Washington, DC -- (Sports Network) - The Washington Redskins are reportedly considering adding former MVP running back Shaun Alexander to serve as a backup to Clinton Portis.

The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the Redskins, who are likely to be without backup running back Ladell Betts for at least two weeks due to a sprained left knee, will audition for a job with the club.

Alexander, the NFL's MVP after the 2005 season in which he rushed for 1,880 yards and 27 touchdowns, was released by the Seahawks in April. After leading Seattle to Super Bowl XL, Alexander struggled through two injury-plagued seasons, rushing for only 1,612 yards and 11 touchdowns combined in 2006 and 2007.

The Post story says that Betts suffered a mildly sprained left knee during Washington's 19-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, and will miss about two weeks with the injury. Betts, 29, has rushed for 156 yards on 38 carries this season while spelling Portis.