Patriots cut Leon Washington, promote Justin Green

The New England Patriots cut running back Leon Washington.

They did so as they promoted defensive back Justin Green from the active roster to the practice squad.

Green was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent out of Illinois in July.. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder began his college career at Illinois as a running back before moving to the secondary for his final three seasons. He made 29 starts over his final three seasons, registering 76 total tackles, 13 passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

Washington, 31, was signed by the Patriots as a free agent in March.

Washington shares the NFL record with Josh Cribbs with eight career kickoff returns for touchdowns. He also tied an NFL record when he returned two kicks for a touchdown in a game against San Diego in 2010. Washington earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008 and 2012 and All-Pro honors in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

Washington has played in 105 NFL games with 14 starts and has registered 474 rushing attempts for 2,214 yards and 16 touchdowns, 146 receptions for 1,127 yards and two touchdowns. He has also returned 168 punts for 1,668 yards and 245 kickoffs for 6,334 yards and eight touchdowns.

Washington has played in two games for the Patriots this season and had one carry for one yard and returned one kick for 19 yards.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun

Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for National Football Post, his second stint at the Post. He has previously written for Pro Football Talk and FOX Sports-Scout. Entering his 13th year covering the Baltimore Ravens, he's a beat writer for The Baltimore Sun. Wilson has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

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