With Brandon Banks sidelined due to a knee injury, Terrence Austin is expected to return punts and kickoffs in Friday's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

"I'm really excited," Austin said. "I haven't [returned kicks] in a while so I will actually get a chance to get back there and have the opportunity to get the ball in my hands. It'll feel good."

Austin returned kicks regularly at UCLA. He finished his college career ranked second all-time at UCLA in all-purpose yardage (4,425). He averaged 24.0 yards on 89 kick returns and 9.15 yards on 95 punt returns.

Heading into Week 2 of preseason, the Redskins are crowded at the wide receiver position. The team has 11 wide receivers on the roster and playing time is at a premium.

Austin is expected to get snaps at wide receiver in addition to returning kicks. It's an opportunity to show coaches he is worthy of making the final roster.

"My confidence has always been there," he said. "I'm confident in my style of play and the way I prepare myself."

In last Friday's preseason opener vs. Pittsburgh, Austin had a strong performance, catching two passes for 46 yards, including one 38-yard catch that helped set up the Redskins' first touchdown of the game. He also returned one punt for 19 yards.

"Overall, I was happy about my performance," he said.

Austin was a 2010 seventh-round draft pick by the Redskins. He spent the first 11 games of the 2010 season on the Redskins' practice squad.

Promoted to the active roster for the final five games, he caught three passes for 47 yards and returned one kickoff for 15 yards.