Several former University of Montana players are on NFL rosters and practice squads after the teams made final roster decisions over the weekend.
Kicker Dan Carpenter of Helena remains with the Miami Dolphins for a second season while running back Lex Hilliard of Kalispell moved up from the Dolphins practice squad to the 53-man roster this season.
Offensive lineman and backup center Cory Procter of Gig Harbor, Wash., is beginning his third full season with the Dallas Cowboys and defensive end Kroy Biermann of Hardin is beginning his second season with the Atlanta Falcons.
Other players with Montana ties on NFL rosters include former Carroll College tight end Casey FitzSimmons of Chester, who is starting his seventh season with the Detroit Lions. Dwan Edwards of Columbus, who played defensive tackle at Oregon State, is back with the Baltimore Ravens after missing the 2008 season with an injury.
Former Montana defensive back Tuff Harris of Colstrip was cut by the Tennessee Titans and signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on Monday, while former Griz safety Colt Anderson of Butte was cut by the Minnesota Vikings and then signed to their practice squad.
Former Montana State cornerback Joey Thomas was cut by the Miami Dolphins while Mike Reilly, who graduated from high school in Kalispell and played quarterback at Central Washington, was released by the Steelers.