Following Thursday’s game against Jacksonville, the writing on the wall became apparent: Kicker Billy Cundiff would be released by the Ravens.

Cundiff was benched against the Jaguars in favor of rookie Justin Tucker. Tucker then made field goals from 33 and 53 yards away, boomed touchbacks out of the end zone in the second half and exhibited confidence each time he touched the field in Baltimore’s 48-17 victory.

Cundiff said he was upset at the coaching staff’s decision following the game. It was only a matter of time before he’d be released.

But it wasn’t like Cundiff had a poor showing in the preseason. He regularly made kicks in practice, and even hit a 60-yarder during training camp. Tucker was just better and more consistent.

It wasn’t an easy decision for coach John Harbaugh to make. "Billy had a great camp, the best he has had with us," Harbaugh said in a statement. "He showed, like he always has, a toughness and an ability to come back and a be a top-flight NFL kicker. These decisions are never easy and this one was difficult for all of us."

Notable cuts: K Billy Cundiff (9th year, acquired in 2009, Drake) -- Cundiff missed a 32-yarder to continue the AFC Championship against New England, which Baltimore lost 23-20. Cundiff then lost the position battle to Tucker, an undrafted rookie out of Texas.

Complete cut list TE Davon Drew (4th year, fifth round, East Carolina), WR Devin Goda (rookie, undrafted, Slippery Rick), OL Addison Lawrence (rookie, undrafted, Mississippi State), C Cecil Newton (2nd year, undrafted, Tennessee State), CB Jordan Maybin (rookie, undrafted, Northwestern), LS Patrick Scales (2nd year, undrafted, Utah State), QB Chester Stewart (rookie, undrafted Temple), WR Patrick Williams (fourth year, acquired in 2011, Colorado).

The nine players Baltimore released puts the current roster at 81 players. Safety Emanuel Cook (broken leg) and defensive tackle Ryan McBean (broken ankle) will likely go on injured reserve, which would place the roster total at 79. That means Baltimore has until Monday at 4 p.m. to get down to 75 players by releasing four more.

Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.