NFL Notes: Redskins release Thrash

ASHBURN - Veteran receiver James Thrash was released by the Washington Redskins yesterday after failing a physical.

Thrash has been unable to practice during the offseason because of a neck injury that has him contemplating retirement. He said recently his decision could hinge on whether he would need surgery to keep playing.

Thrash is one of the best long-shot stories in NFL training camp history. The undrafted free agent from Missouri Southern was the bottom receiver on the depth chart when the Redskins opened camp in 1997, but he forced his way onto the roster by returning kickoffs for touchdowns in each of the first two preseason games.

He has since stuck around for 12 NFL seasons, including nine in two stints with the Redskins. He became a standout special teams player known for his work ethic, although attempts by various coaches to use him as a top receiver never panned out. His best year as a pass-catcher came in 2001 with the Philadelphia Eagles, when he had 63 receptions for 833 yards and eight touchdowns.

Last year, Thrash began the season as the No. 3 receiver, but he finished with only nine catches for 81 yards and one touchdown. The 34-year-old would have faced stiff competition to make the team this year with the expected emergence of Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly and the recent signing of Roydell Williams.

Green to retire

ST. LOUIS - Former Pro Bowl quarterback Trent Green has decided to retire, according to an online report.

Green, who began his career with San Diego in 1993, was released by St. Louis in February and opted to retire after 15 NFL seasons, FoxSports.com reported yesterday.

Green also played four seasons in Washington.

Elsewhere

• A decision has been delayed on a suspect's request to withdraw his guilty plea in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor.

A hearing was set yesterday in Miami on the request of 21-year-old Venjah Hunte. But after a private conference with attorneys, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Dennis Murphy postponed the issue for another week.

Hunte's plea deal calls for a 29-year prison sentence. He could get life if he goes to trial with four co-defendants.

All five suspects are from the Fort Myers area. Their trial is currently set for Jan. 18.

• The Houston Texans have signed quarterback Rex Grossman. Grossman, an unrestricted free agent, led the Chicago Bears to the NFC championship in 2006, when he threw for 3,193 yards and 23 touchdowns. The 28-year-old will compete with Alex Brink to be Houston's third quarterback behind starter Matt Schaub (U.Va.) and Dan Orlovsky.

• Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is a no-show at a mandatory minicamp. Coach Josh McDaniels said yesterday he would meet with Marshall later in the day to discuss his absence.

• Former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (Virginia Beach) will have to wait a while longer before he knows the legal consequences of accidentally shooting himself with an unlicensed pistol.

Defense lawyer Benjamin Brafman said Burress will appear in court Monday for a brief hearing. Brafman said Burress and prosecutors have yet to agree on a plea deal and the case will be adjourned until September.