Colts Release Starting CB Antonio Cromartie, Waive LB Sio Moore

The Indianapolis Colts have dumped two starters on their 30th-ranked scoring defense.

Colts Release Starting CB Antonio Cromartie, Waive LB Sio Moore

The Colts released cornerback Antonio Cromartie and waived linebacker Sio Moore, the team announced.

The Colts (1-3) signed 32-year-old Cromartie to a one-year deal on Aug. 22 after news broke that Pro Bowler Vontae Davis would be out with an ankle injury. Cromartie was benched in the second half of Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars after allowing a touchdown to star receiver Allen Robinson at Wembley Stadium in London. Cromartie was replaced by Rashaan Melvin in the second half. He was considered expendable with Davis and Patrick Robinson back in the lineup and slot corner Darius Butler due back soon.

Cromartie reacted to his release on Instagram:

He wrote: “Breaking News. I was just released by @colts. A great few weeks here. I know God has a better plan than mine. Thank you father for your blessings. Thank you Colts fans for the support. #teamcromartie”

Cromartie has been named to the Pro Bowl four times, most recently in 2014 during his lone season with the Cardinals.

Moore was acquired in a September 2015 trade with the Oakland Raiders in which the Colts released Nate Irving. Moore was part of an inside-linebacker rotation with Josh McNary and rookie Antonio Morrison opposite veteran D’Qwell Jackson. He proved to be a liability in coverage, too often leaving big gaps in the middle of the field for major plays. However, Moore led the team in tackles (30).

Moore has played in 42 career NFL games (26 starts) and registered 180 tackles (133 solo), 7.5 sacks, one pass defensed and two forced fumbles with the Colts (2015-16) and Raiders (2013-14).

The Colts are 24th in the NFL in total defense, allowing 382.8 yards per game.

GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 26: Cornerback Antonio Cromartie #31 of the Arizona Cardinals waves to fans after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 in the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 26, 2014 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)