The Redskins have released wide receiver Devin Thomas, the team announced on Saturday.

Taking the place of Thomas's roster spot is running back Keiland Williams, who was promoted from the practice squad.

Williams, an undrafted rookie out of LSU, spent the first three weeks of the regular season on the 53-man roster and saw action as a third running back. He has sox catches for 20 yards in three games this season.

Thomas was the Redskins' top draft pick – a second-round selection, No. 34 overall – in the 2008 NFL Draft.

This season, Thomas was serving as the Redskins' kick returner but saw no playing time on offense.

He averaged 28.0 yards on 12 kickoff returns this season.

A year ago, it appeared Thomas had turned a corner after an injury-plagued rookie season. He posted 25 catches for 325 yards and three touchdowns in his sophomore campaign.

He had his best game against the New Orleans Saints in Week 13, grabbing seven passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

The Redskins' new coaching staff did not seem impressed with Thomas's ability.

Asked repeatedly what Thomas had to do to get playing time on offense, Mike Shanahan would say only that he needed to outplay the other receivers in practice each week.