CINCINNATI -- No. 2 quarterback Doug Johnson was released Saturday by the Cincinnati Bengals, who replaced him by getting Ryan Fitzpatrick from the St. Louis Rams for a conditional draft pick.
Johnson was dumped a day after he was intercepted twice in a 14-6 preseason loss to Indianapolis, another poor showing that prompted the Bengals make the trade.
The Bengals enter the season depending upon Pro Bowl quarterback Carson Palmer to stay healthy. Neither of his backups -- Fitzpatrick and fifth-round draft pick Jeff Rowe -- will have much experience in Cincinnati's system.
Fitzpatrick was a seventh-round pick in 2005 and started three games in 2005. He recorded four touchdowns and eight interceptions overall that season.
Fitzpatrick was the Rams' third quarterback for the first 15 games last season. He played briefly in the final game, but didn't throw a pass. The Bengals got him for a 2008 draft pick, with the round depending upon how well he performs.
The Bengals also released defensive tackle Kenderick Allen and linebacker Edgerton Hartwell, who were signed in the offseason to add depth to a defense that has been among the league's worst the last few seasons.
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