Another week means another roster move involving Josh Johnson in Indianapolis, as the Colts announced today (via Twitter) that the quarterback has been cut once again. Taking Johnson’s place on the roster is wide receiver and return man Marcus Thigpen, whose deal with the Colts was first reported by Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
Johnson has been shuttled on and off the Colts’ roster over the last two weeks, as Andrew Luck battles a shoulder injury. With Luck unable to play, Johnson served as the club’s backup quarterback behind the veteran Matt Hasselbeck. While today’s move could be a signal that Luck’s prognosis for Week 6 is promising, Indianapolis could also re-sign Johnson later in the week, if necessary.
As for Thigpen, he started the season with the Bills, but was cut last week to make room for the newly-signed Denarius Moore. Before being cut by Buffalo, Thigpen had been acting as the team’s primary return man, though his numbers weren’t particularly impressive — he returned nine punts for 47 yards and three kicks for 29 yards.
Rookie Phillip Dorsett was expected to handle the Colts’ return duties this year, but some fumbling issues early in the season cost him that job, at least for now. Thigpen figures to challenge Griff Whalen for reps in the return game.