The Redskins cut Larry Johnson after he mustered only two yards on five carries in the first two weeks of the season. (Photo: Jay Westcott)

 Update: 6:15 p.m. -- Larry Johnson is in shock after being released by the Washington Redskins, the team he grew up cheering for, his agent Peter Schaffer said during a phone interview this evening.

"Larry was shocked and surprised by this. This was a lifelong dream to play for the Washington Redskins, and he was honored to have made the 53-man roster," Schaffer said. "Larry did everything asked of him this summer, and did whatever he could to help make this ballclub better."

Johnson's father, Larry Johnson Sr., briefly played for the Redskins as a linebacker in 1974.

Schaffer also said that the Redskins told him and his client that they needed to "make this interim move to add another special teams running back because of an injury to another player this week."

Update: 6:45 p.m.That special teams player reportedly is Chad Simpson, a third-year player out of Morgan State, who has spent time with the Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts. Simpson has appeared in 25 games (all for the Colts), and has averaged 23.4 yards on 53 kick returns

It's unclear what special teams player was injured this week, as tackle Trent Williams was the only Redskin known to have suffered a serious injury this past Sunday.

Wide receiver Devin Thomas had been the Redskins' kick returner in the first two games this season. Thomas has this season has averaged 28.4 yards on five returns.

Redskins players reached for comment this evening were all surprised at the news when tweets about Johnson's release began flying, and their phones started ringing. None wanted to comment officially, however.

Update: 6 p.m. -- The Redskins in a statement from Executive VP/General Manager Bruce Allen said: "We apppreciate Larry's attitude and contributions to the Redskins. However, we needed to make a roster move in preparation for this week's game against the Rams."

When reached for comment, Larry Johnson's agent Peter Schaffer said he was on the other line and asked to be called back later.

5:56 p.m.: The Washington Redskins have cut running back Larry Johnson after two games.

Johnson, who was signed as a free agent on March 12, beat out Willie Parker for the job as Clinton Portis' backup after a competition that began in OTAs and extended through the preseason.

Johnson looked sharp during training camp, but struggled mightily against live competition.

In two games this season, Johnson mustered only two yards on five carries.

On Monday, he spoke about struggling to find his rhythm as a backup running back asked to watch the first three quarters and then enter in the fourth quarter.

"It’s tough, but you kind of have to learn," Johnson said. "When it’s your turn and you get one chance or two chances, you have to put your pride aside and do what’s best for the team. I tried to make a play at a crucial part of the game.

"It’s just hard," Johnson added. "It’s hard. It’s all new to me, coming from being used to going out there and at least playing some in the first half and second half to now not really doing anything in the first half and only playing a little in the second half. It’s tough. I talked to [New York Giants running back] Derrick Ward after the game and he’s going through the same thing that I’m going through now. It’s always good to compare stories and know that there’s always next week. It’s a long season, so we have to do what we can do to help the team."

When asked about Johnson, head coach Mike Shanahan said, "It's tough for guys that have been used to toting the rock their whole career and then they have to take on a backup role ... I think Larry's doing a good job, though."

Obviously, Johnson wasn't doing as good enough a job as Shanahan had hoped for. And rookie Keiland Williams, who was used as a third-down back, has shown promise in limited action, so coaches felt comfortable enough with the LSU product to cut Johnson loose.

Update: 6:31 p.m. -- Johnson isn't the only struggling running back on Washington's team. As a whole, Washington's running backs have combined for only 107 total yards on 40 carries for a 2.7-yard average in two games. Portis in two games has a combined total of 96 yards on 31 carries. Williams hasn't received a carry this season, but has four catches for 15 yards.

During his 15 full seasons as a head coach, Mike Shanahan's teams have averaged 136.8 yards a game.