Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CINCINNATI (AP) — The Bengals released quarterback Josh Johnson on Tuesday, making AJ McCarron the backup to Andy Dalton.
McCarron impressed during a 25-11 preseason loss at Tampa Bay on Monday night, going 11 of 15 for 97 yards. He led an 80-yard touchdown drive.
McCarron, a fifth-round pick from Alabama last year, missed his rookie season with a sore passing shoulder. He also sat out the first preseason game with a pulled muscle in his side. Johnson was 11 of 21 for 175 yards in the first game, but didn't play on Monday night.
The backup quarterback role was one of Cincinnati's biggest questions in camp.
The Bengals also waived safety Erick Dargan and defensive tackle Kalafitoni Pole, a pair of college free agents.
___
Follow Joe Kay on Twitter: http://twitter.com/apjoekay
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
