Hempstead, NY -- (Sports Network) - Twenty-one members of the New York Jets, including veterans Matt Chatham and Hank Poteat, were released as part of the team's "cut-down day" maneuvers on Saturday. The team also announced a four- game suspension for running back Jesse Chatman due to a violation of the NFL's policy on steroids and related substances.

Chatham and Poteat were both defensive contributors a season ago, but the re- stocking of the Jets' talent pool on defense contributed to their release on Saturday.

Chatham, who played in 25 games over a two-year span with the team, was among the club's most valuable special teams players. Poteat started 15 games at cornerback for New York over the past two years, and both Chatham and Poteat formerly played for head coach Eric Mangini when he was an assistant with the New England Patriots.

Chatman, meanwhile, will begin his suspension on Saturday and be eligible to return to the Jets' active roster on Monday, September 29 following the teams September 28 game against the Arizona Cardinals. A free agent acquisition by New York during the offseason, the Eastern Washington product rushed for a career-high 515 yards as a member of the Dolphins last season.

Also released by the Jets on Saturday were wide receiver David Ball, offensive lineman Jacob Bender, wide receiver Larry Brackins, defensive back Rudy Burgess, running back Jehuu Caulcrick, offensive lineman Stanley Daniels, offensive lineman Kyle DeVan, offensive lineman Nate Garner, defensive back James Ihedigbo, defensive lineman Thomas Johnson, defensive lineman Bryan Mattison, offensive lineman Matt McChesney, linebacker Blair Phillips, defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua, tight end Jason Pociask, wide receiver Paul Raymond, linebacker Brandon Renkart, tight end A.J. Schable.

Notables among that group include Bender and Pociask, both of whom saw time on the active roster a year ago.

In another move, safety Cameron Worrell was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Worrell was a seven-game starter with the Miami Dolphins in 2007.

The Jets will begin their season on Sept. 7, when they travel to meet Chad Pennington and the AFC East rival Dolphins.