CINCINNATI (AP) — The Bengals released quarterback Josh Johnson on Tuesday, making AJ McCarron the backup to Andy Dalton.

McCarron impressed during a 25-11 preseason loss at Tampa Bay on Monday night, going 11 of 15 for 97 yards. He led an 80-yard touchdown drive.

McCarron, a fifth-round pick from Alabama last year, missed his rookie season with a sore passing shoulder. He also sat out the first preseason game with a pulled muscle in his side. Johnson was 11 of 21 for 175 yards in the first game, but didn’t play on Monday night.

The backup quarterback role was one of Cincinnati’s biggest questions in camp.

The Bengals also waived safety Erick Dargan and defensive tackle Kalafitoni Pole, a pair of college free agents.