The Washington Redskins announced Dec. 3 that they have signed linebacker Brandon Archer to their practice squad. He will fill the spot vacated by Steve Octavien, who was signed to the Dallas Cowboys active roster. Archer will wear No. 56.

The 6-foot, 230-pound Archer spent most of 2007 between Indianapolis' active roster and practice squad. He played six games with Indianapolis last year, logging 10 tackles on defense and four on special teams. He also spent one week on Minnesota's practice squad after being released by the Colts at the end of training camp.

He originally signed with Indianapolis as a college free agent following a four-year career at Kansas State.

The 25-year-old Archer was born Oct. 30, 1983 in Minneapolis and attended Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, Minn.