Oakland, CA -- Gbaja-Biamila, Foreman, Hawthorne Among Raiders' 20 Cuts

Three players expected to contribute on the defensive side of the ball - outside linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, inside linebacker Jay Foreman, and tackle Anttaj Hawthorne - were among the 20 players released by the Oakland Raiders on the NFL's final 2005 "cut-down day."

Gbaja-Biamila, the younger brother of Green Bay end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, played in 14 games last season, notching 13 tackles and one sack. Gbaja- Biamila, a former star at San Diego State, had spent two seasons as a Raider.

Foreman, who was a full-time starter with the Texans over the past three seasons, was signed by the Raiders in May. The seventh-year pro out of Nebraska recorded 79 tackles in Houston a year ago, but missed the season's final five games with a knee injury.

Hawthorne, a 2005 sixth-round draft pick, was thought to be a second-day steal for the Raiders. The 6-3, 321-pound Hawthorne recorded six sacks and an interception as a senior at Wisconsin, but his draft stock dropped after he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL scouting combine.

Also released on Saturday were the following: wide receivers James Adkisson and Cedric Bonner, free safety Calvin Branch, guard C.J. Brooks, center Vince Carter, tight end Rickey Dudley, running back DeJuan Green, fullback Chris Hetherington, defensive end Jordan Hicks, tackle Robert Hicks, tight end Teyo Johnson, tackle Brad Lekkerkkerker, defensive tackle Lorn Mayers, running back J.R. Niklos, strong safety Marquis Smith, quarterback Bret Engemann, and linebacker Edward Thomas.

The Raiders will begin the regular season this Thursday, when they travel to play the two-time defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots.