Alexander Cut; Boschetti Added to Defensive Line

The Washington Redskins released RB Shaun Alexander yesterday and re-signed DT Ryan Boschetti in an effort to bolster their injury-weakened defensive line.

The 2005 NFL MVP with the Seattle Seahawks, Alexander signed with the Redskins on Oct. 14 after productive backup RB Ladell Betts suffered a knee injury. But with Betts back in the lineup recently and the Redskins concerned about injuries along the defensive line, Alexander was let go, and Boschetti, who visited Redskins Park yesterday, rejoined the team he originally signed with as an undrafted free agent from UCLA in 2004.

The Redskins could be short-handed at defensive tackle against the New York Giants on Sunday at FedEx Field. Cornelius Griffin (shoulder) needed a cortisone injection in order to complete Sunday's 20-17 victory over Seattle at Qwest Field, and Kedric Golston played despite the pain of a bone spur in his foot. Reserve DT Anthony Montgomery has sat out a few games because of an Achilles' tendon injury, though he could be back this week, Coach Jim Zorn said.

Vinny Cerrato, Washington's executive vice president of football operations, and his staff moved to bolster the position with Boschetti, who re-signed after passing his physical. Originally released on Aug. 30, Boschetti is well versed in Washington's defensive scheme. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache was formerly Washington's defensive line coach, and Boschetti was among his favorite players.

To make room for Boschetti or another defensive lineman on the 53-man roster, the Redskins could have cut DE Erasmus James, who has not been active recently and is not expected to contribute this season, Blache said, or rookie DE Rob Jackson.

Washington instead released Alexander, who gained 24 yards on 11 rushes in five games with the team. Slowed by injuries after his career-best 2005 season in which he scored a then-record 27 rushing touchdowns, 28 touchdowns overall and had an NFL-leading 1,880 yards rushing, Alexander, 31, was out of the league the first six weeks of this season.

· WAITING ON FLETCHER: The Redskins' biggest injury concern heading into Sunday's game is MLB London Fletcher. Fletcher had intense treatment much of yesterday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation, for his sprained foot. His teammates are hoping the ligament responds well, as are the coaches.

Fletcher played through the pain against the Seahawks but was not nearly as active as usual. Today will be a key day in his recovery. If he is on the field at least watching practice -- Fletcher and DE Andre Carter (foot) are not scheduled to participate in the session -- the team would be encouraged. If Fletcher continues to receive treatment throughout the afternoon, then the outlook would be more uncertain, according to a team source.

There still would be several days in which Fletcher could recover, but the hope is he may not need to be in the walking boot by mid-week.

-- Jason La Canfora and Jason Reid