Cincinnati, OH -- (Sports Network) - Running back Rudi Johnson, who started 59 games for the Bengals over a five-season span, was among the players released as part of Cincinnati's "cut-down day" transactions on Saturday.

It had been widely speculated in recent days that Johnson would be trimmed, as hamstring problems that had bothered the 2001 fourth-round pick during an injury-shortened 2007 season had reared their head again during the preseason.

Johnson, who lost his starting job to former first-round pick Chris Perry during training camp, did not have a carry during the preseason.

The 2004 Pro Bowler finishes his Cincinnati career ranked third on the franchise list in rushing yards (5742), behind only Corey Dillon and James Brooks, second in attempts (1441) behind Dillon, and second in rushing touchdowns (48) behind Pete Johnson.

Also released on Saturday was longtime tackle Willie Anderson, who played in 175 of 177 possible games with the Bengals between 1996 and 2006 before being limited due to injuries last season. The 33-year-old right tackle, who made four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances between 2003 and 2006, had lost his starting job to franchise player Stacy Andrews in 2007.

The other players released by Cincinnati on Saturday were guard James Blair, linebacker Ahmad Brooks, defensive end Antwon Burton, safety John Busing, defensive end Angelo Craig, defensive end Eric Henderson, linebacker Anthony Hoke, linebacker Dan Howell, running back James Johnson, tight end Nate Lawrie, guard Nate Livings, wide receiver Clyde Logan, linebacker Jim Maxwell, cornerback Deltha O'Neal, wide receiver Maurice Purify, quarterback Jeff Rowe, tackle Dane Uperesa, and wide receiver Mario Urrutia.

Of that group, notables include Brooks and O'Neal, two former defensive starters for Cincinnati.

In other moves, the Bengals placed rookie tight end Matt Sherry (shoulder) on season-ending injured reserve, and moved wideout Chris Henry to the reserve/suspended list.

Cincinnati will open its season on Sept. 7, when it travels to play AFC North rival Baltimore.