The Colts opened up last week by releasing veteran quarterback Josh Johnson a day after he backed up Matt Hasselbeck in a victory over the Jaguars.
Johnson was on the team because of the uncertainty regarding Andrew Luck’s shoulder injury, so his departure was seen as a sign that Luck would return to the lineup in Week Five. Luck wasn’t ready to play against the Texans on Thursday, however, and the Colts brought Johnson back to support Hasselbeck.
That experience hasn’t left the Colts any more cautious this week. The team announced Monday that they have released Johnson from the 53-man roster.
Colts coach Chuck Pagano said after the win over the Texans that Luck is close to being back, although that’s what he was saying before Luck missed each of the last two games as well. If Luck’s progress is found to be lacking later in the week, Johnson could make another appearance on the sideline.
The Colts signed returner Marcus Thigpen to move their roster back to 53 players.
