I didn't see anyone else notice him but the team waited until after roster cut-downs to sneak him onto the PS, so he must have shown something. Dante's next project.
The Patriots announced today that they have re-signed RB Leon Washington and signed OL Josh Kline to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. In addition the Patriots released DL A.J. Francis and signed OL Braxston Cave to the practice squad.
I assume that the Patriots always wanted Washington back, just at a lower salary then the one they signed him for during the offseason.
As for Francis, you could very easily assume he'll be back as early as next week if they want him - no one else claimed him before and it's unlikely anyone else would claim him now either.
Patriots waived DT A.J. Francis.
Francis was claimed off waivers from the Dolphins last week, but the Patriots decided not to carry him as a fourth defensive tackle. In a corresponding move, OG Josh Kline has been promoted from practice squad to the active roster.
As I indicated yesterday, Kline would get activated because Barker is unlikely to know the offense well enough to be active. This move seemed inevitable after Svitek missed yet another practice.
A salary improvement and salary guarantee after what could only be described as awful preseasons by Kline and Washington. Let's hope that trend doesn't continue.
The amount that we don't and will never know is significant.
Let's say hypothetically that Francis was brought in to provide intel on the Fins defense. Mission accomplished - no reason to keep him.
Let's also say that Washington was initially a cut just to make space but knew he was in the team's plans. Belichick may not have wanted to keep Washington dangling - or perhaps some other team was expressing interest in Washington, who has a preference of rejoining the Pats.
Tons of different scenarios that may make logical sense.
I assume that the Patriots always wanted Washington back, just at a lower salary then the one they signed him for during the offseason.
As for Francis, you could very easily assume he'll be back as early as next week if they want him - no one else claimed him before and it's unlikely anyone else would claim him now either.