Lamar Jackson Backup QB Josh Johnson Cut by Baltimore Ravens; Here's Why

Keep track of the latest Baltimore Ravens roster moves as the countdown to 53 men is always in motion ...

The Baltimore Ravens have a rash of injury issues that therefore have made a series of roster moves ahead of Sunday's Week 3 game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Ravens, after having already ruled out seven players for the game at M&T Bank Stadium, opted to release veteran backup Josh Johnson in order to open a spot where the needs were more immediate.

Johnson served as the Ravens' No. 2 quarterback behind Lamar Jackson in the first two weeks, but this move leaves Tyler Huntley as the backup Sunday. (Why Johnson then? As a vested veteran, he doesn't have to go through waivers and figures to return the Ravens next week.)

The shuffles also include the move-ups of two vet running backs. Read more about that here.

SEPT 2023 The preseason is over and the countdown to Week 1 has begun. Alas for members of the Baltimore Ravens and their 31 NFL brothers, a different, more macabre kind of clock has begun ticking. 

NFL rosters are facing a mandatory slice to 53 men by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday afternoon. Keep track of the latest purple and black departures below...

(Releases have been confirmed by the team unless otherwise noted)

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

DT Trey Botts 

Chosen by the Philadelphia Stars in last year's USFL Draft, Botts earned seven tackles, including a sack, during Baltimore's preseason trio.

WR Dontay Demus Jr.

A local undrafted rookie from Maryland, Demus nearly played the hero in the preseason finale with a deep 47-yard reception that the Ravens up in Tampa Bay territory, part of a final output of 97 on a trio of receptions.

G Jake Guidone

Guidone played at Dartmouth before partaking in the University of Connecticut's magical season in 2022.

DB DeAndre Houston-Carson

Formerly of the DMV's William & Mary, Houston Carson started six games for the Chicago Bears last season, his last of seven seasons in the Windy City, before earning 10 tackles and a pass break-up over a couple of preseason games in Charm City.

CB Corey Mayfield Jr.

A (UTSA) Roadrunner-turned Raven, Mayfield served his purposes as a camp body in Baltimore's crowded secondary room to the tune of six tackles.

LB Kellie Sanders

Sanders rose from the JUCO level to play at the rebooted UAB program before picking up eight tackles over the Ravens' preseason trio.

WR Shemar Bridges

Bridges signed with the Ravens in early May 2022 and waved with an injury designation the following August. In November 2022 Bridges was signed to the practice squad and signed to a reserve/future contract in January 2023. He was waived on Aug. 25.

DT Kai Caesar

Caesar was cut ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline. Caesar was a key part of Ohio University’s defensive line in 2022, recording 13 starts in all 14 games. Caesar is considered a developmental prospect and could land on the practice squad.

DB Jaquan Amos

The Ravens signed Amos in May as an undrafted free agent from Ball State. He was released ahead of Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline.

DB Jordan Swann

As an undrafted free-agent corner from James Madison, Swann signed with the Ravens in May. The 5-foot-10, 181-pound Swann had 24 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks, and one forced fumble last season in 11 games. He was cut ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline.

RB Melvin Gordon

Gordon joined Baltimore in late July and carried the ball 17 times for 59 yards in the preseason. He also had four catches for 29 yards.

OG Jaylon Thomas

Thomas came to the Ravens as an UDFA in May from SMU where he was a four-year starter. He was cut ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline.

LB Kristian Welch

Welch has been with the Ravens since 2020, playing in 43 games and registering 11 total tackles in limited playing time. He was cut ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline.

FB Ben Mason

Mason has lingered in the Ravens' system in the past three seasons after coming over in the fifth round of the 2021 draft out of Michigan. (Jeff Zrebiec) 

CB Tae Hayes

Hayes, a USFL champion with the Birmingham Stallions, picked up a dozen tackles over the preseason trio as well as an interception in the middle game against Washington. (Jeff Zrebeic)

WR/Ret. James Proche

Proche served as a both a returner and a receiver for the Ravens, amassing 522 total yards in three seasons after arriving as a sixth-round pick in 2020. (Jeremy Fowler) 

WR Laquon Treadwell

Treadwell's quest to reclaim the narrative of his NFL career has hit a snag but it's has already reported that he plans to join Baltimore's practice squad. (Adam Schefter) 

OL Tashawn Manning

Formerly of SEC schools Auburn and Kentucky, the undrafted rookie Manning is a prime candidate to return to the practice squad. (Jeff Zrebiec) 

QB Josh Johnson

Johnson was cut ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline.

QB Anthony Brown

Brown was cut ahead of Tuesday’s 53-man roster deadline.