The New England Patriots released veteran running back Leon Washington and promoted cornerback Justin Green from their practice squad Saturday.

Washington, signed this offseason as a free agent, has been nursing an ankle injury since Week 5 and has not played since that time. He was released at the conclusion of training camp but was re-signed prior to a Week 1 game at Buffalo.

The NFL's second-leading kickoff returner in 2012, Washington played in just two games for the Patriots this season.

Green, originally an undrafted free agent out of Illinois, adds depth to a secondary that is currently dealing with injury issues to four primary players.

The Patriots' top trio of cornerbacks, Aqib Talib (hip), Alfonzo Dennard (knee) and Kyle Arrington (groin), are all questionable to play on Sunday night against the Denver Broncos.