'Skins' Asher On Injured Reserve

The Washington Redskins on Friday placed tight end Jamie Asher on injured reserve and signed kicker Brett Conway.

Asher, whose total of 28 receptions is tied for the team lead, underwent surgery this week on a knee injury sustained last Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Team officials had thought he would be sidelined for a few weeks, but the doctor performing the surgery found the injury was more severe than originally thought.

Injured reserve status means Asher will be out for the rest of the season. Rookie Stephen Alexander will take over as the Redskins' primary pass-catching tight end.

Asher's spot on the 53-man roster was taken by Conway, giving the Redskins two active kickers. Coach Norv Turner anticipates using Conway as a kickoff specialist, with Cary Blanchard handling field goals.

Conway spent his rookie season with the Green Bay Packers last year on injured reserve. He was on the New York Jets' practice squad earlier this season. Earlier this week he turned down an offer to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers in anticipation of getting a spot with the Redskins.

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