The Washington Redskins signed tight end Alex Smith on Tuesday to add depth to the position after Derek Carrier tore his right ACL and MCL against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Smith, an 11-year veteran, last played with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played two games last season before going on injured reserve with a torn left biceps. In 2013, Smith played 16 games for the Bengals when Redskins coach Jay Gruden was Cincinnati’s offensive coordinator.
That familiarity could help Smith familiarize himself with the Redskins’ offense in the final three games. Carrier was used primarily as a run blocker in multiple-tight end sets. If the Redskins do not feel comfortable using Smith in those packages, they would rely on offensive tackles Tom Compton and Ty Nsekhe, which they have done in the past.
The Redskins also have tight end Je’Ron Hamm on the roster, who was signed off their practice squad on Nov. 23.
Smith has also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005 through 2008, the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009 and the Cleveland Browns in 2010 and 2011. The New Orleans Saints signed Smith in August, but released him after nine days.
Carrier is the third Redskins tight end to sustain a season-ending injury this year. Niles Paul broke his ankle in a preseason game against the Browns and Logan Paulsen sprained his right big toe in an August practice.
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• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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