Ryan Diem Released by Colts?

According to Dan Graham, @coltsinsider, the Colts have released right tacke Ryan Diem because he wouldn’t accept a reduced salary.   As Graham Tweeted last night:

This is not too surprising, since it’s been rumored all week that Diem could be a salary-cap casualty, one way or another.   The Indianapolis Star reported yesterday that the Colts issued Diem an ultimatum to the effect of “take less or be released.”   It appears that Diem chose the latter and will now test the free agent market.

Diem’s departure leaves the Colts with questions on the strong side and the weak side of the offensive line, and makes it more likely than ever that FA tackle Charlie Johnson will be back in the fold for the 2011 season.  I’m sure that Peyton Manning is even more interested than Colts fans to find out how the line will shape up over the next few weeks.    Maybe his sitting on the sidelines for awhile in camp is a really good thing for his long-term health, as it will at least give the coaching staff a chance to figure out some sort of protection scheme.