Bears release Booker, cut ties with LBs Gardner, Riley

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears released wide receiver Marty Booker on Friday, cutting ties with a former Pro Bowl selection who struggled with injuries last season.

The Bears also released linebacker Gilbert Gardner and waived linebacker Marcus Riley.

Booker had just 14 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns while being bothered by knee, hamstring and rib problems. He missed three games late in the season and didn't catch a pass the final two.

He signed a two-year deal last March after spending the previous four seasons in Miami.

Booker spent his first five seasons in Chicago before getting dealt to the Dolphins in August 2004. He's tied for third on the Bears' career list with 329 receptions and ranks sixth with 3,895 yards receiving. In his career, Booker has 523 receptions for 6,522 yards and 36 touchdowns.