The Washington Redskins a day after sustaining a season-ending leg injury to starting quarterback Alex Smith today signed veteran signal caller Mark Sanchez.

Sanchez will backup Colt McCoy who now will take the reigns of the Redskins offense.

The Redskins placed Smith on their Reserve/Injured list. The 14-year veteran suffered a compound fracture of his lower right leg that required emergency surgery during yesterdays loss to the Houston Texans.

Colt McCoy’s resolve should serve him well as Redskins new starting QB

Smith’s first year in DC ends earlier than the team expected for the signal caller who has helped the Redskins to a first place NFC East lead. On the season the former San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback amassed 2,180 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Sanchez gives the Redskins a player with familiarity with offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh and QB’s coach Kevin O’Connell from their time together with the New York Jets.

For his career, Sanchez, 32, has posted 15,219 yards passing, 86 touchdowns and 86 interceptions in 77 games played.

Washington also terminated the contract of tackle Jarron Jones from the practice squad.