In this Sept. 3, 2015, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tim Tebow leaves the field after a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J. Two people familiar with the move say the Eagles released Tebow. Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, because the team hasn't announced the decision.Mel Evans/The Associated Press
Tebow's time is up in Philadelphia.
The Eagles released Tim Tebow on Saturday along with 21 other players before the NFL's roster deadline at 4 p.m.
Tebow had seemingly won the No. 3 quarterback job when Philadelphia traded Matt Barkley to Arizona on Friday. But coach Chip Kelly cut Tebow following his best preseason performance at the New York Jets on Thursday night.
"We felt Tim has progressed, but we didn't feel he was good enough to be the (No.) 3 right now," Kelly said.
The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner was trying to return to the NFL after missing two seasons.
The Eagles currently have only two quarterbacks on the roster: Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez. Bradford looked sharp in limited preseason action, but he had surgery to repair a torn left ACL twice since he last played in a regular-season game in October 2013.
"He really improved his throwing motion from when he was throwing a couple of years ago," Kelly said. "He worked extremely hard on it and deserves a lot of credit for that. I talked to him a little earlier (Saturday) when we released him.
"He just needs to get more playing time. Get out there and get actual reps. Because he has done a ton on his own from an individual basis, but it is about taking that next step and playing (in) the game."
It's possible Tebow returns to the Eagles if either Bradford or Sanchez get hurt. He also can come back after the season opener and his contract won't be guaranteed.
Hayne makes 53-man roster on 49ers
The Jarryd Hayne bandwagon Down Under just got a little more crowded.
The former National Rugby League star tweeted he made the 53-man roster for the San Francisco 49ers early Sunday, Australia time, ending an against-the-odds transition since leaving the Parramatta Eels last year to chase his dream of playing in the NFL.
Mission accomplished, so far.
"Hayne Plane arrives on schedule," The Australian newspaper said.
The Sydney Morning Herald said Hayne "completed one of the greatest code-switches in sporting history."
Novak cut by Chargers
Veteran kicker Nick Novak was released by the San Diego Chargers on Saturday.
Novak, the second-most accurate kicker in franchise history, was among the moves as the Chargers had to get to the NFL's 53-man roster limit.
Novak lost out in a spirited competition with undrafted rookie Josh Lambo.
Steelers cut veteran lineman Legursky
Doug Legursky's return to the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't last long.
The team cut the veteran offensive lineman on Saturday, less than two weeks after they signed him as a potential replacement for injured All-Pro centre Maurkice Pouncey. Legursky started 17 games for the Steelers during his first stint in Pittsburgh from 2009-12, including the 2011 Super Bowl against Green Bay when Pouncey was hurt.