Josh Johnson Cut by Colts: Latest Comments and Reaction

Josh Johnson's stint with the Indianapolis Colts lasted less than a week. The team announced Monday that it cut the veteran quarterback, who signed as an emergency option on Oct. 2.  

Johnson, 29, served as a backup to Matt Hasselbeck in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hasselbeck was forced into the starting lineup when starter Andrew Luck missed his first career game due to a shoulder injury.

Mark Maske of the Washington Post noted this likely means Luck will be back in the lineup for Week 5:

Indianapolis was Johnson's sixth team since being selected in the fifth round in 2008. After spending four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he has bounced around the league, mostly serving as a temporary backup option. He's been on a roster with the San Francisco 49ers (twice), the Cincinnati Bengals (twice), the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets, in addition to Indianapolis. The Jets and the Bengals previously released him this preseason after he failed to win a backup job in camp. 

While it has to be frustrating for Johnson, this was likely the planned move all along. The Colts don't need to carry three quarterbacks on their roster with Luck entrenched as the starter and Hasselbeck serving as a capable backup. That roster spot could be much better served by adding defensive talent or offensive line depth so Luck can stay on his feet and off of the injury report.

Either way, Johnson's release is a promising sign Luck will be back under center Thursday night in Houston.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.