Englewood, Colo. ? The Denver Broncos released veteran defensive lineman Simeon Rice before the end of practice Friday.

The 33-year-old Rice signed a one-year, $3 million contract on Sept. 3. He chose Denver over St. Louis in part because of the opportunity to get more playing time after starter Ebenezer Ekuban sustained a season-ending Achilles’ injury in training camp.

Rice, a 12-year veteran, has 121 career sacks, second only to Michael Strahan among active players. He failed a physical in Tampa Bay but since has passed all his medical tests.