GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — The Bengals have released defensive tackle Tank Johnson, who missed nine games last season with a knee injury.

The 29-year-old lineman has been limited during training camp and didn’t play in Cincinnati’s preseason opener last Friday, a 34-3 loss to Detroit.

A few hours after his release on Tuesday, Johnson thanked fans on Twitter and said his “next project will be even better.” Johnson was in his third season with the Bengals, who gave him a $2 million signing bonus as part of a four-year deal.

The move opens the way for second-year lineman Geno Atkins to start.