Denver ? The Denver Broncos released beleaguered punter Todd Sauerbrun on Tuesday, bringing in his training camp rival Paul Ernster to replace him.

The team also placed safety Nick Ferguson on injured reserve with a right knee injury and waived safety Marviel Underwood, opening up a spot to promote safety Roderick Rogers to the roster off the practice squad.

The Broncos declined comment about the release of Sauerbrun.

However, Sauerbrun’s problems off the field likely contributed to the team’s decision. Sauerbrun faces legal trouble stemming from an incident outside a restaurant in early December. He’s scheduled to appear in court Jan. 15 on an assault charge.

Sauerbrun was also waived by Denver last season following his suspension for the first month for using a banned dietary supplement. Upon his reinstatement, the Broncos and Sauerbrun went separate ways, and he signed with New England.

Sauerbrun proclaimed his innocence last week, and said he was frustrated over the assault charge stemming from an altercation with a taxi driver outside a restaurant.

“It’s a false allegation and the truth will come out,” Sauerbrun said. “It’s a completely overblown issue.”