Ravens release QB Josh Johnson

The Baltimore Ravens released third string quarterback Josh Johnson today which means that he lost the backup quarterback role to Ryan Mallett.

Johnson, 30, showed a very good display of precision passing along with his running ability this preseason with the Ravens as he threw for 365 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions with a completion percentage of 71.9 and a passer rating of 94.6 in four preseason games.

There was a point during the middle of the preseason where many believed that Mallett was in danger of losing the backup quarterback role as the Ravens offense showed some excitement with Johnson under center. Regardless, the Ravens hope to never see Mallett play meaningful snaps at anytime in the near future and beyond as the team obviously already has a starting quarterback in place in Joe Flacco.

But for now, Mallett has the position to himself as the backup as the Ravens will most likely choose to only carry two quarterbacks to begin the season which has been the norm under Ravens head coach John Harbaugh for much of his nine seasons coaching the team.