The Redskins have brought back running back Anthony Alridge, signing him to the roster from the Houston Texans’ practice squad, the team announced on Tuesday.

Alridge takes the roster spot of Randy Thomas, who has been placed on the injured reserve list with a torn triceps.

Alridge spent training camp and preseason with the Redskins and impressed with his game-breaking speed. He struggled with fumbles, however, and did not make the Redskins’ final 53-man roster.

Alridge played in two preseason games with the Redskins and totaled 10 rushes for 46 yards. He also caught three passes for 34 yards.

He returned two kickoffs for 35 yards in the preseason finale at Jacksonville. He had a costly fumble on one of the kick returns and it was returned three yards for a ouchdown by the Jaguars.

The Redskins originally claimed Alridge off waivers from the Denver Broncos on Feb. 12, 2009.

Alridge, 5-9 and 185 pounds, spent the 2008 season on the Broncos’ injured reserve list with a foot injury. He joined the Broncos as an undrafted rookie free agent from the University of Houston.

As a senior at Houston, Alridge rushed for 1,597 yards and 14 touchdowns and caught 42 passes for 428 yards and five touchdowns.

With the addition of Alridge, the Redskins are carrying five running backs on the roster.

The team has nine offensive linemen, plus one on the practice squad.