The Redskins have placed tight end Christian Fauria on injured reserve and signed rookie wide receiver Mike Espy from the practice squad, the team announced on Saturday.

Fauria, in his first season in Washington after signing with the team last March, has been slowed by an ankle injury in recent weeks. He finished the season with two catches for 17 yards.

Last Wednesday, the Redskins signed tight end Brian Kozlowski, a 12-year veteran who was with the team in 2004-05, so the team will not be shorthanded at the position for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Chris Cooley remains the starter and Todd Yoder is also available.

With Santana Moss doubtful and David Patten questionable for the Tampa Bay game, the Redskins could need the services of Espy.

Espy signed with the Redskins last May as a rookie free agent from the University of Mississippi. He joined the Redskins' practice squad following an impressive preseason in which he led the team in receiving with 10 catches for 102 yards and one touchdown.

In his career at Ole Miss, Espy finished top five in all-time all-purpose yards (third with 3,240), receptions (fifth with 136), punt return yards (fourth with 716), and punt returns (second with 95). He also ranks seventh in career receiving yards with 1,799.