Indianapolis, IN -- (Sports Network) - The Indianapolis Colts significantly reduced their backfield numbers on Saturday, releasing quarterbacks Quinn Gray, Jared Lorenzen, and running back Kenton Keith as part of 22 "cut-down day" maneuvers.

Gray and Lorenzen each saw extensive action in the preseason thanks to a knee injury to Peyton Manning and a recent knee problem for primary backup Jim Sorgi. But with both Manning and Sorgi expected to be available for the regular season opener, the services of neither Gray nor Lorenzen were ultimately needed.

Gray, formerly with the Jacksonville Jaguars, hurt his case by throwing six interceptions in the preseason.

Lorenzen, the ex-New York Giants backup, was sacked seven times and posted just a 61.0 passer rating.

Keith, meanwhile, couldn't survive at a running back position fortified by the offseason addition of Dominic Rhodes and rookie Mike Hart. Keith was second on the team in rushing with 533 yards a year ago, and also scored four touchdowns while playing behind starter Joseph Addai.

Joining the above trio on the waiver wire were wide receiver Devin Aromashodu, defensive tackle Joe Bradley, defensive end Jeff Charleston, safety Brannon Condren, defensive tackle Dan Davis, tackle Tala Esera, defensive tackle Colin Ferrell, defensive back Brandon Foster, wide receiver Sam Giguere, defensive end Ben Ishola, wide receiver Onrea Jones, tackle Darren Marquez, linebacker Kyle Shotwell, running back Chad Simpson, tight end Tyrice Thompson, tackle Michael Toudouze and linebacker Victor Worsley.

Notables among that group include Aromashodu, Charleston, Condren, Toudouze and Worsley, all of whom spent time on the Indianapolis active roster a year ago.

In other moves, the Colts placed guard Ryan Lilja and linebacker Tyjuan Hagler on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list.

The Colts begin the 2008 regular season on Sept. 7, when they host the Chicago Bears in primetime action.