The Washington Redskins have cut seldom-used backup Ryan Grant and have brought back running back Keiland Williams, the team announced Tuesday.
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of LSU in 2010, Williams appeared in 15 games for Washington as a rookie, serving primarily as the third-down back. Williams recorded 39 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 261 yards and three touchdowns on 65 carries. Williams also did well on special teams for the Redskins. In Williams' best game, he recorded 89 yards and two rushing touchdowns, and 50 receiving yards and a touchdown in a 59-28 loss to Philadelphia on Monday Night Football.
Williams was cut the following summer and signed with Detroit, where he appeared in 15 games. He played in six games for the Lions this season, but recorded only two carries and two receptions.
CSNWashington first reported the signing.
The Redskins signed Grant, a former Green Bay Packer starter, when Roy Helu Jr. was placed on IR with foot injuries on Sept. 25. But Grant recorded only one carry for five yards and didn't see any playing time in Sunday's game.
Evan Royster has served as third down back for the Redskins for much of this season, but Williams could challenge for those duties. Rookie Alfred Morris is Washington's starter, and ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards.
The team also announced that it has signed cornerback Domonique Johnson to its practice squad and waived wide receiver Emmanuel Arceneaux from its practice squad.