Raiders Ponder among final cuts

The Raiders 53 man roster has been set, and it includes a few surprises.

Beyond linebacker Sio Moore, who fell out of favor with Oakland’s coaching staff and was traded to the Colts for a sixth round pick, quarterback Christian Ponder failed to earn a spot.

Ponder was given a $1.6 million bonus to sign with the Raiders in the spring, but is now primed for the unemployment line.

Defensive ends Max Valles and Shelby Harris were also waived, more a product of newfound depth along Oakland’s front than sub par play, and Harris has a strong chance at signing with another team.

Valles was drafted late in the 2015 draft, and the Raiders couldn’t find a spot for him. In previous years this would provide twitter fuel for angry fans to lambaste general manager Reggie McKenzie with, but the pass rush looked outstanding over the preseason, and is likely to continue that way.

The list of cuts is as follows:

Waived: running backs George Atkinson and Michael Dyer, offensive linemen Mitch Bell and Dan Kistler, linebackers Spencer Hadley and Josh Shirley, defensive linemen Shelby Harris, Leon Orr, Ricky Lumpkin, Gary Wilkins and Valles,  tight end Brian Leonhardt, cornerback Tevin McDonald, kicker Giorgio Tavecchio and receiver Devon Wylie.

Released: safety Taylor Mays, receiver Kris Durham, defensive lineman C.J. Wilson and Ponder.

Tackle Anthony Morris was waived with an injured designation, and safety Brandian Ross was placed on injured reserve.

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Jason Leskiw is SFBay’s Oakland Raiders beat writer and member of the Professional Football Writers of America. Follow @SFBay and @LeskiwSFBay on Twitter and at SFBay.ca for full coverage of the Oakland Raiders.