Former Alabama offensive lineman J.C. Hassenauer returned to the NFL on Tuesday with the Washington Commanders.

The Commanders announced Hassenauer’s signing while waiving injured offensive tackle Alex Akingbulu.

Hassenauer has played center and guard during his NFL career. Washington is undergoing an overhaul to the interior of its offensive line this offseason.

The Commanders’ first depth chart of the preseason has Tyler Biadasz as the starting center after he held that spot for the Dallas Cowboys last season, backed up by Michael Deiter, who started 10 games for the Houston Texans in 2023.

Sam Cosmi returns at right guard, with free-agent signee Nick Allegretti at left guard after starting 13 games in five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Bobby Johnson, the Washington offensive-line coach, held that position last season with New York when Hassenauer was with the Giants.

Hassenauer had been an unrestricted free agent since March 13. He missed the entire 2023 season after sustaining a triceps injury that required surgery at New York’s training camp.