Indianapolis, IN (My Sportsbook) - Defensive end Josh Thomas was among the most notable players released by the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, as the team reduced its roster to the 53-player maximum.

Thomas, who played in 68 games with 12 starts as a member of the Colts from 2004 through 2008, had been re-signed by the team on Aug. 18th after reaching free agency and not being tendered a contract after last season. But Thomas couldn't make enough of an impact in the preseason, and was subsequently released.

Also facing the business end of the chopping block on Saturday were running back Lance Ball, wide receiver Sam Giguere, defensive tackle John Gill, defensive back Nick Graham, defensive tackle Adrian Grady, running back Mike Hart, defensive end Marcus Howard, defensive back Dante Hughes, center Steve Justice, defensive back Travis Key, wide receiver John Matthews, wide receiver Brett McDermott, running back Walter Mendenhall, guard Tom Pestock, tight end Jamie Petrowski, wide receiver Taj Smith, linebacker Michael Tauiliili, defensive tackle Terrance Taylor, tackle Jaimie Thomas, and tackle Michael Toudouze.

Of that group, notables included Ball and Hart, both of whom garnered carries for the Colts in 2008; Howard, Hughes, and Justice, each of whom earned playing time as well in the '08 campaign; and 2009 draft picks Taylor (4th Round, Michigan) and Thomas (7th Round, Maryland), both of whom could re- emerge as members of the practice squad.

The Colts have a one-game roster exemption for defensive tackle Ed Johnson, who will not count on the active roster until following Week 1.

Indianapolis begins the 2009 regular season on Sept. 13, when it opens the Jim Caldwell era at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars.