The New Orleans Saints released running back C.J. Spiller, who signed a four-year, $16 million free agent contract just last season.

Spiller, 29, was a healthy scratch Sunday, when the Saints opened with a 35-34 loss to Oakland.

On Monday, Saints coach Sean Payton said Spiller was scratched because there wasn’t room for him in the Raiders game plan, adding that Spiller’s role could change ‘‘week to week.’’

But when the NFL posted Tuesday’s transactions, Spiller’s contract had been terminated.

When the Saints acquired Spiller, they hoped his versatility and his speed would allow him to fill roles similar to those of ex-Saints Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles. But Spiller needed arthroscopic knee surgery last preseason and has contributed relatively little to New Orleans’s prolific offense.

In 2015, Spiller gained 112 yards rushing and 239 yards receiving in 13 games, his lone significant highlight being a late-game, 80-yard touchdown catch in a victory over Dallas.

Spiller’s best NFL season was 2012, his third as a pro, when he had 1,244 yards rushing and 459 yards receiving.

Anthem sparks talk

Denver’s police chief says he has talked to Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall about the player’s decision to kneel during the national anthem to protest racial oppression and police brutality.

Chief Robert White says he met with Marshall on Tuesday after being approached by Broncos management. The chief says he will offer Marshall the chance to ride along with police and watch ‘‘shoot, don’t shoot’’ training, which teaches officers to make split-second decisions during dangerous situations.

San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, one of Marshall’s teammates at the University of Nevada, started the protest when he refused to stand for the anthem during preseason games and the season opener. Marshall took a knee during the anthem before Denver’s game Thursday night. Kaepernick and teammate Eric Reid once again kneeled in their game Monday, while a few other players protested by raising their fists.

Ivory out of hospital

The Jaguars say running back Chris Ivory has been released from the hospital and is doing well, but his availability for Sunday’s game at San Diego remains in question. Ivory was hospitalized Sunday with a ‘‘general medical issue’’ and missed the season opener against Green Bay. Ivory was limited in three practices last week because of a calf injury, but his hospital stay was for an unrelated issue . . . Left tackle David Bakhtiari has signed a contract extension to stay in Green Bay, and a person familiar with the talks said it was a four-year deal worth up to $51.67 million . . . Carlos Hyde ran for 88 yards and two touchdowns and the 49ers posted their first season-opening shutout in franchise history to spoil the Los Angeles Rams’ first game since moving back to California after 21 years with a 28-0 victory Monday night in Santa Clara, Calif.

Shaun Draughn also ran for a score and Blaine Gabbert threw a touchdown pass to Vance McDonald to help the 49ers win their first game under coach Chip Kelly in convincing fashion. The Rams’ Case Keenum threw for just 130 yards with two interceptions, star running back Todd Gurley was held to 47 yards on 17 carries, and Los Angeles barely even threatened in making only 10 first downs all game.