Oakland Raiders release punter Johnny Townsend

The Oakland Raiders got a solid effort from UDFA rookie A.J. Cole Saturday, and released his competition on Tuesday.

The Oakland Raiders have released second-year punter Johnny Townsend, after a disappointing rookie campaign that resulted in a 43.5 yard season average. Going into camp, the Raiders had brought in UDFA AJ Cole, a rookie out of North Carolina State, who has reportedly won the starting punting role, for the time being at least.

Saturday evening against the Los Angeles Rams, Townsend had a rough night, and finished with three punts for 127 yards and a 42.3 yard average, with one punt going only 34 yards. Townsend’s inability to move the ball downfield and pin the offense is a…