A mid-season injury could have opened a window for Mark Sanchez for his return to the NFL.

The former New York Jets quarterback will work for the Washington Redskins on Monday, according to ESPN. Starter Alex Smith is out for the season after suffering a tibia and fibula fracture during Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans.

EJ Manuel and T.J. Yates should also get along with the Redskins, ESPN reported. Colt McCoy, who replaced Smith on Sunday, should assume the starting role, but there are no other quarterbacks in the lineup.

Sanchez, 32, has not signed a contract since he's replacing Mitchell Trubisky with the Chicago Bears last season. In April, he was suspended four times for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances.

If signed by the Redskins, Sanchez would be reunited with offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh, who has been his coach of the quarterbacks with the 2009-12 New York Jets.

Washington (6-4) has a one – game lead over the Dallas Cowboys in the East NFC before its Thanksgiving clash.

Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.

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