Vikings cut defensive end James

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Minnesota Vikings released Erasmus James, a first-round draft choice in 2005, after the defensive end failed a physical, the team announced on its Web site (www.vikings.com) on Friday.

The 25-year-old James was trying to come back from a third surgery in two seasons on his left knee.

"We decided today to waive Erasmus and we wish the best for him in the future," Vikings head coach Brad Childress said in a statement.

James, taken with the 18th overall pick out of the University of Wisconsin, had four sacks as a rookie.

He sustained a season-ending knee injury two games into his second year, however, and had one sack in six games last season before going on injured reserve on December 7.

All told, James amassed five career sacks and 38 tackles in his three NFL seasons.

(Writing by Larry Fine; Editing by Ed Osmond)