The Redskins have signed running back Chad Simpson, head coach Mike Shanahan announced on Wednesday.
Simpson, in his third NFL season, has had previous NFL stints with the Indianapolis Colts and the Buffalo Bills.
He participated in his first Redskins practice on Wednesday.
The 5-9, 216-pound back has played in 25 career games – all with the Colts – and logged 30 carries for 147 yards and three touchdowns. He has also caught six passes for 31 yards.
With the Colts last year, Simpson saw action on special teams in three playoff teams including Super Bowl XLIV.
Simpson was with the Buffalo Bills in 2010 preseason and played against the Redskins in a preseason game on Aug. 13. He had seven carries for 67 yards, including a 43-yard run.
Overall, Simpson rushed 26 times for 109 yards (4.2 average) and one touchdown in preseason with the Bills. He was released on Sept. 4.
In the locker room before Wednesday's practice, Simpson said he was open to playing any role on the Redskins.
"Anything they ask me to do, I want to do it," he said. 'I'm ready to go."
Simpson replaces Larry Johnson on the roster. Johnson, an 8-year veteran, was released by the Redskins on Tuesday.
Said Shanahan: "We're going to get a chance to evaluate him here. He has some great speed. We watched him in the preseason and we liked him enough to sign him to our active roster. Now he'll have a chance to catch up to our terminology, our system."
Simpson played college football at Morgan State and South Florida. He is a native of Miami.
-- SHANAHAN: 'NO CREDENCE' TO JACKSON RUMORS
For months, the Redskins have been linked as a potential trading partner for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson.
On Wednesday, Mike Shanahan was asked about the Jackson rumors.
"There are so many things that are out there," Shanahan replied. "We can talk about all the rumors that happen. That's another rumor that comes up and it's a rumor. There's no credence to it."
