ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky

So much has gone right for the Indianapolis Colts as they’ve run out to a 5-0 record. But ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton is reporting the team has parted ways with a key contributor, cutting defensive tackle Ed Johnson.

Johnson

The team cut Johnson following the opener in 2008 after he was arrested for speeding and marijuana was allegedly found in his car. He was out of the league for the remainder of the season, and the Colts' defense missed him.

Jim Caldwell and Bill Polian decided to bring the big defensive tackle back for another chance, but this move comes without announcement or explanation and indicates he’s fallen short of the team’s expectations again.

What a disappointment. If it’s what it appears, Polian and Caldwell look bad for putting faith in Johnson, who said all the right things about getting another chance but now looks to be on his way out of the NFL.

The team will now look to Eric Foster or Dan Muir to step in to replace Johnson next to Antonio Johnson in the starting lineup. Neither has the presence of Ed Johnson, but the Colts have been masterful at plugging in the next man up and seeing no drop-off.

Ed Johnson served a league suspension for the opener, when Foster got the start.

The move can also open a door for second-round draft pick Fili Moala, who’s been inactive for all five games and has been said to be making slower progress than expected at the start of his career.

The Colts have a bye this week which will give them extra time to get the interior defensive line back in order.

They may also get injured cornerbacks Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson and left tackle Charlie Johnson back for their Oct. 25 game at St. Louis. Safety Bob Sanders and receiver Anthony Gonzalez are also possibilities.