ASHBURN, Va. — Former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander was released by the Washington Redskins on Tuesday after getting only 11 carries in five games.

Alexander was signed Oct. 14 after backup Ladell Betts sprained his knee in a loss to the St. Louis Rams. Betts has since returned and resumed the No. 2 role behind NFL leading rusher Clinton Portis.

Alexander was looking to make a comeback after foot and wrist injuries ruined his last two seasons and prompted the Seattle Seahawks to cut him in April. However, in his limited carries with the Redskins, the 31-year-old back never showed anything close to the form that helped him rush for 1,880 yards in his 2005 MVP season.

Alexander ran for only 24 yards in 11 carries, a 2.2-yard average. He didn't play at all in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Seahawks, even though he was returning to the stadium where he earned his fame as well as his fortune — in the form of an eight-year, $62 million contract signed after his MVP year.