The Washington Redskins announced Nov. 5 they have signed tight end Robert Johnson and linebacker Robert McCune from the practice squad.

The Redskins also announced they have released kicker Nick Novak and defensive back Dimitri Patterson.

Johnson, 6-6, 278 lbs., originally entered the League as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2003 and was waived prior to training camp. He signed on with the Chicago Bears and, after battling through injuries, made his first NFL appearance in 2003 in Week 12 against Denver.

Johnson was waived by Chicago prior to the 2004 season and signed on to Tampa Bay's practice squad in December. During his final season at Auburn, Johnson appeared in every game and finished second on the team with a career-high 30 receptions for 365 yards and led the squad with four touchdown catches.

McCune was selected by the Redskins in the fifth round (154th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. He is 6-0, 245 pounds, and returned to the United States to attend Louisville in 2000 after serving three years in the Army National Guard, including three months in Korea and three months in Kuwait.

McCune played in 51 games (27 starts) during his four years at Louisville recording 320 tackles (169 solo), six sacks, and two interceptions.