Quincy Carter released

Quincy Carter, last year’s starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, was released on Wednesday after reportedly failing a team-administered drug test.

According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Carter was already in the NFL’s substance abuse program for failing a prior test.

Carter’s second failed test means a mandatory four-game fine. He was seen leaving the team hotel before the morning practice in Oxnard, CA.

The move puts the recently acquired Vinny Testaverde at the top of the team's depth chart.

The release of Carter will be addressed by coach Bill Parcells at his daily press briefing between practices.

"I think I probably speak for all the guys of how disappointed we are that Quincy is no longer going to be part of this team," Testaverde said. "But at the same time we know we have to look forward to getting things down and go out and win games."

A second-round pick from the University of Georgia, Carter started 31 games, including the entire 2003 season. In his three NFL seasons, he completed 507 of 902 passes for 5,839 yards, with 29 touchdown passes, 36 interceptions and a passer rating of 70.0. He threw for 3,302 yards last season, his best year in the league, and the first time a Cowboys quarterback eclipsed the 3,000 yard mark since Troy Aikman in 1997.