Redskins Sign Shaun Alexander

The Washington Redskins have signed running back Shaun Alexander.

The signing, first reported by Adam Schefter of NFL Network, gives the Redskins a veteran backup to starter Clinton Portis. It also gives Alexander a job again after spending the off-season unsuccessfully looking for a team willing to offer him a contract.

The Redskins became interested in Alexander after Portis's backup, Ladell Betts, suffered a knee injury in Sunday's loss to the Rams.

Alexander is a former league MVP who has gained 9,429 yards in his NFL career, but he's 31 years old and has averaged just three and a half yards a carry in the last two years.