Bears release QB Brett Rypien, expected to waive WR Collin Johnson

The Chicago Bears continue to make cuts as they trim their roster to 53 players ahead of today's 3 p.m. CT deadline, which includes a couple of preseason standouts.

The Bears are releasing veteran quarterback Brett Rypien, according to NFL.com's Tom Pelissero, as well as planning to waive wide receiver Collin Johnson, per Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs. They were standouts in the Hall of Fame Game, where the pair connected for two touchdowns in a win over the Houston Texans.

Both are prime candidates to return on the practice squad. Rypien is free to sign elsewhere while Johnson will have to clear waivers.

Despite a strong outing in the Hall of Fame Game, Rypien didn't appear to be in contention for the backup quarterback job with Tyson Bagent. But the veteran was competing with undrafted rookie Austin Reed for the QB3 job. It's unclear whether Chicago will carry three quarterbacks on the roster -- especially with the emergency third QB rule amended and requiring one to be on the active roster -- but we don't really know who won the battle yet. Although, any practice squad signings could indicate as much.

Meanwhile, Johnson misses the cut in a loaded receiver room led by DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze. Unfortunately for Johnson, he's been out since his impressive outing in the Hall of Fame Game, which definitely hurt his chances. But Biggs noted he's expected to return on the practice squad.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears release QB Brett Rypien, expected to waive WR Collin Johnson