The Washington Redskins' secondary remains an issue, especially with DeAngelo Hall sidelined for the season. So they turned to a former NFL starter and a familiar face.

Richard Crawford said via text message that he had been signed to the Redskins’ 53-man roster, while Pro Football Talk reported Washington had signed safety Jamarca Sanford. The team later announced both moves.

Crawford was released in the final roster cuts and later signed to Washington's practice squad. He was eventually released from the practice squad as the Redskins wanted to find bigger corners. Crawford is listed at 5-foot-11, but his strength long has been his knowledge and the Redskins have consistently had breakdowns on assignments this season, leading to open targets and big plays.

Before hurting his knee last summer, Crawford had shown improvement covering in the slot, an area of concern for Washington. The Redskins had signed Tracy Porter to play there, but he might end up starting now with Hall out. He did not start against the New York Giants, but he did open the second half with the starters after a tough first half for rookie Bashaud Breeland. E.J. Biggers covered in the slot for much of last Thursday's game. Crawford can also return punts, which he handled late in the 2012 season.

Sanford started 44 games in five seasons for Minnesota, mostly at strong safety, but injuries prevented him from getting on the field this season. A groin injury cost him the spring workouts and he suffered more injuries in camp, including back spasms and then a strained quadriceps. The latter injury resulted in him being placed on injured reserve and eventually released with a settlement.

Minnesota had asked him to take a pay cut in the offseason. Sanford also plays special teams.

The Redskins also signed linebacker Gabe Miller and tackle Terren Jones to the practice squad. The Redskins announced the latter move; the former move was announced by Miller's agent, Brett Tessler, on Twitter. The Redskins had cut Miller on Saturday.