Benched for the Colts' playoff run last season, former starting strongside linebacker Gilbert Gardner has now been banished altogether by the defending Super Bowl champions. The Colts have released Gardner, a three-year veteran who began the 2006 season as a starter. The move, which comes after the Colts had tendered Gardner a one-year, $850,000 qualifying offer as a restricted free agent, leaves the former Purdue standout free to sign with another team.