters. "I explained that our roster is stronger and decisions have to be made. I felt it was the right thing to do, once we made that decision."
