ASHBURN

Former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander was released by the Washington Redskins on Tuesday after getting only 11 carries in five games.

Alexander was signed Oct. 14 after backup Ladell Betts sprained his knee in a loss to the St . Louis Rams . Betts has since returned and resumed the No. 2 role behind NFL leading rusher Clinton Portis.

The Redskins replaced Alexander on the roster by signing defensive tackle Ryan Boschetti, who adds depth to an ailing defensive line. Defensive end Andre Carter and defensive tackle Kedric Golston both suffered foot injuries, and defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin hurt his shoulder in Sunday's 20-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks .

Also, defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery is recovering from an Achilles' tendon injury, although he is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the New York Giants .

Alexander was trying to make a comeback after foot and wrist injuries ruined his last two seasons and prompted the Seahawks to cut him in April.

But in limited carries with the Redskins, the 31-year-old back never showed anything close to the form that helped him rush for 1,880 yards in his 2005 MVP season.

Alexander ran for only 24 yards, a 2.2-yard average. He didn't play in the win over the Seahawks, even though he was returning to the stadium where he earned his fame as well as his fortune - in the form of an eight-year, $62 million contract signed after his MVP year.