Redskins release DE Phillip Merling and K John Potter to make room for Jarvis Jenkins and Rob Jackson

The Redskins have released kicker John Potter and defensive end Phillip Merling, according to head coach Mike Shanahan.

Shanahan confirmed during a press conference that the moves were ultimately made to accommodate defensive end Jarvis Jenkins and outside linebacker Rob Jackson, who have completed their four-game suspensions and now count toward the Redskins' 53-man roster.

Potter, who was signed by the team after Kai Forbath sustained a groin injury, spent time with the team during training camp and preseason as a kickoff specialist. However, when rosters were ultimately trimmed from 90 to 53, Potter was cut from the team. Merling made that initial cut, but is now expendable since Jenkins, who played the majority of the team's defensive snaps in 2012, is due back.

Merling played 41 snaps for the Redskins over three games, and was inactive for the team's Week 4 matchup versus the Raiders. John Potter converted 3-of-4 field goals with a long of 43 yards.