Leon Washington Released By Patriots
BOSTON (CBS) -- Veteran running back/kick returner Leon Washington survived cut day on Saturday, when the Patriots had to trim their roster down to 53 players. It was likely a relief, but it didn't last long, as the team released Washington on Sunday evening.
The team made the move, in addition to releasing defensive back Marquice Cole, to make room on the roster after acquiring four players off waivers. (By Monday morning, the Patriots had re-signed Cole to the 53-man roster, making room by releasing offensive lineman Josh Kline.)
The players acquired are linebacker Chris White, defensive tackle A.J. Francis and offensive linemen Braxston Cave and Chris Barker.
Washington, who turned 31 years old last week, is tied for the all-time record for most kick returns for touchdown with eight. He ran one kick back for a touchdown last year while averaging 29 yards per return. The Patriots as a team averaged 21.2 yards per return, with Devin McCourty taking one back 100-plus yards for a touchdown.
