Teams begins trimming rosters

Donte’ Stallworth’s NFL comeback from a hot-air balloon accident might have ended Monday when he was released by the Washington Redskins.

Stallworth could catch on with another team, especially with so many injuries at wide receiver throughout the league during the preseason. But, for now, the 32-year-old veteran of 10 NFL seasons is unemployed.

Also cut Monday as NFL teams reduced their rosters – they must be down to 75 today – were receiver Braylon Edwards and running back-kick returner Joe McKnight by the Jets; receiver Derek Hagan and fullback Spencer Larsen by Tampa Bay; linebacker and special teams ace Niko Koutouvides by New England; and receiver Jordan Norwood by Cleveland.

The New York Giants activated defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul from the physically unable to perform list. Paul had disk surgery on his back in June, and it’s uncertain if he will be ready for the season opener at the Cowboys in less than two weeks.

Stallworth was hindered through most of training camp by a hamstring injury. He caught two passes for 33 yards in preseason games.

Stallworth has played for six teams over 10 NFL seasons. He appeared in only one game last year with the New England Patriots before an ankle injury ended his season.

He was suspended for the 2009 season by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league’s personal conduct policy for a DUI vehicular manslaughter charge.

The 30-year-old Edwards was dealing with a leg injury that kept him out of the Jets’ preseason game against the Giants on Saturday night. Edwards was signed just before training camp began last month, marking his third tenure with the Jets.

McKnight, the NFL’s kickoff return leader in 2011 with a 31.6-yard average and a 107-yard TD run back, has had a tumultuous summer.

He failed his conditioning test, then passed out the next day when training camp began. He was arrested in New Jersey last month for outstanding traffic warrants, and later released on bail.

McKnight then injured his head during practice – he confirmed it was a concussion although the Jets never officially called it that – and was cleared to return a few days later, wearing a red no-contact jersey.

Two weeks ago, McKnight was carted to the locker room wearing an oxygen mask, after banging his head on the ground during a play. He had taken a knee three times on his way to the field earlier that day while dealing with a migraine headache.

Goodson returns only to be suspended

Jets running back Mike Goodson has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Goodson rejoined the Jets after being away all of training camp for personal reasons that the Jets declined to detail. He was placed on the team’s active/non-football injury/illness list.

Goodson, signed as a free agent in the offseason, was arrested on drug and weapons possession charges in May along with a friend in New Jersey.

Around the League

New Orleans outside linebacker Will Smith has a knee injury that will sideline him for the 2013 season, a person familiar with the situation said. … Minnesota’s Pro Bowl fullback Jerome Felton has been suspended three games for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse. No details were disclosed, per the NFL’s confidentiality agreement with the players’ union. With an $850,000 base salary for 2013, Felton will lose $150,000 because of the ban. … Minnesota defensive tackle Kevin Williams has a hyperextended right knee but no ligament damage after a low hit by 49ers guard Joe Looney Sunday that the Vikings felt was illegal. The Vikings have been planning to rotate Williams and rookie Sharrif Floyd this season. Floyd is recovering from a minor left knee injury.