ST. LOUIS RELEASES WALKER

Former Southeast Missouri State University football player Marquis Walker was released earlier this week by the St. Louis Rams.

Walker, 25, was not drafted out of Southeast but he made the Rams' opening-day roster last season. He appeared in the season-opening game against Cincinnati, then was released and spent the next eight weeks on Washington's practice squad.

The cornerback was re-signed by the Rams from Washington's practice squad on Nov. 6 and ended up starting four games for the Rams, three times as an extra defensive back and once in place of an injured player. He was also a key special teams player.

Walker ended last season ranked fourth on the team with 11 pass breakups and he also recorded his first NFL interception.

But Walker was used sparingly in the secondary this season and he lost his role as an extra defensive back in obvious passing situations. Walker's special teams role had also been reduced in recent weeks.