PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Piel, Bracken Are Among 13 Released

Defensive tackle Mike Piel, a third-round pick in 1988 who played at El Toro High, was one of 13 players the Rams released to reach Tuesday’s 60-player roster limit.

Piel, plagued by injuries during his first four seasons, played in 15 games last year and started five. He had 22 tackles and three sacks.

Veteran punter Don Bracken was also cut, along with linebackers Brian Townsend, Malcolm Goodwin and Carlton Miles, wide receivers Lynn James, Phillip Bobo and Reggie Moore, running backs Kaleaph Carter and Jay Barry, cornerback Jamie Martin, defensive end Jeff Cummins and guard Shawn Harper.

Defensive tackle Maa Tanuvasa was placed on the injured reserve list.

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Defensive end Bill Hawkins participated in his first practice since undergoing knee surgery in November and said his knee felt “pretty good.”

The Rams were considering placing Hawkins on the physically unable to perform list, a move that could have been made because Hawkins hadn’t passed a physical until Tuesday morning. He was cleared to practice and put on the active roster, however, and is expected to play Saturday night against the Raiders.

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Rookie Jeff Buffaloe, an eighth-round pick from Memphis State who has a 41.9-yard average in seven exhibition punts, was guardedly excited about surviving the roster cuts as the Rams’ only punter.

“I don’t think it’s hit me yet,” Buffaloe said. “It’s great to get past that first cut, but I still have to get by the second one to make the roster. This is no time to relax, not in this league.”