JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – The Jacksonville Jaguars released defensive end Tony Brackens on Sunday because the team’s all-time sack leader struggled this preseason with the latest in a string of leg injuries.

Brackens, an eight-year veteran and former second-round pick, had been on the sidelines since Aug. 10 with a strained muscle in back of his right knee.

Brackens, 29, had been released once already this year for salary-cap reasons but was signed again to a one-year contract in June. He is coming back from right knee surgery, a year after having complicated surgery on the other knee.

He led the team last year with six sacks and brought his career total to 55 over eight seasons.

He’s one of only three players to have played that many years with the Jacksonville franchise.

Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said Brackens was released to allow other players a fair chance at competing for a roster spot.

“One of the most painful and difficult duties as a coach is making the decision to release a guy like Tony,” Del Rio said in a statement. “We met this morning and talked, and Tony was as classy and professional as ever. I wished him well and wanted him to know that I appreciate all that he has done for this team.”

Brackens holds 12 team records and was a Pro Bowl starter in 1999.

Before the 2003 season, Brackens had “microfracture” surgery on his left knee, a process in which doctors drill small holes in the knee to encourage the formation of scar tissue, which then acts similarly to cartilage.

It is mostly considered a last resort for players, and some were surprised that he was able to come back and play in 2003.

Also, the Jaguars cut placekicker Jeff Chandler on Sunday. He missed field goal attempts from 42 and 49 yards in Friday’s exhibition game with Tampa Bay, and had continually been out-kicked by rookie Josh Scobee during training camp.

Scobee has converted just one field goal in four attempts in the club’s first two preseason games. Del Rio said Scobee would be the only kicker this week but that the club is looking for others.