The Redskins have re-signed safety Reed Doughty, the team announced on Wednesday.

Doughty, a 3-year NFL veteran, had entered the offseason as a restricted free agent. The Redskins did not tender him a minimum level contract, though, and he became an unrestricted free agent.

Doughty finished last year on injured reserve after suffering a back injury midseason.

He opened the season as the Redskins’ starter at strong safety. He started three of the Redskins’ first five games, posting 18 tackles on defense.

As his back injury worsened, he was replaced in the starting lineup by impressive rookie Chris Horton.

Doughty eventually had surgery on his ailing back and the Redskins placed him on injured reserve on Oct. 12.

In 31 NFL games, with nine starts, Doughty has posted 72 tackles (47 solo) and a half-sack in his career.

He has been a stalwart on special teams, recording 38 tackles on punt and kickoff coverage units.

Doughty was named the Redskins’ Ed Block Courage Award winner for 2008.

The honor, voted on by Doughty’s teammates, is given annually to a player from each team who overcomes injury and displays courage in the face of adversity.

Doughty and his family have overcome several personal struggles in the last year. Doughty has an infant son Micah who underwent a successful kidney transplant in March 2008.

The Redskins selected Doughty in the sixth round (173rd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft.

Doughty was a standout defensive back at Northern Colorado prior to joining the Redskins.