The Redskins released wide receiver Devin Thomas five weeks into the season. (Photo: Associated Press)

Devin Thomas' rocky tenure with the Washington Redskins has come to an end.

A league source confirmed that Mike Shanahan and the Redskins have released the third-year receiver, who never lived up to the potential that he boasted when Washington drafted him 34th overall in 2008.

Taking Thomas' spot on the roster is running back Keiland Williams, who had been on the practice squad.

Thomas in his first two seasons with the Redskins had only 40 catches for 445 yards and three touchdowns while appearing in 30 games.

His situation this season was one of the most perplexing on the team. Coaches and teammates alike all said that he worked hard this offseason and in training camp while learning Mike and Kyle Shanahan's system.

But his chances during the preseason were limited, and they were non-existent during the regular season. After making eight catches for 112 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown reception, during the preseason, Thomas got on the field as a receiver for only one play and wasn't targeted.

When asked about his inactivity, Thomas always was miffed as to why he wasn't getting a chance. He remained positive and professional, however, and always refused to criticize his coaches.

Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan during the week leading up to the season opener said that Thomas, "didn't figure into our plans," at that time, but that the receiver was working hard and starting to practice, prepare and carry himself "like a pro."

Thomas' opportunities didn't increase, though. The only area of the Redskins' gameplan that Thomas was included in was on the kick return team. He had 12 returns for 336 yards, a 28.0 average, including a long of 42 yards. That 28-yard-per-return average ranked fifth in the NFL among players with at least 10 returns. It's assumed that receiver Brandon Banks, Williams or possibly Chad Simpson will handle return duties.

Mike Shanahan, meanwhile, never would elaborate on what specifically was keeping Thomas off the field. When asked, he said, "The thing he has to do is be better than the guys in of him, and when he is, he’ll get more playing time."

The Redskins had looked to trade Thomas, but didn't find any takers, and they didn't help themselves gain any leverage by not playing him and publicly stating that he wasn't good enough to get onto the field.

Thomas' release is another painful reminder of how poorly the Redskins did in the 2008 draft. Thomas was Vinny Cerrato's first pick of that draft, then came Fred Davis, who is a backup tight end, and Malcolm Kelly, who like Thomas has been a disappointment and is now on injured reserve. The only other members of that 10-player draft class that remain on the team are starting free safety Kareem Moore and backup safety Chris Horton.