Patriots release Washington, promote DB
The New England Patriots released veteran running back Leon Washington and signed defensive back Justin Green to the 53-man roster from the practice squad Saturday.
Washington, 31, had been on the roster all season, but an ankle injury had kept him sidelined since Week 5. The Patriots also just got back Shane Vereen.
Washington, who also has played for the New York Jets and the Seattle Seahawks during his eight-year career, shares the NFL record with eight career kickoff returns for touchdowns.
Green, an undrafted rookie out of Illinois, had been on the practice squad all season. He will offer depth to a secondary that is dealing with injuries to its top four players.
Cornerbacks Aqib Talib, Alfonzo Dennard and Kyle Arrington are all questionable foe the Patriots' game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.
