BEREA – Browns coach Eric Mangini fancies himself a master of gamesmanship, even when actual games aren’t involved.

The latest example came Saturday when the team delayed announcing its final roster cuts for three hours after the NFL’s 6 p.m. deadline.

Cornerback Brandon McDonald, running back Chris Jennings, quarterback Brett Ratliff, and safety DeAngelo Smith were the most prominent veterans released by Cleveland, while safety Larry Asante (fifth round) and defensive end Clifton Geathers (sixth round) were cut from its 2010 draft class.

Also sent packing were cornerback Chris Chancellor, guard Paul Fanaika, center Pat Murray, and defensive ends Travis Ivey, Swanson Miller and Brian Sanford.

Additionally, the Browns terminated the contracts of wide receiver Bobby Engram, tackle Scott Kooistra, and defensive end C.J. Mosley – allowing them to immediately sign with any team without passing through waivers.

Those moves reduced Cleveland’s roster by 15 players, which gave it room to activate nose tackle Shaun Rogers from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and place him on the 53-man active roster. Rogers has sat out all of training camp while recovering from a left lower leg injury.

“I just watched a lot of players bag up their stuff and walk out of the building,” Browns cornerback Eric Wright wrote on his Twitter account. “It’s definitely an emotional day. We all put in work. It hurts to see them go.”

Cleveland president Mike Holmgren, general manager Tom Heckert Jr. and Mangini are expected to be active today adding players off the waiver wire. Claims may be made until noon, meaning several current Browns may have their status change by mid-afternoon.

For the moment, though, linebackers David Bowens and Eric Barton, tight ends Alex Smith and Robert Royal, running back James Davis and defensive end Brian Schaefering are safe.

Heckert, who has the contractual authority to decide the final 53, will address the media today. He was initially scheduled to do so Saturday evening.

While most of the transactions were expected, the releases of McDonald and Asante did raise some eyebrows.

McDonald, a fifth-round draftee of the Browns in 2007, bounced in and out of the starting lineup throughout his three seasons. He clearly has the ability to be a backup at this level, but hurt himself last month by tweeting a vulgar comment about Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens.

Ironically, McDonald broke the news of his release in the same manner, posting the comment, “Thanks to everyone for the best wishes. I enjoyed my time here, but all must one day come to an end.”

The hard-hitting Asante sparkled at times on the practice field, but was caught up in the numbers game elsewhere on the roster, which appears overloaded at linebacker and tight end. If he isn’t claimed on waivers, Cleveland will sign Asante to its practice squad.

Contact Brian Dulik at brisports@hotmail.com.

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