With Jason Campbell mending from a knee injury suffered last week, the Redskins added depth to the quarterback position by signing first-year player Jason Fife to the practice squad.

To make room for Fife, the club released linebacker Tyson Smith from the practice squad.

Todd Collins is on course to be the Redskins' starting quarterback this Sunday against the New York Giants. Mark Brunell is expected to be the backup.

Fife, 6-4 and 225 pounds, could be signed to the 53-man roster later in the week. With Campbell out, the Redskins do not have an emergency quarterback on the roster, although it's possible that former college QB Antwaan Randle El could serve in that role.

Fife was with the New Orleans Saints last training camp but was released prior to the start and was released prior to the start of the regular season.

In 2006, he split time on the Saints active roster and practice squad.

Fife originally signed on as a rookie free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2004 and has also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings.

Fife played college football at Oregon and finished his career with the Ducks throwing for 3,702 yards and 30 touchdowns.