Romanowski and Armstrong released by Raiders

[WebHamster]

Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Two veteran defensive players were released by the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday, as linebacker Bill Romanowski and defensive lineman Trace Armstrong were let go by the club after both failed their physical examinations.

"We appreciate Trace and Bill's contributions to the success of the Raiders and pay tribute to their glorious, productive careers," said Raiders head coach Norv Turner.

The 37-year-old Romanowski logged 16 seasons in the NFL and has long been known as one of the fiercest and dirtiest players in the game. He played the past two seasons for Oakland, but spent a majority of 2003 on injured reserve and saw his streak of 243 consecutive games halted.

The Boston College product, who previously spent time in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Denver, was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 1988 NFL Draft.

Armstrong is a 15-year veteran who played with both Chicago and Miami during the 1990s. He is one of only 21 players in league history to total 100-plus sacks for his career. During the 2000 campaign, his last with the Dolphins, the 38-year-old posted 16 1/2 sacks.

Drafted by the Bears with the 12th overall pick in 1989, Armstrong, who also serves as the president of the NFL Players Association, attended both Arizona State and Florida. Over his lengthy professional career, he has amassed 106 sacks.

In another move Tuesday, the Raiders re-signed guard Brad Badger.