Colts release Josh Johnson

The Indianapolis Colts released veteran quarterback Josh Johnson on Monday after he served as the backup in a Week 4 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The move may be a way of clearing a roster spot for free-agent running back Ahmad Bradshaw while also providing some insight into the status of Andrew Luck.

Luck's absence Sunday due to a shoulder injury forced the Colts to turn to Matt Hasselbeck as the starter and sign Johnson as his backup.

The team hasn't provided an update on Luck's shoulder, but cutting Johnson may indicate he's on track to return Thursday against the Houston Texans.