New Orleans, LA -- (Sports Network) - Kicker Taylor Mehlhaff and quarterback Tyler Palko were among the players waived on Saturday as the New Orleans Saints reduced their roster to 53 players.

Mehlhaff, a sixth-round choice out of Wisconsin in the 2008 Draft, failed to beat out veteran Martin Gramatica for kicking chores during the preseason. Mehlhaff made two of his three field goal attempts during the warm-up period, while Gramatica was a perfect 4-for-4.

Palko did little in the preseason to prompt New Orleans to keep him as a third-string option behind Drew Brees and Mark Brunell. The Pittsburgh product posted just a 69.9 passer rating and was sacked seven times in August.

Also released on Saturday were guard Andy Alleman, guard Tim Duckworth, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, wide receiver Skyler Green, running back Lynell Hamilton, defensive tackle Orien Harris, linebacker William Kershaw, tight end Buck Ortega, defensive end Josh Savage, fullback Olaniyi Sobomehein and wide receiver Joe West.

Notables among that group include Alleman, a third-round Draft choice in 2007 who never appeared in a game for the Saints; Green, who played in seven games with the Bengals last season; and Savage, who spent time on New Orleans' active roster a year ago.

In another move made on Saturday, cornerback Greg Fassitt (knee) was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

On Friday, the Saints released defensive end Jeremy Geathers, tight end Ronnie Ghent, defensive end Marcus Pittman, safety David Roach, guard Isaiah Ross, safety Lance Schulters, and tackle Brian Stamper, while also placing receiver Adrian Arrington on injured reserve.

New Orleans will open its 2008 regular season slate on Sept. 7, when it plays host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.