ESPN NFL

With their offensive line decimated by injuries, the Washington Redskins on Thursday signed veteran free agent Rick DeMulling, a six-year veteran who was released by the Indianapolis Colts just before the start of the regular season.

The move was precipitated by the triceps injury suffered by starting right guard Randy Thomas in Monday night's victory at Philadelphia. Thomas underwent Wednesday surgery to repair the torn triceps tendon. He will be sidelined for at least six weeks, and possibly for the rest of the season.

The loss of Thomas further shuffles a unit already in flux because of injuries. Starting right tackle Jon Jansen is on injured reserve for the year after suffering a broken right fibula and dislocated ankle in the season opener.

Veteran lineman Jason Fabini, who has played tackle most of his career, will move into the lineup in Thomas' spot. Fabini filled in at right guard on Monday after Thomas was injured in the first quarter against the Eagles.

DeMulling, 30, should provide the Redskins a solid backup once he assimilates the Washington offense. Although he has played mostly at guard during his career, he also has logged some time at tackle.

The Colts' seventh-round choice in the 2001 draft, DeMulling earned a starting job in his second season, after making just seven appearances as a rookie. In his four seasons in Indianapolis, the former Idaho standout started 41 games, mostly at guard, and established himself as a tough, in-line blocker.

But in 2005, DeMulling left the Colts as an unrestricted free agent and signed a two-year contract with the Detroit Lions. He appeared in 28 games in two seasons, but slipped down the depth chart and logged only a dozen starts. This spring, the Lions, who are revamping their guard corps, did not attempt to retain him.

He signed with the Colts for a second tour of duty but did not make the roster. DeMulling was one of three or four veteran linemen considered by the Redskins over the past two days to bolster their decimated blocking unit.

For his career, DeMulling has appeared in 76 games and started in 53 of them. Details of his contract with the Redskins were not yet available, but it is believed to be a one-year deal for at or near the league minimum.

Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.