ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis Rams release cornerback Fakhir Brown, a starter the previous two seasons but hampered by injuries this year.

Brown was released on Wednesday by the Rams, who are 0-3 heading into Sunday's game against undefeated Buffalo.

He started at right corner last week, replacing Ron Bartell. The move is believed to be related to off-field issues, but no details were immediately announced.

Brown was suspended the first four games of last season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

The Rams signed Brown to a five-year, $12 million free agent deal in 2006, and he started all 26 games he played his first two years with the franchise. He injured his shoulder early in camp.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)