Former BYU offensive lineman Ryker Mathews was waived by the New Orleans Saints Sunday.
Mathews injured his knee on the first day of Saints training camp and hadn't practiced since, according to NOLA.com.
The 6-foot-6, 309-pound American Fork native signed with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent following this year's NFL draft in April. Mathews was one of two rookies who prepped in Utah who signed undrafted deals with the Saints. Fullback Sione Houma, a Highland High alum, was the other, and he is still on the roster.
Mathews started 33 of the 45 games he played at BYU from 2011-15, while injuries hampered him at times.
With his release, there are currently three former BYU players who are rookies in NFL camps. Defensive Bronson Kaufusi was selected in the second round of the NFL draft by Baltimore, while wide receiver Mitch Mathews (Kansas City) and linebacker Manoa Pikula (Green Bay) signed undrafted free-agent deals.
NFL teams must have their rosters cut to 75 players by Aug. 30 and down to 53 by Sept. 3. The preseason kicks off Sunday with the Hall of Fame game between Green Bay and Indianapolis, which includes six local ties.
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