WKBW's Jeff Russo is reporting, citing a league source, that the Buffalo Bills have released third-year wide receiver Marcus Easley.

A fan favorite since his first training camp, Easley - the 2010 fourth-round pick out of Connecticut - was considered by many a candidate to emerge as the Bills' No. 2 receiver this summer following two straight seasons on Injured Reserve.

A quiet pre-season, however, preempted a strong pre-season finale in which Easley had a 100-yard kickoff return for a score and an impressive two-point conversion - and the body of work, as they say, dictates these decisions. Easley was also the last receiver on the roster to work into the rotation on his big night.

Easley is eligible for the practice squad, so if the talented athlete manages to clear waivers, the Bills will have the option of bringing him back in that capacity. If the Bills do wind up keeping six receivers, however, the most frequently discussed receiver on the team won't be that player.